The Tightrope: Reflections for Busy Catholics

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3 Reasons We Go to Mass (According to a 9-Year-Old) Jul 15, 2019

Show notes

Why do we have to go to Mass? Why can’t we just pray at home or read the Bible on our own time?

In the midst of playing Mass, my 9-year-old son Leo gave three simple answers to this question. He delivered a “homily” that started with, “I know you don’t like coming to Mass, but … ” and then gave three (pretty good) reasons why we go to Mass. He said:

Going to Mass is just what we do.
We get to receive Jesus.
We love Jesus.

Going to Mass is a huge part of our obligation and privilege as Catholics, becuase the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. And, simply put, we love Jesus.

Snippet from the Show
“The word ‘liturgy’ means ‘work’. Mass is the work of Christ first and foremost, but it’s also the joining of our works, and joys, and suffering, to that work of Christ.”

Church Teaching on Immigration Jul 08, 2019

Show notes

What does the Catholic Church say in regards to immigration? The answer is in the Catechism.

“The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him” (CCC 2241).

This policy is neither Republican nor Democrat because the Church isn’t aligned to a political party. It’s aligned to the moral principles of the gospel.

Delayed Gratification Is One of the Greatest Markers of Happiness Jul 01, 2019

Show notes

Delayed gratification is counter-intuitive. When we’re hungry, we want to eat. Why would we put that off? Because our short term desires are often opposed to our long term goals and ultimate happiness.

For example, it may feel good to eat ice cream right now, but if I keep doing that all the time, my health will suffer. When we put our immediate goods before our long-term goods, we will make ourselves unhappy in the long run.

St. Thérèse’s Little Way is all about this concept. Choose a small sacrifice to offer up and delay gratification and set your eyes on the ultimate goal of heaven.

Snippet from the Show
“We sell out our inheritance for what will satiate us for a moment.”

Check out this episode at ascensionpress.com/thetightrope

Fasting Isn’t Just for Lent Jun 24, 2019

Show notes

During Lent, Catholics abstain and fast at certain times. But the Catholic Church views every Friday (except solemnities) as a penitential day, which means we should abstain from meat or something else we desire every Friday of the year, and not just during Lent. If you’re confused about the difference between abstaining and fasting, just remember:

Abstaining = not eating a particular food
Fasting = not eating any food

Canon 1250 states, “All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent are penitential days and times throughout the entire Church.”

The Church prescribes this for three reasons:

We find solidarity with Christ.
We are moved toward virtue by reordering the passions.
Our prayers are deepened.

Do you fast during Ordinary Time? Comment below!

For a great video on the benefits of fasting, check out “Why Should Christians Fast?” by The CFRs and Jackie Mulligan of Reform Wellness.

Remember Your Death Jun 17, 2019

Show notes

There are three reactions to death: trying to forget it by focusing on pleasure (eat, drink, and be merry), panicking and living in fear, or fixing your gaze on God and the promise of life after death. The third option is definitely the best.

A number of years ago, I encountered a woman who was very sick, and was planning her own funeral. She had such faith and was living her last days in complete trust in God and the promise of heaven, which is exactly how we should strive to live everyday.

Snippet from the Show
“When we remember our death our anxieties actually shrink because we realize the great promise of what’s before us.”

Ordinary Time Resolutions Jun 10, 2019

Show notes

If Lent is a fast and Easter is a feast, what’s the purpose of Ordinary Time? Even though it’s called Ordinary Time, we can still use this period for spiritual growth. This season is an opportunity for us to take the discipline we learn from Lent and apply some of the principles to live with intention. To that end, I’ve made three resolutions.

Find asceticism in the midst of the ordinary by connecting with God in the quiet moments, or days, where I would normally be on my phone or computer.
Be more open to the Holy Spirit and ask to be sent on a mission.
Reorient my inner expectations about joy and suffering, knowing that both have the potential to lead me to heaven.

What resolutions do you have for this not-so-ordinary season? Email me at thetightropepodcast@ascensionpress.com

Snippet from the Show
“Don’t save spiritual intentionality for the season of Lent or Advent. Ordinary Time is a time to get serious about living your faith.”

The Importance of the Holy Spirit in Your Life Jun 03, 2019

Show notes

The Holy Spirit pours into our hearts through the sacraments. It unites us at all times, but during Pentecost, we’re invited to focus on the Holy Spirit.

Here are three ways to welcome the Holy Spirit this Pentecost.

Prepare your home - go to confession and make your soul a dwelling place for God.
Make a dangerous prayer - ask the Holy Spirit to radically reorient your life to Christ.
Seal your mission - ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in fulfilling your mission to become a saint.

Snippet from the Show
“The Holy Spirit has been poured out into our lives and our hearts through the sacraments. At Pentecost, we ask the Holy Spirit to stir into a flame what is already there because of the sacraments that we receive.”

2019 Problems Are Not Solved with 1980s Solutions May 27, 2019

Show notes

What does a teen philosopher have to say? I interviewed some of my students about the struggles they face in 2019, and this week we’re hearing from Kelly.

Kelly talks about having the desire to hear advice that is directed exactly at the problems of today and is unclouded by unresolved issues or baggage.

Snippet from the Show
“How easy it is for us to carry our unresolved issues into our parenthood and ministry and interactions with teens.”

Building a Culture of Life and a Civilization of Love May 20, 2019

Show notes

Sometimes a kindergarten graduation makes you think about the beautiful potential of each and every human life.

My children are adopted, so the pro life discussion isn’t political, it’s personal. One thing that we don’t talk about as much as the law is the love and support that we should be offering to women in crisis pregnancies. We are made for a culture of life and a civilization of love, so let's not just protect human life, let's also love it.

Snippet from the Show
“It’s not just about the law (although the law needs to protect the unborn) it’s about building what St. John Paul II calls a culture of life and a civilization of love.”

Spoiler Alert! Why We Crave Adventure May 13, 2019

Show notes

Why do we hate spoilers so much? Because they ruin the sense of adventure we feel when we watch thrilling stories unfold, and that feeling is so important to us.

We crave adventure. But we look for it on the screen instead of in our lives, and in doing so, miss out on the cosmic struggle that happens in and around us every day.

Rededicate your life today to living the adventure God has in store for you. The choices you make today will have real consequences, more important than the fate of a fictional world.

Snippet from the Show
“Live the adventure of your daily life today.”