I didn’t want to interrupt Holy Week or Easter Sunday with personal news, but I have some pretty darn exciting news… I’m the newest apologist at Catholic Answers! To say that it’s a dream job is an understatement (admittedly, I’m not yet two weeks in, so many they’re going to surprise me with the terrible part later)… but the job literally consists of five things I love doing: (1) writing for their website, (2) writing for Catholic Answers magazine, (3) doing radio appearances on Catholic Answers Live, (4) doing speaking engagements, and (5) writing books. Oh… and they will periodically fly me out to San Diego (where they’re headquartered) so I can enjoy the beach collaborate on things in-person.
All of that is a preamble for what I really want to share… my first* article as a Catholic Answers apologist. It’s called “Don’t Waste Your Cross this Easter.” I start out by mentioning a fascinating conversation between Jesus and the mother of the Apostles James and John:
She said to him, “Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father” (Matt. 20:21b-23).
And one of the arguments that I make in the piece is that, if you want to see the fulfillment of Jesus’ words, where we find Him enthroned, flanked by two people (one on His left, and one on His right), the place to look is here:
If that reading is right, I think it tells us what we need to know about Jesus’ Cross, and about our own. You’re not going to escape the cross… but you don’t have to waste it. The two thieves show us the two paths we can take. Anyhow, if that sounds at all interesting, please go check out the full piece!
*Well, the first one since I joined the team. I’ve been guest contributing for years.
Joe, does this change anything with The Catholic Podcast?
It does (as you’ve probably noticed by now…). I bequeathed The Catholic Podcast to Jennie, but I’m not sure if she has the bandwidth to run it solo, so it unfortunately may be dead. For my part, expect a new podcast soonish… probably next month!
Happy to hear you’ll be continuing to podcast! I’m a young dad and new convert from Protestantism. I recently found and engulfed 120 episodes over the course of about 3 months. I’ve benefited a ton from your work since then. Also bought and devoured Pope Peter. I’m just finding the way you present material to be really clear, taking lots of info and apologetics arguments I know and refining them. Keep up the good work!
Joe, is there any update on whether The Catholic Podcast will continue under Jennie? I keep subscribed to it in iTunes/iPhone (or “follow” is the new Apple term), but was considering unfollowing for now.
I am very sorry. I should congratulate you whole heartily and missed that in my last comment. Maybe you should practice your Pig Latin in case they want you to help with the CA Live game show but do look forward to listening.