Verso l'Alto
Verso l'Alto
Welcome to Verso l'Alto, Faith on the Field Podcast. Join Fr. Burke Masters, priest of the Diocese of Joliet and chaplain to the Chicago Cubs and Bishop James Wall of the Diocese of Gallup, while they explore the Catholic Faith through Scripture, the saints, and the thrill of sports.
Episodes
From Home Plate To the Altar
Examining the True Presence, the parable of the messianic banquet, and a quick look at baseball standings.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
A Conversation with Ray McKenna, founder of Catholic Athletes for Christ
A discussion about supporting Catholic athletes and the tenants of the vineyard.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Faith, Baseball & Providence with Jeff Suppan
A conversation with the former MLB pitcher on apologetics, tax collectors, and the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's controversial.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Your Race, Your Role, Your Reward
Catching up on baseball, early NFL predictions, and the parable of the laborers."From Christendom to Apostolic Mission": https://bookstore.umary.edu/MerchDetail?MerchID=1638495Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
When Life Throws You a Knuckleball: Faith, Loss & Forgiveness
A conversation on being ready to meet God, and why forgiveness is a constant practice.Mike's son Donovan's speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=tfDqnhpEtO8Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
An Interview with Archbishop Paul Coakley and Bishop James Conley
Plus: a look at how to engage in fraternal correction.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Win the World, Lose Your Soul
A discussion of baseball standings, good spiritual books, and kids with smartphones.Books mentioned:"The Lamb's Supper" by Scott Hahn: https://catholic.market/books/the-lambs-supper-the-mass-as-heaven-on-earth-paperback/"Confessions" by St. Augustine: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3296/3296-h/3296-h.htm"The Restless Flame" by Louis De Wohl: https://ignatius.com/the-restless-flame-rfp/"Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Wild-Heart-Expanded/John-Eldredge/9781400225262"The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis: https://books.kolbe.org/products/the-screwtape-letters"He Leadeth Me" by Fr. Walter J. Ciszek, SJ: https://ignatius.com/he-leadeth-me-hlm2p/"Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/an-introduction-to-the-devout-life/"Holy Moments" by Matthew Kelly: https://www.holymomentsbook.com/"The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien: https://www.thriftbooks.com/series/the-lord-of-the-rings/37122/"The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/5657/pg5657-images.html"Grand Slam for God": https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/a-grand-slam-for-godTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Jon Paul Morosi and the Keys of the Kingdom
A conversation with the sports reporter about memorable athlete encounters and the importance of the Papacy.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Broken, Not Beaten: Finding Strength in Christ
Baseball, the Japanese art of "Kintsugi", and the Canaanite woman who followed Jesus.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Baseball trades, a heart-stopping lifeguard rescue, and walking on water.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Future Saints, and One Big Miracle
How athletes can find identity beyond the game, and the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Trading for Treasure
Final World Cup thoughts, baseball trades, and a look at the parable of the "Pearl of Great Price".Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
From Exit Velocity to Eternal Victory
Catching up on the World Cup and baseball, and a look at the upcoming parables of the mustard seed, weeds, and leavened bread.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Seeds, Scores, and Salvation
Catching up on the World Cup Round of 8, summer travels, and the Parable of the Sower.Catholic Sports Camps: https://www.catholicsportscamps.orgTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Invitation, Imitation, Celebration
A discussion on supporting kids in sports, World Cup predictions, and the meaning behind Jesus' use of yokes and burdens.Catholic Sports Camps: https://www.catholicsportscamps.orgTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Peace, Points, and a Prophet's Reward, with Wimbledon tennis competitor Caroline Dolehide
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney welcome guest Caroline Dolehide for a conversation on how to maintain faith and mental fortitude while competing at the highest athletic levels.Links:https://www.carolinedolehide.com/donateTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
From the Diamond to the Pitch: Baseball, World Cup, and the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney discuss the NBA Finals, the World Cup, and laying down your life to follow Christ.Links:Enthronement of the Sacred Heart:https://files.kofc.org/download/assets/Enthronement+Booklet/541498da9d8511f08d21221c26c50bbaBishop Wall on X: https://x.com/BishopWallTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Nats, Tats, and Tribes, with guest Trevor Williams
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney speak with Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams about his MLB career and Catholic faith.Links: Sing the Hours: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MvuGtXFIbfej3dz8cKBVpTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Let's Get Real
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney discuss the controversial Nationals' interview about Trevor Williams, the Mendoza Line in baseball, and the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
An Interview with NFL Hall Of Famer John Lynch, GM of the San Francisco 49ers
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney are joined by former NFL player and current 49ers GM John Lynch for a discussion on how his Catholic faith shapes his approach to sports.Prayer to the Holy Spirit:"Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithfuland kindle in them the fire of your love.Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,and you shall renew the face of the earth.Let us pray.O God, who have taught the hearts of the faithfulby the light of the Holy Spirit,grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wiseand ever rejoice in his consolation.Through Christ our Lord. Amen."Fr. Burke's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOt-ntVKl9ko98Yd7uiuWOATheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
God's Walk-Off
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney make NBA finals predictions, look at the latest standings from a wide range of sports, and explain why you should never be afraid to sing at Mass.Links:https://chadtracker.liveTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Going, Going, Gone
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney discuss Kyle Schwarber's home run streak and how God's mercy extends to even the worst of sinners in the sacrament of Confession.Links mentioned:https://www.praymorenovenas.com/our-lady-of-lourdes-novenahttps://www.dosp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Pentecost-Novena.pdfhttps://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/a-grand-slam-for-godTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Honest Play, Holy Fire
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney discuss the Kentucky Derby, classiness in golf, and the importance of the Holy Spirit.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Diamonds, Drafts & Deacons
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney examine the NFL Draft and institution of the diaconate.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Slumps, the Spirit, and the Shepherd
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney catch up on their favorite MLB/NBA teams and discuss the significance of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
From Augusta to Emmaus
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney discuss the Masters Golf Tournament, MLB standings, and the disciples' encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus.Jo Adell's crazy catches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwCLtVXOqycTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Mercy, Madness & the Masters
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney talk baseball and golf, discuss the role of father in a family's faith life, and explain the significance of Divine Mercy Sunday.Useful links:Into the BreachFORGETheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
First Pitch, Final Four and Final Victory
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney analyze the crazy UConn vs. Duke game, baseball's opening games, and why Easter is the most important day in the Church calendar.To see the video/picture discussed in this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/-rUM3cCcS9A
Palms and Playoffs
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney make early baseball predictions, compare March Madness brackets, and examine the importance of Palm Sunday.
