Council of Catholic Men Catechism and Bible Study 2025 November 12

In this episode of the Council of Catholic Men Catechism and Bible Study, we continue through Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, completing chapters 2–4. We reflect on Paul’s call to unity, humility, and obedience to Christ, highlighting the kenosis hymn (“He emptied Himself”) and the charge to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” We consider Paul’s warnings against false teachers, his total renunciation of worldly status to gain Christ, and his exhortation to rejoice, practice virtue, and persevere—summed up beautifully in Philippians 4:8. We also underscore Paul’s example of conversion and integrity, encouraging us to shine as lights in a crooked generation and to live content in Christ who strengthens us. We then turn to the Catechism of St. Peter Canisius on the Four Last Things—especially judgment and hell—pondering Scripture’s sober admonitions to examine ourselves before judgment and to live in holy discipline and godly fear. Finally, we share the lives of Saints Theodorus and Nicholas, Studite abbots, whose steadfast defense of holy images and patient endurance under persecution model fidelity and courage. We close in prayer and look ahead to beginning Colossians next week.