Be with the Word

Dr. Gerry explores the readings for the Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time and the idea of the "Self" as mediator. God the Father wants to restore the vulnerable.and broken to a state of joy and fulfillment. Christ is the ultimate high priest who mediates God's work to mankind. By virtue of our baptism and calling we are also called to be a mediator and make a positive difference in the world by taking actions and exercising our gifts. The human "Self" has the unique ability to transform the world by mediating God's grace and work. 

In this special episode taken from a recent Catholic Journeymen web meeting, Dr. Gerry discusses types of sexual brokenness and how they are rooted in attachment wounds. He provides an activity to re-align our imagination to the truths of our faith that we are to be a gift of self in mutually giving relationships.

Dr. Gerry explores the themes of suffering and joy in the readings of the 26th-29th Sundays in ordinary time. We must develop 'wisdom of the heart' in order to break free of attachments. Dr. Gerry discusses how our fantasies involve power struggles which despite distortion reveal our true needs. It is in caring for others that leads to joy and gladness. It is in meeting the deeper need that we can break the power struggle inherent in our fantasies. Dr. Gerry walks us through accepting what we really need: goodness, consolation, comfort and connection. 

Why do we have unfruitful debates with non-Catholics (and some Catholics) on controversial topics? Dr. Gerry explores the difference between a philosophical worldview based on objective truth compared to a postmodern de-constructivist worldview that is common today. In order to have a productive discussion or debate with someone with a different position, especially big topics today such as abortion or trans issues, one must be clear and open about one’s philosophical position. Dr. Gerry advocates being honest about one’s philosophical worldview and speaking from the heart with the qualities that St. James mentions that make up wisdom; thes...

We all have inner conflicts as we have parts that are polarized. In the readings Isaiah speaks about the blind seeing, the deaf hearing and the mute singing The psalm speaks of the wicked compared to the fatherless and the widows. St. James tells us not to show partiality for the rich over the poor. And Jesus heals a mute person. How can we break the inner conflicts inside of ourselves? Dr. Gerry describes his own personal journey of recognizing that his "bad boy" part was really hurt and sad, but was in conflict with a strong righteous protector...

Dr. Gerry is back! And this week he discusses the readings from the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time and the dynamic between following God's commandments and the heart. Jesus says that evil thoughts come from the heart. But he also says that the word of truth is planted in the heart. This leads Dr. Gerry into a discussion of the "self" and the "heart/nous" and then to a discussion of "parts" (influenced by Dr. Peter's favorite type of therapy, Internal Family Systems). Dr. Gerry then provides a 30 minute clip from his introduction to "parts work" taken from his...

Dr. Gerry focuses on St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians as he contrasts the biblical message with secular individualism and a great deal of modern psychology's focus on self actualization. Instead we learn that true peace comes through cultivating the virtues of humility, gentleness and patience, and in the end love. 

Dr. Gerry explores the Sunday readings (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time) and discusses how to find deeper levels of inner peace by confronting enmity.  Dr. Gerry discusses the way Christ makes Jews and Gentiles into a "new person" and how we can confront our own "shadow" and insecure parts.  

Dr. Gerry discusses depression and negative cognitions (lies) that we tell ourselves. Dr. Gerry compares depression to the sin of acedia which is a resistance to the demands of love, and a burden. Like the woman who touched Jesus' cloak, or Jairus, we can heal from this affliction through faith and courage.  Dr. Gerry also brings in the important words from the Book of Wisdom and Psalm 30 to understand our true identity and receive God's help and healing. 

Dr. Gerry hosts Be with the Word from a dorm at Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio). He explores how God is transcendent and calms the seas in our own souls. Dr. Gerry shares some of the things he's learned from Philosophy professors at Franciscan. Dr. Gerry applies the Catholic teaching that the rational soul is the form of the body to the teaching of St. Paul that we have a new identity as new creations in Christ. As a new creation we want our soul that knows and trusts in God to be in alignment with our bodies which...

Dr. Gerry celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ as he links the Sunday readings and the story of sacrifice in Exodus and Christ's sacrifice to developmental psychology. Dr. Gerry also explores what it means to be a 'good' parent and what it means to allow the truths of the faith to truly register in our hearts (not just our cognitions). 

Dr. Crete continues to explore personality as he discusses the Myers-Briggs personality indicator and the Greek Temperaments. He zooms in on the difference between Judging (J) and Perceiving (P) and how this difference can cause conflict in marriage. Dr. Gerry brings in the Sunday readings and how the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including generosity, self control and patience, can help as couples learn to accept themselves and each other for their differences. 

