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.

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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.

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Catholic life is full of prayers and objects, from Rosary beads to saint medals. One of the most popular medals is the St. Benedict medal. Like other saint medals, it has a depiction of the saint on the front. But unlike others, the St. Benedict medal also has an exorcism prayer engraved on it. Is this just superstition, or is it a crucial weapon in the spiritual fight? Find out on today's episode of Bonus Points.

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Miracles are common throughout Scripture, but do they still happen today? There are many who claim that they have received miraculous healings, or that God has communicated with them in a special way. Are any of these genuine? Is there any way to know? On today's episode of Bonus Points, we're looking at the Church's guidelines for investigating miraculous healings and private revelations.

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In the last episode, we talked about what we know about Mary Magdalene. Today's episode of Bonus Points builds on that by talking about some lessons that I've learned from her. From the value of humility to the importance of contemplation, Mary Magdalene has much to teach us.

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Mary Magdalene is one of the most prominent women in the Gospels, but also one of the most mysterious and misunderstood. From a strong medieval devotion to modern conspiracy theories, Mary Magdalene's name comes up again and again throughout history. In today's episode of Bonus Points, we're talking about what we know about this woman. We're especially focusing on whether Mary Magdalene is the same woman as Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, and the unnamed repentant woman who anoints Jesus in Luke 7. 

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1,500 years ago, St. Benedict of Nursia wrote his Rule for Monasteries, the most influential document in Western monasticism. The Rule governs every aspect of life as a monk, and is used by thousands of monasteries to this day. The Rule also has plenty to say about the qualities of a good abbot. In today's episode of Bonus Points, we're looking at what all of us can learn about good leadership from St. Benedict's portrait of a good abbot.

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