Every time is an opportune time for an encounter with God through work, service to others, and prayer. Father Timothy Uhen gives practical advice on how to take advantage of the current lockdown to grow in our relationship with Christ and our friends.

Finding God in the Lockdown

“Te adoro con devoción, Dios escondido”. Himno eucarístico que nos invita a adorar al único verdadero Dios, oculto bajo las apariencias del pan. Y a hacerlo “devotamente”, es decir, con cariño, con pasión de amor. La Eucaristía nos introduce en una polarización de nuestra vida: nos enseña de la totalidad, la locura, la atención en exclusiva, la humildad y, ante todo, el Amor infinito de que somos objeto.

2025-10-31 Nueva dinámica eucarística

What does it take to have a happy marriage? What can take away from a happy marriage? Today, Doug discusses the virtues that make for a happy marriage. He also shares three tips for a successful marriage. PLUS: The Friday Rant! Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Tessa - My husband and I started dating in high school. We have been working out together, and it is so much fun.&nbsp;</li> <li>Jerry - Can those with dementia and Alzheimer's have a viable marriage?&nbsp;</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> Three tips for a successful marriage <ol> <li>Start your sentences with &ldquo;I love it when&rdquo;.</li> <li>Write down what you appreciate about each other.</li> <li>Build up your partner.</li> </ol>

What does it take to be happy?

Doug unpacks a letter from Alice Von Hildebrand and gives his thoughts on building a loving, lasting marriage. He shares the 5:1 ratio you need to practice to keep love alive. Doug also tackles listener questions on prenuptial agreements, finances in marriage, and gives his advice on what to do when the intimacy in marriage is gone.   By Love Refined: Letters to a Young Bride <a href="https://sophiainstitute.com/product/by-love-refined/">https://sophiainstitute.com/product/by-love-refined/</a>

Keeping Love Alive

Doug reads a letter by Alice Von Hildebrand from her book: By Love Refined. In this letter, Alice discusses sexual intimacy in marriage and emphasizes how pleasure is the reward but not the intent. The intent is the union of souls which results in joy, transcending sexual pleasure. Doug unpacks the importance of emotional intimacy coming before physical intimacy in marriage   Resources:   By Love Refined <a href="https://sophiainstitute.com/product/by-love-refined/?srsltid=AfmBOoqO3lJMj2FF_pWgyWOi3sgxiatKYn1LayKZQIHEOg34FnEkgugd">https://sophiainstitute.com/product/by-love-refined/?srsltid=AfmBOoqO3lJMj2FF_pWgyWOi3sgxiatKYn1LayKZQIHEOg34FnEkgugd</a> Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a>   Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a>

Growing in Intimacy

Doug unpacks men&rsquo;s emotional needs in relationships including respect, acceptance, trust, affection, and words of affirmation. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Edward - I think men's emotional needs are fulfilled with physical intimacy. (9:30)</li> <li>Mary Alice - What do you do when your husband is bragging about you in public, but not at home. There's verbal abuse, almost like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. (19:51)</li> <li>Jack - I'm dealing with an adult son who&rsquo;s 30 years old and his fianc&eacute; was criticizing him in front of my daughter, her boyfriend and my ex. What do you think? (24:39)</li> <li>Marcel - If couples are not following what Doug is saying about intimacy, trust, and affection, then it's not a marriage, and you have a real problem. (33:29)</li> <li>Susan - You don't get to use the excuse of past experiences as a get out of jail free card. (39:03)</li> <li>Regina - My husband is very odd and he gets angry with me when I say good things about him. He thinks I lie, and then he tells the kids I'm lying. (42:20)</li> </ul>

Men’s Emotional Needs

Fr. Rob Ryan and Fr. John LoCoco join Doug to discuss an upcoming singles night at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Chicago. Doug also talks about the challenges of dating and what to look for in a future spouse. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Lisa - If you are a female, go to where the men are: the lakes, the beach and hiking. (21:12)</li> <li>Bobby - It&rsquo;s hard to tell a spouse you don&rsquo;t like who they hang around with because you might be suggesting they are similar to that group. They might say 'you don&rsquo;t trust me?' (39:20)</li> <li>Elma - Is it ok to date a widower of only one month? (42:30)</li> <li>Maureen - I used to be a professional matchmake. For Catholics: what a great time to check out the singles at confession. (46:45)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Catholic Catch Singles Trivia Pre-Registration <a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=o-0BRmklpkqOCzBfwpVBLl-LqlRwJghFqZHL9AOb2yNUNDVNSzUzWEdUMzQzRDlTRU5aT0FPSzdFQyQlQCNjPTEu&amp;route=shorturl">https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=o-0BRmklpkqOCzBfwpVBLl-LqlRwJghFqZHL9AOb2yNUNDVNSzUzWEdUMzQzRDlTRU5aT0FPSzdFQyQlQCNjPTEu&amp;route=shorturl</a> &nbsp; 20 best ways to find a date in real life <ol> <li>Sign Up for a Fitness Class / dance lessons</li> <li>Attend Community Events</li> <li>Take a Class That Interests You</li> <li>Say Yes to Social Invitations</li> <li>Become a Regular Somewhere such as a coffee shop</li> <li>Volunteer for a Cause</li> <li>Join a Sports League</li> <li>Attend Networking Events</li> <li>Explore Bookstores and Libraries</li> <li>Take Part in Group Travel or Tours</li> <li>Attend Live Music Events</li> <li>Join a Hobby Group</li> <li>Take Dance Lessons</li> <li>Attend Faith-Based or Spiritual Events</li> <li>Sign Up for a Public Speaking or Improv Class</li> <li>Explore Outdoor Activities</li> <li>Register for Workshops or Seminars</li> <li>Become an Active Member of Your Neighborhood</li> <li>Attend Friend-of-a-Friend Gatherings</li> <li>Focus on Living a Full Life</li> </ol> &nbsp; 4 Things to look for when you are dating <ol> <li>Does the person ask questions about you and listen for the answers?</li> <li>Do they treat people of lesser status well?</li> <li>Are they reliable?</li> <li>Are they a person of virtue and trying be a better person?</li> </ol> &nbsp; Ask the right questions <ol> <li>What brought you here?</li> <li>Wat sparks your curiosity?</li> <li>Who are the people you like to hang out with?</li> <li>What are your hobbies?</li> <li>What do you spend most of your time thinking about?</li> <li>What is something you believe that most people will disagree with?</li> <li>What does a life well-lived look like to you?</li> </ol>

Catching a Good Catholic Spouse

Catherine DiNuzzo joins Doug to discuss anxiety from a Catholic perspective. They define good vs bad anxiety, the problem of guilt and how to manage anxiety as a Catholic. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Jasmine - How do I fight my mind that triggers anxiety even if I&rsquo;m doing okay? (10:19)</li> <li>Rose - I get anxiety around my kids but I don&rsquo;t want to share with my kids. What do I say? (35:21)</li> <li>Judy - I have had anxiety when other people are driving. What should I do? (39:59)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Sacred Heart Mental Wellness <a href="https://www.sacredheartmentalwellness.com/">https://www.sacredheartmentalwellness.com/</a>

Overcoming Anxiety

Is suffering a good thing? Doug explores the role of suffering in sanctifying marriages. He unpacks the value of redemptive suffering for the conversion of sinners and points to the importance of sharing in Christ&rsquo;s cross to bring healing in our marriage. PLUS: The Friday Rant! Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Stephanie &ndash; Do you have any advice for spiritual warfare in marriage? (38:52)</li> <li>Sandra &ndash; My husband doesn&rsquo;t want to pray the rosary with me. What should I do? (43:00)</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> How Christ Saves Souls&mdash;with Us: The Mystery of Co-Redemption <a href="https://stpaulcenter.com/store/how-christ-saves-souls-with-us-the-mystery-of-co-redemption">https://stpaulcenter.com/store/how-christ-saves-souls-with-us-the-mystery-of-co-redemption</a>

Suffering in Marriage

The parable of the ten virgins invites us to reflect on the virtue of wisdom.  Wisdom has to do with having the right goals and knowing how to achieve them.  If our goal is heaven, the means to achieve this is charity.  Growth in charity demands of us a variety of other steps depending on our personal situation and history.  To know what we want is not enough, we must also be committed to the steps required to achieve it. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Growth in Wisdom

Are you seeking to draw near to Our Lord more each day?As heard in the Gospel for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, we encountered the endearing figure of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who had a poor reputation among his Jewish confreres, but nevertheless had a deep desire to meet Jesus. He overcame his shame and reached out to be close to Jesus who was passing by. In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the promptness of Zacchaeus– his initiative and the grace of conversion that he received on account of his own generosity. Fr. Eric challenges us to have this same initiative in our interior life and reminds us that it requires humble examination of conscience and a willingness to begin again. In doing so, we will obtain a lasting serenity and joy found only in the grace of Christ. [<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Transcript-Beginning-Again-Again.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>

Beginning Again & Again

In this episode of Marriage Unhindered, Doug reads a letter from Alice Von Hildebrand in which she advises a young bride who is irritated by her husband’s behavior. Doug shares that little irritations in marriage don’t mean you have a bad marriage but that you married a human. Making a list of your spouse’s positives can help you look past the little irritations of everyday life. Doug also unpacks the importance of kindness in marriage and how little acts of kindness go a long way.   Resources: 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>

Focusing on the positive

Today the Church turns her eyes towards Mary, Mother of Sorrows. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Lent - Day 33

Today in the podcast... Fr Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the New Commandment from Jesus Christ which he issued to the Apostles before the Last Supper.This commandment is particularly difficult to follow since we are asked to love one another as Jesus loves us, which is a very tall order. How can we match Jesus’ love for us! However, Fr. Peter Armenio makes a point to note that when God issues a commandment, it is because we can live it. Do not write yourself off! “No matter how much you may love, you will never love enough. The human heart is endowed with an enormous coefficient of expansion. When it loves, it opens out in a crescendo of affection that overcomes all barriers. If you love Our Lord, there will not be a single creature that does not find a place in your heart” (St Josemaria Escriva, The Way of the Cross; Eight Station, Number 5). 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 New Commandment

