In this featured mini-series on the St. Josemaria Institute podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the repentance and radical love of St. Peter.
In this podcast, as we continue our Lenten devotions, Fr. Peter Armenio explores the theme of taking up the yoke of Jesus in order to follow him.
In this podcast, as we continue our Lenten devotions, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on Jesus' fasting in the desert for 40 days. Why did he do that? Because the desert didn’t offer him absolutely anything, so he relied entirely on his Father.
In this podcast, as we continue our Lenten devotions, Fr. Peter Armenio reminds us of the importance of getting to know Christ, our Divine Friend, and using the Gospels as a medium to hear him and to speak to him.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio explains how knowing about Jesus Christ differs from knowing him. And, in order to know Christ, Fr. Peter encourages us to foster a personal relationship with him.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo invites us to reflect on how love makes God visible in the world because God gives himself entirely to us.
As we begin the holy season of Lent, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the readings for Ash Wednesday which remind us once again that now is the time for conversion — Lent is a time for conversion.
In this featured mini-series on the St. Josemaria Institute podcast, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on the prominent themes found in "The Way of the Cross" by St. Josemaria.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a historical reflection on the 80th anniversary of St. Josemaria Escriva’s founding of the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross on February 14, 1943.
In this special podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the feast of Mary, Mother of Fairest Love (February 14th), and the significance of this Marian title in the life of the Church and the history of Opus Dei.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the meaning of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ and why “to be a follower of Christ, we have to love the Church.”
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on how Jesus’ example and teachings on humility are key to knowing ourselves and to knowing God.
Gospel/Scripture Jesus Christ Love/Charity Parables/Miracles Virtues
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio guides us to reflect upon the importance of loving God, being united to Him, and being a light in the world that extends and radiates His love to others.
In this podcast, Msgr. Dolan reflects on how “our spiritual life is a school of happiness where we learn how to be happy, no matter what.”
Until then Jesus had been hidden in Nazareth, known by His parents, some relatives and a few friends. But now the time had come to reveal to all nations that God had sent His only Begotten Son to save them.
In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina helps us realize that no matter how much we prepare, spiritually or materially, Christmas comes, and we never feel ready.
O, John, "the one whom Jesus loved"! How did you like that title! The "Beloved". You were still young when you started following St John the Baptist. You loved him and listened to him, thinking that he could be the one.
Christmas Gospel/Scripture Holiness Love/Charity Saints
A day after the celebration of Our Lord’s Birth we celebrate the death of the first martyr, St Stephen. He became the first Christian to be killed for his faith in Jesus Christ.
Christmas Evangelization Gospel/Scripture Love/Charity Saints
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to reflect more deeply on the Nativity of Our Lord. “In the Incarnation,” he says, “God has come not only to unleash our power of loving and adoring God but also to give us a model on how to become more fully human.”
Christmas Friendship Freedom Holiness Interior Life Love/Charity
In this podcast for the Fourth Week of Advent, Fr. Peter Armenio helps us continue our preparation to "be ready" for Christmas—the celebration of our transcendent God breaking into our own world in the fullness of time—by contemplating Jesus Christ as the true source of peace and joy.
In this podcast for the Third Week of Advent, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the readings for the Mass of the third Sunday of Advent also known as “Gaudete Sunday” or “Rejoice Sunday”.
In this podcast for the Second Week of Advent, Fr. Peter Armenio directs our attention to the metaphors of conversion found in the gospel description of St. John the Baptist: "A voice of one crying in the desert, ‘prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.'"
Advent is a time to ready ourselves for our eventual meeting with the very person whom we are awaiting and trying to imitate, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the fact that "we're not called to make it [to Heaven] by the skin of our teeth." We are called to make use of all of our time on earth to become saints.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio explains an important aspect regarding the Communion of Saints: "the holier you are, the more you help the Church, the more you help the world; it's that simple, that challenging as well."
Praying the Way of the Cross can often be a moment of conversion for a soul that feels impelled by the realization that Jesus suffered out of love for us.
Holiness Interior Life Jesus Christ Prayer Vocation
In this podcast, Fr. Donncha helps us consider that the Christian vocation to holiness rests upon our ability to let God work in and through us.
St. Josemaria Escriva Spirituality Opus Dei Holiness Saints Vocation
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan examines three important players for our spiritual life: the intellect, will, and heart.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter commemorates the canonization of St. Josemaria Escriva as well as the background of the founding of Opus Dei.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares an insightful reflection on the Holy Archangels – St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael – in preparation for their Feast on September 29.
We know that the Christian life is not compatible with self-satisfied mediocrity, love of comfort, and lukewarmness. We need great moral strength to reach Heaven and that means a daily perseverance towards sanctity.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo explores the meaning that our human suffering can assume when we offer it out of love to God.
Solemnities & Feast Days Interior Life Jesus Christ American Sign Language
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the standard of holiness which St. Josemaria characterizes by the following three points: holy intransigence, holy coercion, and holy shamelessness.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio sheds light on the mystery of redemption and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the importance of detachment in our spiritual lives, in order that we may be better able to make a generous gift of ourselves to Our Lord and to others.
As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the life of faith modeled by Our Lady and how we too can be filled with a trust and joy that is unable to be shaken by difficulties.
As we conclude our mini-series on St. Josemaria’s homily, 'Passionately Loving the World', Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the inestimable value of ordinary life and how it serves as a medium through which we encounter the presence of God.
In this podcast, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha continues our mini-series on St. Josemaria’s homily Passionately Loving the World with a reflection on our call to profoundly love and serve the Lord in and through our ordinary circumstances, especially our work.
In this featured mini-series on the St. Josemaria Institute podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on Pope Francis' Apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, and unpacks the goal set forth for us and our families to resemble more closely the Holy Family of Nazareth.
In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai shares a reflection on the dangers of keeping our faith solely within the confines of our personal life rather than allowing it to permeate every aspect of our life–from the church, to the office, and among friends.
As we begin a new four-part series on 'Passionately Loving the World', Fr. Peter Armenio enlightens us in this meditation by explaining that the call to passionately love the world invites us to leave our comfort zone, find new compassion for others, and to be present for those who do not know that they hunger for Chris
As we celebrate the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul on June 29, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the heroic lives of these two great saints who accepted Christ’s invitation to repentance and fearlessly proclaimed the Kingdom of God.
Solemnities & Feast Days Saints American Sign Language
As the Church concludes the year “Amoris Laetitia Family” on June 26, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection that challenges us to “launch out into the deep” and discover the Lord’s vision of the human family.
In this week’s podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina shares a reflection on the treasure of Christ, present in the Eucharist, and how we can become a living tabernacle in the world today.
In this podcast, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha shares a reflection on the Holy Trinity and how we are called to respond to God’s invitation of self-giving and to love.
In this featured mini-series on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast, we are pleased to share a collection of four meditations exploring "The Way"– its content and how it continues to provide spiritual wisdom and counsel to readers today.
In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai shares a reflection on the Risen Christ and his time with the disciples between the Ascension and Pentecost.
In this featured mini-series, the St. Josemaria Institute shares a collection of four meditations on St. Josemaria's profound teachings on the meaning and sanctification of work in our daily life as Christians.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on embracing Mary as our spiritual Mother.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo celebrates the Marian month of May and reflects on the importance of turning to Mary’s powerful intercession, especially through the Holy Rosary.
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan brings our attention to the days between the Ascension and Pentecost where we join Mary, the holy women, and the Apostles in the Upper Room as they eagerly await the coming of the Holy Spirit.
In this featured mini-series on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast, we are pleased to share a collection of four meditations on St. Joseph– his faith in Christ amid the ordinary circumstances of life and his example of virtue in his role as father, husband, and tradesman.
"Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such. What do you say about her?"
Today we celebrate Laetare Sunday: "Rejoice, Jerusalem! Be glad for her, you who love her; rejoice with her" we hear in the Entrance Antiphon.
The first step to conversion is recognizing our own sins. God, in his Mercy, is always ready to forgive our sins, but He needs to find a repentant heart.
In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai shares a reflection on the life of St. Joseph and how he sought to choose the good in every circumstance despite the many challenges he faced.
"Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered."
"And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit for forty days in the wilderness, tempted by the devil."
As we begin a new season of Lent, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the importance of connecting with the Lord through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the role of marriage and family as catalysts in revitalizing Christianity in the world today.
In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina reflects on the family as a school of love where we learn to use our freedom, and where we learn the meaning and value of life, sexuality, friendship, weakness, forgiveness and love.
In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on what it means to be a family, following in the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan concludes our series, Marriage: A Christian Vocation, by reflecting on the virtues and ideals necessary to build up a strong, Christian family.
In this podcast, Msgr. Dolan reflects on safeguarding the holy sacrament of matrimony through the trials and temptations that may arise.
In this podcast, Msgr. Dolan begins a three-part series by sharing considerations from Pope Francis’ recent "Letter to Married Couples for the Amoris Laetitia Family Year."
In this podcast, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1), Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on our vocation as children of God and our calling to begin again as we give witness to the incarnate love of God the Father.
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on keys themes from Amoris laetitia, an Apostolic exhortation on love in the family written by Pope Francis.
In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the moment within the Christmas narrative when the angels proclaimed the good news of Christ’s birth to the shepherds.
In this week’s podcast, Fr. Javier reflects on the virtue of fortitude, which allows us to overcome difficulties when we need to achieve the good.
In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the joy of this great solemnity in which we are encouraged to pray for an increase in our docility to the work of the Holy Spirit so that we may allow the Lord to work through us as we work to build up the Kingdom of God.
In this week’s podcast, Fr. Javier reflects on the virtue of justice, in which we are called to give each person his or her due, and how we must foster this virtue in our relationships with God, our neighbors, and ourselves.
In this podcast, Fr. Donncha invites us to meditate upon the Gospel scene of Christ along the Sea of Galilee in which he shows his desire to enter into our lives to dwell in constant communion, conversation, and love with us.
In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the promptness of Zacchaeus– his initiative and the grace of conversion that he received on account of his own generosity.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the value of living an ordinary Christian life in the middle of the world.
In this podcast, as we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All Souls, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on the importance of community in our faith journey as we pursue the goal of eternal life with Christ in Heaven.
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on three key themes from Guardian of the Redeemer, an Apostolic exhortation on St. Joseph in the life of Christ and of the Church written by St. John Paul II.
In this podcast, as we celebrate the month of the holy Rosary, Fr. Leo Agustina shares a reflection on deepening our devotion to Our Lady through the holy Rosary, in which we discover our role in God’s plan of salvation.
In this featured mini-series, we are pleased to share a collection of six meditations exploring the early beginnings and mission of Opus Dei and our call to bring the presence of Christ into the midst of the world.
In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai shares Scriptural context on the creation of the angels and offers insight on how we can seek to imitate the virtues modeled by the Holy Archangels in our everyday life.
In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina shares a reflection on discovering the beauty of creation within our ordinary circumstances – our work, our interactions, our home – and how, by welcoming God into our midst, we can participate in his work of creation and transform the world around us.
In this podcast, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha shares a meditation in honor of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14) and the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15).
In this featured mini-series on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast, we are pleased to share a collection of four meditations on embracing Mary as our spiritual mother, through whom we can identify with Our Lord and conquer the struggle to become holy.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares a meditation inspired by the phrase, “an hour of study, for a modern apostle, is an hour of prayer” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Way, no. 335).
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to reflect upon the apostolate of attraction as the means by which we are to fulfill the Great Commission and lead others into a relationship with Christ.
As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary on August 15, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the role of Mary as the new Eve and how we can obtain the joy of salvation through her intercession.
In this featured mini-series on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast, we are pleased to share a collection of three meditations from Fr. Javier del Castillo exploring the prominent themes in Towards Holiness, a homily by St. Josemaria Escriva.
On this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the Sacrament of Marriage and how it is the cornerstone to society and the image of the eternal love between Christ and his Church.
In honor of the Feast Day of St. Josemaria on June 26, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on the origin and meaning of St. Josemaria’s title, “Saint of Ordinary Life”, and invites us to contemplate what God is saying and revealing to us as we seek the company and intercession of St. Josemaria.
As we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day in the United States, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the important and necessary role fathers have within the family unit and in society today.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the Sacred Heart as an infinite treasure of love and mercy through which we come to know how much we are loved by God.
In this podcast, on the anniversary of St. Josemaria’s First Communion, Fr. Leo Agustina reflects on Christ’s presence in the Eucharist, and how the Eucharist shows us Jesus as he is and ourselves as we are.
The Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday at the conclusion of the Easter Octave during which we are reminded to “be merciful, just as [our] Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the scene of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and how her yes to God’s will is the model of vocational response for all generations.
In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina shares a reflection on the freedom of St. Joseph which allowed him to be an instrument in the story of salvation and share in the joy of the life of Christ.
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on how the grace received in responding to our vocation to follow Christ gives us a lense through which we can continue to grow in loyalty, fidelity and constancy.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the Presentation of the Lord and the Church’s celebration of this feast on February 2.
In this podcast, Rev. Javier del Castillo reflects on the lives of the early Church martyrs and the way they gave witness to their faith through the simple actions of everyday life.
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan continues our series on St. Josemaria’s homily 'The Richness of Ordinary Life' by reflecting on the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd.
The Theology of Creation is an introduction to the study of the proclamation of faith established in the Creed that God has created Heaven and Earth – all things visible and invisible.
In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina draws inspiration from the Parable of the Sower and challenges us to cultivate an interior life full of “rich soil” through which we can produce spiritual fruit and grow in personal friendship with Christ.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the Holy Family as the foundation and model of the love of Christ.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the Annunciation of the Lord, as told in the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and invites us to contemplate and imitate Mary’s listening heart.
