A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to High School students in Beamsville, Ontario ,on February 2, 2025.
Today is the feast of the presentation. It is a feast of pour Lady, but really focused on Our Lord who is being presented by his parents in the temple. It was the law of Israel that each first born should be presented to the Lord, 40 days after his birth. They are complying with the Mosaic Law. It is his mission. He is presented, offered, given over, and his parents do so with faith, knowing his purpose more than anyone.
Music: Original track by Michael Lee, of Toronto.
Thumbnail, Peter Paul Rubens, Presentation in the Temple, sketch, 1632, Naala Nura, ground level, Grand Courts.

Let Your Servant Go in Peace

Coepit facere et docere, dicen el versículo 1 del primer capítulo de los Hechos de los Apóstoles. Jesús es, en primer lugar, el ejemplo, el modelo. Y después es maestro. Verlo y oírlo. Aprendamos a conocer mejor a Jesús encontrando los hechos, los gestos, las obras, en las que tendrán verificativo sus palabras.

2024-08-13 Empezó a hacer y a enseñar

Rondar la Misa, meditar sobre la Misa, nos ayudará a tener más luces sobre este misterio que nos rebasa. Es una actio Dei, algo sagrado. Tenemos ahí la perfecta adoración al Padre, antes que ninguna otra finalidad de la Misa. Le damos nuestra reverencia, nuestra adoración, y lo confesamos al final de la Plegaria Eucarística: “todo honor y toda gloria”. No se trata, por tanto, de una comunidad que se auto celebra, sino que se abre a la dimensión eterna.

2024-10-26 Participar en Misa adorando a Dios

Doug continues his talk on the four loves and dives into Agape - Unconditional love. He also takes listener calls on untruthful spouses, the sin of divorce, and second guessing a separation.

The Four Loves

La ciencia más alta: conocer a Jesucristo. Aprendamos también de sus actitudes, una de ellas, la de dirigirse hacia la Cruz. No nos extrañemos que la cruz esté también presente en nuestras vidas. Uniéndonos a Jesús es Él quien la acaba llevando: Él no ha venido a eliminar el sufrimiento, ni a explicarlo: “ha venido a llenarlo con su presencia”.

2025-03-26 Valorar la cruz

La comunión que se lleva a los enfermos se anuncia con el toque de la campanilla. Entonces la gente se apercibe, se arrodilla, y el enfermo se dispone. Hoy, víspera del Corpus Christi, queremos que no nos tome poco preparados esta gran Solemnidad. Es la Eucaristía lo que fundamenta nuestro ser y nuestra vida. Unirnos a las Procesiones de todo el mundo, para adorar y desagraviar.

2026-06-03 La campanilla que anuncia la Eucaristía

Como el domingo es el día del Señor, la Iglesia señala que la celebración de la Santa Misa ha de realizarse de modo más solemne. Busquemos participar en ella con toda calma, involucrándonos en cada uno signos, para darles el contenido profundo. Porque no se trata de rebajar el misterio a nuestra medida, sino de acceder a la altura del misterio.

2025-02-09 Desentrañar signos

La memoria litúrgica de santa María Goretti, mártir de la pureza, nos invita a revisar la pureza de nuestro corazón. Nada manchado puede entrar en la presencia del Dios tres veces santo, por lo que hemos de vigilar hasta en los mínimos detalles en los que aparezca alguna contaminación de nuestro interior. Pensemos especialmente en la rectitud de intención con la que hacemos nuestras tareas.

2024-07-06 María Gorett: pureza de corazón

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares a meditation inspired by the phrase, “an hour of study, for a modern apostle, is an hour of prayer” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Way, no. 335). Approaching academic learning as a form of prayer is not a way of life designed solely for students. Rather, it is a way of life that all Christians should adopt as it helps us develop a stronger worldview. Fr. Javier discusses how to approach Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the writings of the Church Fathers as a form of prayer. He also explains how to overcome three common obstacles – lust, curiosity, and falsehood – that inhibit our desire to study. [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Study-Prayer-Transcript.pdf'>Transcript</a> ] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>

Study & Prayer (Rebroadcast)