Are you seeking to draw near to Our Lord more each day? In our meditation of the week, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the inspiring figure of Zacchaeus from the Gospel of St. Luke—a tax collector with a tarnished reputation among his Jewish peers, yet driven by a sincere desire to encounter Jesus. Despite his shame, Zacchaeus took bold steps to draw near to the Lord as he passed by. Fr. Eric highlights Zacchaeus’ promptness and initiative, which opened him to the transformative grace of conversion—a grace he received through his own generosity of heart. Fr. Eric challenges us to adopt this same initiative in our interior life, emphasizing the importance of humble self-examination and a willingness to begin again. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Beginning-Again-Again-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/beginning-again-and-again/'>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>

Jesús nos ha revelado al Padre: a Dios nadie lo ha visto jamás, pero el Hijo nos lo ha dado a conocer. Nos revela a un Dios que se conmueve, un Dios que se enternece ante el hijo pródigo. Y yo, ¿me dirijo con cariño y confianza al Padre celestial? No solo cuando rezo el Padrenuestro sino también en mi contemplación. El Padre me ama a mí con su amor infinito, y la concusión de todas esas verdades será vivir en confiado abandono.

2025-05-20 Abandono confiado

&quot;Neither do I condemn you.  Go and sin no more.&quot;   Jesus&apos; response to our sins.   <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Lent - Day 29

Aquel que me ama, guardará mi palabra, y mi Padre lo amará, y haremos en él nuestra morada. Pedir amor supone darlo antes. Guardar su palabra es la consecuencia. Hacer que se nos entrañe, al descender a las regiones abisales de nuestra alma. Entonces nos identificaremos con el Hijo, y nos convertiremos en morada de la Trinidad, adelantando el Cielo.

2024-01-29 Aquel que me ama…

&quot;All you need is love.&quot; <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Lent - Day 21

&quot;I have called you my friends.&quot;  These words of Jesus teach us how we should speak to him in our prayer.  Close friends converse with each other confidently and intimately.  We should habitually share all of our thoughts, feelings, and concerns with our friend Jesus. He is interested in any and every thing that affects us.  In times of trouble, when it seems like he has left us, this continuous dialogue becomes even more important.  They are moments to be trustingly sincere and simple.  Eventually he will help us through even the greatest trials and tribulations.  <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Intimate and Trusting Conversation with Christ

Lifted up on the Cross, Jesus reveals himself to be God.   <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Lent - Day 30

In preparation for the Christian Unity Octave which begins January 18th, we are sharing the first meditation from In Conversation with God, Volume 6. There is a meditation for each day of the unity octave!

Christian Unity Octave - In Conversation with God

El tesoro escondido y la perla preciosa, ¿cómo entenderlos? Desde varias ópticas; una, la del Amor que Dios nos tiene. De creerlo, viviríamos en la más feliz y tranquila de las existencias. El fuego quema, el sol alumbra, el agua refresca. ¿Y Dios? Ama, como que esa es su esencia. ¿Y cuál es la mayor de las manifestaciones de su Amor? La Encarnación del Verbo. Busquemos la continua unión con Jesús, y viviremos en el Amor.

2025-07-30 El Amor ama

En el capítulo 6º de san Juan, Jesús prepara poro a poco a sus oyentes, antes de revelarles el gran misterio de la Eucaristía. No es el maná el pan del cielo que el Padre les da, sino es Él mismo. San Juan de la Cruz escribió “Aquesta eterna fonte está escondida / en este vivo Pan por darnos vida / aunque es de noche”. Sí, una fuente eterna que hay que buscar en la oscuridad de la fe.

2026-08-30 Yo soy el Pan de vida

Jesus fulfills his promise to &quot;remain with us always&quot; with his presence in the Eucharist.  To believe in his real presence is a game changer in our prayer life and in life in general.  Jesus is alive in the Eucharist so that he can be fully alive in us.  <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Jesus Present and Alive

Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches a meditation at Lyncroft hospitality centre in Toronto. It is Holy Thursday, so he touches on the three great mysteries commemorated today: The priesthood, the Holy Eucharist, and the Commandment of Love.
Music: J.S. Bach, "Komm, Jesu, komm, BWV 229.
Thumbnail: Albrecht Durer, Engraving of the washing of the feet, 1510. Detroit Institute of Arts Museum.
https://www.dia.org/art/collection/object/last-supper-43117
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8BmK4a9nqgLi0kGWJieug

Holy Thursday 2021

Let us live Advent well. This is a time of grace, of preparation, of conversion, and of wonder, pondering a God who loves us so much. We have so many things to do, but the most important thing is that we pray, and ready ourselves for the coming of the Infant Jesus. A meditation by Father Thomas Bohlin.

Live Advent Well

#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.

