We know the headline miracles—Incarnation, Eucharist, Resurrection. But what about the quieter moments that don’t come with spectacle? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks explore why God preserves room for trust, why Eucharistic “flesh-and-blood” phenomena are less than the Eucharist itself, and how faith matures when we live the mysteries (not rank them). Through the three lenses—self, others, under God—we look at spiritual health as a habit of trusting love, not a hunt for proofs.

Key Ideas

God invites freedom, not coercion: He offers evidence, then leaves space for trust—the essence of love.

Signs vs. Sacrament: visible Eucharistic phenomena are signs; the Eucharist is the whole living Christ (Body, Blood, Soul, Divinity).

Don’t “rank” feasts: Christmas, the institution of the Eucharist, and Easter are one saving mystery unfolding—each essential.

Living the unseen: deeper attention at Mass reorients daily life; think “spiritual health plan” (prayer, confession, charity) that steadies mind and relationships.

Faith grows by practice: name doubts honestly, choose trust, and act—grace meets you in motion.

Links & References
Scripture named (no links):

Doubting Thomas (John 20:24–29)

Institution of the Eucharist (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)

Signs confirming authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:1–12)

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Christmas, Easter, Incarnation, Resurrection, Eucharist, Real Presence, Eucharistic miracles, believing without seeing, Doubting Thomas, signs vs sacrament, freedom and faith, trust, spiritual health, prayer, confession, charity, participation at Mass, liturgical seasons, unity of mysteries, grace, interior conversion, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

“Unless I see…” Thomas speaks for us. Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks explore how to believe without seeing in a world that demands proof. We contrast signs and certainties, why God preserves our freedom to trust, and how personal histories shape our “tests” for belief. Practical takeaways: name your criteria honestly, notice the subtle ways God already speaks, and choose trust that leads to action. We hold the three lenses: integrity with ourselves, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

Faith needs freedom: God gives reasons to believe but stops short of coercion; no proof or disproof removes our choice.

Signs vs. the Sign: visible wonders can help, but relationship with Christ requires trust that goes beyond optics.

Personal filters: temperament, wounds, and stakes change our verification bar—be honest about the tests you set.

Learn His voice: like Joseph or Samuel, once you recognize how God speaks to you, cooperation becomes fruitful and steady.

Reason serves faith: philosophy can point (Descartes, Hume, Gödel), but revelation invites a response only trust can make.

Links & References

Scripture named (no links):

Thomas and “Blessed are those who have not seen” (John 20:24–29).

Healing the paralytic to manifest authority to forgive sins (cf. Mark 2:1–12; Matthew 9:1–8; Luke 5:17–26).

The Lord speaking to Samuel (1 Samuel 3).

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, believing without seeing, St. Thomas, doubt and faith, signs and wonders, freedom and trust, criteria for belief, skepticism, Descartes, Hume, Gödel’s incompleteness, reason and revelation, conscience, hearing God’s voice, St. Joseph, Samuel, Eucharist and faith, healing of the paralytic, forgiveness of sins, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

Serving at the altar raised a live question: “If Eucharistic miracles make belief easier, why don’t they happen more?” Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks walk through what the Church means by miracle, why visible phenomena (flesh/blood) are actually less than the Eucharist itself (the whole living Christ), and how forgiveness and transformed virtue are real—though often unseen—miracles. We also clarify roles at Mass (Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) and reflect on believing without seeing. Throughout, we keep the three lenses in view: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

Miracle ≠ rarity; miracle = beyond nature. The Eucharist is already a miracle: bread and wine become Jesus—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

“Less visible, greater reality”: a Eucharistic miracle (flesh/blood) is a sign; the Eucharist is the greater reality—Christ whole and living.

Science points, faith receives: studies of reported miracles often converge (heart tissue, left ventricle, trauma markers, AB+), but signs serve the Sacrament.

Unseen miracles: absolution, growth in virtue, and daily conversions are real works of grace you can’t photograph—but you can live.

