Episode Guide

Every year around Christmas time, we hear claims that Jesus was not actually born on December 25th. Headlines, articles, and youtube videos tell us that the date was chosen to coincide with a Roman pagan holiday, like Saturnalia or Sol Invictus. What should we make of these claims? Does the Bible tell us when Jesus was born? If not, where does the December 25th date come from? On this episode of Bonus Points, we're putting out into the deep waters of biblical chronology to answer those questions and more. 

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 12/13
Length: 23 minutes

Intro: Asa R.

References

"Why is Christmas on December 25th" by Jon Sorenson at Catholic Answers. This article includes information about how December 25th became the most prominent date for Christmas, especially its connections to the Paschal Mystery.

"Was Jesus Born December 25th" by Jimmy Akin at Catholic Answers. This article has a good summary of the arguments for and against a December 25th birth, and refers to many of the patristic sources in this episode.

The Handbook of Biblical Chronology by Jack Finegan. A go-to resource for all questions related to time in the Bible.

Luke 2. Verse 8 describes the shepherds tending their flock at night, which is often used as evidence against a winter Nativity.

"Bethlehem Climate and Weather" at Weatherspark. Lots of data about average temperatures in Bethlehem at various points of the year. 

"Winter Management Tips for Sheep" from Michigan State University. This guide shows that, even today, it is perfectly fine to keep sheep outdoors in the winter.

Commentary on Daniel by St. Hippolytus of Rome (circa 204 AD). In Book 4, 23:3, Hippolytus claims that Jesus was born on December 25th. This is the earliest reference we have to this date being claimed for the Nativity.

Genesis 40. Verse 20 is one of the rare mentions of a biblical birthday party, that of Pharaoh.

2 Maccabees 6. Verse 7 describes how, on the monthly celebration of the king's birthday, the Jews were forced to participate in their sacrifices. Another negative association with birthdays in the Bible.

1 Chronicles 24. Verses 1-10 describe the division of the priests for service in the Temple, including Zechariah's division of Abijah. 

Luke 1. Verses 5 and 8 say that Zechariah was of the division of Abijah, and that he was on duty in the Temple when he saw the archangel Gabriel. Verse 36 locates the Annunciation six months after the conception of John the Baptist. 

Stromata by St. Clement of Alexandria. Book 1, Chapter 21 contains his dating of the Nativity to November 18th.

The Chronography of 354. A fourth-century calendar that includes the date of the Nativity as December 25th. It is also the oldest reference to the date of the Roman festival of Sol Invictus.

On the Incomprehensible Nature of God by St. John Chrysostom (circa 386 AD). In his homily from December 20th, Chrysostom says that the Nativity will be celebrated in five days. 

On the Trinity by St. Augustine. In Book 4, 5:9, Augustine says that "according to tradition" Jesus was born on December 25.

The Chronicon of Hippolytus. Written around 234-235 AD, St. Hippolytus tabulates the history of the world from creation. In it, Hippolytus claims that Jesus was born nine months after the anniversary of Creation. 

The Spirit of the Liturgy by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). On pages 106-107, he addresses the claim that Christmas was intended to coincide with a pagan holiday.

"Herod's 1 BC Death Demonstrated by Synchronized Chronology" by Dr. Gerard Gertoux. This scholar of biblical chronology presents a convincing argument that Herod likely died in 1 BC, not in 4 BC.

Luke 3. Verse 1 dates the beginning of John's ministry to the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, and verse 23 dates the beginning of Jesus' ministry to when he was thirty years old.

The Advent season is more than just pre-Christmas, or even the first season of the Catholic liturgical calendar. Rather, it is an opportunity to focus on what St. Bernard of Clairvaux called the "three comings of Christ". During Advent, we commemorate the First Coming (the Nativity), we prepare for the Second Coming at the end of time, and we open our hearts for Christ's coming here and now through grace. On this episode of Bonus Points, I'm joined by author and speaker Mike Pacer so that we can talk about living Advent well. 

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 12/5/22
Length: 50 minutes

Intro: Natalie P. and Kate Y.

References

The Three Comings of Christ by Mike Pacer, today's guest.

Mercy and Hope and Prayers for Catholic Men, Mike's other books 

The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. A collection of "found letters" from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, Wormwood, about how to best tempt humans. That link is to John Cleese's audiobook reading, but you can also get a print version here.

Bible Basics for Catholics by John Bergsma. A fun, accessible introduction to the basic story of salvation history. Stick figures included.

Catholics are known for good fish fries and loving Mary a whole lot. In this episode, we're talking about the latter. While more can always be said about Marian devotion, this week on Bonus Points, we're talking about what it means to call Mary a Queen, a Mother, and the Model of discipleship. I'll also give a little bit of my own experience with devotion to Mary, and how we can all be more like Our Lady.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 11/29/22
Length: 32 minutes

Intro: Sam Y.

References

True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary by St. Louis de Montfort. Perhaps the classic text about Marian spirituality, and the inspiration for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. The first link is the digital public domain version, but you can also get a print version here.

33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC. This book is designed as a do-it-yourself retreat in preparation for Total Consecration, but it also does a good job of explaining Marian devotion through the lens of four saints: St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe. St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. John Paul II.

Redemptoris Mater by St. John Paul II. One of the pope's encyclicals about Mary, titled "The Mother of the Redeemer."

The World's First Love by Venerable Fulton Sheen. Anybody who is familiar with Archbishop Sheen's primetime TV show, "Live is Worth Living" knows that he has a way with words. These are some of those words about Our Lady.

The Rosary is a powerful spiritual sword, wielded by the Church since it was given to St. Dominic by Our Lady in 1208. It has been recommended by saints, popes, and millions of ordinary Catholics, but is often misunderstood. In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll talk about the history of the Rosary, why I personally came to love this devotion, and how to pray it well.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 11/21/22
Length: 32 minutes

Intro: Oliver B.

References

Champions of the Rosary by Fr. Don Calloway, MIC. This book has a thorough history of the Rosary, profiles of 26 "champions of the Rosary" throughout history, and a super helpful guide to praying the Rosary well. 

The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort. A spiritual classic by a saint who is most well-known for his devotion to Our Lady. The first link contains the complete text, but you can buy a printed version here.

The Contemplative Rosary with St. John Paul II and St. Teresa of Avila by Dan Burke and Connie Rossini. Using the writings of Pope Saint John Paul II and Saint Teresa of Avila, it explores how the Rosary not only combines vocal prayer and mental prayer, but how it can prepare us for contemplative prayer as well. The book also contains a helpful section with artwork and meditations to assist in praying the Rosary well. 

"How to Pray the Rosary" at the Rosary Center & Confraternity. Includes basic instructions for the Rosary, as well as a page on "Praying the Rosary Without Distractions" that offers meditation points for each Hail Mary, and a Scriptural Rosary that includes Bible verses for each Hail Mary. 

Hallow app. I've mentioned Hallow before, but it's a fantastic prayer and meditation app that is entirely faithful to Catholic teaching. It contains a variety of audio Rosaries that I love to use in the car, including a Scriptural Rosary.

Many people mistakenly think that the saints are boring. They imagine the saints as a uniformly dull group of "nice" people. In reality, the saints represent the vibrancy and diversity of humanity itself. A stunning example of this is St. Olga of Kiev. She may have brought Christianity to the Kievan Rus, but nobody would have ever called her "nice." Find out more about this warrior woman of a saint on today's episode of Bonus Points.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 11/14/22
Length: 18 minutes

Intro: Mallory M.

References

The Primary Chronicle. A history of the Slavic people written by a monk named Nestor around the early 1100s.  

"Saint Olga" page from Catholic Online. Contains a detailed biography and other information about St. Olga.

"Saint Olga of Kiev Was Brave and Good, but She Wasn't 'Nice'" article from the National Catholic Register. This article was especially helpful for some of the lessons we can take from St. Olga's life.

"Kievan Rus" entry from the Encyclopedia Brittanica. A good history of Kievan Rus, the nation that Olga ruled. 

Matthew 5 Interlinear. Shows the transliterated Greek text of Matthew 5, including the beatitudes, along with an English translation. This was the source for our discussion of meekness.

