Understanding Catholicism Archives

The Passion of Jesus Christ

May 28, 2024 by Magnificat Ministry Leave a Comment

Episode 20 – The Passion of Jesus Christ

In this 20th episode of the Understanding Catholicism Series, our presenter, James Seghers, reflects on how the life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice of our Blessed Lord’s Passion and death and how the sacraments are powers that come forth from the risen body of Jesus and are always life-giving.

James recounts how The Passion commenced shortly after The Last Supper when Jesus made his wedding vows in a deeply personal act, “This is my body which is given for you.” He details how our Lord, in his immense suffering, was not only burdened by the horrors of His impending Passion and crucifixion, but also by a profound sense of abandonment and sorrow over humanity’s sinfulness, offering a comforting understanding of our own struggles.

James further explains how we are subject to trials throughout our lives. Amidst our trials, however, and even while heaven’s assistance seems far off, we should look to Getsemene. The heavenly Father, who knows all and eternity, knows what is best for us. “Not my will, but yours be done.”

James also relays how the Apostles suffered during The Passion. However, their responses demonstrate human frailty, as Jesus said to Peter, “The spirit Is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Only by relying on Jesus, not ourselves, can we conquer our will and receive transforming graces. However, despite the Apostle’s desertion during The Passion, Jesus’ love and forgiveness continue to follow and unite the Apostles, leading them to a deeper understanding and gladly pick up their crosses to do the Father’s will.

This is the 20^th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism.

Jimmy Seghers was born in New Orleans. Jimmy has devoted much of his life to the pursuit of learning, teaching, and mentorship. Jimmy has taught Sacred Scripture and Apologetics (that is, the defense of the Catholic faith). Jimmy frequently gives retreats, parish missions, and talks on biblical subjects. He is seen on FOCUS with Lisa Flood discussing biblical and religious topics. His classes are approved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for certification credits for religion teachers. Each week, Jim is heard on the Radio Maria network. He can also be heard each morning on Catholic Community Radio as he gives the daily Gospel reflection. His essays have been published in This Rock, the Clarion-Herald, and he contributed to a catechetical series published by Ave Maria University Press. His most recent book is The Fullness of Truth: A Handbook for Understanding and Explaining the Catholic Faith Biblically.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org.

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The Mass Part II

May 7, 2024 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Episode 17 – The Mass Part II

In this episode (Part two of two episodes) of the Understanding Catholicism Series, our presenter, James Seghers, discusses The Mass.

The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, when viewed as a whole, evokes a profound sense of reverence and awe. The liturgy of the word, in its preparation, guides us to enter into Jesus’ offering of himself to the Father. The priest at the altar, functioning in the person of Christ, the head, reminds us of the eternal high priest who operates in and through the human priest. During the offertory, as we make the gift of ourselves, we understand that our heavenly Father joyfully accepts the gift of broken men and women, further deepening our sense of reverence and awe.

As the priest holds up the Host, it is a moment for each parishioner to offer themselves, to personally connect with Jesus through the heavenly Father. Jesus, in his incarnation, opened the door for us to become partakers of the Divine nature and God’s adopted children. James explains the role faith plays in the mass and the deeper meaning behind the communion preparation and their mystical natures—mixing water with the wine, the priest washing his hands, the acknowledgment of parishioners offering themselves, the four eucharistic prayers approved by the Vatican, the words of consecration, and the miracle of transubstantiation. This personal connection and transformation is what makes the Mass a truly unique, divine, and engaging experience.

James also discusses the Divine offering of Christ—why it was necessary and eternal, how Jesus acts as an intercessor, and how the Mass is the offering and sacrifice of Christ and parishioners to the Father.

This is the 17^th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast Tagged With: Understanding Catholicism, Understanding Catholicism Series

The Mass

April 30, 2024 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Episode 16 – The Mass Part I

In this episode (Part one of two episodes) of the Understanding Catholicism Series, our presenter, James Seghers, discusses The Mass.

James tells us that the Mass is not about fellowship, although that is a remarkable aspect. The Mass is also not about beautiful music, although that is desirable. The Mass is about surrendering oneself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ—who created us out of love and for love. The Mass is a summary of Catholicism, incorporating the Old Testament’s longing for the savior, which brings us to the advent of the Son of God made Man. The Mass explores Jesus’ public ministry, Passion, death, and resurrection.

Parishioners are called to participate actively in the Mass, which is transformative. The Liturgy of the Word, the first part of the Mass, prepares us to enter into the marriage supper of the Lamb presently, now, and for eternity. James also explains how the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life and a storehouse of inexhaustible riches and proceeds to explain how the Mass is a three-fold sacrament—of Jesus’ real presence, his unique, singular sacrifice, and how it unites us to Jesus in the reception of Holy Communion. The Mass also invites us into the presence of Jesus’ death on the cross and His triumphant reign in Heaven.

James continues to explain the various aspects of the Mass, its richness, and how it has a tremendous impact on the Eucharist’s ability to transform our lives by entering in a personal encounter with Jesus.

This is the 16^th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org.

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