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
34 episodes
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...
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!