Roles at Communion: clergy are ordinary ministers; laypeople assist as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion when needed.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe”—ask for faith to recognize and receive the Giver more than the signs.

Links & References

“Scientifically Analyzed Eucharistic Miracles” (Truthly, 11-min video referenced by Father): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHO8L9477aU

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Eucharist, Eucharistic miracles, Real Presence, AB positive, heart tissue, left ventricle, signs and wonders, forgiveness of sins, confession, virtue, grace, believing without seeing, faith and reason, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, clergy and laity, Mass roles, altar ministry, miracle definition, Lanciano (discussion), conversion, prayer, interior healing, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

We say it every Mass: “Lord, I am not worthy… but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” What are we asking—and what should we expect? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks unpack the centurion’s faith behind that line, how the Eucharist gives not just a word but the Word made flesh, and why Communion is an invitation already given—not a feeling we must wait for. We close with a simple New Year resolution: prepare better, receive more, and let grace heal what we cannot. Through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

• From Scripture to altar: the centurion’s “say the word” (authority, trust) becomes our Communion prayer—humble, confident, obedient.
• More than a word: at Mass we receive the Giver Himself—Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist—superabundant love for unworthy hearts.
• Invitation stands: unless you should refrain, don’t wait for a private signal; the liturgy itself is Christ’s call to come.
• Feelings vary; grace doesn’t: ritual prayers serve a billion souls—some days they fit our mood, others they lead it.
• A practical resolution: arrive a bit early, call to mind sins and needs, and ask to receive Him more fully this year.

Links & References

• Scripture named (no links):
  • The centurion’s faith (Matthew 8:5–13; cf. Luke 7:1–10).
  • “Come to me, all you who labor…” (Matthew 11:28).
• Liturgy referenced (no link): Communion rite (“Lord, I am not worthy…”) and the Eucharist.

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Eucharist, Holy Communion, “Lord I am not worthy”, centurion’s faith, Matthew 8, Communion rite, Real Presence, grace, worthiness, humility, trust, authority of Jesus, liturgy, feelings vs faith, participation in Mass, preparation for Mass, resolution, healing, salvation, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

A four-year-old’s question—“Why does Santa look different?”—opens a bigger one: why does Jesus look different in every painting, and how do we recognize Him today? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks explore how sacred art (especially icons) shows inner, spiritual reality more than photo-realism—and how Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist even when our eyes see only bread. As Christmas Masses fill with newcomers, we talk about hospitality, cooperation with grace, and moving from the visible to the invisible: from faces and symbols to the Person who loves us. Always through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

Different “looks,” same identity: saints (and St. Nicholas) are shown with signs of their vocation; Jesus is recognized by what’s essential—wounds, mercy, and divinity—not a fixed facial template.

Icons aim beyond photography: light “from within” depicts the glorified person; art can reveal deeper truth than surface detail.

Real Presence, hidden form: in the Eucharist our senses see bread; faith meets the living Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Childlike faith teaches adults: wonder and simple trust help us notice God’s voice in conscience and daily life.

Christmas hospitality: welcome irregular Mass-goers with warmth and witness; our charity can draw people back to the Church.

Links & References

National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion (approved Marian apparition to Adele Brise, Champion, WI): https://championshrine.org

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Advent, Christmas, St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, icons, iconography, sacred art, Real Presence, Eucharist, conscience, childlike faith, visibility and invisibility, signs and symbols, wounds of Christ, hospitality, Christmas Mass, welcome culture, evangelization, parish life, Incarnation, contemplation, prayer, gratitude, relationships, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

Is Advent just a mini-Lent? Not really. Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks clarify Advent’s unique character: not penance before a Passion, but hopeful waiting for the Lord who comes. We explore patience vs. self-denial, why Advent trains desire more than endurance, and how the Church’s Dec 17–24 “O Antiphons” (source of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) intensify longing as Christmas draws near. We end with a practical call: while we wait, build relationships and prepare room for Him—at home, parish, and work—through concrete acts of love. All through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

• Advent’s core: waiting, patience, and hope—not a second Lent or a pre-Christmas Good Friday.
• Different virtues: Lent emphasizes conversion and penance; Advent trains desire and confident anticipation.
• The “O Antiphons” (Dec 17–24): ancient titles of the Messiah that crescendo toward Christmas and inspired O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
• Waiting isn’t passive: pray, reconcile, serve, and make tangible preparations—like a family readying for a newborn.
• Live the rhythm: receive grace at Mass, then practice small daily acts of love that make Him welcome.

