Season 2

August 10, 2024

Highlights
Elijah's despair in the Book of Kings and his plea for death.
The significance of the two cakes Elijah received, one for his past and one for his future.
The importance of guardian angels and how they help us in our journey.
The contrast between life-giving nourishment from Jesus and negative influences like too much news.
The cyclical nature of good and bad times in history and the constant presence of hope.
The importance of filling our days with scripture, prayer, and the Lord to find nourishment and life.
Encouragement to pray to our guardian angels and seek the bread of life from heaven.
Leaving in a better place after receiving Jesus, the bread of life.

July 14, 2024

Highlights:
Importance of not journeying alone, as emphasized in the Gospel.
Jesuit novices travel without resources but always reach their destination, illustrating faith and trust.
The significance of community and supporting each other.
Encouragement to reach out to others and not isolate oneself.
Call to parents and godparents to raise children in faith and support them.
Reminder to trust the Lord and not rely solely on oneself.
Invitation to bring areas of life under the Lord's control.

June 30, 2024

Highlights:
Jesus told the synagogue official, 'Do not be afraid, just have faith.'
Sometimes, hearing 'just have faith' can be frustrating, but it's important to reflect on our own faith.
The woman with a 12-year hemorrhage took a great risk to reach out to Jesus in a crowded place.
The synagogue official's daughter was brought back to life because of his faith in Jesus.
When we reach out to Jesus, He notices us and our struggles, even in a crowd.
We should bring our burdens and the needs of our loved ones to Jesus, trusting Him to work in their hearts.
Faith in Jesus can bring spiritual renewal to those who have drifted away from the church.
 

June 09, 2024

Highlights:
God's question to Adam, "Where are you?" signifies humanity's separation from God due to sin.
Advocating for abortion and other persistent evil actions are examples of sin against the Holy Spirit.
The importance of forming a well-informed conscience, especially when voting on moral issues like Amendment 4.
The impact of anti-community groups that reject those who change their views or seek redemption.
The importance of praying for those who persist in evil and recognizing that only God can change their hearts.
The long-term consequences of declining birth rates and the importance of valuing life as a gift from God.
Encouragement to access resources from the USCCB and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops to stay informed.
Next Steps:
Let's make a difference together! Make sure to form a well-informed conscience, participate in voting, and pray for those who persist in evil. Check out the resources from the USCCB and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops to stay informed.

June 2, 2024 (Corpus Christi)

Highlights:
The episode discusses the beginning and end of Jesus Christ's ministry with feasts.
There's a story shared about communities without priests who yearn for the Eucharist.
Pope St. John Paul II addressed priests feeling burnout in his letter, reminding them of places without priests.
Fr Raymond urges listeners to appreciate the Eucharist and to pray for communities waiting for a priest.
Next Steps
Remember to cherish the Eucharist and keep in your thoughts and prayers those communities who are not as fortunate to have regular access to it.

May, 26 2024 (Trinity Sunday)

Highlights:
The mission of life involves going out and making disciples, starting from baptism and family.
Families mirror the Trinity and should raise children in faith with the help of the parish and sacraments.
The Holy Spirit is important in our lives but often forgotten or ignored.
Encouraged reading St. John Paul II's Letter to Families.
Reminded listeners to look for the Holy Spirit in the little things.
Next Steps
Reflect on where the Holy Spirit may be at work in your own life and recognize the presence of God in the little things. Also, take some time to read St. John Paul II's letter to families, which you can find on our website at Father Raymond's Corner.

May 12, 2024 (Mother's Day)

Highlights:
 
Fr Raymond describes the Church as a nurturing mother and emphasizes its role in comforting and guiding its people.
The importance of thanking and praying for one's mother, whether living or deceased, is stressed.
It concludes by honoring mothers and the Holy Mother Church, recognizing their roles in shaping faith, and expressing gratitude for them.
Next Steps
Remember to thank your mother and pray for her and our Holy Mother Church. Reflect on what it means to believe and consider reading the section "I Believe" in the catechism about the creed.

May 5, 2024

Fr Raymond discusses the concept of love in the context of Christian theology, emphasizing that love is not merely a feeling but an action and a commitment. He references the Catechism and theologians like Aquinas and Balthazar to explain that true love is to will the good of the other and is exemplified by God's love for humanity through Jesus Christ. Fr Raymond encourages listeners to recognize love in actions, not just feelings, and to see the presence of God in others and themselves. He concludes by urging listeners to be grateful for those who have shown them love through sacrifice, particularly Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Highlights of this episode:
The Catechism defines God as an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Love is not feelings; Aquinas says it is to will the good of the other.
We should understand love through God's actions, especially in giving us His Son.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate sign of love.
We are encouraged to recognize someone who has sacrificed for us and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.

April 14, 2024

Fr Raymond talks about the impossibility of living a life without sin due to our human nature and original sin. He discusses how St. Peter shows mercy to those who sin out of ignorance and highlights that mortal sins require deliberate action. Fr Raymond explains that Jesus is our advocate, standing with us during temptation and sin. He also touches on the importance of recognizing patterns in our sins to understand deeper issues and grow spiritually. The episode encourages listeners not to despair over repeated sins but to see them as opportunities to seek God's mercy and deepen our relationship with Him.
Highlights:
Original sin has left us with a tendency towards choosing sin, known as concupiscence.
Mortal sins require three conditions: grave matter, full knowledge, and full freedom.
Jesus Christ is our advocate, fighting for us and standing by us during times of temptation and sin.
Jesus shows his presence to his disciples after his resurrection, emphasizing his role in our lives.
Our sins and the struggle with them can be a school of prayer and warfare, leading us to a deeper understanding of God.
Our repeated sins help us identify patterns and underlying issues to work on.

March 31, 2024 (Easter Sunday)

Highlights
Fr. Raymond was doing his seminary studies and was assigned to hospital ministry.
He encountered a man in hospice care who appeared to be dead, but a nurse revived him.
The man, an atheist, expressed his desire for a cigarette and a beach setting for the afterlife.
Fr Raymond engaged the man in imagining his personal version of heaven, leading to a moment of peace.
Fr Raymond emphasizes the importance of hope and the Christian belief in resurrection.
Listeners are encouraged to take time to imagine their own version of heaven and the afterlife.
Fr. Raymond calls on Christians to embrace the joy of Easter and the belief that death has no hold over them.
Next Steps
Take 15 minutes this week to sit by yourself and imagine what you want the afterlife to be like. Think about who you would want to be there and what you are hoping for. Embrace the hope of the resurrection and let that joy fill your heart.