Doug takes calls and listeners share stories of how they were affected by infidelity in their marriage. Doug discusses the importance prayer and forgiveness and how affection and intimacy in marriage should be freely given as an act of love in virtue of the marriage vows. &nbsp; listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Bonnie - I went through Retrouvaille couples counseling. I didn't care how many women my husband had been with. However, I did ask for a divorce.</li> <li>Mary - I am divorced. Can you explore the idea of a women being done with men. I've had some counseling and some ideas. We're not intended to be alone.&nbsp; I need help.</li> <li>Jane - Women who are married to sex addicts need support.</li> <li>Martha - I was the other woman. The conscience ate at me and I struggle to this day, but my husband and I did go through counseling and it helped immensely.</li> <li>Richard - I was told in counseling that being denied affection could be a form of infidelity. What do you think?&nbsp; I've been with same woman for 40 years and there has been no intimacy or affection for the last 20 years.</li> </ul> Resources: Sexaholics Anonymous <a href="https://www.sa.org/">https://www.sa.org/</a> &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a>

The trouble with infidelity

“Dame, hijo mío tu corazón”, dice el oráculo del libro de los Proverbios. El corazón es la fuente de los pensamientos, de los sentimientos, de las acciones. Al corazón debo atender para que nada manchado se asiente en él: pureza de intenciones, pureza de pensamientos, pureza de afectos. Solo los de corazón puro ven a Dios.

2026-01-23 Corazones puros

#10MinuteswithJesus

** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him.
** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end.
** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance.

10-Minute audio to help you pray.
Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God.
Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

23-10-24 Doing or undoing (EA)

October, a month dedicated to the rosary, is an excellent time to consider: Does the rosary have a place in my life? The rosary is a powerful weapon. Through the rosary, let us enter into the school of Mary, accompanying Mary lovingly as she teaches us to contemplate the life of Jesus. &nbsp;A meditation by Father John Agnew.

The Rosary, A Powerful Weapon

Jesus prepared the disciples to bear fruit as they began to evangelize.  We too must prepare for evangelizing as well. During the season of lent let us practice being in the presence Jesus, to be in constant prayer.  In the early church St. Paul taught, to &quot;Put on Christ&quot;.  To evangelize well our faith must grow and for our faith to grow one must pursue holiness. The Second Vatican Council has brought to the forefront that the laity are called to bring the modern world back to Christ.  Through obedience, let us begin in the silence of our meditation to commence with contemplative hearts to change the world. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>

In Constant Dialogue With Christ

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their discussion on being raised in a highly critical home. In this episode, they unpack how overly critical parents can lead children to become people pleasers. They share how people pleasers tend to suppress their own emotions and have lower self-esteem and offer solutions to help those who struggle with people pleasing. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Andrew - My friend is being raised in a household where they don&rsquo;t really practice their faith, and now he's being influenced by the LGBTQ lifestyle. How can I help my friend?</li> <li>Jenna - I really struggle with people pleasing as an adult. I'm 28, and I don't really know who I am as a person.</li> <li>Charlie - My son became a people pleaser because he wanted to be accepted.</li> <li>Sally - How do I know when to be firm so I don&rsquo;t create a people pleasing child.</li> <li>Louise - People pleasing vs. pleasing God.</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Psychotherapy <a href="https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/">https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/</a> &nbsp; Emotionally Focused Therapy <a href="https://iceeft.com/">https://iceeft.com/</a> &nbsp; The Disease To Please: Curing the People-Pleasing Syndrome <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Disease-Please-Curing-People-Pleasing-Syndrome/dp/0071385649">https://www.amazon.com/Disease-Please-Curing-People-Pleasing-Syndrome/dp/0071385649</a>

Criticism and people pleasing

20-04-25 Easter Bang! (JE)

Muy agradecidos hemos de estar a Dios que nos ha hecho conocer el misterio de su vida íntima. Sin la revelación sobrenatural nunca hubiéramos alcanzado tal conocimiento. Dios es amor, y no amor cerrado en Sí mismo sino dirigido a Otro: cada Persona divina volcada en Otra. Siendo nosotros imagen y semejanza de Dios, siendo personas, estamos invitados a vivir siempre en el amor.

