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
41 episodes
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...
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/donate...
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/541498da...
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: "Roc...
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 w...
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, fi...
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...
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-...
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: ...
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:
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: <...
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-brea...