A Little Way-Word — a podcast by St. Therese Institute

Canadian philosopher of Communication Marshall McLuhan once quipped that with communication “The medium is the message.” Nick and special guest Fr. John O’Brien reflect on this quote and it’s relevance for media literacy for Catholics these in digital times.

What is the spiritual space needed for an authentic love of neighbour?  Third-year student Christian Bekolay joins Nick as they reflect on the importance of detachment and poverty of spirit in answering this question, drawing on Christian's second-year ISP (Independent Study Project) entitled "The Empty Embrace: Detachment and Relationship". Ultimately, these spiritual realities makes possible an ‘Empty  Embrace’, a freedom for communion between one’s self, God, and each other.

"Joy is the air Christians breathe," says Pope Francis. Third year student, Kasmira Warawa, joins the podcast to discuss Pope Francis’ perspective on spiritual joy and Christian life. Stemming from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a defining virtue of the Church as an Easter people.

Hans Urs von Balthasar, a prominent 20th century theologian, once quipped that “all sin, essentially, consists in breaking out of time.” Therefore, he designates patience as the central virtue of Christian life. In this podcast, Jim and Nick unpack this quote and reflect on the role of patience as addressing the “unholy time travel” of sin.

Today, Jim sits down with Rebecca Skuban, one of our "St. Therese Apostolic Year" (S.T.A.Y.) third-year students, to talk about the "poustinia of  the heart", a notion coming from Servant of God Catherine Doherty. Can  integrating silence into different aspects of our lives help us to  maintain peace and freedom in a world humming with digital noise?

On December 8, 2020, Pope Francis proclaimed the 2021 year to be the "Year of St. Joseph." Along with the declaration, he released an apostolic letter, Patris Corde, reflecting on the silent guardian of the Holy Family. In this episode, Jim and Nick unpack some of the key themes of this document and ponder the figure of St. Joseph, the "father in the shadows."

In this concluding episode of the three part Discernment mini-series, Jim and Nick reflect on the modes of discernment and various practical methods of discernment as suggested by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Discernment is a matter of faith and reason, both being the two wings by which the soul soars to the heights of holiness and union with God.

Continuing in the Discernment mini-series, this episode introduces a pivotal figure: St. Ignatius of Loyola. Known for his helpful articulation of principles for discernment, St. Ignatius gives us certain key attitudes and dispositions whereby holy decisions are reached in a more effortless fashion.

When making decisions, we are called to reflect Christ in every action we take. But how do we know what is the best choice?

To answer this question, this episode launches a three part mini-series on Discernment.  In this first part, Jim and Nick talk about the basic 'shape' of discernment, outlining its purpose, its general characteristics, and some fundamental distinctions about its horizons.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ commands that we should be "perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt. 5:48).  All Christians are therefore called to be 'perfect', but what does that  mean, exactly? In this episode, Jim and Nick discuss the call to  perfection and distinguish it from its unhealthy manifestation,  perfectionism.   

“Were not our hearts burning within us[...]” (Luke 24:32a) This  episode covers one of hosts Jim Anderson and Nick Pierlot favorite  biblical passages, the "Road to Emmaus" narrative in Luke 24. Reflecting  on the passage, they attempt to peal back some of its layers of  meaning. Ultimately, the Road to Emmaus reveals the spiritual pathway  one experiences when encountering Jesus and becoming intentional  disciples.

With  the podcast being recorded on Pope St. John Paul II's feast day (Oct.  22), Jim and Nick reflect on the impact that the heroic Pope had on both  of their lives. Discussing personal experiences of John Paul II as well  as the import of his teaching, the podcast ends with a reflection on  the relevance of John Paul II for the present and future Church.

In  today's show, Jim and Nick unpack the four classical temperaments—  sanguine, choleric, melancholic and phlegmatic — and discuss their  respective strengths and weaknesses, and the benefit of discerning one's  own. Through their pondering, they unveil a very sanguine and calm  appreciation of the four temperaments as beneficial to Christian  mission, holiness, and self-knowledge.