Taste & See

Using Rembrandt’s The Ascension of the Lord alongside Matthew 28:16–20, this reflection explores how Christ’s Ascension invites us to lift our hearts toward heaven while remaining rooted in His presence through the Church and the Eucharist. By returning to Galilee—the place of first love for the disciples—Jesus teaches us to revisit the moments of conversion where we first encountered His mercy so that His light can spill into our present darkness. Through sacred art and prayer, we are reminded that Christ ascends not to abandon us, but to bring our wounded humanity home to the Father and remain universally present through the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Eucharist.Reflection Questions:Why do you think beauty can help us encounter God more deeply?What is your “Galilee”—the place or season where you first encountered God’s love?What is one practical way you can “set your gaze upward” this week toward God and eternity?"The Ascension of the Lord" by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (c. 1636): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mQy9shxW-zStUoGzljasH6LbUEFlaknN/view?usp=drive_linkMeditation Link (you can copy and paste if the hyperlink is not available): https://docs.google.com/document/d/19V-ZW7RY0i_AaCalOs0bdDcEOyf0kcFvEaeruz0hTGk/edit?usp=sharingPresentation Link for use as a group (you can copy and paste the link if the hyperlink is not available): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1w03RXkHQwtOBFdFAbg-sqiv1CtC2M21hB0IjMDyHwJ0/edit?usp=sharing___________Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this episode on John 14: 15-21, Jesus promises that we are not abandoned but deeply loved children of God, given the Holy Spirit and His own presence so we are never left as orphans. Through His sacrifice and the gift of the Eucharist, He restores our identity as sons and daughters, healing the wounds of sin and separation. The call is clear: receive His love, keep His commandments, and live from your true identity rather than acting out of fear, shame, or spiritual orphanhood.Reflection Questions:In what ways do you still live or think like an “orphan”?When you fall into sin, what is your immediate response—shame, hiding, or returning to God?What is one concrete way you can live from your identity—not as an orphan, but as someone deeply loved—this week?Here' the link to the text of the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K_wI_zZlX2Wrj_OCaWV2WKgrDlfzFIQO-ye5espsv_Q/edit?usp=sharing____________Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this episode on John 14:1-12, Jesus reveals that He is not just a guide but the Way itself—the only path to the Father, who is the true destination of our deepest longing. Through the image of pilgrimage, the reflection shows that without a clear destination, life becomes aimless, but with Christ, every step has purpose, even in suffering. By receiving His life, especially in the Eucharist, and living in His truth and forgiveness, we journey home to the Father who alone can satisfy the human heart.Reflection Questions:What does it mean to you that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life”?What wounds or misconceptions might Jesus want to heal in your heart?How can you more intentionally “walk the Way” in your daily life?Here's a link to the meditation/examen: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HH74cGCxuuOUqUBnnZUpAs8lze69oSFnXZB-ShUBWvk/edit?usp=sharing_____Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In the gospel for next Sunday, John 10: 1-10, Jesus reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd who lovingly calls His sheep by name, invites them to recognize His voice, and leads them into abundant life. The episode emphasizes that God speaks not just through words, but through the “language of the heart”—a quiet, intimate experience of His presence that requires trust, vulnerability, and consistency in prayer. Like the bride recognizing her fiancé by touch, we learn to discern God’s voice by becoming familiar with His gentle movements in our hearts, even amid confusion, silence, and suffering.Reflection Questions:When have you felt like you clearly recognized God’s voice in your life?How do you usually experience God in prayer—words, silence, emotions, thoughts?How can recognizing the Good Shepherd’s voice help you bring peace or healing to others?Here's a link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tv60LQTv3ljliMz-p8KR1Lt3U1mQHdQwbt9SuJJsM3Y/edit?usp=sharingLearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

This episode on Gospel of Luke 24:13–35 reveals that the story of Cleopas and the road to Emmaus is not just a past event, but the very pattern of every Mass today. Just as the disciples encountered Jesus in their pain and recognized Him in the breaking of the bread, we too are invited to move from routine to real encounter with Christ in the Eucharist. The episode challenges listeners to approach Mass with renewed faith, seeing it as a living meeting with the risen Jesus who walks with us in our pain and transforms it into joy.Reflection Questions:Where in your life right now do you feel like you’re “walking away” from something (like the disciples leaving Jerusalem)?Why do you think the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first?What would it look like to go to Mass as if it were your first, last, and only Mass?Here's the link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nbQ102_OpEyJxg8zNWaDP_qqF2la8XTF71tTwphmgmo/edit?usp=sharing____Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

This episode reflects on Divine Mercy Sunday through Gospel of John 20:19–23, revealing that the risen Christ enters our fear, guilt, and shame not with condemnation, but with the gift of peace through forgiveness. Through the powerful witness of Immaculée Ilibagiza, the episode shows that true Christian mission is not primarily about great external works, but about radical forgiveness that flows from receiving God’s mercy. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to become missionaries of mercy—receiving Christ’s peace in the sacraments and extending it to others, even when it costs everything.Reflection Questions:What does Jesus saying “Peace be with you” mean personally to me right now?What strikes me most about Immaculée Ilibagiza’s story?Who is one person I need to forgive this week?Here's a link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZC8FzEXTIEftzvjpQ1-8gC2TjwqgF-UkOPDfsLvkWTE/edit?usp=sharing___Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

