#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.

24-06-26 Qué será... será...? (GB)

Para resolver lo insoluble, el remedio es claro: acudir a Santa María. Eso hizo san Josemaría al venir a Guadalupe. Busquemos también nosotros el refugio del regazo de María, que en las apariciones de 1521 quiso mostrarse como Madre amantísima. Cualquier existencia que no sea la de una perfecta unión con Dios en el regazo de María, es demasiado complicada.

2024-12-12 Un regazo para nuestra indigencia

In the middle of a violent storm, the apostles find Jesus asleep in the boat.  This divine sleep of the Son of God teaches us important lessons: the need for rest, the importance of trust in God during difficulties, and the great care that God our Father exercises over us.  Only by trusting in God&apos;s power and fatherly protection in and through times of trial will we experience our own resurrection to new life.  Only by trusting when times are hard do we come to really believe that God is our Father. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com/'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Rebroadcast: Lessons From Jesus Asleep

En la memoria litúrgica de san Francisco de Asís meditamos sobre la virtud cristiana de la pobreza. El santo de Asís se desposó con la señora pobreza, y logró la renovación de la Iglesia en épocas de gran materialismo y corrupción. Que la pobreza también se “enseñoree” de nosotros, para que colaboremos con la santidad de la Iglesia.

2025-10-04 Pobreza: Gran Señora mía.

Doug answered questions about different marriage related issues Doug answers a email about a verbally abusive husband in a blended marriage, even while the husband goes to mass regularly and even goes to adoration.&nbsp; (3:30) Brendon (Caller)-Ask how to keep his girlfriend secure as it's a long distance relationship and he's a Division 1 athlete.&nbsp; &nbsp; (8:26) Henry (Caller)-My wife has asked for annulment. She is praying for a job only because she wants to leave me. I have been asked not to come to the apartment anymore. Is this relationship over? (12:14) Sylvia (Caller)-I've been married 26 years in the Catholic Church. My husband cheated on me but we decided to stay married. Comment on Henry: We don't know whether he is telling the full truth. It takes two to tango... (23:22) Mary (Caller)-Mary - I have a husband(40 years) we live in the house he was raised in. I'm always being compared to my Mother-in-law and his family. Everything seems to have to be his way. (27:30) Doug answers an email from a listener about how often should a married couple see their parents and also having a narcissistic husband (39:05) Email about a son not married in the Church (46:30) Doug says to practice saying "I forgive you" (48:25) &nbsp;

Long Distance Relationship, Narcissistic Husband and other Marriage Issues

La vida de todo hombre es un camino, pero para el sacerdote este camino está lleno de sorpresas, ya que se ha entregado a la Iglesia. En las pruebas de la vida, también cuando se advierten faltas de fidelidad, es muy oportuno encender la virtud de la esperanza. Pensar en el Cielo y advertir que, de seguir el plan de Dios, ese Cielo es suyo. Como el romero, mantener la mirada en la lejanía, el oído atento y el paso ligero.

2026-08-21 Sacerdote peregrino

A meditation on trust, patience, and God&apos;s power and love.

Advent: Waiting with Impatient Patience

04-07-25 Mercy hotspot (EA)

De la vida de san Ignacio de Loyola aprendemos a prepararnos concienzudamente para la Misa. De la vida de san Juan de Ávila, la relevancia que da el santo a una sola Misa. De san Alfonso María de Ligorio, la importancia del recogimiento luego de comulgar, pues tenemos los labios teñidos con la Sangre de Cristo. Del Cura de Ars, la seguridad de estar en el Paraíso durante la celebración.

2026-02-16 Detalles de los santos en Misa

09-05-25 Embracing Christ (DOH)

In this meditation for the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, Fr Javier del Castillo reflects on the profound meaning of this passage from St Paul - “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). “We ought to rejoice. This is something really important, absolutely necessary, to rejoice in the Lord always because the Lord is near.&quot; &quot;This presence of the Lord is the cause of our joy because it makes us joyful and makes us happy… not only when things are going well… always, no matter what… and then we can radiate our cheerfulness to others… doesn’t matter what’s happening on the outside… what matters is that we be close to our Lord. And only insofar as we let our Lord be close to us can we be truly joyful, cheerful, and can we radiate cheerfulness to others.” To have this joy and cheerfulness starting this Advent and Christmas we can follow three steps: 1. Prayer 2. Forgiveness 3. Service (Jesus, others and then yourself) 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>

