PODCAST · religion
The Average Shepherd
by Fr Sam French
A weekly homily podcast by Fr Sam French dedicated to breaking open and spreading the Word of God.
Episodes
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Our Father Who Art a Vending Machine| 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Year C
Is God a vending machine or a Father who knows what we truly need? In this homily, Fr Sam reflects on the deep meaning of prayer as revealed in the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Rather than viewing prayer as a transaction to get things from God, Fr Sam explores how true prayer...
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Wasting Time with God | 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Year C
What if the holiest thing you could do… was nothing at all? In this homily, Fr Sam reflects on the virtue of hospitality through the lens of Abraham, Mary, and Martha. With insight from Scripture and a café conversation, he reveals that holiness begins not with action, but with presence — a heart...
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The Cringe Samaritan - Dare to Step Into the Real | 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Year C
Are we chasing artificial light while real joy is right outside our door? In this homily, Fr Sam reflects on the parable of the Good Samaritan through a surprising lens. Instead of casting us as the hero, Jesus flips the story to reveal how we are the wounded, left in the dark and searching for...
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Feelings vs Faith: Is Christianity Therapeutic? | 14th Sunday Ordinary Time | Year C
Are feelings becoming more important than truth in our culture? In this homily, Fr Sam explores the growing dominance of "I feel" statements and the danger of replacing truth with personal comfort. Reflecting on the cost of true discipleship, Fr Sam draws from Carl Trueman, Dietrich Bonhoeffer…
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Prayer and Mission | Sunday Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul | Year C
Can we truly know God without prayer? In this homily, Fr Sam reflects on the inspiring examples of Saints Peter and Paul, two extraordinary yet deeply human figures whose lives show the power of openness to God. Peter, flawed yet faithful, reminds us of the transformative power of prayer, while...
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Religion v Relationship | Corpus Christi Sunday | Year C
Is your faith something you know, or Someone you’ve met? In this homily, Fr Sam reflects on the deep ache many Catholics carry: how do we bring our children, friends, or loved ones back to the Church? He shares his own story of encountering Jesus in the Eucharist as a teenage, and how that...
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The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Trinity | Trinity Sunday | Year C
Discover the true answer to "Life, the Universe, and Everything" in this powerful reflection on the Most Holy Trinity. In this homily, Fr Sam reflects on the profound mystery of the Trinity, emphasizing that our understanding of God as a relational community of love - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…
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From Fear to Fire | Pentecost Sunday | Year C
You were made for more. In this homily, Fr Sam reflects on how the fear that silenced the Apostles after the Ascension was transformed into boldness through the fire of Pentecost. Drawing a powerful parallel between our spiritual lives and dormant potential, he explores what happens when we allow...
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When Faith Goes Viral | Ascension Sunday | Year C
Is your faith something you share with joy, or keep to yourself? In this homily for Ascension Sunday, Fr Sam French reflects on the final command of Jesus before His return to the Father: to spread the Gospel to all nations. Drawing parallels with how we instinctively share memes and joyful…
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Is Your Christianity Convincing? | Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter | Year C
Would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a Christian? In this homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter, Fr Sam challenges us to take a long, honest look at our discipleship. Christianity is not a cultural label or comfort-zone lifestyle. It is radical, self-giving love...seen most…
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Mothers Priests and the Love of Jesus | 4th Sunday of Eastertide | Year C
What do mothers and priests have in common with Jesus the Good Shepherd In this homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Fr Sam reflects on a beautiful convergence. It is both Good Shepherd Sunday and Mother’s Day, a chance to see how the self-giving love of Christ is mirrored in the vocations of...
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The Barque of Peter | 3rd Sunday of Easter | Year C
Why do we stay in the Church when the failings of its leaders are so public and painful? This week, Fr Sam reflects on the image of the boat in the Gospel of John. More than just a fishing vessel, it becomes a symbol of the Church itself. When the apostles try to fish on their own, they fail. But...
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Pics or it Didn't Happen | 2nd Sunday of Easter | Year C
What if your doubts are not a barrier to faith but the doorway into it? In this week’s homily, Fr Sam dives into the story of St Thomas and the human hunger for proof. In a world obsessed with photos and evidence, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking faith should work the same way. But...
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Reason and the Resurrection | Easter Sunday | Year C
What if the Resurrection isn’t just a matter of faith—but of fact? In this Easter Sunday homily, Fr Sam puts the Resurrection on trial—not to cast doubt, but to show that our faith in the risen Christ is grounded in history, reason, and truth. Like a courtroom drama, he presents three compelling...
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Don't H8 the Playa H8 the Game | 5th Sunday of Lent | Year C
Ever been tempted to throw a stone—figuratively or literally? This Sunday, Jesus challenges us to drop it. In this week’s homily, Fr Sam breaks open one of the most confronting Gospel stories: the woman caught in adultery. It’s a scene charged with tension—sin, shame, public judgment. But instead...
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A Foretaste of Hope | Laetare Sunday 4th Week of Lent | Year C
Ever feel like you’re wandering through the desert spiritually? This Sunday is your foretaste of hope. In this week’s homily, Fr Sam reflects on Laetare Sunday, the midpoint of Lent, where the Church invites us to rejoice—even in the midst of our Lenten sacrifices. Drawing from salvation history,...
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Climbing the Mountain | 2nd Sunday of Lent (Transfiguration) | Year C
Do you ever wonder if it's worth the effort to climb the mountain toward God? We've all heard the story of Jesus' Transfiguration—but do we really grasp what it means for our lives today?In this week's homily, Fr Sam unpacks the mystery of the Transfiguration, drawing wisdom from one of his...
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God Waits in the Desert | 1st Week of Lent | Year C
Do you fear what would happen if you gave everything to Jesus? Do you hesitate, wondering what you’d have to give up to follow Him completely? You’re not alone. This week, Fr Sam explores the fear that holds us back from trusting God—whether it’s the call to a vocation, the struggle against...
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From Plank to Penance | 8th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year C
Do you want to follow Jesus? Do you want to know God’s love, be a saint, and be saved? Jesus gives us the roadmap: “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” That’s a radical challenge in a world obsessed with comfort, self-indulgence, and instant gratification. We’re wired to chase what...
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A Special Kind of Love | 7th Week of Ordinary Time | Year C
Last week, Jesus flipped the world’s idea of happiness upside down. This week, He takes it even further—commanding something that feels almost impossible: Love your enemies. It’s not a suggestion. It’s not a feel-good slogan. It’s a radical, supernatural call that goes against every instinct for...
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Hope: Our Hidden Strength | 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year C
Hope is more than wishful thinking—it’s the supernatural virtue that keeps us anchored in God’s promises, even in life’s most difficult storms. In this homily, Fr Sam explores how true Christian hope is not about avoiding suffering but about finding Christ within it.Drawing from Scripture, the...
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Launch Out into the Deep | 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year C
This week, Fr Sam unpacks a powerful truth from the Gospel: when Jesus steps into your boat, everything changes. Peter, Isaiah, and Paul all had life-altering “God moments”—encounters that shattered their self-reliance, exposed their weaknesses, and revealed God’s overwhelming grace. Peter knew...
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The Presentation of the Lord | Sunday Homily
Fr Sam reflects on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, exploring how this moment in the Temple fulfilled ancient prophecies and revealed God’s faithfulness to His people. While many in Jerusalem overlooked the significance of Mary and Joseph bringing the child Jesus into the Temple, the…
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The Holy Family | Sunday | Year C
Fr Sam reflects on the Holy Family of Nazareth, exploring how their example of self-sacrificial love can inspire and guide our own families. While the Holy Family might seem distant or idealised, Fr Sam considers how their real, lived experiences of love and faithfulness speak to the challenges…
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Voyage to Heaven | 1st Sunday of Advent | Year C
This week, Fr Sam begins Advent with a reflection on the Titanic, comparing its distracted voyage to our own lives during the Christmas season. Just as the ship’s crew ignored warnings of "ice ahead," we too risk missing the Church’s call to prepare for Christ’s coming amid the holiday rush.…
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Prepping for Apocalypse | 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B
Fr Sam delves into the profound themes of apocalyptic scripture and final judgment in this week's homily, offering a fresh perspective on how to approach these challenging topics. He draws an insightful parallel between modern goal-setting practices and spiritual preparation, emphasizing that...
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Critical Error | 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B
In this week's homily, we explore the stark difference between two types of generosity found in the Gospel - that of the scribes and the poor widow. Looking at Jesus' criticism of the scribes despite their social status and large donations, we discover how true generosity isn't measured by the…
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You Can't Fake It Till You Make It | 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B
In this week's homily, Fr. Sam French explores the dangers of going through the motions without heart, cautioning against the mindset of “faking it to make it.” Reflecting on the First Reading, where Moses exhorts the Israelites to observe God’s laws, Fr. Sam highlights the importance of…
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The Best Things in Life are Free | 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B
In this week's homily, Fr. Sam French reflects on the profound truth that "the best things in life are free." Using a personal experience with aggressive gym sales tactics as a springboard, Fr. Sam explores how our culture’s obsession with money and material goods can distort relationships and...
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God Shaped Hole | 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Year B
In this homily, Fr. Sam French reflects on a personal encounter with God that profoundly changed his life, experienced on a train journey during his youth. He shares how this moment of grace, amidst a busy life filled with worldly desires, revealed the "bread of life" that only Jesus can provide....
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Waste Time with God | 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B
In this homily, Fr. Sam French reflects on the Gospel during the 16th Week of Ordinary Time. He addresses a profound cultural shift: our society's loss of true rest and leisure. Fr. Sam explores how modern life, with its relentless focus on productivity and utility, has distanced us from the…
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Weathering the Storm | 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B
In this homily titled 'Weathering the Storm,' Fr. Sam French reflects on the Gospel of Mark 4:35-41 during the 12th week of Ordinary Time. He discusses how modern technological advancements can create an illusion of control over nature, leaving society unprepared for life's unpredictable...
