Fr. Steve and Beth discuss the universal call to holiness through the lens of Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate.
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Show notes:
(0:56) Fr. Steve and Beth catch up and reflect on the movies they watched and loved growing up that always remind them of summer, like The Sandlot and Independence Day.
(5:05) Fr. Steve introduces this episode’s topic of the call to holiness. Beth also introduces Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate, and mentions the richness of the document that she looks forward to sharing in this episode.
(7:06) To begin the conversation, Beth offers a definition of holiness, and Fr. Steve refers to Gaudete et Exsultate to offer the Pope’s reflection on the meaning of holiness. They also offer definitions of holiness from Popes Emeriti Benedict XVI and John Paul II.
(10:57) Fr. Steve reflects on the evangelical nature of holiness, that it’s a call to go out and witness to the Lord. He and Beth reflect on everyday, ordinary examples as well as some examples in the lives of the saints of what holiness we can live out when we say yes to the Lord.
(20:48) Beth and Fr. Steve address the two dangers to holiness that Pope Francis introduces in the document, Pelagianism and Gnosticism. They define Gnosticism and discuss what makes it such a challenge to holiness.
(25:04) They transition to Pelagianism, discussing what it is and why it’s a ‘subtle enemy’ of holiness. They discuss where they see Pelagianism in the life of the Church today, like in our tendencies to turn away from prayer and towards action.
(30:57) Beth and Fr. Steve explore the third chapter of Gaudete et Exsultate, where Pope Francis examines how to live out the universal call to holiness. They talk about the Beatitudes and how they personify holiness and holy indifference, and they revisit Novo Millennio Ineunte.
(36:45) The two discuss the fourth chapter of the Exhortation and discuss: how can we live a life of holiness? What does that look like? They then transition into chapter five to discuss spiritual combat, vigilance, and discernment.
(42:22) Fr. Steve quizzes Beth on English names of Vatican documents, and they wrap up their discussion.
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