We say it every Mass: “Lord, I am not worthy… but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” What are we asking—and what should we expect? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks unpack the centurion’s faith behind that line, how the Eucharist gives not just a word but the Word made flesh, and why Communion is an invitation already given—not a feeling we must wait for. We close with a simple New Year resolution: prepare better, receive more, and let grace heal what we cannot. Through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

• From Scripture to altar: the centurion’s “say the word” (authority, trust) becomes our Communion prayer—humble, confident, obedient.
• More than a word: at Mass we receive the Giver Himself—Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist—superabundant love for unworthy hearts.
• Invitation stands: unless you should refrain, don’t wait for a private signal; the liturgy itself is Christ’s call to come.
• Feelings vary; grace doesn’t: ritual prayers serve a billion souls—some days they fit our mood, others they lead it.
• A practical resolution: arrive a bit early, call to mind sins and needs, and ask to receive Him more fully this year.

Links & References

• Scripture named (no links):
  • The centurion’s faith (Matthew 8:5–13; cf. Luke 7:1–10).
  • “Come to me, all you who labor…” (Matthew 11:28).
• Liturgy referenced (no link): Communion rite (“Lord, I am not worthy…”) and the Eucharist.

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Eucharist, Holy Communion, “Lord I am not worthy”, centurion’s faith, Matthew 8, Communion rite, Real Presence, grace, worthiness, humility, trust, authority of Jesus, liturgy, feelings vs faith, participation in Mass, preparation for Mass, resolution, healing, salvation, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

A four-year-old’s question—“Why does Santa look different?”—opens a bigger one: why does Jesus look different in every painting, and how do we recognize Him today? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks explore how sacred art (especially icons) shows inner, spiritual reality more than photo-realism—and how Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist even when our eyes see only bread. As Christmas Masses fill with newcomers, we talk about hospitality, cooperation with grace, and moving from the visible to the invisible: from faces and symbols to the Person who loves us. Always through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

Different “looks,” same identity: saints (and St. Nicholas) are shown with signs of their vocation; Jesus is recognized by what’s essential—wounds, mercy, and divinity—not a fixed facial template.

Icons aim beyond photography: light “from within” depicts the glorified person; art can reveal deeper truth than surface detail.

Real Presence, hidden form: in the Eucharist our senses see bread; faith meets the living Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Childlike faith teaches adults: wonder and simple trust help us notice God’s voice in conscience and daily life.

Christmas hospitality: welcome irregular Mass-goers with warmth and witness; our charity can draw people back to the Church.

Links & References

National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion (approved Marian apparition to Adele Brise, Champion, WI): https://championshrine.org

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Advent, Christmas, St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, icons, iconography, sacred art, Real Presence, Eucharist, conscience, childlike faith, visibility and invisibility, signs and symbols, wounds of Christ, hospitality, Christmas Mass, welcome culture, evangelization, parish life, Incarnation, contemplation, prayer, gratitude, relationships, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

Is Advent just a mini-Lent? Not really. Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks clarify Advent’s unique character: not penance before a Passion, but hopeful waiting for the Lord who comes. We explore patience vs. self-denial, why Advent trains desire more than endurance, and how the Church’s Dec 17–24 “O Antiphons” (source of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) intensify longing as Christmas draws near. We end with a practical call: while we wait, build relationships and prepare room for Him—at home, parish, and work—through concrete acts of love. All through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

• Advent’s core: waiting, patience, and hope—not a second Lent or a pre-Christmas Good Friday.
• Different virtues: Lent emphasizes conversion and penance; Advent trains desire and confident anticipation.
• The “O Antiphons” (Dec 17–24): ancient titles of the Messiah that crescendo toward Christmas and inspired O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
• Waiting isn’t passive: pray, reconcile, serve, and make tangible preparations—like a family readying for a newborn.
• Live the rhythm: receive grace at Mass, then practice small daily acts of love that make Him welcome.

Links & References

• USCCB – The “O Antiphons” of Advent (official overview and texts): https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/o-antiphons-of-advent
  
  

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If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Advent, not little Lent, waiting, hope, patience, desire for God, O Antiphons, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Dec 17–24, Liturgy of the Hours, Evening Prayer, Magnificat antiphons, preparation for Christmas, Incarnation, parish life, family life, reconciliation, acts of love, spiritual readiness, Holy Mass, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality