Not So Secular Podcast with Mon Reyes

In this video, we go through three simple ways to find out exactly if the Bible you have is Catholic, plus a quick look at the translations I have.(video available on YT)

This is a question I get asked a lot, and the answer is more nuanced than you might think.I talk about the difference between Catholic and Protestant translations (Martin Luther and the 7 missing books), what the Church says about picking translations, and what Bibles I personally use.Translations mentioned in this video:New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE)New Catholic Bible (NCB)New Living Translation Catholic Edition (NLT CE)Revised Standard Version 2nd Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE)English Standard Version Catholic Edition (ESV-CE)New International Version (NIV)(video available on YT)

Many of us think of work as stress, survival, exhaustion, or productivity, but the Bible begins with a very different vision of work.(video available on YT)

"Preach the Gospel at all times; use words if necessary." St. Francis of Assisi said that! Or did he?Apparently not.(video available on YT)

(video available on Youtube)The idea of having your own personal Bible is a relatively recent phenomenon in Church history. For most Christians, Scripture was heard in the Liturgy, told through art, and prayed in community. But now that we have it, how are we making the most of it?In this video, I feature a small gift from Feast Books and reflect on how having our personal Bible time is a gift.Didache: Daily Bible Reflection for Catholics (2026) – https://feastbooks.ph/product/didache-2026/?ref=rizmonreyesGabay: Pang Araw-araw na Pagninilay Para sa mga Katoliko (2026) – https://feastbooks.ph/product/gabay-2026/?ref=rizmonreyesSabbath: Homilies for Daily Life (2026) – https://feastbooks.ph/product/sabbath-2026/?ref=rizmonreyesCompanion: 365-Day Prayer and Scripture Journal (2026) – https://feastbooks.ph/product/companion-2026-365-day-scripture-and-prayer-journal/?ref=rizmonreyes

It's hard to have a rocky relationship with your own feelings.Get our newest book!It's Time To Feel Better: How Befriending Your Emotions Can Heal Your Life, by Bo Sanchez and the Bible Nerdshttps://feastbooks.ph/product/its-time-to-feel-better/?ref=rizmonreyes

What is marriage and what does it do?You'd think we'd know how to answer such a basic question but apparently not all of us do. So let's talk about it.The Philippine Star Life Article: Fewer Pinoys are getting married—PSAhttps://philstarlife.com/self/800636-fewer-pinoys-getting-married-psaFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)This episode is also available on Youtube.

Major life update and some thoughts on New Evangelization.Redemptoris Missio (John Paul II): https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_07121990_redemptoris-missio.htmlFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

I went to Kidapawan City last week with the Bible Nerds to lead a day-and-a-half long program all about how to read Scripture, highlighting it is a work of ancient literature. This entire event was organized and hosted by the Feasters in Kidapawan.For more on the Feast, visit: https://feast.ph/BooksGod Made You Good (Genesis): https://feastbooks.ph/product/god-made-you-good/?ref=rizmonreyesGod Made You To Flourish (Exodus): https://feastbooks.ph/product/god-made-you-to-flourish/?ref=rizmonreyesLet God Hold You Close (Leviticus): https://feastbooks.ph/product/let-god-hold-you-close-book-3-how-jesus-read-his-bible-by-bo-sanchez-and-the-bible-nerd/?ref=rizmonreyesFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

This episode is an encouragement for someone who needs it. Jesus is both our path and our destination.Originally preached and recorded at Feast Bellevue PM.John 14:1-6Luke 18:11-14Luke 24:13-21Support the show!Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Compared to newborn horses, newborn babies are helpless. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing! In this episode's live talk, recorded from CFA Freedom's Expo, Mon talks about the special role of the family, particularly parents, in the growth and development of every child.Learn more about CFA (Catholic Filipino Academy) Freedom: https://linktr.ee/freedomacadSupport the show!Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

