St. Josemaria Institute Podcast
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Exercising My Priestly Soul
9 juni 2018 · 27 min
In this reflection we are called to consider Jesus Christ as the High Priest and how all of us are called to participate in that priesthood according to our vocation in life. We are each called to a specific way of life and those who have chosen the priesthood as their vocation have additional responsibilities regarding the care of God’s people. There are acts that the priest must do on behalf of the people as they work on guiding them towards the right path. And yet, every priest needs and relies on the help of God’s people too, as they fulfill their vocation to the priesthood. It is further explained that it is through the graces of our baptism that we receive the freedom to walk in Christ’s footsteps doing the works that are particular to our state in life. Whatever our vocation may be, our life’s goal is to become saints through uniting with Our Lord in His Redemptive Sacrifice. Lees meer
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Being Extraordinary in the Ordinary
29 mei 2018 · 25 min
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to reflect and pray about: What is the ordinary and how can it help us to be extraordinary? Lees meer
Jesus’ life growing up was not written down. There is no account of his activities after Joseph and Mary found him in the Temple until his baptism in the River Jordan. Jesus was so ordinary that there is nothing written about what a typical day might have been like for him; only a summary by Luke mentioning that Jesus grew in stature and grace before God and man.
Out of his ordinary life came the revelation of the words of Jesus, “Eat my flesh and drink my blood” and “I am the Bread of Life.” These statements were utterly new to the thoughts of man. They are an insight into the extraordinary gift that God has given us. The Eucharist is the True Presence of the Resurrected Christ hidden in the appearance of bread -- ordinary bread.
Love God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, while you carry out your daily activities, however small they may seem. Like St. Therese of Lisieux, who was so ordinary that the nuns she lived with were dumbfounded that she was being considered for canonization, we should also strive to persevere in the little things. For when little things are done out of love, they are worth so much in the eyes of God.
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Visitation
29 mei 2018 · 15 min
In this reflection on The Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, we encounter the realization that Mary offers us much in the way of teaching us about self-giving. Especially in the way she puts others first, always availing herself to acts of serving others for the love of God. There is an experience of true joy in all she does. Lees meer
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Freedom
18 mei 2018 · 20 min
On today's podcast we are reminded, for our contemplation, of the words Pope Benedict XVI offered on the meaning of freedom: “Who is freer than the One who is the Almighty? He did not, however, live his freedom as an arbitrary power or as domination. He lived it as a service. In this way he ‘filled’ freedom with content, which would otherwise have remained an ‘empty’ possibility of doing or not doing something. . .freedom draws its meaning from love . . .” Lees meer
If it is true happiness that we are looking for when seeking freedom, then we should observe the actions of Jesus Christ. He himself showed us how to be obedient to God the Father no matter the cost. And, in return, God the Father nourishes Jesus’ strength to carry out his act of love for the Father. This is the model the saints chose to follow and it would be wise for us to do the same.
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10-Day Devotion to the Holy Spirit | Day 4
13 mei 2018 · 6 min
Thank you for listening to the 10-Day Devotion to the Holy Spirit on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast! Lees meer
10-Day Devotion to the Holy Spirit - Day 4 | Our faith in the Holy Spirit: necessarily complete
For the complete text of today’s reflection and for additional spiritual resources visit: stjosemaria.org/ten-day-devotion-holy-spirit/
10-DAY DEVOTION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PREPARATION FOR PENTECOST: The prayers and reflections for this devotion are taken from the “Handbook of Prayers,” published by Midwest Theological Forum. This long standing custom of the Church in preparation for Pentecost is an opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen our hearts and make firm resolutions for our interior lives.
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Evangelizing The Grassroots
8 mei 2018 · 21 min
Today on the podcast… “When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?' (Lk 24:30-32).”As we journey with those whom the Lord chooses to place in our lives, we can be apostles of today evangelizing simply through how we live our daily lives. Then will not our companions also exclaim, “Were not our hearts burning?” In today’s podcast we reflect upon and are reminded that our companions in life must see the truth in our convictions of how to live holy, joyful, saintly lives in the midst of the world Lees meer
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St. Joseph the Worker
29 april 2018 · 20 min
Today on the podcast… On May 1st, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Lees meer
“…Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him'” (Matt. 2:13).
In this reflection, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to bring to our prayer the great example of St. Joseph, especially his obedience and immediate response to the will of God– even if it meant he would find himself without a home and without established work.
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The Dynamics of The Cross and Resurrection
16 april 2018 · 25 min
Reflection… Easter is the highest celebration of the Church because it is the culmination of the Paschal Mystery with Jesus as victor over sin and death. The properties of his suffering on the Cross and his Resurrection stimulate change. Not only a visible change in our behavior but also a spiritual change in direct correlation with our relationship in prayer with the Lord. Lees meer
All of this is made possible through a young Jewish girl’s "yes" to an Angel sent By God. Mary’s Fiat! As this young girl recites her Magnificat to the angel, her heartfelt knowledge of the old testament is very evident for her words are drawn from all over the old testament.
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The Incarnation of Mercy
8 april 2018 · 25 min
The Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday at the conclusion of the Easter Octave during which we are reminded to “be merciful, just as [our] Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Lees meer
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the mercy of God by sharing a deeper understanding of the Eucharist. He explains that Christ is the incarnation of mercy itself which is revealed to us through the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As we receive the Eucharist and allow Christ to dwell within us, we also receive the grace of the Holy Spirit which empowers us to show mercy toward those we encounter each day and inspires us to love with the heart of Christ.
St. Josemaria explains: “Mercy is more than simply being compassionate. Mercy is the overflow of charity, which brings with it also an overflow of justice. Mercy means keeping one’s heart totally alive, throbbing in a way that is both human and divine, with a love that is strong, self-sacrificing and generous” (Friends of God, no. 232).
[ Transcript ]
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Watch and Pray in Gethsemane
2 april 2018 · 25 min
Reflection… “My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart” (Psalm 38:5-8). Lees meer
In the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus tells Peter, James, and John to watch and pray, he is also calling us to watch and pray. In our prayer we contemplate who Jesus really is, what he did for us out of love and what this means for us today. How can we make this time of prayer personal and allow what we learn to overflow into our daily lives.
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Repent and Believe in the Gospel
20 maart 2018 · 21 min
Reflection… Lent is a season of conversion of the mind, heart, and soul through the acts of prayer, penance, and deeds of charity/alms giving. Though its exact time of origin is unknown, the practice of fasting and the offering of a penance during the 40 days prior to Easter was more widely visible in the church sometime soon after The First Council of Nicaea, AD 325. The councils’ program of liturgical and theological alignment may have been the springboard that aided in the formation of the structure of Lent as we practice it today. Lees meer
May the graces we receive this lent through our prayers of self-giving love, acceptance of our crosses of penance, and deeds of charity toward the least of our brethren, propel us to continue to perfect these newfound works in our daily lives.
Jesus gently calls us to an improved relationship with Him, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).
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In Constant Dialogue With Christ
8 maart 2018 · 25 min
Jesus prepared the disciples to bear fruit as they began to evangelize. We too must prepare for evangelizing as well. During the season of lent let us practice being in the presence Jesus, to be in constant prayer. In the early church St. Paul taught, to "Put on Christ". To evangelize well our faith must grow and for our faith to grow one must pursue holiness. Lees meer
The Second Vatican Council has brought to the forefront that the laity are called to bring the modern world back to Christ. Through obedience, let us begin in the silence of our meditation to commence with contemplative hearts to change the world.
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How To Put Christ First
1 maart 2018 · 25 min
During this season of lent we are called by the Church to repent of our sins and turn back to the gospels. The Gospel of Luke makes it clear that all are being addressed when Jesus gives instructions on how to be his disciples, “Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Lees meer
Therefore, to be Jesus’ disciples, to put him first, we must practice temperance from our own desires, passions, and all that does not bring us closer to Jesus. As we reach detachment from those actions that pull us away from Jesus, we will begin to see the greater joy promised in the Beatific Vision.
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Love for the Liturgy
11 februari 2018 · 23 min
When we attend Mass, do we really envision the joining of heaven and earth, which is about to become visible to us? Do we work on realizing how precious a gift Our Father has given us, our Daily Bread, given for our spiritual sustenance? Lees meer
We need to learn from the saints how precious a gift the Liturgy is for our spiritual growth. When it comes to praying at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass it can be helpful to keep in mind the words of St. Augustine, “The desire is thy prayers; and if thy desire is without ceasing, thy prayer will also be without ceasing. The continuance of your longing is the continuance of your prayer.”
In the example of St. Augustine, let us prayerfully desire to become closer with Our Lord Jesus Christ during the Mass. And let's also keep in mind to call on Our Blessed Mother for help so that we may improve. This meditation will continue to give you other tools and examples for learning to truly pray the Mass.
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Good News of Great Joy
22 december 2017 · 26 min
Today in the podcast….. "Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear..." (1 Peter 3:14-16). Lees meer
This is the courage that the Apostles of Jesus Christ are calling us to embrace when approaching the ever approachable Godhead in His Divine Infancy. Jesus Christ wants us to be free from all anxiety as we build our relationship with Him. Just as one would feel free to interact with a newborn baby, unafraid of what others think while lavishing a Baby with affection.
This meditation will enlighten the faithful in how to, as St. Josemaria Escriva has stated many times, evangelize with great charity as one improves their pious relationship with the Lord.
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Passionately Loving The World
22 november 2017 · 22 min
In a homily given by St. Josemaria Escriva in the 1960’s he calls all to imitate Jesus’ love for Humanity. What does this call invite us to do today? Fr. Peter Armenio, an Opus Dei priest, enlightens us by mentioning that the call to “Passionately Love The World,” invites us to leave our comfort zone, find new compassion for others, be present for those who do not know that they hunger for Christ, His consolation, and His peace. In turn, our efforts of imitating Christ will ultimately give our lives meaning and we will have found true love. Lees meer
Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way." . . . Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" "Seven," . . . "and a few fish. . . . Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.” Matt. 15:32-37
We should take note that if we trust enough to give Our Lord Jesus Christ all that we have, as in the loaves and the fish, then there is nothing to worry about for Jesus will always take care of us.
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Unity of Life
6 november 2017 · 23 min
Fr. Peter Armenio, an Opus Dei priest, is quoted in this podcast saying, “We are disciples of Christ marked with this unity of life that we give an experience of Christ through joy.” He challenges us to evaluate our daily lives and see if we can find Christ there in the midst. Lees meer
He stresses that, as Disciples of Christ there should be a common thread that runs through our lives. This Common thread is the manner in which we interact with others through which they can see the presence of Jesus Christ in our very person. Just like the vessels of clay St. Paul refers to when telling the Corinthians that they must hold God within their being in order to be able to give Him to others.
We must let others experience Christ through our very actions of love, kindness, affection, and joy then they can recognize the life of Christ alive in us. The receiver of these actions should feel loved through our being present to them.
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No Ordinary Light
30 oktober 2017 · 26 min
Fr. Peter Armenio, an Opus Dei priest, reminds us that St. Josemaria was inspired by the light of God with the mission to bring Christ into the heart of the entire world in a way that He had never been before. Into a world that is gripped by a culture of death; to be healed by the intervention of God’s Mercy. “God is the same as always. It is men of faith that are needed: and then, there will be a renewal of the wonders we read of in the Gospel” (St. Josemaria; The Way, no. 586). Lees meer
Faith filled children of God are called to participate in this beautiful mission. We are to replicate both the joy and the affection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This can be done if first a well formed interior life of prayer is established, for it is our prayer life that exudes this joy, the light of Christ. Fr. Peter refers to what St. Gregory Nazianzen wrote in his Oration #39 that, “[God] wants you to become a living force for all mankind, lights shinning in the world.” This is no ordinary light he speaks of; it is a light in which we are bathed in the glory of God. Let us ask Our Blessed Mother Mary to help us enter into the light, the light of her Son, which is nothing more and nothing less than the Mercy of God.
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Interior Struggle
21 oktober 2017 · 18 min
Jesus spoke these words, “For I tell you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). Lees meer
In this passage, Fr. Peter Armenio, an Opus Dei priest, points out that we must not lack repentance, love for God, and affection and compassion for others, especially those alienated from God. Our Lord calls us to love our neighbor, for when we are loving our neighbor; we are loving God. In the spirit of St. Josemaria Escriva’s charism of living daily life, we can look at this quote from Archbishop Nguyen Van Thuan (1928-2002), when addressing the Lord, “I will no longer look back but do willingly, simply, humbly, and bravely the duties which come from the circumstances in which I find myself, as your will.” Then again, “ I want to turn every minute that remains in my life into an act of love.” These words can become our daily mantra when we are faced with our daily crosses and are struggling interiorly for the strength to carry them.
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God Is My Father
18 oktober 2017 · 22 min
“My Father — talk to him like that, confidently — who art in heaven, look upon me with compassionate Love, and make me respond to thy love.—Melt and enkindle my heart of bronze, burn and purify my unmortified flesh, fill my mind with supernatural light, make my tongue proclaim the Love and Glory of Christ” (St. Josemaria, The Forge, no. 3). Lees meer
Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects upon the idea of divine filiation, that we have been made children of God through our Lord’s redemption. By being reborn in Jesus Christ through baptism, we become like Christ the Son, through whom God the Father loves us. By growing deeper in our relationship with Jesus, we can grow in our sense of divine filiation and benefit more from the love of God the Father.
Divine filiation should serve as a reference point for our lives. Especially through our difficulties and anxieties, we can draw perspective by remembering that we are nothing less than children of God and that our Father is infinite, all-powerful love. This outlook will continue to fortify us through life’s struggles and help us to maintain our interior peace.
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I Have Sinned
17 oktober 2017 · 26 min
“I will get up an go back to my father and say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants'” (Luke 15:18-19). Lees meer
While making use of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Fr. Peter Armenio, an Opus Dei priest, causes the observer to stop and think about the reason why a soul is moved to repentance. Fr. Peter explains that it is the devout contemplation of the goodness of God and the returning loving gaze of our Lord upon our souls that elicits a desire for profound repentance and thus to have a conversion of heart. If we take time to really consider our actions and are honest with ourselves and with God, we can receive freedom from sin, the healing that God is offering through Jesus Christ through the priest in confession.
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Our Perfect Mother
10 oktober 2017 · 26 min
In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, invites us to come to understand the importance of the second most perfect gift that God has given us at the foot of the cross, the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, is also our Mother. He explains through her Immaculate Conception, she had been prepared for the sole purpose of helping us become children of God worthy of being saints. Lees meer
This generosity of God can be seen as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary, October 13, 2017, of Our Mother Mary appearing at Fatima showering us with her “Motherly Love” and asking us to let her help us by invoking her through praying the rosary. It is precisely in this act that Fr. Peter reminds us that the shortest way to Jesus is through Mary.In honoring the graces that God the Father has bestowed upon Our Beloved Mother, let us, “Sing to the Immaculate Virgin, reminding her: Hail Mary, daughter of God the Father: Hail Mary, Mother of God the Son: Hail Mary, Spouse of God the holy Spirit...Greater than you, none but God!” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Way, no. 496).
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Embracing the Cross
3 oktober 2017 · 24 min
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to reflect upon the cross, particularly as a medium to connect with the Lord. Highlighting the imprisonment and martyrdom of St. Thomas More as an example, Fr. Peter illustrates that when faced with suffering, we might be tempted to discouragement if we are not quick to embrace the cross or delight in it. But he reminds us that although suffering is essential for growing in intimacy with the Lord, as long as we are trying to bear it alone, we will struggle. We need to remind ourselves: “It’s not my cross, it’s his, and he does the heavy lifting." Lees meer
In order to grow in our love for the cross, Fr. Peter suggests listening to Jesus’ words when he told his Apostles to “watch and pray.” The Lord is our role model in his suffering and agony, since any cross we are enduring, he also endured. Thus he is our template for suffering; by watching Jesus, our suffering can be lessened and we can grow in deeper unity and intimacy with him through the cross.
“The Cross symbolizes the life of an apostle of Christ, with a strength and a truth that delight both soul and body, though sometimes it is hard, and we can feel its weight.”
St. Josemaria
The Forge, no. 757View Transcript
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Apostolate of Attraction
30 september 2017 · 26 min
In this meditation from Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, we are invited to reflect upon the “apostolate of attraction” as the means by which we are to fulfill the Great Commission and lead others into relationship with Jesus Christ. This type of apostolate, as old as the Gospel itself and encouraged by Pope Francis, begins by our faithful witness to the love of Christ: “people need to see us as oases of joy and peace.” It is our witness, only later accompanied by doctrine, that will prove that Jesus is real. Lees meer
“Whenever sanctity is genuine, it overflows from its vessel to fill other hearts, other souls, with its superabundance. We, the children of God, sanctify ourselves by sanctifying others. Is Christian life growing around you? Consider this every day” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Forge, no. 856).
Before our Lord sent the Apostles out into the world, he gave them the new commandment of love, instructing them to remain united with him and replicate his heart. Despite any obstacles and difficulties they would face, Jesus promised them that in following this commandment, they would succeed in sharing the Gospel, since it would be him acting through them. This remains true for us still today; if we remain united to his heart and participate in his life, others will come to know him through our love.
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Becoming Christ
25 september 2017 · 20 min
Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, helps us to reflect upon the means of becoming like Christ using the story of the Rich Young Man (Mark 10: 17-22) as the model. The young man, desiring eternal life, asks Jesus what he must do. After exhorting the young man to follow the commandments, Jesus invites him to “give it all” and become his disciple. It is this invitation that Christ repeats to us as well; how is Jesus calling us to follow him more closely? One danger in the spiritual life can be to regard our life of prayer and formation as a time of personal training or self-improvement. Instead, Fr. Peter reminds us that the goal of prayer and formation is to encounter Jesus and grow more deeply in our love of him and others. By responding to prayer in this way, we will “become Christ” and our lives will be a witness to others, giving them an experience of the heart of Christ. “You lack drive. That's why you sway so few. You don't seem very convinced of what you gain by giving up those things of the earth for Christ. Just compare: a hundredfold and life everlasting! Would you call that a poor bargain?” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Way, no. 791). Lees meer
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Apostolic Zeal
17 september 2017 · 23 min
In this meditation by Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, we reflect upon “hunger to know the Master” as the source for apostolic zeal and the foundation for fruitfulness in the apostolate. Although Jesus gave the mandate to his followers to bring the Gospel to all the corners of the earth, his Apostles realized that this would not be accomplished through human efforts, but rather by God working through them. As such, it is the love of Christ that motivates us in our desire for conversion and urges us in sharing him with others. St. Paul spoke of Christ as the source of evangelization throughout his writings. In his letter to the Romans (13:14), he reminds us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” as it is not us who evangelize, but Jesus who works through us. Furthermore, in his 2nd Letter to the Corinthians (4:7), he explains that fruitfulness in the apostolate is not dependent on our own strengths and virtues, but on the power of God: “But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.” Elaborating on this, Fr. Peter encourages us that despite our own faults and failings, we are not broken clay pieces, but vessels, meant to be filled and used as instruments for bringing the Gospel to the world. Only by hungering to know the Lord and being filled by him will we be able to cultivate our apostolic zeal. Lees meer
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Deny Yourself
10 september 2017 · 23 min
In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us to reflect upon the “science of the cross” given by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. As the precondition for those who want to follow Christ, Fr. Peter shows how we can apply Christ’s words to ourselves and learn how to put them into practice.“He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, ‘Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me’” (Mark 8:34). Lees meer
Self-denial is often manifested through acts of mortification and fasting, yet the self-denial that Christ is addressing here is on a macro level. We are called to deny our whole persona: our minds, our wills, our hearts, our entire beings, just as Mary did in her “fiat” at the annunciation. No matter what our vocation, Christ is inviting us to put him first in our life.
Although living out this type of self-denial is the work of a lifetime, it begins by cultivating the disposition of giving the Lord our entire self each day. In examining the lives of the saints, we see models of those who cultivated this disposition and responded to the Lord’s call with a total gift of themselves.
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The New Commandment
5 september 2017 · 22 min
Today in the podcast... Fr Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the New Commandment from Jesus Christ which he issued to the Apostles before the Last Supper.This commandment is particularly difficult to follow since we are asked to love one another as Jesus loves us, which is a very tall order. How can we match Jesus’ love for us! Lees meer
However, Fr. Peter Armenio makes a point to note that when God issues a commandment, it is because we can live it. Do not write yourself off!
“No matter how much you may love, you will never love enough. The human heart is endowed with an enormous coefficient of expansion. When it loves, it opens out in a crescendo of affection that overcomes all barriers. If you love Our Lord, there will not be a single creature that does not find a place in your heart” (St Josemaria Escriva, The Way of the Cross; Eight Station, Number 5).
