logo
episode-header-image
Today
17m 9s

Day 293: Legitimate Defense (2026)

ASCENSION
About this episode

Is there ever a time where legitimate defense is justifiable? The Catechism answers this question and how it relates to honoring the dignity of the human person as we dive deeper into the fifth commandment. We learn about defense of ourselves and others, principles of crime and punishment, and capital punishment. Fr. Mike also explains the Church’s current teaching on the death penalty and why it has changed over time. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2263-2267.

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 292: Respect for Human Life (2026)
We begin exploring the fifth commandment: “you shall not kill”. The Catechism reminds us that human life is sacred, and we must not take the life of another innocent human. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes this commandment even further as he calls us to avoid anger, hatred ... Show More
15m 1s
Oct 18
Day 291: The Political Community and the Church (2026)
We take a look at what the Catechism teaches about the Church in relation to political communities. Every institution has their own vision of what it means to be human, which shapes their policies. Because the Church knows the truth, that every person is made in the image and lik ... Show More
17m 23s
Oct 17
Day 290: The Duties of Citizens (2026)
As citizens of a nation, we have certain responsibilities in accordance with God’s Law. The Catechism provides parameters for contributing to society, welcoming the foreigner, refusing obedience, and resisting oppression. Fr. Mike helps us better understand our role as co-collabo ... Show More
20m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
Day 27: The Spirit Prepares Us
Fr. Mark-Mary shares his personal testimony on the Holy Spirit’s influence in his life and encourages us to look for the Holy Spirit’s presence in our own lives. He explains how meditating on the words of the Creed and the mysteries of the Rosary can lead us to greater understand ... Show More
10m 12s
Apr 2023
EP.63 The Life-Changing Impact of The Holy Spirit
<p>Let&#39;s talk about the power of The Holy Spirit - the spirit and breath of God. Discover who The Holy Spirit is, the responsibility He carries, and His mission in our hearts. We&#39;ll also explore how Jesus passed on The Holy Spirit to us, and ways to deepen our connection ... Show More
38m 6s
Jan 2025
Day 24: Still, Small Voice
The Holy Spirit chooses to do his greatest works and reveal his glory in still and quiet moments. While reflecting on the Apostles’ Creed, Fr. Mark-Mary uncovers the Incarnation as one of these silent movements of the Spirit: a pivotal event in salvation history that unfolded in ... Show More
10m 48s
Dec 2023
12/8/23 The New Eve
Homily from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary was preserved from sin by the merits of her Son's life, death, and resurrection. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a testament to God's goodness. He gives what we need for the miss ... Show More
14m 4s
Feb 2025
Day 32: A Total Offering
The Mystery of Jesus’ Presentation signifies an important moment of fulfillment between the Old and New Covenant. Fr. Mark-Mary leads us through this mystery, pointing out parallels between Simeon’s words to Mary and Old Testament prophecies in Isaiah, giving us a meditation on e ... Show More
14m 14s
May 2023
5/28/23 Come, Holy Spirit!
Homily from Pentecost Sunday I do not want what Jesus has done in me to stop with me. Jesus has accomplished the Father's will in offering Himself on the Cross. He has further sent the Holy Spirit for the salvation of the world. God has done something incredible in the life of ea ... Show More
15m 42s
Nov 2022
Day 313: The Ark of the New Covenant (2022)
As we begin reading the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike draws our attention to Mary. He clarifies the difference between Zechariah's response and Mary's response to the angel Gabriel, and also explains why Mary is the Ark of the new Covenant. We learn that through Mary, God begins to fu ... Show More
26m 29s
Dec 2022
Day 340: The Power of the Holy Spirit (2022)
Fr. Mike emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit exemplified in Paul's interaction with those in Ephesus in Acts 19 and reminds us that God wants to fill each of us with the same Holy Spirit so we can walk in his strength. Fr. Mike also highlights the power of sacramentals, the r ... Show More
20m 11s
Nov 2025
Giving God a Full ‘Yes’ Like Mary
What would it look like for you to give God your full “yes,” like Mary did? In this special on-location episode from the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Dr. Sri explains the rich details behind the profound event of the Annunciation. Discover how Mary’s wholehearted “yes” ... Show More
18m 54s