This episode centers on Mary Magdalene in Gospel of John 20: 1–9, revealing how deep love for Christ becomes a channel of “superabundant mercy”—a grace that prevents us from falling into sin rather than just forgiving us after. Through a personal story of heartbreak and unexpected redirection from missionary life, Zac shows how choosing to praise God in suffering becomes the very way God protects and heals the heart. You are invited to recognize the hidden mercies in your own life and to actively extend that same mercy to others, especially in moments where bitterness or self-protection would be easier.Reflection Questions:Where in my life has God protected me from sin before I even fell?How do I typically respond when my plans fall apart unexpectedly?How can I make it easier for others to do good and harder to fall into sin?Here's a link to the examen: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QS4Lgi78OYcOoipmZ9g_Pf6Pzd3BZQp6LzBy7ahFojM/edit?usp=sharingLearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

This episode connects Gospel of Matthew 21:1–11 with the mystery of the Incarnation, showing how Jesus intentionally enters Jerusalem in radical humility by riding a donkey—a symbol of burden, suffering, and the human condition. Drawing from his lived experience in Kibera, Zac illustrates how the donkey mirrors our own wounded and burdened hearts, which Christ chooses to sit upon and carry into victory as the true “Living Water.” The invitation of Palm Sunday is to recognize Christ coming to us through others’ suffering, to lay down our burdens before Him, and to welcome Him as King into the “Jerusalem” of our own lives.Reflection Questions:Where in my life do I feel like a “beast of burden,” weighed down by responsibilities or suffering?When I encounter someone who is struggling, do I see inconvenience—or an opportunity to encounter Christ?What practical step can I take to lighten someone else’s burden this week?Here's a link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rFOrpouYyrlIeIChXaZIN4dxl1hn_1ydIjgPQnQjm5s/edit?usp=sharingLearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

On this Fifth Sunday of Lent in John 11:1–45, Jesus reveals Himself as “the resurrection and the life,” entering into human suffering—He even weeps—and calling Lazarus out of death to manifest God’s glory. Through the story of Raul, a dying man encountered at the Missionaries of Charity, the episode shows that even in weakness and confusion, there can be a profound encounter with God dwelling within us, inviting us into deeper union with Him. Step 5 of the Lenten journey—“Find God in Yourself”—calls us to recognize that God is not distant but present within our suffering, speaking our name and inviting us to come out of whatever binds us into new life.Reflection QuestionsHow do I respond when God doesn’t act on my timeline, like when Jesus delayed going to Lazarus?What does it mean to me personally that “Jesus wept”?Raul was dying but seeing—am I living, but failing to see?Here's a link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TgHCE4NdPvJmcWU13QSYQ-mS5V5C2trfIIyOaURUbmc/edit?usp=sharing_________________________Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this episode we reflect on Gospel of John 9:1–41 where Jesus heals the man born blind and reveals that true sight is not only physical vision but the ability to recognize God at work in our lives. As the fourth step of the Lenten journey toward superabundance—Set Your Mind on the Things Above—listeners are invited to see themselves honestly as beloved beggars before God who depend completely on His mercy. When we allow Christ to open the eyes of our hearts, we begin to see the extraordinary love of God present even in the ordinary and difficult moments of our lives.Reflection QuestionsIn what areas of my life might I be spiritually blind right now?What might Jesus be trying to reveal to me through the ordinary events of my daily life?What would it look like this week to intentionally “set my mind on the things above”?Here's a link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19FPsZbf3ILsBQzZXBQWXxrKepI3IzvMfG-44Mc_JGK0/edit?usp=sharingLearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

Reflecting on Gospel of John 4:5–42 (The Woman at the Well), the third step to superabundance invites us to give God some of our time in prayer, especially at the places of our deepest thirst. Just as Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at noon—at the height of heat, shame, and longing—He waits for us in our guilt, distraction, and spiritual dryness, asking only, “Give me a drink.” By offering Him intentional time in prayer, we allow Him to satisfy our thirst with living water, transforming our shame into mission and our emptiness into joy.Journal Questions:Do I believe that Jesus is already waiting for me in my place of shame?Where in my life right now do I feel most thirsty—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally?What is one concrete time this week I can set aside solely for prayer?Here's the link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vvvavRLmqhvfKcIv9DTjNimxQHBBsD1GwkgFezBd1vg/edit?usp=sharingLearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this episode reflecting on Gospel of Mark 9:2–10 and the Transfiguration, the second step to superabundance invites us to use money for others as a natural response to an authentic encounter with Christ. Just as the disciples saw everything differently after meeting Jesus on the mountain, a true encounter with Him—especially at Mass—transforms our relationship with money from something to possess into something to offer in love. Through a personal story of giving away childhood savings and a guided examen, the episode challenges listeners to detach from scarcity, grow in generosity, and see all financial resources as tools entrusted to them for the service of love.Journey Questions:Do I feel more joy spending money on myself or giving it away? Why?Am I living with a mentality of scarcity or abundance?Who in my life right now could benefit from my generosity?Here's a link to the examen: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cg-jzjNwptW2LBNTHiDKCS2lu9OZthaSH0riwqRDvLY/edit?usp=sharingGeneral Information:Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

For the First Sunday of Lent, reflecting on Gospel of Matthew 4:1–11, this episode launches the “7 Steps to Superabundance” with Step 1: Honor Your Vows. Through the example of a father’s fidelity during his wife’s battle with cancer and Christ’s victory over temptation in the desert, we see that real strength is proven in faithfulness, not comfort. Lent becomes a training ground where, led by the Spirit, strengthened by fasting, and armed with Scripture, we learn to protect both our baptismal and marital vows.Reflection Questions:Do you see your baptismal promises as real, binding vows—or more like distant memories?Where might you be relying on your own strength instead of God’s grace?What Bible verses could you commit to memory to defend your vows?Meditation:Here's a link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z1ac1PAxGgpWS8dvKsMOSzqbt0ihY6CQ6typOpAvalk/edit?usp=sharingDust to Glory with Gomer, Mark Hartfiel, and Zac Wierschem:Here's the promo for the 40 Day video series I mentioned: Dust to Glory: 40 Days with the Saints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3zUR-PDzrMParadisus Dei:Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this episode about Matthew 5: 17-20, we reflect on Jesus’ words that He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it—by filling it to the brim with love. Through Zac's personal story of rigidity, a meditation on the Pharisees, and the image of the law as a cup, we see how obedience without love can miss God’s deeper gift. Ultimately, the Cross is revealed as the fullest interpretation of the law: Christ’s love poured out for us, washing us clean and inviting our hearts to overflow with divine love.Reflection QuestionsWhen you hear Jesus say He came to “fulfill” the law, what does that stir in your heart?Where do you see God’s love overflowing beyond what seems reasonable or “by the book”?This week, how can you intentionally fill your obedience to God with love rather than fear or rigidity?MeditationHere's a link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12_pT_CvLPUHPhD3Ix2mBx_gQb1TK1ZNMsSqJHX_qDhM/edit?usp=sharingLearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this episode, we reflect on Jesus’ call to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, drawing from lived experience among the Missionaries of Charity in Kenya and the witness of a joyful sister who embodied this Gospel (Matthew 5:13–16). Through the image of salt—its power to preserve and to give flavor—we examine how our lives are meant to safeguard goodness and make life worth living for others. Jesus invites us to purity, integrity, and joyful witness so that, through our visible lives, others may give glory to the Father._Reflection Questions:Who has been “salt and light” in my life, helping me remember that life is worth living?In what ways might my life have become spiritually “bland” or numb?Where might Jesus be asking me to trust again and step toward a life of deeper “flavor”?_Here's the link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cgyHBwRdCpnakGFFi2q_4D0wbIMBLBRCkcIuu8NlAKw/edit?usp=sharing-Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

SummaryIn this episode, we sit with the Beatitudes in Matthew 5: 1-12 as Jesus reveals the paradoxical path to true happiness. Through personal vulnerability and the suffering of the world around us, we reflect on what it means to mourn with God rather than turn away from pain. “Blessed are those who mourn” becomes an invitation to share in God’s own heart—and to discover the comfort that only He can give.__Reflection QuestionsWhere have I grown comfortable in a way that has dulled my compassion for others’ suffering?What might God be revealing to me about my own heart through discomfort or conviction?What would it look like this week to mourn with God and respond in love, prayer, or action?__MeditationHere's the link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tA1haz-k7PE9EHyngfQO2gOuCd-fKc2NryINWaTFEy4/edit?usp=sharing__Important InformationLearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In Matthew 4:12–17, Jesus enters Galilee and fulfills Isaiah’s promise: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” This episode reflects on how physical sickness became a doorway into spiritual surrender, revealing a deeper truth—that our greatest illness is often the need to control rather than to trust. Through the image of Christ as the Divine Physician, we are invited to see the Kingdom not as something far away, but as near, intimate, and close enough to touch our wounds. As Ordinary Time begins, this reflection leads us through an examen of the past month, preparing our hearts to move forward renewed by the Light who meets us in the darkness._Reflection Questions:Where have I been “sitting in darkness” recently—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—and what light am I longing for?Where in my life might Christ be inviting deeper healing—not just comfort, but transformation?What does it mean for me personally that “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” right now?_Here's the link to the text of the examen for this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Ev7tGcWDTd6TeslyRkCPJqn-n85VFeTWGRBuf4I2l8/edit?usp=sharing-Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this episode, we reflect on John 1:29–34, where John the Baptist points away from himself and joyfully testifies, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” revealing Jesus as the one upon whom the Spirit remains. Rather than proving Jesus through arguments or signs, John witnesses through humble obedience. This reflection invites us to consider how true Christian witness flows not from striving, but from abiding—allowing the Spirit who remains on Christ to remain in us and speak through our joy.___Reflection Questions:Do I believe that my quiet faithfulness can be a powerful witness to Christ?Where have I encountered Jesus in a way that changed me, even subtly?Who in my life needs the quiet witness of joy more than explanations or advice?___Here's a link to the text of the meditation that you can bring into your personal prayer.___Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Matthew 3:13–17), Zac reflects on a foundational truth of the Christian life: identity comes before mission. Through the Gospel of Jesus’ baptism and a personal story of his father’s daily blessing, we are reminded that our worth is not earned by what we do, but received from whose we are—beloved children of the Father. As the heavens are opened over Christ, we hear words spoken not only to Jesus, but to us: “You are my beloved child.” From this belonging flows our work, our healing, and our joy._____________3 Reflection Questions to go deeper:When was the last time I truly rested in the truth that I am God’s beloved child, apart from anything I do?In what ways have I been trying to earn love, approval, or belonging through my work or achievements?As I begin this new year, how can I intentionally return to my identity as God’s beloved before taking on new goals or missions?__________________Here's the link to the text of the meditation for you to take into personal prayer, read over again, etc.__________________Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

