Episodios

  • Contemplating Life – Episode 99 – “Democracy and the Body of Christ”

    Contemplating Life – Episode 99 – “Democracy and the Body of Christ”
    Sep 16 2025

    While proofreading my previous episode, I realized the theological point I was making was also a commentary on the political divisiveness we find in our country today. Here are my thoughts regarding ways that the teachings of St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians delivered a poignant message that is applicable to our secular society today. You don’t have to be a Christian to appreciate the wisdom of his message.


    Links of Interest for this episode

    Episode 98: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=528

    1 Corinthians 12:12-27: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/12?12

    Papal encyclical on the “Mystical Body of Christ”: https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_29061943_mystici-corporis-christi.html

    Rev. Everett L. ”Terry” Fullam: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everett_L._Fullam

    Cerebral palsy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy

    For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife

    Where to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglife

    YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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    10 m
  • Contemplating Life – Episode 98 – “Discovering Lost Treasures”

    Contemplating Life – Episode 98 – “Discovering Lost Treasures”
    Sep 15 2025

    In this episode, I depart from my original plans to continue turning my old Scripture lessons into podcast episodes. I’ve been going through old audiocassettes and downloading them to my computer, and I found some long-lost lectures that were key to my faith journey as a foundation of the lessons taught in the Catholic Church for 30 years. I hope to return to presenting more of those lessons and upcoming episodes soon.

    Links of Interest for this episode

    Fr. Paul Landwerlen: https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2025/06-13/landwerlen.html

    Episode 97a: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=525

    Episode 12: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=69

    1 Corinthians 12:4-27: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/12?4

    Papal encyclical on the “Mystical Body of Christ”: https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_29061943_mystici-corporis-christi.html

    Ephesians 4:4-13: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/4?4

    Romans 12:4-5: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/12?4

    Rev. Everett L. ”Terry” Fullam: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everett_L._Fullam

    Cerebral palsy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy

    Ephesians 1:1: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/1

    Episode 14: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=76

    Episode 90: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=484

    Scott Hahn: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Hahn

    The Five Solae of the Protestant Reformation on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_solae

    Christian Justification on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justification_(theology)

    Catechesis on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catechesis

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife

    Where to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglife

    YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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    38 m
  • Contemplating Life – Episode 97a
"Conscience vs.Doctrine with
Dr. Ernie Collamati"

    Contemplating Life – Episode 97a
"Conscience vs.Doctrine with
Dr. Ernie Collamati"
    Aug 4 2025

    This is a supplement to Episode 97.. It is from a video of an encounter I had with Catholic theologian Dr. Ernie Collamati. It discusses how to deal with our conscience when it differs from the official teaching of the Catholic Church. Here’s that exchange.

    Links of interest

    Dr. Ernie Collamati at Saint Regis College: https://www.regiscollege.edu/about-regis/find-us/faculty-and-staff-directory/ernest-collamati

    Episode 97

    For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/

    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglife

    Where to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglife

    YouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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    5 m
  • Contemplating Life – Episode 97 – “Finding Sanctuary”

    Contemplating Life – Episode 97 – “Finding Sanctuary”
    Aug 4 2025
    This episode is the final installment in a four-part series on Catholic Tradition. When I used to teach this lesson, it included a tour of the church. While I can’t do that with you physically, I want to try to cover the same material with you. We'll discuss in more detail what you can expect to find in a Catholic Church, including an overview of the items the priest uses during Mass, as well as a discussion of priestly vestments. We will wrap up with a few words about other Catholic traditions.Links of Interest for this episodeHandout materials for this lesson: https://www.patreon.com/posts/130708591Church Tabernacle on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_tabernacleSts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Indianapolis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints_Peter_and_Paul_Cathedral_(Indianapolis)Ciborium on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciborium_(container)Viaticum on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ViaticumPaschal candle on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paschal_candlePassover Seder on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_SederAltar stone on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altar_stoneSacrarium and Picina on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PiscinaSacristy on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SacristyVestments on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VestmentWebsite selling extensive vestments: https://www.chagalldesign.com/collections/vestmentsCassock on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CassockAlb on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AlbChasuble on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChasubleStole on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stole_(vestment)Liturgical colors on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_coloursOil of Catechumens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_of_catechumensSacred Chrism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChrismOrdination of Women on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordination_of_women_and_the_Catholic_ChurchDr. Ernie Collamati at Saint Regis College: https://www.regiscollege.edu/about-regis/find-us/faculty-and-staff-directory/ernest-collamatiEpisode 97a:Stations of the Cross on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stations_of_the_CrossSaint Veronica on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Veronica“Jesus Christ Superstar” (1973 film) on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ_Superstar_(film)Our Lady of Guadalupe on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_GuadalupeCommunion of the Saints on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churches_Militant,_Penitent,_and_TriumphantEpisode 42 “The Priest, the Nun, and the Miracle”: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=235Assumption of Mary on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_MaryImmaculate Conception on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_ConceptionOriginal Sin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sinMePapal infallibility on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_infallibilityLiturgy of the Hours: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgy_of_the_HoursEucharistic adoration: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharistic_adorationNovena prayers on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NovenaSt. Christopher on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_ChristopherSuperstitious St. Joseph statue for sale: https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Statue-Selling-Prayer-Complete/dp/B08FBSC95NObituary for Fr. Paul Landwerlen: https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2025/06-13/landwerlen.htmlFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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    42 m
  • Contemplating Life – Episode 96 – “Mass Media”

