We reflect on why the Church ends the year with hard words about judgment and perseverance, then use Advent as a reset toward courage over comfort. Stories of St. Paul Miki and the hidden Christians of Japan ground the call to public witness, daily habits, and steady hope.

• end times as clarity, not fear
• Advent as wake-up to eternity
• perseverance over comfort in daily discipleship
• Saint Paul’s “work and wait” for Thessalonica
• witness of St. Paul Miki and hidden Christians
• avoiding “stepping on the crucifix” in compromises
• small habits that build courage: Mass, confession, prayer
• public, joyful witness without shame
• perseverance as the Christian superpower

Thank you for listening! Visit us at www.saintaugustinechurch.org

We explore why the church ends the year with hard words about judgment and hope, and how perseverance anchors us when faith costs something. From the martyrs of Nagasaki to the quiet tests at work and home, we ask whether we truly believe Christ’s promise.

• apocalyptic readings as a call to faithfulness
• Jesus’ warning about persecution and the promise of perseverance
• the courage and joy of the twenty-six martyrs of Nagasaki
• hidden Christians in Japan keeping the faith without priests
• why the gospel demands conversion and change
• modern compromises that erode conviction
• courage over comfort as a daily practice
• Eucharist as strength for witness and mercy

Thank you for listening! Visit us at www.saintaugustinechurch.org

Today Fr. Vigoa & Michelle Lopez are joined by guest Pam Giganti-Bunge

We reflect on the Lateran feast to show why the Church lives in people, not stone, and share a vivid Cuba relief story that reveals faith in action. We talk about the domestic church, small groups, Emmaus retreats, and the daily work of repairing cracks with grace.

• meaning of the Lateran dedication for modern believers
• Church as living stones rather than buildings
• Cuba hurricane relief and coordinated parish action
• domestic church habits that anchor faith
• Emmaus retreats as catalysts for service and renewal
• moving from consumer to contributor in parish life
• dealing with scrupulosity, excuses and control
• practical rhythms: confession, adoration, small groups
• adding beauty versus widening the cracks

Thank you for listening! Visit us at www.saintaugustinechurch.org