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Today on the podcast… Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, encourages us to be contemplatives in the middle of the world, and explains why prayer is an essential ingredient, if we are to be leaven for the world. <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Becoming Leaven for the World

Today Doug unpacks how to stress proof your marriage this Christmas season. All the shopping, and preparing can interfere with the celebration of the birth of our Savior and can lead to one or both spouses feeling unappreciated. Doug discuses tips that can help spouses work together to create a sense of balance.   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>   Ruah Woods Institute <a href="https://www.ruahwoodsinstitute.org/">https://www.ruahwoodsinstitute.org/</a>   The Gift of Forgiveness <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2024/12/the-gift-of-forgiveness/">https://relevantradio.com/2024/12/the-gift-of-forgiveness/</a>

Stress Proof Marriage at Christmas

Doug shares instances ranging from premarital sex to marital infidelity and asks listeners to call in and share the advice they would give in these situations. Callers weigh in, and Doug gives his advice on how to better communicate in marriage and unpacks the power of forgiveness and regular confession. &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>

Who wants to be a therapist?

This meditation was preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on at Lyncroft centre in Toronto, January 19, 2025.
You may have heard that Pope Francis has published his autobiography, published by Penguin Canada, now that he is an old man, and his pontificate has lasted longer than anyone expected.
Here is what he tells his readers: “If one day you are overcome by fears and worries, think of that episode in the Gospel of John, at the marriage at Cana (John 2:1– 12), and say to yourselves: The best wine has yet to be served.”

The Best Wine is Yet to Come

#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.

30-11-25 I Will Be Your Waiter (RS)

Michael Pakaluk joins Doug to discuss the news of the opening of Ruth Pakaluk&rsquo;s cause for canonization.

Are you married to a future saint?

Doug unpacks 12 ways to keep your spouse deeply in love with you. From making your spouse feel like the most important person in the room, to surprising each other in the ways that matter, these tips will help to keep your love from growing stale. 12 ways to keep your spouse deeply in love with you <ol> <li>Make your spouse feel like they are the most important person in the room.</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t let life get in the way of laughing.</li> <li>Argue in the right way. It&rsquo;s not about winning but growing together.</li> <li>Surprise each other in ways that matter.</li> <li>Give space to grow as individuals.</li> <li>Keep the romance alive even when life gets busy.</li> <li>Say thank you for the small things.</li> <li>Turn off the world and pay attention to each other.</li> <li>Cheer each other on through life&rsquo;s most difficult challenges.</li> <li>Share goals that give the relationship purpose.</li> <li>Communicate honestly, even when it&rsquo;s uncomfortable.</li> <li>Never stop choosing each other every day.</li> </ol>

Building virtue to stay deeply in love

Jesus Christ came to earth not only to save us from sin and death but also to show us how to embrace suffering and persevere through temptation.In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the three temptations Christ endured while in the desert and explains how we can follow his example when facing temptation in our daily life. Through his humanity, Christ gives witness to the intentional effort needed to turn away from sin and achieve growth in our spiritual life. As St. Josemaria Escriva writes: “The whole episode is a mystery which man cannot hope to understand: God submitting to temptation, letting the evil one have his way. But we can meditate upon it, asking our Lord to help us understand the teaching it contains” (Christ is Passing By, no. 61). <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Temptations of Christ

What does it really mean to follow Jesus and take up our cross each day? In this meditation, Fr. Luke Mata reflects on Christ’s challenging call in Luke 9:23 to deny oneself, take up the cross daily, and follow Him, emphasizing that authentic Christianity cannot exist without sacrifice and self-denial. He explains that the “cross” is usually not dramatic martyrdom but the small, hidden acts of daily mortification and self-discipline through which believers die to their own desires and unite their sufferings with Christ. By freely embracing suffering and offering it in love, Christians participate in Christ’s redemptive work, transforming pain into a means of salvation for themselves and others. Fr. Luke urges believers to rediscover the spiritual value of sacrifice and to courageously live a faith that accepts the cross, trusting that through it God brings life, redemption, and renewal to the world.

Carrying The Cross With Jesus

Opening

Preface

Book 1, Chapter 1

Book 1, Chapter 2

Book 1, Chapter 3

Book 1, Chapter 4

Book 1, Chapter 5

Book 1, Chapter 6

Book 1, Chapter 7

Book 1, Chapter 8

Book 2, Chapter 1

Book 2, Chapter 2

Book 2, Chapter 3

Book 2, Chapter 4

Book 2, Chapter 5

Book 2, Chapter 6

Book 2, Chapter 7

Book 2, Chapter 8

Appendix

Closing

"No one has greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." &ndash;John 15:13 What does it mean to live friendship as a Christian? In a culture of fleeting connections and digital noise,&nbsp;The Company We Keep&nbsp;offers a compelling return to the wisdom of Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, the Gospel, and Christian tradition to rediscover the lost art and meaning of true friendship as a vital part of holiness and disicpleship. Catholic philosopher Michael Pakaluk invites readers to see friendship not as optional, but essential: a moral, spiritual, and deeply human bond that reflects our highest calling. With clarity and warmth, he explores the kinds of friendship that shape our lives&mdash;from casual camaraderie to the deep, sacrificial love between spouses, parents, and children. Whether you seek richer relationships, deeper community, or a more meaningful life of faith, this book will challenge and inspire you to choose your company wisely&mdash;and to become the kind of friend that is crucial and indispensable in the lives of your loved ones. It is a book about community, growing in love, and following Christ more closely&mdash;together.&nbsp;

The Company We Keep (audiobook)

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio helps us to pray and go deeper in our understanding and love for the Eucharist as we prepare for the feast of Corpus Christi. On 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. Like the saints, Eucharistic devotion should be a common trait in our personal witness of Christ and our personal ability to spread the Gospel. Fr. Peter, therefore, encourages us to make the resolution to spend time regularly in front of the Blessed Sacrament— our oasis where we are nourished and fueled by love. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A-Living-Monstrance-.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>Visit Show Page</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

A Living Monstrance (Rebroadcast)

Forgiveness is difficult but essential, especially within marriage. Licensed marriage and family therapist, Doug Hinderer shares his insights into what forgiveness in marriage is, what it isn’t, and how our spouse’s defects are something to be loved.Doug can be found: <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com</a>

Ep. 18 Forgiveness in Marriage (with Doug Hinderer)

"Why have the gentiles raged and the people devised vain things?" Psalm 2:1Jake, Louis, and Pat continue exploring the themes of Psalm 2, Verse 1, unraveling the raw, passionate rage of the nations against God. Their discussion isn’t just academic; it’s an investigation into how this ancient rebellion resonates within our own lives today. As they unpack the rich allegorical interpretations, get ready for a thorough examination of the impulsive nature of human defiance and the stark contrast between our primal instincts and the profound capacity for reason.Tune in as they tease apart the powerful concept of kingship as a form of service and sonship, ultimately revealing Christ as the greatest embodiment of this vision. Don’t miss out on this captivating conversation that promises not only to challenge your perceptions but to inspire your spirit!

Verse 1, Part 2 - Rage and Rebellion

In this homily from Blessed Alvaro’s Feast Day, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei, shares some personal stories of his encounters with Blessed Alvaro del Portillo. What you’ll hear: -About Blessed Alvaro’s pilgrimage to St. Mary’s of the Angels Church in Chicago, IL -Fr. Peter Armenio’s encounters with, and stories of, Blessed Alvaro -About Blessed Alvaro’s personality -Blessed Alvaro’s recipe for happiness -How Blessed Alvaro helped Pope Saint John Paul II <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Personal Encounters with Blessed Alvaro del Portillo

Today on the podcast…  Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on why the Incarnation is Good News of great joy, and how Christmas is ultimately a celebration of radical access to God.  <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Christmas, A Celebration of Divine Access

Today's reading comes from Volume 1 of In Conversation with God for Wednesday of the third week of Advent.