How do we foster our individuality without losing the unity of our family? How do we foster the unity of our family without losing our individuality? In this episode's live talk, recorded from Feast Bellevue PM, Mon talks about the dynamic between our individual and collective senses of identity within the family.Genesis 1:27Ephesians 4:1-2Genesis 3:10Support the show!Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Why do I have to take care of my body as a Christian?Jpaul Hernandez: https://www.instagram.com/jpaulhernandez/, https://www.facebook.com/jpaulhernandez/, https://www.jpaulhernandez.com/Support the show!Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Part of how we discover our identity is through our roles and our bonds. What happens then when those roles and bonds are threatened? Well, we grieve.Luke 5:30-32Music by Kayel MarceloSupport the show!Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

"Protecting the Filipino family from woke ideology." This is Jay's tagline for both his show and his newly published book. In this episode, he and Mon discuss what he means by that. The Jay Aruga Show: https://www.youtube.com/c/JayAruga, https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thejayarugashow Conservative Ka Ba? A 3-Step Approach To Protect The Filipino Family From Woke Ideology: https://www.stpauls.ph/product-info/conservative-ka-ba Music by Kayel MarceloSupport the show!Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

There's a difference between dating with the intention of marriage and dating with the intention of discerning marriage. It's not just about finding the "right" person, but about heeding your God-given vocation.Music by Kayel MarceloSupport the show!Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

In this episode, we delve into the profound story of Jesus' testing in the wilderness. Each of the three temptations he faced was a direct attack on his identity. Let's unpack this and see how we in turn can hold fast to our God-given identity and resist the lies of the enemy.Matthew 4:1-11Matthew 3:16-17Genesis 3:1-4Genesis 1:26-27Genesis 2:18Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Have you ever gone through a heartbreak or a terrible loss but had to power through it because you knew you had responsibilities? Have you ever had to set aside your feelings at the time because you knew other people were relying on you? It seems like Jesus knew that very well. This episode is a further reflection on what was in Jesus' heart during the well-known miracle of the Feeding of the 5000.Matthew 14Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Numbers aren't everything but it does mean something. The amount we put in means something for our work, our body, our relationships, and our faith. In some instances, it can even be a necessary pathway.Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Just because something is free, that doesn't mean it came with no cost. Let's explore what that means here in our short Easter episode.Romans 5:6-11Romans 8:14-15Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Giving flowers for your loved one is not practical. But does that make it bad though?Matthew 26:6-13Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Can I fast from social media instead? What about shopping, or movies, or gossip?CCC 1434Joel 2:12-14Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

The world has a distorted idea of both strength and gentleness. In reality, one cannot even be an option without the other.Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus is gentle and humble in heartMatthew 5:5 – Beatitude, blessed are the meek2 Timothy 1:6-7 – not a spirit of cowardice but self-controlCCC 1809 – Cardinal virtue of temperanceMusic by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

In this episode, Mon talks about when God chooses not to do something. We know that he can do great things for us, but what if he doesn't? Will we still worship him them?Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach, and AbednegoMusic by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

In this episode, Mon gets personal and talks about pride and parables.Luke 15 – Parable of the Prodigal SonMatthew 20:1-16 – Parable of the workers in the vineyardLuke 18:9-14 – Parable of the pharisee and the tax collector Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

We're connecting together the many appearances and references to John the Baptist in the Gospel of Mark.Mark 6:14-28 – Herod is troubled about Jesus' identityMark 6:19-29 – Herod makes a bad promise and kills JohnMark 1:2-5 – Intro to JohnMark 1:6-8 – John intros JesusMark 1:14 – John is arrested, and Jesus begins his ministryMark 2:18 – Jesus' and John's followers are comparedMark 6:45-52 – Jesus walks on waterMark 8:27-30 – Jesus asks his disciples who they say he isMark 9:2-12 – The TransfigurationMark 11:27-33 – Jesus brings up John's authority to the PhariseesMark 1:1 – Mark's introMark 15:37-39 – The Roman Centurion's declaration #56 – Seeing Patterns When Reading The Bible https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QUooKk6trZwRYjxr9WkN9 #19 – Misunderstanding Jesus, And The Messianic Secret https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ePteqj16gCKtL3iPp4yOs Music by Kayel Marcelo Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Marianne Mencias is the author of several books on dating, self-worth, and purpose. She is a motivational speaker and a Gallup-certified Strengths coach. In this episode, Mon talks to her about her message, beliefs, and advocacies, particularly toward singlehood, dating, and family.All of Marianne's links: https://linktr.ee/MarianneMenciasMusic by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

