Institute of Catholic Culture

In certain Protestant circles, there is a strong and often vivid preoccupation with signs of the Second Coming of Christ. Many of the notions expressed are either erroneous or extreme. The Catholic approach is perhaps less provocative, as it does not generate Left Behind movie series or cause people to sell their houses and gather on hillsides waiting for the end. This lecture sets forth certain principles of Catholic Eschatology, drawing insights from the Catechism and Scripture.

When Jesus spoke of giving his body to eat, it scandalized some of his followers. Even to this day, some Christians find Jesus' words to be a stumbling block. Most Protestants apply a merely symbolic meaning to the New Testament passages that refer to Christ's body. This presentation will break down common objections to the Catholic doctrine, and build a powerful case—from Scripture as well as the practices of the early Christians—for taking Jesus at his word.

As Christians, we live as people of the New, not the Old, Covenant. Yet, how could the first Christians embrace this new paradigm of Jesus: what of God’s Temple, its sacrifices and high priesthood? These and other biblical mysteries are addressed in the Book of Hebrews, one of the richest and most thought-provoking texts of the entire Bible.

"On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side."- John 20:19-20

As Christians, we live as people of the New, not the Old, Covenant. Yet, how could the first Christians embrace this new paradigm of Jesus: what of God’s Temple, its sacrifices and high priesthood? These and other biblical mysteries are addressed in the Book of Hebrews, one of the richest and most thought-provoking texts of the entire Bible.

There is no point in talking about the evidence for the resurrection unless it is your purpose to talk about the evidence for the resurrection. This is a very practical presentation not only of the case for the resurrection of Jesus, but also why it is urgent for Catholics to make that case, particularly to the young.

"What is worship? What happens when we worship? In all religions sacrifice is at the heart of worship. But this is a concept that has been buried under the debris of endless misunderstandings."- Cardinal Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy

"The noble Joseph, when he had taken down thy spotless body from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen and spices, and placed it in a new tomb."- Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

By laying down their lives for Christ, the martyrs testify to the truth of our faith, and pass it on unbroken to each generation of the Church. By their death, they teach us that our Catholic faith is worth the price, no matter how high.

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."- Mark 12:17