Be with the Word

Dr. Gerry explores the readings for the Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time and the idea of the "Self" as mediator. God the Father wants to restore the vulnerable.and broken to a state of joy and fulfillment. Christ is the ultimate high priest who mediates God's work to mankind. By virtue of our baptism and calling we are also called to be a mediator and make a positive difference in the world by taking actions and exercising our gifts. The human "Self" has the unique ability to transform the world by mediating God's grace and work. 

In this special episode taken from a recent Catholic Journeymen web meeting, Dr. Gerry discusses types of sexual brokenness and how they are rooted in attachment wounds. He provides an activity to re-align our imagination to the truths of our faith that we are to be a gift of self in mutually giving relationships.

Dr. Gerry explores the themes of suffering and joy in the readings of the 26th-29th Sundays in ordinary time. We must develop 'wisdom of the heart' in order to break free of attachments. Dr. Gerry discusses how our fantasies involve power struggles which despite distortion reveal our true needs. It is in caring for others that leads to joy and gladness. It is in meeting the deeper need that we can break the power struggle inherent in our fantasies. Dr. Gerry walks us through accepting what we really need: goodness, consolation, comfort and connection. Calling a few good men: Join Dr. Gerry in an online community for Catholic men: www.catholicjourneymen.com 

Why do we have unfruitful debates with non-Catholics (and some Catholics) on controversial topics? Dr. Gerry explores the difference between a philosophical worldview based on objective truth compared to a postmodern de-constructivist worldview that is common today. In order to have a productive discussion or debate with someone with a different position, especially big topics today such as abortion or trans issues, one must be clear and open about one’s philosophical position. Dr. Gerry advocates being honest about one’s philosophical worldview and speaking from the heart with the qualities that St. James mentions that make up wisdom; these include being peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy, and having good fruits. We need to approach these discussions with humility not just to win an argument. If we’ve done this and we’re still persecuted, we can rely on God’s presence without disgrace. These principles apply all the more within families where family members disagree on important and heated topics. 

We all have inner conflicts as we have parts that are polarized. In the readings Isaiah speaks about the blind seeing, the deaf hearing and the mute singing The psalm speaks of the wicked compared to the fatherless and the widows. St. James tells us not to show partiality for the rich over the poor. And Jesus heals a mute person. How can we break the inner conflicts inside of ourselves? Dr. Gerry describes his own personal journey of recognizing that his "bad boy" part was really hurt and sad, but was in conflict with a strong righteous protector part. Dr. Gerry then shares his experience of bringing this hurting part to communion. Dr. Gerry is on the Hallow App under "mental health" and "relationships". He discusses discovering one's identity in God and then expressing that identity with others. He also provides four guided meditations. Sign up for a free trial on Hallow here:https://hallow.ac9mny.net/c/2969053/982234/11108

Dr. Gerry is back! And this week he discusses the readings from the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time and the dynamic between following God's commandments and the heart. Jesus says that evil thoughts come from the heart. But he also says that the word of truth is planted in the heart. This leads Dr. Gerry into a discussion of the "self" and the "heart/nous" and then to a discussion of "parts" (influenced by Dr. Peter's favorite type of therapy, Internal Family Systems). Dr. Gerry then provides a 30 minute clip from his introduction to "parts work" taken from his recent Catholic Journeymen web meeting. Lots to learn this week!

Dr. Gerry focuses on St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians as he contrasts the biblical message with secular individualism and a great deal of modern psychology's focus on self actualization. Instead we learn that true peace comes through cultivating the virtues of humility, gentleness and patience, and in the end love. 

Dr. Gerry explores the Sunday readings (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time) and discusses how to find deeper levels of inner peace by confronting enmity.  Dr. Gerry discusses the way Christ makes Jews and Gentiles into a "new person" and how we can confront our own "shadow" and insecure parts.  

Dr. Gerry discusses depression and negative cognitions (lies) that we tell ourselves. Dr. Gerry compares depression to the sin of acedia which is a resistance to the demands of love, and a burden. Like the woman who touched Jesus' cloak, or Jairus, we can heal from this affliction through faith and courage.  Dr. Gerry also brings in the important words from the Book of Wisdom and Psalm 30 to understand our true identity and receive God's help and healing. 

Dr. Gerry hosts Be with the Word from a dorm at Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio). He explores how God is transcendent and calms the seas in our own souls. Dr. Gerry shares some of the things he's learned from Philosophy professors at Franciscan. Dr. Gerry applies the Catholic teaching that the rational soul is the form of the body to the teaching of St. Paul that we have a new identity as new creations in Christ. As a new creation we want our soul that knows and trusts in God to be in alignment with our bodies which sometimes is triggered by fear. Dr. Gerry explores how the Fall and reinforced by trauma creates a disconnect between body and soul. New therapies that are somatic (body-based) align better with Catholic philosophy.