The Tightrope: Reflections for Busy Catholics

Latest Episodes:

Can God be Found in Entertainment Culture? Dec 10, 2018

Show notes

Entertainment culture has a pretty bad reputation in Christian communities, but is there a way for us to find God when we go to the movies?

Even though there is a lot of brokenness in entertainment culture, we can’t help but point to something greater when we encounter a good story. We tell stories over and over again about redemption, love, sacrifice, and hope. These all point back to the gospel story.

We can use this to start conversations about faith with others.

Watch the next Marvel movie you see with the gospel in mind and find out how it can prepare you for God’s love.

The Immaculate Conception and Real Freedom Dec 03, 2018

Show notes

The feast of the Immaculate Conception, the day that Mary was conceived, turns our thoughts toward Mary as we begin Advent.

Mary, the New Eve, is not a holy robot. She isn’t boring or predicable. Sometimes our narrow vision of what it is to be without sin sabotages our vision of Mary who was alive, dynamic and truly free. As you hear her story over these next few weeks allow a three-dimensional vision of her to come alive in your mind, heart, and imagination and know that she—who is your mother—is right there with you as your step forward on your tightrope.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like … Advent Nov 26, 2018

Show notes

Christmas has been unleashed, but it’s not even Advent yet. How can we give Advent it’s due without belittling any early Christmas celebrations?

Colin’s family has come up with a few ideas:

Light candles on an Advent wreath
Add straw to a Nativity scene manger every time you do a small act of charity
Sing an Advent song, “Come Lord Jesus, come and be born in our hearts”
Trim the tree with Jesse tree ornaments and purple and rose decorations.

Should Sisyphus have been Grateful for his Suffering? Nov 19, 2018

Show notes

Life without God can feel like pushing a boulder uphill all day and seeing it back at the bottom every morning, which was the punishment of Sisyphus. But life in Christ offers so much more.

With God, we have a destination, and every stress, struggle, and trial is imbued with purpose through him. Instead of meeting our daily cross with dread, let’s approach it with gratitude, knowing that it brings us closer to God.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Feminine Genius of St. Scholastica Nov 12, 2018

Show notes

We’ve all heard of St. Benedict, but people often neglect to mention Benedict’s twin sister, St. Scholastica.

Colin talks about what we know about St. Scholastica (suffice to say, she made it rain) and how she is a fantastic example of what St. John Paul II called the feminine genius.

For more on St. Scholastica, check out Colin’s article The Scholastica Option: Women Who Make it Rain.

Lay Down Your Burdens Nov 05, 2018

Show notes

We hear this all the time—just lay down your burdens at God feet and he’ll take care of it—but it takes on new meaning when you hear it sung by your little daughter.

_I cast all my cares upon You
I lay all of my burdens
Down at Your feet

And any time I don't know what to do
I will cast all my cares upon You
-Cares Chorus by Kelly Willard

Colin connects his own desire to take care of his child to that of God the father, who wants to take care of us.

When you don’t know what to do, sing this song unto God and let him carry your worries.

Remind Halloween of its Baptismal Promises Oct 29, 2018

Show notes

Catholics have the ability to celebrate Halloween better. Halloween can be reduced to a glorification of gore, terror, fear, and even the demonic, but it really points to something much greater. When Christians think of death, we recall that Jesus conquered death, and has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life. In fact, we should remember our death everyday, and allow it to spur us toward holiness.

So don’t turn off the lights and stay home. Celebrate in the right way, a way that reminds Halloween of its baptismal promises.

St. John Paul II and Who You Really Are Oct 22, 2018

Show notes

“You are not who they say you are. Let me remind you of who you really are.” St. John Paul II reminds us that our identity does not lie in fear, anxiety, or any extrinsic force. This quote is an echo of what Christ teaches us, reminding us of our real identity as children of God.

Reflect on this quote today in adoration. Silence all the false voices and listen to God.

3 Life-Changing Catholic Ideas Oct 15, 2018

Show notes

Here are three big ideas central to St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body that can keep us balanced in everything we do—from our work to the way we love.

_Snippet from the Show:

Life is an epic love story
The meaning of life is found in self-gift
Every person is an end in and of themselves_

Your Guardian Angel Wants to Help You Oct 08, 2018

Show notes

Angels are an important part of…well…reality! There are, God knows how many, creatures out there lighting, guarding, ruling and guiding. (There are others, fallen angels, seeking the ruin of souls.) Don’t forget that when you are seeking daily balance and progress. Pray to your guardian angel. Pray that powerful St. Michael prayer to ward off evil and plant yourself firmly in the service of God in the war for souls. Angels are with you, on either side of your tightrope, trying to keep you upright.