Podcasts by The AX PodCast

Book of Revelation, Chapters 4 & 5 from 2023-04-30T15:35:55

A run through chapters four and five of the Book of Revelation. Is the Seer John having a vision of the future or the present, or could it be the past? Who is the Lamb who was slain yet is still...

The Book of Revelation: Chapters 1-3 from 2023-04-27T19:30:02

Intro to the Book of Revelation and a run through of the first three chapters

Liturgy of the Hours + Cultural Corner: MLB Edition from 2023-04-19T10:38

I'll be recapping some items from last episode. Then I'll give a basic introduction to the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office or, more recently, Christian Prayer. Then...

Divine Mercy and Public Relations from 2023-04-15T14:54:56

We're going to take a look at the Feast of Divine Mercy, coming up this Sunday. We'll discuss the connection between mercy and reparations. Then we will discuss the Bud Lite controversy,...

What is Conscience? from 2023-04-12T15:51:21

What the title says.

Holy Saturday Reflection - Preview of Things to Come from 2023-04-08T15:05:27

On how Lent should change us. Even if we only become more aware of our faults, the LORD can use that as a path forward for us. What Jesus' "descent into hell" means. A preview of t...

Not a Vocation Crisis, A Faith Crisis from 2023-04-07T16:13:33

In which we discuss the relationship between faith and vocation

Lenten Parish Mission 2023 Links from 2023-03-31T19:33:26

Giving the links to the St. John Bosco Parish virtual mission.

St. John Bosco Parish YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@donboscoportchester651

Missio...

3rd Scrutiny, 5th Week of Lent from 2023-03-26T09:14:28

A deeper look at what happens during the Lenten Scrutinies, and a run through of the Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent. Beginning on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, look for my reflections on...

Odds and Sods: Loose Ends and Special Announcements from 2023-03-24T13:29:34

Announcing the opening of the new Sr. Maruja Causa Media Center and Studio at St. John Bosco Parish. Also, the Lenten Days of Prayer in English, produced in the new studio, will be uploaded star...

2nd Scrutiny: 4th Week of Advent from 2023-03-18T15:04:02

Jesus calls us to free ourselves from spiritual blindness

Lenten Scrutinies and Catholic Sexual Ethics Challenged from 2023-03-10T22:33:37

In which we discuss the nature of the Lenten Scrutinies, and what they have to do with the candidates for baptism (Catechumens) and those who are baptized a well. We'll have a discussion of Cath...

2nd Sunday of Lent, 2023 from 2023-03-05T15:49:16

Reflection on the difference between Podcast rambling and liturgical preaching.

Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent, 2023 (Year A)

The Ax Reboot Explained from 2023-03-03T03:41:26

Why Reboot the AX? 

Why "The AX"?

What are the plans for the future?

1st Sunday of Lent: Resisting Temptation from 2023-02-26T03:20:59

A look at the readings for the Mass of the 1st Sunday of Lent, and how the devil tries to work on us

Link to Bishop Barron's reflection on the Temptation on the Desert: https://www.youtub...

The AX PodCast Reboot Part 1: Ash Wednesday from 2023-02-21T17:20:55

Part one of the sort of new, kind of improved AX Podcast. Going over the Ash Wednesday regulations, and the goal of Lent in general.

Mixed Bag: Salesians in Ukraine, Lenten Sacrifices, 1st Sunday of Lent from 2022-03-05T16:25:15

An update on the efforts the Salesians in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Should we give up things for Lent or take up charitable activities? What was the nature of the temptations Jesus faced in th...

Ash Wednesday 2022 from 2022-03-02T15:45:56

Ash Wednesday review and reflection 

Mixed Bag: 8th Sunday, Lent Preview and Just War Wrap-Up from 2022-02-27T16:57:08

We will take a look at the first reading and Gospel passage for the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Then we will have a preview of the Lenten Season that is beginning this Wednesday. We will clo...

Just War Theory and the Ukraine Crisis Part 1 from 2022-02-25T18:45:47

An overview of the Catholic Church's just war theory and how it relates to the recent invasion of Ukraine.

What's the Most Difficult Commandment? from 2022-02-20T18:57:51

The answer is available by reading Luke 6:27-38

History, Resurrection and Free Speech from 2022-02-12T14:56:18

On the historical reality of the Resurrection, the importance of allowing free speech; especially for those we disagree with, the subversive Beatitudes 

Very Superstitious: The Rise of Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism Among the Young from 2022-02-04T14:23:21

The Rise of Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism Among the Young. A look at the lives of Joan Didion, Betty White, Peter Bogdanovich and, Michael Lee Aday, aka Meat Loaf. Why am I getting so many targete...

