Conquering the Need to Control

Conquering the Need to Control

Author: Fr. James Searby December 8, 2025 Duration: 19:27

John the Baptist and the Second Sunday of Advent, Year A 2025

John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea
and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
A voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.

John wore clothing made of camel's hair
and had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and wild honey.
At that time Jerusalem, all Judea,
and the whole region around the Jordan
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.

When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees
coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers!
Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.
And do not presume to say to yourselves,
'We have Abraham as our father.'
For I tell you,
God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees.
Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
I am baptizing you with water, for repentance,
but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.
I am not worthy to carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand.
He will clear his threshing floor
and gather his wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."


Fr. James Searby hosts Holiness for the Working Day, a podcast that finds the sacred woven into the fabric of ordinary life. This isn’t about retreating from the world but engaging with it more deeply, whether you’re in a classroom, an office, on a commute, or managing a home. The struggle for goodness can feel overwhelming amidst deadlines, chores, and daily friction. Here, you’ll hear Fr. Searby’s homilies, meditations, and informal talks that reframe that very struggle as the path itself. The content is grounded in Christian spirituality but speaks to the universal human experience of seeking meaning and connection amidst busyness. Each episode offers a practical lens, suggesting that holiness isn’t a distant ideal for saints but a tangible possibility in our routines and relationships. Listen for thoughtful reflections that turn daily challenges into moments of grace and understanding. This podcast provides a quiet space for learning and interior growth, meeting you right where you are. The tone is accessible and encouraging, avoiding abstract theory in favor of relatable insight. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered how their faith or search for purpose fits into the relentless pace of a working day. By integrating spiritual wisdom with everyday reality, the podcast makes the pursuit of a meaningful life feel not only necessary but entirely achievable. You can naturally find this perspective throughout the entire podcast series.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Holiness for the Working Day
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