The Signs - In Conversation with God

As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the United States, Father Javier del Castillo reminds us in this meditation, as St Josemaria Escriva also often did, that we ought to thank God always by habitually making frequent acts of thanksgiving, acts of gratitude. “We were never asked by God to come into existence,” Fr Javier explains, “everything we have— our talents, our virtues, even our defects— all have been been foreseen by God, allowed by God, given to us by God so that we can fulfill the single mission that we have received from before the foundation of the world, as St Paul would say, in giving glory to God. ‘Thank you Lord for everything because everything is good.’” And as we strive to maintain a constant spirit of gratitude in our lives we will realize that &quot;thanksgiving enlarges our hearts to receive even greater gifts from God.&quot; <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Thanksgiving & Gratitude (Rebroadcast)

Today on the podcast… At the end of this Christmas season, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on how our journey to Christ is like that of the magi, and what the three gifts of the magi can teach us about approaching Christ. <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Our Journey To Christ The Light

In this episode, we welcome Kenzie Covarrubias and Amber Hassett from Held in Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and families experiencing miscarriage. Together, we discuss the healing process after a miscarriage, practical ways family members can offer support, and how Held in Hope provides tools and resources to aid in the healing journey. Kenzie and Amber share powerful insights and resources to encourage charity toward others and oneself during times of loss. Learn more about their mission and access resources at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.heldinhope.org/">Held in Hope</a>.

S4 Ep. 50 - Supporting Women Through Miscarriage with Held in Hope

How should you relate to a father who abused you emotionally and physically as a child? Does a pornography addiction invalidate a marriage? &nbsp;Doug opens up the mailbag and shares advice on these questions and more. Plus: The Friday rant! Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Cindy - I've been dating a man for three months and not heard an 'I love you'. My boyfriend is not very affectionate. We do hug and kiss, but he won&rsquo;t show it with his words. (34:10)</li> <li>Deedee - I just recently stopped communication with a married man. It was not sexual but emotional. How do I stay away? (38:27)</li> </ul> Resources: &nbsp; Handbook of Catholic Apologetics <a href="https://ignatius.com/handbook-of-catholic-apologetics-hcatap/">https://ignatius.com/handbook-of-catholic-apologetics-hcatap/</a> &nbsp; Yes or No? Straight Answers to Tough Questions About Christianity <a href="https://ignatius.com/yes-or-no-ynp/">https://ignatius.com/yes-or-no-ynp/</a> &nbsp; Five Proofs of the Existence of God <a href="https://ignatius.com/five-proofs-of-the-existence-of-god-fpegp/">https://ignatius.com/five-proofs-of-the-existence-of-god-fpegp/</a> &nbsp; The Forgiveness Institute <a href="https://internationalforgiveness.com/">https://internationalforgiveness.com/</a> &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>

Does a pornography addiction invalidate a marriage?

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the first evangelical words of Christ—&quot;Come and see&quot;—and the power of personal witness in evangelization. He highlights how spreading the Gospel does not require grand gestures but genuine relationship, as seen in the example of John the Baptist, who led his disciples to Jesus, and in the early Church, where ordinary laypeople shared the faith in their daily lives.  Drawing from John 1:39, Fr. Peter emphasizes that evangelization starts with personal conversion and time spent with Christ: &quot;They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day.&quot; He reminds us that just as St. Andrew brought St. Peter to Jesus, we, too, are called to bring others to him through our joy, kindness, and authentic Christian witness.  <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Come-and-See-Drawing-Others-to-Christ-Transcript-.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/come-and-see/'>Visit Show Page</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Come and See: Drawing Others to Christ

Should you get involved to help your parents&rsquo; marriage? What can you do if your reversion to the faith is causing more tension in the marriage? Doug answers these questions and more. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Hellen - My husband and I have been married for 42 years and the Holy Spirit finally got a hold of him and he just converted after all this time. (21:54)</li> <li>Jessica - I also witnessed abuse of my father on my mother and we spoke up after he did something. We all gathered up the courage and told him no. He never hurt her again. (36:42)</li> </ul>

Breaking Cycles of Verbal Abuse

In this special podcast episode, Fr. Luke Mata shares a reflection on how we can better accompany Christ in his Passion this Holy Week.We hope our followers have wonderful Easter! <a href="https://www.fairestloveshrine.org/contact-us">Subscribe</a> to the Fairest Love newsletter for more podcasts, insightful blog posts, and updates!

S4 Ep. 14 - Holy Week Reflection with Fr. Luke Mata

Listen to a portion of St. Josemaria Escriva's Advent meditation, The Christian Vocation from the book Christ is Passing By. The passage comes from points 7-11.