logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
18m 25s

Day 74: The Christmas Mystery (2025)

ASCENSION
About this episode

Diving deeper into Jesus Christ as Mystery, the Catechism describes the deep mystery in the preparations for Christ’s coming—also known as Advent—as well as the mystery of his first coming in Christmas. Fr. Mike points to one of the last sentences of today’s readings—”Only when Christ is formed in us will the mystery of Christmas be fulfilled in us”—and reminds us that Jesus is the star of the story, not us. Our goal is to become children in relation to God. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 522-526.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Up next
Today
Day 327: Poverty of Heart (2025)
Where should we find consolation? It's essential to remember that our ultimate goal and true source of happiness is God. With this in mind, Fr. Mike emphasizes the need to detach ourselves from worldly possessions and strive to be channels of God's grace. By doing so, when we rec ... Show More
14m 51s
Yesterday
Day 326: Envy and Jealousy (2025)
Envy is “the diabolical sin,” says St. Augustine. Christians should better understand this capital sin, its manifestations, and the temptation toward envy of God and neighbor. In this episode, Fr. Mike considers jealousy and envy, noting man's desire to covet and lust. He explain ... Show More
21m 15s
Nov 21
Day 325: Battling for Purity (2025)
As Fr. Mike suggests, the battle for purity is never more difficult than in our own day. With God’s grace, we can prevail and find freedom from our temptations. Fr. Mike explains that we win this battle through chastity, purity of intention, purity of vision, and prayerful relian ... Show More
22m 33s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2025
Sinlessness & the Authority to Forgive Sins - The Mystery of Christ (L. 44)
<p>H. Sinlessness<br/>I. The Authority to Forgive Sins<br/><br/>Come and sit at the feet of the professors of the Desert, those initiated into the Mystery. They will guide us through the entirety of the Economy of Salvation, from the pre-existence of the Logos, to His Revelation ... Show More
2h 59m
Feb 2025
The Childhood and Baptism of Jesus - The Mystery of Christ (L. 28)
<p>e. The Childhood of Jesus<br/>f. The Baptism<br/><br/>Come and sit at the feet of the professors of the Desert, those initiated into the Mystery. They will guide us through the entirety of the Economy of Salvation, from the pre-existence of the Logos, to His Revelation and Inc ... Show More
2h 58m
Sep 18
Day 261: The Joyful Mysteries
As we continue with the Joyful Mysteries, we celebrate the saving presence of Christ among us. In the Visitation, Mary carries the Savior to Elizabeth, and His presence brings joy and blessing. In the Nativity, Christ is born in poverty yet shines forth as the Light of the World. ... Show More
13m 7s
Oct 15
The Μiracles of the Lord - The Mystery of Christ (L. 48)
<p>The Miracles of the Lord<br/><br/>Come and sit at the feet of the professors of the Desert, those initiated into the Mystery. They will guide us through the entirety of the Economy of Salvation, from the pre-existence of the Logos, to His Revelation and Incarnation, and His El ... Show More
2h 48m
Feb 2025
The Earthly Life of Jesus - The Mystery of Christ (L. 26)
<p>f. The Communication of Idioms<br/>g. The Flesh of Christ<br/>C. THE EARTHLY LIFE OF JESUS<br/>a. The Annunciation<br/><br/>Come and sit at the feet of the professors of the Desert, those initiated into the Mystery. They will guide us through the entirety of the Economy of Sal ... Show More
2h 59m
Sep 15
Our Lady of Sorrows
Flirting with the occult? Knowledge of God begetting the Son? Can Lutherans take communion in the Catholic Church? This and more in today's Open Line Monday with Fr. John Trigilio. 
51 m
Aug 2024
The Lamb's Supper with Dr. Scott Hahn
Based on his best-selling book, Dr. Scott Hahn reveals the early Christians' key to understanding the Mass: the Book of Revelation. With its bizarre imagery, mystic visions of Heaven, and end-times prophecies, it mirrors the sacrifice and celebration of the Holy Eucharist. See th ... Show More
1h 17m
Oct 1
The Gospel of Salvation, Part Two - The Mystery of Christ (L. 46)
<p>J. THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION<br/>c. The Preaching of the Gospel<br/>       1. The Four Gospels<br/>       2. Words of Grace and Truth<br/>       3. Content and Basic Concepts<br/><br/>Come and sit at the feet of the professors of the Desert, those initiated into the Mystery. The ... Show More
2h 57m
Sep 10
Day 253: The Glorious Mysteries
Lifting up our hearts to the final Glorious Mysteries, we rejoice in the Descent of the Holy Spirit, who fills the Apostles with courage and ignites the Church with divine power. We then behold the Assumption of Mary, taken body and soul into heavenly glory, a sign of the promise ... Show More
13m 19s
Nov 2022
"Seek the Saviour" | The Gift | Part 1 w/ Isaac Lenton
The birth of Jesus was a sign and wonder, not just for the people of Israel, but for the rest of the world. The saviour of mankind, recognised by the wise men who bestowed gifts unto him. This week, Gold Coast Young Adults Pastor Isaac Lenton, opens up our Christmas series explor ... Show More
28m 31s