Leaders feel exposed and vulnerable when they must forge ahead, so they surround themselves with people they can trust. But no one trusts a leader who derails the mission to the community in order to accomplish a personal mission of power and control. When loyalty is tested and allegiance demanded, only fear and jealousy of the leader is revealed just as we see in the story of King Saul.
Andrea Bakas demonstrates how the Book of Samuel subtly reveals even our own lust for power as we find ourselves rooting for the young David and his rise to power against the suspicious and paranoid King Saul. We quickly forget that the Lord warns his people about their rebellion against Him in seeking an earthly king who constantly abuses his power on the backs of those he rules. Read the full episode transcript here.
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With plenty of grain in the barn or money in the bank, we may be tempted to relax, eat, drink and be merry. But like the rich fool, when we stand before the judgment seat, what will we have to show in being "rich toward God?"
Dr. Andy Geleris, author of Money and Salvation: An Invitation to the Good Way, reflects on the parable of the rich fool from Luke's Gospel and the importance of being rich toward God. We must live as though we believe we will die and stand before God's judgment. Dr. Geleris also suggests that the Church has severely neglected the topic of money and the salvific practice of almsgiving as mercy-giving. He urges tithing as a great first step in almsgiving and reminds us that the Lord's blessing is abundant through anonymous giving. Read the full episode transcript here. 
When tempted to say, "I quit," or "I'm indispensable," consider whether this might signal a kind of self-importance that has lost sight of the greater mission. We struggle with self-importance at every turn. When work is challenging, it's tempting to despair, quit, and presume to deserve better. And when others rely on us, it's tempting to pridefully assume that our expertise is indispensable. Even the Prophet Elijah was tempted to despair and presumed he was indispensable to the Lord's work. Fr. Timothy Lowe suggests we cut the drama and be ready with a humble and sober answer to the Lord's small voice when He asks, "What are you doing here?"
Read the full episode transcript here. 
Who doesn't love a good deal? Imagine the relief of debt forgiveness!
Fr. Aaron Warwick, co-host of Teach Me Thy Statutes, exegetes the parable commonly referred to as The Unjust Steward in the Gospel of Luke and demonstrates the wisdom of the steward through a more careful translation of the Greek which renders The Steward of the Unjust. The Master praises his steward for doing what the Master intends: distributing mercy just as the Apostle Paul mercifully distributes the Gospel to the Gentiles. The parable serves as a reminder that we will all be called to account on the Last Day for the abundant mercy the Lord provides and expects to be shared with our neighbors. Read the full episode transcript here. |
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