Links & References

• USCCB – The “O Antiphons” of Advent (official overview and texts): https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/o-antiphons-of-advent
  
  

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Advent, not little Lent, waiting, hope, patience, desire for God, O Antiphons, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Dec 17–24, Liturgy of the Hours, Evening Prayer, Magnificat antiphons, preparation for Christmas, Incarnation, parish life, family life, reconciliation, acts of love, spiritual readiness, Holy Mass, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

What do we mean when we say Jesus “takes away the sins of the world”? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks unpack how sin ruptures relationship—with God, others, creation, and even our own hearts—and how Christ repairs that rupture. We explore justice, mercy, and why divine love doesn’t erase consequences but enters them, heals us, and restores right worship and communion. We also contrast Adam’s fall with Christ’s redeeming love and consider our part: God saves us with our cooperation. Through it all we keep the three lenses clear—honesty with self, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

Sin’s effects: rupture with God, one another, creation, and self; shame, blame, mistrust, and debt remain until healed.

How Christ “takes away” sin: self-sacrificing love enters our wounds, satisfies justice, restores communion, and divinizes us by union with Him.

Mercy doesn’t cancel consequences: relationships still need repair, trust-building, and inner healing—grace empowers the work.

Not a spectator sport: “created without us; redeemed with us”—our free cooperation (repentance, worship, acts of love) matters.

From Fall to fullness: covenant history rises and falls until Christ; in Him, grace sustains steady growth toward holiness.

Links & References

Scripture named (no links):

The Fall and its ruptures (Genesis 3).

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Healings linked to faith (e.g., Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50; Luke 8:48).

Liturgy referenced (no link): Agnus Dei (“Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world…”).

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, sin, redemption, salvation, justice and mercy, healing, holiness, rupture and repair, Genesis 3, John 1:29, Agnus Dei, sacrificial love, Eucharist, reconciliation, cooperation with grace, trust, covenant, Adam and Eve, divinization, sanctification, interior healing, relationships, responsibility, spiritual growth, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

We want fixes fast. But grace grows like a living thing. Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks connect holiness with healing and health, contrasting our “instant results” culture with the Church’s slow, steady path of love. They explore the Mass as a weekly encounter with transforming love, why Jesus ties miracles to faith, and how small, concrete acts—prayer, kindness, showing up—rebuild relationships and communities. Framed through the three lenses: honesty with ourselves, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

Holiness = healing = health: one continuum where God’s love fills wounds and restores us to love like Him.

Mass as encounter and formation: receive Love Himself, then live it in family, work, parish, and the margins.

Faith and consent: Jesus often says “your faith has healed you”—grace invites a free, trusting response.

Resist the “instant” reflex: spiritual growth is organic (like crops); show up, be attentive, persevere.

Love in action: begin with prayer, then take the next generous step—kindness, advocacy, building support networks.

“Where there is no love, put love”: small, steady offerings create gratitude, connection, and hope.

Links & References

Scripture mentioned (no links):

Healings attributed to faith (e.g., Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50; Luke 8:48).

The Eucharist as encounter with Christ (cf. John 6).

Saint cited (no link added): St. John of the Cross — “Where there is no love, put love, and you will draw out love.”

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, holiness, healing, health, salvation, Eucharist, Holy Mass, grace, faith, “your faith has healed you”, Advent, Christmas, Incarnation, patience, perseverance, attention, prayer, kindness, service, community, relationships, support networks, gratitude, hope, St. John of the Cross, spiritual growth, interior freedom, sanctification, virtue, mercy, love in action, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality