Higher Word

In this episode, Fr. Graebe discusses Sin. What is it, and how to avoid it. An important topic to reflect on as we journey through lent. This is part of our Higher Word Conversations series, set in a loft in New York City. Catholics and Christians, young and old, gathered for a thoughtful and memorable afternoon.If you like these episodes, consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who might like to listen. And if you’d like to be part of our in-person discussions, you can join the mailing list at HigherWord.org.Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

In this episode, Fr. Graebe discusses the importance of discernment, vocations, and how our faith is woven into everyday life. This marked our first Higher Word Conversations event of the year, set in a loft in New York City. Catholics and Christians, young and old, gathered for a thoughtful and memorable evening.If you like these episodes, consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who might like to listen. And if you’d like to be part of our in-person discussions, you can join the mailing list at HigherWord.org.Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

Why would a loving God allow suffering? Why do good people go through so much pain? In this episode, Father Graebe sits with the hard questions we all face — not with quick answers, but with a way of looking at suffering that’s grounded and rooted in hope.If these conversations help you, consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who might like to listen. And if you’d like to be part of our in-person discussions, you can join the mailing list at HigherWord.org.Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

"Christian hope is not individual. It must always be a hope not only for myself but for others." Father Jonah Teller delivered a reflection on the meaning of All Saints and All Souls, and how we can strive to be like saints in our own lives here in NYC. Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

"God has given us as friends of each other to help us get to heaven." Heaven, Hell, Purgatory: What do we know, how do we know it, and what can we do to get to one and avoid the others? Father Graebe discusses these topics at our monthly Higher Word events in New York. To attend, please sign up for our mailing list at higherword.org.Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

Step into the spirit of Advent with this special episode, featuring inspiring talks from our Christmas Advent Concert held on December 11th, 2024, at St. Agnes Church in New York City. Relive the evening’s profound reflections as Father Graebe illuminates the life of John the Baptist, Father Jonah delves into the steadfast faith of St. Joseph, and Father Justin Cinnante offers a heartfelt portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Accompanied by a stunning musical journey, this event brought the stories of these central Advent figures to life, leaving hearts uplifted and inspired.Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

We revisit a 4-part series we posted last year on the significance of praying the Rosary. October is the Month of the Rosary, and October 7th is an important feast day. Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

We delve into the powerful story of St. John the Baptist, whose unwavering commitment to truth cost him his life. On August 29th, we commemorate his beheading—a moment that resonates deeply in the Catholic faith. This episode unpacks the Gospels' portrayal of St. John, highlighting his fearless proclamation of Christ and his call for repentance. Discover how his life and mission continue to inspire and challenge us today, urging us to stand firm in our beliefs, no matter the cost. Don't miss this insightful exploration of a true champion of faith.Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

There's a dynamism about this feast of Pentecost and our entire faith. We'll look at how our faith continues to flourish ever since that first Pentecost. Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

The Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd is one of great feast days of the church year and it marks 40 days since Christmas. It’s the day when Mary and Joseph fulfill Jewish law, which says that a first-born son must be dedicated to God. 40 days after his birth, Jesus was not only presented in the temple, but it also marks the rite of Mary’s purification. After giving birth, a Jewish woman had to be declared clean; ritually pure, in order to resume public worship. Simeon, as we hear in the Gospel, declares that this Christ child is a light of revelation to the Gentiles. Jesus is the light of the world, born at the darkest time of the year. And now, we notice the days get longer. For all the meaning and richness of the feast, we look at our part, and what we can extract from the examples that Simeon, Anna, and Jesus and Mary gave us.Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

The day after Christmas, people may overlook what comes next. But there is something the Church is trying to tell us by following Christmas Day with the Feast of St. Stephen. Why do we move from this lovely feast of baby Jesus to the feast of a martyr? We'll look into it. Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

As Catholics, we honor Mary because God honors Mary. Today, Heaven and earth celebrate the beauty of our Queen who is the masterpiece of God's creation. Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

A remarkable contrast; the joy and triumph of All Saints Day gives way to the sadness and sobriety of All Souls Day. We turn from honoring those in Heaven to praying for those in Purgatory. Death, however, is not the last word. Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

We are all called to grow up to become holy, and the Saints are the role models we aspire to become. Studying the lives of the saints will bring out the best in us as we strive to be at the top of our game. Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

In this episode, we conclude our rosary series on a note of triumph: that Jesus has won the victory over sin and death, and we glory with Our Lady as she is crowned Queen of Heaven and earth. Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

In this episode, we continue with the Sorrowful Mysteries, and stand by Our Lady as she stands by her Son in his saving Passion and Death.Part 4/4 to release: 10/7/23Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

In this episode, we begin our deeper discussion on the rosary with the Joyful Mysteries, and reflect on Mary’s joys at the Incarnation of the Son of God.Part 3/4 to release: 10/30 Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics. 

Part 1/4: October is soon upon us, and it is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. In this episode, we give an overview of the Holy Rosary, the most privileged devotion in the Church. Why is the rosary so powerful and so important? Thanks for listening. Please follow us for future topics.