Matt Swaim welcomes Steve Ray of CatholicConvert.com to explore the fascinating biblical history and symbolism of nard, one of the precious oils mentioned in Scripture. Steve explains where nard came from, why it was extraordinarily expensive, and how it was used in the ancient world.

The conversation then turns to the woman who anointed Jesus with costly spikenard. Steve explains how the Gospel of John connects this act to the Song of Solomon, highlighting Jesus' kingship and foreshadowing His burial. The discussion also considers why the Church gives beautiful and precious things to God, and what that teaches us about detachment and offering our lives to Christ.

Matt Swaim welcomes Steve Ray of CatholicConvert.com to explore the fascinating biblical history and symbolism of nard, one of the precious oils mentioned in Scripture. Steve explains where nard came from, why it was extraordinarily expensive, and how it was used in the ancient world.
The conversation then turns to the woman who anointed Jesus with costly spikenard. Steve explains how the Gospel of John connects this act to the Song of Solomon, highlighting Jesus' kingship and foreshadowing His burial. The discussion also considers why the Church gives beautiful and precious things to God, and what that teaches us about detachment and offering our lives to Christ.

Son Rise Morning Show The Son Rise Morning Show with Anna Mitchell and Matt Swaim is fast-paced, motivating and informational – always from the Catholic perspective. You’ll hear news, engaging interviews, prayer and more each weekday morning from 6am-8am ET. 

Son Rise Morning Show The Son Rise Morning Show with Anna Mitchell and Matt Swaim is fast-paced, motivating and informational – always from the Catholic perspective. You’ll hear news, engaging interviews, prayer and more each weekday morning from 6am-8am ET. <a href="https://www.ewtn.com/radio/podcasts/son-rise-morning-show-~NZ"></a>

Son Rise Morning Show

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Son Rise Morning Show 2026

The Biblical Significance of Nard: Anointing Jesus the King

Matthew Becklo, Publishing Director for Word on Fire and author of The Way of Heaven and Earth, joins the Son Rise Morning Show to explore the Protestant Reformation's famous five “solas” and the Catholic “both/and” approach to questions of faith, works, grace, Scripture, Tradition, and the Church.

Becklo explains why Catholics can affirm the importance of the truths emphasized by the Reformers while rejecting the idea that they must stand alone or in opposition to other dimensions of Christian faith. His central theme is that Catholicism holds together realities that can mistakenly be treated as either/or choices.

Matthew Becklo, Publishing Director for Word on Fire and author of The Way of Heaven and Earth, joins the Son Rise Morning Show to explore the Protestant Reformation's famous five &ldquo;solas&rdquo; and the Catholic &ldquo;both/and&rdquo; approach to questions of faith, works, grace, Scripture, Tradition, and the Church.
Becklo explains why Catholics can affirm the importance of the truths emphasized by the Reformers while rejecting the idea that they must stand alone or in opposition to other dimensions of Christian faith. His central theme is that Catholicism holds together realities that can mistakenly be treated as either/or choices.

From “Either/Or” to “Both/And”: Understanding the Solas and Catholic Faith

Alan Smith, a member of the advisory board for the cause of soon-to-be Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, joins the Son Rise Morning Show to continue exploring Sheen's reflections on the Holy Hour. Drawing from Lord, Teach Us to Pray and the writings of St. Peter Julian Eymard, Smith reflects on Sheen's meditation on the Eucharist as “the Need of Our Heart.”

The discussion centers on three powerful themes: Christ's presence, His generosity, and our union with Him. The Eucharist is not merely a reminder of Jesus or a gift that He gives us—it is Jesus Himself, waiting for us in the tabernacle and offering us His merits, His grace, and ultimately His very self.

Smith and the Son Rise Morning Show also explore how Eucharistic devotion transforms us into disciples: we become what we adore. Through time spent with Christ in Eucharistic prayer and Holy Hours, we are gradually drawn into deeper union with Him and formed to become more like Him.

Alan Smith, a member of the advisory board for the cause of soon-to-be Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, joins the Son Rise Morning Show to continue exploring Sheen's reflections on the Holy Hour. Drawing from Lord, Teach Us to Pray and the writings of St. Peter Julian Eymard, Smith reflects on Sheen's meditation on the Eucharist as &ldquo;the Need of Our Heart.&rdquo;
The discussion centers on three powerful themes: Christ's presence, His generosity, and our union with Him. The Eucharist is not merely a reminder of Jesus or a gift that He gives us&mdash;it is Jesus Himself, waiting for us in the tabernacle and offering us His merits, His grace, and ultimately His very self.
Smith and the Son Rise Morning Show also explore how Eucharistic devotion transforms us into disciples: we become what we adore. Through time spent with Christ in Eucharistic prayer and Holy Hours, we are gradually drawn into deeper union with Him and formed to become more like Him.

Fulton Sheen on the Eucharist: “The Need of Our Heart”

Kris McGregor of DiscerningHearts.com joins the Son Rise Morning Show to reflect on the life and spiritual legacy of St. Monica, whose feast is celebrated on August 27, the day before the feast of her son, St. Augustine.

Drawing from the Office of Readings and Augustine's Confessions, Kris explores the beautiful final conversations between Monica and her son at Ostia shortly before her death. After years of praying for Augustine's conversion, Monica had finally witnessed him become a Catholic Christian—and discovered that God had been transforming her through those years of prayer as well.

Kris also shares a personal story of unexpectedly encountering St. Monica's relics in Rome and reflects on Monica's profound lesson in patient, trusting prayer: sometimes God asks us not simply to pray harder, but to learn how to wait for His timing.

Kris McGregor of DiscerningHearts.com joins the Son Rise Morning Show to reflect on the life and spiritual legacy of St. Monica, whose feast is celebrated on August 27, the day before the feast of her son, St. Augustine.
Drawing from the Office of Readings and Augustine's Confessions, Kris explores the beautiful final conversations between Monica and her son at Ostia shortly before her death. After years of praying for Augustine's conversion, Monica had finally witnessed him become a Catholic Christian&mdash;and discovered that God had been transforming her through those years of prayer as well.
Kris also shares a personal story of unexpectedly encountering St. Monica's relics in Rome and reflects on Monica's profound lesson in patient, trusting prayer: sometimes God asks us not simply to pray harder, but to learn how to wait for His timing.

The Biblical Significance of Nard: Anointing Jesus the King

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