On the Feast of the Holy Family, this episode invites us to rest under the quiet, steadfast care of St. Joseph—the trustworthy father chosen to protect Jesus and Mary through danger, uncertainty, and exile. Through the Gospel of the flight into Egypt and a personal story of evacuation and trust, we reflect on how God leads His children to safety through faithful fatherhood and surrendered obedience. As the year closes, we are encouraged to entrust our fears, dreams, and future to St. Joseph, allowing Jesus to grow peacefully in the Nazareth of our hearts.Gospel passage: Matthew 2: 13-15, 19-23____________________________________________Reflection Questions:Who has been a “St. Joseph” in my life—someone whose faithfulness helped carry me through a difficult season?Where in my life do I need to believe again: “It’s all going to be okay”?As I enter a new year, what is one fear, burden, or dream I want to entrust to St. Joseph so that Jesus may grow quietly within me?__________________________________Here's a link to the text of the examen!__________________________________Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this Fourth Sunday of Advent (Matthew 1: 18-24) , we are invited into the hidden wisdom of Nazareth, where God chose not the biggest city, but the biggest heart—Mary’s Immaculate Heart—as the place of the Incarnation. The episode confronts our fear of being ordinary or forgotten and reveals that true greatness is found in joyful service, loving sacrifice, and God’s abiding presence within the quiet routines of daily life. As Christmas approaches, we are encouraged to prepare for Bethlehem by first going to Nazareth—allowing Mary to lend us her heart so that Christ may be born anew in us._______________________________Reflection Questions:Where in my life do I fear being ordinary, forgotten, or unseen, and how does God want to meet me there?What fears or hesitations keep me from “taking Mary into my home” and entrusting myself to her heart?As Christmas draws near, what would it look like for me to let Christ be born in my heart through humility, trust, and surrender?_______________________________Here's the link to the text of the meditation! Take it into personal prayer, reread it, or share it with a friend!_______________________________Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this week’s episode on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Zac shares a raw and vulnerable story of wrestling with doubt in the silence of a seminary chapel—only to discover that God’s abiding Presence can pierce even the deepest darkness. Through the Gospel scene of John the Baptist in prison, in Matthew 11: 2-11, we learn that God’s silence is never His absence, and that true freedom comes from a hope the world cannot chain. Jesus reveals His presence through His works, especially in the Eucharist, and invites us to become living witnesses of His love in our own Nazareths. In moments of faith and in moments of desolation, the abiding Presence of God remains the unchanging Light at the center of our lives._______________________Reflection Questions:When have you experienced God’s silence and assumed it meant His absence?What “prisons” in your life—doubts, fears, habits, circumstances—seem to confine you right now?How might God already be abiding with you inside those very places?_____________________Here is the link to the meditation for you to bring into personal prayer and read over again on your own time._____________________Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this second Sunday of Advent episode, Zac reflects on the mark of the Spirit of Nazareth: loving sacrifice. He draws from his own vocational journey with the Missionaries of Charity and the witness of John the Baptist. Zac also explores how sacrificial love, though often painful, frees us to love authentically, experience God’s peace, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Through reflection, storytelling, and meditation, listeners are invited to consider what gifts of the heart they can offer Christ this Advent._______________________________________________Reflection QuestionsWhat personal sacrifices have you made out of love, and how have they transformed you?How might your offerings of love and sacrifice impact others in ways you cannot yet see?What gift of your heart could you vulnerably offer to Christ this Advent to prepare for His coming?__________________________________________________Click Here to access the full text of the meditation.__________________________________________________I'm praying for each of you - please don't forget to pray for one another!_____________________________________________________Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

Taste & See is a weekly podcast that builds a community of prayer by offering heartfelt reflections and meditations on the Sunday readings. Hosted by Zac Wierschem from Paradisus Dei, each episode is a preparation of the heart for the Sunday Mass of the upcoming weekend. Personal reflection questions and the text of the meditations are also provided to guide you and your family as you prepare to receive the superabundant grace God offers every Sunday and to deepen the graces you receive in prayer.Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of ALearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

