In this episode, I am joined by Jonathan Strate, President and CEO of Ascension, for a conversation about discerning what the Church needs and how Ascension makes decisions to meet those needs. We explore how prayer and research can work together, the importance of recognizing the unique giftings of others, and their exciting new edition of the Liturgy of the Hours.
Reflection and Discussion Questions:
Jonathan Strate describes how Ascension Press offers smaller opportunities to new online evangelists to see if these presenters connect well to their audience. In other words, they place “small bets” before going all-in and investing a lot of time and money. Why is this wise? How can this technique of “risk minimizing” translate to your life? For example, you may be considering launching an apostolate that would dramatically change your life; how could you “try it on” before committing a large amount of resources?
One of our best yeses–hands down–is a daily, set-apart prayer time. Doesn’t have to be long, doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it should be personal. It should also be anchored somehow to the prayer of the Church. Do you pray with the Liturgy of the Hours? The Daily Readings? Daily Mass? If not, are you open to starting? Do you see the beauty in the way that the entire Catholic Church prays together each day?
Why do you think there is a resurgence in interest in what is beautiful and true, for example, the sacred art that Claire spoke of or the new translation of the Liturgy of the Hours as Jonathan explained it? How is this a “best yes” for the Church – the embrace of Spirit-led renewal while staying anchored to our sacred past?
Jonathan said one of his best yeses – really, a series of yeses - is the openness to life that has led to a family of seven children. How can you make a more radical “yes” to the tremendous gift of life–whether taking better care of your own, nurturing others’ inner lives through spiritual motherhood or fatherhood, or advocating for those who cannot defend their own right to life?
Resources Mentioned:
Ascension’s new Liturgy of the Hours (Second Edition)
Meet Ruth Strickland (Video)
The Perfect Prayer (Video)
Into the Deep with Dan Burke (Video)
We’d love to hear from you!
If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust.
