Avoiding Babylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!The world's hatred toward Christ forms the heart of today's powerful meditation as we journey through Tuesday in Passion Week. Reflecting on how Jesus walked in Galilee to avoid the murderous intentions of his enemies in Judea, we unpack the profound mystery that His suffering was entirely voluntary – He could escape when needed because "His hour had not yet come," but ultimately chose to surrender Himself for our salvation.St. Louis de Montfort challenges us with the stark reality that faithful Christians must stand apart: "We must not believe or follow the false maxims of the world, or think, speak or act like people of the world. Their doctrine is opposed to that of incarnate wisdom, as darkness is to light and death to life." This countercultural calling resonates deeply in our secular age, where Christianity increasingly finds itself marginalized and opposed.The meditation explores how Catholics have historically navigated hostile environments, often compromising to survive rather than standing firmly for their faith. Today's spiritual resolutions offer practical ways to strengthen our witness: making voluntary mortifications, offering interior acts of reparation when God's name is blasphemed, and praying for persecuted Christians worldwide. Even embracing silence in our noise-saturated culture becomes a radical act of spiritual resistance. As St. Vincent de Paul reminds us, "We have to be ready to suffer, sometimes in one way, sometimes in another, otherwise we would not be the disciples of this divine master." Join us in reflecting on how we might more faithfully follow Christ, even when doing so puts us at odds with the world around us.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Today, we explore the profound story of Nineveh's conversion—a city once known for depravity and corruption that was transformed through 40 days of fasting and prayer. "O wonder of grace, who will sound the depths of the divine mercy?" This biblical account serves as a powerful mirror for our own Lenten journey, challenging us to recognize the transformative potential of genuine penance. When Jonas proclaimed destruction, the people responded with repentance, and they were saved.The tradition of veiling sacred images during Passion Tide takes center stage in our discussion. As Dom Guéranger beautifully explains, these coverings symbolize Christ hiding himself from those who sought to stone him—"a God hiding Himself that He may evade the anger of men. What a mystery!" The veiled crosses and statues in our churches create a visual emptiness that paradoxically heightens our spiritual anticipation while acknowledging the profound mystery of divine humiliation. When we look upon these covered images, we're reminded that sometimes, the most powerful spiritual truths are temporarily hidden from view.The wisdom of the saints accompanies us today: St. John Vianney reminds us, "If you have not made sacrifices, you will have nothing to harvest," while Blessed Anne de Guigne observes that amid life's fleeting joys, "That which lasts is to have made a sacrifice." As we enter the final stretch of Lent, let these insights inspire you to deepen your commitment to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The transformation of Nineveh shows us what's possible—not just for our individual souls, but potentially for our communities and world.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Passion Sunday marks an essential turning point in our Lenten journey as we enter Passiontide, the final and most solemn two-week period before Easter. Today, we explored the profound reality of Christ's sacrifice and what it means for our spiritual lives during these sacred days.At the heart of our meditation lies a stunning theological truth from St. John Vianney: "Our Lord suffered more than was necessary to redeem us, but what would have satisfied the justice of His Father would not have satisfied His love." The blood shed at Christ's circumcision alone would have been sufficient for mankind's redemption—each drop of divine blood carrying infinite redemptive power. Yet Christ chose the full suffering of the Cross not from necessity but from superabundant love. This revelation transforms how we understand the Passion and our own participation in it through Lenten practices.Drawing from Scripture, particularly Hebrews 9:12, we see how Christ fulfilled and transcended the Old Testament sacrifices. The high priest's annual blood offering foreshadowed Jesus becoming both priest and victim, offering His own blood for our salvation. Padre Pio's words further illuminate our path: "Let us climb generously the slopes of Calvary for love of Him, who was immolated for love of us." With these insights, I offered four practical resolutions to deepen your Passion Tide experience: dedicate time to meditate on God's sacrificial love, unite your daily struggles with Christ's sufferings, honor Crucifixes you encounter, and gaze lovingly at the Crucifix in your home or office. As we approach Holy Week, these practices help us "double down" on our Lenten commitments and finish our spiritual journey with renewed focus and devotion.Have you placed crucifixes throughout your home and workplace as visible reminders of Christ's sacrifice? Consider how these sacred images might transform your final days of Lenten preparation and draw you deeper into the mystery of God's boundless love.