December 18, 2025
Episode Overview
In this thoughtful episode, Greg Wasinski welcomes Fr. Jacob Bearer for a deep dive into the often-misunderstood topic of penance. Rather than presenting penance as mere obligation or self-punishment, the conversation reveals it as a pathway to healing, conversion, and deeper communion with Christ and His Church.
Listeners are invited to rethink penance in light of Scripture, the Catechism, the saints, and lived experience — discovering how voluntary sacrifice can transform hearts, strengthen virtue, and even affect the salvation of souls.
Topics Covered
- Why penance still matters in modern Catholic life
- The difference between penance after Confession and penitential living
- How Lent (and even Advent) form us spiritually
- Saying “no” to good things in order to grow in freedom
- The role of penance in resisting future sin
- Mary’s call to penance at Fatima and its relevance today
- Offering sacrifices for the conversion and salvation of others
- Understanding indulgences and their connection to mercy
- A clear, accessible explanation of purgatory
- The Communion of Saints and how our actions affect the whole Body of Christ
- Why penance is ultimately about becoming filled with God’s life, not emptied by guilt
- Learning from the saints — especially St. Francis of Assisi
- How small, everyday sacrifices can become powerful acts of love
Key Catechism References Mentioned
- CCC 1450 – The acts of the penitent
- CCC 1471 – Indulgences and the sacrament of penance
- CCC 1474 – The Communion of Saints
Takeaway Message
Penance is not about shame — it’s about love.
Not about punishment — but participation.
Not about the past — but transformation.
When embraced with humility and intention, penance becomes a way to unite our lives to Christ, grow in freedom, and help bring healing to a world in need.
Guest Information
Fr. Jacob Bearer
Pastor, St. Edward & St. Lucy Parish
Parkman, Ohio
Posted by Greg Wasinski
