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FAITH HOPE & HISTORY with FR. BILL

FAITH HOPE & HISTORY with FR. BILL

By Fr. Bill Nicholas

Discussions on the Catholic Faith, the Finer Things of Life and how things fit into the greater arch of History and Current Events.
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WHEN PEOPLE LEAVE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - The First Controversial Teaching that Drove People Away

FAITH HOPE & HISTORY with FR. BILLJul 30, 2021

00:00
14:01
LENTEN RESURRECTION - Our Encounter with the Risen Jesus

LENTEN RESURRECTION - Our Encounter with the Risen Jesus

Lent inevitably ends with the 50-day celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Bill talks about how the Resurrection is presented in the Gospels, what patterns they follow, what themes they present, and how we can encounter the Risen Jesus continually as His Followers.

Mar 15, 202427:46
LENTEN FORGIVENESS - A Mandate, Not a Suggestion

LENTEN FORGIVENESS - A Mandate, Not a Suggestion

Jesus does not suggest forgiveness, He requires it of His followers. Fr. Bill discuses the many angles and layers of forgiveness, what is at stake, and what should motivate us to obey that command from Jesus.

Mar 08, 202427:16
LENTEN TEMPTATION - The Strain of Spiritual Exercise

LENTEN TEMPTATION - The Strain of Spiritual Exercise

With sacrifice comes Temptation. Fr. Bill talks about how we invite Temptation as an essential part of Lent and how resisting Temptation benefits us Spiritually.

Mar 01, 202432:52
LENTEN SACRIFICE - Offering God's Gifts Back to God

LENTEN SACRIFICE - Offering God's Gifts Back to God

Lent always includes some element of Sacrifice. Fr. Bill talks about what practices accompany the observance of Lent, what they accomplish and why they are important.

Feb 23, 202428:57
LENT: 40 DAYS IN THE DESERT - The Spirituality of the Desert

LENT: 40 DAYS IN THE DESERT - The Spirituality of the Desert

Fr. Bill talks about "Desert Spirituality", its grounding in Holy Scripture, and how it fits into the annual observance of Lent.

Feb 16, 202424:31
POPE FRANCIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM - The Reaction to the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings

POPE FRANCIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM - The Reaction to the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings

Heads exploded on Social Media last week when the Vatican issued its new Declaration On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings. Fr. Bill refrained from participating in the commentary, until now. His take on the Declaration is a little different than what has been widespread on Social Media as he shares his Reaction to the Reaction.

Dec 29, 202344:55
CHRISTMAS OR THE POPE? - What Should I Talk About?

CHRISTMAS OR THE POPE? - What Should I Talk About?

Fr. Bill discusses whether it is more important to talk about the Pope's comments on "blessings" or on the up-and-coming celebration of the Incarnation of Christ.

Dec 22, 202318:24
RETHINKING ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

RETHINKING ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

Catholics run parallel "Christmas Seasons" this time of year. One is the American Christmas/Holiday Season that runs from Thanksgiving to the New Year. The other is the Christian Advent/Christmas Season.


Fr. Bill talks about the distinction between the two and how both can be observed each without losing sight of the other; but it takes a minor effort, and might require a little change.

Dec 01, 202328:39
NOT A DAY TO BE "THANKFUL" - A Day of ThanksGIVING

NOT A DAY TO BE "THANKFUL" - A Day of ThanksGIVING

Fr. Bill addresses a common practice on Thanksgiving Day and how it undermines the true nature of the holiday.

Nov 17, 202311:45
POPE LEO THE GREAT & THE MODERN PAPACY

POPE LEO THE GREAT & THE MODERN PAPACY

November 10 is the Feast Day of Pope St. Leo I (the Great). Fr. Bill talks about his life and how he shaped the Papacy as we know it.

Nov 10, 202321:04
CAN THERE BE FAITH & ETHICS IN POLITICS? - The New Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson

CAN THERE BE FAITH & ETHICS IN POLITICS? - The New Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson

The new Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, is coming under fire for publicly professing his Christian Faith, and in giving no indication that he is a corrupt politician.


Fr. Bill discusses why this is so scandalous in today's cultural climate, and why it is a good sign when someone, even in political leadership, goes against the secular, atheistic cultural grain.

Nov 03, 202315:10
DEMONS & POSSESSION - Halloween and the Problem of Evil

DEMONS & POSSESSION - Halloween and the Problem of Evil

Each year there are groups who express concern that Halloween is a time of the glorification of evil, witchcraft, death and the occult.