Gaudete Sunday

Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre: St. Josemaria wrote in the The Way 301 about what he described as that little group of men or a handful of women in the midst of a world crisis. They had a readiness to fight, a deep desire to be saints, and a willingness to fight. He used military imagery.
A secret, an open secret: these world crises are crises of saints.
God wants a handful of men 'of his own' in every human activity. And then... 'pax Christi in regno Christi — the peace of Christ in the kingdom of Christ'.
Music: Composed by Chiquinha Gonzaga, Lua Branca, arranged of guitar by Bert Alink.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.opusdei.ca

A Crisis of Saints

11-07-24 Shake the Dust (EN)

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to High School boys at Ernescliff College in Toronto on Oct 22, 2022.
On that day, Oct 22, 1978, facing the vast crowd in the square, and beyond, in the whole world, John Paul II said:
Today the new Bishop of Rome solemnly begins his ministry and the mission of Peter. In this city, in fact, Peter completed and fulfilled the mission entrusted to him by the Lord.
The Lord addressed him with these words: "...when you were young you put on your own belt and walked where you liked; but when you grow old you will stretch out your hands and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go" (Jn 21:18).
Peter came to Rome!
He talked about the Quo Vadis account, from the famous &nbsp;19th century novel, by Henryk Sienkiewicz. Pope John Paul II could be seen laughing hysterically, or deeply in prayer. What an example of faith.
Music: Mossy garden by Bert Alink.

I Love Pope John Paul II

Lent is a time of self-denial.  The higher, better part of ourselves strives to deny and to master our lower nature.  This interior struggle is a necessary condition for Christian life.  In emptying ourselves out, especially of our pride, we invite God to enter in. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Lent: Deny to Affirm, Empty Out to Fill Up

Jesus continually calls us to an alert vigilance.  He does this to make us aware of the great opportunities of love and service that fill our ordinary lives.  At the beginning of a new school year, it is good to foster an eager alertness in our souls, an excitement for the work that lies ahead of us.  If we find ourselves dull and without energy, we can start by asking Jesus for more strength, more enthusiasm.  If our lethargy persists, we can pray and practice a greater love of interior struggle as an opportunity to love heroically.  <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

"Stay Awake!": Christian Alertness

Doug is joined by Monica Hinderer to talk about the damage criticism does to children: They discuss the many factors that can lead to criticism and share how parents can help children develop positive self-esteem. Doug and Monica tackle listener questions and comments on the following: ·         My adult daughter says we nitpick too much. I am just trying to correct or help her but she won't listen. ·         My mom was super critical and both my sister and I have made it a point to treat our daughters differently. ·         My son has really low self-esteem and I don't know how to help him. ·         My mother nags a lot but I don't see it as nagging and I love that she tells me these things. I think it's only through prayer that I am able to take it so well. ·         My son is an adult but I think I was critical his whole life and now everything seems like a criticism to him.

Criticism Harms Children

This Sunday the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) when “we come together to consider the depths of our Lord’s love for us, which has led him to stay with us, hidden under the appearances of the Blessed Sacrament” (St. Josemaria Escriva; Christ is Passing By, no. 150). Present under the property of bread and wine, the Church believes the Eucharist is fully the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection to help us pray and go deeper in our understanding of the Eucharist and our call to be living monstrances, the sacred vessels in which the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for veneration.On the Feast of Corpus Christi, it is a common practice in many Catholic churches to hold a Eucharistic procession following Mass. This procession is symbolic of our work as modern day apostles. We are each called to be a living monstrance, bringing the light of Christ into every aspect of our life: our family, our work place, our social gatherings, etc. The Eucharist is a source of grace and love, through which we are brought together as one in the body of Christ. Like the saints, Eucharistic devotion should be a common trait in our pursuit of holiness. On this solemnity, we can make the resolution to spend time regularly in front of the Blessed Sacrament— a powerful encounter with Christ through which we receive the grace to be a witness in 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>

A Living Monstrance

En Caná, María interviene sin que se lo soliciten. María es, sí, mediadora, pero no pasiva. Su mediación tiene carácter de intercesión, es decir, Ella pide por nosotros a Dios lo que quizá nosotros no advertimos que necesitamos. Y como es un alma totalmente rendida a Dios por el amor, Él no niega nada de lo que su Madre le pide.

2026-01-05 En Caná la Sma. Virgen es medianera e intercesora

Jesus is the Son of God by nature—but what does that mean for us?In Part 3 of their study of Psalm 2:7, Jake, Pat, and Louis explore one of the most profound mysteries of the Christian faith: Christ's sonship by both inheritance and merit. Drawing on St. Thomas Aquinas, the Letter to the Hebrews, and Pope Benedict XVI, they unpack how Jesus is the perfect Son in both His divinity and His humanity—and why His life of obedience, suffering, and love becomes the model for our own.Together, they reflect on Christ's real humanity, His willingness to learn, suffer, and grow, and the incredible invitation extended to every Christian: to become sons and daughters of God by following the Son who chose to become one of us.Join us as we discover how Psalm 2 reveals not only who Christ is, but who we are called to become.

