The Word: Scripture Reflections Podcast
1) Preaching the pillars of Lent: Prayer
What is prayer? And maybe more importantly for preachers—what are we inviting people into when we stand in the pulpit and speak about it? As “Preach” continues its Lent 2026 series, we turn to the thr...Show More
2) A Preacher’s Guide to Lent: History and the Sunday readings
As “Preach” begins its Lent 2026 series, Ricardo da Silva, S.J. sits down with liturgical theologian Anne McGowan to ask a foundational question: what is Lent for — and how do these practices reshape ...Show More
3) Catholic preaching in a traumatized Minnesota
“Things are happening [in Minnesota] that my friends and family elsewhere are really having trouble understanding,” Laura Kelly Fanucci says, “because the media is saying one thing, and all these pa...Show More
4) There is room for Jesus: a Christmas homily on what Luke’s Gospel really says
Every year we take out the nativity. We arrange it carefully. Mary. Joseph. A baby in a manger. It feels sacred—one of the last spaces in our world left untouched. But contemporary retellings challen...Show More
There is room for Jesus: a Christmas homily on what Luke’s Gospel really says
19:18 | Dec 24th, 2025
5) Preaching (and living) Advent without rushing to Christmas
“I really appreciate it when the truth is spoken very plainly,” says Tsh Oxenreider. Homilies that cut to the chase—and call us to conversion now. Host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., speaks with writer and p...Show More
6) Christmas Carols: A secret lesson for preachers
This week on Preach, we’re offering an Advent treat. Host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., sits down with fellow producer Maggi Van Dorn for a rare on-mic conversation about the spiritual power of Christmas ca...Show More
7) Preaching reconciliation: Confession isn’t just about sin—it’s an act of faith
“I’m thinking about the end of time in another way,” says Ann Garrido. “Because end can mean the conclusion, the finish, but it can also mean the purpose.” For 25 years, Ann has taught homiletics, pas...Show More
Preaching reconciliation: Confession isn’t just about sin—it’s an act of faith
53:04 | Dec 1st, 2025
8) Why preaching for the feast of this building matters
The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome—a feast about a building—can intimidate preachers. The temptation? Mention it briefly and move on to the readings. But Sylvester Tan, S.J. s...Show More
9) This bishop has confirmed 10,000 teens—here’s his advice on preaching for confirmation
Auxiliary Bishop Adam Parker of Baltimore has confirmed more than 10,000 young people—and he wants his brother bishops to know what a gift the sacrament can be. In this episode of “Preach,” he shares ...Show More
10) Confirmation: Preach goodness and mission, not guilt and sin
“You are loved, warts and all.” Bishop Emeritus Patrick J. McGrath of San Jose said it at every Confirmation—and liturgist Diana Macalintal never tired of hearing it. In this episode of “Preach,” she ...Show More