Ep32 In The World, not of the World: the Sacred & the Secular

"I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. ... As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world."
~ John 17:15, 18

Let's face it: the fallen world around us is a difficult place to be. We, who desire a healthy and holy life, are surrounded by secular influences and misguided worldviews. What are we supposed to do? How do we stay sane and holy in a secular world? It can be tempting to either give in to the values of this world or run away from it altogether.

But the life and ministry of St. Paul offers us a middle path: engaging the secular as a means of leading others toward the sacred. In this episode, Pat & Kenna are joined by Fr. Nathan LaLiberte and Fr. Luke Marquard in Athens, Greece near the end of a pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul. Together, they delve into the difficult - but invaluable - call to be leaven in the world and to reject fear. This has crucial and practical implications for us, our children, the Church, and the world. Be not afraid!

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:11: The Sacred & the secular
23:44: The tradition of "baptizing" secular places & actions
30:29: Rejecting objective evil vs. a rigid dismissal of the secular
35:43: The value of prudence in making wise choices
45:37: Paul in Corinth & Titus on Crete
51:33: Challenge By Choice

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Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.