Happy Feast of St. John Bosco! from 2022-01-31T13:22:16

An overview of who Don Bosco is and of the spiritual and educative method he left the Church, on this, his feast day.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year C from 2022-01-30T11:00

An over view of the readings for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

A link for the Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013022.cfm

Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 9 from 2022-01-30T11:00

9th Day (January 30) - For Family, Friends, and those in Need

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus went around to all the towns and vi...

Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 8 from 2022-01-29T11:00

8th Day (January 29) - For Purity

From the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians.

But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him....

Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 7 from 2022-01-28T11:00

7th Day (January 28) - For Missionaries

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to w...

Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 6 from 2022-01-27T11:00

6th Day (January 27) - For Salesian Cooperators and the Salesian Family

From the first letter of st. paul to the Corinthians

Now you are Christ’s body, and indiv...

Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 5 from 2022-01-26T11:00

5th Day (January 26) - For Salesian Brothers, Sisters, and Priests

From the Holy Gospel according to Luke

After this the Lord appointed seventy[...

Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 4 from 2022-01-25T11:17:12

4th Day (January 25) - For Young People

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands ...

St. Francis de Sales: Don Bosco's Model of Gentleness and Kindness from 2022-01-24T14:56:30

Who is St. Francis de Sales? Why did Don Bosco choose him to be a role model for the Salesians? What was his definition of devotion?

Novena to St John Bosco Day 3 from 2022-01-24T11:00

3rd Day (January 24) - Loyalty to the Church and to the Pope

From the Holy Gospel according to John:

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said ...

Readings for the Sunday of the Third Week in OT from 2022-01-23T13:42:40

A reflection on the readings for the Sunday of the Third Week in OT

Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 2 from 2022-01-23T11:00

2nd Day (January 23) - Devotion to Our Blessed Mother

From the Holy Gospel according to John

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and hi...

Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 1 from 2022-01-22T11:00

1st Day (January 22) - Love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

From the Holy Gospel according to John:

I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in th...

March for Life '22: Pray For a Change of Heart from 2022-01-21T13:19:07

The title kind of says it all

Beware the Narrative! from 2022-01-20T15:46:24

What are narratives? How do they effect how we view history and current events? 

Comments, suggestions, complaints: theaxblog@gmail.com

Second Week of OT: The Wedding Feast at Cana from 2022-01-16T12:38:29

A reflection the readings for the Sunday of the Second Week of Ordinary Time. 

The Three Epiphanies from 2022-01-11T15:52:23

How are the Visit of the Magi, the Baptism of the Lord and the Wedding Feast at Cana connected? A look at two (almost) forgotten rock groups from the early '70's. 

Comments, suggesti...

Merry Christmas from the AX from 2021-12-24T15:20:25

A brief (relatively speaking) Christmas message to you all. Thanks for listening!

Questions, suggestions, complaints, comments: theaxblog@gmail.com 

4th Sunday of Advent from 2021-12-19T19:05:22

A look at the Gospel Reading for the 4th Sunday of Advent 

Questions, suggestions, comments: theaxblog@gmail.com

3rd Sunday of Advent - OLG Wrap Up from 2021-12-12T13:02:55

3rd Sunday of Advent - OLG Wrap Up

Our Lady of Guadalupe from 2021-12-11T17:40:38

An overview of the apparition of Our Lady in Mexico in 1531 and an analysis of the image.

What is the Immaculate Conception? and Guadalupe Preview from 2021-12-07T21:39:07

What is the Immaculate Conception? and Guadalupe Preview 

Homily for the 2nd Week of Advent, Plus Deleted Scenes from 2021-12-05T20:00:46

The English version of my homily for this week, with some additional thoughts added on.

First Weeks of Advent from 2021-12-03T15:08:11

A look at the readings for the first two weeks of Advent

Conscience and Political Life, Advent Preview and Beatles' Get Back Hot Take from 2021-11-27T16:56:52

Conscience and Political Life, Advent Preview and Beatles' Get Back Hot Take

Homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King, 2021 from 2021-11-22T02:05:55

Homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King, 2021

Chaste for the Kingdom of God from 2021-11-14T03:24:03

This is a talk I gave to the Salesian formation community while they were on their quarterly day of recollection at St. Joseph's Shrine in Sterling, New Jersey. I added an intro and end with som...

S2 E7 The Easter Vigil from 2021-04-02T14:07:17

We will examine the origins and contemporary celebration of the Easter Vigil: the central liturgical act of the year.

S:2 E:6: Holy Week from 2021-03-31T01:28:12

We will go over the origins of Palm Sunday in more detail, along with the liturgies of Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Then I'll explain why buying "Satan Shoes" is a bad idea - as if the name we...

S:2, E:5 Passiontide and Holy Week (Part One) from 2021-03-25T12:33:09

In this episode we'll look at the liturgies last two weeks of Lent, how the theme of the readings and Mass prayers shift, and introduce Holy Week. We will also take a look at the Office of Readi...

Special Episode: This Week Only - Meat on Friday! from 2021-03-17T13:23:29

We take a look at the Church's rules on fasting and abstinence, and when they can be dispensed from and why.

