The Joyful Pursuit

06 - Finding Joy Amidst Suffering

Welcome to the Joyful Pursuit Podcast, where Fr. Steven Bolton explores the profound connection between suffering and joy in the pursuit of truth. This episode dives into the challenging concept of finding joy amidst suffering, a notion that may seem counterintuitive in today's culture that often seeks to avoid pain at all costs.
Inspired by the teachings of Christ, St. Philip Neri, and St. John Henry Newman, Fr. Steven guides listeners through a thoughtful examination of why God permits suffering and how it can be transformative. Discover how suffering, when embraced with faith and love, can produce steadfastness, character, and hope, ultimately leading to a deeper union with God.
The episode also touches on the role of suffering in our fallen world and how it can be used to refine our love and commitment to Christ. With insights from scripture and the wisdom of the saints, this discussion offers a hopeful perspective on enduring trials with grace and finding joy that transcends mere happiness.
Join Fr. Steven as he challenges us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who transforms our pain from within, and discover the eternal joy that awaits through perseverance and faith.

05 - Joy vs. Pleasure: What Really Satisfies the Human Heart?

Welcome to another enriching episode of the Joyful Pursuit Podcast, hosted by Fr. Steven Bolton. This episode explores the profound difference between fleeting pleasures and lasting joy, as framed by the teachings of the Catholic faith. Anchored by the wisdom of saints and scripture, it delves into how true contentment is often found amidst life's challenges and through communion with God.
Join us as we navigate the misconceptions surrounding happiness in a quick-fix world. Discover how finding joy in faith goes beyond mere pleasures and becomes a journey of deeper connection and fulfillment. Embrace the invitation to reflect on your own pursuit of happiness and how aligning with divine truths can lead to genuine and enduring joy.

04 - Conscience and the Voice of God

Welcome to the latest episode of The Joyful Pursuit, where we delve into the profound mystery of the conscience with your host, Fr. Steven Bolton. Inspired by St. Philip Neri and St. John Henry Newman, this episode explores the nature of conscience as more than just an internal moral compass. Discover why conscience is considered the 'aboriginal vicar of Christ' and how it's intertwined with the pursuit of truth in our lives.
Join us as we discuss the Catholic perspective on conscience, drawing insights from Scripture, the Catechism, and the wisdom of revered saints. Learn about the sacred responsibility to form one's conscience through prayer, study, and the guidance of the Church. Fr. Steven also outlines practical ways to align our conscience with truth, encouraging us to seek wisdom, holiness, and the joy of discovering God's voice within.
This episode invites you to reflect on the divine gift of conscience, urging a deeper understanding and appreciation of how it guides us toward what is good and true. Embrace this enlightening journey as we navigate the wonders of faith, philosophy, and everyday reflections on our spiritual pursuit. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that promises to enhance your walk with God.

03 - The Relationship Between Faith and Reason

Welcome to The Joyful Pursuit, a podcast dedicated to exploring the intricate dance between faith and reason, and how these seemingly different forces unite to illuminate truth. Join host Fr. Steven Bolton, a Roman Catholic priest, as he delves into the time-worn debate of how faith and reason interact. Drawing from theological insights of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and papal writings, this episode provides a thoughtful perspective on how faith does not compete with reason but collaborates with it to help humanity seek a fuller understanding of existence and its divine purpose.
Listen as we navigate questions of human existence, explore the cathedrals of human thought, and embark on a journey to discover how these two wings—faith and reason—lift the human spirit to contemplate the profound mysteries of God and creation. Embrace this enlightening discussion on why both faith and reason are essential for human flourishing and the pursuit of truth.

02-Truth is Objective

Welcome to the Joyful Pursuit Podcast, where the universal longing for truth meets the divine gift of faith through Jesus Christ. This episode, inspired by the lives of St. Philip Neri and St. John Henry Newman, delves into the nature of truth as an objective reality, against the backdrop of contemporary debates over subjectivity. Join host Fr. Steven Bolton as he explores how our unique individual experiences shape our approach to truth, while firmly asserting the need for an objective standard.
With thoughtful analysis and a lighthearted spirit, Fr. Steven discusses how understanding and conforming to objective truth is not a limitation but a path to true freedom, as taught by Christ. He emphasizes the beauty of participating in God's order and how moral obligations are inseparably linked to the natural law discerned through our intellects.
Whether you're wrestling with questions of subjective versus objective truth or seeking to deepen your faith, this episode encourages a joyous and peaceful pursuit of truth, inviting listeners to witness and live out their beliefs with confidence and charity. Continue the joyful pursuit and embrace the freedom offered by adhering to truth.

01-Pilot

Welcome to the Joyful Pursuit Podcast, where Fr. Steven Bolton, CO invites you on a journey to explore truth and faith through the lens of Catholicism.  Inspired by the lives of St. Philip Neri and St. John Henry Newman, this podcast delves into philosophical inquiries and everyday reflections to uncover wisdom and joy in the pursuit of faith.
In this first episode, Fr. Steven introduces himself and the Oratorian communal life he leads in New Jersey.  While reflecting on his personal journey to the priesthood, he emphasizes the universal call to seek Truth and live authentically in faith.  Whether you're Catholic, Christian, or seeking Truth from any perspective, The Joyful Pursuit aims to be a source of inspiration and clarity.