132 “Saul was consenting to Stephen’s execution.” (Acts 8:1)

Freedom is not a burden—it is a great GIFT from God that enables us to love Him and love our neighbor. However, it comes with a great responsibility. Soon after the coming of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost, St. Paul—actually called “Saul” at the time—consented to St. Stephen’s execution (Acts 8:1). While others threw the stones, he held their cloaks—giving his internal consent. In this episode we address the responsibility and imputability of deliberately chosen acts, even the interior ones, and the value of human freedom. We also talk about how Christ’s grace can free us from slavery to sin. I share some great biblical examples and also a story about my personal experience.

- You can find the topics discussed in this episode in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1730-1748.

- Short bio on Bl. Franz Jägerstätter (1907-1943) from the Vatican website.

- Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order.

- Visit the Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- This Podcast’s Website: https://www.forcollegecatholics.org

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat) preached by the Priests of Miles Christi, visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

- Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.

- Planning, recording, editing, and publishing by Fr. Patrick Wainwright, MC.

- Gear: Two Shure MV7 USB dynamic microphone.

- Intro music from pond5.com