Living Catholic with Monsignor Don Wolf

Could the whispers of change within the Roman Catholic Church signal a shift in centuries-old traditions? We take a historical lens to the roots of this practice, dispel prevalent myths, and engage in a deep dialogue about its relevance and potential transformation in our faith today. ************ Father Don Wolf is a priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Living Catholic also broadcasts on O...

Have you ever found yourself enthusiastically setting a spiritual goal for Lent, only to see that commitment slowly fade away? Join as we explore the winding path of the Lenten journey, drawing parallels between the fading zeal of New Year's resolutions and our Lenten promises.  Then we shift our focus to the intention behind the sacrifices we choose during this solemn season. Lent isn't...

Have you ever considered the power of a Super Bowl ad to illuminate Jesus' teachings? We're peeling back the layers of a provocative commercial that aimed to proclaim Jesus' message of love amid our nation's most celebrated broadcast, igniting a nationwide conversation about faith, love and tolerance. Join us as we reflect on the historical significance of religious broadcastin...

Have you ever considered the profound depths of the Eucharist and its impact on your everyday life? Prepare to explore this mystery as we delve into the powerful act of communion and what it truly means to say "Amen" to "The Body of Christ." It's more than ritual; it's an intimate affirmation of faith and a pledge to the real presence of Christ within us. Throughout t...

Temptation often derails the best of intentions, but through reflection on Jesus' desert trials, we gain insight into overcoming our own. I share stories that encourage resilience against familiar temptations, drawing parallels with biblical events like Noah's flood to illustrate upheaval's role in heralding new beginnings. Join us as we also explore the daily promises of Catholic l...

Have you ever stopped to consider how our simple, daily interactions have morphed into data mining opportunities for businesses? This is the unexpected revelation I encountered when a routine pizza order turned into a hoarding of my personal information. Join me as we explore the transformation of our consumer lifestyles into a digital marketplace, where our behaviors are meticulously catalogued f...

Could the fires of hell be unlit, its brimstone untouched? Pope Francis's recent musings on an empty hell have ignited a theological debate that we tackle head-on, examining the eternal balance of divine justice and mercy. This week on Living Catholic, we navigate the profound implications of the Pope's words within the framework of our faith, contrasting his candid oratory with the calc...

The sound of clashing ideals rings loud when modern skepticism meets the ancient tenets of faith. Our latest episode isn't afraid to confront the paradox of a world that condemns historical atrocities like slavery while casually dismissing faith as a relic of the past. With René Girard's insights as our guide, we unravel the tapestry of Christian ethos, where perceived failures are not d...

This episode delves into the struggle between authenticity and societal conformity, reflecting on the individual's quest to maintain their true identity amidst life's chaos. Father Wolf shares insights from literary greats and scripture, drawing parallels to contemporary life, where the metaphorical masks we wear often hide our genuine selves.  ************ Father Don Wolf is a priest of...

On this episode, we walk through the corridors of history, revisiting the millennial changeover with a sense of wonder and examining how our designation of dates anchors us in the chronology of Christ's life.  The journey from skepticism to belief is one that resonates with many, and through the lens of a young man's encounter with Owen Barfield's profound work, 'Saving the App...

Join for an exploration into the resilience of the human spirit, the search for deeper meaning and the beauty of wisdom shared on a snowy night where two travelers found common ground through the 2023 Christmas story.  ************ Father Don Wolf is a priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Living Catholic also broadcasts on Oklahoma Catholic Radio several times per week, with new episodes ai...

Our bodies are more than just vessels; they embody the gift of salvation. Join us as we honor Jesus' entrance into our world this Christmas season, discuss traditional celebrations, and underline the importance of community in faith. So, as we uncover the mystery of faith, let's surrender to the true meaning of Christmas together. ************ Father Don Wolf is a priest of the Archdioce...

Journey back to the 16th century with the Spanish conquistadores and witness their efforts to evangelize the indigenous people of Mexico. We'll unpack the challenges they faced in transforming the culture and beliefs of the people, and the crucial role of culture in shaping the practice of one's faith. Shedding light on the often-invisible influence of culture, we'll explore how it...

Together we'll contemplate significant historical events such as the Reformation and the rise of science, and how they've shaped our need for evidence in our faith. We'll address the hurdles of defending our faith in an age of skepticism, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences and relationships. Our discussion wraps up with a delightful analogy between God and a bottle o...

Let's turn our gaze to the reign of Christ, a symbol of immense significance in our lives. In the backdrop of King Charles' recent coronation, we grapple with the idea that kingship, in fact, transcends personal identities, embedding itself in a nation's lineage and sovereignty. Our journey delves deep into Christ as the ultimate king, a vision promoted by Pope Pius that ought to pe...

Do you ever stop to consider the profound gratitude of the pilgrims that inspired our beloved tradition of Thanksgiving? Their resilience in the face of adversity isn't so different from the challenges we face today. Their story, buried under centuries, reminds us of the importance of gratitude, adaptability, and unity in our lives. ************ Father Don Wolf is a priest of the Archdiocese...

Have you ever stopped to consider how the world teetered on the brink of self-destruction during the Great War?  Why should we revisit the past? Because understanding the brutal consequences of World War I is essential for avoiding history's repetition. This is a call to commemorate the lessons learned and to heal the wounds of the past through forgiveness and unity. Above all, it's abou...

When we lose someone dear to us, the world seems to stand still in their absence - a void in our lives that nothing can fill.  As we journey through the 19th-century viewpoint on death, we'll face uncomfortable truths about the unpredictable nature of life and our flawed perceptions of what truly serves our best interests. This episode serves as a gentle reminder that amidst life's trial...

As a Catholic, it's intriguing to compare and contrast the way we, alongside our Protestant brethren, perceive and celebrate All Souls Day and the Day of the Dead.  ************ Father Don Wolf is a priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Living Catholic also broadcasts on Oklahoma Catholic Radio several times per week, with new episodes airing every Sunday.

Ever wondered why Halloween is often linked with devilish imagery and how it's evolved over time? This episode unveils the real essence of Halloween and its religious roots. We question long-standing assumptions, including the notion that Halloween represents the 'devil's birthday'. In place of that, we shed light on its origins as the eve of All Saints Day and how its represen...

Have you ever been embroiled in a heated debate where every word felt like a challenge? A friendly dispute can be an exciting ride, often leading to unexpected epiphanies. Inspired by the life of CS Lewis who thrived on intellectual wrestling, we explore the art of friendly debates, their charm, and potential pitfalls. We also recount a memorable encounter at a party, where a young graduate and I...

Ever wondered how a simple act of faith can transform your life? Join as Father Don Wolf delves into the Last Supper's solemn moment where Jesus promises his enduring presence, transforming bread and wine into his substance. Learn how this act, when embraced with reverence, shapes us into Christ's followers and imbues our lives with his grace. ************ Father Don Wolf is a priest of...

What if the very essence of the faith, the Eucharist, could transform you into an embodiment of Christ Himself? Uncover the profound beauty of this reality with Father Don Wolf  as he dissects Pope Pius XII's encyclical Mater et Magistra. ************ Father Don Wolf is a priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Living Catholic also broadcasts on Oklahoma Catholic Radio several times per w...

Just like the woman at the well and the Roman Centurion, there's an intimate connection between the Eucharist and profound life changes.  Join as Father Wolf challenges the growing ideologies that prioritize feelings and ideas over physical reality, causing phenomena like transgenderism. From our spiritual encounters to our physical bodies, nothing about us is disconnected. The teachings of J...

Why is discipleship more than just faith? What is the true essence of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist?  From the Samaritan woman at the well to Stanley Rother, their lives were dramatically altered by their discipleship. We'll delve into these transformative stories and their implications, emphasizing that living the Eucharistic life isn't just about participation but also a...