In this First Sunday of Advent episode, Zac reflects on Christ’s first, second, and “third” coming through a tender childhood memory of joyful waiting, revealing how Advent invites us into the same hopeful anticipation. He explores how Jesus comes to us today—especially in children, the poor, the weak, and the Eucharist—and how joyful service prepares our hearts for His return in glory. Through Scripture, storytelling, and a moving meditation in Jesus’ voice, this episode invites listeners to watch, wait, and love with the Spirit of Nazareth.Gospel Passage: Matthew 24: 37-44_____________________________________________________Reflection QuestionsWhen you think about Advent as a season of “joyful waiting,” what emotions or memories surface for you?In what ways do you personally experience Christ’s presence in the “third coming,” in the people and situations of your daily life?What does “joyful service” look like in your life this week? Where is Jesus inviting you to serve Him?________________________________________________________Here is a link to the text of the meditation!_____________________________________________________Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this episode, we explore the profound kingship of Jesus Christ, revealed not in earthly power but in His selfless sacrifice on the cross, as highlighted in the Gospel of Luke. Through the story of Fr. Jaison, a humble pastor who embodies servant leadership by cleaning parish bathrooms, we see how true authority mirrors Christ's loving service. The meditation from St. Dismas reminds us that even in our brokenness, Jesus remembers and invites us into His eternal kingdom of mercy and love.Reflection Questions:How does the image of Jesus reigning from the cross challenge your understanding of power and authority in your own life?What does your schedule reveal about your knowledge of Jesus' love for you, and how might you adjust it to reflect a deeper relationship with Him?If the cross is Jesus' throne of self-sacrificial love, what "throne" in your heart needs to be conquered by His reckless love for you?Here's a link to the meditation for you to re-read and pray with!Don't forget to pray for one another!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time on Luke 21:5-19, Zac draws from encounters at a young adult retreat with a joyful Chinese Jesuit priest descended from a canonized martyr and a tearful participant inspired to priesthood despite family persecution, the discussion connects to Jesus' warnings of betrayal and hatred, urging a reception of a martyr's heart ready to face external and internal Calvaries. The episode challenges believers not only to die for Christ but to live fully for Him in ordinary moments, transforming personal pain into divine compassion, culminating in a meditative letter from Jesus inviting followers to persevere in love for healing and authentic self-giving.Reflection/Journal Questions:Consider the stories of the Chinese Jesuit priest and the retreat participant: How does hearing about their martyr's hearts, shaped by real persecution, challenge or deepen your own commitment to faith in a freer environment?How does the idea that true faith means not just dying for Christ, but living for Him in everyday ordinariness, resonate with your daily routines? What small "martyrdoms" can you embrace today?Ponder Jesus' invitation: "Give yourself away for my name’s sake, receive this martyr’s heart, and don’t just receive this heart, but receive your very self"—how can self-giving reveal your authentic identity rooted in His love?Meditation Link:Here's a link to a Google doc of the meditation if you would like to read it over and/or bring it to personal prayer.Don't forget to pray for each other!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica on November 9th, 2025, we explore John 2:13-22, where Jesus cleanses the temple, drawing parallels to personal experiences of inner turmoil. Host shares a recent dating dilemma filled with anxiety and indecision, resolved through confession, likening it to Jesus driving out mental "moneychangers" for true peace and surrender. Delving deeper, the discussion highlights the heart of worship as giving rather than getting, emphasizing Jesus' zeal for the poor and His call to purify our consumerist approach to faith. A meditative story from a temple dove seller's perspective illustrates transformation from profit-driven life to following Christ, reminding us of our dignity as temples of the Holy Spirit.Reflection/Journal QuestionsHow has anxiety or indecision in your relationships acted like "moneychangers" in the temple of your heart, and what steps can you take to invite Jesus to drive them out?In what ways do you see your own heart as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and what distractions or negative thoughts need to be purified for deeper peace?How might viewing Mass or prayer not as a place to receive but to offer everything deepen your connection to God and others?Here's a link to the meditation for you to read over and pray with!Don't forget to pray for one another!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this touching episode, Zac shares a heartfelt story from a friend's joy-filled wedding, painting it as a powerful image of self-giving love that mirrors our human call to freely give and receive. Rooted in John 6:37-40 for the Commemoration of All Souls, he reveals how we are precious gifts from the Father to Jesus, embraced without rejection and promised resurrection, igniting hope no matter our past. The episode challenges us to embrace purgatory as God’s merciful fire, actively urging us to pray and offer acts of love for departed souls, letting our identity as cherished gifts in the Trinity spark transformative action.Reflection Questions:Picture a moment when you gave yourself fully to someone—how did that spark joy, and how can you make that a daily habit reflecting God’s love?Knowing you’re woven into the Trinity’s eternal love, how can you face a current struggle with renewed courage and purpose?As a gift of love meant to love, what bold action (like praying daily for the departed or helping someone in need) can you commit to this month to shine your true identity?Don't forget to pray for one another!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this week’s episode, we explore how an essential principle from romantic relationships reveals the heart of the Gospel in Luke 18:9–14. Through the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we uncover how emotional and spiritual intimacy with God must come before outward expressions of faith—just as authentic love precedes physical intimacy in relationships. Join us for a meditation from God the Father’s perspective, as He speaks tenderly to the tax collector, revealing what true humility and intimacy with Him look like.Journal QuestionsWhen you think about your relationship with God, do you tend to focus more on what you do for Him or how close your heart is to Him?How might the principle “emotional intimacy should come before physical intimacy” reshape the way you think about love — both human and divine?If your relationship with God were described as a romance, what small gesture of love might He be inviting you to offer Him this week?Here's a link to the meditation for you to take into prayer!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode of Taste and See, we reflect on Jesus’ call to persevere in faith even when prayer feels unanswered. Drawing from Luke 18: 1–8, Zac explores what it means to keep trusting God without growing weary and how prayer transforms us rather than trying to change Him. Through honest reflection and prayer, we’re reminded that faith isn’t proven by results but by our willingness to remain in relationship with the One who loves us. Join us as we rediscover the quiet strength of steadfast prayer.Journal Questions:How would you life changed if you really only had one hope in God every time you prayed?How does this episode challenge the way that you pray?Have you not just grown weary in praying to God, but also grown weary in listening to Him also?Here's the link to the meditation for you to bring into prayer with the Lord.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this week’s episode of Taste and See, we enter into Luke 17:5–10, where Jesus calls His disciples to live as humble servants. This Gospel passage challenges us to recognize that no matter how holy our works may appear—daily Mass, prayers, or acts of devotion—we are still called to say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”Through a personal story of daily Mass and a touching encounter with a fellow parishioner, we reflect on the temptation to pride when others see holiness in us. True sainthood, however, is not about recognition or reward, but about the joy of serving the Master with humility. Jesus Himself took the lowest place, and He invites us to do the same so that He may lift us into eternal life.Join us as we pray, “Lord, increase our faith,” and discover the deep joy that comes from serving Christ, not for profit, but out of love.Journal Questions:What does sainthood mean to you?What would taking the lowest place look like in your everyday life?How does God want to increase your faith this week?Here's a link to the meditation - I hope it blesses you in prayer!Please pray for each other!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode of Taste and See for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). I share my own journey from being a “good Catholic guy” who ignored the poor to discovering compassion through friendship, immersion trips, and encounters with the homeless. Jesus reveals that the path to heaven is walked with broken hearts—hearts softened by compassion, pierced by suffering, and made like His Sacred Heart. Together we’ll explore how true faith is not just about having answers but about seeing Christ in the poor at our doorstep.Journal QuestionsHow do I respond to those who beg or ask favors from me? Am I defensive, too accommodating, etc.?Am I afraid of letting me heart be broken, so I decide to numb it or avoid others instead?What thoughts do I think go through God's mind when He gazes at my heart?Here is the link to the meditation! I hope the Lords blesses you through it in prayer!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