Verse 7, Part 3- The Hidden Truth About Jesus’ Sonship: Inheritance & Merit Explained

Each of us are called to answer the question that Christ posed to his Disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” It is not enough to know Jesus abstractly. We need to consider: Do we deal with Jesus as a friend? What place does Christ occupy in our life? A meditation by Father Henry Bocala.

Who Do You Say that I Am?

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” (Lk 22)
"Do this inn remembrance of me," as a memorial of me. Thus Christ directed the apostles (and successors) to celebrate a new “memorial" that would replace the one celebrated in the Jewish Passover. This memorial rite has a special efficacy: it not only helps the community of believers to “remember" Christ's redeeming love, his words and gestures during the Last Supper, but also, as a sacrament of the New Law, makes the reality signified truly present: Christ himself, 'our Paschal Lamb' (1 Cor. 5:7), and his redeeming sacrifice: this would take place the next day on the cross.
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation in preparation for the solemnity of Corpus Christi, in Ernescliff College, June 4, 2022.
Music: Handel, Opera Rinaldo, Aria "Lascia ch'io pianga", arranged for guitar by Bert Alink&nbsp;
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

Prepare well for Corpus Christi

25-04-24 Mark Your Words (MM)

How is my presence of God? We need times of quiet, putting away digital devices and other distractions, so that we can listen to God. That way can foster an awareness of God, we can become lovers of God. A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen.

Finding God in Times of Silence

Even though the Christmas season has ended, Jesus remains with us. Every day can be a Christmas for us, because we can receive Christ in the Eucharist. &nbsp;Christ is our strength and consolation. We are invited, in Christ, to live as children of God. The Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan is a demonstration of this reality. God wants to say of each of us those words heard at the Baptism of our Lord: “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Living Like a Child before God

Our newest book in the Coached By series was written by Joan Watson and features St. Catherine of Siena and what she can teach us about the virtue of Charity. This is an excerpt from the middle of the book.

Coached by Catherine of Siena

Are these the tough years? What happens when married life becomes boring? What happens when a husband doesn&rsquo;t provide enough financial support for his wife? You be the therapist! Callers weigh in and Doug shares his advice on what to do in these situations. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Sue - The couple in the first situation should make sure to have a date night every week. It&rsquo;s also a good thing for the couple to write a gratitude list every day. (18:32)</li> <li>Olivia - When things are so stressful and you need time alone, you should get up earlier together and spend time with God. (23:20)</li> <li>Michelle - Take a look at finances, and figure out why both are working. (25:19)</li> <li>Joanne - One of the greatest indicators of a successful marriage is for a man to part with his money and provide for his wife. (30:59)</li> <li>Elizabeth - Case 1: They just need to mix it up a little and connect to other people in similar life circumstances. Case 2: I would say that the wife needs to reach out to her husband's family members (36:32)</li> <li>David - Nothing is 50/50 when the priest announces the couple is one. (45:24)</li> </ul> Resources: Relevant Radio Dad&rsquo;s Pack <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/merch/products/dads-pack">https://relevantradio.store/collections/merch/products/dads-pack</a> Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a>

Gratitude leads to a happy marriage

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception we ask that we too may respond to divine grace, as we see Mary do, joining in the struggle to overcome evil and live in Christ.

52. Feast of Immaculate Conception

Have you ever wondered why some couples fight so much? Are you looking for ways to avoid conflict? Doug shares tips for breaking the cycle of endless arguments and fighting. He shares that even successful marriages aren&rsquo;t conflict free, but that these couples are better at managing the conflict and repairing the relationship. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Carlos - As couples, we tend to argue or fight because we don&rsquo;t know how to communicate. (10:42)</li> <li>Linda - My husband has a problem with money. We got into it and I'm not sure I can talk about it with him anymore. What should I do? (13:50)</li> <li>John - I have been married for more than 50 years. My wife says things like 'you belong in hell'. I don&rsquo;t want a divorce but it is tough. (22:58)</li> <li>Anne - I want to respond to the woman with the husband with money issues. Debtors Anonymous is a great resource. (27:33)</li> <li>Chris - I feel like the model of using secular counseling is not as good as counseling centered on Christ&rsquo;s teaching. (39:37)</li> </ul> Resources: Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> Debtors Anonymous <a href="https://debtorsanonymous.org/">https://debtorsanonymous.org/</a> &nbsp; 7 signs you&rsquo;re stuck in an unhealthy conflict pattern <ol> <li>Small issues become big fights.</li> <li>You argue about the same things over and over.</li> <li>Conversations become personal attacks.</li> <li>Both of you regularly shut down.</li> <li>You can&rsquo;t remember how the fight began.</li> <li>Resolution never seems to happen.</li> <li>You both feel defensive most of the time.</li> </ol>

Breaking the cycle of conflict

Doug discusses the three pillars of a good marriage: managing conflict, nurturing and keeping the love alive, and practicing forgiveness.