    Contemplating Life – Episode 96 – “Mass Media”
    Jul 7 2025
    In this episode, I present material based on the second lesson I taught in my local Catholic parish inquiry program for 30 years. I’m not here to convert anyone. I’m just sharing my stories. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the most important Catholic tradition – the celebration of our Sunday liturgy, the Mass.Links of Interest for this episodeHandout materials for this lesson: https://www.patreon.com/posts/130708591Mass in. Catholic Church on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_in_the_Catholic_Church“Ite, missa est” on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ite,_missa_estDivine Service of the Lutheran Church on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_Service_(Lutheran)Liturgy on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LiturgyLiturgical Year on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_yearAdvent on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AdventChristmastide on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChristmastideOrdinary Time on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordinary_TimeLent on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LentEaster Triduum on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paschal_TriduumPentecost on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PentecostOffertory on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OffertoryOrder of the mass in detail: https://www.liturgies.net/Liturgies/Catholic/roman_missal/roman_missal_order_of_mass.htmMea culpa on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mea_culpa“Glory to God” hymn on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_in_excelsis_DeoSt. Augustine on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustine_of_HippoLiturgy of the Word on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_in_the_Catholic_Church#Liturgy_of_the_WordCommon Lectionary on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Common_LectionaryNicene Creed on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_CreedEast-West Schism with the Eastern Orthodox Church on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East%E2%80%93West_SchismLiturgy of the Eucharist on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_in_the_Catholic_Church#Liturgy_of_the_Eucharist“Santus” hymn on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SanctusSign of the Cross on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_the_crossGeneral reference links for this series.List of episodes of this podcast dealing with religion: https://contemplating-life.com/blog/category/religion/RCIA/OCIA on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Christian_Initiation_of_AdultsNew American Standard Bible (NASB) at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://bible.usccb.org/bibleBible Gateway (multiple translations available): https://www.biblegateway.com/Catechism of the Catholic Church on Vatican website: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTMSt. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, Indianapolis: https://www.stgabrielindy.org/For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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    35 m
  • Contemplating Life – Episode 95 – “Tradition is Sensual”

    Contemplating Life – Episode 95 – “Tradition is Sensual”
    Jun 30 2025
    In this episode, I present material based on the second lesson I taught in my local Catholic parish inquiry program for 30 years. I’m not here to convert anyone. I’m just sharing my stories. In this episode, we continue to explore the connection between Scripture and tradition. We will then take a deeper dive into Catholic traditions as they relate to the Sacraments.Links of Interest for this episodeHandout materials for this lesson: https://www.patreon.com/posts/130708591Sola Scriptura on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sola_scriptura1 Corinthians 11:2 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/11?21 Corinthians 11:23-26 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/11?232 Thessalonians 2:15 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2thessalonians/2?15Scott Hahn on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Hahn2 Thessalonians 3:4-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2thessalonians/3?4Mark 7:1-13 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/7Matthew 15:1-9 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/15Colossians 2:8 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/2?8Isaiah 29:13-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/29?13Matthew 6:1-18 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6The Lord’s prayer on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord%27s_PrayerLiturgical embolism on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embolism_(liturgy)John 20:30-31 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/20?30John 21:25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/21?252 John 12 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2john/1?123 John 13-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/3john/1?13Sacraments of the Catholic Church on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacraments_of_the_Catholic_ChurchReal Presence in the Eucharist on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_presence_of_Christ_in_the_EucharistGeneral reference links for this series.List of episodes of this podcast dealing with religion: https://contemplating-life.com/blog/category/religion/RCIA/OCIA on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Christian_Initiation_of_AdultsNew American Standard Bible (NASB) at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://bible.usccb.org/bibleBible Gateway (multiple translations available): https://www.biblegateway.com/Catechism of the Catholic Church on Vatican website: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTMFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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    25 m
  • Contemplating Life – Episode 94 – “One Sacred Deposit. Two Means of Withdrawal”

