logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2025
19m 38s

Day 262: Habitual and Actual Grace (2025...

ASCENSION
About this episode

Without God’s help, we can do nothing. The Catechism delves into grace today, explaining how grace works and helps us achieve our supernatural vocation to eternal life. Fr. Mike unpacks the difference between habitual and actual grace and reminds us that God is always the initiator of all our spiritual efforts. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1996-2001.

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
Yesterday
Day 235: Human Freedom in Salvation (2026)
Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the reality of our human freedom in the economy of salvation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the right to freedom does not imply a right to say or do anything. Rather, it is the power to choose the “right.” He also emphasizes that the moral law actua ... Show More
16m 57s
Aug 22
Day 234: Freedom and Responsibility (2026)
The Catechism gives us an overview of what it means for humans to have freedom, as well as some of the ramifications of that freedom. It introduces us to the countercultural notion that true freedom is to choose the good—the “freedom” to choose evil is merely the abuse of freedom ... Show More
16m 2s
Aug 21
Day 233: The Beatitudes (2026)
“The Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus’ preaching,” the Catechism tells us. Jesus’ proclamation in Chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew purifies our hearts, sets a standard for earthly discernment, and directs our actions towards heaven. Fr. Mike invites us to choose God’s ways ... Show More
19m 40s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
Day 326: Life in the Spirit (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses the ministry of the apostles and encourages us to allow God to work in our lives in the same way. He also reminds us that through Baptism, we are set free from our fallen human nature and given the freedom to live according to the spirit. Today’s readings are f ... Show More
25m 18s
Oct 2022
Day 3: By God’s Grace (Introduction to the Devout Life)
Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand continue discussing how to begin the journey towards the devout life. They explain how God’s grace moves through all of it. Lastly, they go through three of St. Francis de Sales’ meditations to help us develop better contrition. To get your copy ... Show More
25m 12s
Nov 2022
Day 326: Life in the Spirit (2022)
Fr. Mike discusses the ministry of the apostles and encourages us to allow God to work in our lives in the same way. He also reminds us that through Baptism, we are set free from our fallen human nature and given the freedom to live according to the spirit. Today’s readings are f ... Show More
25m 34s
Nov 2024
Day 326: Life in the Spirit (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the ministry of the apostles and encourages us to allow God to work in our lives in the same way. He also reminds us that through Baptism, we are set free from our fallen human nature and given the freedom to live according to the spirit. Today’s readings are f ... Show More
25m 9s
Jul 2025
Day 212: God's Instrument (2025)
Fr. Mike highlights the works of King Cyrus, who we met yesterday, and how he is able to contribute to the will of God without actually knowing him. Cyrus not only shows us that no soul is ever too far for God's grace, but that God makes all things new, and is able to bring beaut ... Show More
23m 16s
Feb 2022
Day 46: Set Apart for God (2022)
Fr. Mike points out how blessing something sets it apart for the purposes of God, and it is no longer meant for ordinary uses. So when we are filled with the spirit of God, our daily task becomes extraordinary, because it is consecrated to God. Today's readings are Exodus 30-31, ... Show More
25m 4s
Sep 2025
Day 265: Sins of Omission (2025)
Fr. Mike explains sins of omission, and how these are some of the biggest deciding factors of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell: whether or not we did good works God called us to. He also reminds us that not all of the New Testament parables are universally relevant, recall ... Show More
27m 19s