Do you love God or do you love the benefits of God?

In his insightful second week of Lent sermon, Bishop Barron delves into the profound story of Abraham and Isaac, drawing upon Søren Kierkegaard's interpretation in "Fear and Trembling" to highlight the intense trial of faith represented in this biblical narrative. Bishop Barron emphasizes that if one does not experience a sense of fear and trembling upon engaging with this story, they have missed its deeply challenging message.

Abraham, having received God's promise of countless descendants through his son Isaac, faces the ultimate test when God commands him to sacrifice this very son. This story, according to Bishop Barron, confronts us with a paradox that seems to pit God against Himself, creating a metaphysical crisis for Abraham. It raises the unsettling question: why would a benevolent God demand such a sacrifice?

Bishop Barron clarifies that the heart of this story—and indeed, a recurring theme in the Bible—is the distinction between loving God for His benefits and loving God for His own sake. This test, exemplified in both the stories of Abraham and Job, asks whether one's devotion is rooted in the gifts one receives from God or in a genuine love for God Himself, independent of His blessings.

The sermon draws a parallel between Abraham's ordeal and the suffering of Job, who, despite losing all worldly benefits, maintains his faith, exemplifying the pure love of God over His gifts. Bishop Barron extends this analogy to the ultimate example of Jesus Christ on the cross, who, stripped of all benefits, surrenders entirely to God's will, embodying the purest form of love and obedience.

Bishop Barron's message challenges believers to contemplate the depth of their own faith: Is it contingent upon the blessings received, or is it a steadfast commitment to God's will, regardless of personal loss or gain? This sermon invites listeners to reflect on the essence of true faith and the nature of divine love, encouraging a deeper, more unconditional devotion to God. Join Bishop Barron as he explores the profound implications of this biblical narrative for understanding the ultimate test of faith and the path to spiritual maturity.

Who is the enemy here?

In a profound discussion, Jordan Peterson explores the figure of Christ from a psychological and historical perspective, delving into the unique intersection where myth meets history. Unlike the sequence of dying and resurrecting mythological gods highlighted by figures like Joseph Campbell, Christ stands out due to the blend of historical accounts and mythological narrative surrounding His existence. Peterson points out that while debates continue over the historical accuracy of Christ's life, the convergence of the narrative and objective worlds through His story holds undeniable significance.

Peterson argues that this union exemplifies instances where the objective reality and the narrative or moral world intersect, a concept echoed in Carl Jung's idea of synchronicity. This blend of the real and the mythical in the figure of Christ serves as a principal example of how the narrative framework guiding our moral actions touches upon the tangible world, influencing how we navigate reality.

In his contemplation, Peterson extends his analysis to the broader implications of embodying Christ-like virtues in the modern world. He reflects on the human tendencies towards arrogance, willful blindness, bitterness, and the critical choice between revenge or justice, war or peace. Through a deeply personal prayer, Peterson calls for introspection and a collective cessation of identifying enemies among our neighbors, urging for a recognition of the real adversary: the pride and fear within that hinder unity and understanding.

This episode invites listeners to ponder the profound implications of Peterson's insights on how the narrative of Christ challenges us to confront the snakes in our hearts, the lies on our tongues, and the arrogance in our intellects. It's a call to transcend our limitations, aiming for the highest virtues of courage, trust, truth, and love, even in the face of our deepest divides. Join us for a thought-provoking journey into understanding the enemy within and the transformative power of forgiveness and unity in the shadow of the greatest story ever told.

In the eye of the storm, what can you do and what can't you do?

In this deeply moving episode, Liz Murray recounts her harrowing childhood, marked by her mother's addiction and the unimaginable challenges of homelessness. At just 11 years old, Liz witnessed her mother attempting to trade her sister's coat for drugs, an act that led to an unexpected moment of morality from a drug dealer. This encounter introduced Liz to the Serenity Prayer through a Narcotics Anonymous coin, which became a beacon of hope and resilience in her life.

Liz shares the profound impact this prayer had on her, especially during her darkest times on the streets after losing her mother and dropping out of high school. Amidst chaos and despair, the Serenity Prayer helped her distinguish between the aspects of her life she could not change and those she could influence. Choosing to focus on her education as her path to change, Liz's story is a testament to the power of identifying and pursuing what is within our control, even in the storm of life's most tumultuous challenges.

Her narrative is not just a story of survival but a powerful lesson on the importance of surrender, determination, and the belief in one’s ability to reshape their destiny through education and inner strength. Inspired by the quote from coach John Wooden, "Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do," Liz's journey from homelessness to Harvard is a compelling reminder of the human spirit's capacity for resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of greatness against all odds. Join us as Liz Murray inspires with her incredible journey of overcoming adversity and achieving the unthinkable.