In the first 2/3rds of this episode, Mon talks about the story of St. Paul and how we might view his change of heart in a different way. In the last 1/3rd of the episode, he talks about the dangers of conflating actions and intentions in the context of our society today.Acts 9 – Paul's encounter with JesusActs 22:3-8 – Paul's testimonyGalatians 1:13-14Philippians 3:4-91 Kings 19:10/14 – Elijah's zealNumbers 25:6-8 – Phinehas' zealPsalm 106:28-31Romans 12:2 – Discerning the will of God #40 – Who Was Barabbas? Was He A Robber? https://open.spotify.com/episode/3knPTVZ9RyvO0pYpzA5f7E Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

This episode is about the dangers of conformity, and how what God values is often different from what the world values.1 Samuel 16:1-13, David is anointed1 Samuel 8, Israel demands a kingRomans 12:2, "Do not conform..."1 Samuel 9, Saul is introduced1 Samuel 17, David and GoliathNumbers 13:31-33, The twelve scouts / spiesMark 10:45 & Matthew 20:25-26, Jesus on leadership and servanthood A Land Of Giants, The Lord Of Spirits podcast episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6t3BuobIAxSRdLTGI3eH8s Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

The Magbirays are a young and faithful Catholic couple whose love story intertwines with their faith story. Nico once left Catholicism in order to join an Evangelical Church (or born again Christian) while Carissa remained steadfast in her Catholic faith as she dug deeper into the reasons why she professes it. This led to them parting ways only for them to later on meet again under different circumstances, which led to deeper convictions. In this episode, they tell their story of growing in the faith both as individuals and together as a couple.Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

This episode is all about brokenness, healing, and ripped jeans.Mark 10:46-52, Blind BartimaeusJohn 5, the Man at BethesdaJohn 4:1-41, the Samaritan WomanMusic by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Jewelle Villarisco is a Catholic content creator, an illustrator, a homeschool mentor, a youth leader, and the artist behind Jewie's Art Space. In this episode, Mon talks to her about her story, her work, and her views on a number of things.Jewie's Art Space: https://linktr.ee/jewiesartspace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewiesartspace/ More on CFA Freedom (progressive): https://linktr.ee/freedomacad More on CFA Homeschool (traditional): https://www.cfa.edu.ph/ 5-10 Minute Bedtime Stories for Children (The Saint Series Book 1): https://feastbooks.ph/product/the-saint-series-book-1/?ref=rizmonreyes Book 2: https://feastbooks.ph/product/the-saint-series-book-2/?ref=rizmonreyes Book 3: https://feastbooks.ph/product/5-10-minute-bedtime-stories-for-children-the-saint-series-book-3/?ref=rizmonreyes Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

