Finally… the first show of my Catholic Podcast. This has been a long time coming and I am excited about this media. During the season of Lent I attended a Men’s retreat, here in Houston, where I went to Confession and received absolution for my sins. As a part of the penance the priest told me to start journaling. I tried this but found it difficult to do… not sure why though. I went out and bought a notebook and started journaling but I just could not get my thoughts together and the whole thing felt awkward for some reason. I think this podcast will serve as a journal for me. I can’t wait till the next show and I find it easier to verbalize my feelings rather than to just write them down. So if I ramble… forgive me… I’m fulfilling my penance.
I took the opportunity to spend this first show giving you a bit of a background, as it pertains to my faith walk. My conversion, to the Catholic Church, has been filled with bumps as well as surprises for sure. You know the one thing that has given me great peace though is that I can trust the Church and her teaching. I no longer have to worry about correct doctrine… to use an analogy… I can put it all on black and let it ride. It is either true or its not. It’s really that simple! The church will stand the test every time. Now this does not mean that I think, or am saying, that the Catholics, in the Catholic Church, are perfect and sinless, because I’m not saying that at all. The Church is filled with sinners… not sure who said this but the Church is a hospital for sinners and not a sanctuary for saints. Good thing to or I would be in trouble.
I intend to taking on some specific points, from my conversion, and discussing them in greater detail in future shows. But in the mean time I have posted many links, on my website joemcclane.com, which you can check out for all the detail in the world about Early Church Fathers, Church Doctrine, Greek & Hebrew translations, Theology and much more.
I also shared with you what I feel God has called me to… telling people that God is their Father and their Father loves them and wants to hear from them. God wants you to NOT be afraid to pray boldly to him and ask him for a sign to shore up your faith. He is ready and willing to do this for you.
Isaiah
Chapter 7: 10 – 14
10Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz:
11 Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!
12 But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!”
13 Then he said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God?
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
There was a part that I didn’t share with you…. I also feel God calling me, you and every human on the planet to offering up sacrifices for others. I will do a show on this topic as I find this to be huge and worthy of a show all to its self. I felt a moment of great peace this past Lent when I offered up special sacrifices for people who were in great need of a sign from God. God never fails to provide one when we ask.
Well that’s the first show in a nut shell. So pray boldly and ask God for a sign as he has one ready for you. Pray for me and I will pray for you.
In Christ
Joe M