The Three Pillars of a Successful Marriage

Doug finishes his discussion on how to repair the damage after a fight. He also shares what to do when your family treats your spouse badly. Plus: The Friday Rant! &nbsp; Listener questions and comment: <ul> <li>Ron - My wife tries to take charge of everything, but I believe I am called to lead our home. This has been an ongoing struggle throughout our more than 40 years of marriage. She prefers to have the final say in most situations, and I feel I have not been allowed to fulfill what I believe is my God-given role as the leader of our household. (12:35)</li> <li>Luciano - A friend is refusing to attend our wedding and declined our invitation because we were in a relationship before our annulment. Am I in the right? (23:18)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Love Basics for Catholics <a href="https://stpaulcenter.com/store/love-basics-for-catholics-illustrating-gods-love-for-us-throughout-the-bible">https://stpaulcenter.com/store/love-basics-for-catholics-illustrating-gods-love-for-us-throughout-the-bible</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; 5 steps to repair the damage after a big fight <ol> <li>Discuss your feelings</li> <li>Talk about your realities</li> <li>Share your triggers</li> <li>Accept your responsibility</li> <li>Come up with constructive plans</li> </ol>

Protecting Your Spouse From Family

10-05-24 Joyfully on Watch (MM)

30-03-24 This is the Night (RS)

Introductory meditation for a retreat at Kintore College, May 5, 2022. Starting with the passage of the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8), Fr. Eric Nicolai speaks about possibilites of entering into true prayer.
Music: Handel, Opera Rinaldo, Aria "Lascia ch'io pianga", arranged for guitar by Bert Alink&nbsp;
Thumbnail: Rembrandt Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery 1644 National Gallery, London.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

Go and Sin No More: Prayer as Intimacy

En su primera carta, san Juan nos invita a experimentar lo mismo que él: la comunión con Cristo. Podemos entrar en contacto con el Señor, con su Santísima Humanidad, en todo momento: no tenemos ninguna cortapisa. Veinticuatro horas al día, siete días a la semana, las cincuenta y dos semanas del año.

2025-11-08 Jesús veinticuatro siete

As we conclude our mini-series on St. Josemaria’s homily, Passionately Loving the World, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the inestimable value of ordinary life and how it serves as a medium through which we encounter the presence of God. Drawing upon the hidden years of Christ’s life, Fr. Peter highlights the importance of being formed by the witness of our family and being nurtured by prayer so that we can lead a heroic life of faith, generosity, and service.Fr. Peter explains: “Don’t underestimate [your] individual calling. We are all called to be saints because sanctity does not depend on exactly what [we’re] doing, but how much love [we] invest in what [we’re] doing.”As you pray and reflect today, what steps forward can you take in your prayer life to strengthen your resolve to invite Christ into the ordinary moments of each day?<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/An-Ordinary-Life-Made-Holy-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>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>

An Ordinary Life Made Holy

Doug examines the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the damage they do to a marriage: criticism, contempt stonewalling and defensiveness. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Ray - Can you give the steps of what to do once you meet a girl? (16:37)</li> </ul>

Virtue and Conquering the Four Horsemen

In this first meditation of our three-part series on St. Josemaria&apos;s homily Getting to Know God, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to rediscover the foundational truth of the Christian life, that we are beloved children of God. As St. Josemaria reminds us, “We are children of God and we can talk things over with him and spend time with him, just as trustingly as a son does with his father” (Friends of God, no. 145). Msgr. Dolan invites us to pray with the simplicity of spiritual childhood, entrust our worries to the Father, and rediscover the peace that comes from living as his beloved sons and daughters. Listen and reflect on: <ul><li>Becoming like little children before God </li><li>The Father&apos;s faithful love </li><li>Trust over anxiety </li><li>Prayer rooted in confidence </li><li>Remembering who we are in Christ </li></ul> Read the full text of St. Josemaria’s homily, “Getting to Know God”, <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/getting-to-know-god/'>online here</a>.  <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Getting-to-know-God-pt-1-Transcript-2.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/knowing-god-as-father/'>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>

