Episode 3117: A Light Shining in the Darkness of Modernism - Morning Episode

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Book Recommendation of the Day
Vita del Beato Giovanni di San Facondo by Orazio Quaranta
• Originally published in 1673 in Latin, this is one of the only comprehensive 17th century accounts of Saint John’s life
• Quaranta was a consultor of the Index, and his biography covers Saint John’s journey from beneficed cleric in Burgos, through his theological studies and hermitage in Salamanca, to his renowned reputation as a preacher, peacemaker, and ultimately martyr/confessor.
• This work was later reprinted as a leather-bound, print-on-demand edition preserving the original text and comprising roughly 529 pages
A Light Shining in the Darkness of Modernism
In the midst of a world darkened by relativism, moral confusion, and spiritual apathy, we gather today on this sacred Thursday after Pentecost not merely to remember an event, but to be reawakened by a truth: the fire of the Holy Ghost still burns, and the Church still lives.
But let us not pretend that we do not face grave dangers. The modern world, with all its seductive comforts and technological marvels, has become a cold wasteland for the soul. Truth is no longer seen as absolute, sin is rarely spoken of, and the very concept of repentance is mocked or misunderstood. Even within the visible Church, many pulpits have gone silent on matters eternal. Priests once clothed in holy fear now wear the garments of timidity, more afraid of offending man than offending God. Seminaries form administrators instead of saints. And the faithful? Many wander like sheep without shepherds, famished for doctrine, confused by novelty, and starved of the very grace that flows from Tradition.
Yet today, we are given a radiant reminder of our mission. In this octave of Pentecost, we remember not only the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles but the birth of the Church’s public witness to the world. A Church not born in committee rooms or strategy sessions, but in the upper room in prayer, in fear of the Lord, and in power.
Today’s readings do not speak of timidity, compromise, or pastoral ambiguity. They speak of apostolic authority, of bold preaching, of miracles wrought through the name of Jesus Christ. St. Philip does not market a ministry. He proclaims a Savior. The Apostles do not seek accommodations with the world. They shake its dust from their feet when it rejects truth. This is not arrogance; it is fidelity. It is not rigidity; it is the charity of clear speech and courageous action.
On this day, we also remember St. John of San Facondo, a man of the altar, a lover of the Eucharist, and a preacher who brought souls to penance. Not by entertaining them but by confronting them with the eternal: with the Real Presence, with the need for holiness, and with the grace to pursue it.
So as we reflect today on “Preaching in Power,” let us examine ourselves: Are we living Pentecost or merely commemorating it? Are we afraid to speak the name of Christ in public, or do we, like the saints, long to bring souls to His feet? Have we forgotten that our joy comes not from worldly acceptance, but from fidelity to the Holy Ghost who sanctifies, convicts, and sends?
Let us now place ourselves in the presence of Almighty God and open our hearts to His word, His fire, and His mission.
“Preaching in Power: Pentecost Thursday Reflections”
Today is Thursday after Pentecost, June 12, 2025, and we are in the sacred octave of Pentecost a time when the Church celebrates the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles and the birth of Her public mission.
Let us begin by placing ourselves in the presence of Almighty God.
Epistle – Acts 8:5–8
"In those days, Philip, going down to the city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For many of them who had unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, went out. And many taken with the palsy and that were lame were healed. There was, therefore, great joy in that city."
Epistle Reflection: Power in the Name of Christ
St. Philip, filled with the Holy Ghost, goes forth and boldly preaches Christ to Samaria a city not friendly to the Jews, yet hungry for the truth. The fruits of true preaching are evident: unclean spirits are cast out, the paralyzed are healed, and joy floods the city. This shows the Church's mission: to bring truth, healing, and sanctification. Note that Philip does not preach himself, but Christ crucified and risen, just as the Apostles were commanded.
This is a crucial lesson in an age of clerical self-promotion and soft theology: miracles follow true doctrine, and true joy follows conversion. The joy in Samaria was not from entertainment, but from deliverance. A great reminder that where the Holy Ghost is, there is order, healing, and supernatural joy.
Gospel – Luke 9:1–6
"At that time Jesus, calling together the twelve Apostles, gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them: Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor scrip, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats. And whatsoever house you shall enter into, abide there, and depart not from thence. And whosoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And going out, they went about through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere."
Gospel Reflection: The Apostolic Poverty and Authority
Our Lord sends His Apostles out with nothing but their mission and the authority of His name. No gold, no script, no backup plans. Why? Because those sent by Christ must trust in Divine Providence and not the world’s securities. Their only task is to preach and to heal—nothing else.
This radical detachment from material goods is what made the early Church flourish. Today, clerics burdened with bureaucracy, social popularity, or “pastoral programs” often forget that their real power lies in sacramental grace, prayer, and preaching the Kingdom of God.
True apostolic work is simple: preach the Gospel, heal the wounds of sin, cast out the devil, and speak the hard truths with love even when it means rejection. And when rejected, they are told not to argue but to move on, shaking the dust as a testimony. This is not arrogance but a profound humility and a clarity that truth is not dependent on popularity.
SAINT OF THE DAY – Saint John of San Facondo (†1479)
In the Traditional Calendar, today we commemorate St. John of San Facondo, an Augustinian priest from Salamanca, Spain. He was renowned for his deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and his preaching drew people to repentance and Eucharistic reverence. His sanctity was such that even in life, miracles were attributed to him. He reminds us that holiness is rooted in Eucharistic adoration, humility, and penance.
QUOTES AND THEMES OF THE DAY
• “He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:2)
→ The Kingdom must be proclaimed, not hidden.
• “There was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:8)
→ True joy comes from conversion and freedom from sin.
• Theme: Apostolic Poverty, Bold Evangelization, and the Power of the Holy Ghost.
Quote from Pope St. Gregory the Great:
“The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.”
CONCLUSIONARY PRAYER
Let us now conclude this episode with prayer.
O God, who didst instruct the hearts of Thy faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost, grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and ever to rejoice in His holy consolation. Inflame our hearts with apostolic zeal, that we may joyfully bear witness to Thy truth in word and in deed. Through the intercession of St. John of San Facondo, grant us love for the Holy Eucharist and steadfastness in faith, that in this age of confusion we may not be shaken.
Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Veni Sancte Spiritus, reple tuórum corda fidélium, et tui amóris in eis ignem accénde.
Stay rooted in the ancient faith, preach the Kingdom, and above all remain faithful. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you.
Deo gratias.