Emmaus Encounters Archive

Emmaus Encounters Archive
Emmaus Encouters is a recurring radio series that can be heard on the Spirit Mornings show on the Spirit Catholic Radio Network. Learn more by visiting https://spiritcatholicradio.com.

The Beatitudes 

Episode 1: Introduction to Series and Poor in Spirit with Joshua Burks
Hear Joshua Burks introduce our Emmaus Encounters series on the Beatitudes and comment on the first beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:3). This episode aired on September 7, 2021. LISTEN HERE. 

Episode 2: Mourning with Vern Steiner 
Hear Vern Steiner comment on the second beatitude, “Blessed are the those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matt 5:4). This episode aired on October 19, 2021. LISTEN HERE. 

Episode 3: Meekness with Joshua Burks 
Hear Joshua Burks comment on the third beatitude, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt 5:5). This episode aired on November 17, 2021. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 4: Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness with Joshua Burks
Hear Joshua Burks comment on the fourth beatitude, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matt 5:6). This episode aired on January 5, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 5: Mercy with Joshua Burks 
Hear Joshua Burks comment on the fifth beatitude, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt 5:7). This episode aired on February 9, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 6: The Pure in Heart with Vern Steiner
Hear Vern Steiner comment on the sixth beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt 5:8). This episode aired on March 16, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 7: Peacemakers with Joshua Burks
Hear Joshua Burks comment on the seventh beatitude, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt 5:9). This episode aired on April 14, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 8: Persecution and Series Conclusion with Joshua Burks
Hear Joshua Burks complete this series on the Beatitudes and comment on the eighth and final beatitude, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:10). This episode aired on May 12, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Difficult Sayings in the Bible

Episode 1: Marriage in Ephesians 5 with Joshua Burks 
What does St. Paul mean when he writes, “Wives, be subject to your husbands as to the Lord.”? Hear Joshua Burks comment on this difficult passage on how Paul develops a rich theology of marriage and family in Ephesians. This episode aired on July 7, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 2: Pharaoh’s Heart with Vern Steiner
How should we understand verses such as Exodus 9:12, “But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh…”? Does God make people act against Himself? Hear Vern Steiner unpack these difficult sayings in the early chapters of Exodus. This episode aired on August 17, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 3: Mary’s Perpetual Virginity with Joshua Burks 
The Scriptures tell us that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived. But what about after that? Why do Catholics profess Mary as a perpetual virgin and how does that reconcile with the supposed “brothers and sisters” of Jesus? Hear Joshua Burks discuss these passages that reveal Mary as Ever Virgin. This episode aired on September 19, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 4: Colossians 1:24 with Joshua Burks 
What does St. Paul mean when he says “I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions…”? Hear Joshua Burks discuss this difficult verse and its ramifications. This episode aired on October 26, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 5: Husbands Rule Over Wives? Genesis 3:16 with Chad Steiner
After the fall of Adam and Eve, the LORD tells Eve, “in pain you shall bring forth children, yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you” (Gen 3:16). Hear Chad Steiner unpack this difficult saying as he guides listeners on a sound interpretation of this text. This episode aired on December 6, 2022. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 6: The Book of Revelation with Joshua Burks
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Okay, maybe no tigers, but difficulties abound in this seemingly difficult book. Hear Joshua Burks walk through the various passages and themes of Revelation in order to bring clarity to this plethora of difficult Bible sayings. This episode aired on January 17, 2023. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 7: Love and the World in John 3:16 with Chad Steiner
Perhaps it is one of the most famous Bible verses: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son…” On this Valentine’s Day episode, Chad Steiner unpacks what it means to “love” and just what is meant by “the world.” This episode aired on February 14, 2023. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 8: In the Clouds with Chad Steiner
What does St. Paul mean when he writes, “then, we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:17)? What should Christians think about ideas such as the “end of the world” and the “rapture”? Hear Chad Steiner comment on this difficult saying from Paul and encourage us toward our final destiny in the new creation. This episode aired on April 25, 2023. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 9: Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth with Joshua Burks
The month of May is traditionally celebrated in honor of Mary. Hear Joshua Burks discuss the many biblical passages that help us to understand the queenship of our Blessed Mother, both then and now. This episode aired on May 25, 2023. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 10: Bible Contradictions with Vern Steiner
What should we do when the Bible seems to contradict itself? Hear Vern Steiner comment on how to be good readers of Scripture and how to faithfully make sense of the seeming contradictions we find in It. This episode aired on June 26, 2023. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 11: Clash of the Titans in Galatians 2 with Joshua Burks 
What should we do when two apostles seem to clash in disagreement? This is what seemingly happens in Galatians 2, when Paul decries the actions of Peter in Antioch. Was Peter in fact in the wrong, or should Paul have not publically rebuked the first Pope? Hear Joshua Burks comment on Galatians 2:11-14. This episode aired on July 19, 2023. LISTEN HERE.

Episode 12: Jesus and Light in Genesis with Chad Steiner
On the first day of creation, God separated the light from the darkness; but wait a minute, God doesn’t create the sun, moon, and stars until day four! What’s going on here in Genesis 1 and how does this, along with other passages concerning “light” in the Bible, reveal the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ? Hear Chad Steiner comment on these things. This episode aired on August 23, 2023. LISTEN HERE.