Anna Camacho knew that she wanted to work with her hands, but had no idea where to go from there. She asked St. Joseph, the patron of workers, to intercede for her, and CORDA Candles was born. Today, Anna creates handcrafted candles with scents inspired by saints and the faith. In today's guest speaker episode of Bonus Points, we talk about devotion to Saint Joseph, starting a candle company, and trusting God's plan for our lives. 

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 11/7/22
Length: 45 minutes

Intro: Morgan R.

References

CORDA Candles, Anna's handcrafted candle company with scents inspired by the saints

"Litany of Saint Joseph". A classic prayer to St. Joseph, with titles that reflect different facets of who St. Joseph is.

"Saint Joseph's Holy Cloak Novena" a 30-day novena in honor of St. Joseph.

St. Joseph and His World by Mike Aquilina. Focuses on the historical context for St. Joseph, especially in contrast to the life of King Herod.

Through the Heart of St. Joseph by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB. Focuses on a Joseph-inspired spirituality, and how St. Joseph is a role model for prayer.

Joseph of Nazareth by Federico Suarez. A biography.

Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway

Many Christians are hesitant to celebrate Halloween because of its supposedly pagan origins. But in reality, Halloween is a Catholic holiday! In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll talk about Halloween's origin as "All Hallow's Eve," the vigil of All Saints' Day. We'll also talk about how Halloween came to be associated with death and all things spooky, where various Halloween traditions come from, and how to celebrate an authentically Catholic Halloween.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 10/31/22
Length: 32 minutes

Intro: Ella L.

References

"The Catholic Roots of Halloween, the Vigil of All Saints' Day" at Vatican News.

"The (Fake) Pagan History of Halloween" at Catholic Answers

"All Saints' Day" page at Catholic Online.

"A Catholic's Guide to Halloween" at Catholic Company

"It's OK to Celebrate Halloween" at Catholic Answers

"What is Purgatory" at Catholic Answers

"No tricks, just treats. A history of Halloween." by Jim Lowe at the History Lowdown. Jim Lowe was one of the other history teachers when I did my student teaching, and I am so excited that he has a newsletter now!

"Pursued by Truth", the website of Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble. She is a big promoter of the Memento Mori devotion.

Since its release in 1999, The Matrix has become an icon of the science fiction genre. It brought talking about "the Matrix" into the common vocabulary, and raised questions about society, technology, and the nature of reality itself. The movie is dense with Catholic themes, and we try to unpack some of them in this week's episode of Bonus Points.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 10/24/22
Length:  27 minutes

Intro: Ashley L.

References

The Matrix page on the Internet Movie Database. Along with other information, it provides a detailed synopsis of the movie.

"Chat Transcript: Wachowski Brothers." Transcript of a 1999 interview given to Warner Brothers by the creators of the movie

"The Matrix Revisited" article from Catholic Moral Theology. This article examines themes of the body, power, and resistance in the movie. The section on "the body" was of particular help for the portion of the episode on Gnosticism. 

"The Matrix as an Archetype of Christian Cosmology". Another article that explores Christian themes in the movie. This one focuses on the theme of cosmology, or the structure of the universe. 

"The Matrix and Christianity" from Catholic Bridge. Clearly outlines some of the allegorical connections that we listed in the episode.

"The Theology of the Matrix" post from the Scott Smith Blog, "Home of the Catholic Nerd"

"Gnosticism" article from The Catholic Encyclopedia

"The Experience Machine" article from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The Experience Machine is a thought experiment that asks the reader to consider whether they would choose to plug in to a simulation that can generate any experience or pleasure.

"If You Like It, Does It Matter If It's Real?" Abstract of an article from Philipe de Brigard that includes his "Inverted Experience Machine." This variation of the classic thought experiment asks the reader whether they would choose to unplug if they found out that their entire life had been a simulation. 

"Artificial Intelligence and Magical Thinking" lecture by philosopher Ed Feser, on whether AI can ever be truly sentient.

"How Do You Know You're Not In the Matrix?" article from Catholic Answers. Can you trust that your senses are actually sensing reality, and not just a simulation? Short answer: Yes.

There is great spiritual value in being able to live in the present moment. Nevertheless, we all have various tendencies that get us stuck in the past or the future, and prevent us from living fully in the here and now. In this week's episode of Bonus Points, we're taking a Catholic approach to encountering God in the present moment.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 10/17/22
Length:  25 minutes

Intro: Patrick D.

References

Episode 30: Christianity and Anxiety w/ Valerie Allard. In this episode, we discussed the Catholic approach to worry and mindfulness. 

Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. This spiritual classic is a treatise on total trust in God's will in everything.

The Practice of the Presence of God by Br. Lawrence. This spiritual classic records a series of monastic conversations about encountering God in every moment. 

Prayer for Beginners by Peter Kreeft. This (truly excellent) book on prayer contains a chapter on the practice of the presence of God.

"Living in the Present" article from Catholic Stand.

The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro. This book by a Catholic psychiatrist contains an approach to mindfulness that is compatible with the faith. 

Did Jesus get pimples? Can the Pope own stocks? This week on Bonus Points, I'm taking questions from my seventh-period juniors. They're a creative bunch, and their questions are anything but boring. It's time for more Question & Astle!

On this episode, we discuss:

• Whether extraterrestrials need Baptism

• Why the headquarters of the Church is Rome, not Jerusalem

• How to summon demons (but definitely don't do it)

• Whether Jeffrey Dahmer could be in Heaven

• Whether Jesus could get acne

• Whether the Pope can trade on the stock market

• How the Church has its own government

• Whether there is such a thing as a "living saint"

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 10/10/22
Length:  30 minutes

Intro: Katie P.

For many people, the only contribution that their faith life makes to their dating life is a set of rules. Does faith have more to say about dating than a set of "thou shalt nots"? On this Guest Speaker episode of Bonus Points, I'm joined by Catholic author and speaker Steve Pokorny as we discuss the joy of living a Christ-centered relationship. We talk about practical tips for intentional dating that is free, total, faithful, and fruitful. You don't want to miss this one!

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 10/3/22
Length: 49 minutes

Intro: Asa R.

References

Freedom Coaching, Steve Pokorny's website and mentoring system. Interested in one-on-one mentoring? Use code "Bonus Freedom" to get your first session free!

Redeemed Vision: Setting the Blind Free from the Pornified Culture, Steve's book.

Redeemed Vision, Steve's podcast. (Also available wherever you listen to podcasts.)

Steve's social media: Facebook | Twiter | Instagram

Curiosity killed the cat...can it also kill your soul? St. Thomas Aquinas calls curiositas a vice that is opposed to the virtue of studiositas, or studiousness. In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll see what Aquinas says about curiosity and why it is a vice. More importantly, we'll talk about how to cultivate the virtue of studiousness.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 9/26/22
Length: 22 minutes

Intro: Natalie P. and Kate Y.

References

Summa Theologiae (Secunda Secundae, Question 166). The virtue of studiositas or studiousness

Summa Theologiae (Secunda Secundae, Question 167). The vice of curiositas or curiosity

"Why Curiosity is the Enemy of Wonder" episode of Pints With Aquinas. Matt Fradd's podcast addressing the same part of the Summa. 

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I quote a passage from this novel in the episode, specifically a passage about filling our heads with trivia.

"Studiositas and Curiositas" article from Prime Matters. 

St. Teresa of Avila famously prayed, "from sour-faced saints, Lord, deliver us!" St. Thomas Aquinas not only called mirth a virtue, but said that a lack of mirth is a sin. In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll consider humor and jokes from a theological perspective. We'll see what Aquinas says about the virtue of humor, and look at some examples of Jesus' sense of humor. Finally, we'll ask a few questions about the moral implications of jokes. This will be a good one, no joke.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 9/19/22
Length: 30 minutes

Intro: Sam Y.

References

Summa Theologiae (Secunda Secundae, Question 168). Among other things, Aquinas addresses the virtue of mirth and play.

"Focus on Humor New Testament" essay from Oxford Biblical Studies.

"Did Jesus have a sense of humor?" article from Aleteia. 

"The Seriousness of Humor" article from Catholic Education.

Summa Theologiae (Secunda Secundae, Question 110). Aquinas addresses the morality of lying. 

"Lying" entry from the Catholic Encyclopedia. 

"4 Practical Jokes of the Saints" article from Epic Pew. 

"The Humble Wit & Humor of St. Philip Neri" article from Catholic Exchange. 

God doesn't just want us to rest, he commands us to rest. But rest is a challenge for many of us. Genuine recreation can be difficult, especially when it is far more tempting to turn off our brains in front of a screen. In today's episode of Bonus Points, we'll talk about the biblical command to rest and how we can live it out in our own lives. 

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 9/12/22
Length: 22 minutes

Intro: Oliver B.

References

Genesis 2 Verses 2-3 describe God resting on the Sabbath.

Genesis 2 (Interlinear). This shows the Hebrew text alongside the English.

Exodus 40. Describes the completion of the Tabernacle, and the glory cloud "resting" upon it.

Exodus 20. The Ten Commandments, including the third commandment to keep holy the Sabbath.

The Spirit of the Liturgy by Romano Guardini. Chapters 5 and 6 address the "Playfulness" and "Seriousness" of the liturgy, respectively.

"What Leisure is Not" episode of the "What God is Not" podcast. In this episode, Mother Natalia and Mother Gabriella talk about true leisure and recreation.

Like it or not, work is a necessary part of life. But is it all bad? In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll compare common attitudes toward work with the Catholic Christian worldview. In the biblical understanding, work is neither an evil to be avoided nor the source of your worth. Rather, it is a way of being a co-creator with God, and a way of sanctifying the everyday. 

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 9/5/22
Length: 24 minutes

Intro: Mallory M.

References

Genesis 3. The Fall of Man, including God's description of the consequences. This is where we see "toil" enter the picture.

"What is Quiet Quitting and Who Is It For?" article from the New York Times.

Genesis 1. Along with Chapter 2, this demonstrates that work existed before the Fall.

Laborem Exercens, a 1981 encyclical on work by Pope St. John Paul II.

The Way by St. Josemaria Escriva. A great introduction to his spirituality, this book is made up of short sayings and pieces of wisdom. Great for bringing to prayer time.

Sometimes, we think of the saints as superheroes: they live among us mere mortals for a time, but they're not really like us. It's easy to forget that the saints were people too, and they didn't always get it right. Today on Bonus Points, we're looking at four saints and blesseds who strayed very far from the life of virtue before experiencing a conversion. Remember: being a saint is about where you end up, not where you begin. 

On today's episode:

• St. Augustine, the famous prodigal whose mother prayed so hard for his conversion, she became a saint, too.

• Blessed Carino, the assassin who martyred St. Peter Martyr. 

• St. Moses the Ethiopian, an infamous murderer and gang-leader who became a monk.

• Blessed Bartolo Longo, former satanic priest. 

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 8/29/22
Length: 20 minutes

Intro: Morgan R.

References

"Saint Augustine" article from the Catholic Encyclopedia

Confessions, St. Augustine's autobiography. Frank Sheed's translation is my personal favorite. 

"St. Peter Martyr" article from the Dominican Friars Foundation.

"Blessed Carino" article from New Liturgical Movement.

"Saint Moses the Black" article from EWTN.

"Life of St. Moses the Black" from the Fellowship of Moses the Black.

Sayings of the Desert Fathers, an ancient collection of wisdom from the earliest monks and nuns, including St. Moses. 

"Blessed Bartolo Longo, the ex-Satanist Who Was Freed Through the Rosary" article from the National Catholic Register. 

"Saint Mary of Egypt" article about another saint who fits the theme of today's episode, though we didn't have time to talk about her on the show.

The world of Catholic liturgy can get complicated, especially when there are all sorts of unique objects with strange names. Today, we're talking about some of the most unique and the strangest. You probably won't see these at Mass on Sunday (but you might).

In this episode of Bonus Points, learn about:

• The maniple, a forgotten armband vestment

• The crotalus, a liturgical noisemaker

• The fistula, the Eucharistic straw

• The penitential wand, a stick used to complete a pilgrimage

• Liturgical pincers and other unique Eucharist delivery devices

UPDATE: A few hours after I recorded this episode, I found a great article about the penitential wand on Liturgical Arts Journal. Check out the link in the show notes for a more thorough historical background.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 8/22/22
Length: 20 minutes

Intro: Ella L.