03-05-25 Impossible Indulgence (RS)

El que sufre reclama consuelo. Y nosotros sufrimos la pena de la ausencia. En la carta a los Colosenses, san Pablo nos desea que seamos consolados en nuestros corazones. Lo maravilloso del asunto es que, al ser consolados por Cristo, podemos nosotros consolarlo a Él. La sed de Dios arranca de sus mismas profundidades. El tesoro está dentro de cada uno, porque ahí podemos realizar el encuentro y la unión.

2025-08-08 Ser consolado y consolar

A meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ellerton Center in Toronto, preached on July 4th, 2026.Mt 20:1-16: Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. From that early moment, he went out many times after. 9 a.m., He went out again about noon and about three p.m. Then again about five p.m. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. “He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ Even at the end of our life, God calls us.Thumbnail: Jean-François Millet, les Glaneuses, Musée d’Orsay 1857Music: pulsebox-piano-music-cinematic-552722

Workers in the Vineyard

San Juan Pablo II, luego del atentado que sufrió el 13 de mayo de 1981, quiso consagrar la humanidad al Corazón Inmaculado de María. ¿Qué significa ‘consagrar’? Dirigir lo consagrado a lo divino. Nos consagraron cuando nos bautizaron y nos consagró el Papa, y san Josemaría en cuatro ocasiones. Una de ellas, al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, para que el nuestro le pertenezca.

2024-08-12 De mi corazón al de Jesús

Caiaphas unknowingly predicts our redemption by planning our Lord&apos;s death.  He plays right into God&apos;s own greater plan. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Lent - Day 34

In this reflection, Fr. Luke Mata shares how Advent is a gentle wake-up call for parents to step out of distraction and make room for Christ in the midst of family life. Through prayer, Confession, and simple acts of love, he helps us prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming.A meaningful listen as we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas!

Advent Reflection from Fr. Luke Mata

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares a reflection on working for God, inspired by the homily given by Saint Josemaria on February 6, 1960. Fr. Javier poses three important questions for us to consider as we approach work each day: Do we work for Christ? We see in the beginning passages of Scripture that God gave man and woman the vocation to work – to till the garden. We are each called to put our talents at the service of God. Work itself is not to be seen as the end, but rather, to be seen as the means to pray, sacrifice, and give glory to God. Do we work in Christ? Christ, the source of love, spent his hidden years working. He spent this time working out of love for his heavenly Father as well as out of love for each one of us. By his example, Christ shows that we are called to sanctify the task at hand through the grace given to us by God. If we work out of love, we will see the fruit of our labor in heaven. As we work closely with God, we are slowly transformed and begin to reflect the love of Christ to others. Do we work through Christ? As we are transformed by the love of Christ, our daily actions slowly move away from being a choice of habit to being a choice of free will. Working through Christ creates in us the awareness for whom we are working as well as the reason behind our work. 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>

Working for God

Greg Shutte joins Doug to discuss the blame game. How does the blame game affect your marriage? How can mercy and forgiveness fix the problem and what are practical ways to practice these virtues? Plus: Stump a therapist!

Stump the Therapist

San Pablo instruye a su discípulo Timoteo en el conocimiento de Cristo. Le hace ver que el Verbo encarnado es la mayor prueba del amor de Dios, y que debe buscar la unión con Él en el amor. Todos somos Timoteo, porque una y otra vez necesitamos ser instruidos en el conocimiento de Cristo, la ciencia más alta. Intentar que abarque todo nuestro ámbito vital, dando gracias al Padre por habernos hecho el gran Don de su benevolencia.

2024-03-07 Conocimiento unitivo

¿Hacernos como niños para entrar en el Reino de los Cielos? ¿Qué derivaciones tiene esta invitación del Señor? Quizá la consideración de nuestra nada frente al todo de Dios. Y, de ahí, el abandono confiado. Y esto en cualquier época de la vida, aunque quizá en la vejez, en la que se repiten características de la niñez (como la indefensión), se haga más necesario. La infancia espiritual es ejercicio de virtudes teologales. Dios esperará de nosotros la sencillez y el cariño del niño.

2024-05-20 Como niño ante Dios

Mark 1, 29-39: All the demons he expelled, all the sickness….Demons possess a supernatural type of knowledge and therefore they recognize Jesus as the Messiah (Mk 1:24). Through the people they possess demons are able to publish this fact. But our Lord, using his divine powers, orders them to be silent. Some Fathers of the Church point out that Jesus does not want to accept, in support of the truth, the testimony of him who is the father of lies.
Spiritual direction can help us come closer to the truth about ourselves, and avoid lies.
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached to priests of the archdiocese of Toronto, at St. Aidan's parish on August 17, 2021.
Music: Handel, Rinaldo Opera, Aria Lascia ch'io Pianga, arranged for guitar by Bert Alink.
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

Spiritual Direction

First reading: Isaiah 49, 1-6
"Islands, listen to me, pay attention, remotest peoples. The Lord called me before I was born, from my mother’s womb he pronounced my name.
He made my mouth a sharp sword, and hid me in the shadow of his hand. He made me into a sharpened arrow, and concealed me in his quiver."
He promises that a new servant of the Lord is coming, someone who will really restore the city of Zion. Applied to Jesus, but also his forerunner, John The Baptist.
He was to be a voice crying in the wilderness, to make way the way for the Lord. Make way for the action of grace in souls around him. This is why he was calling to repentance. But we can also picture him as a child, contemplate him playing with Jesus, his cousin. Don't say much, just contemplate them...
Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai in Lyncroft centre, Toronto, June 24, 2021
Music: Andrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Multiplicity, 2017)
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
Thumbnail: Leonardo da Vinci, The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist, sometimes called The Burlington House Cartoon, 1499 (National Gallery in London)

Saint John the Baptist

01-02-24 Don’t Overpack (MC)

Mary Magdalene&apos;s encounter with the Risen Christ is truly a master class in love.   She teaches us lessons of desire, sorrow, responsibility and union with God.  Ultimately, to love is to convert, to make the center of our existence God and others shifting it away from ourselves.   <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

A Master Class of Love

Why would Jesus, the Prince of Peace, say He came not to bring peace but division? Fr. Luke Mata explores one of the most puzzling Gospel passages, Luke 12:49–53, where Jesus declares that following Him involves spiritual warfare, self-denial, and perseverance through struggle. The meditation emphasizes that Christian life is not meant to be easy or comfortable but a constant battle against sin, temptation, and complacency. Drawing lessons from Saints Peter and Paul, Fr. Luke highlights that holiness is not about perfection but about rising each time we fall and faithfully beginning again, and calls all listeners to awaken from spiritual laziness and embrace the narrow, demanding, but joy-filled path of true discipleship.

Did Jesus Really Come to Bring Division?

La alabanza de Isabel a María -bienaventurada tú que has creído- resulta muy ilustrativa: los frutos de la redención vendrán por el corazón abierto a la revelación de Dios. Veamos a Dios con los ojos abiertos y con los ojos cerrados, descubriéndolo en cada realidad. Si la fe es nuestro modo de vida, estaremos inmersos en ese mundo que escapa a los sentidos pero que es el único permanente.

2024-08-20 Que tu fe lo abarque todo

Doug unpacks 5 things that couples in good marriages do. He also discusses 12 saints who suffered from mental illness. &nbsp; 5 thing couples in good marriages do <ol> <li>They always resolve conflicts</li> <li>They give each other freedom</li> <li>They don&rsquo;t narrate each other&rsquo;s feelings</li> <li>They make space for boredom</li> <li>They don&rsquo;t outsource reassurance</li> </ol>

Marriage Wisdom and Saintly Struggles

Jodee Blanco joins Doug Hinderer and his daughter Monica to discuss the trauma bullying victims endure. Jodee shares her own story of the pain of being bullied and discusses the challenges that parents, children, and schools face when it comes to the problem of bullying. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Elaine - My daughter was bullied at school after we moved. Nobody talked to her at school so the next day, I called the school but they said kids are going to be kids. They made seating arrangements though during lunch, and she was able to make lifelong friends.</li> <li>Mary - My 4-year-old grandson was digitally raped, and now at 8 years old I see him bullying and stealing. What can we do to help him?</li> <li>Mark - I was bullied at school, and people with disabilities are bullied. I have a form of autism.</li> <li>LeeAnn - Have they ever seen, 'How to save a life' which is about the most popular kid in school, and shows the negatives of bullying? The boy goes through a crisis and a conversion and starts reaching out to the kids in the margins.</li> <li>Jim - When I was in boarding school and in that situation, the kids and also the faculty were being bullies as well. What do you think?</li> </ul> Resources: Jodee&rsquo;s website <a href="https://www.jodeeblanco.com/the-books/the-please-stop-laughing-at-me-journal/">https://www.jodeeblanco.com</a>

The Problem of Bullying

As we begin the month of February - the month of love - today's spiritual reading comes from Francisco Ugarte's short book From Resentment to Forgiveness: a Gateway to Happiness.

From Resentment to Forgiveness

Today's reading comes from Alban Goodier's book, The Risen Jesus, How Jesus Led the Disciples from Denial to Belief.

The Empty Tomb - The Risen Jesus

New Year, New Struggle

01-07-26 Get Low (TS)

Having the true God as our personal God is a great accomplishment and privilege.  The worship of false gods can take various forms.  In order to be truly human and  to love God as he deserves, we need to identify and cast out our idols.

Detoxing from Idols

Noviembre es un mes escatológico: comienza con los fieles difuntos y termina poniéndonos delante los acontecimientos del fin del mundo. Pero la culminación es una fiesta de esperanza y alegría: la Solemnidad de Cristo Rey. Llama la atención que la liturgia de la Solemnidad traiga a colación la cruz: y es porque Jesús es un Rey crucificado. La insignia de este reinado es la Cruz, y tiene palabras clave: austeridad, mortificación, pobreza, sobriedad, templanza, desprendimiento…

2024-11-21 Cristo, Rey crucificado.

14-04-26 Everything in Common (MRS)

Doug takes calls from listeners facing difficult family and marriage situations, including divorce, a child marrying outside the faith, and helping a spouse who spirals into worst-case thinking. The conversation also touches on emotional affairs and second marriages outside the Church. Listener questions and comments: <ul data-start="405" data-end="790"> <li data-section-id="aq5x7j" data-start="405" data-end="548"> Brian &ndash; My brother was just served divorce papers and his wife will not explain why. How can I support him during this process? (10:40) </li> <li data-section-id="d480ya" data-start="549" data-end="650"> Carmel &ndash; My 40-year-old daughter is marrying an atheist. Should I attend the wedding? (19:19) </li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a>

Helping Loved Ones Through Marriage Crises

How do you heal a broken heart? How do you deal with unresolved childhood trauma? Doug answers these questions and more. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Christine - I am reading a story of a woman in the Nazi camps who forgave the Nazis for what they did to her. it was so inspiring and reminded me of what you&rsquo;re saying about forgiveness. (23:17)</li> <li>Jimmy - I was sexually abused by an older sibling and had forgotten about it until he apologized. I think that made it worse because it made me more aware. (26:19)</li> <li>Anthony - My wife was abused by her uncle. We were married in 1980 and she didn&rsquo;t tell me until 1990. She lied in front of a priest too. I don&rsquo;t know how to get over this. (36:02)</li> <li>Pete - I tried committing suicide. The thing you think is you want to stop this pain not that you want to die. (44:30)</li> </ul> &nbsp; &nbsp; Resources: A Blessing, Not a Burden: My Parents&rsquo; Remarkable Holocaust Story and My Fight to Keep Their Legacy Alive <a href="https://bit.ly/4soLN0k">https://bit.ly/4soLN0k</a> &nbsp; The Forgiveness Institute <a href="https://internationalforgiveness.com/">https://internationalforgiveness.com/</a>

Healing from Trauma and a Broken Heart

Doug continues his talk on how to forgive your spouse after an affair and how to work to save the marriage. He also takes listener call/emails on how to navigate troubled relationships.

Forgiveness After an Affair pt. 2

02-11-24 Accompanied Solitude (DOH)

Doug continues his discussion on Borderline Personality Disorder. What can you do to help you spouse if they have BPD and what kind of help should you get if you struggle with it?

Borderline Personality Disorder Pt. 2

2024-12-21 Que tu fe lo abarque todo

Lo que lleva a plenitud de vida de cualquier hombre es el cumplimiento de la voluntad de Dios. Para eso, es preciso oír, y para oír debemos abrir el corazón a la fe. A Dios le agrada nuestra obediencia interior, el deseo de aceptar plenamente su querer. San José es modelo en el cumplimiento de la voluntad de Dios sin rechistar, es decir, sin emitir ni una palabra, ni un sonido, de resistencia a ese querer.

2024-08-10 Cumple sin chistar la voluntad de Dios

Jesus&apos; visit to Martha and Mary contains great insights for our Christian life.  Mary&apos;s attention to our Lord is a great act of appreciation and love.  Jesus&apos; correction of Martha is not owing to her being busy serving, but more for her being distracted and worried.  Love, which includes prayer, is the one thing necessary.   And love unites our attention, giving focus and purpose to all that we do. <a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>

Love and Attention

El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica nos enseña que la oración es un combate. Así lo desarrolla el n. 2725, animándonos a vencer los dos enemigos fundamentales: nuestro propio yo y las tácticas del demonio. En las primeras, tenemos que superar la falta de fe, el aletargamiento, en monólogos donde encontramos mil justificaciones. El segundo enemigo son las formas erróneas de entender la oración: el psicologismo, las prácticas y plegarias rituales, etc. Orar es entregarnos a Dios y recibir a Dios que se nos entrega.

2025-01-13 El combate de la oración

21-01-26 Facing Goliath (RS)

In Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, we are shown what it means to look at another person with a pure gaze. Father Joe Keefe reflects on the universal thirst and hunger for true happiness. Holy Purity is the virtue that allows us to feed and drink from the one Source that never fails, that never dries up.

Thirsting for Pure Love

Dr. Chris Ebberwein joins Doug to discuss his book,&nbsp;The Cana Rosary: A Couple's Prayer. &nbsp; &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; The Cana Rosary: A Couple's Prayer <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cana-Rosary-Couples-Prayer/dp/1502392232">https://www.amazon.com/Cana-Rosary-Couples-Prayer/dp/1502392232</a> &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>

Praying For Your Marriage

Doug is joined by his daughter Katie as she is currently in Rome when she heard the news that Pope Francis died and gives her perspective of the atmosphere there (6:18). Doug then discusses Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation about marriage, "Amoris Laetitia" (Joy of Love).&nbsp; (20:26) Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Austen -Shares his thoughts on Pope Francis and the inspiration he gave to him (15:35)</li> <li>Mai- husband left and want a divorce, but I don't want to cooperate.&nbsp; (42:30)</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> Amoris Laetitia:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/dam/francesco/pdf/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia_en.pdf">papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia_en.pdf</a>

