Catholic Answers Live

Episode 150: 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C In today’s episode, our main focus will be on the second reading for this upcoming 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, taken from 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14. There are couple of details that we will focus one. One relates to the topic of Apostolic Succession. The other relates to Sacred Tradition. The Gospel reading, taken from Luke 17:5-10, does provide us a detail worthy reflecting on, but it is not apologetical in nature even though it can help us in our apologetics ministry. Hey everyone, Welcome to The Sunday Catholic Word, a podcast where we reflect on the upcoming Sunday Mass readings and pick out the details that are relevant for explaining and defending our Catholic faith. I’m Dr. Karlo Broussard, staff apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers, and the host for this podcast. In today’s episode, our main focus will be on the second reading for this upcoming 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, taken from 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14. There are couple of details that we will focus one. One relates to the topic of Apostolic Succession. The other relates to Sacred Tradition. The Gospel reading, taken from Luke 17:5-10, does provide us a detail worthy reflecting on, but it is not apologetical in nature even though it can help us in our apologetics ministry. Here’s the second reading, 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14. Paul writes, Beloved: I remind you, to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. The first detail that I want to highlight is Paul’s statement, “the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.” There’s a considerable amount of debate surrounding this passage as it relates to Apostolic Succession. And that’s what I’d like to focus on. For some Catholics, this passage is clear-cut evidence for Apostolic Succession—the idea that the apostles ordained others to succeed them in the apostolic ministry. Paul speaks of a “gift” given to Timothy, which would seem to be a reference to the indelible mark that’s given in priestly ordination. Paul also says that this gift was given through “the imposition of hands,” which would also fit with the Catholic understanding of priestly ordination. So what should we make of this interpretation? Well, let’s first take the appeal to the “gift.” I don’t think this refers specifically to the character or mark that’s given in priestly ordination. The reason is that such a character, in the words of R. J. Foster in A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, “would have no need of being revived and is incapable of diminution or decline” (pg. 1148). Rather, it seems to be a reference to what theologians call “the grace of a calling,” actual graces that a minister has access to for the sake of fulfilling the duties that the office requires. Foster argues this is evidenced by Paul adding, “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” Now, this doesn’t mean this is not a reference to priestly ordination, since “the grace of a calling” comes with the priestly ordination. And that it is a reference to Timothy’s priestly ordination is strongly supported by this “gift” being given through the “imposition of hands.” We have to be careful, however, with our appeal to the imposition of hands. The “laying on of hands” has multiple meanings in the Bible. Curtis Mitch and Scott Hahn give a nice list in their Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: It’s a gesture used to perform healings (Mark 16:18), confer bles

“Can the Hierarchy Change Itself?” This episode delves into the complexities of Church authority and reform, addressing questions such as whether the Church still uses canon priests and how to trust the hierarchy. We also explore intriguing topics like Pope Leo’s blessing of ice and the implications of a heretical pope according to Bellarmine. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“Does God Want Organized Religion?” In this episode, we explore the role of organized faith and its significance, along with questions like why Protestants should respect the Pope and how a priest can absolve sin. We also delve into the historical presence of bishops and the continuity of apostolic authority, providing a comprehensive look at these vital topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“Choosing Anglican or Catholic ” This episode explores the complexities of Marian dogmas and their biblical foundations, addressing concerns about the Assumption of Mary and the concept of sinlessness. Additionally, we delve into the journey from Orthodoxy to Catholicism and the implications of mortal sin on the Holy Spirit, along with the topic of idolatry in worship practices. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“Can Mary be sinless if all have sinned?” This question opens a discussion on Marian dogmas and their biblical foundations, alongside inquiries about the Catholic Church’s stance on divorce and communion, and the journey from Orthodoxy to Catholicism. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“How To Talk About Jesus to Anyone” explores effective ways to share your faith with others. This episode also addresses questions about the importance of evangelization in today’s world and practical tips for faith sharing in everyday conversations. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these vital topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“What Saints Battled Addiction?” This episode delves into healing and devotion, offering practical advice for those struggling with addiction. Additionally, we explore the role of devotion in the healing process and address concerns about judgment when returning to the Church during recovery. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these important topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“Is Faith a Gift or a Choice?” This episode explores the intersection of faith and popular culture, while also addressing questions about the power of relics in 2 Kings 13:21, the implications of AI-generated art, and the complexities of faith as a gift. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on these diverse topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“Can souls in purgatory know their fate?” This episode explores the awareness of souls at their particular judgment and whether those in purgatory know they are not in hell. Additionally, we delve into the authenticity of the Greek New Testament, the implications of Catholic marriage law, and the evidence for Mary’s immaculate conception. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

Questions Covered:

Questions Covered:

“How Does the Pope Choose Cardinals?” This episode explores the complexities of papal authority, including how the pope selects bishops and cardinals, and whether it’s reasonable to question his role amid current Church confusion. We also delve into the pope’s influence on Vatican appointments and the implications of Canon 285 for clergy in public office. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“What should you do if you disagree with the pope?” This episode tackles this important question while also exploring whether ex-cathedra statements are a recent development in the Church, the purpose behind papal interviews, and the implications of the pope’s humanity on his infallibility. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these pressing topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“How can I help a friend return to faith?” This episode explores effective ways to engage with those who have drifted from belief, including a discussion on the significance of the Eucharist and its real presence. Additionally, we delve into early Christian practices and the role of a priest in consecration, offering a comprehensive look at faith and conversion. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“Is the Eucharist a sign of a Deceptive God?” This episode delves into the complexities of the Eucharist, addressing questions about its significance and the real presence of Christ. Tune in as we explore concerns about salvation, the nature of communion in different denominations, and the implications of consuming the Eucharist for eternal life. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“What Identity Were You Born With?” In this episode, we explore the profound connection between our identity and the Eucharist, alongside questions about the nature of identity itself and the role of sacraments in leading a fulfilling life. We also delve into how to engage in meaningful dialogue with those of different faith backgrounds and the intriguing topic of angels in spiritual warfare. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“How to keep young people in the faith?” This episode explores essential tips for nurturing faith in youth, along with strategies for catechizing high schoolers beyond traditional Bible studies. We also address challenges like maintaining faith in split households and navigating relationships when commitment seems scarce. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these pressing topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“Can you avoid purgatory after last rites?” This episode explores the nuances of last rites and their implications for salvation, alongside intriguing questions about the meaning of the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary and the Church’s teachings on the Nephilim. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics in Catholic faith. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“How Does the Vatican Approve Miracles?” This episode explores the significance of Mary in Catholicism, addressing questions about her unique role and the nature of her sinlessness. Additionally, we delve into how the Vatican approves miracles, the reality of the holy fire at the holy sepulcher, and the implications of marriage convalidation for those entering the Church. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:

“Can you avoid purgatory after last rites?” This episode explores the nuances of last rites and their implications for purgatory, alongside intriguing questions about the meaning of the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary, the Church’s teachings on the Nephilim, and the reasons for not having children. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: