Catholic Media

Aristotle first taught us the possibility of a contemplative life, and O’Connor gives us a ringside seat to see what that life may look like.

Today we bring you the second half of Bishop Barron’s May 2024 address at the Star of the North Eucharistic Congress in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Friends, today in our Gospel, Jesus tells of a rich man who has been so successful that he doesn’t have space enough to store his harvest.

Our answer makes a difference. We are presented today with the single most important question any of us will be asked and all of us will have to answer: Who do you say that Jesus is?

Friends, in today’s Gospel, James and John ask Jesus to place them in high places in his kingdom.

Maria Callas transcended a personal identity and became an avatar for the divine to offer a glimpse into the beauty, grace, and love of God.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us how to deal with persecution.

John C. H. Wu's purpose is evangelistic. In showing how the best in Chinese thought is fulfilled in Christianity, he hopes to aid conversion.

Friends, our Gospel shows us what Jesus wants his followers to be doing and how they ought to do it. We are a missionary Church.

Dominic de Souza, the founder of LegendFiction, shares his thoughts about imagination, evangelization, and storytelling in community.

Rod Dreher reveals where contemporary Western culture has fallen, showing how to regain our footing and reminding us of our true destination.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus launches a blistering attack on the scholars of the Law. 

Belgium offers a reminder that even when under fire and harassed on all sides, it’s still possible to plant a flag for the faith.

Friends, our Gospel this Sunday is taken from the tenth chapter of Mark, and it is high-octane spiritual business. 

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

The Catholic anthropologist René Girard (1923–2015) has emerged as one of the most important thinkers of the past century. His sweeping mimetic theory changed the landscape of both the social sciences and Christian theology. And with the rise of social media, political polarization, and globalized conflict, Girard’s ideas have only proven increasingly prophetic with every passing year.But where to begin with this “new Darwin of the human sciences”? His massive body of work remains daunting and disorienting, and secondary literature either academic in tone or limited in scope. General readers—if Girard shows up on their radar at all—face a high barrier of entry to understanding his theory and applying it to daily life.I Came to Cast Fire offers a timely solution: a comprehensive but accessible introduction to the thought of René Girard. In short and digestible chapters, Fr. Elias Carr takes readers through the basics of mimetic theory and how it plays out through history—from the violent origins of religion and culture to the radical revelation that unfolds in Christ—weaving in compelling personal anecdotes along the way. The perfect first step for those new to Girard, I Came to Cast Fire will not only inspire readers to see the world in a new light—the fire of the Paraclete proclaiming the innocence of the victim—but more importantly, to enter into it. 

The DDF has rendered its judgment on the supposed apparitions and messages of Mary and the spiritual practices connected with Medjugorje.

Join Tod and Dr. Patrick Deneen as they discuss what happened to the compelling idea of liberalism and what we should do next.

Friends, Jesus concludes today’s Gospel by prescribing giving alms as a key to holiness.

Sor Juana's play "The Divine Narcissus" shows that mythical images better fit the truth about God than they do the falsehoods of paganism.

How should we respond and resist in light of Christ’s command to love our enemies when the culture shows anti-Christian bigotry?

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the crowd that they will receive no sign except the sign of Jonah, which was a prophetic code for his death and Resurrection.

Our answer makes a difference. We are presented today with the single most important question any of us will be asked and all of us will have to answer: Who do you say that Jesus is?

Friends, in today’s Gospel, a rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.

Women’s roles cannot be addressed without reference to differences between men and women, as well as acknowledgment of woman’s full humanity.

Friends, our Gospel blesses those who hear the word of God and observe it.

"Manning Fireworks" presents a beige Catholicism that has nothing to instill in its listeners other than its own insecurity and anxiety.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, we learn of a person possessed by a demon.

Haley interviews Dr. LuElla D’Amico, an Associate Professor of English at the University of the Incarnate Word.

With Chesterton and the Anti Work Girlboss, a new generation can gain wisdom of Catholic teaching and a serious talk about the modern economy.

In "The Power Broker," Robert Moses' story demonstrates that we cannot make use of talents we have received unless we are rooted in reality.

Friends, our Gospel today is about prayer and the power of prayer. This excerpt from Luke is filled with wisdom in regard to the proper attitude of prayer.

As responsible citizens, we owe it to our nation to make our best effort to exercise good judgment on its behalf. But don’t expect perfection.

Friends, for this Twenty-eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time, our first reading from the marvelous book of Wisdom presents an old biblical trope:

Friends, our Gospel for today gives us an opportunity to reflect on the great prayer that Jesus taught us.

Kris Kristofferson brought forth new horizons in songwriting and new revelations on the silver screen, but his music will endure the most.

Friends, today’s Gospel is the story of Martha and Mary. I’d like to offer a fresh take on this famous little story.

John Smith discusses Autistic Catholics, his organization to help others looking for a community to be themselves and share their faith.

Today we bring you the first half of Bishop Barron’s May 2024 address at the Star of the North Eucharistic Congress in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Friends, our Gospel today is one of the best-known of Jesus’ parables, the story of the Good Samaritan.

Our answer makes a difference. We are presented today with the single most important question any of us will be asked and all of us will have to answer: Who do you say that Jesus is?

Friends, in our Gospel, Jesus defines the fundamental sacredness of marriage. I’m convinced that the deep sacramental and religious meaning of marriage—even within the Church—has been, in recent years, dramatically compromised.

Pakaluk tells stories of moms who carry forward Hannah’s spirit and will inspire the sort of heroism we need to recover from the birth dearth.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus equips his disciples for defeating the devil. And the Lord continues to empower them for spiritual warfare.

Don’t expect full reciprocation. Ever. Simply smile, take a breath, and say to yourself, “Let the more loving one be me.” 

The Aquinas at 800 conference was a fitting recognition of the Angelic doctor both in quantity of participants and quality of presentations.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus passes judgment on towns who have failed to believe in him and his signs: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!

For Christians, Advent is not meant to be a time of passive waiting, but rather of hopeful preparation for the coming of the Lord. In this devotional booklet, Bishop Robert Barron invites readers to enter more deeply into the prayerful nature of the season. Advent Gospel Reflections features the full Gospel reading for each day of Advent, a daily reflection from Bishop Barron, space for journaling and answering reflection questions, and more! Beautiful, practical, and affordable, this booklet is ideal for both individual meditation and group study on a family or parish level.    What You’ll Find Inside: An introduction from Bishop Barron The full Gospel reading for each day of Advent A daily reflection from Bishop Barron ​Questions for further discussion and reflection Space for journaling and answering reflection questions The Rosary prayers with sacred artworks depicting the Joyful Mysteries ​Reflections on each of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

The history of the World Shrine of the Green Scapular shows the profound effect a small, determined Catholic community can have on the world.

Friends, our Gospel, taken from the magnificent tenth chapter of Luke’s Gospel, is a portrait of the Church.

The CRT-DEI vision traffics in essentially Christian heresies, because it co-opts and transmogrifies Christian concepts.

Matthew Petrusek introduces celebrates the 6th anniversary of the Word on Fire Insitute and shares new initiatives and its expanded offerings.

A road to God starts where the person traveling that road is. Only what you find beautiful can be the beauty which is a road to God for you.

Friends, today we celebrate the feast of our guardian angels. Why does God send these spiritual messengers to help us?

Friends, the first reading from Genesis and the Gospel from Mark this week are of great importance.

The Stoic philosophers of antiquity recognized something we often forget. Good fortune does not guarantee happiness, and bad fortune does not guarantee misery. Boethius was the last philosopher of ancient Rome and a Christian theologian. He was also an illustrious senator who suffered a spectacular reversal of fortune. Falsely accused of treason and sentenced to death, he spent several months in prison awaiting his execution. For consolation he turned to the Stoics he had spent his life studying. They helped him to remember that the good things he once enjoyed—wealth, power, fame—could not make him truly happy. Also, that the injustice he suffered need not make him miserable. But the Stoics were not the only philosophers Boethius sought for consolation. The Stoics had taught that the highest happiness we can hope for is tranquility—serene indifference despite all the trials of life. But for Boethius, tranquility was not enough. He reached for something beyond Stoicism. Something that promised true happiness, come what may. This book is a guide through Boethius’s The Consolation of Philosophy. It shows how Boethius, in his darkest hour, took everything noble from Stoicism and fused it with a rational and religious conviction that there is a hope for happiness through and beyond the suffering of this life. 

It is in St. Thérèse’s “little way”—a low key, mostly unnoticed and unappreciated death to self—that sanctity most often happens.

"Hear of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story" is a truly remarkable film about the enduring impact of a remarkable man.

Tod Worner and Dr. Gary Saul Morson discuss the shock and lasting relevance of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s Harvard address.

Friends, today is the Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus.

"The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien" are delightful, compelling, and valuable for insight into Tolkien’s personal and creative growth.

How should we respond and resist in light of Christ’s command to love our enemies when the culture shows anti-Christian bigotry?

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that he will be rejected by men who will kill him and then he will rise from the dead.

Our answer makes a difference. We are presented today with the single most important question any of us will be asked and all of us will have to answer: Who do you say that Jesus is?

Friends, in our Gospel today, Jesus speaks, with incredible bluntness, about cutting off one’s hand and foot and plucking out one’s own eye.

We must do more than merely not shout angry abuse; we must actively love our neighbor, even when we think them wrong in their politics.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus predicts his being handed over to men—that is, his Crucifixion.

"Am I Racist? gives hope for sanity in the possibility of converting back fellow Americans who have bought the lies of the consultant class.

Haley interviews celebrated author Gary D. Schmidt, the winner of multiple Newbery Honor awards and a National Book Award finalist, about his middle grade novel, The Labors of Hercules Beal.

Friends, the Gospel for today is incomparably rich and mysterious. First, we notice that peculiar question, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” No other religious figure or founder would ask such a question.

Mark Bradford shares his conversion story with Dr. Matthew Petrusek, explaining how radically his life changed when he believed Jesus was truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—in the Eucharist.

A significant yet sometimes risky question we tend to ask ourselves is, “Am I holy enough for God?” We may struggle with feelings of inadequacy as we compare our lives to the extraordinary examples set by the saints, making the distance between us seem insurmountable. Today, Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, OCD, wants to share an encouraging message using the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux as an example of how our inadequacies and limitations can transform into strengths, leading to significant growth in holiness and virtue. Through her ‘Little Way,’ we can find the path to sanctity and receive the love of our Heavenly Father in return!

The Vatican is not “rich,” at least by institutional standards. Knowing that and being able to explain it is a vital tool for evangelists.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, we see Herod interested in and perplexed by Jesus. Political rulers don’t come across well in the New Testament.

Did you know Christians have a radical view of the body? While society often swings between two extremes—either dismissing the body as insignificant or idolizing it—Christianity offers a balanced and profound understanding of the unity between body and soul. Fr. Mike, drawing on St. John Paul II’s teachings on the ‘cult of the body,’ explains that while we are called to care for and love our bodies, they are not our ultimate purpose. He says we can get caught up in focusing on health, beauty, and physical perfection. Our bodies are good, destined for redemption, but they should not be the center of our lives. Understanding this teaching can help us honor our bodies as God intended.

Each of us is called to be this upside-down fruit tree and bear fruit for the kingdom of God and for the benefit of our fellow human beings.

Friends, the first reading and Gospel this Sunday have to do with the Church at war with itself.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus sends his disciples on mission: He “summoned the Twelve . . . and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”

Every day, our peace is under attack. You can likely think of something today that disrupted your sense of calm. But what if there was a way to discover lasting peace in your life? Annie Powell invites us to explore the ‘Four Harmonies’ as a path to achieving and sustaining peace in a world filled with turmoil and suffering. We can rest in God’s grace by holding onto the truth that he is for us, not against us.

In our culture—so obsessed with death—telling people to stop killing their babies isn’t one of those things that we should have to say.

I leave for the synod with eagerness and enthusiasm. Please pray for the hundreds of us who will be assembling to listen, speak, argue, and decide under the gaze of the successor of Peter.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus identifies his disciples as his family. I want to say something about our becoming disciples in his family.

Set in Sicily during the Middle Ages, this inviting picture book shares the origins of the St. Joseph Altar tradition. When young Giovanni’s community suffers a terrible drought, he is upset to find fava beans—what he feeds the pigs—on his dinner plate due to the failure of the crops. An encounter with a starving girl sparks a conversion of heart from ingratitude to generosity, and Giovanni looks to heavenly patron St. Joseph to intercede for his community. When rain arrives the answered prayers are celebrated with building altars in honor of St. Joseph (a tradition still carried on in New Orleans and other communities today). With colorful folk art illustrations and instructions for celebrating the St. Joseph’s Altar tradition, families will read this book every St. Joseph’s Day and all through the year.

We’ve all heard of the nearly infamous prayer, the Litany of Humility, before. But is there a danger in praying this litany with the wrong intentions? Today, Fr. Mark-Mary shares some ways of discerning and approaching a desire to grow in humility and overcome pride with a lasting sense of being loved by God as you are.

Edward Feser's latest book, "Immortal Souls: A Treatise on Human Nature," is a readable and wide-ranging guide to human nature.

At the New Ressourcement Conference, Bishop Barron discussed roots of this movement, his coming-of-age in a postconciliar Church, and more.

Friends, today’s Gospel is the parable of the lamp, which, placed on a lampstand, gives light to all. Light obviously isn’t for itself.

Our answer makes a difference. We are presented today with the single most important question any of us will be asked and all of us will have to answer: Who do you say that Jesus is?

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus presents a child as the model for his disciples who want to be the most important.

Friends, today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthew, and our Gospel tells of his conversion.

Raised in an atheist household, Sally Read nevertheless saw images of the Blessed Virgin Mary from earliest childhood—and they remained with her in the most remarkable ways. Conscious of the conflict between her feminist values and what came to be a fascination with Marian art, Read—through tumultuous relationships, loneliness, and distant places—began a unique quest to discover the true essence of Mary.These pages contain the strange, raw, and epiphany-filled stories that led to Read’s dramatic nine-month conversion from atheism to Catholicism. Focusing not only on Read’s life but also on the lives of others who, knowingly or unknowingly, encountered the Virgin, this literary memoir is a testimony of how a Mother patiently brought one child home to her Son—and slowly revealed her own heart.

Johnny Cash is an icon of redemption that tells the story of transformative power and love of God through his music, faith, life, and legacy.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, we learn that some women accompanied Jesus and provided for him and the Twelve from their resources.

Fr. Ignacio Amorós shares his vocation story, call to deeper union with Christ, and encourages others to open their hearts to God.