In this podcast, Fr Javier del Castillo reflects on St John the Baptist to show how, like the saint, “we can become active listeners of the Word in our hearts.”
As we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, marking the halfway point of the Advent season, we are prompted to approach the manger scene in haste as we seek to discover the good news of our Savior’s birth.
Today’s podcast commemorates the 50th Anniversary of St. Josemaria Escriva’s pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City from May 15-24, 1970.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Fr Javier del Castillo's homily, “Stella Matutina", helps us to reflect on the meaning of this special title of our Lady, "Morning Star", and how Mary “entrusted herself entirely to God.
Fr. Javier del Castillo continues our Advent podcast series reflecting on the call we receive at baptism to become a saint.
Fr. Javier del Castillo begins our Advent podcast series reflecting on St. Josemaria’s simple instruction for a fruitful and peaceful Advent: “Open your own hearts to Jesus and tell him your story” (Christ is Passing By, no. 1).
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. On today's podcast, a reflection on the significance of this holiday and how it is a reminder that we ought to thank God always by habitually making frequent acts of thanksgiving.
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan encourages us to look inward, assess our spiritual life, and identify the ways in which we can renew and strengthen our relationship with Christ at the start of the new liturgical year.
In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina reflects on the life of Mary and the pivotal moment in which she changed the course of history through accepting her vocation as the Mother of God.
In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina shares a reflection inspired by the lives of the unknown saints and challenges listeners to pursue sainthood in the world today amid the joys and trials of daily life.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio examines the life of Pope Saint John Paul II and draws inspiration from the personable interactions he shared with those close to him.
A tiny spark can set a whole forest alight. That’s what a soul in love with God can do and what Jesus is longing for.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo offers practical tips and suggestions to make the most of a spiritual retreat by eliminating distractions to avail ourself to the voice of Christ.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo explains how God showed St. Josemaria his vocation to be the founder of Opus Dei and the prayers and circumstances that led up to that moment.
In this podcast, we share a reflection from Msgr. Fred Dolan on the importance of Marian devotion. This reflection leads us to consider our own relationship with Mary, through whom we are led closer to the heart of Christ.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Mary’s title "Mother Most Amiable", showing us how Mary invested in the lives of others as true friends.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on sharing the love of Christ with those we encounter each day: among our family, friends, and colleagues.
In this podcast, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Javier del Castillo revisits the dogma of the Assumption, discusses St. Josemaria’s devotion to Our Lady, and explains how we too can participate in the mystery of the Assumption.
In this podcast, as we celebrate the feast of St. John Vianney, Fr. Javier del Castillo explains why priests need our prayers and reflects on the four characteristics of a priestly soul according to St. Josemaria Escriva.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares a reflection on the Gospel scene in which Martha welcomes Christ into her home (Luke 10:38-42) and reveals to us the meaning of letting go and letting God into our lives.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the fatherly love of God and the joy we can experience when we live in proper relationship with him.
As we prepare for and celebrate the Feast Day of St. Josemaria Escriva on June 26, we share a new podcast from Fr. Peter Armenio reflecting on the spiritual aspiration of St. Josemaria: to hide and disappear, wanting Jesus alone to shine.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the immeasurable love of Christ as we prepare for and celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In today’s podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares a reflection on the mystery of the Eucharist, the memorial of Christ’s sacrifice of infinite love, in preparation for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
The Church is an extension of Christ, and in the background is the icon of the Church—Mary, Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the spiritual transformation the Apostles went through upon receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Christ’s last words before his Ascension and explains that in the work of evangelization no one can be ignored — “out of a hundred souls we are interested in a hundred.”
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the continual call toward conversion as we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on this joyous Easter season and the consoling truth of the faith in which we know that Christ has conquered sin and death for all.
In this reflection from Fr. Javier del Castillo, we learn how Christ forgives us, just as he forgave Thomas and the Apostles for running from the Cross and not having believed on Good Friday.
In this podcast, we listen and reflect on the Sacrifice of the Mass, the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and how it is the center and summit of our spiritual lives.
As we celebrate Easter Sunday and rejoice in the Resurrection, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the insurmountable joy we receive in awareness of the good news that Christ is alive.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the mystery of Christ’s suffering as we approach the Sacred Triduum and look forward to celebrating the joy of the Resurrection.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the five sorrowful mysteries to help us slow down and go deeper as we pray each decade of the Holy Rosary.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the Gospel passage of the Passion of Christ which is read on Palm Sunday.
In today’s podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on seeking the presence of God amidst the challenging reality we face today.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the challenging question: Where do we find the Lord in the midst of the uncertainty?
In today’s podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo draws inspiration from the parable of the prodigal son and reflects on the joy of returning to our Father’s house.
In today’s podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo explains how this current world crisis and pandemic is a wake up call to conversion, helping us to realize that we need to put order back into our lives – an order in which God has to be first.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the virtues lived out by St. Joseph in his role as a father, husband, and tradesman.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the three temptations Christ endured while in the desert and explains how we can follow his example when facing temptation in our daily life.
In today’s podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on fostering a contrite heart to detach ourselves from the prideful areas of our life that inhibit our relationship with Christ.
In today’s podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the charity of God as “fuel” that enables us to seek holiness in the ordinary moments of everyday life.
You can imagine the old Simeon, so many years dreaming about it, wondering what the Child and His parents would look like… When he saw the Child coming into the temple in the arms of Mary he asked to hold Him in his arms too.
In today’s podcast, we conclude our three-part series exploring the prominent themes in Towards Holiness – a homily by St. Josemaria Escriva on the universal call to holiness.
In today’s podcast, we continue with the second installment of our three-part series exploring the prominent themes in Towards Holiness – a homily by St. Josemaria Escriva on the universal call to holiness.
As we begin this new year, we are pleased to share a three part mini-series from Fr. Javier del Castillo exploring the prominent themes in Towards Holiness, a homily written by St. Josemaria in 1967 that explores the call to sainthood.
As we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the three gifts the Magi presented to the infant Jesus and the significance of those gifts in our spiritual life today.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the three Advents we encounter in life and, as we come closer to Christmas, explains what it means to become Bethlehem.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on joy as an essential characteristic to our participation in the new evangelization.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the connection between joy and our personal encounter with Jesus Christ, and how that connection overflows and influences our ability to bring Jesus Christ to others.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio leads us through steps we can take to help prepare our hearts to welcome God Incarnate this Christmas season.
Drawing inspiration from the Feast of St Andrew celebrated on November 30, the first day of the Novena to the Immaculate Conception, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on our role as witnesses to the love of Christ and participants in the work of evangelization.
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares how we can approach our responsibility to intercede for the holy souls in purgatory. Keeping in mind those who have gone before us leads us to contemplate our own spiritual journey and encourages us to look inward and assess how our actions today will affect the demands of eternal life.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the call to live out our baptismal vocation to be a saint. The path to sainthood begins with our response to the grace we receive through Baptism and is nurtured by our participation in the Eucharistic liturgy, prayer, and Marian devotion. Our openness to the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit helps us to realize our mission as a disciple to live the Gospel, to bring the Gospel to others, and to attract others to Christ.