Pope Francis and Marriage

Doug finishes discussing Ephesians 5:25. He also discusses gratitude and forgiveness.&nbsp; &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: &nbsp; <ul> <li>Michelle - My daughter died a few years ago from cancer. My husband has treated me terribly since she died. He's even called girlfriends from high school. It's hard to live like this. What am I to do? I need some help dealing with this. (37:33)</li> <li>Mary - How do you get over a broken heart from your husband's porn and social media addiction? He lusts over much younger women. (44:10)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: The Forgiveness Institute <a href="https://internationalforgiveness.com/">https://internationalforgiveness.com/</a>

Sacrificial Love, Forgiveness & Gratitude

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/social-doctrine-daily/voicemail" target="_blank">Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.</a>In a rapidly changing technological, economic, and social landscape, Pope John XXIII took pen to paper and wrote Pacem in Terris from the heart of the Church as its father and prince, the representative of Christ on earth.Social Doctrine Daily is a daily podcast reading the social encyclicals of the Catholic Church.This podcast exists for people who want to work their way through catholic social teaching, but struggle to find the time. Each episode offers about ten minutes of a simple, uninterrupted audio reading from the documents themselves.These encyclicals—from popes such as Pope Leo XIII, Pope Pius XI, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis—form the heart of what is known as Catholic social teaching, a tradition that seeks to guide society toward what many have called a civilization of love.Core Documents of Catholic Social TeachingRerum Novarum — Pope Leo XIII (1891)Quadragesimo Anno — Pope Pius XI (1931)Mater et Magistra — Pope John XXIII (1961)Pacem in Terris — Pope John XXIII (1963)Gaudium et Spes — Second Vatican Council (1965)Populorum Progressio — Pope Paul VI (1967)Octogesima Adveniens — Pope Paul VI (1971)Justice in the World — Synod of Bishops (1971)Evangelii Nuntiandi — Pope Paul VI (1975)Redemptor Hominis — Pope John Paul II (1979)Laborem Exercens — Pope John Paul II (1981)Sollicitudo Rei Socialis — Pope John Paul II (1987)Centesimus Annus — Pope John Paul II (1991)Evangelium Vitae — Pope John Paul II (1995)Deus Caritas Est — Pope Benedict XVI (2005)Caritas in Veritate — Pope Benedict XVI (2009)Evangelii Gaudium — Pope Francis (2013)Laudato Si’ — Pope Francis (2015)Fratelli Tutti — Pope Francis (2020)Querida Amazonia — Pope Francis (2020)Laudate Deum — Pope Francis (2023)Magnifica Humanitas - Pope Leo XIV (2026)4If you’d like to follow along with the text, all documents are available online through the Vatican website.You can listen on the Scepter Publishers app or wherever you get your podcasts.Download the free Scepter Spiritual Reading app here:Apple App Store:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scepter-publishers/id6755748736">https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scepter-publishers/id6755748736</a>Google Play Store:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scepterpublishers.app&amp;hl=en_US">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scepterpublishers.app&amp;hl=en_US</a>You can read more about Scepter here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.scepterpublishers.org">www.scepterpublishers.org</a>

Pacem in Terris (Part 4)

Magdalena no se va del sepulcro. Luego que Pedro y Juan comprobaron que no estaba el cuerpo del Señor, ella permanece ahí, llorando. Esperaba recuperar un cadáver y se encuentra a Jesús vivo. “Se apareció a María Magdalena, que está loca de amor. Y a ti y a mí, más locos que la Magdalena…”. Todo consiste en el amor: hagámoslo crecer, manteniendo en Jesús nuestro pensamiento.

2024-04-02 Magdalena loca de amor

Doug discusses suffering in marriage. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Jennifer - How much suffering is too much? (8:44)</li> <li>Candy - I have been married for 40 years. My husband goes into funks and won&rsquo;t talk to me for a day or up to 3 months. I start getting upset and I don&rsquo;t know what to do. (19:37)</li> <li>Elaine - I was divorced in 1991, and he was having an affair with his secretary since 1989. It was awful and I wanted to save the marriage, but I had lost to this woman. I wonder what would have happened if I had stuck around. (27:46)</li> <li>Rocco - Mary at the Wedding of Cana might have said what she said to the servants because of her perspective as a married woman. She was invested in the wedding going well and starting the marriage off well. (34:51)</li> <li>Mike - I suffer from depression myself and one thing I find is that medication helps. Prayer life will also help. (37:41)</li> <li>Deedee - What is the difference between the 6th and 9th commandments? Which is worse? (41:45)</li> <li>Anthony - My wife revealed trauma from her childhood (incest and rape) and she told me ten years after we got married. We divorced because of it. She kept this from me before marriage. (44:09)</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://catholictherapists.com/">https://catholictherapists.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Psychotherapy <a href="https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/">https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/</a>

Marriage, Suffering, and Lasting Hope

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on joy as an essential characteristic to our participation in the new evangelization. Throughout the Advent season, we seek to remove the obstacles that separate us from God and prepare to receive the outpouring of joy so that we may become a witness to the love of God the 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>

Gateway to Joy

El Padre celestial se refiere a su Hijo como el Amado. ¿Lo es también para mí? ¿Es mi mundo interior un continuo encuentro con su mundo interior? El mayor bien, en realidad el único bien, se encuentra en el amor al Amado. La vida divina que está en cada uno de nosotros se despliega en los encuentros con el Amado.