Dr. Matthew Petrusek and Nell O’Leary discuss the intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist that he offers to everyone receiving him.

We can strive for a future where AI in warfare is regulated and respects human dignity, accountability, and the preservation of peace.

Friends, our Gospel today tells the story of a woman who—in the house of Simon the Pharisee—approaches Jesus, weeping onto his feet and anointing them with oil.

You’ve definitely either said—or met someone who’s said—“I go to Mass, but I just don’t get anything out of it.”Fr. Mike gets you. He’s said it too. But what he’s learned and cannot stop telling everyone is that Mass is not about you or getting anything out of it. The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice. Mass is not about what you can get, but what you can give to God that is due to him as Lord of the Universe.

IVF has reappeared recently in election news as a carrot—or a political bargaining chip—for voters to consider in the presidential race.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, the Pharisees compare the eating habits of John the Baptist, who fasted, and Jesus, who dined with sinners.

Friends, why was the story of Jesus with the little children, versions of which appear in the three synoptic Gospels, so vividly remembered by the first Christians?

Our vision becomes clear if we move past the superficialities of both extremes and embrace the true ontological meaning and beauty of womanhood.

Tod and James Matthew Wilson delve into why poetry matters and unpack excerpts from his new book, "Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds."

Friends, our Gospel today gives us Jesus’ raising of the son of the widow of Nain.

Many saints have extraordinary stories. In this video, Fr. Mark-Mary dives into the concept of mystical experiences, especially those lived by Mother Teresa and St. Catherine of Siena. He discusses the “dark night” and eating nothing but the Eucharist. Should we expect mystical events in our own spiritual journeys? Fr. Mark-Mary instructs us not to be too practical regarding the mystical. He reassures us that we should focus on loving God and staying faithful rather than anxiously preparing for spectacular events. God provides the grace to endure all trials, and it’s not about what we do—it’s about his work in us.

If IVF leads to more babies being born, then why would IVF not be seen as a good thing? Here are key components of Catholic teaching about IVF.

Are public policies aimed at population control justified? Does an ideal population size exist? Should we care whether others have children?

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus is amazed at a Roman centurion’s faith: “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

Our answer makes a difference. We are presented today with the single most important question any of us will be asked and all of us will have to answer: Who do you say that Jesus is?

Friends, today’s Gospel reports Peter’s confession of faith. In the midst of his disciples, Jesus asks that strange question: “Who do people say that I am?”

Friends, today we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. How strange this feast would have sounded to someone in the ancient world!

The History Channel’s reality show "Alone" is an interesting study of the real, a study of what it means to live “in accord with nature.”

Is the experience of escape offered by fantasy and science fiction really just “escapism,” a kind of moral and emotional truancy? 

Haley interviews poet and fiction writer Sally Thomas. In this episode they discuss Sally’s wonderful novel Works of Mercy, how to get children to love poetry, and the delightful surprise of the different seasons of life for parents who are also writers or artists.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus asks, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” I recommend that you apply this text to your choice of a spiritual director.

Christendom's new home in the “two-thirds world” signals a mammoth demographic transition with significant implications for evangelization.

Friends, our Gospel today is taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain in Luke. It is one of the more puzzling texts in the New Testament.

This two part bundle provides profound insights on the words of Sacred Scripture from one of the most brilliant minds in the history of the Church: Saint Thomas Aquinas. It offers a curated introduction to Aquinas’s biblical commentaries that is suitable for newcomers, students, and scholars alike. Organized by topic and with extensive footnotes and indices to aid further study, this illuminating two-volume set will open up the words of the Bible for readers in a whole new way.

Fr. Mike offers insights on how to combat despair. If you feel like you’ve tried everything, see no way out, or think nothing matters, Fr. Mike reminds you of the true meaning of hope. He explains that we can always rely on God’s presence. Choosing hope means choosing to act with courage, even if that victory is as simple as getting out of bed.

It's precisely the denial that objectively true doctrines exist and are known through means given by God that lies at the heart of modernism.

Friends, today’s Gospel is Luke’s pithy version of the Beatitudes. First we are told, “Blessed are you who are poor.”

Friends, “fools rush in where angels fear to tread”—and this week, I am going to go once more into the issue of faith and works, which has been dividing Western Christianity since the Reformation.

The use of AI to create sacred art presents significant philosophical, theological, and ethical challenges that warrant careful consideration.

Dr. Christopher Kaczor and Dr. Matthew Petrusek dives deep into the movement of the Eucharist in Dr. Kaczor’s life.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus chooses the Twelve, whom he names Apostles.

In Thinking Through Aquinas: Essays on God, Humanity, and Christ, Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt presents fourteen essays, written over the course of twenty years, that are attempts both to think through the arguments contained in the theology of Thomas Aquinas and to use the theology of Thomas to think through the questions that confront theologians in our own day. The essays include discussions of Thomas’s understanding of the nature of theology and of God; his reflections on virtue, vice, and the moral life; and his theology of Christ, the Church, and the Sacraments. Over the course of these essays, Thomas is brought into dialogue with figures ranging from Michel Foucault to Flannery O’Connor, Jonathan Lear to Ignacio Ellacuría, Stanley Hauerwas to St. John Paul II.

Thomas Aquinas’s Old Testament commentaries remain some of his most neglected writings due partly to the widely varying quality of both the commentaries themselves and their English translations, which often retain the terseness and opacity of the original Latin manuscripts. Nevertheless, Thomas’s corpus of Old Testament commentaries contains some of his finest biblical exegesis and theology. Within them, we find dimensions of his thought and literary personality that do not appear in any of his other writings. This volume aims to promote appreciation for Thomas’s Old Testament exegesis by making his best commentaries more accessible. To this end, it offers a topically organized selection of the most theologically profound lectures from his premier Old Testament commentaries—those on the Psalms, Job, and Isaiah. Moreover, the translations used in this collection have undergone extensive editing and revision to enhance their accuracy, elegance, clarity, stylistic consistency, and overall readability. Lastly, hundreds of explanatory footnotes have been added to facilitate study, along with two indices and a bibliography. Together with its companion volume, Thomas Aquinas: Selected Commentaries on the New Testament, this collection offers a curated introduction to Thomas’s biblical commentaries, suitable for newcomers, students, and scholars alike. 

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta has touched the hearts of millions, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, with her profound wisdom and unwavering call to serve and love Jesus in the poorest of the poor. Her words and deeds continue to inspire people around the globe to live with greater compassion and humility. Today, Fr. Mark-Mary shares his 3 favorite quotes from Mother Teresa’s powerful book Come Be My Light. He passionately argues that the same spirit that fueled her incredible mission and selfless acts of love can ignite your own journey to holiness and sanctity. Listen to these unforgettable quotes, and discover how Mother Teresa can transform your life!

Now, more than ever—in this age of social media—a proper understanding and discernment of authentic "sensus fidei" is gravely needed.

We are happy to share Bishop Barron’s keynote address at the historic 2024 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Enjoy.

Friends, in our Gospel today, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand.

Love the person in front of you. It is easy to walk through life and feel invisible, like you don’t matter, like you have nothing to offer. But when we are seen by Christ, all of that has the potential to change. Then, we can begin to see that we are called to love the person in front of us who has nothing to offer.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus heals a deaf man who had a speech impediment.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus declares that he is “lord of the sabbath.” 

Silvina Sironi discusses her passion for art and her new mission in the Institute as leader of the new Art for Evangelists community.

Thinking about the work of artists as subcreators and communicators of love will offer children an inoculation against AI art they encounter.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, people ask Jesus why he doesn’t encourage fasting among his followers.

Today, Debbie Herbeck shares a touching and unforgettable encounter with Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In just a few words, this saint shared profound wisdom and love—an interaction that has stayed with Debbie ever since. Alongside this powerful story, Debbie offers 10 practical tips inspired by Mother Teresa for loving others more deeply

The story at root is about love: the love of a mother for an alcoholic son and wayward husband, the love of spouses grown glacial, and the love of eros fraught with difficulties.

Friends, today’s Gospel gives us the story of the miraculous draught of fishes.

Friends, our Gospel for today is the evocative scene of Jesus healing a man who cannot hear and cannot speak. 

Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida’s painting is far more than an eloquent social critique. It is a call to repentance.

Friends, in our Gospel today, we see Jesus in action. He is always hurrying from place to place, on the go.

A sacramental understanding of the body is the remedy to disintegrated humanity. Tattoos are insufficient in recapturing a sacramental nature.

Mary is loved and venerated. Tod and journalist Alexandra DeSanctis explore the strength and beauty of the Mother of God and why she matters.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches in the synagogue at Capernaum.

Do you feel called to marriage? Maybe you felt a call to become a priest or religious? But what if you are not accepted into the seminary? Or what if your relationship ends abruptly instead of in marriage? Today, Fr. Mark-Mary explores the reality that sometimes God’s will and our desires may not align and how to navigate those frustrations when they arise.

"Pagan America" is endearing and often evocative but in the end bogs down in apocalyptic rhetoric and fails to deliver much useful advice.

The nature and purpose of the human body is under attack. The Word on Fire Institute sought to address this at our 2024 Wonder Conference.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus begins his Galilean ministry with a prophetic message in the synagogue at Nazareth: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.

It’s the least you can do. We are made to strive. We are made to pursue the ideal. But we also need to know what the minimum is. We also need to know: What is the least I can do? (And still give the Lord access to my heart!)

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who imposed their interpretation of the Law on the Israelites.

Friends, today’s Gospel gives us the challenging parable of the talents.

Liz Kelly leads the Women's Formation Community in the Institute, and she knows women hold a unique and very powerful role in evangelization.

Dr. Tod Worner talks to Dr. Matthew Petrusek about his conversion, how the Eucharist plays a role in his life, and what living a Eucharistic life looks like.

Reflecting on what Avenged Sevenfold are saying/screaming provided me with insight into how the secular, nonreligious world understands God.

Friends, our Gospel today is the parable that compares the kingdom of heaven with “ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.”

Haley interviews John Herreid, a graphic designer and illustrator, about the rise of AI-generated images, the impact on artists and human creativity, and how families can cultivate a deeper appreciation for human-made art.

Are Catholics Christians? This question often causes confusion! Today, Michael Gormley addresses this topic, explaining what it truly means to be a Christian. He discusses the core Christian belief in the Trinity and the Incarnation of the second person of the Trinity. Gormley explores the reasons behind the common perception that Catholics are not Christian. He touches on Catholic beliefs in good works, grace, and faith. Join us as we clarify this important discussion!

Members of society are trustees with an obligation to conserve and enhance benefits they have and pass them on to the next generations.

Friends, today’s Gospel tells of the passion of John the Baptist, and it suggests to me “the Herod principle” that I like to apply to contemporary atheists.

Have you ever faced a major loss, whether it’s a relationship, your status, or even your health? In this video, we explore the 4 typical responses people have when dealing with significant loss. Fr. Mike introduces the “4 Rs: Restore, Replace, Redesign, Relinquish.” He explains that while there is no right or wrong approach, understanding these responses can help you determine which one suits your situation best. Familiarizing yourself with the “4 Rs” will guide you through the process of dealing with loss and finding healing.

Research shows there are many reasons to be worried about this generation of girls amidst a culture that warps and tries to erase womanhood.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus judges the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. He says, “On the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.”

Friends, as Americans, we have a very ambiguous relationship to law.

Does creation matter if the world is going to end? Dr. Scott Powell explores why caring for the world is essential despite its fate. He delves into the connection between the natural world and our spiritual journey, explaining how creation is God’s Temple—a sacred space where he desires to meet with us. Although the world has become a place of threat, it was intended to be a garden, reflecting God’s love and light. Dr. Powell encourages us to embrace our role as gardeners, to protect and cherish creation, and to see God’s face in the world around us.

Who can know God’s secret providential will for the U.S.? God gave Trump more time to choose to live out his life as God would want him to.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus forcefully calls the Pharisees (and us) to change their hearts and behavior.

Do you want a simple path to holiness? Inspired by St. Joseph, Fr. Jonah Teller presents a 3-step plan for you. Fr. Jonah Teller and Fr. Mark-Mary discuss St. Joseph’s deep sanctity. They explain that becoming a saint doesn’t require a lengthy journey with immense trials. It’s about responding to life’s situations with the guidance of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.

Dr. Holly Ordway speaks with Dr. Matthew Petrusek about her conversion from atheist to Christian to Catholic.

Friends, in the latest episode of “Bishop Barron Presents: Conversations at the Crossroads,” I talk with Orthodox icon-carver and YouTuber Jonathan Pageau. We had a wonderful conversati

Experiencing the graces of a strong, free, total, faithful, and fruitful marriage can—and should—prepare us for a blessed entry into eternal life.

Bishop Barron gave a homily at the Eucharistic Congress at a breakout session to the priests present, and now we are bringing it to you.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus launches a blistering attack on the scribes and Pharisees. 

Do not miss your turn. There are times in our lives when we have the opportunity and the ability to make a decision that will change the direction of our lives. Joshua issued this invitation to the people of Israel as they entered the Promised Land and we are issued the same invitation. We must decide for ourselves whom we will serve.

Friends, we come today to the end of the extraordinary sixth chapter of John’s Gospel. Before this, Jesus told his listeners, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.”

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Nathaniel declares to Jesus, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

The cell is the smallest unit of life. Some living things, like bacteria and many protists, are composed of only one cell each. Most other living things are composed of many cells. But every single living thing begins life as a single cell. Cells were first discovered when microscopes were invented in the early 1600s. They were named by the English scientist Robert Hooke in 1665, who observed dead cork cells through one of the first microscopes. The empty plant cell walls reminded him of the monks’ cells in a monastery, hence the term “cell.”1 As microscopes have improved over […]

Friends, our Gospel for today puts us on very holy ground, since it features the Word of God himself telling us what stands at the heart of the law.

Have you ever found yourself in a pressing situation or faced with an urgent need? During such times, the Blessed Mother can help. Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, OCD, invites you to discover Mother Teresa’s “Flying Novena”—a powerful prayer consisting of 9 Memorare prayers—designed to implore our Blessed Mother’s intercession in times of particularly difficult or emergent situations.

With the imposition of AI and other technology, the workers’ intelligence is no longer required, and their work is no longer logos-filled.

Friends, today’s Gospel likens the kingdom of heaven to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.

When we encounter excellence, what prompts us to critique rather than admire? Fr. Mike suggests that this tendency often stems from jealousy and insecurity. He says humans are made to admire all that is praiseworthy. When we witness remarkable talent in athletics, academics, or the arts, we should take the opportunity to commend the hard work and discipline that leads to greatness. God made us to appreciate excellence and work to cultivate it in our own lives.

It isn’t what is common that makes us aware of God’s presence; it is the extraordinarily radical difference where we find him.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the landowner who hires people at various times of the day and then pays everyone the same.

Friends, we come now to the close of this great discourse of Jesus in the sixth chapter of John, where we see the aftereffects of his teaching on the Real Presence.

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How do you maintain your peace in a world overflowing with bad news? In this video, Debbie Herbeck shares 3 powerful ways to stay grounded amidst the turmoil. She shares how we should discover the importance of humility, the wisdom of “Be still and know that I am God,” and the art of suffering well. Debbie offers valuable advice on how to recognize the battles in the world and find the strength to fight them with grace.

The success of science does not justify materialism as a world view, and combining the philosophy of both is self-defeating. We must choose one.

Join Tod and Fr. Stephen Gadberry as they discuss life’s uncertain paths and the loving God who forever accompanies us. 

The beautiful complexity of the chancery chapel stands for the harmonious coming together of the elements of creation when God’s work of redemption is complete.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, the Lord explains why it’s hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.

When you attend Mass this Sunday, consider trying these 3 simple practices! In this video, Fr. Jonah Teller explains how to “bookend” your Mass, truly listen to the prayers, and place your heart on the altar. By doing so, you can experience a more profound and powerful connection to Jesus and the sacrifice of the Mass.

The issues raised by the "Instrumentum Laboris" are meant to help the Church conduct her mission in the face of obstacles and difficulties.

Research suggests that those who identify with no religion may be declining. Is society really becoming more receptive to Christianity?

Friends, today’s Gospel is the story of the rich young man. The rich young man has a deep desire to share in everlasting life.

Let praise go up first. There is something that every Christian can do at every moment and in every situation…that most of us forget to do. Or we fail to do it. God has called us to offer praise at all times.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus promises eternal life to those who eat his Flesh and drink his Blood.

Friends, in our Gospel for today, Jesus proposes that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children.

The journey to God is sustained by the exercise of the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. But how do we properly understand and live out these virtues in the modern world? In Faith, Hope, and Charity, Preacher to the Papal Household Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa utilizes a liturgical framework to lead us deeper into the practice of the theological virtues. Developing a series of sermons delivered in the presence of Pope John Paul II in 1992 and Pope Francis in 2022, Cardinal Cantalamessa opens up a spiritual journey to Bethlehem in short daily stretches in the footsteps of the Magi. Drawing on ancient tradition while facing the existential challenges of the present age, these reflections encourage all of us—modern Magi from the West—to lay down our gifts before the Great King: faith, hope, and charity.

Technodeterminism risks reducing humans to subjects of technological manipulation, ignoring the intrinsic human value and dignity.

In this episode Haley interviews Sarah Mackenzie, homeschooling mom of many, founder of Read Aloud Revival, and author of several books including A Little More Beautiful and Because Barbara.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches about the sanctity and permanence of marriage.

Mary's Assumption holds before us the truth of what the Gospel teaches and the awesome dignity to which God has raised humanity.

Body and soul in Heaven. The fact of the Assumption is the greatest reminder that all those who have died in Christ are meant to rise with Christ. All of us will get our bodies back and we will rise on the Last Day; some to the Resurrection of Glory and others to the Resurrection of Shame.

Elizabeth Wellendorf is an American who has found herself making a difference in the Holy Land at a place called the Hogar Niño Dios.

Friends, today’s Gospel tells of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. I’ve always been fascinated by Mary’s “haste” in this story of the Visitation.

Dr. Richard DeClue shares with Dr. Matthew Petrusek about the Eucharist and his personal encounters with Jesus in it.

St. Michael’s Lent is a 45-day journey of prayer and reflection inspired by St. Francis of Assisi that runs from August 15 through September 29. Men participating in this transformative practice experience a deepened faith in Jesus and serious growth in virtue.

A renewed focus on the Eucharist has a profound impact on our spiritual lives. How would St. Philip Neri advise us to build on this moment?

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus is instructing his community in the difficult task of correcting an errant brother or sister.

Friends, we continue reading from the sixth chapter of John, this pivotal section of the New Testament where John lays out his Eucharistic theology.

“If you’ve been a follower of Jesus for more than a minute, then you’re probably all too familiar with the attacks of the devil that try to drag you off course in your spiritual life. We have all experienced these attacks and temptations, which can be pretty scary sometimes, yet we know God allows them for a reason. But that’s not the end of the story! God also provides us with powerful protections against the powers of darkness. Today, Fr. Boniface Hicks explores one such method of protection, the St. Benedict Medal. He breaks down the symbolism and inscriptions that make this medal unique, explores its rich history, profound meaning, and monastic roots, and explains its significance in daily Catholic practice. Let the St. Benedict Medal be a powerful tool in your spiritual journey for protection and blessing from now on!

Turing’s reduction of intelligence to computation makes it banal, and thus, so is man. To deny man truth and goodness violates his dignity.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims God’s concern for children: “It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

“Do you ever feel like you’re too bad to pray? Like the sins in your life discount you from reaching God’s ears? Is intimacy with God possible amid sin and wrong decisions?

Each day, he prayed, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Jesus forgave cheaters, so Leo did too.

In this latter half of Bishop Barron's conversation with Patrick Deneen, they address topics like freedom, truth, and the political order.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus prophesies his Crucifixion and Resurrection: “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” 

What does a “win” look like? There are times when we accomplish our goals…and then we still feel that there ought to be something more. There are times when “winning” is just as empty as “losing”. In those moments, we have the opportunity to step back and ask what we are shooting for. These are the moments we can ask “what does a ‘win’ look like?”

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus offers himself as food for the soul. There is a great truth revealed in the bread of life discourse.

Friends, our Gospel for today contains one of the most beautiful and terrible summations of the Christian message: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

Lattice’s initiative to integrate AI into its HR management highlights the need to consider ethical and practical implications carefully.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Prayer fascinates us. Studies show that even atheists and agnostics sometimes pray. But what precisely is prayer? How does it “work”? And what are some of the time-tested ways to practice it?An Introduction to Prayer offers a collection of rich yet brief reflections on prayer in the Catholic spiritual tradition from acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian Bishop Robert Barron. This book explores the answers to questions like: Why should I pray? What should I say or do when I’m praying? Who exactly am I praying to? Are there different types of prayer? What do the spiritual masters say about prayer? How can I establish a solid routine of prayer? And many more Perfect for beginners but filled with profound insights for those looking to further their spiritual life, An Introduction to Prayer will inspire you to seek out more frequent conversation—and a deeper communion—with God. 

Peter Singer simply skips over the classic definition of personhood offered by Boethius and offers a false dichotomy.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples that devastating question: “But who do you say that I am?” But the disciples don’t speak.

Friends, the National Eucharistic Congress was one of the highlights of my priesthood.

The word “charity" always risks being misunderstood, and so do the actions it represents, but never stop loving and caring for those in need.

Friends, a long tradition stresses the perseverance of the Canaanite woman we meet in today’s Gospel.

Friends, we’re continuing our reading of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, which is all about the Eucharist.

Buckley’s faith sustained, inspired, and guided him to the great heights and cultural and political influence he achieved throughout his life.

Join Tod and Tammy Peterson as they explore her winding road and exhilarating conversion into the rich graces of the Catholic faith.  

Friends, today’s Gospel presents the Transfiguration of Christ. What is the Transfiguration itself?

Prayer fascinates us. Studies show that even atheists and agnostics sometimes pray. But what precisely is prayer? How does it “work”? And what are some of the time-tested ways to practice it? An Introduction to Prayer offers a collection of rich yet brief reflections on prayer in the Catholic spiritual tradition from acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian Bishop Robert Barron. This book explores the answers to questions like: Why should I pray? What should I say or do when I’m praying? Who exactly am I praying to? Are there different types of prayer? What do the spiritual masters say about prayer? How can I establish a solid routine of prayer? And many more Perfect for beginners but filled with profound insights for those looking to further their spiritual life, An Introduction to Prayer will inspire you to seek out more frequent conversation—and a deeper communion—with God. 

The mockery at the Olympics laid bare the rotten fruit of a radical ideology. Here are 5 ways to combat increasingly pervasive queer ideology.

May the witness of Carlo Acutis inspire many young people to walk the same path of holiness and greatness.

How should we understand the right relationship between the liturgy of the Church and the virtue of justice, including social justice?

Friends, in today’s Gospel, we see Jesus’ miracle of feeding the five thousand.

Give the first fruits and gather the fragments. We are given two commands in this weekend’s readings: to give the first fruits and gather the fragments. Our temptation, however, is to do the opposite; to give the fragments and gather the first fruits. In order to have a heart like Christ, we must become givers.

Friends, today’s Gospel comes from the bread of life discourse: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Herod has John the Baptist beheaded, making him a protomartyr of Christ’s followers, the first of many martyrs to come.

Nell joined Rose Coleman, leader of the Primary Catholic Educators Formation Community in the Institute, to learn about its mission.

Friends, today, in Matthew’s account of the rejection of Jesus at Nazareth, Christ refers to himself as a prophet.

In this episode, Haley interviews Claire Swinarski, the award-winning author of What Happened to Rachel Riley?

Wonder Conference 2024 sessions

For the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jeff Cavins explains that when Jesus said he is the Bread of Life, he meant it literally

The Word on Fire Bible is a groundbreaking series introducing readers to the strange, colorful world of the Bible. It was designed to appeal not just to Christians, but to nonbelievers, searchers, and those with far more questions than answers. It doesn’t presume any experience with the Bible; in fact, it was created for people reading the Bible seriously for the first time, who may be unsure of what to make of its many events and characters. Inside this newest volume, you’ll find the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings, surrounded by illuminating artwork and helpful commentary. Accompanying the text of Scripture, you’ll find over 75 commentaries from Bishop Robert Barron and over 175 commentaries from mystics, artists, and scholars throughout history. This volume also includes 40 works of art with commentary, 8 word studies of the original Hebrew, and introductions written by Peter Kreeft, Sally Read, Katie Prejean McGrady, Richard DeClue, and more. The Word on Fire Bible makes one of the hardest books to read more accessible with features such as: Large font Single-column layout Acclaimed translation Beautiful religious art Excellent commentary Click here to watch the video and view full details.

From "The Screwtape Letters," we may note three maneuvers that demons employ, along with corresponding strategies for defense and response.

Friends, today’s Gospel reminds us of the final judgment when the wicked will be separated from the righteous.

What are we pouring into AI? Are we following Jesus’ example in the Eucharist? Or are we more closely imitating Voldemort and his horcruxes?

Dr. Christopher Kaczor discusses his new course in the Word on Fire Institute, "How to Use Reason to Learn About God."

Friends, today Jesus offers two parables about the kingdom of heaven.

Friends, in the midst of our country’s great Eucharistic Revival, we continue our reading of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John. And this week, I want to reflect on a line that names something so spiritually basic: “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life.” Mass Readings Discover more sermons from Bishop Barron here.

Assisted suicide and euthanasia are being legalized or at least debated throughout much of the world today. But should suicide ever be assisted? When someone is suffering and no longer wants to live, and asks another to help him end his life, what is the right response? In this powerful volume in Word on Fire’s Dignity Series, Stephanie Gray Connors engages both the mind and the heart in answering these increasingly urgent questions. Through ten proposed principles to help guide the conversation, On Assisted Suicide will draw readers into the mysteries of joy and suffering, life and death, and the unconditional dignity of the human person.  Why dignity? Because human dignity (dignitas, the worthiness of each person) is the foundation of all human society. Jacques Maritain, the Catholic philosopher who helped draft the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, affirmed this in saying, “The privilege connected with the dignity of the person is inalienable, and human life involves a sacred right.” In a time of political polarization, social division, and the ongoing “culture wars,” the Dignity Series aims to refocus our attention on human dignity. The series enters into the great mystery of human life with wonder and reverence, and unflinchingly faces grave threats to human dignity, many of them ignored in the culture today. Each volume in the series will examine one of those threats, drawing on rational argument, spiritual sources, and above all, personal stories that take readers into the lived experience on the frontier of the issue. This broad mix of ideas and approaches acknowledges that a wide variety of backgrounds and personalities shape how we interact with these questions—and that if a book is to help us grow, it has to stir our hearts as well as activate our minds.The Dignity Series emerges out of and points back to the whole-life ethic of Catholic social teaching, which is grounded in the principle of human dignity. “Social justice,” the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “can be obtained only in respecting the transcendent dignity of man” (CCC 1929). And that dignity, on the Catholic reading, can only finally rest on our status as creatures made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26). However, these books are for anyone—Catholic or non-Catholic, religious or nonreligious—who wrestles with these issues and longs to see a more informed and considerate approach to them.

Friends, though in the works since 2019, our National Eucharistic Revival is just beginning.

Nembrini's commentary on Pinocchio exposes the prodigal son story, a false understanding of freedom, and a selfless father who loves his son.

Friends, in our Gospel today, Jesus explains the parable of the weeds among the wheat.

“Mary is a model for us because she is a model of Jesus.” Today, Fr. Mark-Mary is joined by Br. Lawrence to discuss the two great virtues of the Blessed Mother and how to imitate them in your own spiritual life.

Looking at the fantasy genre before and after Tolkien, we see that something epochal happened with the publication of The Lord of the Rings. 

Here's the first part of Bishop Barron's conversation with Patrick Deneen, a professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

Give the first fruits and gather the fragments. We are given two commands in this weekend’s readings: to give the first fruits and gather the fragments. Our temptation, however, is to do the opposite; to give the fragments and gather the first fruits. In order to have a heart like Christ, we must become givers.

Friends, our Gospel today focuses on St. John’s intense meditation on the meaning of the Eucharist.

Friends, our Gospel today is the parable of the wheat and the weeds.

Our mission may not be what we would have chosen, but it's the mission that will enable us to become the loving person God created us to be.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus explains the parable of the sower. Let’s study each part of his explanation.

May the whole Church witness to the beauty of catechesis that God that radiates from creation, music, art, and the lives of the saints.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, the mother of James and John asks Jesus in their name that they might play leading roles in his kingdom.

  Every little girl dreams of being a princess, and now your daughter can embrace the enchantment of the Princesses of Heaven with this delightful locket necklace. Inspired by the captivating book that tells the tales of six heroic women, this locket is a precious treasure that celebrates love and virtue. Inside the locket, she will discover the heavenly princesses: St. Joan of Arc, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Narcisa de Jesus, St. Lucy Yi Zhenmei, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Each of these saintly princesses is beautifully depicted with a sparkling, radiant crown, reminding your daughter of her true identity as a beloved daughter of the heavenly King.  Crafted from rose gold plated over brass with a cubic zirconia gem, this locket dazzles with elegance and charm. It comes nestled in a luxurious, velvety pouch, making it the perfect gift for your little princess. With this enchanting necklace, she can carry the inspiring stories of these heavenly heroines wherever she goes, feeling courage and grace guiding her every step. Let your daughter’s dreams of sainthood soar with the Princess of Heaven Locket Necklace, a symbol of heroic love and virtue.

Calling all Moms and Dads! You might feel discouraged or frustrated as you parent and seek to keep your kids close to Christ. Today, Fr. Mike wants to share a word of encouragement with you! “Moms (and Dads), you’re doing a great job!” You don’t need to be perfect to get your kids to heaven. You must keep showing up and loving, and let God do the rest!

Friends, this Sunday we begin five weeks of Gospel readings from the sixth chapter of John, which is all about the Eucharist.

Dr. Melissa Mitchell leads the Word on Fire Institute's Secondary Catholic Educators Formation Community and discusses its goal and mission.

Friends, our Gospel for today is the parable of the sower and the seed. It has to do with the growth and development of the kingdom of God.

In our modern world of Instagram influencers, TikTok icons, and celebrities, feeling lonely, isolated, or discouraged can be easy. But your identity is not tied up in how many people know your name or laud you for your accomplishments. Today, Debbie Herbeck wants to help you find your identity, purpose, and meaning by asking yourself these four fundamental questions.

Cheers for all those involved in the Eucharistic Congress. God bless them for allowing the spirit of the supernatural to breathe through it. 

Give God everything. Make him your one true God. Don’t establish other gods in his place, especially when it comes to politics and the news.

Tod and Dr. Jason Paone delve into the intellectual history of the Ressourcement movement and why Word on Fire finds it necessary today.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, someone tells Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.”

How do I know what God wants for my life? How do I make decisions that I can feel certain are within his will for me? What does discernment even mean? Today, Br. Lawrence once again joins Fr. Mark-Mary to discuss how to navigate any decision, whether great or small, with these simple principles for discernment.

Now, in his conversion, David Solomon has given us all yet another lesson by his powerful example: to take the next step that God gives us.

Here is the second part of Bishop Barron’s discussion with Tod Worner on how Catholics should explore crossroads of religion and politics.

Friends, today we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, the first witness of Christ’s rising, who declared the Resurrection to the Apostles.

A person cannot be excellent without rest. Human beings are made in God’s image. We are also made for love, for labor, and for leisure. Since the Fall, these gifts have become distorted in our hearts and we have to fight for the ability to love well, to labor well, and even to leisure well. But we must strive to rest well if we are going to be the people God has made and redeemed us to be.

Friends, today’s Gospel shows Jesus’ compassion for the multitude in the desert.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, we hear a passage from Isaiah echoing the baptism of Jesus: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight.” 

Brideshead Revisited details the journey of Charles Ryder, who, through the memories of his interactions with an aristocratic English family, encounters various episodes of conversion and experiences the illuminating power of divine grace—which, in the words of G.K. Chesterton, tugs on human hearts “with a twitch upon the thread.” Lodged between two world wars and burdened by the stark collapse of culture, Charles Ryder comes face to face with the perils of sin and confronts the inescapable yearnings of faith. Bishop Barron considers this book “the finest Catholic novel of the twentieth century.”

In this episode Haley interviews Daniel Mitsui, a professional artist specializing in sacred art.

The theories of Bernard Lonergan and Robert Doran show that Kurzweil’s understanding of mind and consciousness is fundamentally flawed.

Friends, again and again in the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as violating the sacred command to rest on the seventh day.

Have you ever had the experience of praying for something specific but not receiving the answer you hoped for? Why can we pray for healing but not receive the outcome we hoped for? Is God not listening? Today, Dr. Scott and Annie Powell share some personal stories related to unanswered prayers and how to find meaning and comfort even when our prayers are not answered.

Church teaching on the environment isn't reducible to environmentalism. Here are 3 points of departure open-minded nature-lovers can explore.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus is not offering us one more philosophy of God.

Maybe you’ve heard the phrase before, “the middleman is a lie.” Or maybe you’ve found yourself wondering why we have an institutional church as Catholics when the Scriptures state clearly that there is only one mediator between God and man, namely Jesus Christ. Today, Fr. Mike tackles this question and offers some guidance for those who may be tempted to get frustrated with the human and sometimes sinful element of the Catholic Church in it’s hierarchy and its members. Hint: It’s another one of those “both/and” Catholic situations.

May prayer help us trust, hope, and love the God who overcomes the gap and the many souls he is entrusting to our passionate evangelization.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, we see Jesus praying to his Father.

Friends, the readings for this Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time are interwoven with each other in a very interesting way.

Most Catholics have heard of the brown scapular given to the Carmelites by Our Lady of Mount Carmel, but many still have questions about its history and importance in Catholic life. Today, you are in luck because Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, OCD, joins us to answer some of the internet’s most asked questions about the little Brown Scapular.

As secularism has gripped so many, summer provides a greater opportunity to pray, rest in the Lord, consider the higher and deeper things. 

Friends, today Jesus declares judgment on the towns of Galilee that did not believe in him and repent.

Do you desire to read the Scripture daily but feel overwhelmed by it? Does it feel like the Bible can be dense and hard to understand? Today, Br. Lawrence joins Fr. Mark-Mary to share how to get started reading scripture daily and how to do Lectio Divina, a traditional Catholic practice of praying with scripture. This Catholic 101 guide will walk you through the steps of this ancient prayer method for deepening your spiritual life.

We can reduce the evil of usury and witness to the dignity of borrowers. Economic exchange does not have to be a matter of profit.

During a Word on Fire Institute member event in London, Bishop Barron reflected on five animating sensibilities for evangelization.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus lays down the conditions for discipleship: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me

Does God have permission to say “I want it back?” We are all living on borrowed time. And borrowed gifts…and borrowed strengths… Everything we have has been loaned to us from God. At some point, God will interrupt our lives and will ask for His gifts back. He will interrupt our lives and ask for us to return all that has been entrusted to us. Will we be free enough to say “Here it is. I hope that the way I used it glorified You.”?

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus sends the Twelve on their mission to announce the nearness of the kingdom.

Friends, Jesus instructs his disciples in today’s Gospel, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both body and soul in Gehenna.”

This dystopian novel holds up a funhouse mirror to our own society. We all ought to reflect upon it and remember what we are at risk of forgetting altogether.

Friends, in our Gospel today, Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will help us when we face persecution.

This modern movement is reminiscent of the conversions of C.S. Lewis and T.S. Eliot—rooted in logic and responding to distrust of human institutions.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus sends the Twelve to evangelize the countryside.

It is clear that the liturgy as we have it was not the Council Fathers' vision. A cursory reading of Sacrosantum Concilium makes that obvious.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus commissions the twelve Apostles.

Friends, on this Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, our Gospel from the sixth chapter of Mark is Jesus sending the Twelve out on mission.

The Bible is the Word of God. But… what exactly is the story? If you only had 10 minutes to share it… what would you say?

We look at council documents and the guiding principle of “organic development.” When innovations led music astray, right order was asserted.

Join Tod and Professor Randall Poole as they discuss a Catholic humanism that invigorates the spirit while rebutting empty ideology.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus directs his disciples to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest,” to pray for evangelists to rescue the lost.

Have you heard of Marian Consecration before? Do you know what “True Devotion to Mary” means? Today, Fr. Michelangelo joins Fr. Mark-Mary to share his favorite devotion, a Marian Consecration, according to St. Louis Marie De Montfort. Ask the Blessed Mother to be your Mother.

That Viganò is guilty of schism and has been excommunicated is lamentable. Let us pray for the medicinal aims of the censure to be effective.

The way we worship is critical to the life and health of the Church, and music is usually at the forefront of comments and complaints about Mass.

Here is the first part of Bishop Barron’s discussion with Tod Worner on how Catholics should navigate the crossroads of religion and politics.

Friends, the centerpiece of our Gospel today is the story of the hemorrhaging woman.

God can be glorified through our wounds, not merely in spite of them. We all experience brokenness. We all experience God’s love through a broken lens. And yet we do encounter them in this way.

Friends, today’s Gospel develops a theme that is uncomfortable. It tells how the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the parable of new wine and old and new wineskins.

Giving your whole life to Christ will bring the greatest joy, yet we find ourselves afraid of that kind of trust and intimacy.

The only misuse of Aquinas is the attempt to co-opt his theology in order to bless the sexual revolution, particularly the LGBTQ movement.

The claims in Dr. John Wallingford's article are misleading and mistaken. All humans deserve to be “protected by law and welcomed in life.”

Friends, our Gospel for today is the simple but magnificent story of the conversion of Matthew.

This episode features Fabiola Garza, the author and illustrator of bestselling book Princesses of Heaven.

When we choose what leads to our ultimate end, God, we will become happy. Freedom employed towards the good leads to human flourishing.

Christians have a sacred duty to Christify the world by humble, authentic witness to the Gospel. Pier Giorgio Frassati knew this in his bones.

Friends, in our Gospel today, Jesus heals a paralytic, but not before first forgiving his sins: “People brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.

I never would have imagined that I would find myself where I am today. But I know that the Eucharist led me here. 

Friends, today’s Gospel celebrates St. Thomas the Apostle. Why do we love this story of doubting Thomas so much?

Friends, on this Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, our second reading is from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.

In 1990, Pope John Paul II spoke of a “crisis of priestly identity.” Decades later, the crisis is not over, and the lack of a clear sense of priestly identity is the single greatest obstacle to the proper formation of priests today. In Nothing But You, Lord, longtime seminary professor and formation advisor Fr. John Cush draws on the thought of Bishop Robert Barron to recover the fundamentals of what it means to be a Catholic priest. Fr. Cush explores the qualities and character of the priest; the role of hope amidst priestly abuses and failures; and the four dimensions of priestly formation—human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral—outlined by Pope John Paul II. Featuring a foreword by Bishop John Barres, Nothing But You, Lord is an encouraging return to the basics of the Catholic priesthood.

Here are ten practical ways Catholic school teachers can focus first on faith over the summer in preparation to make the Pledge of Fidelity.

The logical problem of evil has been widely recognized by contemporary philosophers as a failure to disprove the existence of God.

Friends, in this wonderful story of the calming of the storm at sea, we witness some of the spiritual dynamics of fear and trust.

What’s keeping you from trusting God? Is fear restricting your capacity for relationships? Today, Fr. Michelangelo joins Fr. Mark-Mary to share four practical ways to overcome fear and grow in trusting in God and His goodness. As St. Padre Pio loved to say, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”

In this week’s Encountering the Word video for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jeff Cavins offers some truly inspiring words to help us have faith in the fact that God’s grace is sufficient for us. The readings are:

The Athenaeum Center offers art that frames Truth that's temporally understandable and constitutes a doorway for Truth to enter the soul.

Bishop Barron spoke to members of Parliament in London on the presence, endurance, and cultural force of the Church in society.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, a man who appears willing to become Jesus’ disciple makes a reasonable request: “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”

The Sacraments are God’s presence and power…do we let them change us? We continually come into contact with the living God in the Sacraments. But we often leave our encounter with the Sacraments the same as when we arrived. If we are open to what God wants, we are surrendering to His will.

Friends, the centerpiece of today’s Gospel is Jesus healing the hemorrhaging woman.

Friends, today’s Gospel spells out the importance of Peter’s confession.

Angel Studios' latest, "Sound of Hope," presents a robust, gritty vision of the Christian faith in action in a fallen world. 

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus heals a leper. In our sickness, our weakness, our shame, our sin, our oddness, many of us feel like this leper.

Escaping limitations imposed on us by the existence of objective truth appears as infinite freedom but turns out to be a “bad infinity."

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the parable about building on rock or on sand.

Does a passing blue jay remind you of a deceased loved one? Does a specific number or color call their loss to your memory? Could they be speaking to you through these signs?Today, Fr. Mike opens up about navigating the loss of his own mother and finding hope and peace in the midst of that grief. The bottom line is, your loved ones can’t cause these “signs” to happen—only God can work in nature in that way. But these unexpected occurrences can be a reminder to pray for your loved ones and to recall the gift of their lives.

"All the world’s a stage"—but are the men and women merely players, or actors in a heavenly drama? In God on Stage, renowned author and professor Peter Kreeft explores fifteen great dramas, and within them, five great themes: life, death, suffering, religion, and damnation. From classics like Oedipus the King and Hamlet to modern plays like Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons and Cormac McCarthy’s The Sunset Limited, Kreeft draws vivid lessons on the big questions we all ask ourselves. Like the plays it takes up, God on Stage invites readers to smile and frown, ponder and fall in love, and sit back in awe and wonder—at art, God, and the art of God that is man.

Liturgical seasons help us to become better Catholics through the ups and downs of life. Fr. Dave

Being a witness to the son of God left all those watching amazed and afraid.

Mark Bradford has devoted his life to speaking on behalf of the disabled community.

Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback, shares his love of the Gospel, and calls everyone to be a true witness in telling the world the good news of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Robert Barron was named 2024 “Author of the Year” by the Catholic Media Association, and Word on Fire Publishing received 41 awards.

By reaffirming both faith and reason, properly understood, we can together fulfill our purpose to tend and enjoy the earth God has given us.

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that a tree is known by its fruits. In the fifth chapter of his Letter to the Galatians, Paul makes this very specific.

Friends, there’s something Hemingway-esque about Mark’s Gospel—something very direct and uncomplicated.

Overall, the contents of the DPCU's new document on the papacy demonstrates a marked step in the right direction.

Join Tod and Fr. Damian Ference as they explore the thought of Flannery O’Connor in his powerful book, "Understanding the Hillbilly Thomist."

Friends, today’s Gospel raises a crucial question about heaven and hell: Who will be in and who will be out? Origen argued that all people will be saved.

Have you ever felt like God isn’t listening to your prayers? Did you know that can actually be a good thing—God calling you to a greater spiritual maturity? Oftentimes when we are new or growing in the spiritual life, God allows us to experience His consolations—a feeling of overwhelming love or our hearts being on fire for the Gospel. However, in order to grow in prayer and get closer to the Heart of Jesus, we must lose these “training wheels,” so-to-speak, because God desires us to love Him as our creator and redeemer, not because we get good feelings. Fr. Michelangelo shares today several strategies for overcoming dryness in prayer and taking your prayer life to the next level!