This episode was recorded live from Feast Bellevue PM. It was a message dedicated for one of the Sundays in between the regular preaching series.Mark 4:30-32, Parable of the Mustard Seed2 Kings 5, the story of NaamanLuke 16:10Mark 1:15Matthew 6:9-10John 12:23-24Music by Kayel MarceloThe Feast is a weekly gathering of the members of the Light of Jesus family in locations across the country and around the world.Full livestreamed session from Feast Bellevue PM's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/DSKL3c0qqAE Like FBPM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeastBellevuePM Follow FBPM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feastbellevuepm/ Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Having your personal Bible time is important, but what if the way we read our Bibles now, in solitude and in book form, is not how most Christians in history encountered God's written word?  In this episode, Mon takes us through the history of the ways the Bible was written throughout the centuries.1 Timothy 4:13Nehemiah 8:1-7Acts 2:42Verbum Domini, by Benedict XVI: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20100930_verbum-domini.html Public Reading Of Scripture, video by BibleProject: https://youtu.be/BO1Y9XyWKTw The Digital Dead Sea Scrolls: http://dss.collections.imj.org.il/  The Bible Nerds Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AdZGCMwy1Bu9E8Ta60ysq?si=f8d1a308535d40abGod Made You Good, How The Book Of Genesis Matters To You: https://feastbooks.ph/product/god-made-you-good/?ref=rizmonreyes Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Most of us think of being open to change as a good thing, and it can be! But what do we make of those who are just more resistant to it rather than open? Is that a bad thing then? Let's talk about it.Sirach 5:9-10Colossians 1:23Big Five Personality Traits: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/big-5-personality-traits  Unboxing The Bible, Letters of St. Paul: https://fb.watch/jcQ3orgZn-/ Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Every year, Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. And every Lent, one of the things we do and talk about in the church is fasting. What is fasting? Why do we do it? Does it count if I get hangry? What does the Bible have to say about this ancient discipline?Luke 4:1-4, Luke 5:27-352 Samuel 1:11-13, Psalm 35:12-14Nehemiah 1:3-41 Samuel 7:5-6Acts 13:2-4, Acts 14:22-23Mark 9:28-29Embraced 2023, a 40-day video devotional: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXWjvwgL-fw&list=PLw0s2Ynzj6KV7Peda3Uv3GJ8AnyW0NfWf Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Words and deeds. Both matter. Both can powerfully express our convictions and principles. But what do we do when we come across someone who behaves and believes otherwise?Pints With Aquinas Abortion Debate: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qQke0IcoUj7ckCVaF1wzg Matthew 18:15-17Galatians 6:1-10Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

In this episode, Mon answers your questions:Wala pa ako jowa but how to prepare for marriage?What is the voice of God? How do you know that it's Him speaking to you, and not just the thoughts in your head? Free Love True Love, book by Fr. Joel Jason: https://feastbooks.ph/product/free-love-true-love/?ref=rizmonreyes How To Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul, book by Jason Evert: https://feastbooks.ph/product/soulmate/?ref=rizmonreyes Why Is My Forever Taking Forever? book by Marianne Mencias: https://feastbooks.ph/product/why-is-my-forever-taking-forever/?ref=rizmonreyes Bakit Single Ka Pa Rin? book by Velden Lim: https://feastbooks.ph/product/bakit-single-ka-pa-rin/?ref=rizmonreyes Matthew 26:36-46Discovery Weekend Seminar: http://discoveryweekend.org/ The Five Love Languages: https://5lovelanguages.com/ Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

In this episode, Mon talks about one way we can read the Bible better: by identifying design patterns. As people in the modern day reading an ancient text, it helps to plug ourselves into mindset of the original authors and their intended audience. After all, don't we make internal adjustments for when we read older books like the Iliad and Odyssey, Ibong Adarna, or Dante's Inferno? So why not do the same for the scriptures?Design Patterns, video by BibleProject: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/design-patterns-biblical-narrative/Books: https://help.bibleproject.com/hc/en-us/articles/5678738131351-Books-on-design-patterns-in-ScriptureGenesis 1Genesis 2Genesis 6-8Deuteronomy 18:15Matthew 2-8Exodus 1-20 The Bible In A Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration Read Scripture App: https://www.readscripture.org/ Unboxing The Bible, series by Unboxing Catholicism: https://youtu.be/2GQKVSziy5E BibleProject App: https://bibleproject.com/app/ Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