2026-07-26 Que sea amado

Lent is a wonderful opportunity to find our peace, joy, and comfort in God.  We do this by denying ourselves our usual sources of support, distraction, and pleasure.   To be filled by God is to run the risk of emptying ourselves out of other things.  This takes trust, courage and patience.   God always responds to this kind of personal faith, even when it is imperfect and needs to grow.

[Rebroadcast]: Having a Happily Miserable Lent

In Love Finds a Way, Stephen Gabriel shares a deeply personal and practical guide for cultivating a richer interior life. Drawing on the wisdom of St. Josemaría and the spiritual tradition of the Church, Gabriel offers encouragement, structure, and specific devotions to help lay Catholics grow in friendship with Christ.

Love Finds A Way

On today&apos;s podcast we are reminded, for our contemplation, of the words Pope Benedict XVI offered on the meaning of freedom: “Who is freer than the One who is the Almighty? He did not, however, live his freedom as an arbitrary power or as domination. He lived it as a service. In this way he ‘filled’ freedom with content, which would otherwise have remained an ‘empty’ possibility of doing or not doing something. . .freedom draws its meaning from love . . .” If it is true happiness that we are looking for when seeking freedom, then we should observe the actions of Jesus Christ.  He himself showed us how to be obedient to God the Father no matter the cost. And, in return, God the Father nourishes Jesus’ strength to carry out his act of love for the Father.  This is the model the saints chose to follow and it would be wise for us to do the same. 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>

Freedom

Jesús comienza en solitario su predicación, pero pronto se ve rodeado de seguidores. En un momento dado, después de orar, elige a sus apóstoles. Esa elección procede del misterio de comunión entre el Padre y el Hijo. Y el primer motivo de esa elección es “para que estuvieran con Él”. El apóstol necesita un conocimiento personal del Maestro, advirtiendo que se trata de Alguien único, no asimilable a ningún otro líder humano.

2025-07-15 Nos llamó para estar con Él

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto.The last thing we remember from Good Friday was that he was buried. Without commentary. You only bury someone when you’re absolutely clear that he is dead. He fully participated in the human destiny of death. Jesus travelled the path of death right to the bitter and seemingly hopeless end in the tomb. The first shock began with the empty tomb. On its own, this is not enough to prove the resurrection, but it is the essential premise. Lets see how the early church framed this.Music: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Thumbnail: Rembrandt, The supper at Emmaus, 1648, Louvre, Paris.

The Empty Tomb: what now?

In this episode, Farrell Sheehan discusses the need for dads to be intentional in the stewardship of the family's finances.


Podcast Production Services by NCC Audio - https://nccaudio.com

Episode 16: Financial Stewardship

Matthew 5: But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.
The Lord is suggesting something to us about our gaze, about how we look at others. I want to understand what you mean here Lord: it seems that the way we look at someone expresses his deeper intention, our deeper desires. Jesus says this to us in the section where he speaks about adultery. He reminded his disciples of the old law, how it prohibited adultery, but in the new law, there is a push to integrity, to authenticity, greater interior and exterior coherence.&nbsp;
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff College (Toronto), June 10, 2022.
Music: Linda Ronstadt - Just One Look (Live) From Youtube: https://youtu.be/IsEwBzfdMnk
Music: Handel, Opera Rinaldo, Aria "Lascia ch'io pianga", arranged for guitar by Bert Alink
Thumbnail: Toller Cranston from Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-N0324-0010,_Toller_Cranston. Wikipedia.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

Just One Look: On Holy Purity

This episode of The Dad Project is the second in a two-part series on dads' role in the sexual education of children. In Episode 2, Martin Boles proposes a framework for discussing sexuality with children at different stages of their development.


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Episode 13: Sexual Education, Part 2

Doug discusses the importance of setting boundaries in marriage. He shares how boundaries are like property lines and help to protect your values, energy, time and let your spouse learn how he or she can love you more and bring more joy into your life. Doug unpacks the types of boundaries: emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual and shares where God set boundaries in the Bible. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Mary - I have a 22-year-old son who graduated from college, and he wants to spend a week with his girlfriend's family. He knows what we think about premarital sex, but my husband and I are not sure about it. What should we do? (18:55)</li> <li>David - When my wife doesn't accept the boundary, what should I do? (35:47)</li> <li>Mary - My daughter's stepdaughter is 20 years old and going to community college. She doesn't do anything to help around the house. How does a stepmother properly set boundaries? (38:33)</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>

How to set boundaries in marriage

Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches about the Adorote Devote, a Eucharistic hymn written by St. Thomas Aquinas. It is a hymn rich with faith at the real presence, the living presence of this living pelican who suffers and dies for us, but manages to stay with us.
 
Music from Handel Rinaldo opera, Lascia ch'io pianga, played by Bert Alink.
The thumbnail picture is a pall made by Talleres de Arte Granda