Knowing God as Father | Getting to Know God, Part 1

Continuing our Easter series, To and From Emmaus: In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the disciples’ desire for Jesus to remain with them as evening falls along their journey. As we compare the journey to Emmaus with our personal journey toward eternal life with Christ, Fr. Peter reminds us that our time on Earth is short and therefore we should set out with urgency to fill our life with deeds of love.In this time of reflection and prayer, we are challenged to ask ourselves: “How much can I do for Jesus in a given day?” When our time on Earth comes to a close, can we look back confidently and know that we have taken full advantage of our time as we pursue the path of holiness toward Heaven? [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Part-Four-Brief-Indeed-Is-Our-Time-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>

Brief Indeed Is Our Time | Part Four

<ul> <li>(2:38) Forgiveness isn’t optional, it’s a commandment.</li> <li>(12:07) Scott - Wanted to comment about forgiveness. It is a choice.</li> <li>(13:03) – Paul - Comment about forgiveness. Married for 32 years. Wife's idea of calling a truce.</li> <li>(19:41) Break 1</li> <li>(21:48) - 4 Steps in the forgiveness process.</li> <li>(30:51) – Sandra - How to deal with the betrayal of husband having an 'emotional affair'? Married 35 years.</li> <li>(37:10) Break 2</li> <li>(38:22) Doug reads an email about Pornography in a listener’s marriage and gives advice about how to deal with this issues in your marriage.</li> <li>(47:52) Doug Recommends some sites to help people overcome porn addiction:  <ul> <li>integrityrestored.com</li> <li>catholicinrecovery.com</li> <li>purityispossible.com</li> <li>fightthenewdrug.com</li> <li>thekingsmen.org</li> <li>soulsandhearts.com</li> </ul> </li> </ul>

Marriage Unhindered – January 27, 2024 – Forgiveness

A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen.

The Peace of Sincerity

John was a native of Bethsaida, a town of Galilee on the northern shore of the Sea of Tiberias. His parents were Zebedee and Salome, and his brother James the Greater. The words of John the Evangelist, whose feast we celebrate today, resound in our hearts: "Et Verbum caro factum est - the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (Jn 1: 14). Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches from Ernescliff College on why God became man.
 
Music: Recordações do passado (Souvenirs from the Past) a Valsa for piano (1885) by Ernesto Nazareth arranged by Bert Alink
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

Why Did God Become Man? Feast of St. John

Enseñanza de san Máximo el Confesor recordada por el papa Benedicto: al decir “no se haga mi voluntad sino la tuya”, el Padre ve en esa entrega la puerta definitiva para asumir la Humanidad Santísima de su Hijo. Eso es todo en nuestra vida: conformarnos con la amabilísima voluntad de Dios.

2026-08-27 Getsemaní: voluntad del Padre

Vayamos a san José a que nos dé lecciones. Hoy podemos aprender de su silencio para aceptar los proyectos de Dios sin rechistar. Es el santo abandono, al cual se llega luego de muchos ejercicios de negación de la propia voluntad. Es una gracia a la que podemos secundar nosotros aceptando, en alegre silencio, todo lo que Dios disponga en nuestra vida.

2024-03-13 San José y el abandono en Dios

“Corazones partidos yo no los quiero, y si le doy el mío lo doy entero”. Busquemos no quedarnos a medias en la respuesta a Dios: es muy triste tener una vela encendida a Dios y otra al diablo. Quedarse a medias, como Absalón colgado de la encina, es un papel deplorable. Démosle todo a Dios, sin medianías. Entonces Él podrá hacer grandes cosas en nuestra vida.

2024-07-02 No quiero tibieza

Una importante tarea desempeñaba, en las bodas judías, el amigo del novio, pues preparaba todo lo relativo a la celebración. Pero después de la boda, desaparecía. Así se ve el Bautista respecto a Jesús. Su vida está solo en función de Aquel a quien anuncia, sin pretender provecho alguno personal. Busquemos imitarlo, actuando con rectitud de intención en cuanto hacemos.

2024-12-17 El amigo del novio

How do we go about living out Jesus Christ’s radical call to love, even loving one’s enemies? Fr. Luke Mata reflects on how early Christians transformed the Roman Empire through acts of forgiveness, unity, and selfless charity, calling this a true “revolution of love.” Drawing on scripture (especially Matthew 5) and Church teachings, the reflection emphasizes that such love is humanly impossible without faith and the Eucharist, which serve as the source and sustenance of divine love. As Christians, we are challenged to forgive others, love those who are difficult, and embody Christ’s compassion in daily life — continuing the same revolution that began with Jesus on the cross.