In this episode, Mon and Aikel talk about the most overlooked and under appreciated member of the Christmas story: Saint Joseph. Even the three kings get mentioned more than he does! They talk about who he is and why we care, and what we can learn from him today.The Jay Aruga ShowAdam Minihan and David Niles on Authentic Manhood and the Role of Fathers https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xQcwO3oAPO9YGJEWJYh02 More on Fatherhood https://open.spotify.com/episode/0q4Gz4ovgAgQlq7C4gGSXM The Padscast Usapang Lalaki: On Christian Manhood with Jpaul Hernandez https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OKLX7G4vJCf8GD8axWo4F Holy Sheep Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/61RnJNLa5xPpeRxPbcTTvz  Matthew 1-2Luke 2:41-52Psalm 1Sirach 23:22-26Consecration To Saint Joseph (book) https://www.stpauls.ph/product-info/consecration-to-saint-joseph Rejoice! Advent Meditations with the Holy Family (videos) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWht7mesRD8&list=PLeXS0cAkuTPo8h2Eprkioc4OyN6r1rMEO Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Three days ago was Christ the King Sunday, so let's talk about it!Solemnity of Christ the King, article by Simply Catholic: https://www.simplycatholic.com/the-solemnity-of-christ-the-king/Gospel of the Kingdom, video by BibleProject: https://youtu.be/xmFPS0f-kzs Image of God, video by BibleProject: https://youtu.be/YbipxLDtY8c Compelled, a talk by Tim Mackie: https://youtu.be/qwNfH_SOWKA King of All, Warrior of Mercy, video by Bishop Barron: https://youtu.be/UzCld0MU-WM Matthew 4Mark 1Genesis 1Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Isn't it more sincere when you use your own words instead of repeating somebody else's? In this episode, Mon talks about spontaneous prayers and structured (or memorized) prayers. He also shares a bit about the beauty or praying the rosary.Matthew 6:7-13 – Jesus' teaching on prayerLuke 11:1-4 – Luke's account of the Lord's PrayerDeuteronomy 6:4-7 – The ShemaPsalm 136 – "his love endures forever"Daniel 6Acts 2, 3, and 10The Jesus Creed, a book by Scot McKnightCommon Catholic Prayers: https://www.catholic.com/tract/common-catholic-prayers Hallow AppCheck out our previous mini-series on this podcast diving deeper into the Lord's Prayer (Episodes 33-36)Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

In this episode, Mon takes on three (3) questions on the topic of love life and dating:What is the difference between courtship and dating?What good is courting someone if you're only putting your best foot forward?Is it okay for the woman to initiate the relationship? Look up Jason Evert and Christopher WestMusic by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Because of who Jesus is and what he has done, we can be assured that we have good reason to rejoice regardless of our circumstances. However, we do acknowledge that not every circumstance is pleasant. Pain and suffering are real. So how do we deal with that? How do we embody joy during times when we have to lament? This episode is a reflection on those questions.Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 – a time for everythingPhilippians 4:4 – rejoicePhilippians 4:13 – "I can do all things..."Psalm 66 – Psalm of praiseLuke 2 – Jesus' NativityJobHabakkukLamentationsPsalm 13 – questioning GodJohn 11 – raising of LazarusMatthew 26:36-46 – Garden of GethsemanePsalm 22 – "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"BibleProject video on joy: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/chara-joy/ Evangelii Gaudium ("The Joy Of The Gospel") by Pope Francis: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html  #8 – If God Is Good, Then Why Do Bad Things Happen? (https://open.spotify.com/episode/241MtDJNpy2qzsgHxvuY4J)#27 – The Layered Person And The Fear Of Being Vulnerable (https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Z9DfFBp1HbahDmM3kxQgA)Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Arrogance and insecurity may seem like they're on opposite poles but they might not be as far from each other as we often think. The two might be different expressions, but they stem from the same root. In this episode, Mon talks about a previous Bible study session he gave, an insight one of his members shared, and how someone can be both humble and confident.Exodus 3-4 – Moses and the Burning BushNumbers 20:6-12 – Moses accuses the Israelites and strikes the rock #1 – When God Does Something (https://open.spotify.com/episode/08zn6s1q29fjQh97IODMv6)#29 – Self-Esteem, Confidence, And Dignity (https://open.spotify.com/episode/17xBevUC7iiuP7a57Jxfs2)Music by Kayel MarceloFind all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Mon shares about a talk he has recently written, his peculiar take on The Lion King's Hakuna Matata, and what JPII refers to as an "adequate anthropology" in his Theology Of The Body.Genesis 4 – Cain & Abel storyMatthew 6:25-34 – Jesus' words against worryMark 12:28-34 – The Greatest CommandmentThe Lion King (1994)Man And Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body, by John Paul II – https://www.amazon.com/Man-Woman-He-Created-Them/dp/0819874213/ Theology Of The Body In One Hour, by Jason Evert – https://www.amazon.com/Theology-Body-Hour-Jason-Evert-ebook/dp/B077YWJH1Y/ Theology Of The Body Intitute Youtube channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheologyoftheBodyInstitute/featured Music by Kayel Marcelo Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