Dr. Gerry begins a new mini-series "From Ascension to Assumption" where he explores getting to know oneself. Every week he will look at personality tests and models and how to understand our true selves. This week, the 7th Sunday of Easter and the Ascension, Dr. Crete explores the difference between Introversion and Extroversion based on the Myers-Briggs index. He also explores God's call to love one another in order to remain in Him. Dr. Gerry applies St. Paul's words about receiving a Spirit of wisdom and having the eyes of your hearts enlightened to everyday life. Dr. Gerry also...

Dr. Gerry explores the difference between love as described in the readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter and Codependency. Gerry explains how true love is connected to self-giving when it is an expression of one's identity. Codependency involves people-pleasing and needing to be affirmed by others in order to find an identity. 

Dr. Gerry reflects on the readings for the Third Sunday of Easter and walks you through a path for stopping scrupulosity and obsessive thinking. He draws on the interplay between the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex as we move from fear and shame to awareness, repentance, and receiving comfort from our great Advocate. 

Dr. Gerry discusses the readings for the Second Sunday of Easter where he discusses what it means that Christ is "begotten in water and blood". He brings in some insight from Bessel Van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score and discusses the connection between spirit/mind and body in the healing of trauma. Dr. Crete also suggests that we can allow our own sufferings, challenges, and hardships to be transformed through faith into something that brings meaning and changes lives for good. 

Dr. Gerry discusses the biblical path to overcoming dissociation, surviving suffering, and not being overwhelmed by shame. We are called to name and express emotion and recall our true identity. 

Dr. Gerry reflects on the Sunday Readings (Fifth Sunday of Lent) and discusses how God establishes secure attachment with us (in Jeremiah) and then asks us to die to self. Dr. Gerry discusses what it means to learn from suffering and how service allows us to love.

Dr. Gerry continues his Lenten discussion about the psychological concept of dissociation as he discusses traumatic re-enactments. The readings for the fourth Sunday of Lent help us to find the true way to break free from old patterns and sins we keep repeating.

Dr. Gerry discusses the readings from the Third Sunday of Lent and continues his discussion of "dissociation" as he describes the "window of tolerance" and what happens emotionally when we go outside of it. Dr. Gerry discusses the difference between normal feelings such as anger and sinful reactions such as rage, wrath, and vengeance. 

A mouthful, eh? Dr. Gerry continues his Lenten series on dissociation and discusses the parasympathetic nervous system which is how we experience safety. Dr. Gerry discusses the Abraham and Isaac sacrifice story and explains how God wants a new covenant based on safety, trust, and connection. God also reverses the ancient notions of life and death through Christ whose true nature is revealed to three apostles at the Transfiguration. 

Dr. Gerry discusses the Sunday readings and begins a short Lenten series on dissociation. Dr. Gerry discusses mild forms of dissociation and more series forms (disorders) and connects this to the Hebrew understanding of life and death. Jesus turns this on its head and baffles the wise by showing us that it is through death that we can find life. Similarly we must meet our disconnected parts and meet their needs in the present in order to find new life and psychological health. 

Dr. Gerry discusses what it means to be a leper in the Hebrew world and how Christ is the bridge from sickness to health, and from death to life. He then discusses how St. Paul's attitude of pleasing "everyone in every way" is in fact not codependency. 

Dr. Gerry focuses on the book of Jonah and the call to love and reach out to people with whom we dislike or disagree. God has a message here despite our political, social, and religious views that he wants repentance and goodness for all.

Dr. Gerry discusses the Sunday Readings and how to improve recovery from addictions or problematic behaviors by approaching ourselves differently.

Dr. Crete provides a strategy based on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy to break through relationship conflicts and unhealthy patterns.

As Dr. Gerry explores the character of Herod, he discusses how our negative behaviors can be adaptive and self-protective. Dr. Gerry ties in the latest Wonder Woman movie (minimal spoilers) as well as the Eastern Catholic concept of epiphany and “theoria” as he discusses how to challenge our own motivations and adapt in new ways through union with and worship of God. 

Dr. Gerry and Dr. Laura Cusumano discuss eating disorders. Dr. Laura earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Divine Mercy University and she is the mother of three young children. Dr. Laura shares her own personal journey of overcoming an eating disorder and how that led her into the field of psychology and helping others with eating disorders. 

Dr. Laura shares her struggle with anorexia that emerged in college and how she became obsessed with numbers (food and exercise) as a way to gain a sense of control. She describes how her extroverted personality started to change a...