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!What does it mean to be obedient in today's Church? As we approach the final stretch of Lent—just two weeks away from Holy Saturday—this reflection tackles one of the most challenging aspects of modern Catholic life.The journey begins with beautiful scriptural images of Christ as our Good Shepherd, living water, maternal figure who never forgets us, and the light of the world. These metaphors reveal how completely Christ nourishes our spiritual lives, especially through His Body and Blood. But such overwhelming love demands a response from us, ideally one of prompt, joyful obedience.Yet obedience isn't simple in contemporary Catholicism. Between different communities with varying relationships to Church authority—from SSPX to diocesan structures—Catholics must navigate competing claims about where true obedience lies. The reflection acknowledges this tension honestly, advocating for a middle path that prioritizes obedience to Christ and Church dogma while extending grace to those whose prudential judgments differ from our own.There's wisdom in recognizing that the Church allows latitude on many matters. Rather than demanding absolute uniformity or abandoning structure entirely, we're called to respect the legitimate diversity within Catholic practice while maintaining unity on essentials. As we enter Passiontide tomorrow, we're reminded of seminarians making their commitment to celibacy through subdiaconate ordinations—men whose sacrificial obedience deserves our prayers and support.How will you balance faithful obedience with thoughtful discernment this Holy Week? Join us tomorrow as we explore love unto sacrifice on Passion Sunday, marking our entry into the final phase of our Lenten journey.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Death has become something our modern world sanitizes with euphemisms and "celebrations of life." We avoid speaking directly about mortality, even among Christians. But what if our understanding of death is fundamentally flawed?The Gospel presents us with a profound truth about death – it's not the end of life, but merely a passage to something greater. When Jesus says Lazarus is merely sleeping before raising him from the dead, He's revealing something essential about our human condition. What we habitually call "life" in the natural sense isn't true life at all. True life is supernatural life, our participation in divine life.This understanding transforms everything about how we approach death. For those who die in a state of grace, "life is changed, not taken away," as the beautiful preface of the Mass for the Dead tells us. Gone is the need to fear or avoid the subject of mortality. Instead, we can speak openly with our children about death, pray for those in their final agony, and remember that a "happy death" has nothing to do with physical comfort and everything to do with spiritual readiness.During these final weeks of Lent, let's reclaim these powerful spiritual truths. Make time for devotions like the Stations of the Cross, especially on Fridays. Listen to the haunting beauty of the Stabat Mater. Most importantly, cultivate those daily practices that keep us mindful of our mortality without succumbing to fear: make an act of acceptance regarding your own death, foster the virtue of hope, pray for those approaching death, and remember the faithful departed through prayer, Masses, and indulgences.What state do you hope to be in when your final moment comes? How might embracing rather than avoiding the reality of death transform your daily life? Join us as we continue our Lenten journey toward the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Get ready for an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and surprising revelations as Catholic content creators face off in a trivia challenge that tests their knowledge of the faith. What started as a simple game quickly unveils just how much—or how little—these podcasters know about Catholicism.The format is brilliantly simple: questions are posed, contestants race to answer first through a private chat "buzzer system," and points are awarded for correct answers (or deducted for incorrect ones). Meanwhile, audience members in the chat compete alongside them, often demonstrating deeper knowledge than the contestants themselves.As questions range from the technical term for Christ's divinity and humanity to which Pope convinced Attila the Hun not to conquer Rome, we witness moments of triumph, embarrassment, and theological debate. The most fascinating discussions emerge between questions, as contestants wrestle with concepts like when exactly the Church began—at Pentecost, at the Cross, or perhaps even in the Garden