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Turning Work into Prayer
29 augustus 2017 · 26 min
“Each and every event of this life, without exception, must be steps which take you to God, which move you to know him and love him, to give him thanks, and to strive to make everyone else know and love him” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Forge, no. 680). In this meditation from Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, we are invited to reflect upon work as a medium for prayer, using the hidden life of Jesus as an example. Before beginning his public ministry, Jesus spent many years working as a carpenter. Though nothing is written about these years, St. Josemaria considered this silence to be an inspiration of the Holy Spirit, exemplifying the ordinariness which characterized Jesus’s life until he began his public ministry. Thus, when we echo the Apostles’ request “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1) we can hear Jesus’s response through his lived example. Work is a place where we are meant to encounter God daily. The idea of “sanctification of work” is simple, but the process is not easy. Fr. Peter explains that a personal life of prayer outside of work is the driving force behind our ability to sanctify our work, since sanctification of work is not about perfecting a routine as much as it is about giving a gift of love. As such, conversation with the Lord in mental prayer, frequenting the Sacraments, and making regular aspirations and acts of love are foundational to being able to sanctify our work, as they increase our love. Likewise, laxity in our spiritual norms can detract from our ability to sanctify our work, as there is less love given in that work. Ultimately, the one who prays more is the one who loves more. Lees meer
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Mary, Our Hope
20 augustus 2017 · 25 min
In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us to reflect upon Mary, especially in light of her Assumption, as God’s great gift to us and as our great hope. ‘Mary has been taken up to heaven by God in body and soul, and the angels rejoice.’ Joy overtakes both angels and men. Why is it that we feel today this intimate delight, with our heart brimming over, with our soul full of peace? Because we are celebrating the glorification of our mother, and it is only natural that we her children rejoice in a special way upon seeing how the most Blessed Trinity honors her” (St. Josemaria Escriva, Christ is Passing By, no. 171). As Fr. Peter explains, the Feast of the Assumption is in one sense a celebration of ourselves. God has brought Mary into heaven and her glorification emphasizes her relationship with the Blessed Trinity. But as she occupies a place of honor and gazes at God face to face, she intercedes for us and serves us as our mother. In the Assumption, we receive an invitation to optimism, as Mary’s intercession from heaven is our own victory. Fr. Peter encourages us that we must become more “Marian”; relying on Mary as our hope, especially in our works of apostolate and evangelization. In facing the formidable obstacles of today’s culture, we can follow the example of the great saints and evangelists, such as St. Josemaria Escriva, Blessed Alvaro Portillo, and St. John Paul II, in loving Mary and relying on her for all the help that we need. Lees meer
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Becoming a Laborer
9 augustus 2017 · 29 min
Using the story of the Rich Young Man as the model, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects upon Jesus’s search for “laborers” for the harvest (Luke 10:2) and highlights the three steps Jesus gives to help us lay down our lives for him and become laborers. “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments…’” And he replied, “All of these I have observed from my youth.” When Jesus heard this he said to him, “There is still one thing left for you: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Luke 18: 18-23) These three steps Jesus gives can be seen as a path leading us towards giving a total gift of self. First, Jesus lays the foundation by reminding us that God alone is good and able to satisfy the human heart. Next, Jesus shows that by keeping the commandments, we become free to give ourselves completely, as we are not bound by sins or attachments. And lastly, Jesus invites us to lay our lives down for him by making him our ultimate good. In following these steps, Fr. Peter explains that we will become laborers and be able to witness to others that it is only Christ who gives true joy, hope, and freedom. If we are not capable of giving ourselves totally to God yet, Fr. Peter encourages us to seek God’s grace and Mary’s help in learning to courageously say “yes” as she did. Lees meer
“Why don’t you give yourself to God once and for all… really… now? If you see your way clearly, follow it. Why don’t you shake off the cowardice that holds you back? ‘Proclaim the Good News… I shall be with you…’ It is Jesus who has said this… and he has said it to you” (St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way: no. 902-904).
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A Joyful Affirmation
30 juli 2017 · 29 min
“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Lees meer
In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, highlights Jesus’s teaching during the Sermon on Mount and invites us to reflect on “holy purity” as a means to finding true joy and freedom in our lives.
Fr. Peter explains that because God is revealed as self-giving love, and holy purity is an expression of self-giving love, the more we exercise purity, the more we see God face to face. Holy purity, therefore, liberates us to have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, seeing him in prayer, suffering, and through relationships with other people.
Looking at our culture, Fr. Peter examines several falsehoods placed before men and women today concerning this virtue and shows how living out holy purity in our attitudes and relationships both reflects our dignity as children of God, and leads to a happiness that far surpasses what is found by living according to society’s false ideas of freedom as license.
Fr. Peter emphasizes the need to not only pray for the grace of the virtue of holy purity, but to pray to desire the virtue, as both will be necessary in living it faithfully. Additionally, he stresses that holy purity is a difficult virtue to live in this day and age; we must avoid the tendency to become discouraged and follow the example of St. Mary Magdalene and continue to repent and begin again.
