Season 2

November 24, 2024 (Christ the King)

I explored what it means for Jesus to be a king and the nature of the Kingdom of God. I shared how Jesus' kingdom is not of this world and how his teachings and life show us how to live in it. I also shared insights from the catechism and emphasized the importance of everyday holiness and the role of the church and sacraments.

November 17, 2024

I discuss apocalyptic imagery and its meaning for us today. We discuss preppers and their motivations and how we should focus on living our lives fully without fear. I also share a thought experiment to help us reflect on what truly matters in our lives.
 

November 10, 2024

I share a powerful story about trust, faith, and giving everything to God. We explored the stories of a woman from the Old Testament and a widow from the Gospel, both of whom gave their all despite their dire circumstances. I encouraged everyone to reflect on what they might be holding back from God and to offer it all to Him.

October 20, 2024

I shared a story from my seminary days when a classmate was stressed about getting a B instead of an A. It reminded me of how James and John in the Bible wanted the top spots next to Jesus. We talked about the pressure to be perfect and how it's okay to struggle and ask for help. I emphasized the importance of humility and how suffering can be a gift that leads to growth and maturity. I encouraged listeners, especially students, to embrace their challenges and seek guidance when needed. The key takeaway was that perfection isn't necessary, and the true value lies in the journey and the lessons learned along the way.

October 06, 2024

I talked about Respect Life Sunday and how respecting life goes beyond just thinking about unborn children. I shared a unique perspective from the story of Adam and Eve, explaining how living together before marriage can take away the special experience of life-changing after marriage. I discussed how cohabitation can blur the important boundary experiences that marriage is meant to mark, which can lead to higher chances of divorce. I also touched on the importance of sacrifice and the spiritual aspects of marriage that many overlook. I encouraged everyone to demand better preparation for marriage and to pray for their own and others' marriages, asking for fresh blessings and new life in their relationships. Let's all remember to respect life in every aspect, especially in our relationships and families.

September 29, 2024

Fr. Raymond dives into a deep discussion about the gospel and its metaphorical teachings. He explains that the drastic measures mentioned, like cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye, are not meant to be taken literally. Instead, they symbolize the importance of removing temptations from our lives to avoid sin. Fr. Raymond emphasizes the need for discernment, especially when listening to preachers outside the church, and warns against false prophets. He also sheds light on the historical context of Gehenna, a burning trash heap outside Jerusalem, to illustrate the concept of eternal suffering. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to be vigilant against temptation, seek guidance in faith, and strive to live a life aligned with Jesus Christ.

September 22, 2024

Sorry for the poor audio quality. I tried cleaning it up as best I could. The recorder used the built-in mic and not the lapel one.
Highlights of this episode:
Children naturally experience joy and wonder.
I shared a story about a toddler playing with reusable water balloons.
Adults often lose their sense of joy due to life's challenges and goals.
It's important to find joy in simple things and stay hopeful.
Life can be unjust, but how we respond to suffering matters.
We should seek to maintain a childlike wonder and joy.
Helping our neighbors can change how we see the world.
The Lord will ultimately bring justice to everyone.
 
Next Steps
This week, try to find joy in simple things and seek a childlike wonder in your daily life.

September 08, 2024

Highlights:
Jesus takes the deaf man aside to give him His full attention before healing him.
We often seek help from the Lord out of desperation, asking for healing from various struggles.
Sometimes, we don't see immediate results because we're not truly listening to God.
The importance of personal one-on-one time with Jesus.
The Lord values the relationship with us more than the actual healing.
Modern medicine and instant gratification can distract us from seeking a deeper relationship with God.
We should openly share our deepest thoughts and feelings with Jesus during prayer.
Spending five minutes each day in prayer can help us connect better with God.
Jesus desires a personal and intimate relationship with each one of us.
The Mass is our highest form of worship, but daily personal prayer is also crucial.
Next Steps
This week, try to spend five minutes each day in personal prayer, sharing your heart with Jesus and asking Him to open your ears to truly hear Him.

August 18, 2024 (CCM Opening Mass)

Highlights:
The new school year has started, and it's both exciting and a bit scary.
It's important to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance during this new phase.
You'll receive your class syllabi, which can feel overwhelming, but don't worry.
Starting the week with Jesus and the Holy Spirit makes a big difference.
You'll be intellectually and spiritually fed during this time.
This is a chance to make your faith your own, not just your parents'.
The bread Jesus gives nourishes the soul, unlike any other bread.
Many college students miss out on feeding their souls, focusing only on their minds and bodies.
Your college years should leave you a different and stronger person in faith.
The Holy Spirit is at work in your life, even if you don't realize it yet.
We're here to help you ignite the Holy Spirit within you and grow in your faith.

August 15, 2024 (Solemnity of the Annunciation of Mary)

Highlights:
 
In the Eastern Church, this event is celebrated as the Dormition of Mary, meaning her falling asleep and then being taken to heaven.
Mary's life teaches us to point others to Jesus and to put others first.
By giving more of ourselves to others, we get a taste of heaven on Earth.
Heaven is described as a dimension beyond our senses, which can be experienced during the Eucharist.
Mary's assumption reminds us that death is not the end but a doorway to our heavenly inheritance.
It's important to become familiar with the taste of heaven through our actions and faith.
Mary's joy and experience of heaven inspire us to share that joy with others.
Growing spiritually helps us to perceive heavenly things beyond our bodily senses.