    Contemplating Life – Episode 94 – “One Sacred Deposit. Two Means of Withdrawal”
    Jun 9 2025
    In this episode, I present material based on the second lesson I taught in my local Catholic parish inquiry program for 30 years. I’m not here to convert anyone. I’m just sharing my stories. In this episode, we explore the Catholic Church’s approach to authoritative teaching based not only on Scripture alone, as the Protestants do, but on a combination of sacred Scripture and sacred tradition.Links of Interest for this episodeHandout materials for this lesson: https://www.patreon.com/posts/130708591Francis of Assisi on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_AssisiPrayer of St. Francis on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_of_Saint_Francis“Fiddler on the Roof” on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddler_on_the_RoofSong “Tradition” from “Fiddler on the Roof” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRdfX7ut8gwThe Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Vatican_CouncilSola Scriptura on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sola_scriptura“Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation” on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dei_verbum“Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation” at the Vatican website: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html“Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation”, my printable version: https://www.patreon.com/posts/130708866Marshall McLuhan on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_McLuhan“Commissioning of the 72” in Luke 10: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10“The Need for Assistants" in Acts 6: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/6Apostolic succession on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_successionList of popes on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_popesScott Hahn on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_HahnScott Hahn discusses Sola Scriptura on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQcpU9CIsDA2 Timothy 3:16: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/3?16Mark 7: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/7Dr. Jim Divita obituary: https://www.indystar.com/obituaries/ins148901General reference links for this series.List of episodes of this podcast dealing with religion: https://contemplating-life.com/blog/category/religion/RCIA/OCIA on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Christian_Initiation_of_AdultsNew American Standard Bible (NASB) at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://bible.usccb.org/bibleBible Gateway (multiple translations available): https://www.biblegateway.com/Catechism of the Catholic Church on Vatican website: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTMDan McClellan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maklelanDan McClellan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danmcclellann“Data over Dogma” podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dataoverdogmaNew Testament scholar Bart D. Ehrman on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bartdehrmanFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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    38 m
  • Contemplating Life – Episode 93 – “Is Andor Season 2 About Serbia?”

    Contemplating Life – Episode 93 – “Is Andor Season 2 About Serbia?”
    Jun 2 2025
    In this special episode, I discuss some striking similarities between Star Wars: Andor Season 2 and recent events in Serbia. I will return to the series of religious topics next time. Although I always make these podcasts listenable, I recommend you check out the YouTube version because I put a lot of work into editing video clips.Links of Interest for this episodeStar Wars: Andor TV series on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andor_(TV_series)Death Star on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Star“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016) film on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Star“Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” (1977) film on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_ film)Ghorman on Star Wars fan wiki: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/GhormanGhorman Spiders on fan wiki: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/GhorlectipodSerbia on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SerbiaSerbian anticorruption protests on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%93present_Serbian_anti-corruption_protestsTrump Tower Belgrade on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump_Tower_BelgradeYugoslav Ministry of Defense Building on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_Ministry_of_Defence_BuildingNATO bombing of Yugoslavia on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_bombing_of_YugoslaviaKosovo War on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosovo_WarRachel Maddow, May 19, 2025, reposted on X: https://x.com/Emolclause/status/1924821978608705780New York Times article about forgery of Trump Tower documents: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/us/politics/trump-kushner-hotel-serbia.htmlArticle about rare earth metals mining in Serbia: https://serbia-energy.eu/unlocking-serbias-potential-exploring-rare-earth-metals/Jadar lithium mining project in Serbia on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jadar_mineJadar mine promotional video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsskXBmrpEcWebsite promoting Jadar Mine: https://www.riotinto.com/en/operations/projects/jadarAndor showrunner Tony Gilroy on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_GilroyNPR interview with Tony Gilroy: https://youtu.be/7h3bT0TMeVs?si=cRCZ6DA2nsKJSCm9For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq
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    14 m