2025-06-14 Víspera de la Santísima Trinidad

En los años 70 del siglo pasado, san Josemaría quiso alertar sobre la crisis por la que atravesaba la Iglesia escribiendo tres cartas largas, que llamó campanadas. Leyéndolas, advertimos que la crisis es hoy aún más aguda, y hemos de estar vigilantes para no deslizarnos en los errores. ¿Cómo no deslizarnos por los errores? Manteniéndonos con una vida espiritual intensa y una continua oración de petición.

2025-06-17 Las tres campanadas

Dr. Stephanie Kafie joins Doug to discuss the health dangers of artificial contraception and the advantages of Natural Family Planning. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Christina - Where does birth control come from? why was it invented? (21:20)</li> <li>Rita - I have been married for 25 years and use NFP. I am getting closer to menopause what are my options? (23:57)</li> <li>Liz - I used NFP to get pregnant. I had low progesterone and found out by using NFP and it fixed the problem so I could conceive. (37:18)</li> <li>Cecilia - I want to share how I taught my children about this. (41:57)</li> <li>Rhonda - I was given folic acid when my body really needed folate which is the natural version. (45:48)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marquette Method <a href="https://www.marquettemethod.com/">https://www.marquettemethod.com/</a> &nbsp; Marquette Method of NFP: Getting Started Guide <a href="https://www.vitaefertility.com/what-is-the-marquette-method-of-nfp/">https://www.vitaefertility.com/what-is-the-marquette-method-of-nfp/</a> &nbsp; Totally Yours: The Catholic Natural Family Planning Handbook <a href="https://www.totallyyoursfamilymedicine.com/nfpbook">https://www.totallyyoursfamilymedicine.com/nfpbook</a>

Working with God’s design for our bodies

La Ascensión no es simplemente un eslabón entre Pascua y Pentecostés. Es un misterio en sí, que afecta a la Trinidad y a nosotros. La Trinidad acoge la Santísima Humanidad de Cristo y Él, al introducir carne y espíritu humanos en la Trinidad, nos revela nuestro destino. Tomemos en serio la Ascensión: es un acontecimiento muy relacionado con nuestro destino eterno, al poner de manifiesto la importancia de la parte corpórea del ser humano.

2024-05-12 La Ascensión nos marca

Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on January 16, 2022, at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto. Luke 18:10: The pharisee and tax collector in the temple… Egotism has a lot in common with parasites... When it settles in the soul, there is no medication that can definitively expel it. It comes back again and again. It reproduces itself constantly. It reappears at the worst times and it takes us a while to realize the immense damage it does to us. So how can we get rid of it?
Music: Amazing Grace (Sublime Gracia) - Violin- Ayako Ishikawa, Internet music archive.
Thumbnail: Gustave Doré (1832-1883) from his "La Grande Bible de Tours", first issued in 1866: Pharisee and publican.

Am I an Egotist?

Want to improve your marriage this year? What are some good resolutions you can make? Doug discusses a set of resolutions to help grow your marriage as well as how to continue them further into the year.

New Year’s resolutions for your marriage

¿Qué ponemos nosotros al ir a Misa? ¿O esperamos tan solo recibir? La eficacia del Santísimo Sacramento del Altar vendrá dada por nuestra participación en la ofrenda de la Víctima. Ahí se destruirán nuestras faltas y las de toda la humanidad. Pero también podemos ser Hostia, ya que en la Misa se vuelven sagradas todas nuestras obras.

2024-10-25 En Misa, Víctima y Hostia

John 21:1-14: Jesus showed himself again to the disciples. It was by the Sea of Tiberias. One senses in Peter’s return to fishing that he is invaded by discouragement. As though all had gone back to normal. No real sense yet of what the real meaning of the resurrection was. It had not sunk in. But they captured 153 fish. What does this mean? Preached at Lyncroft Centre, April 22, 2022.
 
Music: Handel, Opera Rinaldo, Aria "Lascia ch'io pianga", arranged for guitar by Bert Alink. Open source
Thumbnail: James Tissot, Jesus at the Sea of Tiberius. &nbsp;1886-1894. &nbsp;Brooklyn Museum.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

Look, It is the Lord!

10-10-24 Why Don't I Ask (MM)

Después de haber hecho la revelación de su amor por nosotros (Como mi Padre me ama…), Jesús asegura que nos ha dicho estas cosas “para que mi gozo esté en ustedes, y su gozo sea colmado” (Jn 15, 11). En efecto, nuestro gozo sería colmado si comprendiéramos que el amor de Dios por cada uno es eterno, incondicional e infinito. Somos “el destino” de Dios, y espera de nosotros la correspondencia a ese amor.

2025-08-10 Te amo como mi Padre me ama a mí

Podemos rezar el Padrenuestro con los cristianos no católicos, porque todo cristiano es discípulo de Aquel que enseñó esta plegaria. Jesús nos enseñó cómo hemos de orar, revelándonos el gran portento de la misericordia divina: que somos hijos de Dios y que hemos de dirigirnos a Él como un hijo habla con su padre.

2025-02-21 Revalora el Padrenuestro

26-04-24 A Deep Discussion with Jesus (MC)

23-01-26 Nicknames (JB)

Cinco veces salió el dueño del campo a contratar trabajadores para su viña. ¿Por qué este interés en su viña? Además, Jesús invita a dejar noventa y nueve ovejas para ir a buscar la perdida. Y también, relata san Mateo, se compadecía de la muchedumbre porque estaban cansadas y extenuadas, como ovejas sin pastor. Sintonicemos con el Corazón de Cristo y dediquemos nuestra vida a la salvación de las almas.

2024-03-21 Jesús se compadece de la muchedumbre

Meditando el salmo 22 encontraremos gran paz. Tomando conciencia de Quién es nuestro Pastor, no temeremos incluso atravesar cañadas oscuras. Nos sentiremos reconfortados con pastos abundantes y fuentes tranquilas. Nuestros enemigos –el mundo, el demonio y la carne– se verán burlados y abrigaremos la convicción de habitar en casa del Señor por años sin término.

2026-09-18 El Señor es mi Pastor

A meditation preached at Kintore College, an Opus Dei student residence in Toronto.Matthew 13:44-46: Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.  ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.’The treasure means abundance of gifts; the pearl indicates the beauty of the Kingdom. The treasure is something stumbled upon; the pearl, the result of a lengthy search; but in both instances the finder is filled with joy.Music: Original track Michael Lee of TorontoThumbnail: The Famous Ardagh Chalice

What is my Treasure?

Juan 12, 4: “Y yo, cuando sea levantado sobre la tierra, atraeré todas las cosas hacia Mí”. Frase de gran profundidad. Que nos ilumine, ahora que nos acercamos a ese “ser levantado”. Los antiguos sabían que per áspera ad astra, ‘a través de las dificultades llegamos a las estrellas’. Pero la Cruz de Cristo es algo mucho más radical: con ella todo cambia. Ahí se realiza toda la salvación y se nos comunica todo bien.

2024-03-20 Cuando yo sea levantado…

The feast of the Epiphany tells us that Christ meant for everyone.   The Magi are the very first of billions of gentiles who will come to be saved in Jesus.  The journey of the Magi speaks to us of our own need to search for God.  The star they follow and the finding of Jesus bring them great joy, as our own vocation and conversions give us the joy of meeting God in Christ. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

The Epiphany: Searching for God

Doug continues his discussion on conflict in marriage. He shares what St. Thomas More can teach us about marriage. Callers weigh in with their questions and success stories from their marriages.

St. Thomas More and Conflict in Marriage

In this meditation from Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, we are invited to reflect upon the “apostolate of attraction” as the means by which we are to fulfill the Great Commission and lead others into relationship with Jesus Christ. This type of apostolate, as old as the Gospel itself and encouraged by Pope Francis, begins by our faithful witness to the love of Christ: “people need to see us as oases of joy and peace.”   It is our witness, only later accompanied by doctrine, that will prove that Jesus is real. “Whenever sanctity is genuine, it overflows from its vessel to fill other hearts, other souls, with its superabundance. We, the children of God, sanctify ourselves by sanctifying others. Is Christian life growing around you? Consider this every day” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Forge, no. 856).  Before our Lord sent the Apostles out into the world, he gave them the new commandment of love, instructing them to remain united with him and replicate his heart. Despite any obstacles and difficulties they would face, Jesus promised them that in following this commandment, they would succeed in sharing the Gospel, since it would be him acting through them. This remains true for us still today; if we remain united to his heart and participate in his life, others will come to know him through our love. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>

Apostolate of Attraction

La sola mención del nombre de María trae hasta nosotros el aire del paraíso. De belleza, de paz, de elevar nuestra autoestima al sabernos amados. Jesús nos invitó a ser niños, y queremos serlo pequeños, para caber en el regazo de María. Una vida fuera del regazo de María es demasiado complicada. Su vientre es el molde donde hemos de formarnos.

