Saint John the Baptist

A podcast from Saint John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Fort Lauderdale

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Episodes

28: Why Telling the Truth Matters

In this episode, we trace the theology of lying from Genesis 3 to neuroscience: Satan as the father of lies (Jn 8:44), St. Augustine's two treatises insisting lying is *always* wrong, St. Thomas Aquinas on jocose, officious, and malicious lies, John Paul II's reading of the original sin as rooted in a lie about who God is, and what brain imaging at University College London now confirms about how each lie gets easier than the last. Dostoevsky's Father Zosima warns where it ends: "Above all, don't lie to yourself." The remedy isn't just *stop lying* — it's Aquinas's virtue of *veracitas*, practiced in the one place we're invited to speak without disguise: the confessional.

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27: The Pascal Triduum

As Holy Week reaches its climax, we enter the Paschal Triduum—the Church’s most sacred and unified celebration of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. In this episode, we walk through Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil, uncovering the beauty, symbolism, and deep meaning behind each moment. Whether you’re lifelong or just exploring, discover how these three days invite us not just to remember, but to truly live the mystery of our faith.

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26: Anointing of the Sick Mass, Lenten Reflection, and Pope Leo XIV's Call to Listen and Fast

A look at Pope Leo XIV's inspiring 2026 Lenten message, "Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion" which emphasizes the Church's maternal care in refocusing our lives on God amid worldly distractions. The Holy Father highlights listening—to God's word, to the cry of the poor, and to those in suffering—as essential to prayer. He encourages fasting not only from food (which orders our appetites and reveals true hungers) but also from hurtful words.

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25: Why the Bible Says Old Age Is a Blessing, Not a Burden

This episode offers a warm, reflective look at old age through a Catholic lens, challenging the world's tendency to view aging as decline or something to be hidden away. Drawing from Scripture—especially the promise in Psalm 92 that the elderly "will still bear fruit"—it presents growing older as a genuine blessing, a season rich with purpose, tenderness, and new mission. The message encourages grandparents and seniors to embrace prayer, active love for family and the vulnerable, and a quiet revolution of gentleness that counters loneliness, division, and indifference in today's world.

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24: Saint Thomas Aquinas: The Angelic Doctor

Saint Thomas Aquinas is considered perhaps the greatest Catholic theologian in history. He's a Doctor of the Catholic Church and in this episode we did into his thoughts about faith and reason and the theological virtues.

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22: The Meaning of the Nativity Scene

The liturgical year has begun, marking the start of Advent, a time of anticipation and reflection leading up to Christmas. In this episode, the focus is on the significance of Advent and the nativity scene within the Catholic faith. We discuss the meaning of the nativity scene, its history, and its theological importance. The first nativity scene, created by Saint Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Italy, in 1223, is discussed as a powerful tool for evangelization and a reminder of the incarnation, poverty, and adoration. The nativity scene is described as a silent witness that counteracts the noise and consumerism of the modern world.

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21: The Dignity and Wisdom of Old Age

This episode emphasizes the biblical and papal teachings on the dignity and wisdom of old age, contrasting societal values that prioritize youth and marginalize the elderly. It calls for a reevaluation of how society views and treats the elderly, citing wisdom from scripture, Saint Augustine, and recent popes, who have all underscored the importance of cherishing and learning from the elderly as a vital part of our community and spiritual life.

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19: The Psalms: Treasure of the Church

In this episode of the Saint John the Baptist Catholic Parish podcast from Fort Lauderdale, listeners are updated on various parish activities and resources. The episode then delves into the significance of the Psalms in Catholic tradition, describing them as the church's ancient prayer book and an integral part of the liturgy of the hours. The Psalms are portrayed as a source of comfort and strength, resonating with human experiences and emotions, and are recommended for personal spiritual growth and evangelization. The episode concludes with encouragement to integrate the Psalms into daily life and to share the faith with others.

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18: St James the Greater

On this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Saint James the Greater, celebrated by the Catholic Church on July 25. Born in Galilee to Zebedee and Salome, James was a fisherman who became one of the first disciples called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men." Known for his fiery temper, which earned him and his brother John the nickname "sons of thunder," James was part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing pivotal moments such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. His commitment to spreading the gospel led to his martyrdom in Jerusalem around 44 AD, making him the first apostle to die for his faith.

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17: How Catholics view the Role of the Pope

In this episode of the St John the Baptist Parish Podcast, we explores the theological roots of the papacy from the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing the authority granted to Peter and its continuation through the bishops and the pope today. Practical ways for Catholics to engage with their faith are discussed, including praying for the pope, adhering to church doctrines, participating in the sacraments, and engaging in devotional practices.

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16: We Have a New Pope

In this episode, we delve into the significance of the month of May in the Catholic Church, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Positioned between the feasts of Easter and Pentecost, this feast commemorates Mary's role at the foot of the cross, where she accepted her son's testament of love and became the mother of all humanity. Throughout her life, from the Annunciation to her Assumption, Mary exemplified humility, obedience, and the courage to follow God's will, serving as a model for all disciples in bringing Jesus to a suffering world. The episode also covers the recent and surprising election of a new pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.

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15: A Walk Through Holy Week

In this episode, we delve into the significance of Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday, and then walking through each of the days of the Pascal Triduum.

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14: Saint Joseph - The Model Christian

Episode 14 of the Saint John the Baptist Catholic Parish podcast from Fort Lauderdale focuses on the Lenten season, emphasizing spiritual renewal through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The episode highlights the importance of penance, confession, and spending more time with scripture and the writings of saints as part of Lenten devotion. It encourages listeners to commit to spiritual growth as they journey toward Easter.

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13: The Cardinal Virtue of Prudence

In this episode of the Saint John the Baptist Parish podcast, we dive into the significance of February in the Catholic Church, a month dedicated to honoring the Holy Family. We also explore the virtue of prudence, one of the four cardinal virtues, and discuss its importance in making wise, moral decisions. Plus, we share exciting parish updates, including a new Catholic book club and upcoming events like the First Communion Pop-Up Boutique.

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12: The Cardinal Virtue of Temperance

The seven heavenly virtues—faith, hope, love, prudence, courage, fortitude, and temperance guide Catholics toward a fulfilling life and in this episode, we look at the cardinal virtue of Temperance.

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11: The 3 Advents of Jesus

Join us as we discuss the theological significance of Christ's advent. We explore the three distinct advents of Christ as described by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: The Historical Advent, the Eucharistic Advent, and The Eschatological Advent

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10: Saint Cecilia

On November 22nd, the Catholic church honors saint Cecilia. She's known as the patron saint of musicians, and she's one of the most celebrated figures in Christian history.

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9: Honoring Our Grandparents and the Elderly

In this episode, we discuss the start of our parish's religious education program, upcoming events like Beer, Bratwurst, and Bingo night, and the annual Blessing of the Animals. We also reflect on the importance of National Grandparents Day and Pope Francis's message on God's enduring love for the elderly. Tune in to stay updated on parish activities and deepen your faith with resources available on our website.

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7: Saints Martha, Mary and Lazurus

In this episode, we reflect on the lives of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we are invited to consider how their examples can inspire us in our own spiritual journeys. Their stories challenge us to find balance in our lives, integrating service with contemplation and nurturing a deep relationship with God.

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6: St John the Baptist Solemnity & Reflection

On June 24th, the Catholic Church honors Saint John the Baptist, whom Jesus called the greatest born of women. John's divine purpose was prophesied by Isaiah and Malachi, and he is recognized for his call to repentance and his role in identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God. His profound humility, encapsulated in his declaration "He must increase; I must decrease," serves as a foundational virtue for Catholics, emphasizing the importance of humility in spiritual growth and relationship with God.

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5: The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

It is most fitting that our minds and hearts be directed to focus on Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church throughout the entire month of May. As we come to the end of the month, let us reflect on the Blessed Mary, Mother of the Church and then look towards to Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.

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4: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Learn about St John's new School of Spirituality & Prayer based on the seminal work of St. Francis de Sales', "An Introduction to the Devout Life" and other happenings at the parish. Then, we reflect on the upcoming Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

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1: A Reflection on the Meaning of Lent

In the premiere episode of the St John the Baptist Catholic Church Podcast, we delve into the significance of the Lenten season, a time dedicated to introspection, prayer, and spiritual growth.

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