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on how Christ gave us the beatitudes as an explanation of what it means to be holy and to help us navigate our personal journey towards holiness. We reflect on how striving for holiness is influenced by our correspondence to God’s grace as we see in the example of the saints. In contemplating the lives of the saints, we can be inspired to discover new ways of living out the beatitudes as we pursue holiness in everyday life.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the spirituality of St. John Paul II, whose feast day is celebrated October 22. St. John Paul II rooted his papacy in the Eucharist and devotion to Mary, inspiring holiness in people of all backgrounds from across the globe. There are many aspects we can learn from the papacy of St. John Paul II, but most importantly he taught us: how to pray, how to love, and how to serve.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares insight into the life of St. Teresa of Avila and reflects on an important lesson we can learn from her: the necessity of prayer. Saint Teresa of Avila understood that people are not born saints but can achieve sainthood through cooperation in God’s divine plan. Her time of prayer was most frequently spent in quiet contemplation upon the suffering of Christ, allowing her to become more aware of her own sinfulness which led her to rely more fully on God. In following the example of Saint Teresa of Avila and turning away from sin, we too can walk the path toward sainthood.
Holiness Interior Life Saints
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo talks about Opus Dei—its beginnings and mission—and explains the essence of the vocation to holiness, specifically the vocation to Opus Dei. He also explains what it means to have a secular outlook—a characteristic of the lay faithful who are called to sanctify temporal affairs in the world by bringing Christ into that world.
In celebration of the anniversary of the founding of Opus Dei (October 2, 1928), we reflect on the early life of St. Josemaria Escriva and the historical circumstances that led him to receive the special light from God to found Opus Dei. This light from God helped St. Josemaria to see: It is possible to…
Throughout the month of September, the St. Josemaria Institute is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the first publication of The Way by St. Josemaria. For thousands of people today, The Way is a beloved guide to prayer that helps readers in their effort to get to know Jesus Christ and to strive for holiness in…
The Way is a practical guidebook for our spiritual life that offers insight into real life experiences. The points found in The Way came about from the fruit of St. Josemaria’s interior life paired with intense spiritual direction. He wrote frequently about what he was experiencing and, although the points touch on many facets of…
Continuing our celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the first publication of The Way by St. Josemaria Escriva, we share a new podcast on utilizing The Way as a spiritual resource during your time of prayer. Throughout his life, St. Josemaria stressed the importance of maintaining a strong prayer life and used it as the…
Published in 1939, The Way by St. Josemaria Escriva has become a spiritual classic that has been translated to over 40 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo introduces listeners to The Way: what inspired its content and how it continues to provide spiritual wisdom and counsel to…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Nazareth, their example of a "bright and cheerful home", and why building a strong family foundation rooted in love and joy is essential to the new evangelization. Like St. Josemaria Escriva, we can go to St. Joseph to learn…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the importance of the virtue of humility in the spiritual life. The need for a spiritual life stems from a desire to reject our sinful nature; that is, our realization that we are sinners moves us to want to grow spiritually, to follow Christ. And, without humility,…
On Saturday, July 6, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Maria Goretti, who is honored for her heroic resistance when a young man tried to seduce her when she was eleven years of age. After resisting the young man’s actions, Saint Maria Goretti was stabbed fourteen times and died four days later as a…
In this podcast, as we prepare to celebrate the feast day of St. Josemaria, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the life of St. Josemaria and the inspiration behind Opus Dei. In Scripture, Christ compares the Kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed that will grow and flourish over time. On October 2,…
This Sunday the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) when “we come together to consider the depths of our Lord’s love for us, which has led him to stay with us, hidden under the appearances of the Blessed Sacrament” (St. Josemaria Escriva; Christ is Passing By,…
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares a reflection on working for God, inspired by the homily given by Saint Josemaria on February 6, 1960. Fr. Javier poses three important questions for us to consider as we approach work each day: Do we work for Christ? We see in the beginning passages of Scripture…
This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost, recognized as the birthday of the Church, in which the apostles received an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and were inspired to go out and share the faith in a radical way. In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on recognizing the importance of…
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan recounts the story of the resurrection as told in the Gospel of Easter Sunday and to which the Apostles became witnesses and used as the basis for their preaching. This passage leads us to reflect on gratitude and our own relationship with Christ. We are encouraged to foster a…
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the gift of mercy as seen through the Gospel of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). This Gospel passage leads us to reflect inward and ask ourselves: how quickly do we pass judgement on others without even realizing it? The main goal of Satan…
On the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday, the Church marks the half-way point through the season of Lent. In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio renews in us a desire to grow in almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Lent revolves around the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which is the greatest form…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent. He recounts the familiar story of how Moses encountered God through the burning bush. We see God reveal himself as a liberator, seeking to free the Israelite people. God reveals himself to Moses by stating his name, ‘I AM’,…
In this podcast, Msgr. Dolan shares a reflection on the importance of silence as exemplified in the passage of the Transfiguration of Christ. This Scripture passage reminds us of a popular verse from the book of Psalms, “be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:11). The disciples who witnessed the transfiguration embraced the…
In this podcast, we reflect on the virtue of fortitude as the motivation to overcome temptation. St. Josemaria Escriva tells us that “a task which presents no difficulties lacks human appeal - and supernatural appeal too. If you find no resistance when hammering a nail into a wall, what can you expect to hang on…
In this podcast, we reflect on self-denial as a way to increase our faith and relationship with Christ. If we are to follow Christ, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. Self-denial allows us a certain freedom in which we can live out the Gospel message. The goal of becoming a saint…
As we prepare for the upcoming season of Lent, in this podcast we turn our attention to the life of Saint Paul. Paul, who once led the persecution of the early Christian church, had a profound conversion after encountering the love of Christ and in turn, began to lead the spread of the Christian faith.…
In this podcast, we reflect on the greatest gift of all: charity. Charity is the foundation for all virtues, for if a virtue does not come from a place of love, then it is for nothing. Saint Paul shares in his letter to the Corinthians that “if speak in human and angelic tongues but…
On this podcast we reflect on beginning a new year and what it means to begin again. During this time of prayer, we want to ask ourselves: What can I do to make these twelve months ahead spectacular? First, we want to accelerate to the finish, which means hastening towards our goal of Heaven. This…
On this podcast we reflect on our personal journey to follow Jesus Christ. To follow Jesus is a journey and this is why he says he is the way (John 14:6). And, the geography of this journey is the human heart--our hearts. Like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), our journey begins by contemplating the love…
Today on the podcast a reflection on the words of Jesus : “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of…
On this podcast we are invited to contemplate the apostles' first encounter with Jesus Christ and how that experience was an encounter with the love He had for them. Jesus is human love with a human nature--the Word made flesh. After Jesus' first conversation with Andrew and John, Andrew left the Lord's house a new…
This time of year is an especially spectacular and special time to penetrate the question: Who is God? What can we know about God? On this podcast we are invited to reflect on the mystery that our God has become one of us and how every prayer and reception of the Sacraments focuses on this…
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a…
Solemnities & Feast Days Gospel/Scripture Our Lady
The angel Gabriel said to Mary, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you! … Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called…
As we prepare for the season of Advent, we share a reflection on two of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: peace and joy. And how with these gifts we are called to create bright and cheerful homes and environments like the home of the Holy Family in Nazareth. “The fruit of the Spirit is…
And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There…
Today on the podcast... We listen to the words of Jesus in the Gospel of St. John and reflect on what it means to our calling in life (vocation): "Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither…
On today’s podcast… We contemplate the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians to learn that the face of the early Church was primarily made up of ordinary men and women. But we soon come to see that their "ordinariness" was distinguished by a holy anxiousness and sense of urgency to bring the Gospel…
On today’s podcast for the Solemnity of All Saints (November 1st), we reflect on the meaning of personal holiness and how it means allowing God to grow in us so that we can be other Christs, Christ Himself. “In order to bring peace, genuine peace, to souls; in order to transform the earth and to…
Today on the podcast... We reflect on the virtue of faith and the power of fidelity--habitual/ongoing faith--to help us be fruitful imitators of the Apostles who worked miracles and attracted people to Jesus Christ. Like the Apostles, we need to exercise a certain kind of faith that can be attained by entering into the Heart…
Ninety years ago, on October 2nd, God showed Opus Dei to the young St. Josemaria Escriva. It happened in an instant, he fell to his knees dazzled by all that God had just showed him. On this anniversary, our desire is not simply to celebrate this milestone in the history of Opus Dei but also…
September 21st is the liturgical feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him… And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does…
On today's podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo, Vicar of Opus Dei in the Midwest (USA), offers a timely reflection on the current crisis in the Church and how we can respond to all of it by turning our sadness and anger into prayer. Like the disciples who were fearful that they would perish in the…
In September the Church celebrates the feasts of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (14th) and Our Lady of Sorrows (15th). On today's podcast we prepare ourselves for the celebration of these feasts with the help of Our Lady by observing her example during the Passion of her Son and contemplating her at the foot…
On September 12th the Church celebrates the feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On today’s podcast we reflect on Mary's role and mission as a mother to give us the very best: To help us in all of our needs-- physical, emotional, and spiritual. To unite us with her Son,…
Today on the podcast... Faced with the present crisis of the Church, we are guided in this reflection to look to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Truth, for light and hope. Today we find ourselves in a similar situation as the Disciples of Jesus when he unveiled his teachings on the Eucharist in the Gospel…
Today on the podcast… We contemplate how the renewal of the Church many years ago began in the monasteries with intense prayer of loving Christ and living a life of penance. Now St. Josemaria Escriva says to bring that contemplative prayer into our daily lives, in the thick of things, at the party, on the soccer…
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away.…
Gospel/Scripture Marriage Family Life Our Lady
Today on the podcast… Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the poverty spirit we should cultivate in order to make Jesus Christ the priority of our lives. Like the rich young man in the Gospel (Mk 10:17-22), Fr. Peter explains how Jesus Christ is also asking us now: Do you believe that…
On this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares the biblical basis for giving glory to God through our work, and explains how Jesus’ hidden life of work is meant to be for us a model for holiness. "We have to give glory to God in our work. We find Jesus Christ when we spend ourselves out…
Today on the podcast… The Lord asks that our holiness exceed that of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-36). We recall that the Pharisees were a virtuous people who lived the moral law, prayed many times throughout the day along with fasting and almsgiving. But the Lord wants us also to love as He has loved—a love…
On August 22nd the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On today’s podcast, we reflect on the coronation of our Mother as Queen of the Universe. And, how as children of this Heavenly Queen we can to learn to follow her example of reigning: Mary our Queen trusted all that…
How does God want us to view the virtue of faith? If we look to the Gospels, our Lord shows us many examples that will help us to see, like the Apostles (Lk 15:5-10), that the virtue of faith is connected to miracle working. Our Lord wants us to see that He needs our…
How can we achieve a constant dialogue with God to help us live our Christian vocation to discipleship? Our Christian vocation by virtue of baptism is to spread the Kingdom of God--to attract people to Christ. This work of discipleship and evangelization is a work of a lifetime. To carry out this work, we…
On August 6th, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. On today's podcast, we listen and reflect on the “background” and meaning of the Transfiguration, and how contemplating the scene of the Transfiguration continues to transform us today: The Transfiguration of Jesus encourages us in our commitment to discipleship. When we…
In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to meditate on the characteristics of having true contrition for our sins. Contrition, being sorry for our sins, plays an essential role to shaking things up and renewing our quest for holiness. As Pope Francis explains, "Let us listen once more to Jesus, with all the love…
In this podcast we look to St. Josemaria Escriva to contemplate what it truly means to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth: Devotion to the Holy Spirit to strengthens our love, joy, prayer, and our desire to be close to Christ. Personally give witness to the Gospel and bring it to others…
In this podcast we look to St. Josemaria Escriva and consider what he learned from the divine inspiration he received on October 2, 1928: As a priest he would bring the Gospel to the world in much the same way the Apostles were commissioned at the Ascension. That Jesus desires to be with us and that…
Today on the podcast… We are invited to listen and contemplate: How eternal happiness begins here on earth and is brought to its fullness in Heaven. Why it is a good idea to study the lives of the saints. The meaning of the "revolutionary message" revealed to St. Josemaria Escriva: to bring Christ into the…
In this podcast, we are asked to evaluate our appreciation for the precious gift that God gives to us so generously; our freedom. Msgr. Frederick Dolan helps us to understand which actions of ours make us free and which ones will hold us back from being free. And as we consider our actions to remember…
In Gaudete et exsultate (no. 9), Pope Francis writes that: “Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church.” On today's podcast, we reflect on the call to holiness and the keys to attaining it: grace and freedom. Why freedom and grace? Freedom, we are reminded, is needed in order "to choose the vocation in…
On June 26th, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Josemaria Escriva. In this reflection, Fr. Peter Armenio explains why the Holy Spirit moved the Church to canonize St. Josemaria so quickly. The reason, he suggests, is because “the Church wants us to encounter Jesus amid work” following Jesus’s own example. “Jesus’ thirty-three years!...:…
In today’s podcast we ask the Lord to help us to not be satisfied with being a bystander, that we allow his words to enter deep into our hearts and change us. In the words of St. Josemaria Escriva: “We only love what we know well.” Therefore, let us look to the lives of the…
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo commemorates the celebration of Father’s Day by reflecting on the important role of fatherhood in the family and society, and how (as children) we are called to honor them throughout our lives. “Children, listen to me, your father; act accordingly, that you may be safe. For the Lord…
In this reflection we are called to consider Jesus Christ as the High Priest and how all of us are called to participate in that priesthood according to our vocation in life. We are each called to a specific way of life and those who have chosen the priesthood as their vocation have additional responsibilities…
On the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Javier del Castillo (Vicar of Opus Dei in the Midwest) reflects on three ways in which we can draw closer to the Heart of Christ. What You’ll Hear: - How the Sacraments of the Church are “born” from the Sacred Heart of Jesus -…
In this reflection on The Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, we encounter the realization that Mary offers us much in the way of teaching us about self-giving. Especially in the way she puts others first, always availing herself to acts of serving others for the love of God. There is an experience of…
Today on the podcast, we are invited to reflect and pray about: What is the ordinary and how can it help us to be extraordinary? Jesus’ life growing up was not written down. There is no account of his activities after Joseph and Mary found him in the Temple until his baptism in the River…
On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Javier del Castillo, priest of Opus Dei, reflects on what we know (by faith) and what we cannot comprehend about the three divine Persons of the Blessed Trinity. What you’ll hear: - Why God created us - How the three Persons of the Trinity are distinguished from…
If true happiness is what we are looking for when seeking freedom, then we should observe the actions of Jesus Christ.
