As recently as a hundred years ago, the ember days were a familiar part of the Catholic year. These quarterly "mini-Lents" were a way to mark the change in the seasons, to thank God for the gifts of the earth, to fast, and to ordain new priests. Made optional in the 1960s, they have almost completely disappeared from the Catholic experience. In this episode of Bonus Points, we're talking about the history of the ember days and why I think we ought to consider bringing them back.

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Throughout the Bible, many mysterious figures appear about whom we know very little. One of these enigmas is the "disciple whom Jesus loved" or the Beloved Disciple who shows up in John's Gospel. Though traditionally identified as the apostle John, the son of Zebedee, scholars have proposed many candidates, such as Lazarus, Nicodemus, and John "the Elder". In this episode of Bonus Points, we examine the evidence to try and solve the mystery of the Beloved Disciple.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Bonus Points is proud to be a #Catholic podcast. 🇻🇦

The Holy Grail - the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper - is one of the most well-known and sought-after relics in Christian history. Considered lost by many, it has inspired quests in everybody from King Arthur to Indiana Jones. But it really lost at all? In today's episode of Bonus Points, we're talking about the history of the grail legend and where I think it might be today.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Bonus Points is proud to be a #Catholic podcast. 🇻🇦