Made for Greatness: A Podcast for Catholic Men
By Kevin Philip
For Catholic men who strive to live according to the calling to which we have been called (Ephesians 4:1).
Made for Greatness: A Podcast for Catholic MenFeb 13, 2024
Lured by Desire
We are "lured and enticed by own own desire" - ask God to heal you of these desires. He wants to help, you just gotta ask him and invite him into your life.
The daily reading for February 13, 2024 is from James 1:12-18: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Find Me in the River
The title of this episode is inspired by one of my favourite worship songs, "Find Me in the River" by Delirious?
In this episode we encounter two men, King David and the Gerasene Demoniac. Both of these men embody the locale in which they find themselves: at the River Jordan. At the river, God finds them and heals them.
May this same loving God find you at your river.
Here's a link to the song: https://youtu.be/WFVmrdik5i8?si=xXd-np28FB8KVzXR
Here's a link to the scripture readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012924.cfm
Resolve
My brothers, God wants you to become like a candle. Do not be afraid to melt before the Living Flame of God!
"If You Build it ..."
"What you contemplate, you become." - St. Augustine
Learn about the impact of pornography on your psyche and be healed: www.strive21.com/
6,000 thoughts per day, retrain how they impact you: www.newsweek.com/humans-6000-thoughts-every-day-1517963
A Catholic Guide to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: https://www.catholic365.com/article/18956/3-anchors-of-catholicism-and-cognitive-behavioral-therapy.html#:~:text=Cognitive%20Behavioral%20Therapy%20is%20about,do%20God%27s%20will%2C%20not%20ours.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind ..." (Romans 12:2) Here's a teaching on this: www.compellingtruth.org/do-not-conform-to-this-world.html
What Makes Great Men ... Great?
A modified best man speech for my brother at his wedding.
Testimony: Living and Walking in the Power of God
Living and Walking in the Power of God is both a demand that requires and a catalyst that enables our lives to become like a liturgy that glorifies God our Father.
The Holy Whatchamacallit
Great readings today from the Acts of the Apostles 19:1-8 (May 22, 2023)
St Rita of Cascia, Patron of the Impossible: 8 Things to Know About the Amazing St. Rita, Patron of the Impossible (churchpop.com)
Ascension Thursday
Arm's Length Ministry
Daily Mass Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading George Washington's Newburgh Address: https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/historic-document-library/detail/george-washington-newburgh-address-1783
What made George Washington Great: https://www.prageru.com/video/what-made-george-washington-great Henry V, St. Crispin's Day Speech (Kenneth Branagh): https://youtu.be/A-yZNMWFqvM
Mega Dunamis
My favourite Catholic study app: Verbum
Vincent
Some good information about the Catholic Byzantine experience from the good ladies at Blessed is She: blessedisshe.net/en-ca/blogs/blog/byzantine-catholic-liturgy
“O Starry, Starry Night …” Here's a terrific read about art, "Art: a Glimpse into the Beauty of God": catholicstand.com/art-a-glimpse-into-the-beauty-of-god/
St. Joseph
The Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary and Patron of the Universal Church.
Mass readings: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Divine Intimacy: https://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/divine-intimacy-hardbound-book/p/BKDEV05400
The Heart of the Matter
Saint of the day: St. Frances of Rome https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-frances-of-rome/
Daily Mass Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030923.cfm
Mission to Mexico
Grow Your Parish
The Acts of the Apostles is a blueprint to what ought to be known as "mainstream Christian Living." Here's why.
Infants or Warriors
"The degree of zeal in acquiring stature in Christ shows whether a man is an infant or a perfected man in the present world and in the world to come" - St. Gregory of Sinai.
His Orthodox Wiki: https://orthodoxwiki.org/Gregory_of_Sinai Growing in Zeal, becoming a Warrior: https://youtu.be/xyJEcwWElCc
The Definition of Us
Modernity's Demand
Based on two things: Acts of the Apostles chapter 10 and the Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity
Link to the "Apostolate of the Laity" (it's awesome, go read it): https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651118_apostolicam-actuositatem_en.html
Link to a Presentation by the indomitable Ralph Martin on this Decree: https://youtu.be/GXG3Ji0qRKY
Featuring: Crickets! with Special Guest Padre Juan Diego, CFR
The crickets were out in full force in this cell phone recorded episode from a beautiful outdoor grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima.
