Episode 47 - Imitation of Christ, Bk II, Chapter 6

Imitation of Christ Bk II, Ch 6, Is Alton Brown a Greek God???

Ryan Meyers Band - Walk Away

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Episode 46 - Imitation of Christ, Bk II, Chapter 4 & 5

Imitation of Christ Bk II, Ch 4 and 5, Eucharist and the Brown Pelican

Romeo Escuyos - I'll Sing a Hymn to Mary

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Episode 45 - Imitation of Christ, Bk II, Chapter 3

Laser mechanics, oil spills, Imitation of Christ Bk II, Ch 2

Worship Band - Spoken For

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Episode 44 - Imitation of Christ, Bk II, Chapter 2

Work woes, Jazz Fest, Imitation of Christ Bk II, Ch 2

Jericho Road - Hero

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Episode 43 - Welcome Back

It's ManlyCatholic raw audio (no editing) discussing my return to the microphone after ten months.

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Spy Wednesday

Holy week is upon us and tonight I was reflecting on Spy Wednesday while doing the dishes. Tonight I joined hundreds of other Americans in praying a rosary for our nation, her leaders, and their conversion. It got me thinking...

We condemn our leadership in this country (rightly I might add) for selling out the American public. We read about back door politics and smoke filled room deals, and it only backs up what we know. Many of our politicians have taken the 30 pieces of silver and have betrayed us, no doubt, but take a good look in the mirror. How many times in our lives have we taken the bribe and sold Jesus out? How many times have we squandered our inheritance on dissolute living? I can attest to it, certainly. It's very easy to succumb to temptation and sin. I can recall many times struggling to hold out, mentally, even physically, and not let the Devil succeed in his plot. I remember the feeling after I had failed, knowing that I had played Judas. Talk about guilt. The point is that though we rightly criticize our leaders for not doing what's right, we shouldn't throw stones either. It's a difficult line to walk when you know you hold the moral high ground. That's why I joined in tonight and prayed the rosary for our nation. Humility will get you everywhere. It's that spirit of humility that I think has been lost in today's society. Let's be vigilant in our journey, not to sell out and betray Jesus. Let's be wary and hold on to that precious inheritance promised to us by the Cross. Have a blessed Holy Week and a wonderful Easter.

Reflection on Joseph of Arimathea

The following narrative was written March 7, 2010 while on retreat. One of the main tenets of Ignatian Spirituality is imaginative prayer. One part of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius focuses on the Passion of Our Lord. I chose to reflect on Joseph of Arimathea. After reading the various portions of the Passion in which he appears, I prayed and wrote the skeleton of the following.

Walking swiftly through the streets of Jerusalem, I make my way back to Golgotha. I have just come from visiting the Roman governor, Pilate, to ask for the body of my Lord. I carry with me a long white shroud. Following me with several servants is my friend Nicodemus. The servants are carrying oils and spices for the burial as well as two ladders. Using the ladders, Nicodemus and I climb to the height of the crossbeam. Draping the shroud over my right shoulder, I stand on the ladder staring at the bloody and disfigured face of my Lord. My eyes water as I feel my heart sink in a pool of sadness. Carefully I remove the crown of thorns the Romans put on his head and pass it down to John, who has come to help. Nicodemus then taps the nails straight and begins to drive them out from the back of the cross. We both begin to weep openly as we work. Nicodemus continues to free the Lord from the cross. He passes the nails down to John. The weight of the Lord's body comes fully across my right shoulder as Nicodemus frees the nail from his feet. His precious blood has made it's way into my tunic and on my arm, as I slowly descend the ladder with Nicodemus' and John's help. Once down from the ladder, we place the body of Jesus into the arms of his mother. The women weep and mourn loudly. We weep as well. It is a surreal moment. Only my faith carries me through the process of wrapping the body and moving him to the tomb. We hasten our step as the evening quickly approaches. Nicodemus and I lay him in the tomb. The women quickly anoint him and lay spices around him. They leave the space and quietly say they will come back after the Sabbath to complete the preparations. After a long silent pause, Nicodemus and I roll the stone across the opening, while Mary, his mother, weeps in the arms of John.