The Raising Catholic Podcast

In this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh and Tim walk through Matthew 4, exploring Jesus’ 40-day fast and the three temptations in the wilderness. They unpack how Jesus responds with Scripture, the devil’s misuse of verses, and what the episode reveals about Jesus’ humanity, divinity, and obedience.The hosts also discuss Jesus’ move to Capernaum, the calling of the first disciples, and the start of his healing ministry. Practical takeaways include the importance of discernment, faith in action, and following Jesus now as they prepare to dive into the Sermon on the Mount.

Welcome to Raising Catholic. We're just two Catholic dads and best friends on opposite sides of the country, finishing our study of 2 Maccabees and exploring its focus on Jerusalem, the motivations behind the actors, and how that history helps explain the world Jesus entered.
We discuss the Septuagint and how the deuterocanonical books shaped the early Church, the later Reformation responses, church councils that formalized the canon, a bit of family banter, and our plan to begin the Gospels next.

Hosts Josh Vegors and Tim Summers unpack Second Maccabees 10–12 and draw Advent lessons about purification, prayer, and the foundations of spiritual victory.
They discuss the difference between guilt and shame, the healing power of confession, and practical practices—fasting, the rosary, and regular sacrifice of self—to purify body, mind, and spirit.
Simple takeaways: cultivate humility, participate in the sacraments, and prepare your heart this Advent through prayer and repentance.

Hosts Josh Vegors and Tim Summers unpack Second Maccabees chapters 7–9, reflecting on the brutal martyrdom of seven brothers and their mother and the death of Eleazar.
They explore themes of anonymity, resurrection, the Maccabean revolt, and how Jesus’ way of the cross contrasts with the urge to take up the sword, weaving in personal stories about parenting, faith, and family prayer.

Hosts Josh and Tim (with a guest appearance by Tim's brother Joey) unpack Chapters 4–6 of 2 Maccabees, exploring brutal power struggles, corrupt high priests, and the inspiring martyrdom of Eleazar.
They draw out themes of providential discipline, the weight of sacred history, and how these ancient stories speak to leadership, faith, and parenting today — with a look ahead to the revolt of Judas Maccabeus and more martyrdoms next week.

Josh and Tim unpack 2 Maccabees chapters 1–3, exploring its historical context, how it differs from 1 Maccabees, and why the author condenses earlier accounts. They discuss the Feast of Booths, the hidden tabernacle and ark at Mount Nebo, and the book's ties to Jewish and early Christian worship.The hosts reflect on major themes like the scapegoating mechanism, Heliodorus’s dramatic conversion, and the striking parallels between 2 Maccabees and New Testament teachings—especially mercy, nonviolence, and the idea of Mary as the new Ark.

Two Catholic dads dive into 1–2 Maccabees and use the family’s struggle as a metaphor for the Church’s fight against external forces and internal betrayal. They contrast the Maccabees’ isolation with Paul’s evangelism, explore paradoxes like freedom and loving enemies, and reflect on fasting, prayer, and self-denial.Interwoven with personal stories—a backcountry hunting trip, anxiety soothed by Hail Marys, relic rosaries, and practical calls to serve the homeless—this episode blends biblical study with everyday spiritual practice.

Josh and Tim discuss chapters 10–12 of 1 Maccabees, exploring Jonathan’s ambiguous role as priest, ruler, and warrior, Rome’s limited diplomacy, and striking parallels to modern geopolitics around Jerusalem.
Amid carpool banter and parenting moments, they reflect on the power of alliances and friendships, the mimetic nature of influence, and why choosing who shapes you matters for faith and family.

Josh and Tim read 1 Maccabees (chapters 7–9), unpacking the book's breakneck battles, Judas Maccabeus's zeal, and the moral tensions between vengeance and mercy.They trace short-term alliances with Rome, reflect on "mercenary hearts," and draw modern parallels about forgiveness, cultural contagion, and the need for objective truth.

Hosts Josh and Tim read 1 Maccabees chapters 4–6, exploring a priestly author’s focus on the ruined temple, Judas Maccabeus as a David-like leader, and the repeated theme of putting God first amid relentless battles.
They unpack vivid battle details (including war elephants), sacrificial heroism, the pragmatic limits of victory (a peace accepted because of famine), and the call to authentic faith — "God doesn’t have grandchildren."
The episode closes with a personal relics story that brings faith and tradition to life, and a look ahead to how the next chapters may continue the pattern of peaks and valleys in Israel’s struggle.