Struggling in life? What if those struggles are actually proof of God’s love? In this episode of Voyage, Fr. Richard Ounsworth OP takes us through Hebrews 12, unpacking the powerful metaphor of the Christian life as a race—one requiring perseverance, discipline, and faith.

Just as athletes push through exhaustion to reach the finish line, we are called to endure hardships as God’s way of shaping us into His children. Drawing from the wisdom of both the Old and New Testaments, we explore how Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of our faith, endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and how we, too, are called to keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Fr. Richard also dives into the ancient rhetorical device of chiasm in Hebrews, revealing how its structure places Jesus at the very heart of our faith journey. Along the way, we reflect on biblical themes of endurance, holiness, and the ultimate goal of our pilgrimage—the heavenly Jerusalem.

Join us as we explore how suffering, rather than being a sign of God's absence, is actually the mark of our true belonging as His children.

Bible References:

• Heb.12:1-2 – Running the race with perseverance, Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of faith
• Prov.3:11-12 – The Lord disciplines those He loves
• Heb.9:11-12 – Jesus as the high priest entering heaven with His own blood
• 1Cor.9:24-27 – The Christian life as an athletic race
• Deut.4:10-12 – The fearsome encounter at Mount Sinai
• Gen.25:29-34 – Esau selling his birthright, a warning against failing in faith

Fr. Richard J. Ounsworth, OP, a biblical scholar and renowned expert on the Letter to the Hebrews, unveils the mysteries of Hebrews, exploring Jesus as High Priest, Creator, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Discover how this powerful book bridges the Old and New Testaments, calling us to faith and rest in God. A profound journey into scripture’s deepest truths awaits!

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Faith is the map, the compass, and the journey itself for those on pilgrimage to a heavenly city. Welcome back to Voyage, where Fr. Richard Ounsworth unpacks the letter to the Hebrews in a profound yet accessible way.

This episode explores Hebrews 11, a chapter that illustrates the essence of faith through the lives of Old Testament heroes. From Abel to Abraham, Moses, and Rahab, we uncover how faith is not mere belief but a trust in unseen promises and a conviction that shapes actions. Discover how these heroes lived as pilgrims, seeking a better homeland—a heavenly one. Dive deep into the Jewish and Christian imagination of the "city that has foundations," a vision that transcends earthly realities.

Fr. Richard also reflects on the patterns, repetitions, and deliberate gaps in Hebrews’ rhetoric, revealing connections to Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises. This episode is an invitation to embrace faith not as a static idea but as a transformative journey toward God’s eternal rest. Join us as we journey together in faith, hope, and trust.

Bible References:

• Gen.5:24: Enoch walking with God and being taken up
• Gen.6–7: Noah’s faith in building the ark
• Gen.15:5–6: God’s promise to Abraham of descendants as numerous as the stars
• Gen.22:1–14: Abraham’s faith in offering Isaac
• Ex.2:1–10: The faith of Moses’ parents
• Rom.4:11–12: Abraham as the father of those who have faith
• Gal.3:7–9: Faith making one a child of Abraham

Fr. Richard J. Ounsworth, OP, a biblical scholar and renowned expert on the Letter to the Hebrews, unveils the mysteries of Hebrews, exploring Jesus as High Priest, Creator, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Discover how this powerful book bridges the Old and New Testaments, calling us to faith and rest in God. A profound journey into scripture’s deepest truths awaits!

Shalom World Podcasts: https://www.shalomworld.org/podcasts

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

Death used to separate humanity from God, but because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, it’s now our gateway to eternal life. In this episode of Voyage, join Fr. Richard Ounsworth from Holy Cross Priory in Leicester as we explore Hebrews 10 and the profound parallels between Christ's sacrifice and the Day of Atonement.

We’ll dive into the transformative power of Christ’s single offering, abolishing the old law’s sacrifices to establish a covenant that sanctifies us once and for all. Discover how the tearing of the temple veil symbolizes our access to heaven and how Eucharist and baptism unite us with Christ's flesh. Fr. Ounsworth also addresses common fears about sin, offering assurance of God’s mercy and the confidence we have through faith.

Whether you’ve faced struggles, doubts, or persecution, this episode will inspire you to persevere in hope and provoke love and good deeds within your community. The message is clear: Christ’s victory is final, and we are called to live in the freedom of that promise.

Tune in for this deeply encouraging and theologically rich reflection on Hebrews 10.

Bible References:

• Heb.9:11-28 – Christ's sacrificial death, as the High Priest, ushers in a new covenant
• Heb.10:1-25 – The old sacrifices were a shadow of Christ’s perfect sacrifice
• Rom.5:20 – God's superabundant grace through Christ
• Ps.40:6-8 – Obedience and readiness to do His will
• Matt.27:51 – Removal of the barrier between humanity and God
• Jos.3:14-17 – God is faithful in fulfilling His promises

Fr. Richard J. Ounsworth, OP, a biblical scholar and renowned expert on the Letter to the Hebrews, unveils the mysteries of Hebrews, exploring Jesus as High Priest, Creator, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Discover how this powerful book bridges the Old and New Testaments, calling us to faith and rest in God. A profound journey into scripture’s deepest truths awaits!

Shalom World Podcasts: https://www.shalomworld.org/podcasts

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045