Catholic Latte

Focusing this weekend’s account of the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:1-10), Fr. Eric reflects on how persons placed in positions of authority are called to imitate the Good Shepherd who gives life to the sheep (Jn 10:10) by exercising their duty and otherwise using their power to assist those entrusted in their care to become the persons that God is calling them to be.  Other topics covered include the story of the finding of the child Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:41-52), the distinction between “good” and “lousy” feedback; and the empowering effect of persons in authority giving specific, positive feedback.
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1. #CatholicLattePodcast

Focusing on how the Last Supper is described in the various Gospel accounts (Mt 26:17-30, Mk 14:12-26; Lk 22:7-39 and Jn 13:1-17:26), Fr. Eric reflects on how there is a notable omission in terms of a detailed listing as to what Jesus and the disciples had for dinner, apart from the obvious details of bread and wine; and particularly on how this detail emphasizes the primacy of the person of Christ for purposes of evangelization and salvation.
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1. #CatholicLattePodcast

On May 1st, the country of Canada was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in light of the current pandemic, such that the Gospel for the Mass of the day was switched to John 19:25-27, which describes the final meeting involving Jesus, Mary and the Beloved Disciple before His death on the Cross.  Fr. Eric reflects on the significance of this passage in the context of the Old Testament, particularly the figure of Rachel; and what this means for our identity in Christ.
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1. #CatholicLattePodcast

Focusing on how Jesus is portrayed often in the Gospels as eating with sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes (Mt 9:10-17; Mk 2:15-22 and Lk 5:29-39), Fr. Eric reflects on how this classic image speaks to the willingness of Christ to journey with us as we struggle to become the people He’s calling us to be.  Fr. Eric uses examples of seminary formation and the Parable of the Two Sons (Mt 21:28-32) to underline the extraordinary patience and understanding of Our Father in heaven as He journeys with us during our pilgrim journey here on this earth.
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1. #CatholicLattePodcast

One of the most famous lines in the so-called “Bread of Life Discourse” from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John is when Jesus says: “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life” (Jn 6:27).  In reference to this passage, Fr. Eric discusses how we might approach issues of dating and relationship, as well as the general problem of human suffering, in light of our eternal destiny; instead of focusing exclusively on temporal concerns in approaching these issues.
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1.

One of the key narrative points in today’s Gospel (Lk 24:13-35), which recounts the iconic story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, is when Jesus says to the disciples: “Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into His glory” (Lk 24:26)?  To unpack the theological import of this line, Fr. Eric reflects upon “The Bourne Ultimatum” (2007) starring Matt Damon to expound upon the significance of the Paschal Mystery; and in particular, how it relates to the salvific power of the sacraments of the Church.
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1. #CatholicLattePodcast

Reflecting specifically on the song “Into the Unknown” from Walt Disney’s box office hit “Frozen 2”, Fr. Eric covers a whole variety of topics related to spiritual discernment, including our inability to serve two masters (Mt 5:24), the need to say “no” to all sorts of competing or lesser goods to pursue the particular will of God, and our fear of having no value apart from a sense of productivity and busyness.  Other topics include the need to consent to our own vulnerability as a prerequisite to real intimacy with God,  the intersection between our deepest desires and our deepest fears, the recurring temptation to compromise and otherwise deny our deepest desires, and the invitation to run in the direction that the Lord wants us to run.
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1.

One of the most striking features of today’s Gospel (Jn 20:19-31) from Divine Mercy Sunday is when the resurrected Christ invites His disciples to share in His peace, despite their past failures and present fears and insecurities.  Fr. Eric reflects on this narrative detail to expound upon the amazing and gratuitous nature of God’s love and forgiveness, particularly as it applies to how we approach the Sacrament of Confession.
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1.

As an example of how we can often find shades of Christianity in the popular culture, Fr. Eric talks about last year’s smash hit Avengers: Endgame, which ended up becoming the highest grossing movie of all time worldwide.  In particular, Fr. Eric reflects upon how on the character arc of Tony Stark (a.k.a. Iron Man) points to several Biblical themes pertaining to our deepest desires, the call to share in Christ’s salvific mission, spiritual childhood, authentic love, and what it looks like to imitate the crucified Lord. 
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1. #CatholicLattePodcast

Given the inability for most Catholics to attend Mass in light of the current pandemic, there is need for some guidance as to how to keep holy the Sabbath Day.  To assist with developing a more textured understanding as to how to approach the Lord’s Day, Fr. Eric reflects on the Biblical motivations for observing the Sabbath, the philosophical distinction between the useful and the useless, and the importance of incorporating some element of contemplative prayer into our regular routine.
To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1. #CatholicLattePodcast