Episode 171 - Father Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea explore the significance of reading various books that contribute to spiritual growth and understanding. They discuss a range of recommended readings, including classics and contemporary works, emphasizing the importance of integrating wisdom from both scripture and literature into one's faith journey. The conversation highlights the transformative power of reading and how it can guide individuals in their spiritual lives, offering insights into the human experience and the pursuit of virtue.

Books mentioned in this episode:

He Leadeth Me: An Extraordinary Testament of Faith by Walter Ciszek https://a.co/d/59xjj7S

Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Father Jacques Philippe https://a.co/d/87oFYpA

The Story Of A Soul by St Therese of Lisieux https://a.co/d/0SM5lLM

The Fulfillment Of All Desire by Ralph Martin https://a.co/d/iNBWW59

The Confessions Of St Augustine by St Augustine https://a.co/d/i4uzksY

Be Healed by Bob Schuchts https://a.co/d/70a4wze

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky https://a.co/d/cNtCh8F

Broken Gods by Dr Greg Popcak https://a.co/d/51j1GGy

In this special episode, Father Sean Danda reads the passion of our Lord as written in the Gospel of John 18:1 - 19:42.

Episode 169 - This episode unlocks the Four Senses of Scripture, exploring how each sense—literal, allegorical, tropological, and anagogical—provides a unique lens for understanding the Bible. The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating these senses into one's spiritual practice, particularly through Lectio Divina, to foster a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of scripture.

• The Four Senses of Scripture are essential for understanding the Bible.
• The literal sense conveys historical reality and context.
• The allegorical sense interprets history through the lens of Christ's incarnation.
• The tropological sense focuses on moral living and internalization of faith.
• The anagogical sense points towards hope and divine union with God.
• Scripture is a dynamic story that invites personal engagement.
• Understanding scripture requires context and a holistic view.
• The interplay of the senses leads to a deeper spiritual journey.
• Lectio Divina is a pathway to embodying the truths of scripture.
• Christianity is about internalizing faith, not just external moral actions.

Episode 168 - This conversation between Father Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea explores the practice of Lectio Divina, a method of divine reading that emphasizes the transformative power of scripture. The discussion highlights the importance of engaging with scripture through a four-step process: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. Our hosts emphasize that this practice not only deepens one's understanding of the Bible but also fosters a closer relationship with God, ultimately leading to personal transformation and spiritual growth.

Takeaways:

• Lectio Divina is a method of divine reading that transforms us.
• Good stories, like scripture, should be embodied.
• Scripture is the greatest story ever told.
• The monastic tradition emphasizes the importance of scripture.
• Meditation helps us digest and understand scripture deeply.
• Christian meditation focuses on Christ and His teachings.
• Contemplation is about resting in God's presence.
• The goal of Lectio Divina is union with God.
• Every experience can be brought to God for reflection.
• Keep Christ at the center of scripture interpretation.

Episode 167 - This conversation emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible as a means of deepening one's relationship with God and understanding one's identity in Christ. It discusses the necessity of developing a consistent reading plan, the role of prayer in scripture study, and the importance of understanding the context of biblical passages. Father Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea also highlight the significance of reading scripture within the framework of the Church's teachings and the communal aspect of engaging with the Bible.

Takeaways:

• Reading the Bible is essential for knowing God and oneself.
• Discipleship involves being in the Word regularly.
• A consistent reading plan is crucial for spiritual growth.
• Understanding the context of scripture enhances comprehension.
• Prayer is necessary when approaching the Bible.
• The Church plays a vital role in interpreting scripture.
• Navigating difficult passages requires patience and guidance.
• Reading the Bible is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
• Familiarity with scripture helps in understanding its messages.
• Engaging with the Bible can be a communal experience.

Episode 166 - This episode delves into the history and canonicity of the Bible, exploring how the canon was formed, the significance of liturgical context, and the differences between Catholic and Protestant Bibles. It also discusses the importance of translation and interpretation, emphasizing the need for understanding scripture within its historical and cultural context. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of passing on the wisdom of scripture to future generations.

Takeaways:

• Canonicity refers to the list of books in the Bible and their significance.
• The formation of the Bible's canon was influenced by liturgical practices.
• Books were chosen based on their orthodox teachings and community usage.
• The Septuagint played a crucial role in the translation of Hebrew texts into Greek.
• Different traditions in Judaism influenced the Protestant and Catholic Bibles.
• Translation of scripture involves balancing readability and theological depth.
• Understanding the historical context of scripture is essential for interpretation.
• Dynamic and formal equivalence are two approaches to translation.
• The importance of reading scripture in the context of the Church's teachings.
• Passing on the stories and teachings of scripture is vital for future generations.

Episode 165 - In this episode, Father Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea discuss the importance of reading the Bible through the lens of the Church's teachings, particularly focusing on the document Dei Verbum. They explore the nature of Scripture, the role of Christ in revelation, and the relationship between Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. The conversation emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with God through Scripture and the importance of obedience to faith.

Read the Dei Verbum document here: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html

Episode 164 - In part two of the Ignatian rules of discernment, Fr Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea focus on the concepts of spiritual consolation and desolation. They explore how to navigate these experiences, emphasizing the importance of patience, reflection, and community support. The discussion highlights the nature of the enemy, the significance of confession, and the need for self-awareness in spiritual growth. The speakers encourage listeners to engage in daily examination to foster a deeper connection with God and to recognize the patterns of consolation and desolation in their lives.

Takeaways:

• Spiritual consolation is a sense of closeness with God.
• Desolation can be a time for purification and growth.
• Patience is key when experiencing desolation.
• Consolation is a gift from God, not something we earn.
• Strengthening oneself during times of consolation prepares us for desolation.
• Reflection on relationships helps during low times.
• The devil operates like a bully, exploiting our weaknesses.
• Community and confession are vital for spiritual health.
• Recognizing our weaknesses allows for healing and growth.
• Daily examination of conscience is essential for spiritual awareness.