A Revolution Of Love

In the first episode of Psalm 2 Foundations, Fr. John Boles explores the dynamics of authority and love within the father-son relationship, using a metaphor of a father and his young son to illustrate the balance between discipline and affection. It delves into the concept of divine authority, emphasizing the importance of recognizing a higher power within familial relationships.

Psalm 2 Foundations - Scripture’s Song of the Son w/ Fr. John Boles

On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we can recall how we are in need of purification and repentance, and Jesus shows us the way.   Our own baptism results in death and a new life in Christ, one which we can live fully by seeking God in the midst of our ordinary lives.
A meditation given by Father Timothy Uhen.

To the Jordan with Jesus

We're thrilled to return to Verse 4! In this episode, Jake, Pat, and Louis delve into the intriguing theme of God's laughter in the face of human rebellion, illuminating the contrast between divine authority and human defiance. Their discussion offers vivid imagery that captures the sheer power of the divine, while also unpacking deep theological insights that reveal God’s character and sovereignty. Don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast to ensure you stay updated with every captivating episode!

Verse 4, Part 2 - The Divine Power Play

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on how our faith and fidelity can increase through our genuine self-giving to the will of God. Faith is more than just believing or trusting. An ongoing faith or fidelity requires us to go beyond the limitations of our experiences and of our intellects in order to give ourselves more to the will of God and to our vocation as Christians. And, as Fr. Peter explains, our collective vocation as Christians is to evangelize and to attract people to Christ through our friendship, through our charity, and through our counsel. Our Lord is asking of us to bring everyone to him which requires a fidelity and partnership with him. And, we enter into a partnership and into the heart of Christ through three entrance ways: the Eucharist (the vine), the Cross (pruning), and the Word of God (nourishment). Under no uncertain terms, therefore, Jesus says we will be fruitful and we will work miracles. But without that kind of fidelity, we can do nothing. Even as an instrument, we could do nothing. An intimate and faithful union with Christ needs to be there fueled by prayer, sacrifice, and our self-giving. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Increase-My-Faith-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/increase-my-faith/'>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>

Increase My Faith

Heart in the Right Place

10-04-25 Before Abraham Was, I Am (EN)

Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches a meditation from Lyncroft Centre on October 20, 2021.
Luke 11, 1-14: When the apostles saw the Lord go off to pray, I’m sure they wondered what he was talking about. They could see he was not in some sort of private monologue, just thinking things to himself, much less stewing over something that the pharisees had said. He was not brain storming on his own. He was clearly in conversation with someone. So they asked him to teach them how to pray.
Now he gives them a new name, that God is “our Father”, he is close to us, we can trust him.
Years later Paul would use Jesus’ own word for God: Abba.
Music: Mozart, Adagio in C major, K. 356 - Guitar Arrangement - Bert Alink. www.museopen.org
Thumbnail: 15th-century French miniature (Courtesy of New York Public Library)
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

Can I Really Learn to Pray the Our Father?

Dentro de los incontables títulos de María, fijémonos en este: Virgo fidelis, Virgen fiel. Ella responde a Dios diciéndole siempre que sí, como hemos de hacer nosotros ante cada moción del Espíritu Santo. Pero María nos es también fiel a nosotros, como Madre de misericordia, de consuelo, de ternura. Confiemos en la amorosa presencia materna de María, en nuestra vida y en nuestra muerte.

2025-02-24 María es fiel a Dios y a mí

Today is the solemnity of the Annunciation, an important feast that the church celebrates during Lent. At Mary’s obedient Fiat, humanity is wedded to divinity. It can be thought of as a precursor to Pentecost. The Holy Spirit comes upon Mary and imparts to her the gift of all gifts, a divine son. She is the new Eve that restores those lost gifts. We too can obey the divine invitation. But how do we do it?
 
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft centre in Toronto on the solemnity of the Annunciation.
 
 
 
More meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos

How to Imitate Mary's Yes

Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Doug to discuss the gift of marriage. They unpack the sacramental nature of marriage and the importance of emotional intimacy in marriage. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Patty - I need advice for my marriage. How can I be more emotionally intimate with my husband of 31 years?</li> <li>Maria - What about marriages without God as a foundation? How do I give advice to them?</li> <li>Shirley - Can you give us the tools to have a celibate and chaste relationship before marriage and after a divorce?</li> </ul> Resources: Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a>

The gift of marriage

Jesús nos dijo que, al orar, llamáramos “Padre” a Dios. No es una mera recomendación piadosa, sino una honda verdad. Somos seres llamados a la divinización, de ahí que nuestro horizonte siempre debamos plantearlo en el rompimiento de límites. Porque el hombre, en frase de Pascal, supera infinitamente al hombre. Es el “proyecto de amor creativo” de Dios, en contraposición al proyecto de autorrealización puramente terrena.

2025-02-26 El hombre supera infinitamente al hombre

On this podcast, we listen to the words of Jesus in the Gospel of St. John and reflect on what it means to our calling in life (vocation): &quot;Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing&quot; (Jn 15:4-5). Jesus tells us that our vocation is to be an apostle - to be the light of the world (Mt 5,14). But he doesn&apos;t give us specific instructions except that we are to remain in him. What does that mean for us? It means he wants us to be constantly united to him like the vine to the branches. We are to be contemplatives in constant dialogue with him wherever we are. Our efforts to live out our vocations and to transform the world won&apos;t work if we practice a hit or miss spirituality. &quot;I didn&apos;t get to it today&quot; is not the language of a saint. We need to be sincere in our desire to spend time with him, despite time constraints and the chaos and demands of daily life.Ask yourself: Am I giving my family and friends an experience of Jesus Christ? Jesus is telling us that he is the driving force of our love, peace, strength and courage. Through contemplation we charge the batteries of our hearts and minds. We will deprive others of Christ if we neglect our spiritual lives, our lives of prayer, because none of it comes from us: I&apos;m not the source; I&apos;m the light fixture. &quot;A saying of a soul of prayer: in intentions, may Jesus be our aim; in affections, our Love; in conversation, our theme; in actions, our model&quot; (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Way, no. 271). 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>

Our Calling to Remain in Him

A meditation by Fr Gavan Jennings for the season of lent.&nbsp;

21. Springtime for our souls

23-06-24 Anxiety Free Zone (FD)

In this sixth meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on Jesus’ words: “It is finished.” In this final act of obedience, Christ completes the saving work entrusted to him by the Father and reveals the fullness of his love poured out on the Cross.  Fr. Nicolai invites us to consider how our own lives are part of this work of redemption and to live each day with purpose, offering our actions and sacrifices to God. PAUSE &amp; REFLECT <ul><li>Do I set apart moments of prayer consistently throughout my day to consider the greatness of God’s love for me?   </li><li>Do I console Our Lord with prayer and penance as an act of reparation for offenses against God?   </li></ul> LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL Download our free PDF devotional, <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/product/seven-last-words-of-christ/'>The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections &amp; Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva,</a> available in our online shop. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Sixth-Word-Transcript-2.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/the-sixth-word/'>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>

The Sixth Word: “It is finished.”

27-05-25 We Don't Know What's Good For Us (RS)

Al principio de los signos, encontramos a María. Intercede por el vino. Ese signo se culminará en la Última Cena, cuando el vino se convierta en sangre. A Ella le pedimos que interceda por nosotros para ver sangre en cada Eucaristía. Sabernos empapados y embriagados con ella cada vez que comulgamos.

2025-07-18 Agua, vino y sangre

Luke 13:10-13 : "One sabbath day Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who for eighteen years had been possessed by a spirit that left her enfeebled; she was bent double and quite unable to stand upright. When Jesus saw her he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are rid of your infirmity’ and he laid his hands on her. And at once she straightened up, and she glorified God."
Looking at this woman we can make our own the words she must have addressed to him: Straighten me up Lord!
Straighten me up during this meditation Lord, during this time in my life, so that I not be overly focused just on the dirt at my feet… I’ve kept my eyes low on the ground, in the dirt, in too much human vision. I’ve been bent over, I’ve been crooked and contorted, not standing up with confidence and calm. Let us be positive. Let us dream.
Pope Francis said in Macedonia (May 2019), addressing the young people: “Let me tell you that one can never dream too much. One of the big problems people have today, including so many young people, is that they have lost their ability to dream. They don’t dream, either much or little. When someone does not dream, when a young person does not dream, that empty space gets filled with complaints and a sense of hopelessness.”
Music: Handel’s opera, Rinaldo, with the aria, Lascia ch’io pianga, played by Bert Alink

Lord, Straighten me Up!

29-11-25 Every Day Vigilance (JPM)

#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.

