Aflame for Christ

Aflame 59 - The Scandal of the Cross

The early Christians knew that the Cross was a stumbling block - how could God die such a horrific death? To counter this, Jesus revealed His glory to His Apostles, promising them that the Cross does not have the final word. In our modern world, the Cross is often a scandal to us, too - we doubt our faith when faced with suffering. But Christ reminds us that the faithfulness of God in the blessings does not diminish His faithfulness and love in difficult times, as well.

Aflame 58 - How We Ought To Pray

A prayer that is pleasing to the Lord is not one of fancy words, but of right disposition of heart. And the Holy Spirit provides that disposition: we are meant to desire God above all things! Hungry for Him, our prayer is pleasing in His sight, but first we must empty ourselves of the goods and pleasures of this world so as to burn with a desire for God alone.

Aflame 57 - The Word Is Thy Ship

"The world is thy ship, not thy home," said St. Therese of Lisieux. While the world was created good, it is fallen and full of chaos, suffering, disorder and death. As Christians, we are called to make the world a better place - but always while keeping an eye on eternity. This world is our temporary tent, for we are on a far greater journey to our far greater homeland of Heaven!

Aflame 56 - War Between Body and Soul

Perhaps nothing in the world is more misunderstood these days than a proper understanding of the human body. Why do we have bodies? Shouldn't we be allowed to do anything we wish with our bodies? St. Paul reveals that our bodily nature is good, but fallen - and our bodies are often at war with our souls. Nevertheless, our soul can gain proper mastery over our bodies if we submit through prayer, self-denial, and discipline - so that we encounter the true freedom of having rightly-ordered desires!

Aflame 55 - Die So That Christ May Live

The Christian life isn't just life-as-usual with a few prayers sprinkled on top. Rather, we are urged to die to all that is not Christ, so that the life of Christ may live through us. Christ nailed our Old Selves to the Cross, and buried our sins in the tomb...when He walked out, living the new life of grace, all those who are incorporated into Him must live that new life as well. What, specifically do we need to die to, so that Christ may come to life in us?

Aflame 54 - The Spiritual Growth of Young People

Having worked in youth ministry for 20 years, Fr. Joseph shares his insights about how young people - and all of us! - encounter God, grow in love with Him, and become the saints we were created to be.
Talk given at the Catholic Homeschool Conference on June 9, 2023.

Aflame 53 - The Four Parts of a Eucharistic Life

Belief in Christ's True Presence in the Eucharist must penetrate into our lives. Our faith in Him must inform the way we approach the Eucharist, that we may gain all the benefits from such an august Sacrament. Tune in to hear the four elements of living a life centered around the Eucharist!

Aflame 52 - To Know The Unknowable God

God is beyond our capacity to understand - but we can still know many things about Him! He has revealed to us that He is eternal, ever-present, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-holy...and He still desires a deep friendship with the ones He has created. Although He needs nothing, He still desires our love. How blessed that we, as creatures, can give Him the one thing He thirsts for!