Deacon Speakin'
164 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratings10-minute messages of positive and uplifting messages along with some homilies from Deacon Tom Scarlett, a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
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Episodes
How the Grinch Stole Easter
April 05, 2020 18:32 - 7 minutes - 7.24 MBWe feel like we are somehow cheated that we will not have that opportunity to jockey for a seat at church on Easter morning. We feel removed from the chance to celebrate together, strangers and friends, in God’s house with God’s people. And it hurts.
This Storm of Ours
March 29, 2020 19:02 - 7 minutes - 7.26 MBI believe as social creatures it is our call to get out and do God's work; to get our hands dirty and serve the needs of others. But how is that to be done when schools, and churches, and nursing facilities are closed. How can we be His hands and feet when the most vulnerable and needy cannot be reached due to social distancing and stay at home mandates?
Coronavirus - Strange Days Indeed
March 22, 2020 20:27 - 7 minutes - 6.55 MBWhen the smoke clears from all of this, we will have the scars to show, and the memories to share. We will say things like…”remember when we couldn’t go to Church?” and “Where were you during the Corona outbreak?” and “I never want to feel that way again.” The heartache is real and the agony and separation is great. But, until we gather again very soon – keep reaching for God.
Scars and Suffering
March 15, 2020 18:08 - 7 minutes - 7.29 MBThere is a common denominator in most scars and that is human suffering. We know we will suffer on this earth during our short time here, and I believe that suffering should be used for something…and as something.
Lenten Fireballs - Get Ready!
March 01, 2020 23:23 - 7 minutes - 7.14 MBFireballs happen during Lent and carry on all the way through to Easter. Fireballs are those nasty distractions and set-backs that hit us out of nowhere and get in the way of all our attempts to humble ourselves and make ourselves very small.
Man Up!
February 23, 2020 21:53 - 8 minutes - 7.96 MBWhat battle are we engaged in? The relentless and unending battle for souls. The age old fight between good and evil of which we find ourselves; men, women, and children – all of mankind as the subject and prize. It's time to man up!
A River Runs Through It
February 16, 2020 17:34 - 8 minutes - 7.68 MBWhat do we do when we can’t reach those in need? Maclean says that we love them – unconditionally. That sounds familiar. And it should because that is a rather Christian approach to help – we try to love unconditionally. Easy right?
Be Salt - Be Light
February 09, 2020 18:27 - 8 minutes - 7.85 MBUnder a basket, your light still shines as brightly as you want it to, but no one sees it. No one is inspired, and no one has the chance to see what God can do through us and with us. But remove that basket and watch what happens. God will do things with you that you cannot even imagine. God will work and move in you and bring others to the faith through you, He will use you as the salt to flavor the flavorless.
Groundhog Day!
February 02, 2020 23:54 - 6 minutes - 7.02 MBLooking at the reasons we turn to a dirt digging varmint to predict our arrival of spring is quite curious and believe it or not – rather biblical in nature.
The Bob Dylan Sermon - Repost
January 30, 2020 03:32 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBThe most downloaded podcast in 2019 is the Bob Dylan Sermon! Here is a repost and a "Thank you" for all those who listen and share!
Praying for my Enemies
January 26, 2020 20:57 - 6 minutes - 6.55 MBThe idea that we can live a fruitful and holy life that God deems worthy of salvation, yet it is lost on another soul because of their separation from God is, to me, tragic.
The Long Dark Night
January 19, 2020 23:16 - 6 minutes - 6.19 MBThe long dark night comes to all of us in some way. We will face our challenges and be confronted by fears and feel that God is nowhere to be found. Maybe our doubt grows such that we simply can’t see the light for all of the darkness we throw up in front of us.
A New Year, A New Start
January 12, 2020 20:30 - 7 minutes - 6.82 MBAre you listening to God or are you listening to yourselves as another day goes by while you depreciate your value.
What is Truth?
January 05, 2020 20:43 - 7 minutes - 7.27 MBWhat is truth? It is not so very easy to recognize these days is it? There are so many resources for information and so many opinions on the topics of today that truth can become hidden. But we know that truth is non-negotiable, that a fact is a fact, so why is it so very hard to recognize it and why do we struggle with it?
The Christmas Star
December 29, 2019 21:40 - 5 minutes - 5.03 MBRegardless of the many feelings and experiences that we all have leading up to this moment – here we are. All of us, in our diversity; in this one space…in this one holy space. Regardless of what led us here or how we got here; or where we are in our current place in life – we share this space as one body raising our voices together in praise.
Christmas Cookies
December 22, 2019 19:00 - 7 minutes - 7.1 MBThere are many trials in this life and many challenges that will test and prove us. There will be much grace and peace wrapped in these trials – we must only endure…and persevere…and stand up…and accept it…accept the grace that will be poured out to you, and when it does…maybe it is like opening a box of oats and finding cookies inside.
Celebrities
December 16, 2019 00:46 - 7 minutes - 6.98 MBNo matter what you put on a pedestal, it will always reach for something higher. You meet people where they are everyday and those people are wanting and needing just like everyone else; celebrity or not. Do you have the courage to be the vehicle to being them to God?
John the Baptist
December 08, 2019 19:37 - 6 minutes - 6.12 MBAnyone who speaks truth is dangerous because those who do not want to hear the truth will try to silence it. Those who do not want to accept truth will likely be condemned by it because truth cannot change.
Its a Wonderful Life
December 01, 2019 17:00 - 7 minutes - 6.78 MBThe George Bailey Sermon. In the movie It's a Wonderful Life an angel tells George Bailey, "You've been given a great gift, George: a chance to see what the world would be like without you." Wait. What? A great gift? George sees hate and sadness all around, how is this a gift at all?
Its a Wonderful Life
December 01, 2019 17:00 - 7 minutes - 6.78 MBThe George Bailey Sermon. In the movie It's a Wonderful Life an angel tells George Bailey, "You've been given a great gift, George: a chance to see what the world would be like without you." Wait. What? A great gift? George sees hate and sadness all around, how is this a gift at all?
Unselfish Acts
November 24, 2019 22:30 - 5 minutes - 5.44 MBThe world is full of opportunities for thanks, whether we are saying it or hearing it. Both ways are a healthy start on the way to salvation. Here's a few questions for you!
Thankfulness
November 18, 2019 02:58 - 7 minutes - 6.5 MBThere is no doubt to me that a thankful person is a satisfied person; and a satisfied person is a peaceful soul. Do you find yourself barking at your reflection just hoping to get something that you don't have? Here's a simple solution...
For All Those Do-It-Yourselfers
November 11, 2019 02:11 - 7 minutes - 6.64 MBIf you look at your relationship with God and what you do for Him and because of Him, does anything change when you grow tired of the color of your walls? Do you find yourself evolving in your relationship and love for God when fashions around you tell you otherwise?
This Place is Full of Sinners!
November 03, 2019 21:51 - 6 minutes - 5.85 MBSitting in church, surrounded by all those sinners. That is what you see because that is what you focus on. Because of that, you miss the celebration...you miss the party because you are too busy reading the invitations list.
Living with Death
October 27, 2019 21:58 - 6 minutes - 5.87 MBLiving without may just be the hardest thing we do in our life. And living with loss may be the most complicated. Pearls are not made without the oyster first receiving something that it didn't ask for. Instead of rejecting it - it makes it better.
Go Up the Hill
October 20, 2019 20:52 - 7 minutes - 6.82 MBThere will be times when the battles we fight seem unwinnable, and maybe we feel defeated - keep fighting anyway and rest your arms on the angels and saints...on the army of heaven. Success over life's battle can be won on faith and sometimes faith is a team event.
Yesterday is Heavy
October 13, 2019 18:47 - 6 minutes - 6.23 MBThose are the yesterdays that are laced with evil. Those are the things that we just will not let go, even though the past is distant; these are the yesterdays that we carry like a stone weight around our necks and they weigh us down – they drag us to the point that we are ashamed and disappointed with ourselves. They make us doubt – they make us lose faith.
Filling Your Space
October 06, 2019 22:51 - 8 minutes - 7.66 MBWhen we think fondly back on the “good ole days,” were we all really this busy? I may risk sounding like an old codger here, but when I was a kid we didn’t have travel ball and we certainly didn’t have games or meets or matches on the weekends. If you wanted to see my mom have a fit in the 80s, then schedule a practice or track meet on a Sunday...Sundays were reserved for one thing and we really only went to church and rested.
These Roots
September 30, 2019 00:04 - 7 minutes - 6.51 MBBeing true to yourself is an opportunity to reunite with God’s intention for you. Before that reunion, all else is only temporarily satisfying and then you are reaching for the next unattainable - it is a self-gratification and a staple in our modern society. It is also a great lie. Your roots are truth.
Its Never Easy Letting Go
September 22, 2019 23:00 - 6 minutes - 6.32 MBIt shouldn’t be easy. It should hurt a bit, it should sting, and have a tinge of bitterness...because the taste of separation shouldn’t be desirable, but it should be necessary to end one chapter and start another - or else why would we appreciate the successes that letting go brings.
Be a Paul
September 15, 2019 21:52 - 7 minutes - 6.96 MBGod spoke to Saul in an undeniable way that got his attention. Perhaps more remarkable, Saul listened, and believed, and followed. Whenever I hear the story of St Paul, it is a reminder of hope. Hope that even a broken sinner like me is not hopeless in God’s eyes. And even though we might not get knocked out of the saddle in a literal sense, God will vie for our attention every day.
Being Blind
September 08, 2019 21:35 - 9 minutes - 8.59 MBEven as faithful followers of Christ, even as the best intended Christians, we can still find ourselves blindly sitting and crying out. What if we aren’t called to know Him better because someone else really didn’t have the time for us? What if our desperation and hopelessness was just too much of a burden for someone else’s good life. When things are going well and life seems to be going our way, are we as close to God as we are in our desperation?
Family Reunions
September 01, 2019 23:13 - 7 minutes - 6.48 MBFamily reunions always do well to re-inflate my tires after they have been running low for a time. They remind of who I am and where I come from, and they give me courage to approach the world armed with the backing of generations before me who made me what I am and make me who I will be. God’s family is the exact same.
Who Wants to Come in Last?
August 25, 2019 22:18 - 7 minutes - 7.12 MBWhat Jesus is trying to tell us is that there are many who will see the kingdom of heaven who haven’t quite lived a long full life of prayer, service, and faithfulness to Jesus Christ. If a sinner can give her life to Jesus in her dying breath and reach the kingdom of heaven - I should jump for joy and sing praises to a loving, forgiving God who could welcome in to His kingdom such as these. It gives me hope that maybe there is a place for us too.
The World is on Fire!
August 18, 2019 20:48 - 9 minutes - 8.48 MBThere are those who would want you to believe that saying you have a relationship with God is good enough; that “I tell God my sins, and he hears me and it makes me feel better.” That is not good enough. If we are to be His hands and feet on this earth then feet do not stand well on ground that is on fire - you’ve got to keep moving them - lest you find yourself burning alive.
Get in the Boat
August 12, 2019 00:27 - 7 minutes - 7.28 MBThe secular world is a very scary place if you let it be. The secular realm, in many cases - not all cases, but many cases would have you to believe that the world is wiser now than our ancestors’ world; that somewhere along the way, some of us evolved into higher thinkers of the bigger subjects of our lives - one of those subjects being religion. Many, again not all, but many would have you to believe that religion is a myth - some ancient stories passed along by less evolved thinkers; thos...
Get in the Boat
August 12, 2019 00:27 - 7 minutes - 7.28 MBThe secular world is a very scary place if you let it be. The secular realm, in many cases - not all cases, but many cases would have you to believe that the world is wiser now than our ancestors’ world; that somewhere along the way, some of us evolved into higher thinkers of the bigger subjects of our lives - one of those subjects being religion. Many, again not all, but many would have you to believe that religion is a myth - some ancient stories passed along by less evolved thinkers; thos...
Who's Your Daddy?
August 05, 2019 00:08 - 8 minutes - 7.82 MBFathers can come in many shapes and sizes, there are big fathers, small fathers, thick fathers and thin fathers, There are the bold and unique, the simple and extravagant and there are the timid and there are the brave; any kind of father you can imagine we probably know one. Then you have your father; the man who made you who you are - biologically. Some of them are the best guys ever and some not so desirable in many standards, but you cannot deny the man who contributed to your gene pool;...
The Trouble with Doors
July 28, 2019 23:32 - 8 minutes - 7.48 MBGod puts the doors up and places no requirements on you; He only encourages your free will to pass through the doors and realize the unknown. And you know, as it comes from God and when approached with God in mind - it is always good and necessary; even when it doesn’t go along with your plan.
Why Are You So Anxious?
July 21, 2019 22:05 - 10 minutes - 9.23 MB"...you are anxious and worried about many things...there is need of only one thing..." Will you choose the better part? In your busy week of being a Martha, can you find a little time to be a Mary? Tune in to the Catholic Deacon Podcast for details.
Running with Dogs
July 14, 2019 20:42 - 8 minutes - 8.07 MBLife always presents us with unchained dogs who scare us; even to the point that we yell and complain and blame the owners or even simply blame the dog. We can't rid the world of animals that are aggressive toward us and we certainly can't expect dogs not to be dogs - or better yet, we can't expect people not to be people...
Tools for the Sinner
July 07, 2019 21:11 - 7 minutes - 7.07 MBI received a great tool for my spiritual toolbox, you see I collect tools as I learn lessons and I put them in my toolbox to be used again in the future. If you don't have a toolbox, I suggest you start one and I bet you will be surprised at the number of tools you have laying around and waiting for you to use them.
Let's Go Fishing!
June 30, 2019 21:07 - 6 minutes - 5.8 MBHave you ever tried to catch fish without the proper tools? Without a rod or reel? Without bait? Have you ever reached into the water to just try to grab a fish? It is difficult to do - fish are quick and unpredictable, making it difficult to even get close to them most times, but even if you manage to grab hold of one, they are rather slick and slimy making difficult to keep ahold of before they slip away. Are you a fish that the fisherman desires?
Weeds in the Garden
June 23, 2019 20:40 - 6 minutes - 6.14 MBYou know, not all of us will get along in this life as friends or hardly anything else, but love goes beyond friendships and sees people, such as yourself, who are moving through this world in the best way they know how for this moment in their lives. Maybe their ways do not match up with yours and maybe it even repels or repulses you - the way they live and the things they do. Maybe they are most in need of your loving prayer. It could be your greatest act of kindness today to pray for t...
What if God was One of Us?
June 16, 2019 20:37 - 8 minutes - 7.62 MBWhat do you expect of God? Do you expect Him to be the stranger sitting next to you or the lady you passed who appeared to be struggling...the lady you passed while trying not to make eye contact? Do you expect Him to look like the addict, or the prisoner, or the homeless? Do you expect Him to be any of these things?
A Quiet Place
June 09, 2019 23:22 - 9 minutes - 8.89 MBSilence is everywhere - it is always there. It just sounds differently with so many unnecessary additives...
Faith, Hope, and Love...What About It?
June 03, 2019 00:05 - 7 minutes - 6.96 MBA three-legged stool gets wobbly when one of the legs are gone and your spiritual foundation can get wobbly without faith, hope, and love. Together they are the answer for a troubled world; seperate of each other and things start to get jittery...
A Viet Nam Hero
May 26, 2019 23:55 - 7 minutes - 7 MBI grew up knowing my Dad as well as I could, and in a single moment he revealed something to me that deepened my admiration and love for him as the most courageous act of bravery I had heard of his experiences in Viet Nam.
Where the Grass Don't Grow
May 20, 2019 00:21 - 7 minutes - 7.37 MBBack in my childhood, and down a long country lane in the hills and hollers of Jackson County, stands a single red bud tree with a wooden fence post laid under it...for many years, not a single blade of grass grew under that three. But, it is a sweet memory back where the grass don't grow.
Love Your Neighbor? Really?
May 12, 2019 23:54 - 9 minutes - 8.3 MBThe suffering of others can trigger a reflex in us to want to help; that desire to lift up someone who is hurting and make things better. Maybe its not a reflex at all, but maybe it is an innate gift from God in its simplest form...a calling to be like Him.