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Transmitting the Joy of Christ
25 juli 2017 · 22 min
In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects upon joy as the foundation for all evangelization and how living joy in our daily lives can lead others to encounter Christ. The particular role of the laity in bringing Christ to the world, especially in the places we live and work, requires that we not only bring the truth of the Gospel to all those who we encounter, but that we always lead with joy and witness to the happiness found in our friendship with Jesus. Fr. Peter, using the example of the saints, shows that authentic joy is not artificial, but is a happiness which results from having the fullness of joy within you. This joy is easily perceived by others and is fueled by our friendship with Jesus. In order to increase our joy, we can more intentionally abide with the Lord through the Eucharist, mental prayer, the rosary, the cross, and through our effort of the love others. Lees meer
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Do Whatever He Tells You
20 juli 2017 · 31 min
In this reflection from Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, we are invited to hear Mary’s words from the Wedding Feast of Cana, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5), as our instructions to listen and respond to Jesus’s command given during the Last Supper. “So when he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do” (John 13: 12-15). After washing their feet, Jesus instructs his Apostles to follow his example by loving and serving each other. Referencing the lives of the saints, Fr. Peter explains that although we may not literally wash others’ feet, the attitude of service can always be present, especially in the way we interact with others. In order to grow in charity, we must begin by uniting ourselves with Jesus, the source of charity. Then can we examine ourselves: how can I show more affection, more joy, and more of a spirit of service in my daily life? Lees meer
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St. Josemaria's Message on Work
19 juni 2017 · 27 min
On June 26th, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Josemaria Escriva. In this reflection, Fr. Peter Armenio explains the reason why the Holy Spirit moved the Church to canonize St. Josemaria so quickly. The reason he suggests is because “the Church wants us to encounter Jesus amid work” following Jesus’s own example. “Jesus’ thirty-three years!...: thirty were spent in silence and obscurity; in submission and work…” (St. Josemaria Escriva; Furrow, no. 485). Lees meer
“God is self-giving love…and he manifests it in work and in family relations and friendships.” So we should ask ourselves: “how do I elevate my love for Christ in my work?” Fr. Peter explains that the key to encountering Christ in our work is mental prayer— spending exclusive time with our Lord each day in conversation with Him. In this way, our ultimate aim becomes to give glory to God and to serve the needs of others.
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Work of the Holy Spirit
14 juni 2017 · 24 min
Reflecting on the scene of the Last Supper, when Jesus is “beginning to hand the baton to his followers,” Fr. Peter Armenio explains that another Divine Person begins to become more prominent: the Holy Spirit.In this reflection, we are invited to contemplate the Holy Spirit and his job “to penetrate the words of Jesus and to convert us and transform us.” Lees meer
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you” (Jn 14:16-17).
“But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you” (Jn 16:13-15).
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Is Christ My Passion?
5 juni 2017 · 22 min
Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the poverty spirit we should cultivate in order to make Jesus Christ the priority of our lives. Like the rich young man in the Gospel (Mk 10:17-22), Fr. Peter explains how Jesus Christ is also asking us now:- Do you believe that only I (God) can fill you?- Do you keep my (God’s) commandments?- Do you put me (God) first? Am I (Jesus Christ) your passion?“To follow Christ — that is the secret. We must accompany him so closely that we come to live with him, like the first Twelve did; so closely, that we become identified with him. Soon we will be able to say, provided we haven't put obstacles in the way of grace, that we have put on, have clothed ourselves with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord is then reflected in our behavior, as in a mirror” (St. Josemaria Escriva; Friends of God, no. 299). Lees meer
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Remain in Me
16 mei 2017 · 23 min
In this reflection from Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, we are invited to contemplate the “workshop for the first evangelization” and learn how Jesus prepared the first disciples to go out into the world as his witnesses. “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). Lees meer
Using the image of the vine and branches, Jesus illustrates how remaining in him is the only way to become fruitful witnesses and to be his friends. And, to remain in Jesus, as Fr. Peter explains, “implies a constant union with him”, especially through the Holy Eucharist and prayer.
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The Resurrection: Icon of Joy
2 mei 2017 · 26 min
In this reflection, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us to take time during the Easter season to ask God in our prayer: “What is it that you want me to contemplate in light of the Resurrection?” Fr. Peter explains that we will see that we are called to bring Jesus Christ into the world in a "new way", especially through our joy— the joy that comes from making “Jesus Christ the center of our work, sufferings, and recreation.” “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. ‘I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you’” (Jn 15:10-12). Lees meer
As we contemplate the “cloak of joy surrounding the mystery of the Resurrection,” we can ask God for a “conversion of interior life.” And, the joy that overflows from our interior lives will help to draw those around us to Jesus Christ.
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St. Joseph: Template of the Christian Vocation
27 april 2017 · 31 min
On May 1st, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. To help us get to know St. Joseph better, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the holiness of St. Joseph as the role model for the whole Church, especially the laity. St. Joseph is the template for the Christian vocation— the “all-star” of holiness. Lees meer
“We need devotion to St. Joseph,” Fr. Peter explains, “because my vocation is his vocation. He loved God with his whole mind, whole heart, and whole strength as a carpenter. He tried his very best. He made his carpentry the best. His carpentry was a medium to serve people. His work was a medium of prayer and sacrifice. And, his work was a medium of charity towards others.”
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Learn from Me
18 april 2017 · 29 min
Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects on Jesus’s gentle and loving invitation, ‘Come to me,’ and how we are to translate what it means for each of us personally. Lees meer
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Often Jesus’s invitation is a gentle command to spend some quiet time with him in mental prayer. Jesus desires, as Fr. Peter explains, “that you open up your heart, vent, complain, unburden yourself, and tell him about your suffering. Because then our cross becomes his cross.” And, “God only gives us the grace to bear the crosses of the present moment. Jesus says ‘my yoke is easy and burden light…,’ not yours, but mine. Because it becomes mine, you participate in it, you share it.”
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Easter: True Witnesses of Christ
15 april 2017 · 35 min
In this podcast for Easter Sunday, Fr. Javier del Castillo invites us to contemplate the Resurrection of Christ and how “the Resurrection is an event that can only be accessed by people of faith who have had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.” And, like the women at the tomb and the apostles, how “every Christian is a witness” and what that means for us today. Lees meer
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Watch and Pray
7 april 2017 · 33 min
During this prayerful time of Holy Week, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reminds us in today’s reflection that “we need to accompany Jesus in his suffering” because “he needs me and he needs you.” “Jesus is counting on you and all of his followers to be with him.” “He saw you and he saw me,” Fr. Peter explains, “and as we connect with him, we console him. And, as we try to witness him to others and draw other people to him, we alleviate his pain. Therefore, as you progress through Holy Week, bring to your prayer the fact that: “he loves me infinitely and he wants me there.” Lees meer
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The Most Revolutionary "Yes"
30 maart 2017 · 34 min
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the scene of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and how her yes to God’s will is the model of vocational response for all generations. Lees meer
Mary’s fiat – let it be – has a very personal effect on our lives. Fr. Peter explains that everything we have in our Catholic faith - all the sacraments, the Eucharist - is traced back to a specific episode; it all originates in a teenage young lady. When Mary gave her answer to Gabriel, the world was forever changed. It was the most revolutionary yes. As we contemplate Mary’s yes which brought Christ into the world, we come to realize that we are each called to bring God into the world and to share the presence of Christ with those we encounter in everyday life.
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The Works of God | iPray with the Gospel (4th Sunday of Lent)
27 maart 2017 · 4 min
The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. Lees meer
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Do You Love Me?
25 maart 2017 · 29 min
Today on the podcast… Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us in this Lenten reflection to seek a spirit of penance, of self-denial, and repentance in order to experience a true conversion and to enter into the heart of Jesus Christ. Contemplating St. Peter’s denial of Jesus Christ, Fr. Armenio explains: “How did St. Peter become effective? How did he convert? How did he become a witness, an evangelizer? It started when Jesus looked at him and he looked at Jesus. Peter contemplated how much Jesus loved him and how he loves him unconditionally.” Jesus asked St. Peter: Do you love me? (see Jn 21:15-17) Our ongoing conversion also begins with Jesus conversing with us and looking at us, and our contemplating his love and goodness in return. Lees meer
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Feast of the Annunciation | iPray with the Gospel
22 maart 2017 · 4 min
The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. Lees meer
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Being Light and Salt
20 maart 2017 · 30 min
Today on the podcast… Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, explains the Christian vocation using the example of salt and light. “Our being children of God, I insist, leads us to have a contemplative spirit in the midst of all human activities; to be light, salt and leaven through our prayer, through our mortification, through our knowledge of religion and of our profession. We will carry out this aim: the more within the world we are, the more we must be God’s” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Forge, no. 740). Lees meer
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Living Water | iPray with the Gospel (3rd Sunday of Lent)
15 maart 2017 · 4 min
The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. Lees meer
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Up a High Mountain | iPray with the Gospel (2nd Sunday of Lent)
9 maart 2017 · 4 min
The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. Lees meer
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