Fr. Bill talks about what is behind the idea of evil and demonic possession and how the Halloween detractors actually give the devil more of a due than is nsecessary, and actually aid the devil more in their opposition to the celebration of All Hallows Eve.

Oct 27, 202332:58
THE WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST - The Conflict Between Israel & Hamas

THE WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST - The Conflict Between Israel & Hamas

With the recent outbreak of war between Israel and Palestine, Fr. Bill offers a Biblical and Historical context in which the current event is being played out.

How can we understand the war in light of the Biblical as well as "secular" History of that region, in light of Jesus' farewell promise of Peace, well as in light of the Promise God made that All Nations would find Blessing in the descendants of Abraham who make up the kingdom, and subsequent Nation of Israel?

Oct 13, 202326:38
THOUGHTS ON THE SYNOD ON "SYNODALITY"

THOUGHTS ON THE SYNOD ON "SYNODALITY"

Fr. Bill offers his thoughts on the Synod going on in the Vatican during the coming weeks and gives his response to the many comments and concerns that are being made about it.

Oct 06, 202332:08
SLAVERY, CHRISTIANITY & THE UNITED STATES - Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

SLAVERY, CHRISTIANITY & THE UNITED STATES - Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

September 22 is the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, declared by Abraham Lincoln in 1862.


Fr. Bill discusses the history of Slavery, how the Bible addresses the issue, its history in Christian Europe and in the Founding of the United States. He threads the needle leading up to the Civil War and Lincoln's Proclamation, and how the Constitution of the United States did not endorse Slavery, but brought forth everything from the History of Western Europe up to that point to direct the new Nation towards eventual Emancipation.

Sep 22, 202344:08
9/11, FAITH & PATRIOTISM - From Darkness to Light in Our National Remembrance

9/11, FAITH & PATRIOTISM - From Darkness to Light in Our National Remembrance

For 22 Years we have been remembering the Terrorist Attack on the anniversary of 9/11. But it is not simply one day we should be remembering. Three days later, on September 14, President Bush called for a National Day of Mourning and Prayer in the aftermath of the attack.


Listen as Fr. Bill talks about the importance of that Day of Prayer, September 14; what is celebrated in the Catholic Church, what should be remembered as a Nation, and how it all ties into what we remember in the Anniversary and Aftermath of the 9/11 Attack, and what we celebrate in our Identity and Resolve as both Christians and Americans.

Sep 15, 202316:10
Wecome Back -- New Season & New Location

Wecome Back -- New Season & New Location

Fr. Bill is back to his Podcast with what he hopes will be interesting and relevant topics regardinig Faith, Hope & History

Sep 09, 202305:25
STOP PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS!! - Good Shepherd Sunday

STOP PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS!! - Good Shepherd Sunday

Fr. Bill addresses the shortage of Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life in the Catholic Church. He proposes a shocking reason why he thinks God has been answering our prayers all along, and what Catholics can do to stem the tide of the decline so as to ensure a future increase in vocations.

Apr 30, 202324:07
DEFENDING OUR FIRST FREEDOM - Freedom of Religion

DEFENDING OUR FIRST FREEDOM - Freedom of Religion

Fr. Bill talks about Freedom of Religion, what it means, how it is protected in our Constitution, how it is threatened and what we must do to protect it against the assault it faces today.

Apr 14, 202334:21
HOLLYWOOD INCLUSIVITY - They Can Do It Without Help (and they have!)

HOLLYWOOD INCLUSIVITY - They Can Do It Without Help (and they have!)

Fr. Bill talks about the recent Academy Awards, as well as the history of the Awards as a Hollywood institution. He talks about how Hollywood has grown in its own "inclusivity" over time, how it has forgotten it's natural progress, and why it does not need the pushing of the "WOKE" movement to continue its development as a truly worldwide cinematic institution that has grown beyond Hollywood.

Mar 17, 202331:19
Comments on the EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL in the United States Catholic Church

Comments on the EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL in the United States Catholic Church

Fr. Bill offers his thoughts and comments on his hopes, and skepticisms of the Eucharistic Revival currently being conducted throughout the Catholic Church in the United States.

Mar 10, 202332:42
ABORTION VS. SLAVERY - How Are They Similar? Should Either Be Protected in America?

ABORTION VS. SLAVERY - How Are They Similar? Should Either Be Protected in America?

Fr. Bill makes a comparison to the issues of Abortion and Slavery, and the Supreme Court decisions that dealt with both.  He shows how the two issues have more in common than not and how the United States in dealing with both issues must struggle with what it means to be a Christian, but also an American.

Jan 20, 202333:01
WHAT DO THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAVE IN COMMON?

WHAT DO THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAVE IN COMMON?

Fr. Bill reviews the recent divisions within the Catholic Church as well as the recent, elongated, election of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and discusses how the dynamic of both is more similar than we realize, and how such a dynamic is, in fact, beneficial for both the Leadership of the Catholic Church, and the Governance of the United States.

Jan 14, 202319:43
CHRISTMAS OCTAVE - What Do We Observe in the Week Following Christmas?

CHRISTMAS OCTAVE - What Do We Observe in the Week Following Christmas?

What is celebrated in the days immediately following Christmas?

Fr. Bill discusses the wide array of people and themes that are celebrated, observed and reflected upon in the days following the Feast of the Incarnation; showing that the Catholic Faith does not rest simply on remembering a newborn baby, but celebrates a wide range, from Martyrdom, Mysticism, Theology, History, Compassion for the Vulnerable, Tragedy of the Weak and the Defense of the Freedom of Religion and the Church.

Dec 30, 202232:31
Fr. Bill's Christmas DAY Message

Fr. Bill's Christmas DAY Message

The Four Masses Celebrated for Christmas offers four different Scriptural perspectives on the Incarnation, the Birth of Christ.  Fr. Bill talks about the need for new perspectives on Christmas in order to get us back to the Old Basics.

Dec 25, 202210:59
Fr. Bill's Christmas MIDNIGHT Message

Fr. Bill's Christmas MIDNIGHT Message

Jesus is a light shining in the darkness, but what is the darkness into which He shines.

Fr. Bill preaches his Midnight Mass message of the darknesses experienced by people and how Jesus pierces that darkness to bring about a happy ending.

Dec 25, 202213:06
Fr. Bill's Christmas EVE Message

Fr. Bill's Christmas EVE Message

Fr. Bill shares thoughts on the reading of the Genealogy of Jesus that is ready during the Christmas Vigil Mass and its importance for understanding the true meaning of Christmas.

Dec 24, 202212:23
CHRISTMAS IS A NATIONAL RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY

CHRISTMAS IS A NATIONAL RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY

Fr. Bill returns to his podcast to talk about Christmas not only as a secular observance, but one in which even atheists give a nod to the birth of Jesus just by virtue of celebrating Christmas (however they do it).  Christmas is also a national reminder of our "First Freedom" as Americans -- which is not the Freedom of Speech (at best, that is the Second Freedom).

Dec 23, 202215:22
VETERANS DAY, ST. MARTIN OF TOURS & ELECTION 2022

VETERANS DAY, ST. MARTIN OF TOURS & ELECTION 2022

Fr. Bill threads the needle between the observance of Veterans Day, the Feast Day of St. Martin of Tours (celebrated on the same day) and the results of Election 2022.  He draws upon history, even recent history to find a purpose in the direction our country is headed in light of the results of the 2022 Election, the sacrifice of our Veterans, and the example of such Saints as Martin, William of Gellone and other Saints who were Military Veterans.

Nov 12, 202245:59
AN END OF DEMOCRACY? -- The U.S. Constitution and the 2022 Mid-term Election

AN END OF DEMOCRACY? -- The U.S. Constitution and the 2022 Mid-term Election

The 2022 Mid-Term Election is upon us.  

Fr. Bill discusses the campaign rhetoric that has been used during this election cycle, particularly regarding the perceived threats to the future of Democracy in the United States - and how the United States Constitution was originally set up by the Founding Fathers to deal with, and prevent, any threat to the democratic process in this country so as to protect, not just democracy, but the Freedom of its citizens from the threat of a tyrannical governing body.

Nov 05, 202235:24
HALLOWEEN - Is it a Celebration of the Devil?

HALLOWEEN - Is it a Celebration of the Devil?

Fr. Bill discusses the "Spirit" behind Halloween, regardless of multiple origins from which it emerged and counters the popular notion that it is a Pagan feast celebrating Death, Evil and the Devil

Oct 29, 202228:03
MINIMALISM TO SUBSTANCE - Growing Meat on your Catholic Bones

MINIMALISM TO SUBSTANCE - Growing Meat on your Catholic Bones

Fr. Bill presents three of his recent homilies that build upon the theme of doing more than just the minimum.  Drawing upon the parables of the Corrupt Steward, the Corrupt Judge/Persistent Widow and the Miracle of the Ten Lepers, Fr. Bill talks about three ways in which we can go above and beyond the minimum when it comes especially to prayer and worship, but also in how we live and act as Christian people in an increasingly secular world.