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Taylor Swift and Lessons on Love | 6th Sunday of Eastertide | Year B
This week on the podcast, Fr. Sam delves into the theme of divine love as contrasted with the fleeting passions of human affection, inspired by Taylor Swift's latest album. As we explore the 6th Sunday of Eastertide, we uncover the essence of Jesus' command in John 15: "love one another as I have...
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Doubting Thomas and the Sacrament of Confession | 2nd Sunday of Eastertide | Year B
This week, Fr Sam invites us into a profound reflection on the narrative of Doubting Thomas and its intrinsic connection to the Sacrament of Confession, as we journey through the Easter season. This homily, set against the backdrop of the second Sunday of Easter, known as Divine Mercy Sunday,...
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Cleansing Our Temples | 3rd Sunday of Lent | Year B
This week Fr Sam delves into the fiery passion of Jesus as depicted in the Gospel reading for the third Sunday of Lent. The image of Christ we encounter is far from the gentle nativity scenes we remember; instead, we witness a Jesus filled with righteous anger, a natural emotion designed by God…
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Three Mountains | 2nd Sunday of Lent | Year B
In this homily for the Second Sunday of Lent, Fr Sam explores the metaphor of "Three Mountains" drawing parallels between the biblical mountains of Mt Moriah, Mt Calvary, and Mt Tabor, and the personal pilgrimage of faith. Mt Moriah, highlighting the rejection of false gods; Mt Calvary…
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What is Temptation? | 1st Sunday of Lent | Year B
Join Fr. Sam French for more content, insights and homilies on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch: https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench.
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Zoom Masses are the Worst (The Healing Touch of Jesus) | Sunday 6th Week of Ordinary Time | Year B
In a time when leprosy meant not just physical suffering but also social and spiritual isolation, Jesus' actions speak directly to the heart of our sacramental faith. This homily explores how, just as Jesus reached out to heal and restore the leper to the community and to God, He continues to…
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The Truth Will Set You Free | Sunday 4th Week of Ordinary Time | Year B
This week's homily covers: The Mystery of the Holy Trinity: The homily opens with a story about Saint Augustine and a child, illustrating the vastness of God's nature and our limited understanding. The Role of Prophets and Truth: The homily delves into the true role of biblical prophets,...
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God is Chasing You | Sunday 3rd Week of Ordinary Time | Year B
This week's homily is about: God's Relentless Pursuit: The homily emphasizes God's desire for a deep, transformative relationship with each individual, highlighting that God persistently seeks our undivided heart and will not settle for being a secondary priority in our lives. The Nineveh…
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Some BODY to Love | 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B
In this Sunday's homily, Fr Sam discusses Descarte's "dualism", emphasizing the Christian view of the body and soul as a unified whole. Referencing St. Paul and Vatican teachings, he underscores the body's sanctity as the Holy Spirit's temple. The homily critiques modern perceptions of…
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The Greatest Gift Ever Given | Christmas | Year B
In this Christmas Homily, Fr Sam explores how our perceptions of God shape our relationship with Him, emphasizing that the Christmas story reveals God's true nature as Emmanuel "God with us." He draws a parallel between Christmas gift-giving and God's ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, highlighting...
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Salvation is a Partnership | 4th Sunday of Advent | Year B
In this week's homily, Father Sam delves into the theme of salvation as a collaborative effort between God and humanity. He highlights the critical role of free will in embracing God's plan, exemplified by Mary's affirmative response to the angel Gabriel, marking the commencement of the Christmas...
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Open Doors | Gaudete Sunday | Year B
In this episode, Father Sam explores the significance of Gaudete Sunday, emphasizing the distinction between true joy and mere happiness, cautioning against wrong expectations, and encouraging listeners to keep their hearts ready to receive the authentic joy of Jesus' presence as Christmas...
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Speed Camera Christians | Sunday 2nd Week of Advent | Year B
On this Second Week of Advent, Father Sam looks at the strange life of John the Baptist and warns us against becoming 'Speed Camera Christians,' readying our hearts for Christ's coming through repentance and anticipation. You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube,...
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Just Can't Wait | 1st Sunday of Advent | Year B
Fr. Sam French reflects on the season of Advent, emphasizing its spiritual significance in our fast-paced, internet-driven world. He contrasts the immediacy of modern life with the patient waiting inherent in Advent, drawing a parallel between our dwindling patience in the face of rapid...
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Jesus is King | Solemnity of Christ the King 2023 | Year A
You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench
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Choir Practice and Courageous Faith | Sunday 33rd Week of Ordinary Team | Year A
You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench
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Wisdom and Teenage Romance | Sunday 32nd Week of Ordinary Time | Year A
You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench
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Convicting a Catholic | Sunday 30th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A
You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A weekly homily podcast by Fr Sam French dedicated to breaking open and spreading the Word of God.
HOSTED BY
Fr Sam French
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Average Shepherd have?
The Average Shepherd currently has 96 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Average Shepherd about?
A weekly homily podcast by Fr Sam French dedicated to breaking open and spreading the Word of God.
How often does The Average Shepherd release new episodes?
The Average Shepherd has 96 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Average Shepherd?
You can listen to The Average Shepherd on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Average Shepherd?
The Average Shepherd is created and hosted by Fr Sam French.
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