Filipino Cardinal “Ambo” David on hearing God's voice in the Bible

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In this episode of "The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.," Fr. Martin speaks with Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, Bishop of Kalookan, Philippines. Elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2024 by Pope Francis, the ministry of Cardinal “Ambo” has been marked by a deep solidarity with those on the margins, with whom he’s established 21 urban mission stations in poor communities affected by violence. With a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of Louvain, Cardinal Ambo shares his Ignatian approach of “reading between the lines of scripture,” without forgetting the very important “dots” we connect through biblical scholarship. Timecodes: 0:00 Prayer is necessary to survive 2:50 What’s an Ignatian approach towards scripture? 5:19 How Cardinal Ambo received his nickname and why he prefers it to “Your Eminence” 7:28 Cardinal Ambo’s early calling to the priesthood 14:05 Biblical scholarship establishes the dots, Ignatian Contemplation helps connect them 21:30 How studying Aramaic allows Cardinal Ambo to better understand Jesus 24:50 The urban mission stations that bring hope to the poor 30:40 What characterizes Filipino-Catholic spirituality? 32:30 Audience Question: How does Jesus’ resurrection change reality? Read Fr. Jim's article on Ignatian contemplation here: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2026/05/05/cardinal-ambo-david-on-hearing-gods-voice-in-the-bible/ Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at: thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe ****** America Media is the leading provider of editorial content for thinking Catholics and those who want to know what Catholics are thinking. To become a subscriber, visit https://www.americamagazine.org/subsc... ****** Sign-up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/2Ka4SOi ****** Follow us on Social Media: • America Media on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Kal3Ll • America Media on Twitter: http://bit.ly/2viJosZ • America Media on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Ka5q