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo, priest of Opus Dei, shows how the Apostles were changed after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and how we too can be docile to the promptings of the Spirit. What you’ll hear: - How the Church was truly universal at the very beginning - Why the Acts…
“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on…
Easter is the highest celebration of the Church because it is the culmination of the Paschal Mystery with Jesus as victor over sin and death. The properties of his suffering on the Cross and his Resurrection stimulate change. Not only a visible change in our behavior but also a spiritual change in direct correlation with our…
“My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart.” Psalm…
Lent is a season of conversion of the mind, heart, and soul through the acts of prayer, penance, and deeds of charity/alms giving. Though its exact time of origin is unknown, the practice of fasting and the offering of a penance during the 40 days prior to Easter was more widely visible in the church…
Jesus prepared the disciples to bear fruit as they began to evangelize. We too must prepare for evangelizing as well. During the season of lent let us practice being in the presence of Jesus; to be in constant prayer. In the early church St. Paul taught, to "Put on Christ". In order for this…
During this season of Lent, the Church calls us to repent of our sins and turn back to the Gospel. The Gospel of Luke makes it clear that all are being addressed when Jesus gives instructions on how to be his disciples: "Then Jesus said to all of them, 'If anyone would come after…
When we attend Mass, do we really envision the joining of heaven and earth, which is about to become visible to us?
"Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear..." (1 Peter 3:14-16) This is the courage that…
Fr. Peter Armenio, an Opus Dei priest, is quoted in this podcast saying, “We are disciples of Christ marked with this unity of life that we give an experience of Christ through joy.” He challenges us to evaluate our daily lives and see if we can find Christ there in the midst. He stresses that,…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on how St. Josemaria Escriva was inspired by the light of God with the mission to bring Christ into the heart of the entire world in a way that He had never been before, especially into a world gripped by a culture of death and in need of…
In this podcast on "Interior Struggle", Fr. Peter Armenio points out that we must not lack repentance, love for God, and affection and compassion for others, especially those alienated from God. Our Lord calls us to love our neighbor, for when we are loving our neighbor; we are loving God. As Jesus said, “For I…
While making use of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Fr. Peter Armenio causes the observer to stop and think about the reason why a soul is moved to repentance.
“My Father — talk to him like that, confidently — who art in heaven, look upon me with compassionate Love, and make me respond to thy love. —Melt and enkindle my heart of bronze, burn and purify my unmortified flesh, fill my mind with supernatural light, make my tongue proclaim the Love and Glory of…
In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, invites us to come to understand the importance of the second most perfect gift that God has given us at the foot of the cross, the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, is also our Mother. He explains through her Immaculate…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to reflect upon the cross, particularly as a medium to connect with the Lord.
Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, helps us to reflect upon the means of becoming like Christ using the story of the Rich Young Man (Mark 10: 17-22) as the model. The young man, desiring eternal life, asks Jesus what he must do. After exhorting the young man to follow the commandments, Jesus invites…
In this meditation by Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, we reflect upon “hunger to know the Master” as the source for apostolic zeal and the foundation for fruitfulness in the apostolate. Although Jesus gave the mandate to his followers to bring the Gospel to all the corners of the earth, his Apostles realized…
In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us to reflect upon the “science of the cross” given by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. As the precondition for those who want to follow Christ, Fr. Peter shows how we can apply Christ’s words to ourselves and learn how to put them…
Fr Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the New Commandment from Jesus Christ which he issued to the Apostles before the Last Supper. This commandment is particularly difficult to follow since we are asked to love one another as Jesus loves us, which is a very tall order. How can we match…
“Each and every event of this life, without exception, must be steps which take you to God, which move you to know him and love him, to give him thanks, and to strive to make everyone else know and love him” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Forge, no. 680). In this meditation from Fr. Peter Armenio,…
In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us to reflect upon Mary, especially in light of her Assumption, as God’s great gift to us and as our great hope. "‘Mary has been taken up to heaven by God in body and soul, and the angels rejoice.’ Joy overtakes both angels and…
Using the story of the Rich Young Man as the model, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects upon Jesus’s search for “laborers” for the harvest (Luke 10:2) and highlights the three steps Jesus gives to help us lay down our lives for him and become laborers. “Good teacher, what must I do to…
In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, highlights Jesus’s teaching during the Sermon on Mount and invites us to reflect on “holy purity” as a means to finding true joy and freedom in our lives.
Today in the podcast... Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects upon joy as the foundation for all evangelization and how living joy in our daily lives can lead others to encounter Christ. The particular role of the laity in bringing Christ to the world, especially in the places we live and work, requires…
In this reflection from Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, we are invited to hear Mary’s words from the Wedding Feast of Cana, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5), as our instructions to listen and respond to Jesus’s command given during the Last Supper. “So when he had washed their feet put…
As we celebrate Independence Day in the USA (July 4th), Fr. Javier del Castillo invites us to pause and pray about the role, purpose, and good of temporal authorities and why the right ordering of society should be built upon reason and natural law. What you’ll hear: - What Jesus taught about temporal authorities…
Fr. Javier del Castillo, priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the holy life of the patron saint of ordinary life, how holiness is possible for each of us if we let God “do it,” and he explains why St. Josemaria said that he would be more useful after his death. What you’ll hear: - Why…
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo, priest of Opus Dei, shares a reflection on the mystery of the Eucharist, the memorial of Christ's sacrifice of infinite love, that we can use for our prayer as we celebrate and contemplate today the beautiful gift of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).