Victory Beyond the Final Buzzer
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney make their March Madness predictions and Jesus' raising of Lazarus from the dead.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Jesus' Miraculous "Spitball"
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney give early bracket and college baseball predictions and discuss the Gospel story of Jesus curing the blind man. Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Sports, Springs, and Samaritans
Bishop Wall and Fr. Burke discuss MLB Spring Training games, favorite Winter Olympics moments, and the Gospel story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well.
Faith, Baseball, and Future Glory
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney speak about the similarities of Lent and baseball spring training, and examine the importance of the Transfiguration.
Lent, Spring Training, and a Good Samaritan
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney describe how Lent is a kind of "Spring Training" for Catholics, and Mike shares a memorable encounter with Terrance Gore.
Law Lifted, Life Leveled Up: Interview with Rams Coach Giff Smith
NFL defensive line coach Giff Smith joins the podcast to discuss his conversion and coaching career.Links mentioned: The Real Presence: https://vimeo.com/1076384787Into the Breach: ewtn.com/catholicism/library/into-the-breach-3981
Salt, Light, and the Superbowl
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney make their Superbowl predictions, then break down the deep significance of the phrase "You are the salt of the world".
Championship Weekend and the Beatitudes Blitz
Bishop Wall and Fr. Masters discuss the final NFL playoff games, then take a deep dive into the Beatitudes.
Episode 16: Come, Follow Me
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney talk football, saying Mass for the L.A. Rams, and Jesus' calling of the Apostles.
Behold the Lamb, and Big Wins
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney break down their college and NFL finals picks, look into the meaning of Ordinary Time, and Mike recalls facing off against Roger Clemens.
Baptism, Brackets, and Blessings
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney give their college football and NFL playoff predictions and look into the beginning of Ordinary Time.
Mary, Magi and Matchups
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney make predictions for the college football playoffs and dive into the significance of Mary as the Mother of God.
Christmas Cheer and Championship Dreams
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney discuss shakeups in the NFL and the significance of the Holy Family.
Rivers' Return, Mendoza's Mastery, and Advent's Radiant Joy
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney discuss the Colts vs. Seahawks game, Heisman trophy winner, and the Holy Family.
(Re-recorded) Rejoicing, Rivers, and the Road to the Playoffs
Take two, without technical difficulties this time! Fr. Masters, Bishop Wall, and Mike Sweeney discuss Philip Rivers' return to the NFL, the College Football Playoff, and John the Baptist. Apologies for the technical difficulties this episode!
Coaching Carousel and Advent Countdown
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney give their thoughts on college football transfers and the significance of John the Baptist and the Immaculate Conception.
The Already & Not Yet Playbook
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney discuss the Cowboys v. Eagles game, Thanksgiving, and the upcoming Advent season.
Fathers Worshiping the True King
Bishop Wall and Fr. Masters are joined by former KC Royals player Mike Sweeney to discuss fatherhood, the current NFL season, and Christ as "King of the Universe".Links:John Paul II Healing Center: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/teamNunc Coepi, "Begin Again": https://www.omvusa.org/bruno-lanteri/life-legacy/begin-again/from-begin-again
Martyrs, Managers, and Mercy
Bishop Wall and Fr. Masters discuss the surprising Packers/Eagles game, the End Times, and martyrdom.
Episode 5: Stay Close To the River
Bishop Wall and Fr. Masters discuss the World Series, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, and St. John Lateran.
Saints, Souls, and the Scoreboard, with special guest Mike Sweeney
Bishop Wall and Fr. Masters are joined by the former MLB athlete to discuss baseball, All Souls Day, and sportsmanship.