Catholic Classics

Episode Archive

Episode Archive

126 episodes of Catholic Classics since the first episode, which aired on October 3rd, 2022.

  • Day 46: Past, Present, and Future (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 16th, 2023  |  24 mins 7 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Without dismissing the importance of the past and future, St. Augustine considers how everything only exists in the present. We engage with the past and future in that we engage with memories and think of what will be. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what it means to be present. They discuss how people tend to measure the passing of time by the passing of moments. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 15-20.

  • Day 45: Divine Speech (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 15th, 2023  |  23 mins 52 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    What does it mean for God to exist outside of time? St. Augustine explores this concept in these chapters, contemplating what it means for God to provide for change without changing himself. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk guide us through these profound and highly philosophical reflections, interpreting the distinctions between divine and human speech. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 7-14.

  • Day 44: Creation and Time (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 14th, 2023  |  23 mins 51 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    St. Augustine delves into the creation narratives, abstaining from scriptural commentary. Instead, he scrutinizes the initial chapters of Genesis, engaging in profound meditation on the underlying realities and themes. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk emphasize St. Augustine's aspiration that his work would guide others toward a deeper understanding and love for God. By bearing witness to his personal journey and sharing his reflections, St. Augustine illustrates how we can also enhance our knowledge and love for God. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 1-6.

  • Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 11 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 14th, 2023  |  18 mins 41 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    As we enter Book 11, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us that these last three chapters are less autobiographical and more theological. St. Augustine dedicates this portion of his writing to a study of time. God’s existence does not unfold how our lives unfold; he is not time-bound. Our hosts explain what it means for the Lord to lack complexity and help us understand creation as an overflow of love.

  • Day 43: Overcoming Pride (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 13th, 2023  |  23 mins 26 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Continuing his examination of pride, St. Augustine notes how this vice lurks in evil and good works. He sums up his battle between joy in his conversion and sadness in his bad habits. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that the marks of humanity are true in all centuries. The best way to combat our fallen natures is to be on your guard against sins and always return to Christ. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 38-43.

  • Day 42: Lust of the Eyes (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 12th, 2023  |  26 mins 5 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Is it better for God to be loved or feared? St. Augustine reflects on this question as he addresses the threefold concupiscence of sin found in John’s Gospel. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss what it means to be attracted to truth but in an inordinate way. They conclude with a conversation on pride and the subtleties of this vice. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 35-37.

  • Day 41: Attachments and Desires (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 11th, 2023  |  28 mins 21 secs
    ascension, attachments, augustine, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, desires, detachment, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, pleasures, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Moderating our bodily attachments and desires is essential for spiritual growth. St. Augustine describes the ways our bodily desires and attachments can become distorted. From love of food to love of music, every earthly attachment can turn us away from God if we become overly reliant on them. Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Gregory invite us to consider a holy detachment from the things of this world so we can let God fill us completely. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 31-34.

  • Day 40: Seeking Happiness (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 10th, 2023  |  26 mins 31 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, confession of st augustine, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, late have i loved you, prayer, saint augustine, saints, seeking happiness, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st augustine, st francis de sales

    True and enduring happiness is found only in God. St. Augustine examines the ways he looked for happiness in the wrong places, mainly in himself and in the pleasures of the world. He expresses repentance for not loving the Lord sooner, inspiring his famous prayer: “Late have I loved you, Beauty ever ancient and ever new, late have I loved you!” Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine challenge us to examine the ways we seek happiness in our lives. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 22-30.

  • Day 39: The Role of Memory (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 9th, 2023  |  26 mins 20 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, confessions, confessions of st augustine, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, human mind, memory, saint augustine, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st augustine

    What is the role of memory in the spiritual life? As St. Augustine continues his philosophical discussion on the human mind, he focuses on understanding the different ways that memory works. We learn that our memory allows us to see God’s handiwork throughout our lives. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Gregory Pine also remind us that God wants to heal and purify our memories.

  • Day 38: The Gift of the Mind (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 8th, 2023  |  23 mins 6 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    The human mind is a magnificent gift of God given to us to discover truth. Using a scientific approach, St. Augustine delves into the origins of intellect, memory, and conceptual thought. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory break down St. Augustine’s reflection and emphasize that the human mind sets us apart from the rest of creation.

  • Day 37: Sensing God in Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 7th, 2023  |  25 mins 2 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    We can find God’s footprints in the beauty of creation and the mystery of our own humanity. St. Augustine poetically explores creation, the senses, and the human mind as ways we can encounter God in our initial search for him. Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine remind us that God reveals himself in tangible ways because he wants us to know him.

  • Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 10 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 6th, 2023  |  18 mins 4 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    As we enter Book 10, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk prepare us for a shift in tone. We transition from St. Augustine discussing his life to St. Augustine reflecting more deeply on who God is and what he does. Our hosts remind us that we must approach this Book as students and disciples of Christ. We should train our minds and hearts to pursue God fully.

  • Day 36: St. Augustine’s Testimony (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 6th, 2023  |  23 mins 16 secs
    ascension, bearing witness to god, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, glorifying god, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales, testimony

    What moves St. Augustine to share his testimony with others? St. Augustine reflects on his motivations behind his Confession and his approach to sharing his testimony so as to edify others. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk explain how St. Augustine models for us the appropriate way to bear witness to Christ and prudently share our testimonies so that God may be glorified.

  • Day 35: St. Monica’s Death (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 5th, 2023  |  25 mins 57 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Having completed her earthly mission, St. Monica passes from this life to the next. Facing grief and mourning, St. Augustine pursues truth to elevate the pain of loss. He gives thanks to the Lord for his mother and God’s gifts present in her. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us that even the saints mourn. They explain that when we prepare for our death and look forward to eternity, worldly concerns vanish. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 11-13.

  • Day 34: St. Monica’s Life (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 4th, 2023  |  28 mins 1 sec
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    In the lead-up to St. Monica’s death, St. Augustine reflects on her life. He shares stories from her early childhood and the hardships she endured in her marriage. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk shed light on the significance of enduring suffering for the sanctification of others while commending Monica for her charity, maternal love, and unwavering faith. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 8-10.

  • Day 33: The Sacrament of Baptism (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 3rd, 2023  |  27 mins 32 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    St. Augustine receives the sacrament of Baptism alongside his son and friend. He turns to the Old Testament for preparation and understanding of his place in salvation history. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss Church persecution and St. Ambrose’s role in ending the oppression. They reflect on the grace of the sacraments and the simplicity of conversion. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 4-7.