Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on John 20 and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The disciples are afraid, hiding behind locked doors. Yet Jesus comes to them, bringing peace and instituting the sacrament of confession.Even today, we can feel distant from Christ—held back by fear, sin, or shame. But the Gospel reveals a powerful truth: nothing can separate us from Jesus.St. Paul teaches that “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.” When we invoke the holy name of Jesus, we are not alone. The Spirit is already at work, drawing us into union with Christ.The name of Jesus is not just a word—it is a prayer, a presence, and a path to peace. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Christ’s words in John 17: “This is eternal life: that they should know you, the one true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”We often think of eternal life as a place or something we possess in the future. But Jesus reveals something deeper. Eternal life is not a location or an object. It is an act—knowing God.This knowledge is not abstract. It is real union with the living God, made possible through Jesus Christ. And it does not begin later. It begins now.The Christian life is not simply waiting for heaven. It is already a participation in eternal life, here and now, through knowing and loving God. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Executive Director Gideon Barr, General Editor Father Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., and Managing Editor Dr. Matthew Minard sit down for a progress update on the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology. The conversation covers new and forthcoming Catholic handbooks on creation, grace, science and religion, and confirmation, along with a preview of nearly twenty articles currently moving through the editorial pipeline on topics ranging from the hypostatic union to political authority.The team also takes stock of the ECT’s growing international reach, with scholars and translators now contributing from across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East — and Spanish translations running nearly in step with English publication. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Christ’s words in John 14: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”At first glance, this can sound like a condition or a demand. But Jesus is not manipulating us or imposing external rules. He is revealing something deeper: love and obedience are inseparable.The commandments are not arbitrary restrictions. They express who Jesus is. Those who are united to Him begin to live as He lives.To love Christ is to be conformed to Him—and those who are conformed to Him naturally keep His commandments. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on John 14 and Christ’s response to St. Thomas: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In a world filled with competing voices, opinions, and interpretations of what it means to follow Jesus, the Gospel offers a striking simplicity.Jesus does not offer one path among many. He offers Himself. The confusion of the modern world cannot be resolved by more analysis or more perspectives, but only by returning to Christ.To follow Jesus is not to navigate endless options, but to remain with Him—the one who is the way, the truth, and the life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Acts 2 and St. Peter’s proclamation of the Gospel. When the people are cut to the heart, they ask what they must do—and Peter responds clearly: “Repent and be baptized.”To be Catholic is not merely to adopt a label or join a denomination. It is to enter into a new life—one defined by the sacraments. Through baptism and the sacramental life of the Church, we are truly united to Jesus and share in His divine life.The Gospel calls each of us not only to believe, but to live sacramentally in real union with Christ. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24 and the disciples’ failure to recognize the risen Christ. Though they discuss the events of Jesus’ Passion and search for meaning, they do not recognize Him walking beside them.The Gospel reveals a deeper problem: not simply misunderstanding Scripture, but beginning from the wrong starting point. When we try to interpret life, suffering, or even Christ Himself apart from Him, we risk missing Him entirely.True wisdom begins with Jesus. When we start with Him, He illumines all things and reveals their meaning in Himself. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the risen Christ’s appearance to the disciples in John 20. Though they are afraid and hidden behind locked doors, Jesus comes to them, bearing the wounds of His Passion and speaking peace.The Gospel reveals that nothing can prevent Christ from reaching those He loves—not fear, not suffering, not even sin. In His mercy, Jesus passes through every barrier and gives Himself to us, especially through the sacrament of confession.The wounds of Christ are not signs of defeat, but of a love that transforms all things. Even our brokenness can become a place of healing when brought to Him. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Easter Sunday and Mary Magdalene’s search for the risen Christ in John 20. Though Christ has made all things new, the Gospel begins in darkness—early in the morning, before the light is fully revealed.This tension reveals the nature of the Christian life. Though Jesus is truly present, we do not yet see Him fully. The darkness we experience is not the darkness of night, but the darkness of morning—a darkness that is passing away as the light of Christ dawns.Even now, Christ remains with His people. The light of heaven is already upon us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Passion in Matthew 26–27 and the disciples’ response to Christ. Though Peter and the others desire to remain faithful, they rely on their own strength, their own plans, and their own resolve.Jesus reveals that salvation does not come through human effort or natural power. Even in His suffering and apparent abandonment, He accomplishes our salvation alone. The Gospel invites us to move beyond self-reliance and to fix our attention on the one thing necessary: Jesus Himself. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Transfiguration in Matthew 17 and the disciples’ encounter with the unveiled glory of Christ. Though Peter longs to remain in the splendor of the moment, it is not the visible glory that overwhelms the disciples, but the Father’s voice: This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.The Transfiguration is not a spectacle meant to impress. It reveals who Jesus is in relation to the Father—and who we are in relation to Him. Though His glory is not visible in the sacraments, Christ is no less present. The same Jesus who shone like the sun on the mountain comes to us in the Eucharist, draws near, touches us, and says personally: Rise. Do not be afraid. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. Though universally admired, the Beatitudes are often reduced to moral ideals or spiritual self-help. But Jesus is not describing abstract virtues—He is revealing Himself.The Beatitudes are Christ’s own self-portrait. He is the meek, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemaker who suffers for the Kingdom. These are not behaviors we achieve on our own, but the fruits of union with Him. In receiving Jesus, we receive His life, His mercy, and His saving identity. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on John 1 and the strange confession of St. John the Baptist, who sees Jesus repeatedly yet insists that he did not know Him. Sight alone, even religious experience, is not enough to know who Christ truly is.Faith begins when we believe not because we see or verify, but because God has revealed the truth. The Christian life falters when Jesus becomes an instrument for our plans rather than the end Himself. Holiness is not achieved through self-improvement or strategy, but through a simple, consuming union with Jesus, in whom we finally know who He is—and who we are. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Baptism of the Lord and St. Peter’s proclamation that God shows no partiality. Through the sacrament of Baptism, Jesus does not merely affirm who we already are, but truly changes us—configuring us to Himself and giving us a new identity as adopted sons and daughters of God.While God is open to all, we often cling to our own partiality, accepting only a version of God that fits our preferences and priorities. Baptism cuts through this limitation. God’s loving non-partiality transforms us, draws us out of ourselves, and unites us to Christ in a way that is not symbolic but real, sacramental, and saving. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Matthew 2 and the different responses to the birth of Jesus. While the Magi rejoice at the coming of the newborn King, Herod and all Jerusalem are troubled. The same Savior who brings peace also exposes what resists being changed.Jesus does not save partially or selectively. His kingship reaches every part of the human person—nothing lies outside His transforming love. The Gospel still provokes the same question today: will we rejoice at the Savior who gives Himself completely, or fear the love that leaves nothing unchanged? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ectplus.orgIn this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology podcast, Dr. Matthew Levering reflects on his journey to the Catholic faith and his vocation as a theologian. He discusses his formation within the Catholic intellectual tradition, his engagement with figures such as Augustine, Aquinas, and Newman, and why genuine renewal in theology requires resi…