References

"Liturgical Vestments and the Vesting Prayers" from the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff. This page explains the use of the maniple and includes the prayer said while donning it. 

"Maniple" article from the Catholic Encyclopedia. 

"Priest Maniples" results from Catholic Liturgicals.com, an online retailer for vestments and liturgical items. See what maniples look like, and buy one for your favorite priest. 

"The Art of the Paschal Triduum: The Crotalus" article from the Liturgical Arts Journal. LAJ is a fantastic resource for the history and design of everything from vestments to architecture.

"Reviving the Tradition of the Crotalus: Liturgical Instruments of the Paschal Triduum" another article from Liturgical Arts Journal.

"The Fascinating Story Behind the Rarest of Liturgical Devices: the Crotalus" article from ChurchPOP.

"Curiosities of the Ancient Papal Mass: The Fistula" article from Liturgical Arts Journal about the papal straw.

"Ask Father: What's up with the 'penitential wand' and indulgences?" blog post from Fr. John Zuhlsdorf. 

"Eucharistic Utensils" article from Liturgical Arts Journal. Includes the fistula as well as several variations of liturgical pincers, cochlears, and host spoons. 

"Lost Romanitas: The Virgula Poenitentiaria" article from Liturgical Arts Journal. I found this article a few hours after recording this episode, but it's a great resource that explains the history of the penance wand much better than I do in the show.

The Book of Psalms, also called the Psalter, is one of the most important collections in human history. For centuries, it has been the prayer book of Israel and the Church. At 150 psalm-chapters, it is the longest book of the Bible. It also appears in the Mass more than any other, with nearly every Mass containing most or all of a psalm. In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll talk about how to incorporate the psalms into your prayer life.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 8/16/22
Length: 25 minutes

Intro: Ashley L.

References

"The Liturgy of the Hours" episode of Bonus Points. The largest section of the LotH is made up of psalms. (See Episode 33 below)

Psalm Basics for Catholics by Dr. John Bergsma. The author of Bible Basics for Catholics brings his clear, substantial style (and stick figures) to the Book of Psalms. A must-read if you are interested in diving deeper with the academic side of the psalms.

"Exposition on the Psalms" by Saint Augustine. A good example of how the Church Fathers approached the psalms.

A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament by Dr. John Bergsma and Dr. Brant Pitre. The chapter on the psalms is another crucial resource for academic study.

I love the start of the school year, and it's so exciting to be back in the classroom with my students. I also get the chance to meet some new ones and welcome them to our community. On this bonus episode of Bonus Points, I'll share a little bit about what's new in my professional life this year. This episode is also a great introduction for new listeners, because I talk about what this podcast is all about.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 8/15/22
Length: 17 minutes

Intro: Patrick D.

It is likely that, at this very moment, somebody in the world is praying the Liturgy of the Hours. This ancient prayer forms the backbone of daily life in a monastery and is prayed by priests, religious, and many laypeople. In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll talk about where the Liturgy of the Hours (or Divine Office) comes from, how it works, and why you should consider adding it to your prayer routine. 

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Release Date: 8/8/22
Length: 33 minutes

Intro: Asa R.

References

iBreviary (Web|Apple|Google). My favorite app for praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Contains all seven hours, with no ribbon-wrangling required.

Hallow (Apple|Google). The #1 Catholic app, this prayer app includes audio versions of (at least) Compline/Night Prayer.

"The Liturgy of the Hours" booklets from Word on Fire. These monthly booklets contain each day's Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Night Prayer. Think of it as "Magnificat" booklets, but for the Liturgy of the Hours. 

The Everyday Catholic's Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours by Daria Sockey. A great book about praying the LotH as a layperson. As a bonus, it's available as an ebook for free with a subscription to Formed.org.

Christian Prayer. The official one-volume version of the Liturgy of the Hours. Contains the complete texts for Morning Prayer, Daytime Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Night Prayer. 

The Liturgy of the Hours. The official four-volume version of the breviary. This set contains the complete texts for every hour.