What does Jesus mean when He praises the dishonest steward in Luke 16:1–13? In this episode of Taste and See for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we wrestle with one of the most surprising and challenging parables in the Gospel. Through personal stories from religious life, struggles with money and the spirit of the vow of poverty, and a meditation from the steward’s perspective, we explore how Christ teaches us to use earthly things as means—not ends—and to practice true prudence that leads us to God.Journal QuestionsWhere do I find myself using money imprudently?How would God see my use of how I use my money?What was the greatest challenge for me in trying to understand this episode?Here's a link to the meditation!Pray for each other!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Zac shares how the color pink—rooted in his mother’s battle with breast cancer—became a symbol of love and victory. In the same way, the cross, once a sign of death and defeat, is exalted as the sign of Christ’s triumph and our salvation.Journal Questions◦What personal “crosses” in my life have felt like burdens of suffering, and how might God be inviting me to see them as paths to deeper love and even victory?◦When I look at the cross, do I truly see a symbol of God’s love for me, or do I sometimes still see only suffering and failure? What would it take for my perspective to change?◦Like Zac’s memory of pink and his mom’s perseverance, what tangible reminders in my own life point me back to God’s love and the victories He has already won for me?Here's a link to the meditation! Please don't forget to pray for each other!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode, Zac shares a moving call with his mom after a transformative "Come and See" week in Tijuana with the Missionaries of Charity Fathers—daily holy hours, simple living, and serving the poor—sparking his vocational call and her tears over family detachment.Delving into Luke 14:25-33, Zac explains Jesus' "hate" for family as holy detachment: freedom to love God above all, fueled by Christ's Cross and Eucharistic love that casts out fear and breaks attachments.He Ends with Jesus' meditative invitation to agape love, mirroring His heavenly sacrifice. Explore Bible discipleship, Christian detachment, and faith adventures!Journal Questions:What are you are attached to more than God?What is hindering you from being ready to leave your attachments if God called you to do so?How does God view that attachment?Here's the link to the meditation for you to print out, bring to prayer, and go deeper with it.Don't forget to pray for one another and for those who are suffering form the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

Happy one year of Taste and See!! Praise God and thank you all for listening prayerfully!In Episode 48 (Luke 14:7-14), Zac reflects on pricey Catholic conferences and their barriers for the poor, questioning if Jesus Himself could afford one today. Drawing from the parable of choosing the lowest place and inviting the maimed, lame, and blind to banquets, the episode calls for radical heart hospitality—welcoming the unlovable into our inner homes, recognizing our own spiritual poverty. An Examen meditation guides gratitude, review, forgiveness, and resolve to embrace the poor as Christ does.Journal QuestionsHow often do I think about the poor on a daily basis?How often does God think about the poor on a daily basis?What can I do to have a heart of radical hospitality?Don't forget to pray for one another and place your prayer requests in the comment section!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode, we dive into Luke 13:22-30 and the "narrow gate" of forgiveness. Zac recounts the gripping story from The Mission, where ruthless slaver Rodrigo Mendoza hauls his armor-laden burden up Iguazu Falls as penance—only to have a Guarani boy slice it free, symbolizing true redemption through letting go. This mirrors Jesus' call: True strength isn't in carrying guilt or grudges, but in forgiving yourself and others, unburdened by the Cross's ultimate mercy. Jesus suffered unimaginable wounds—over 5,000, mystics say—to forgive us first, urging us to drop our "netted bundles" and enter heaven's door. A poignant meditation from Jesus on the Cross invites you to embrace His love, console Him, and live freely in forgiveness.Journal Questions:What part of Mendoza's story resonates with your own?What are the specific persons for specific things that you need to forgive in order to enter the narrow door?Why did Jesus endure so much suffering for you?Here's the link to the meditation!Don't forget to pray for me and pray for one another! Let's create a community of prayer, and not just consume content.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

This week on Taste and See, we explore the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:39-56). Zac shares a humorous middle school quest for YouTube fame, reflecting a deeper desire to be loved. This connects to Mary, a humble woman from Nazareth, chosen by God as His hidden treasure and assumed into heaven. The episode highlights God’s love for the lowly and includes a meditation from Mary’s perspective, encouraging listeners to embrace their poverty and trust in God’s love.Journal QuestionsDo you struggle with having a relationship with Mary? Why?How do you think Jesus felt when He took up Mary into heaven?How can you live out the truth that you are God's hidden treasure?Here's the link to the meditation for you to bring to your prayer! The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

Join me as we dive into Luke 12:32-48, reflecting on what it means to stay awake for Jesus’ return. I share a personal story from my days in religious life, struggling to stay alert during late-night Eucharistic vigils, yet finding a deep connection with Jesus in the quiet. We’ll explore how being "vigilant" is all about waiting in love, not fear, for our Savior’s coming. A heartfelt meditation from Jesus’ perspective invites you to open your heart and prepare for His embrace. Perfect for anyone seeking a closer walk with Christ this 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Come listen and grow with me!Journal Questions1. If Jesus were to come tomorrow, what would I need to do or change to get ready for His coming?2. How does God want me to do to prepare for His Second Coming?3. Who does God want me to help prepare for His Second Coming?Here's the link to the meditation!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