We like calling people out. But we don't like being called out, don't we? In this episode, Mon talks about the story of King David and the prophet Nathan. David has done wrong, and Nathan confronted him about it. As Christians, we must stand for what is true and just, but it matters how we do it. How might we do it then? What posture should we take? Let's talk about it!2 Samuel 12:1-7Matthew 18:15-17Exodus 5:1-2Psalm 51Why Christians Shouldn't Cancel People, video by Ascension Presents with Fr. Mike Schmitz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hASSFl_ApEo Music by Kayel Marcelo Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

We post a lot, don't we? We post about where we go, whom we're with, what we eat, and even what we think. Through the internet and social media, we can know a lot about others and others can know a lot about us. But knowing about someone is different from knowing someone.In this episode, Mon gives a simple reminder: Your private life matters. He frames his reflections around 3 questions that he invites us to ask: Where do you draw your values? How are your relationships? [And] are you able to pray well? These are important to ask because at the end of it, our private lives do affect our public lives. And it happens in one of two ways.Mark 4:30-32John 13:34-35Learning To Be Alone, video by Ascension Presents with Fr. Mike Schmitz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL47Q6aQRF0 Music by Kayel Marcelo Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

Have you ever been called privileged? Would you want to? It seems like more and more nowadays, people have been using the term "privileged" with a negative connotation. But is privilege itself a bad thing? Going further, is it a sin?In this episode, Mon addresses this question. In relation to this, he also shares his thoughts on the 2019 movie, Parasite. SPOILER ALERT. And yes, "that" meme is referenced (the one about the rain).Parasite on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6751668/ This movie is currently available to watch on Netflix.CinemaBravo Parasite meme: https://www.facebook.com/cinemabravo/posts/1050911125311726 FilmFreeway: https://www.facebook.com/FilmFreeway/photos/a.215557365302478/1383002805224589 Catechism of the Catholic Church 1849-1850 (on sin): http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm#1849 BibleProject video on Sin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNOZ7ocLD74 Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response To The Cult Of Progressive Ideology, a book by Noelle Mering: https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Not-Woke-Christian-Progressive-ebook/dp/B094WYFNZR Noelle Mering's interview with Scott Hahn (Spotify link): https://open.spotify.com/episode/7N17sApWW0Um0bGXPcfnOG  Music by Kayel Marcelo Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)

In this episode, Mon responds to your questions!Question 1, from Jona (01:01): Hi, kuya Mon! How do you do your devotions daily?Buy Companion, Didache, and Sabbath from Feast Books: https://feastbooks.ph/?ref=rizmonreyesThe Bible In A Year With Fr. Mike Schmitz, Featuring Jeff Cavins: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration, https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/bibleinayear/ BibleProjectOld Testament: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALsluAKBZ-c&list=PLH0Szn1yYNeeVFodkI9J_WEATHQCwRZ0u New Testament: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0BrP8bqj0c&list=PLH0Szn1yYNecanpQqdixWAm3zHdhY2kPR Question 2, from Yani (11:25): How do you go back to your spiritual community if nagkasakitan na during the election?Question 3, from Jpaul (15:53): Can you relate a biblical story to the Philippines political situation now?Discussion on Jesus and the temple tax: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wf2jheLkgKe6y25AxjL2U Discussion on Barabbas: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3knPTVZ9RyvO0pYpzA5f7E Previous episode with Jpaul: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0UsHrvzWA7nT1tLMoW63wP Holy Sheep Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/61RnJNLa5xPpeRxPbcTTvz All these are Spotify links but they are also available in other podcast platforms.Question 4, from Chloe (19:49): How do you cope when you different love languages?Love Languages website: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/ Music by Kayel Marcelo Find all of Mon's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/talkswithmon⁠(including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)