06-09-26 Don’t be a fool (GB)

As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also referred to as Laetare Sunday, we are reminded to rejoice in the joy of the Lord as we approach the midway point of the Lenten season.In today’s podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo draws inspiration from the parable of the prodigal son and reflects on the joy of returning to our Father’s house. During Lent, we are encouraged to look inward and reflect upon the everyday moments that provide opportunities for conversion. With the grace of God, we can turn these opportunities into moments of joy that lead us closer to the arms of our heavenly Father. 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>

Returning to Our Father's House

05-06-24 The Adorables (FD)

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='http://www.stjosemaria.org/ipray-easter-sunday'>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>

iPray with the Gospel | Easter Sunday

Cuando el demonio mudo -que también es sordo, porque se resiste a oír- se apodera de un alma, corta en ese momento el flujo de comunicación de gracia. Dios es la Verdad y el demonio es el padre de la mentira. Maneras de situarnos en el ámbito del demonio mudo: fingimiento, indefinición, medias verdades, doctrinas ambiguas, morales erráticas…

2025-01-29 Demonio mudo o amor a la verdad

"Then shall he speak to them in his anger and trouble them in his rage..." Psalm 2:5Join Jake, Louis, and Pat as they wrap up the final part of Verse 5. They continue into the profound themes of divine anger, eternal judgment, and the importance of repentance, drawing from biblical verses and theological insights to emphasize the gravity of our choices and God's mercy. You won't want to miss the end of their thoughts on this startling and complicated verse!

Verse 5, Part 4 - The Eternal Disturbance

08-06-24 First Ponder Then Magnify (EN)

Sarah Bartel, co-founder of Cana Feast, joins Doug to discuss how women can enjoy holy and healthy physical intimacy with their husbands. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Mary - My husband would wake me up in the middle of the night. I would tell him no, but he'd keep insisting. I got to the point that I told him, &lsquo;It feels like you're raping me'. Was it wrong for me to say this? (14:38)</li> <li>John - How would you prioritize your spouse in terms of intimacy when you have a special needs child? (39:40)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Cana Feast <a href="https://canafeast.com/">https://canafeast.com/</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://canafeast.com/mydelight-whatsallowed">https://canafeast.com/mydelight-whatsallowed</a>

Holy and Healthy Marital Intimacy

En los países de tradición cristiana nos encontramos constantemente con el signo de la cruz. Y, además, la hacemos sobre nosotros o la colocamos en nuestras habitaciones. Y esperamos tenerla entrelazada en nuestras manos cuando seamos cadáver. Pero ¿desentrañamos su sentido? ¿Vemos en ella la revelación de un Amor inconcebible? ¿Tomamos la nuestra, sabiendo que caminamos en pos de Jesús? ¿La amamos? San Juan Pablo II hablaba de ella como il dono della sofferenza.

2024-07-08 Presencia constante de la cruz

El paralítico llevado por cuatro amigos y descolgado del techo para ponerlo frente a Jesús, es imagen del pecador. Este tampoco puede valerse por sí mismo; necesita ayuda, y hemos de llevarlo ante Cristo. Pero para eso es preciso que también nosotros nos hayamos puesto muchas veces frente a Él, para que comuniquemos la experiencia del encuentro.

2024-02-12  Ponerlos frente a Cristo

20-02-26 Truly Fasting is Truly Slowing (MRS)

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the spiritual transformation the Apostles went through upon receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. As disciples of Christ, if we are docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we can continue the work of the Apostles in sharing the Gospel message in the world today. St. Josemaria explains: “The Holy Spirit is present in the Church of Christ for all time, so that it may be, always and in everything, a sign raised up before all nations, announcing to all men the goodness and the love of God. The presence and the action of the Holy Spirit in the Church are a foretaste of eternal happiness, of the joy and peace for which we are destined by God” (Christ is Passing By, no. 128). 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>

Pentecost Sunday (Rebroadcast)

In this episode, Trent Thomas discusses the importance of forming children in the virtue of fortitude.

Episode 14: Fortitude and Fatherhood

Doug continues his discussion on reasons why couples fall out of love. He shares the importance of putting God first, then your spouse, then your children. Doug speaks to the value of rekindling the love of friendship with your spouse, reconnecting on shared hobbies, and keeping the commitment of time with your spouse by planning regular date nights. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Mary - What do you do next when your spouse asks something that's impossible or unreasonable? We have a few young kids and my car and house need to be cleaned when he comes home.</li> <li>Bella - My husband plans to play golf, but he doesn't plan dates. I tell him we should plan.&nbsp; What should we do?</li> <li>Laura - I've been married for 25 years. I just don't feel like communicating with my husband on my personal needs. What should I do?</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a>

Reasons couples fall out of love (Part 2)

Following the example of Saint Mary Magdalene, each of us are called to begin, and begin again. Let us restore our life in Christ again and again, being made clean like Mary Magdalene, especially through confession. A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen.

Restoring Our Life in Jesus Christ

Jesús nos instruye con imágenes sencillas al tiempo que profundas. El inefable misterio del Reino de los Cielos es presentado desde la pequeñez de la más insignificante de las semillas. Pero confiemos en que será desplegada a dimensiones de eternidad y felicidad. La esperanza no es lo mismo que el optimismo, sino que está más allá de cualquier previsión.