2024-12-04 En el regazo de María

29-05-24 We can! (MC)

06-04-25 Found Out and Forgiven (RS)

30-12-25 Sanctity under Siege (FD)

Fr. Jeff Langan answers this timely question about the May pilgrimages to Our Lady. He shares thoughts on the first pilgrimage he made, instructions on how to do one yourself, and what we can ask Our Lady during these times of prayer. Have a question you'd like Fr. Jeff to answer in a future episode? Email us at <a href="mailto:info@fairestloveshrine.org">info@fairestloveshrine.org</a> to have your question added to our lineup!

Ep. 17 Q&A What is a May Pilgrimage?

Is it appropriate for someone of the opposite sex to give your spouse a massage at work? Can fasting result in a happier marriage? Where do you draw the line with verbally abusive teenagers? Doug answers these questions and more. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Colleen - I totally agree that the massage is not ok. But you glossed over him saying 'you didn&rsquo;t have permission'. That&rsquo;s a red flag in my book. (15:31)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Monica Hinderer <a href="https://www.monicahinderer.com/">https://www.monicahinderer.com/</a>

Fasting, Marriage, and Healthy Boundaries

Monica Hinderer joins Doug discussing how to teach your children the virtue of resilience. They stress the importance of having consistent loving caregivers and responsive attention at an early age. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>David - How do I help my daughter forgive and move on? (8:02)</li> <li>Kathleen - I have a 22-year-old who's constantly arguing. He has ADHD, and I'm wanting to know how to handle the situation. (35:36)</li> </ul> Resources: The Forgiveness Institute <a href="https://internationalforgiveness.com/">https://internationalforgiveness.com/</a> Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a>

Teaching your children resilience

23-05-25 Tough experiences bear good fruit (AB)

Podemos imaginar que esta semana, que va desde la Asunción de María a su Coronación, el Cielo está ocupado en los preparativos de tan magno acontecimiento. Las miríadas de ángeles y de santos se preparan para coronarla, y con ellos también nosotros. Reina de mi trabajo, de mi descanso, de mi apostolado, de mi penitencia, de mi cansancio, de mi tiempo, de mi eternidad...

2026-08-18 Corona a tu Reina

Fr. Carter Griffin joins Doug to discuss his book Forming Families, Forming Saints. Together, they explore how human and spiritual formation help cultivate virtue and shape families into communities of faith, fostering the growth of future saints. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Len - I just bought the book! Lots of wisdom. I will order 8 more! (37:39)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Forming Families, Forming Saints <a href="https://stpaulcenter.com/store/forming-families-forming-saints">https://stpaulcenter.com/store/forming-families-forming-saints</a>

Faith Begins at Home

In our meditation of the week for the First Week of Advent, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to use this season as a time of true preparation, not just for Christmas but for our eventual encounter with Jesus Christ. Advent is a call to conversion, urging us to go beyond small, surface-level changes and instead embrace the profound transformation that the Holy Spirit desires to work within us, reshaping us entirely to reflect Christ. With the help of Our Lady, we can grow in a contemplative spirit, learning to freely and lovingly seek God in all things and to see our lives through his eyes. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/First-Week-of-Advent-Conversion-and-Contrition-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/first-week-of-advent-conversion-and-contrition/'>Visit Show Page</a> THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>

First Week of Advent: Conversion and Contrition

La meditación de la Pasión de Cristo trae incontables beneficios a nuestra alma. La clave del amor es sentir lo que otro siente. Las enseñanzas de los santos sobre la Pasión de Cristo nos iluminan. Cristo tiene en la Cruz los brazos abiertos para acogernos a todos.