Chris Stefanick Catholic Show

I recently had the honor of being at the funeral of Micah Kim, the five-year-old son of my friend Paul J. Kim. And I don’t use the word honor lightly. Because while the pain of losing a child is unimaginable…what I witnessed there was just as unimaginable: JOY. At Micah’s wake, Paul stood next to his son’s casket—his little body dressed in cowboy boots—and he pointed and said: “That’s my son’s body. He’s not there. My son is alive.” Paul said they gave Micah the greatest gift a parent can give: baptism. His passport to heaven. And then I watched this family walk down the aisle behind the casket—hands on it, tears streaming down Paul’s face—and his other hand lifted high in praise as we sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Listen to my reflection to hear how Paul's witness of joy in the face of tragedy and Micah's brief life are both tied to the truth of our baptism—that we are beloved children of God and he wants us to live forever with him. In baptism, we are sealed in this identity and receive our ticket to heaven. We just need to lean into his love and let his grace transform our lives. Our days here are numbered. But heaven is real, it lasts forever, and you don't need to prove yourself to earn God's love. Receive it! Follow Paul J. Kim on Instagram to see how God is already using Micah for his glory: https://www.instagram.com/heypjk DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Have you ever witnessed faith lived out powerfully in the middle of suffering? What impact did it have on you? 2. Do you think our culture understands joy the way Christianity does? Why or why not? How does the Christian understanding of hope differ from simply “staying positive”? 3. Does your baptism shape your identity? What does it mean to you that, at baptism, the Father looks at you and says, “That’s my son. That’s my daughter”? 4. Where in your life do you find yourself trying to earn God's love or prove your worth? How can you work against that mindset? 5. What can you do this week to live like holiness is your top priority? What needs to change? ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- 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 the Holy Land: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/cs-holyland2026/

Explore the unexpected ways God meets us in our lowest moments. Discover how the location of Jesus' baptism symbolizes divine presence in our struggles. Chris shares the warmth of God's words, reminding us we are cherished children, especially when times are tough. Hear a friend's inspiring journey of finding joy through faith amid trials. Learn practical ways to invite grace in dark times and lean into loving affirmations, offering hope when you feel abandoned.

God often reveals Himself in the ordinary, particularly during the celebration of the Epiphany. The scene centers on a humble child and a nursing mother, showing that divine beauty often hides in plain sight. The podcast explores how distractions have dulled our ability to recognize miracles around us. Emphasizing the importance of cultivating a contemplative heart, it encourages listeners to find God in everyday moments, from the Eucharist to family interactions. Chris concludes with a call to live in continual wonder.

Fr. Peter Mussett, a seasoned Catholic priest, shares profound insights from his extensive experience with confession. He explores why many struggle to change, emphasizing the crucial role of conscience and mercy. Discover how habit stacking can help break bad habits and why unforgiveness leads to temptation. Fr. Peter discusses the importance of moving from reactive to reasoned living and the transformative power of trusting God's mercy. This enlightening conversation offers practical strategies for real change and self-reflection.

Discover the striking parallels between Old Testament Joseph and St. Joseph, illustrating deep themes of trust and divine plan. Both faced chaos and uncertainty yet found peace through faith. The connection between their experiences highlights how envy can lead to persecution. The podcast emphasizes that our personal struggles are just one page of a larger story that unfolds according to God's will. Gain insight into living confidently amidst life's challenges, inspired by the saints' trust in a grand narrative.

Eddie Cotter, Jr. is not just a Catholic youth minister but also a talented Santa portrayal artist, known for his heartwarming role at Rockefeller Center. He shares how he accepted the calling to become Santa for his autistic grandson, making a profound connection. The discussion flows from captivating tales of Santa school to the deeper meanings of Christmas traditions. Santa himself joins in, reflecting on the essence of kindness, the hope behind the naughty list, and urging everyone to embody the spirit of generosity and love during the holiday season.

As Christmas approaches, the reflection highlights our true worth through the lens of the Christ child. Listeners are invited to see how God’s sacrifice reveals their value, encouraging self-care and dignity. The discussion stresses valuing oneself and others, likening it to the reverence of the Eucharist. It challenges negative self-talk and emphasizes understanding sin as a devaluation of our worth. The core message inspires taking a moment to reflect on our identity in Christ and to honor that intrinsic worth every day.

Tommy Spaulding, leadership expert and author of The Gift of Influence, shares his journey from rock bottom to rediscovering his value as a child of God. He emphasizes that each person influences around 80,000 others, using the metaphor of a packed stadium to reflect on our impact. Tommy discusses the power of small gestures, like receiving 50 heartfelt letters from loved ones. He advocates for servant leadership over self-serving influence and highlights the importance of intentional interactions to create a legacy of love.

Explore the transformative journey of aligning your dreams with a greater purpose. Discover how good desires can mistakenly shift to a self-centered focus. John the Baptist is presented as the ultimate anti-influencer, exemplifying the power of pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking personal legacy. Dive into the need for humility and the importance of prioritizing faith over ambition. Reflect on your true aspirations and learn to let Christ increase in your life as you embrace joyful repentance during Advent.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Peter Malinoski, a Catholic psychologist and founder of Souls & Hearts, explores how self-love is crucial for loving others and God. He challenges misconceptions that equate self-love with selfishness, emphasizing that true love fosters compassion. The conversation covers practical steps like journaling and inner work to embrace and integrate fragmented parts of ourselves. They even pray the powerful Litany of Self-Love, reminding listeners that receiving God's love can be transformative, not traumatic.