Oct 21, 202243:44
CATHOLIC ASSAULT WEAPON - The Rosary, the Battle of Lepanto and the Power of Catholic Prayer

CATHOLIC ASSAULT WEAPON - The Rosary, the Battle of Lepanto and the Power of Catholic Prayer

Last August an Op-Ed in the Atlantic declared the Rosary to be a symbol of Christian Nationalism and White Supremacy.  Fr. Bill discusses how the Rosary is in fact comparable to a weapon and how the Anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto demonstrates this to be true - but not the kind of weapon one would expect.  He further discusses the importance and Power of Prayer and why the Atlantic author reflects a great fear many have for the Catholici Power of Prayer.

Oct 07, 202219:48
OUR NATION FOUNDED ON LIBERTY NOT SLAVERY - The U.S. Constitution and the Momentum Toward Emancipation

OUR NATION FOUNDED ON LIBERTY NOT SLAVERY - The U.S. Constitution and the Momentum Toward Emancipation

Popular sentiment claims that the United States was founded on Slavery.  In honor of the 160th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation (9/22/1862), Fr. Bill disputes the claim that the natin was built on Slavery, and talks about how the United States Constitution reflects a momentum at the birth of our nation not towards Slavery, but towards Emancipation.  In demonstrating this Fr. Bill quotes from the Constitution, itself, showing where, and how, the founding of our Nation was spelled the ultimate doom of Slavery and the catalyst that ultimately and inevitably led to Emancipation.

Sep 23, 202238:35
THE OLDEST CATHOLIC TRADITION - Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian

THE OLDEST CATHOLIC TRADITION - Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian

The Catholic Church has always experienced divisions.  Today among these divisions are between those who like to promote themselves as "traditional" Catholics.

Fr. Bill discusses one of the many aspects of true Church Tradition, how the so-called "traditional" Catholics measure up, and how Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian, who share a Feast Day today (September 16), emulate one of the Oldest and Truest Catholic Traditions.

Sep 16, 202226:34
THE DEATH OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II

THE DEATH OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Fr. Bill begins his new season of podcasts talking about the death of Queen Elizabeth II.  He also briefly reviews the highlights of the history of the English Monarchy, including some of the more notable and notorious kings and queens that have reigned over Great Britain.

Sep 09, 202222:10
CATHOLIC TRADITION of ECUMENICAL COUNCILS - More than Just Vatican II

CATHOLIC TRADITION of ECUMENICAL COUNCILS - More than Just Vatican II

Not many Christians, including Catholics, know that there is a rich history in the Catholic Church of the Ecumenical Council.  For many, the only Council they are aware of is Vatican II (and maybe, by conclusion, Vatican I), but little is known about the dynamic and charism of the Council in the history and function of the Catholic Church.

Fr. Bill discusses this history of the Councils, what they were, when they were held, what they discussed, their impact on the Catholic Faith and Tradition, and how the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) fits into that rich Catholic Tradition.

May 20, 202247:04
SHEPHERDING THROUGH ROE V. WADE - Being Good Shepherds in a Culture of Death

SHEPHERDING THROUGH ROE V. WADE - Being Good Shepherds in a Culture of Death

Fr. Bill gives his weekly homily on the Good Shepherd in light of the leaked opinion regarding the Supreme Court's ruling on Abortion.

May 08, 202212:10
FREE SPEECH is NOT Our FIRST FREEDOM!! -- There is a Constitutional Freedom Even Greater and More Important

FREE SPEECH is NOT Our FIRST FREEDOM!! -- There is a Constitutional Freedom Even Greater and More Important

With the news regarding the sale of Twitter, there has been much discussion on the nature of the Freedom of Speech in the United States.  Fr. Bill discusses the importance of Free Speech, but also talks about another Freedom, in the Bill of Rights, more important than Free Speech, without which we will never enjoy freedom and Democratic Dominance over our Governmental Systems.

Apr 29, 202222:32
GOOD FRIDAY IS CORONATION DAY!

GOOD FRIDAY IS CORONATION DAY!

Fr. Bill talks about Good Friday from the perspective of the Gospel of John, who sets up the Passion of Jesus very much as the Coronation of the King of Glory.  Listen as Fr. Bill describes why this is so, prepares us to hear the Passion According to John in the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, and offers a final reflection on the importance of Jesus' Crucifixion.

Apr 15, 202235:55
WHEN THE ACADEMY AWARDS (and Hollywood movies) WERE GREAT

WHEN THE ACADEMY AWARDS (and Hollywood movies) WERE GREAT

Fr. Bill comments on the history of the Academy Awards and the legendary films that Hollywood used to produce, manifested on those films that won the award for Best Picture.

Reviewing some of the great films that have been Awarded Best Picture, Fr. Bill by the Academy, Fr. Bill reflects on the greatest films and the greatest era of both Hollywood and the Academy Awards, compared to the obvious decline of both in the past decade.

Apr 08, 202232:00
PATRICK & JOSEPH - The Legacy of the Catholic Church in the United States

PATRICK & JOSEPH - The Legacy of the Catholic Church in the United States

Part of the Legacy of St. Patrick is that the Irish helped to maintain the Church in the U.S. for decades.  As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's Day two days apart, what are the lessons to be learned from both men, and the influence they have had on the Church in the United States?

Mar 18, 202218:26
HOW IS THE OLD TESTAMENT HISTORICAL? -- Is the Bible History or Not?

HOW IS THE OLD TESTAMENT HISTORICAL? -- Is the Bible History or Not?

Some insist that the Bible is an accurate historical account.  Others claim it is only Mythology.  Fr. Bill discusses how it is both, why it is both and to what purpose it serves as a "historical" for the ancient Kingdom of Israel, as well as to people of faith today.

Mar 04, 202235:17
WARS & PESTILENCE - Is the End Near?

WARS & PESTILENCE - Is the End Near?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine comes on the heels of the Covid Pandemic around the World, and of Civil Unrest, inflation and Economic Uncertainty in the US.  Some would insist that it is the sign that the End is coming.

Fr. Bill discusses the words of Jesus regarding Wars, Pestilence and the End of the World and how Catholics are called to react to events that are being reported from home and throughout the World

Feb 25, 202221:08
END OF THE PANDEMIC - Reason vs. Emotion

END OF THE PANDEMIC - Reason vs. Emotion

As eager as people were to mask up and get vaxed at the height of the pandemic because "we were all going to die" if we didn't.  How eager are people now to move on, maskless and unafraid, now that the Pandemic is beginning to wane?

Fr. Bill reflects upon the experience of the Covid Pandemic and what we could and should expect from people as the world begins to return to normal.

Feb 18, 202226:58
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS - A Legacy to be Proud Of

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS - A Legacy to be Proud Of

The Last week of January is celebrated annually as Catholic Schools Week.

Fr. Bill talks about the Legacy of the Catholic School System, especially in the United States, what makes it great, what challenges it faces, and why it should be kept going for future generations in this country.

Feb 04, 202222:55
REACTIONS - How Do People Respond to the Church?

REACTIONS - How Do People Respond to the Church?

Jesus' debut in Nazareth was somewhat less than successful.

Fr Bill discusses the ways in which the people of Jesus' home-town reacted to his teaching and how the Catholics, Christians and anyone of any traditional value system experience and deal with multiple reactions to their presence and assertions in society.

Jan 28, 202222:01
RELIGION, POLITICS & THE "CANCEL CULTURE" - St. Thomas Becket

RELIGION, POLITICS & THE "CANCEL CULTURE" - St. Thomas Becket

The life and martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket shows that Religion has a clear place in politics, whether we want it to or not.

Fr. Bill discusses the life of Becket and how he defied the conventional separation of Religion and Politics, and even became the victim of a "Cancel Culture."

Dec 29, 202105:25
SCHOOL BOARDS, ABORTION and the HOLY INNOCENTS

SCHOOL BOARDS, ABORTION and the HOLY INNOCENTS

The Feast of the Holy Innocents follows the Celebration of Christmas and remembers the death of the infants slaughtered by King Herod following the Birth of Jesus.

Fr. Bill talks about how the Slaughter of the Innocents parallels another Biblical slaughter, and how it is repeated today in the drive for a more secular progressive post-Christian society.

Dec 29, 202115:47
CHRISTMAS - The Unstoppable Celebration of Freedom

CHRISTMAS - The Unstoppable Celebration of Freedom

Christmas celebrates the Birth of Christ, but it also celebrates that "The Lord has come this people and set them free!"  It is a great celebration of Freedom that is perfectly combatable with our culture and founding as Free Americans of the United States.

Fr. Bill talks about how this is so and wishes everyone the best of the season.

Dec 24, 202125:38