Reflecting on the scene of the Last Supper, when Jesus is “beginning to hand the baton to his followers,” Fr. Peter Armenio explains that another Divine Person begins to become more prominent: the Holy Spirit. In this reflection, we are invited to contemplate the Holy Spirit and his job “to penetrate the words of…
In this reflection from Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, we are invited to contemplate the “workshop for the first evangelization” and learn how Jesus prepared the first disciples to go out into the world as his witnesses. “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit…
Following the beatification of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo in 2014, the Church designated May 12th, the anniversary of his First Communion, as his feast day. Blessed Alvaro del Portillo was a close collaborator of St. Josemaria Escriva and his first successor as Prelate of Opus Dei. In celebration of the feast day, Fr. Javier del…
In this reflection, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us to take time during the Easter season to ask God in our prayer: “What is it that you want me to contemplate in light of the Resurrection?” Fr. Peter explains that we will see that we are called to bring Jesus Christ…
On May 1st, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. To help us get to know St. Joseph better, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the holiness of St. Joseph as the role model for the whole Church, especially the laity. St. Joseph is the template for…
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Fr. Peter Armenio,…
In this podcast for Easter Sunday, Fr. Javier del Castillo invites us to contemplate the Resurrection of Christ and how “the Resurrection is an event that can only be accessed by people of faith who have had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.” And, like the women at the tomb and the apostles, how “every…
During this prayerful time of Holy Week, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reminds us in today’s reflection that “we need to accompany Jesus in his suffering” because “he needs me and he needs you.” “Jesus is counting on you and all of his followers to be with him.” “He saw you and…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us in this Lenten reflection to seek a spirit of penance, of self-denial, and repentance in order to experience a true conversion and to enter into the heart of Jesus Christ. Contemplating St. Peter’s denial of Jesus Christ, Fr. Armenio explains: “How did St. Peter…
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him." John…
The angel came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, explains the Christian vocation in the middle of the world using the example of salt and light. “Our being children of God, I insist, leads us to have a contemplative spirit in the midst of all human activities; to be light, salt and leaven through…
There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink"…The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God,…
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, contemplates St. John’s definition of God as “infinite self-giving love” and how the more we willingly give of ourselves, the more we can experience the heart of Christ.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he…
"Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown…
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"…
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on…
After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come. And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into…
"Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven… unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven… "Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on Jesus’s example and command at the Last Supper that we love one another and he has loved us. And how this new commandment creates a connection between Jesus Christ and us, revealing to us and helping us to love with the heart of…
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good…
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain…
And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons." Mark 16:15-18 Dear…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, encourages us to be contemplatives in the middle of the world, and explains why prayer is an essential ingredient, if we are to be leaven for the world.
Jesus saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other…
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but for this I…
At the end of this Christmas season, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on how our journey to Christ is like that of the magi, and what the three gifts of the magi can teach us about approaching Christ. “God has called us clearly and unmistakably. Like the Magi we have discovered…
Jesus came to John, to be baptised by him. John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he consented. And when Jesus was…
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." … they went…
As we continue our celebration of the Christmas season, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on Mary, the Mother of God. He contemplates how the wise men and the shepherds had to go through Mary to encounter Jesus Christ, and how Mary is also our shortcut to him.
Mary, the Holy Mother of God, is the beginning. It just makes sense. She initiated our Redemption. She opens the New Year also. Is there any better way to kick off? You have heard that a good start is half of the battle. Let’s make that good start today, with Our Lady.
Christmas Gospel/Scripture Our Lady
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was…
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be…
And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord… Simeon took Jesus up in his arms and…
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night,…
Christmas Solemnities & Feast Days Gospel/Scripture Jesus Christ
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled... And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of…
Zechariah said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies,…
Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, explains how Jesus Christ is the revelation of the love of God, and how the more we exercise self-giving love, the more we will experience God’s love for us.
Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on why the Incarnation is Good News of great joy, and how Christmas is ultimately a celebration of radical access to God.
Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, invites us to reflect on why God is called “the Word” and why the humanity of Jesus Christ is such a unique and shocking truth of Christianity.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to…
Advent Gospel/Scripture
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?" And…
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he…
Advent Gospel/Scripture
“As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. For as in those days before…
Mary, on the feast of your Presentation, help me to be consistent in giving my time to God unworried about the results, convinced that God is changing my life anyway.
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. He speaks of the importance of “spiritual time management” and guides us in our prayer on how to make the most of our limited time here on earth. “‘He shall come to judge the…
And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, Jesus said, "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down…Take heed that you are not led astray; for many…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, explores our call to holiness according to the Beatitudes. He explains that the beatitudes are the only way to find peace and bring that peace to other souls.
Jesus said to the Sadducees, "that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to him."…
And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus … uttered a loud cry, and breathed his last … And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen ……
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, guides us in our prayer to see that it is God’s will for us to become saints. Reflecting on the example of the saints and the Catholic Church’s tradition of canonizing saints, he points out the importance of recognizing our own call to holiness…
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek,…
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore…
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles; Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew,…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, explains how suffering is not a sign that should cause us to lose hope, but rather it is a sign of our sharing in the Cross of Christ, which according to St. Paul is the power of God. We also hear how we can grow…
"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of…
Jesus told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, 'Lo, these…
After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come. And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, explains why we should meditate on the life of Christ through the mysteries of the Rosary so that Mary can facilitate our growth in holiness, our sanctity, and our charity. He also shows how Mary is the shortcut to the work of evangelization.
Jesus told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Vindicate me against my adversary.'…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, explains why the Sermon on the Mount is such a shockingly high calling, and encourages us to become “spiritual athletes” striving toward the Kingdom of God. You’ll also hear how St. Josemaria Escriva believed that the lay person was in “hibernation” and that they…
As Jesus entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them,…
The angel said to Mary, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you…
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest of Opus Dei, shares how St. Josemaria Escriva founded Opus Dei to build what he calls “a civilization of love” and to bring Jesus Christ, in a new way, into the very heart of the world amid a culture that is contrary to the Gospel. Fr. Peter…
Will any one of you, who has a servant ploughing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down at table? Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and…
Jesus said to Nathanael, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to…
"There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor…
"He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?" Luke 16:1-13 "He who is faithful in a very…
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that…
No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn…
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a…
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners…
"Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able…
"When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they…
The angel Gabriel said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will…
Someone said to Jesus, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able … There you will weep and gnash your teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob…
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is…
Gospel/Scripture Our Lady
Jesus said: "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished!" Luke 12:49-53 Love has often been described as a fire. Jesus became a man to set the world on fire, to…
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom…
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. And behold,…
"The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And…
He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us…
Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do…
Jesus said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when…
Jesus said to a man "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." But he said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say…
Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do the people say that I am?" And they answered, "John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets has risen." And he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God." But he charged…
A woman of the city, who was a sinner, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment ... Jesus said to…
"Soon afterward he went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, . And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, 'Do not weep.' And he came and touched the bier,…
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. ... After three days they found him in the temple... And when…
Jesus told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing ... Just…
"Jesus said to his disciples, 'You give them something to eat.' They said, 'We have no more than five loaves and two fish - unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.' For there were about five thousand men … And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked…
"I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are…
Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them…
In this homily from Blessed Alvaro’s Feast Day, Fr. Peter Armenio, Priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei, shares some personal stories of his encounters with Blessed Alvaro del Portillo. What you’ll hear: - About Blessed Alvaro’s pilgrimage to St. Mary’s of the Angels Church in Chicago, IL - Fr. Peter Armenio’s encounters with, and…
Jesus said to his disciples "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all…
"I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also…
At that time Jesus declared, " Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and…
When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, "You will seek me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going you cannot come.' A new commandment I give to you,…
Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father,…
Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will…
As the Easter season continues, we encounter another great feast, Divine Mercy Sunday. We invite you to take some time to reflect on the Gospel for this Sunday (John 20:19-31) with Fr. Javier del Castillo on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast. In this meditation, we will see how Christ forgives us, just as He forgave…
Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said…
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter…
Today the altar is left bare and no Mass is celebrated. Holy Saturday is a silent day. Creation is in silence. Heaven is in silence too; the angels haven’t forgotten what men did to Jesus yesterday... Christ’s Body lies in the grave, and you and I sit by the Corpse in grief. His cold, dead…
So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross;…
Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end … He rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. Then…
Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver ... When it was evening, he sat at table with the twelve disciples; and as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of…
Simon Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward." Peter said to him, "Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me?…
Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, "Why was this ointment not sold for…
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me;…
Today on the St. Josemaria Institute podcast we bring you a special edition in honor of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph (March 19). Who was Joseph? What was he called to do? How did he answer God’s call? How did he provide for the needs of Mary and Jesus? Fr Javier del Castillo invites us in…
"After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; ... and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them, "How is it that you…
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do men say that the Son of man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’…
"Jesus said to his disciples: 'Beware of practising your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, ... when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues…
In this meditation for the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, Fr Javier del Castillo reflects on the profound meaning of this passage from St Paul - “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). “We ought to rejoice. This is something really important, absolutely necessary, to rejoice in the Lord always…
Today we bring you a homily from Fr. Peter Armenio, a priest for the Prelature of Opus Dei. It was recorded on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2014 at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Chicago, IL (USA). Fr. Peter reflects on the verse “All generations will call me blessed,” and how Mary is the template for the New Evangelization.
As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints on November 1st, Fr Javier del Castillo helps us in this meditation to reflect on: - What is the Communion of Saints? - The variety of saints (each unique in their way of holiness) that make up the Communion of Saints - How we participate in the…
“Our Lady of Sorrows is truly blessed and she is there for us.” Since 1913 the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows has been celebrated in the Church on September 15th, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. On the podcast today we bring you a homily by Fr. John…
In this meditation, Father Javier del Castillo contemplates the origin of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the meaning of suffering, and how both the little and big crosses in our lives are opportunities to be united in humility to the cross of Jesus Christ. As…
In today’s podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo meditates on St. James the Apostle, a “son of thunder,” and reflects on how we too can become a magnanimous, humble, and daring disciple of Christ. What you’ll hear: 0:40 – About the nickname of St. James “son of thunder.” 1:20 – A theory on why the mother…
In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo celebrates Mother’s Day by meditating on our Mother Mary, and why we should turn to her powerful intercession, especially in the Holy Rosary. He also reflects on the theology behind repetitive and intercessory prayer, and St. Josemaria’s suggestions for how to honor Mary in the month of May.…
On this Feast of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1st), Fr. Peter Armenio explores how we can live like St. Joseph, following Christ amid the most mundane and ordinary circumstances of life. What you’ll hear: How Joseph was central in the intellectual and social formation of Jesus What Sacred Scripture and Tradition teaches about St.…
On April 25th we celebrate the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist. St. Mark wrote one of the Gospel accounts and was a companion of St. Paul on his first missionary journey. However, in the Acts of the Apostles, we discover that St. Mark abandoned St. Paul, and that…
The Fatherhood of God - A Special Meditation on the Anniversary of the Election of the Prelate of Opus Dei Monday, April 20th 2015 is the anniversary of the election of the Prelate of Opus Dei, Bishop Javier Echevarria. Just as all bishops, he makes the Fatherhood of God…
Today’s meditation by Fr Javier del Castillo on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast invites us on this Good Friday to stand in the darkness with Mary, John, and the women at the foot of the cross of Jesus and to contemplate how Jesus, the Son of God, was able…
In this podcast, Fr Javier del Castillo helps us to reflect on the lessons that we can learn from the "little things" of today's Gospel- the donkey, the palm branches, and the rocks.
As we begin the final week of Lent and prepare for Holy Week, we share with you on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast a meditation for the Fifth Sunday of Lent: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you,…
In this meditation Fr Javier del Castillo invites us to reflect on a passage from the Second Reading of the Mass of the Fourth Sunday of Lent. God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our…
Our meditation today invites us to reflect on the value of the virtue of Holy Purity. “People in love demand total exclusivity,” explains Fr Javier del Castillo, “if their love is going to be sincere and true. Love requires a purity of heart… This is in essence what our…
In the Gospel for the Mass of the Second Sunday of Lent we contemplate the Transfiguration of Jesus. "Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them…" (Mark 9:2) He takes them up Mount Tabor, as…
The Gospel for the Mass of the First Sunday of Lent tells of Jesus' forty days and temptation in the desert. In today's meditation, Fr Javier del Castillo asks us to contemplate Jesus' temptation as we begin the first week of Lent "to learn how to say yes to…
On Faith and Reason is a new talk on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast by Very Rev. Peter Armenio who explains the urgency with which today’s burning issues (marriage, children, life, evolution, suffering, death, etc.) require not only an appeal to supernatural authority but also to science and nature. In this new talk on the St.…
On February 7, 2015, over 100 guests participated in the St. Josemaria Institute’s 2015 inaugural conference “Pope Francis: His Life and Papacy and the Synod of the Family”, which was held at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. Our speaker, Father Mark Mannion, presented three talks on Pope Francis:…
On February 7, 2015, over 100 guests participated in the St. Josemaria Institute’s 2015 inaugural conference “Pope Francis: His Life and Papacy and the Synod of the Family”, which was held at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. Our speaker, Father Mark Mannion, presented three talks on Pope Francis:…
On February 7, 2015, over 100 guests participated in the St. Josemaria Institute’s 2015 inaugural conference “Pope Francis: His Life and Papacy and the Synod of the Family”, which was held at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. Our speaker, Father Mark Mannion, presented three talks on Pope Francis:…
In this talk, "On Faith and Reason", Very Rev. Peter Armenio stresses the urgency with which today’s burning issues (marriage, children, life, evolution, suffering, death, etc.) require not only an appeal to supernatural authority but also to science and nature. Fr Armenio addresses specific issues and situations confronting everyday…
In this meditation for the Feast of the Epiphany, Fr Javier del Castillo helps us to learn from the Magi how to live a life of piety that is guided by love and magnanimity. The Magi “teach us a lesson in piety. Their piety is shown by the fact…
