Catholic Classics

Episode Archive

Episode Archive

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

  • Day 54: God’s Goodness in Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 24th, 2023  |  24 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

    Challenging some of our understandings of the book of Genesis, St. Augustine poses some difficult questions. He focuses on the creation account and the presence of the Trinity throughout creation. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how man is the recipient of God’s overflow of goodness. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 1-7.

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    Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 13 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 24th, 2023  |  20 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

    As with the previous books, St. Augustine opens the final Book of Confessions with a prayer of praise to God. He revisits his motivation for writing, to serve God and draw others closer to him. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk highlight God's goodness, a key theme throughout Confessions. They note how Augustine emphasizes that God created humanity not out of need but out of the abundance of his goodness.

  • Day 53: Living God's Word (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 23rd, 2023  |  24 mins 20 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

    Building on his previous examination, St. Augustine dives deeper into the various interpretations of Sacred Scripture. As a divinely authored and inspired book, the Bible captures meaning from God and the inspired author. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss what a life of Scripture means and how we should feel comfortable excluding ways of life incompatible with God's way. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 28-32.

  • Day 52: Interpreting Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 22nd, 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

    St. Augustine acknowledges the many insights and interpretations of Scripture. He distinguishes between the factual truth of biblical events and the deeper truths conveyed through the narratives. As Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain, our human limitations mean we lack perfect understanding when reading God's Word. Because of this, St. Augustine advocates approaching Scripture with humility. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 22-27.

  • Day 51: Truth in Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 21st, 2023  |  24 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

    While Sacred Scripture can be interpreted in different ways, it always conveys the truth. St. Augustine explores the way we find truth in Scripture, acknowledging the different perspectives that arise as we study Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczy explain how St. Augustine paves the way for the Church’s ongoing discernment of the various ways God speaks to us through his Word. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 16-21.

  • Day 50: God's Unchanging Nature (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 20th, 2023  |  25 mins 49 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

    How do we reconcile God’s unchanging nature with creation’s changing nature? St. Augustine continues his discussion on the creative narrative in Genesis and highlights the “heaven of heavens." St. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine encourage us to be patient as we journey through St. Augustine’s speculative attempt to understand God. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 11-15.

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    Day 49: Genesis (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 19th, 2023  |  24 mins 47 secs
    ascension, augustine, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, confessions, creation, devout life, dominicans, earth, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, genesis, heaven, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    What does the creation account in Genesis reveal? St. Augustine begins his examination of Scripture by reflecting on the creation of heaven and earth with a sense of awe and wonder. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine explain that St. Augustine’s reflection is an attempt to intellectually grasp the reality of creation rather than merely imagine it in his mind. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 1-10.

  • Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 12 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 19th, 2023  |  18 mins 4 secs
    ascension, book 12, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, confessions, 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, sacred scripture, saint augustine, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales, word of god

    As we begin our journey into Book 12, Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine guide us through the main theme of this Book: Scripture. In the upcoming chapters, St. Augustine meditates on the complexity and richness of Sacred Scripture. We learn that the Word of God is living, transformative, and inexhaustible.

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    Day 48: Remembering the Past (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 18th, 2023  |  25 mins 15 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

    In the conclusion of Book 11, St. Augustine focuses on analyzing the power of memory and the dynamics between remembering the past, time, and reality. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine reinforce that although God exists outside of time, he chooses to reveal himself to us in time. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapter 27-31.

  • Day 47: Measuring the Present (The Confessions of St. Augustine).

    November 17th, 2023  |  24 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

    How do we measure the present? As St. Augustine continues his examination of time, he focuses specifically on the passing of time in the present and the struggle of measuring it. This question points to his desire to understand our relationship with God who is the eternal present. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine reflect on the significance of time for understanding our human experience. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 21-26.

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    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.