Papa JD was in my area for our annual Made for Greatness men's conference, and a presentation for a youth/young adult group from our Archdiocese. Padre Juan Diego did a fantastic job with the men and was awesome to work with. For info on his Friary and ministry in Albuquerque, go to their website: cfr-newmexico.com
This is a recording of his presentation for the Archdiocesan Youth.
Fearless Promo
The KofCs Rekindle Their Flame
Had the privilege of delivering a part of our Rekindle the Flame message to group of Knights of Columbus from Saskatchewan.
In the presentations, I touch on the reality of Impostor Syndrome. Here's a great article from The Epoch Times about Impostor Syndrome: https://www.theepochtimes.com/feeling-like-a-fraud-exposing-imposter-syndrome_2775289.html
St. Dismas and the Providence of God
St. Dismas, his traditional memorial is March 25. Here's his bio from Denver Catholic: denvercatholic.org/st-dismas-a-penitent-thief-and-the-paradise-of-belief/
Rekindle the Flame
RCIA Presentation: Building a Relationship with God
Presentation for an RCIA group in my Province
Crucibles and Cheese Cloth
Not a deep dive into scripture, but a casual reflection into the works of the Early Church and other powerful Heroes of our faith, like Elijah. Some terms:
"Crucible" (from the Latin, "crux"): A situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new (Source: lexico.com: https://www.lexico.com/definition/crucible).
Cheesecloth: Okay, truth be told, I've never used cheesecloth--nor have I ever seen anyone use it. For those Chefs out there that might stumble on this episode, in the immortal words of Elvis: "Have mercy!" For people like me who've never touched the stuff, here's this: https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-strain-with-a-cheesecloth/
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel: "St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in this day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host--by the Power of God--cast into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of Souls. Amen."
Jonah, Revisited
Imagined Slights
"It's not you it's me" - Remember that episode from Seinfeld? Here's a clip: https://youtu.be/2uAj4wBIU-8
Sometimes, it really is ... me. We need to get a point and ask ourselves, "Do I really want to be a Saint?" Striving to be a Saint and to Glorify God in all things demands that we ask God for the courage to see when it's not the Other in our lives, it's us.
Drop it Like a Rented Mule
The readings from the day: Judges 2:11-19; Matthew 19:16-22
The Catholic News Agency on St. Stephen: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-stephen-of-hungary-565
St. Stephen of Hungary, Pray for us!
Tear Your Hearts
From the Archives! Recorded this several months back, never published.
The Sign of Jonah
Today's Mass Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading (go to July 19, 2021)
The Sign of Jonah: A Message of Repentance, Mercy, and Redemption
"... and also much cattle?" (Jonah 4:11)
The Jason Jones Show: "Stunning interview with Uyghur Refugee + more interviews at the International Religious Freedom Summit" - fantastic episode that you don't want to miss: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stunning-interview-uyghur-refugee-more-interviews-at/id1396065126?i=1000528964595
The Vulnerable People Project: Authentic Catholic Social Teaching - awesome stuff! An excellent ministry created by Jason Jones: https://www.thegreatcampaign.org/
Deacon Kevin is Made for Greatness
Gospel reading for the day: Matthew 10:16-23
Political Activism
James Lipoth is Made for Greatness
James and I met around 1998 at a Catholic Bible School called, John Paul II Bible School in the wee village of Radway, Alberta. We live in the same neighbourhood, work in the same industry, go to the same Parish ... this episode is waaaay overdue
Jars of Clay, "Worlds Apart," from the live album Furthermore: https://youtu.be/iq_El_J7jMM
The Anchor of our Souls
Jim Murphy, of Vera Cruz Communications, joins us for our monthly men's event. Go to his website for more information: veracruzcm.com
Serve with Jim or any of the other Country Coordinators for Renewal Ministries: renewalministries.net/missions
Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: "O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, pour down thy blessings abundantly upon Thy Church, upon the Supreme Pontiff, and upon all the clergy; give perseverance to the just, convert sinners, enlighten unbelievers, bless our parents, friends and benefcators, help the dying, free the souls from Purgatory, and extend over all hearts the sweet empire of Thy love. Amen." (traditionalcatholicprayers.com)
Moving Mountains
Mark Joubert, one of our local leaders, shares with us his wisdom about the Virtue of Faith at one of our monthly Made for Greatness men's nights. Great job, Mark!
Hypocrites
Prayer to St. Joseph:
"Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man.
"Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen."
The Mass reading from today that I referenced is from the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 11
Beggars
Daily Mass Readings are from The Acts of the Apostles 3:1-10; The Gospel of Luke 24:13-35. Here's a link
**Links only seem to work from my podcast page on Anchor.fm
Whom do you Seek?
Jesus is Alive! Happy Easter, and have a courageous Easter season as you prepare your hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit. "Repent and be Baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:39).
The Formation of the Cross
A point of clarity from my previous episode, "A World Without Hugs" and a wee meditation on the meaning of the word, "formed."
Here's a link to Verbum: A Catholic Bible Study (fyi: the links only seem to work on Anchor).
Prayer to St. Joseph:
"Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen."
A World Without Hugs
Journey with me, as I try to make sense of 3 profound scenes I recently saw. The scripture I refer to in this episode is from Ezekiel chapter 47--click here to read it!
Don't be discouraged and allow the darkness to consume you. Never forget: "... everything will live where the river goes" (Ezekiel 47:9).
Prayer to St. Joseph:
"Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen."
St. Joseph, Husband and Father
"Prayer to St. Joseph" (provided by members of the Madonna House Apostolate)
"Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen."
Discovering God's Will
"Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2)
From Divine Intimacy: "One of the greatest obstacles to full conformity of our will to God's is our attachment to our own desires and inclinations" (DI.120.2a). Get your own copy of this spiritual classic here
Today's mass readings: Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54
Honour Worship
From Divine Intimacy: "However slight may be our concern for our reputation, if we wish to make progress in spiritual matters, we must put this attachment right behind us; for if questions of honour prevail, we will never make great progress or come to enjoy the real fruit of prayer: intimacy with God" (DI.117, "True Glory." 1).
Get your own copy of Divine Intimacy.
Daily mass readings from the USCCB
Pray the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer Daily:
"St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in this day of battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen."
Leprous Valour
Yes, valour is an intrinsic element of Masculine Spirituality, but don’t let the pursuit of Valour distract you from seeking the lowest place without the want to be acknowledged.
Lent, Imperfect
"Every moment is a new moment to begin again!" (Catherine Doherty, founder of Madonna House). Don't be discouraged by an imperfect first week of Lent: Get up. Dust the dust off and move forward.
Click here for your own copy of Divine Intimacy - changed my life forever!
The Servants of the Cross - check them out and donate to their ministry
Quote List:
- "Grit": attitude, desire, commitment, and passion;
- "To insure an orderly and progressive growth in the spiritual life ... we must know ourselves" (Divine Intimacy, Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD, #103 para. 1);
- The Sacrament of Penance "has bathed us in order to cleanse the face of our souls from the Leprosy of Sin" (St. Catherine of Sienna).
Sorry for the audio issues!
The God of the Gaps
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:7,8).
The Presentation given to us by Gerald Montpetit and here's link to Gerald's ministry:
Cat.Chat: Makes the Faith Come Alive for Kids - check it out, it has been a huge blessing for my family and I KNOW it will be for yours;
Bear Woznick - check him out, another tremendous resource for Catholic men: DeepAdventureMinistries.com
Last but not least: Jim Murphy, an excellent man. Here's an episode from the Spiritual Fortitude Podcast and a recording of Jim's presentation, "A Journey With The Cross"
The Day of the Lord is Coming
Rend Your Heart and Not Your Garment (Joel 2:13)
My Favourite Nativity
**Originally recorded on (you guessed it) Christmas Day 2020. Missing a good chunk of audio ...
Allow St. Joseph to build a manger in your heart today. Prepare room for the King of Kings and rest with him.
Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph (recited at the end; click here for the source, The Pieta Prayer Book):
"O St. Joseph, who protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you with Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name, kiss his fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen."
Dagon and the Ark
"O Happy Fault" that I read the wrong mass readings this weekend: should've been 2 Samuel, but I read 1 Samuel--and I've been chewing on it ever since! Particularly 3 themes:
1. The Humiliation of Dagon (Philistinian deity) before the Ark of God;
2. The Lack of Evangelical Zeal, on the part of Israel;
3. "Tear your hearts, not your garments" (see Joel 2)
Let's chew on 1 Samuel chapters 5-7 real quick and see how it relates to today.
"Fear Not! I will Help You"
"Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" (Romans 12:12). God is here for you during this time we're in; he is here and ready to take you by your hand, in order to be your Strength. Let him. Let him take your hand, let him lead you, and let him speak to you "great and hidden things which you have not known" (Jeremiah 33:3).