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"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
I’ll be on Morning Air radio tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 7 am eastern to discuss why all good leaders pray. You can listen online here.
In case you missed it, the article on which this conversation will be based can be found here: Prayer is Critical to Being a Good Leader.
Enjoy!
This summer I have been listening to my hands-down newest favorite podcast, “Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World.” My podcast app recommended I listen to it, and boy did they get me right this time.
Those deep in the world of Catholic apologetic may already be familiar with Jimmy Akin, though I did not know him. And really, I have not followed any of his work outside the show since beginning listening. I bet it’s good, though, because he is an incredibly thorough researcher.
In “Mysterious World,” a show out of the Starquest Production Network, Jimmy and his co-host Dom Bettinelli examine every imaginable mystery in (and out) of our world, from the perspectives of faith and reason. Often, though, there is not much to say from the faith perspective, and for that reason the episodes are still enjoyable to anyone who just enjoys a good mystery. My favorite episodes have been on remote viewing, abduction stories, and the Nephilim, but every episode is worth listening to. How many podcasts do you know where that’s the case?
What’s beautiful about this is that, in addition to each topic being ridiculously researched, Jimmy never characterizes any theory or mystery, or its adherents, as wacky or worthy of ridicule. Instead, he simply looks at each case factually, with grace and humility. Listening to the show has helped me become more rationally skeptical, without compromising my ability to believe.
Thankfully, as they have said on the show, there is no end to the mysteries in this universe worth exploring, and apparently Jimmy and Dom have 8 years’ worth of material. I believe it! Go have a listen.
A moment of serendipity (cue someone saying there’s no such thing as coincidences): this morning I came across an article from Washington, DC’s own Msgr. Charles Pope, called “Why Are Votive Candles Used?” It’s a short and sweet explainer on why we light candles at church. Perfect timing, as I’ve been thinking about this.
Msgr. Pope says the candle stands in for a “burnt offering,” as in the Old Testament. The smoke in a burnt offering “was a symbol of the sacrifice of praise ascending to God,” and we can see the smoke of our candles meaning the same. Further, he says, when we light candles, we are making an offering of prayer and praise.
The consuming of the candle symbolizes the oblation (offering) of something of value to God: our time, our praise, our resources and so forth. The lingering quality of the candle symbolizes the fact that our prayers, praise and concerns continue in our heart even when we must leave the church. The flickering light also seems to say “Remember me, Lord, remember my prayer and those for whom I pray.”
Amen! I especially love the imagery of the lingering quality of the candle symbolizing the needs in our hearts lingering after we leave church. Good point.
So, light those candles, whether at home or at church. Send up your prayers, but don’t forget your thanks, too.
