I recently posted this quotation from Pope Paul VI to Youtube:

“Furthermore, in her rejection of every persecution against any man, the Church, mindful of the patrimony she shares with the Jews and moved not by political reasons but by the Gospel's spiritual love, decries hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.”

And, oh man, was the feedback fun. Within minutes, I was accused of everything from cozying up to The Daily Wire to desperately chasing subscribers to—and maybe I shouldn’t be surprised—being under the influence of Jewish money.

But one question kept coming up: What is antisemitism? One commenter put it this way:

“How about having a clear definition of what the word means? Is that too much to ask? Because quite frankly, every time I look it up, it's never really clear. Words have meaning. Or at least they should. If the M word for taking a life was used, and someone is accused of it, everyone knows what it means. But imagine it's not clear what it means. And someone out of nowhere accused someone of it, but the definition keeps changing or is not clear—what then?”

Fair enough. So, to help clarify, I’ve written a Socratic dialogue exploring what I antisemitism is—and what it isn’t.

One quick note before you read on—I assure you, I’m writing this in good faith. I know this topic is deeply important to many people, including my fellow Catholics. This article is simply my attempt to articulate what seems obvious to me, not a middle finger at those who disagree.

"Nostra Aetate," the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, is a significant document from the Second Vatican Council that addresses the Catholic Church's relationship with people of other faiths, including Judaism.

Why am I sharing this right now? Because I recently released a video entitled: “Why Did Luther Remove Books from the Bible?” In it Dr. John Bergsma shares how Martin Luther appealed to the Jewish tradition to get rid of several books from the Bible (which is why Protestant Bibles lack several books). In the comment section someone wrote: “I swear, it’s the f—-ing Jews every time.” I hid the fellow from my channel, who, of course, was anonymous, but I’m seeing this sort of thing more and more.

Now, before anyone accuses me of it—and they will—let me be clear: I’m not saying that one can’t criticize the Jewish religion (here’s a criticism I have—they should accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah) or the state of Israel, nor am I claiming that every accusation of anti-Semitism is valid. What I am saying is this: Here’s what the Church teaches about our relationship with the Jewish people, and Catholics—especially those who share sentiments like the ones I quoted above—should take it to heart.

The document acknowledges the shared spiritual heritage between Christians and Jews. It emphasizes that the beginnings of the Christian faith are deeply rooted in Judaism, recognizing it as a path prepared by God for Christian revelation.

"As the Sacred Synod searches into the mystery of the Church, it recalls the spiritual bond linking the people of the New Covenant with Abraham's stock."

2. Rejecting Anti-Semitism:

Nostra Aetate explicitly repudiates all forms of anti-Semitism, urging Catholics to avoid any discrimination or harassment against Jews. It stresses that such actions are contrary to the spirit of Christ and the teachings of the Church.

“The Church… deplores all hatreds, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism directed against Jews at any time and by anyone."

3. Theological Connections:

It affirms that the Church shares common spiritual patrimony with the Jewish people, emphasizing that Jews remain "most dear to God" because of the patriarchs and that God "does not repent of the gifts He makes or of the calls He issues."

"Indeed, the Church believes that by His cross Christ, Our Peace, reconciled Jews and Gentiles, making both one in Himself."

4. The Crucifixion:

The document clarifies that, although some Jewish leaders collaborated with Roman authorities in Christ’s crucifixion, this cannot be used to charge all Jews of that time or today with His death. It highlights that Christ died for all humanity's sins.

"True, the Jewish authorities and those who followed their lead pressed for the death of Christ; still, what happened in His Passion cannot be charged against all the Jews, without distinction, then alive, nor against the Jews of today."

5. Promoting Dialogue:

It encourages dialogue and collaboration between Catholics and Jews, fostering mutual understanding and respect. It underscores the need for Christians to conduct themselves as followers of Christ's love and gospel message.

"Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is so great, this sacred synod wishes to foster and recommend mutual understanding and respect."

6. Hope for the Future:

Nostra Aetate expresses hope for an ongoing positive dialogue and a deeper mutual understanding that transcends past conflicts and misunderstandings.

"The Church awaits that day, known to God alone, when all peoples will call upon the Lord with one voice and serve Him shoulder to shoulder."

At a time when hostility and division so easily spread, Catholics should be especially mindful of what the Church actually teaches about our relationship with the Jewish people. Nostra Aetate is a document which calls us to reject hatred, foster respect, and recognize the deep spiritual connection we share.

Dismissing or distorting these teachings in favor of crude generalizations or conspiratorial thinking is not just uncharitable—it’s un-Catholic. If we take our faith seriously, we must take heed of what the Church says and strive to reflect Christ’s love in our words and actions.

Over the past several months, I’ve rediscovered a real love for the Holy Rosary. It’s sometimes written off as rote prayer — something mechanical, a prayer without heart. But that couldn’t be further from what it’s meant to be. The Rosary actually weaves together vocal, mental, and contemplative prayer in a way that’s both incredibly simple and surprisingly profound.

My friend Mark Hart said something about the Rosary that really stuck with me: “It’s a Bible study on beads.” And he’s right. With every decade, you’re walking through the life of Our Lord Jesus and His Blessed Mother, meditating on their joys, sorrows, and triumphs. It’s become a beautiful, daily way to step out of the noise, slow down, and refocus my attention on the Word of God and the presence of God.

With that in mind, I scoured the internet (and a few dusty bookshelves) to find 10 incredible quotes from the saintsabout the power and beauty of the Rosary. My hope is that these will inspire you to pick up the beads again if you’ve fallen out of the habit — or maybe just reignite your devotion if you’ve been coasting a bit.

1. St. Louis de Montfort

"If you say the Rosary faithfully until death, I do assure you that, in spite of the gravity of your sins, you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory. Even if you are on the brink of damnation, even if you have one foot in hell, even if you have sold your soul to the devil, sooner or later you will be converted and will amend your life and save your soul if — and mark well what I say — if you say the Rosary devoutly every day until death for the purpose of knowing the truth and obtaining contrition and pardon for your sins."

2. St. Padre Pio

"Some people are so foolish that they think they can go through life without the help of the Blessed Mother. Love the Madonna and pray the Rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today. All graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother. You must always hold fast to the Rosary. When you do so, the Blessed Mother will wrap you in her mantle and draw you closer to the Sacred Heart of her Son."

3. St. John Paul II

"The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer. In the sobriety of its elements, it has all the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety, of which it can be said to be a compendium. With the Rosary, the Christian people sit at the school of Mary and are led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love. Through the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very hands of the Mother of the Redeemer."

4. St. Dominic

"One day, through the Rosary and the Scapular, Our Lady will save the world. The Rosary is the most powerful weapon to touch the Heart of Jesus, our Redeemer, who loves His Mother. If you wish to reach these hardened souls and win them over to God, preach my Rosary. My dear children, let your heart hold fast to this gift of Our Lady. By this devotion, you shall conquer the enemies of God and draw down abundant graces for the conversion of sinners."

5. St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)

"Cling to the Rosary as the creeper clings to the tree — for without Our Lady we cannot stand. The family that prays together, stays together, and if you want peace in your heart and your home, pray the Rosary every day. Our Lady has never refused me anything I have asked through the Rosary. She is our tender Mother, eager to grant all we need if only we will come to her with trust and love."