Two Edge Talk

Men of God

Last week, our podcast highlighted young Christian leaders; this week Deacon Tim and I discuss how men are accepting the challenge to be spiritual leaders.  Shaken by the feminist movement, men have scarcely known how to behave for the past few decades.  Times are changing, though, and Deacon Tim shares his insights into how men can effectively live out their calling as Christian leaders, particularly in the family. You'll want to send this podcast around to the men in your life - they'll be inspired!

A few years ago, Deacon Tim co-authored a book called Signposts, a discussion plan that helps men live out their Christian mission.  It's still in print, so take a look:  Tim's book

In the podcast, Deacon Tim mentions some resources for men, so I thought I'd link them:

National Fellowship of Catholic Men

St. Joseph Covenant Keepers

Now, the links to our podcast! 

Download 041_men_of_god.mp3

To play the podcast now, click HERE

Reasons for Optimism

Just so you don't think that Deacon Tim and I are obsessed with what's wrong with the world today, we wanted to share our thoughts on what's right with the world, and our answer might surprise you:  kids!  There are many young people today who are freely choosing a life for God, and we believe that they will become the "yeast for the dough" for all of us. 

Since it is Thanksgiving Week, please take a minute to write in the comments section about a young person you are thankful for.  Tell what he or she is doing to live a life Paul talks about in 1 Timothy 4:12:

"Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but be a continuing example of love, faith, and purity to believers."

Trust me - this will be a great way to recognize someone of this techno generation!  You can email them with our website address and tell them that great Aunt Margie posted a comment on a blog about them - they'll be pumped! Now, if you're unsure about commenting, look below this post to the green letters and find the word "Comments".  Click on it, then voila, up will pop a place for your name and email address (not published), then write your comment and hit "post".  Done!

Off to write my comment about a special young person in my life....hit "comment" below to read!

To play the episode right now: CLICK HERE

To download the episode, save Download 040_the_optimism_of_youth.mp3

True Confession

Confession, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is one of the least appreciated of all the sacraments.  In recent years, fewer and fewer Catholics are going to confession, yet more and more secular people are frequenting internet tell-all confession sites.  Hmmm.......do they know something we need to know?  Is confession really good for the soul?

To listen now on your computer CLICK HERE

To save the podcast: Download 039_confession.mp3

Your Roots Must be Kosher

One of the singularly wonderful things about doing this podcast is the connections I have made with people in far-flung places - listeners everywhere....can you imagine?!  The best email I have ever received from a listener is this one from a Jewish listener:

"My Bubbie used to say, they are such nice people, they must have Kosher roots. It was the highest compliment she could pay, and did not in any way suggest that the individual should convert (as you might know, we are not big on converts). She meant he/she is a mentsh (an honorable person). I listened to the latest podcast...you must have Kosher roots. I've included a link to a site on Kosher views of sex, so that you can see what I mean."

My Jewish friend Linda wrote that email during our series on marriage and sexuality, and I think she was heartened to hear Christians talking about the sanctity of life, something that the Jewish people hold very dear.  We have had a provocative set of emails to each other ever since, and I wanted to share with you and Deacon Tim some of the things Linda is teaching me about the Jewish faith of our Savior.  I'm certain that I'll be a better Christian in the process.

By the way, here's the link on the Kosher view of sexuality that she sent me - it's fascinating.

http://www.hanefesh.com/edu/Kosher_Sex.htm

I hope you'll send our podcast around this week - I think it will do a lot to promote respect for our "elder brother" in faith.

To download, save this link:
Download 038_your_roots_must_be_kosher.mp3

Or to play right now on your computer:
Click here to play now.