E 3 S2 Lenten Scrutinies and Two Controversies from 2021-03-16T12:35:40

What are the Lenten Scrutinies? How do they fit into the RCIA program? And, by the way, what does RCIA mean? We will also look at two controversies in the Catholic news right now.

Episode 2 Season 2 The First Two Weeks of Lent and Three Dystopian Novels Examined from 2021-02-27T21:42:47

A further look at how the Lenten Time is organized, along with a look at Gospel passages for the the first two Sundays of Lent. Then we examine three dystopian novels from the 20th century, and ...

The Return of the AX: A Brief Reflection on Lent and, Free Speech and Evangelization from 2021-02-22T15:19:02

Reflections on Lent and the connection between free speech and evangelization

Episode 16: Don Bosco and Mary, the Immaculate Help of Christians from 2020-10-31T01:29:34

An overview of the twin devotions of Mary Help of Christians and the Immaculate Conception. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/fr-thomas-provenzano-sdb/message

Episode 15: Rendering unto Caesar, 21st Century Style from 2020-10-18T20:20:07

A reflection on the Mass readings for the 29th the Sunday in Ordinary Time --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/fr-thomas-provenzano-sdb/message

Episode 14: Cleaning Up Postmodern Enlightenment. from 2020-10-17T14:51:35

Offering some clarifications on my critique of Stephan Hicks’ book on postmodern, sandwiched around tributes of Eddie Van Halen, and three Baseball Hall of Famers we lost recently: Bob Gibson, Whit...

Episode 13: What is the Enlightenment and Postmodernism? from 2020-10-16T20:27

An overview of the first few chapters on Stephan Hicks’ book Explaining Postmodernism and what it has to do with our present social and political situation. --- Send in a voice message: https:/...

Episode 12: Liturgical Theology and Salesian Spirituality from 2020-10-08T23:15:42

This is a brief talk I gave to our Salesian community in Tampa, FL. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/fr-thomas-provenzano-sdb/message

Episode 11: The Importance of Context, Context, Context in Reading Scripture from 2020-10-03T18:49:17

A review of the Mass readings for the 27th Week in Ordinary Time. We’ll take a look at the MLB playoffs. And finish with a word of thanks. (Sorry for the rough edit just before the Isaiah readin...

Episode 10: The Cult of Saints? from 2020-10-01T00:49

What do we mean by the cult of saints? Do Catholics worship or adore saints? How did the cult of saints develop? What is the relationship between the liturgical seasons, aka the Proper of Time, and...

Episode 9: The Liturgical Year and the Lectionary, More Thoughts on Religion in Public Life from 2020-09-27T02:34:21

On the relationship between the Liturgical Year and the cycle of Scriptural readings offered during the Mass. Some more thoughts on the role of religion in public life and the proper understanding ...

Do Catholics Want a Theocracy? from 2020-09-24T02:31:55

Does God have a preferred form of government? What is the role of faith in public life and should religious people serve in the civil government and the courts?

Aquinas 101 on Law in Gene...

Episode 7: Human Justice and God's Mercy from 2020-09-19T20:28:16

A reflection on the Mass readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Episode 6: Netflix Drama / Jimi Hendrix + 50 from 2020-09-14T13:03:18

How should a Catholic respond to the latest Netflix controversy? Should we cancel our subscriptions? Remembering Jimi Hendrix 50 years after his untimely death. An appeal to remember that life i...

Episode 5: Being a Priest After 9/11 from 2020-09-11T14:11:52

A reflection what it means to live as a priest and a Catholic in the post 9/11 years.

Episode 4: More on Purgatory and Why "The AX"? from 2020-09-08T16:43:04

Some final thoughts on the Catholic doctrine of purgatory and an admittedly rambling explanation for why I chose to call my blog and podcast The AX.

Episode 3: Dealing with Loss from 2020-09-05T17:20:59

Personal reflection on suffering the loss of a loved one, especially a parent. In your charity, please pray for the repose of the souls of Edythe Provenzano and Anthony "Sonny" Provenzano. Pray ...

The AX Podcast Episode 2: What is pro Life? from 2020-08-28T20:18:18

What does it mean to be Pro Life? Is abortion the only Pro Life issue? Does the defense of the unborn deserve its own unique focus or should it be blended in with other important Life issues? Listen

Episode 1.2. Getting to Know You: Filling in Some Missing Pieces of My Vocation Story from 2020-08-26T12:14:33

Do to a tech error (namely that I don't know what I'm doing) a section of the last episode was lost before posting. Here I fill in the missing piece of my vocation story.

Getting to Know You: My Vocation Story from 2020-08-26T03:08:34

In this first episode I tell you about my journey to the Catholic priesthood in the Salesian Congregation and talk a bit about the strange case of priest who wasn't baptized.