What does Ad Orientem have to do with Gladiator 2?
Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off the Advent season with football victories, movie mayhem, and final reflections on the pope’s encyclical on the Sacred Heart. From Notre Dame’s playoff hopes to Gladiator 2’s brooding battles, it’s an episode filled with sports, spirituality, and a surprising amount of wine. (Star Trek wine, that is.)
They swap Thanksgiving stories, reflect on family traditions, and explore how sports can form deep relational bonds—even between a theater kid and his football-loving dad. Father Dave also shares about his upcoming trip to Rome and what it means to be a “missionary of mercy” in everyday life.
The heart of the episode? Advent. They unpack the challenge of finding peace in the chaos, what it means to “pray always,” and why even the Son of Man’s arrival doesn’t guarantee a quiet season. Through sports, Scripture, and storytelling, they invite listeners into a deeper encounter with the Sacred Heart this Advent.
Want to dive deeper this Advent? Pray with us and share the hope; one story, one laugh, and one sacred moment at a time.
Highlighted Sections
(00:00) Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Box of Joy
Deacon Bob and Father Dave recap Thanksgiving fun, Black Friday sales, and the importance of generosity—spotlighting Box of Joy, a mission to share Christmas gifts with children in poverty.
(02:00) Advent Begins
As the liturgical year turns, the guys reflect on awkward Advent readings, liturgical traditions like ad orientem, and creative Advent calendars.
(03:30) Pepper Spray and Playoff Dreams
Notre Dame’s season ends with promise, while Michigan and Ohio State make headlines for pepper spray and post-game drama. They weigh playoff predictions and relive an eight-overtime thriller.
(08:30) Touchdowns and Tearjerkers
Why do we love sports so much? Deacon Bob and Father Dave share how athletics helped shape their relationships with their dads—and how those traditions continue with their own families today.
(16:52) Gladiators, Wicked Witches, and Sci-Fi Sips
Deacon Bob reviews Gladiator 2 (aka The Broodinator), shares reactions to Wicked and Moana 2, and debates the legacy of Gladiator while sipping on sci-fi-themed vino.
(20:39) Advent Chaos and Finding Peace
The gospel isn’t calm—it’s cosmic chaos. The guys talk about Christ coming into disorder, the paradox of peace in the midst of mess, and how Advent offers an invitation to pray with urgency and hope.
(27:00) Rome, Theology, and the Freedom to Love
Father Dave previews his Rome trip and the upcoming theology and culture conference—complete with Cardinal meetings, theological debates, and (maybe) an audience with the Pope.
(34:06) Encyclical Wrap-Up: Mercy, Mission, and the Sacred Heart
The pope’s letter ends with a call to forgiveness, reparation, and living out divine love. They discuss mercy, mission, and the line: “Be your own missionary, in your own way.”
Resources Mentioned
- Box of Joy – Cross Catholic Outreach – Bring Christmas to children in need
- Gladiator 2 – Directed by Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington
- Moana 2 (2025)
- Wicked – Broadway classic hits the big screen
- Encyclical on the Sacred Heart – Final thoughts and themes of forgiveness and reparation
- Ad Orientem Explained – Liturgical practice during Advent
- CatholicToTheMax.com – Use code HOPE for 10% off
Make this the best Christmas ever for children growing up in poverty around the world by donating a Box of Joy®. Your gift will surprise a child with what could be their first Christmas gift! Each box is filled with toys, clothing, school supplies, a rosary and a story about Jesus. Donate a Box of Joy at boxofjoy.org.
Box of Joy is a ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach.
Listen to more They That Hope episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.