Summary:In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus warns against hoarding wealth, urging us to embrace detachment for true richness in love. A Camino de Santiago story about ditching heavy boots for sandals reveals how letting go of attachments lightens our spiritual load. This episode challenges us to shed worldly burdens, focus on love, and prepare for eternity with a monthly examen to realign our hearts.Journal Questions:1. What are you carrying on your journey that is burdening you unnecessarily?2. What is stopping you from letting go of that burden?3. What would you life look like if you stuck to the essentials?Don't forget to pray for each other! We need to hold each other up on our journeys to heaven!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In Luke 11:1-13, Jesus teaches the Our Father and urges persistent prayer, revealing God’s desire to give us more than we ask. Inspired by a story of a missed opportunity to give generously, this episode explores how we limit God by asking for too little. Learn to pray boldly for big things—God’s kingdom, forgiveness, and daily bread—drawing closer to His heart. A moving meditation from God the Father invites us to seek, ask, and knock for His abundant gifts.Journal Questions:1. What may God want to give you, but which you never asked for?2. Is your spiritual life more of a mansion, or are you still digging the foundation? Why?3. What gift can you give you God this week?Here's the link to the meditation to take into personal prayer!Don't forget to pray for one another! Let's not just consume content, but create a community of prayer!The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

Summary:Explore the tension between service and silence in Luke 10: 39-42, where Jesus reminds us that "one thing is necessary." Reflect on the dangers of burnout from relentless serving, as seen in young adults in ministry, and discover how silent prayer at Jesus' feet restores our connection to God. Featuring a heartfelt meditation on Martha's encounter with Jesus, this episode challenges us to prioritize relationship with God over busyness, ensuring our service flows form a deep, prayerful faith.Journal Questions (to go deeper):1. Who do I identify more with: Mary or Martha?2. Think of a time when you felt burned out from serving - what were the signs of burnout that you might have been unaware of?3. How is God inviting you to deepen your prayer life this next week?Meditation:Here's the link to the meditation.See you next week - don't forget to pray for each other :)The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode, we explore the Parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37, where Jesus challenges cultural and religious divides by presenting a Samaritan as the model of neighborly love. Unlike the priest and Levite, who pass by a wounded man, the Samaritan shows mercy, embodying the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." Drawing from Hosea’s call for "mercy, not sacrifice," we reflect on how true worship is rooted in self-sacrificial love. A personal story from the 2015 European refugee crisis in Greece illustrates how compassion transcends differences, reminding us that we will be judged by our love for others, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did to the least of these, you did to me.”Key Takeaways:Mercy Over Sacrifice: The Samaritan, despite being despised, fulfills God’s law through compassion, unlike the priest and Levite who prioritized ritual over love.Love Transcends Differences: Cultural, ethnic, or ideological divides (like Jews vs. Samaritans or modern-day conflicts) are overcome through acts of mercy.Judgment Based on Love: We are called to see Christ in the suffering and act with love, as our eternal judgment hinges on how we treat “the least of these.”Journal Questions:Who in your life or community might you be tempted to “pass by” like the priest and Levite, and how can you show them mercy instead?Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed an act of unexpected compassion. How did it reveal God’s love to you?How can you better recognize Christ in the suffering people around you, and what practical steps can you take to love them as your neighbor?Scripture Referenced in the Episode:Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did to the least of these my brethren, you did to me.”Leviticus 19:18: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Learn more about the European Refugee Crisis (2015-2016) for context on the personal story shared.Reflect on the Parable of the Good Samaritan with this scripture study guide.Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share with others seeking to grow in faith and love.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the essence of evangelization as an act of love, inspired by Luke 10:1-9, where Jesus declares, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” Through a personal story of a chance encounter with a man named James, we explore how simple gestures of kindness—seeing, knowing, and loving others—can reflect God’s love and fulfill the call to evangelize. This episode challenges listeners to embrace opportunities to share the Gospel through compassion, courage, and vulnerability, even in the face of rejection.Key PointsThe Heart of Evangelization: Evangelization is not about preaching doctrines but about inviting others to experience God’s love, helping them see themselves as seen, known, and loved by Him.A Personal Encounter: A story of meeting James, a man begging at a stoplight, illustrates how small acts of connection—like asking someone’s name or offering a prayer—can touch hearts and plant seeds of faith.The Call to Love: Jesus sends us, like the 72 disciples, to share His love in everyday moments, whether through kindness, prayer, or bold faith-sharing.Embracing Rejection: Evangelization can be vulnerable, but facing rejection allows us to share in Christ’s sufferings and grow closer to Him.Practical Steps: Reflect on moments to evangelize through an examen of the past month, focusing on gratitude, awareness, forgiveness, and resolve to bring one person closer to Christ.Journal Questions:Reflection on Connection: Think of a recent interaction where you had the opportunity to show kindness or share your faith. How did you respond, and how might you act differently next time to reflect God’s love more fully?Identifying Opportunities: Where in your daily life—at home, work, or in your community—do you sense God calling you to evangelize through small acts of love or prayer?Overcoming Fear: What fears hold you back from sharing your faith or connecting with others? How can you ask God for courage to be a “window” of His love in those moments?Subscribe: Never miss an episode—subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.Share: Spread the message of love and evangelization by sharing this episode with a friend or on social media. Reflect: Take 10 minutes this week to complete the examen shared in the episode and journal your responses to the questions above.Related Scripture:Luke 10:1-9: Jesus sends the 72 disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God.John 8:32: “The truth will set you free.”The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this powerful episode, we reflect on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, exploring the unshakable foundation of the Catholic Church despite human failings. Drawing from Matthew 16:13-19, we delve into Jesus’ promise to Peter: “The gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury report exposed horrific clergy abuse, shaking many Catholics’ faith. Yet, through Zac's personal story— of a transformative Camino de Santiago pilgrimage—and Jesus’ divine assurance, we see the Church as Christ’s living body, enduring for 2,000 years. Discover how we’re called to run toward the Church with hope, fighting evil with forgiveness and sacrificial love.Key TakeawaysDivine Foundation: Jesus, not human leaders, builds the Church, ensuring it withstands even “hellish” evils like clergy abuse (Matthew 16:18).Clergy Abuse Context: The 2018 scandal revealed systemic failures, but 98% of priests serve faithfully, embodying sacrificial love as “alter Christus” (another Christ).Personal Calling: A priestly vocation, tested by the scandal during a 900km pilgrimage, was purified by trust in Christ’s promise and commitment to heal through fidelity.Peter’s Transformation: From Simon to Peter, his confession of Jesus as “the Christ” reveals the Church’s rock-solid foundation, unshaken by human sin.Our Role: We’re called to fight evil with good, bringing Christ’s mercy and justice to heal wounds within His Church, our true home.Journal Questions for ReflectionHow has a Church scandal or personal betrayal challenged your faith? How can Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18 restore your trust?What “fire” in your life or community is God calling you to face with hope and forgiveness, rather than running away?How does seeing the Church as your “home” with Jesus as your brother and God as your Father change the way you approach Mass?Prayer for This Week: Jesus, make me a true brick of your True Church.Listen and Subscribe: Stream this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.Support the Show: Rate and review on Spotify to help others find this message of hope.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

This episode explores the profound connection between the Feeding of the 5,000 and Corpus Christi Sunday, where the Church celebrates the Eucharist. Both miracles—ordinary bread made miraculous and unleavened bread becoming Christ’s body—reveal Jesus’ heart to feed us abundantly. Through the Eucharist, we are blessed, broken, and given to nourish the Church, the Body of Christ.Miracles of Abundance: The Feeding of the 5,000 (a sacramental) points to the Eucharist (a sacrament), where Jesus feeds stomachs to inspire faith and hearts to strengthen faith.Apostles’ Role: With scarce resources, the apostles trusted Jesus to multiply their offering, feeding thousands with baskets of leftovers. Today, priests distribute the Eucharist, pouring out boundless grace.Personal Conviction: A real-life encounter at a gas station reveals the struggle to trust Jesus’ vision when our resources feel limited, urging us to dream bigger with God.Jesus’ Heart: From Jesus’ perspective, He longs to draw us close, not send us away, satisfying our deepest hungers with Himself in the Eucharist.Journal Questions:What “five loaves and two fish” in your life feels insufficient? How can you offer it to Jesus to multiply?When have you hesitated to help someone because of fear or scarcity? How might Jesus’ vision for that situation be bigger than your own?How does receiving the Eucharist remind you that you are “more than enough” in Christ? What grace do you seek from Him today?Lord, may Your vision be my vision. Take my little—my fears, my resources, my brokenness—and multiply it for Your glory. Draw me close to Your heart in the Eucharist, and let Your dreams for me become mine. Amen.The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

John 17:20–26 | Seventh Sunday of EasterIn this week’s episode, we reflect on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: “Father, they are your gift to me.” What does it mean that you are a gift from the Father to the Son?Through the story of a dear friend's wedding—marked by intentional love and heartfelt vows—we explore the powerful truth that love is more than words. It's a gift of persons. This reflection dives into your God-given dignity, the meaning of freedom, and how the Eucharist reveals your identity as a gift to be given and received in love.Join us in this meditation on self-gift, the unity of the Trinity, and how Christ helps us rediscover who we are.What You’ll HearReflection on John 17: Jesus calls you the Father’s giftWedding story that illustrates the spiritual exchange of loveThe connection between the Eucharist and your identityWhy true freedom means giving yourself away in loveJournal & Prayer QuestionsWhere in my life do I struggle to believe that I am a gift?How is God inviting me to make a sincere gift of myself today?When was the last time I simply gazed at the Eucharist without trying to do anything?The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

John 13:31–35 | Fifth Sunday of EasterWhat does it mean to love like Jesus? In this Catholic podcast episode, we reflect on John 13:31–35 through a powerful personal story of selfless love: my grandfather’s care for my Nana as she battled memory loss and physical decline.His daily acts of service—dressing her, bathing her, teaching her birthday again and again—reveal a deeper meaning of love: willing the good of the other, even when it costs everything. This is the kind of love Jesus commands at the Last Supper. This is the glory of the cross.Join me as we explore what real love looks like, how it upholds human dignity, and how you and I are invited to glorify God through the way we choose to love this week.Key TakeawaysGospel reflection on John 13: Jesus' command to love one anotherPersonal story of caregiving, sacrifice, and enduring loveCatholic teaching on love as a free act of the will (St. Thomas Aquinas)How love reveals human dignity and God’s gloryJournal & Prayer QuestionsWhere is God inviting me to love when it’s inconvenient or costly?How can I reflect the dignity of those I care for—especially when no one’s watching?Have I lost sight of my identity as one who is loved by God? How can I return to it?The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

John 10:27–30 | Good Shepherd SundayWhat does it mean that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? In this episode, I share a personal story from my time in Kenya caring for sheep, and how that experience brings fresh meaning to Jesus' words: “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.”We explore how Christ doesn’t just lead from above—He draws near, enters our mess, and even smells like us. He takes on our history, our pain, our trauma, and our smell… not to shame us, but to redeem us.Let this be a reminder that you are fully known, fully loved, and never alone in your story.🧠 Journal QuestionsWhere in your life do you feel most “scattered” or disconnected?What parts of your personal history do you try to hide from God?How does it change your view of Jesus to imagine Him smelling like your story?The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C