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Colossians 3 and Ephesians 5 and St. Paul’s teaching on marriage. These passages are often read as statements about authority or hierarchy, but St. Paul is revealing the measure of Christian love itself—Christ’s love for the Church.Husbands are called to love as Christ loves, by giving everything without reserve. Wives respond with the Church’s total self-gift to Christ. Marriage is not an abstract ideal or a social arrangement, but a sacramental participation in the saving love of Jesus, made possible by grace and lived in the concrete reality of daily life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Matthew 1 and the naming of Jesus. The angel commands Joseph to name the child Jesus because He will save His people from their sins. Jesus is not merely a title or a symbol—His name reveals who He is and what He does.In a world where words often deceive, God does not lie. Names correspond to reality. Jesus means Savior, and Emmanuel means God with us. In Christ, salvation is not theoretical but sacramental and present now. The One who was born of the Virgin still saves, still speaks truth, and still remains with His people. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on James 5 and the meaning of Christian patience. St. James calls us to wait for the Lord, but Christian waiting is never passive. Christ already comes to us in the sacraments and in faith, shaping our minds, loves, and daily actions.We wait for Jesus by waiting with Jesus. The same Lord who will appear in glory is the Lord who is present now, and those who live in union with Him today will not be surprised when He comes. Every moment gains eternal meaning when lived in His presence. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

How does the Church clarify revealed truth across time?In this episode of In Focus, Dr. Matthew Minerd introduces the Catholic understanding of dogmatic development—how the Church unfolds what God has revealed without changing its substance. He explains the philosophical groundwork, the distinction between mystery, dogma, and doctrine, and why development means explication, not innovation. Highlighting key moments in the Church’s history, he shows how dogma becomes more explicit while remaining the same faith delivered once for all. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on John the Baptist in Matthew 3 as the model for every Christian in public life. John is the greatest of the prophets and the least before Christ — a man who knows his gifts and vocation only in relation to the Lord. He baptizes with water for repentance, yet points entirely to the One who is mightier, whose baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire eclipses his own. John shows that magnanimity and humility meet in a life wholly ordered to Jesus. In a world of platforms and personalities, he teaches us to be great and small at the same time — always pointing to Christ, always finding ourselves in Him. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on on Matthew 24 and Jesus’ command to “stay awake.” Two men in the field, two women at the mill—both groups are working, alert, active, and yet Jesus says only one is truly awake. The difference is not physical awareness but spiritual attentiveness.It is possible to live a good life, fulfill duties, and still be asleep to the One who matters most. Prayer is not merely asking for things—it is the raising of the mind to God. By turning our thoughts to Jesus throughout the day, in love and recollection, we remain awake to His coming. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

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Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 23 and the three attitudes toward salvation revealed at the crucifixion. The rulers and soldiers claim Jesus must save Himself. The first criminal admits his need for salvation but still thinks Jesus must save Himself first. Only the good thief understands who Jesus is, turning to Him simply and humbly: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”Jesus has no need of salvation. He alone is Savior, and to be remembered by Him is to be united to Him—caught up into His loving knowledge and mercy. The one who entrusts himself to Christ receives what Christ alone can give: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ectplus.orgOn this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology Podcast, Gideon Barr speaks with Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., about the history of casuistry—its roots in the seminary, its limits, and how Veritatis Splendor and St. Thomas Aquinas renew moral theology by returning to Christ, virtue, and the life of grace.

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 21 and the striking truth that we can speak with Jesus—and even discuss what He speaks about—yet still miss Him. In the Gospel, people focus on the temple’s beauty and signs instead of the Savior before them. So too in prayer, we can become absorbed by circumstances rather than by Christ Himself. Jesus never loses sight of His mission, our salvation, and the saints are simply those so captivated by Him that they forget themselves. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ectplus.orgIn this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology podcast, Fr. Romanus Cesario, O.P., reflects on his Dominican formation before Vatican II and his lifelong teaching career. He discusses how Catholic theology shifted in the areas of moral theology, the sacraments, and ecumenism, and why renewal depends on returning to theology as a sacred science…

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on John 2 and Jesus driving the money changers from the temple. Far from mere anger, this moment reveals the true economy of divine worship. We often approach God with a spirit of exchange—offering prayers or promises in return for blessings—but Jesus overturns every form of spiritual bartering. In the economy of salvation, God gives 100% of Himself and invites us to give 100% of ourselves in return. Nothing less captures the fullness of His love or our response of faith. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on John 6 and Jesus’ words: “This is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life.” Salvation is not partial—it is the redemption of the whole person, body and soul. Seeing Christ is not mere sight, but the union of knowing and being known, faith leading to communion. In this life, we see through faith; in heaven, through glory. The Christian life is the journey of learning to see and know Jesus ever more clearly. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 18 and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee prays to himself, comparing his goodness to others, while the tax collector simply cries out for mercy. In truth, salvation does not come through comparison or self-justification. We are not saved by being “good people,” but by receiving God’s mercy in humility. The one who looks to Jesus, not to himself, goes home justified. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 18 and the parable of the persistent widow and the dishonest judge. Jesus teaches the necessity of praying always, but the parable ultimately reveals something deeper about Him. The true parallel is not between God and the judge, but between Jesus and the widow—both are those who come. Jesus continually comes before the Father and continually comes for us, inviting us into His own prayer and faith. In Him, perseverance in prayer becomes participation in the very life of God. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on 2 Timothy 2 and St. Paul’s profound words, “Such is my gospel, for which I am suffering.” The gospel is not an abstract ideal or distant truth, but a deeply personal reality—my gospel, your gospel. Jesus came not to love us from afar, but to love us from within, to draw us into union with Himself. Every grace, every sacrament, every moment of His saving work is for us personally. The good news is not only about Jesus—it is Jesus, and He is yours. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 17 and the meaning of supernatural charity. Unlike natural love, which loves because of perceived goodness, charity loves because of God’s goodness, drawing us into the very life of Christ. Jesus reverses the master–servant dynamic: He feeds His disciples with His body and blood, washes their feet, and makes them His friends. The Christian life is not mere imitation but true union with Jesus, who gives Himself completely and unites us to His saving friendship. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

In this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology podcast, Dr. Timothy Kearns shares his journey from a devout Baptist upbringing to entering the Catholic Church while at UT Austin. His love for Greek and Latin led him to study the Church Fathers and Augustine, eventually writing on De doctrina christiana at the Catholic University of America. No… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 16 and the rich man’s plea for a sign from the dead. Jesus shows that miracles alone cannot compel faith, because faith is a gift received, not a conclusion of reason. Rationalism errs in making human reason the arbiter of supernatural truth, while fideism errs in denying the intelligibility of God’s revelation. True faith rests on Jesus himself, the Eternal Word made flesh, whose revelation is both beyond human discovery and yet fully receivable by our minds. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

What is logic, and how is it different from mere thinking? In this edition of In Focus, Dr. Timothy Kearns presents the classical art of reasoning—tracing concepts, propositions, and syllogisms; the parts of logic (demonstration, dialectic, rhetoric, and poetics); and common fallacies—while situating them within Greek, medieval, and modern traditions. F… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 16 and the surprising words of Jesus about dishonest wealth and prudence. The children of this world show shrewdness in passing things, but Christians are called to an even greater order that embraces both temporal and eternal realities. Prudence is right reason in action, the virtue that orders small and great matters alike toward God. To live with prudence is to recognize that everything from money to family to worship is ordered to Him who is wisdom itself. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

In this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology podcast, Dr. Kenneth Kemp reflects on his formation as a Catholic philosopher and his contribution to the series with an article on evolution and the Catholic response to it. He discusses his upbringing in Iowa, studies in Russian and linguistics at Georgetown and the University of Texas, his serv… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on John 3 and the meaning of salvation in Christ. Jesus is not sent to condemn but to save, and condemnation only arises when we remain apart from Him. To meet Jesus as He truly is means to encounter Him as Savior, open-armed and giving eternal life. Every aspect of our lives is invited into His transforming love. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Wisdom 9 and the Catholic vision of body and soul. The body is not evil, but part of our God-given nature, created to be ordered with the soul toward Him. The Christian life is goodness orientation, a movement of the whole person—body, soul, mind, and heart—toward God who is goodness itself. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 14, where Jesus calls us to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. In the spiritual life, we are all poor and broken, yet the great banquet of Christ is for us. Even our distractions and weaknesses in prayer can become instruments that draw us closer to Him, because Jesus never turns away those who come to Him in need. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

In this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology podcast, Dr. Christopher Kaczor reflects on his formation as a Catholic philosopher and his contribution to the series with an article on moral systems. He discusses his education at Boston College and the University of Notre Dame, the influence of mentors like Peter Kreeft, Alasdair MacIntyre, and Ralph McInerny, and his current work at Loyola Marymount University and with Word on Fire. The conversation explores virtue ethics, contemporary moral debates, and the enduring relevance of the Catholic intellectual tradition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Hebrews 12: Endure your trials as discipline, for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines. The Lord is the Master Teacher, Christ the Divine Teacher. There is no part of the Christian life which is not ordered to our holiness. Even sin, even brokenness, even weakness for the Christian has a salvific meaning. Not even our sins can keep us from our Lord, because in the sacrament of penance it is exactly because of our sin that we draw near to Jesus. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

What are the major moral systems, and how do they shape today’s ethical debates? In this edition of In Focus, Dr. Christopher Kaczor examines four foundational approaches to ethics—duty-based, consequentialist, nihilist, and virtue ethics—through the thought of Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Tracing the phi… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 12, where Jesus asks: Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. Our Lord’s words are so surprising, so shocking, perhaps even scandalous, yet reveal that unity is not true unity unless it’s unity in something. Jesus has come to make Himself the only center of all saving reality, uniting all who are in Him with bonds stronger than even that of husband, wife, father, or son. In Christ alone, He Himself is our peace, our goodness, our unity. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 12, where Jesus warns: You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. But what is most pressing, he says, is not only Christ’s final coming, but the fact that our Lord Jesus comes even now. The Christian life is lived in the perpetual constant now, where God dwells and grace is given. The only place to find Jesus is here. The only time to find Jesus is now. To live in the present is to live with Jesus. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe