Catholic Classics
Learn from the Catholic Church's greatest saints as teachers as you are led through classic Catholic spiritual writings.
We found 10 episodes of Catholic Classics with the tag “catholic spiritual reading”.
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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 11 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
November 14th, 2023 | 18 mins 41 secs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Day 41: Attachments and Desires (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
November 11th, 2023 | 28 mins 21 secs
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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.
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Day 40: Seeking Happiness (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
November 10th, 2023 | 26 mins 31 secs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Day 36: St. Augustine’s Testimony (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
November 6th, 2023 | 23 mins 16 secs
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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.