Dr. Gerry discusses what it is to be a good father. How is fathering different from mothering? The "essentialist" position says that fatherhood is universal and biologically based. It also says that without a father figure there are negative developmental outcomes for boys. Dr. Gerry discusses how postmodern social constructivism defines fatherhood and masculinity. Dr. Gerry shares his own experience of fathering and being a stay at home dad. Research studies show the favorable outcomes of positive father involvement and warmth and closeness. There is a discussion of gender norms for men and how this brings pressure for men...

Although the holidays are meant to be a joyful time, many people struggle with higher levels of depression, grief, loneliness, and stress. Some people also experience seasonal affective disorder – and all this and a global pandemic as well! 

Dr. Gerry integrates the best advice from the mental health community with the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. 
 
The importance of “doing less” and setting realistic expectations. 
 
Practical suggestions to turn this season into an internal spiritual pilgrimage by increasing meditation, practicing mindfulness (watchfulness), loving others, and receiving comfort from God and His saints. <...

Dr. Gerry discusses the Sunday readings from a psychological and family-oriented perspective. Dr. Gerry meets with Mac Barron who is the author of “Clueless in Galilee” and co-host of the long running “Catholic in a Small Town” podcast. Dr. Gerry and Mac discuss their reaction to the commercialization and consumerism of Christmas and the loss of the true spirit of the Advent season. They discuss how a family can make Advent more meaningful and doable. 

“Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.” Psalm 85

Dr. Gerry and Mac discuss remaining joyful and being intentional...

As we begin the Advent season of waiting on Christ, Dr. Gerry and Thomas Clements discuss “Learning to Wait: The First Step in Overcoming Addiction”. Thomas is the founder of Zenith Ministries and has a graduate degree in Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville. Thomas shares his Seven Steps in dealing with addiction which include: 1) Put others first, 2) Run to something else, 3) Repeat the opposite action as often as possible, 4) Accountability, 5) Fasting, 6) Prayer, and 7) the sacramental life.

Dr. Gerry and Thomas discuss how to overcome the narcissism of addiction by facing the often difficult (and even terrifying) task...

Overall Takeaway

Human nature tends to want to be more like “goats'' than “sheep”. It’s important to reflect on our internal dispositions to learn how we can be more like the “sheep” in the Good Shepherd’s flock.

Key Verses in Sunday Mass Readings

“I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered
when it was cloudy and dark. 
I myself will pasture my sheep;
I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD.”

“And he will separate...

Overall Takeaway

When God hands us our “talents” in life, He knows what we are able to do with them and expects us to use our gifts for His glory. It can be challenging to overcome fear and avoid “burying a God-given talent.” Learn about getting to what’s behind the fear and techniques to help you affirm yourself and perhaps get unstuck in some aspect of your life.

Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings

“His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful...

Overall Takeaway

We are called by Wisdom, or the Holy Spirit, to grow in virtue and our relationship with God over the course of our lives, but we often face common psychological reasons that get in our way.

Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings

“Resplendent and unfading is wisdom,
and she is readily perceived by those who love her,
and found by those who seek her.”

“O God, you are my God whom I seek;
for you my...

Overall Takeaway

Jesus turns the shame-filled, anxiety-ridden narratives of our lives into redemption and transformation. Often, we don’t recognize that when we’re on that journey, and it takes effort to gain that perspective.

Key Verses From Sunday Readings

“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
they have washed their robes
and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.”

“Beloved, we are God’s children now;
what we shall be has...

Overall Takeaway

People who have superiority complexes are usually trying to make themselves feel better by belittling others. When we can understand what’s behind the attitude, it can help us be more compassionate and loving toward them.

Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings

“Thus says the LORD:
‘You shall not molest or oppress an alien,

for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.’”

“Brothers and sisters:

You know what sort of people we...

Overall Takeaway

Many of us feel trapped in some aspect of our lives, just as the Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus in their questioning in this week’s gospel. Just as Jesus had an unexpected answer for them, He has one for us if we’re willing to listen.

Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings

“For the sake of Jacob, my servant,
of Israel, my chosen one,
I have called you by your name,
giving you a title, though you knew m...

Overall Takeaway

Just as the invited individuals in this week’s Gospel refuse to attend the king’s wedding feast, we often do the same in our lives. Although this can be attributed to sin or distractions, it can also come from psychological blind spots that we refuse to address.

Key Verses from Sunday Readings

“On this mountain the LORD of hosts
will provide for all peoples
a feast of rich food and choice wines”

“My God will fully...

Overall Takeaway

Anxiety is often a symptom in our modern world and can be a real barrier to our relationship with God as well as to our own healing. Our cognitions and surroundings can clearly affect our mood while meditation and prayer can bring an unsurpassing peace.

Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings

“The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah are his cherished plant;
he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed!”