Chris Stefanick Catholic Show

What can you learn from a preacher who wore a camel's hair cloak while eating locusts and wild honey? Plenty. In this week's Gospel, John the Baptist gives us the perfect playbook for entering into Advent...and for taking our spiritual lives to the next level. His ascetic appearance and way of life might seem crazy to us, but his intensity had the goal of stripping away life's distractions to clarify his message and make room for love. Distracted has become our default mode. Advent is the perfect time to slow down and take in the message of John the Baptist. And his message? “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” We’ve heard that line a thousand times. But in this reflection, I explain what the word "repent" really means in this context. The actual translation of the Greek word—metanoia—is much deeper than you think. It implies a changing of the mind and your way of thinking. That's not just penitence as a form of behavior modification. It's not just looking backward and being sorry for the past. It means opening your eyes to the grace you have received and realizing that change is only possible with God—an entirely new perspective. You can't pick yourself up by your own bootstraps to raise yourself to heaven. We need God for that. I pray you are able to enter into a joyful penance this Advent that relies on his grace to make a lasting change in your life. Allow that grace to challenge your approach to everything you do by taking on the mind of Christ. Make space for Christ and let him "meta" your "noia." I'll pray for you...please pray for me! DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What’s one distraction you could strip away this Advent to make room for Christ? 2. Before hearing this reflection, how did you understand the word repent? How does the meaning of metanoia change that? 3. Can you think of a time when a shift in perspective — not just behavior — changed your life? How might God be inviting you to a new way of thinking right now? 4. What’s one area where you’ve been trying to “pull yourself up by your bootstraps”? How can you invite grace into that instead? 5. Which parts of your life feel “too busy” for God? What practical step could you take this week to open space for Him? ----- Sign up for Chris Stefanick's daily Advent reflections: https://reallifecatholic.com/daily-anchor-advent/ ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to Poland and Prague: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/12693/ ----- Learn more about CORE, Real Life Catholic's new Confirmation prep experience for the next generation to be released in 2026: https://bit.ly/4p6HrsW

Why does marriage hurt—and why is that actually a good thing? In this powerful and incredibly vulnerable episode, I sit down with Dr. Christopher West, the world’s leading communicator of Theology of the Body, for one of the deepest conversations we’ve ever had on this show. Christopher doesn’t just teach TOB…he lives it. And today he opens up about the most intimate parts of his story—the childhood wounds that shaped him, the pain that almost broke him, and the moment his wife told him he was "in no place" to write a book of advice for husbands. Christopher has spent his career sharing the truth that the path to true joy always passes through suffering, especially in marriage, where spouses should be carrying the cross together. This interview is PACKED with wisdom on what a real marriage looks like—backed up by Church teachings, the writings of St. John Paul II, and Christopher's lived experience. The ups and downs of married life are not always pretty...but they are beautiful. You might need to watch this one a few times to take in all the nuggets of advice! Highlights: 00:00 Intro02:59 Chris & Christopher: friendship, vulnerability, and real ministry07:50 The book deal & Wendy’s truth bomb: “You’re in no place to write that book.”13:40 The ache of desire: Star Wars, Springsteen, and the hunger of the heart 15:50 The “starvation gospel” vs. the “fast-food gospel” 19:52 Dorm-room trauma & the desperate prayer that began his conversion 25:02 “You don’t know how to love me” — the breakup that launched his mission 30:04 Discovering John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and realizing “this is the answer” 41:03 When ideals hit real marriage: masks, control, and Wendy’s long, painful honesty 50:45 Trying to protect your spouse—but causing harm 55:19 The “sweat lodge prayer” of marriage 56:20 Marriage pain as a feature, not a bug — the cross, purification, and real hope for couples 1:02:14 Why marriage pain is lifelong (and worth it) 1:04:18 Theology of the Body as a North Star in marriage 1:07:01 "Hell is the destiny of those who who refuse purification." 1:14:35 Any path to true fulfillment requires suffering 1:17:37 Prayer for healing your heart and marriage ........ The first 10 people to sign up for The Daily Anchor at this link will receive a free copy of Christopher West's book "Eating the Sunrise": https://bit.ly/4ant67d ........ Take 20 percent off of Christopher West's book "Eating the Sunrise" with promo code SUNRISE. https://shop.corproject.com/collections/books/products/pre-order-eating-the-sunrise-meditations-on-the-liturgy-and-our-hunger-for-beauty-paperback ........ Make a Giving Tuesday Donation to support CORE, a new Confirmation prep experience for today's teens: https://reallifecatholic.com/giving-tuesday-core/ ........ Sign up for the Daily Anchor for FREE and receive daily reflections, updates, and encouragement from Chris Stefanick to help you live with the joy you were made for. Get Daily Advent Reflections right now, including exclusive videos with Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages

As Advent begins, the host introduces the powerful concept of kerygma—an ancient term for life-changing headlines. This idea connects to the Gospel, emphasizing how the news of Jesus transforms our identity and lives. The discussion includes how significant announcements, like pregnancy or job changes, can reshape our reality. Encouraging listeners to prepare their hearts, the host reminds us that the love of God and the promise of eternal life should be our guiding headline this season.

Michael Miley, the acclaimed drummer of Rival Sons, shares his journey from spiritual seeker to Catholic convert. He dives into the challenges of modern music, emphasizing the need for authenticity in an era of algorithm-driven sounds. Miley outlines his meticulous pre-show routines and the joy that fuels his drumming excellence. He reflects on his transformative experiences with faith, highlighting the role of Opus Dei in sanctifying his work. With fascinating insights on music and spirituality, he inspires listeners to glorify God in every aspect of life.

Fr. Burke Masters, a Catholic priest and chaplain for the Chicago Cubs, shares his journey from aspiring baseball star to devoted cleric. He reflects on Jesus’ unique kingship that transforms suffering and mortality into hope. Fr. Burke stresses the importance of prioritizing God, explaining how surrendering passions can lead to unexpected blessings. He also highlights the need for athletes to find their identity in God's love, rather than in performance, and emphasizes how putting God first can restore order and meaning in life.

Sr. Marilyn, a member of the Sisters of Mary, shares her incredible journey from childhood trauma to spiritual motherhood. She recounts witnessing her father's murder at age ten and the split-second decision that spared her from vengeance. Through Eucharistic healing and counseling, she transformed her pain into purpose, leading countless impoverished children. Sr. Marilyn emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and how understanding our wounds can become openings to divine healing. Her story is a powerful testament to love, resilience, and faith.

Discuss the discomfort of mentioning Jesus in daily conversations and how it can lead to profound moments of faith. Explore historical stories of courageous martyrs who faced persecution for their beliefs. Emphasize the importance of prioritizing evangelization over social awkwardness, urging listeners to share their faith authentically. Highlight the transformative impact of small acts of witness, reminding everyone that sharing hope can truly save lives. Challenge the fear of discomfort with love and the promise of divine support.

Dr. Bob Rice, a joy-filled deacon and professor at Franciscan University, dives into discovering unique charisms and living out your vocation. He emphasizes that your calling starts now, exploring how holiness doesn't equate to boredom. Bob shares practical insights on discernment using the 'gift card' analogy and redefines family as a religious order with its own mission. He clarifies the role of deacons and their service in the community, illuminating how recognising your gifts can lead to true joy and fulfillment in life.

Fr. Jonathan Meyer, a dedicated priest from Bright, Indiana, shares insights on the importance of saints and relics in the Catholic faith. He showcases his impressive relic collection, including pieces from St. Francis and St. Mother Teresa, and explains how these tangible reminders can inspire holiness. The conversation delves into the roles of the Church Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant, and how building environments that reflect our faith can enhance our spiritual journeys. Plus, they explore the unique Ars Café, a no-distraction space encouraging genuine connections and listening.

Explore the hope surrounding what happens after death. Dive into how a positive final destination reshapes our understanding of life's struggles, mending our stories through God's mercy. Discover insights from near-death experiences that suggest life continues beyond this realm. Learn how prayers for the souls in purgatory can heal relationships, helping reconcile with those we've lost. Join in prayer as a collective way to support the departed on their journey to purity and eternal peace.