of Eden?Beyond the trivia itself, this episode offers a candid glimpse into the Catholic content creation landscape. During breaks, participants discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity while growing an audience, the pressures to water down controversial topics, and the delicate balance between charity and truth-telling in online Catholic spaces.Whether you're testing your own Catholic knowledge, enjoying the camaraderie, or reflecting on deeper theological concepts, this trivia night delivers entertainment while highlighting an important truth: sometimes the most valuable learning comes through play, community, and a healthy dose of humility when we discover what we don't know.Think you could beat these contestants? There's only one way to find out—tune in and play along!Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Have you ever witnessed someone's profound spiritual awakening after years away from faith? Today we explore the miraculous spiritual resurrection that occurs when a soul returns to God through the sacrament of penance.Drawing from the Gospel of St. Luke, we contemplate Jesus raising the widow's son at Naim – a powerful metaphor for the Church weeping over souls lost to sin. St. Ambrose beautifully interprets this passage, showing how the grieving mother represents the Church herself, who never stops praying for those walking toward spiritual death. When Jesus commands "arise," we witness more than a physical resurrection; we see the pattern for spiritual revival that continues today.The testimony shared about a mother returning to confession after possibly 40 years demonstrates how our persistent prayers truly work. St. Padre Pio reassures us that "God is so good that not only does he never reject souls that convert, but he himself goes out in quest of the obstinate." This Lenten season, consider directing your sacrifices toward someone specific in your life who needs spiritual resurrection. The small annoyances we face daily, when offered up without complaint, become powerful prayers for conversion.I find particular inspiration in the connection between St. Ambrose and Augustine mentioned in today's reflection. Augustine's own journey from notorious sinner to saint, fueled by his mother Monica's relentless prayers, reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. Heaven truly rejoices when even one sinner returns. Whose spiritual resurrection will your prayers and sacrifices help bring about this Lent?Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!When did Western civilization truly collapse? In this profound interview with Rob from Avoiding Babylon by Chris from Crash Canon, we journey through the critical historical moments that transformed our world from traditional Christendom to post-Christian modernity.Rob makes a compelling case that World War I served as the decisive turning point. More than just a military conflict, it was the death knell for the traditional European monarchical system. We explore how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered a domino effect that dismantled centuries of Christian governance across Europe. The fall of the Habsburgs, Romanovs, and other royal houses wasn't just political change—it represented a fundamental spiritual and cultural shift.Our discussion takes fascinating detours into biblical translation controversies, examining the theological implications of phrases like "She shall crush thy head" versus "He shall crush thy head" in Genesis. We also share personal stories of faith journeys—how we drifted away from Catholicism and what eventually brought us back.Perhaps most thought-provoking is our examination of modern political terminology. As Rob explains, "To be conservative, you have to be wanting to conserve or restore Christianity." Yet today's political "conservatives" often advance classically liberal ideas that would have been revolutionary two centuries ago.Whether you're a history buff, theology enthusiast, or simply curious about how our world became what it is today, this episode provides rich context for understanding our cultural moment. The echoes of these historical transformations continue to shape our society, politics, and spiritual landscape.Subscribe to Crash Cannon for more stimulating conversations that bridge faith, history, and culture. What other historic turning points have shaped our modern world? Share your thoughts in the comments below.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!We've reached Day 29 of our Lenten journey, and today we dive deep into the concept of purity of heart through the Gospel story of Jesus healing the blind man. This blindness represents humanity's spiritual blindness since the Fall—a condition Christ came to heal through his incarnation, symbolized by the clay spread on the blind man's eyes.The mystical Pool of Siloe where the man washes represents baptism, opening our spiritual eyes to faith. But maintaining this spiritual sight requires vigilant protection of our purity. Four powerful resolutions guide this protection: fleeing harmful influences while seeking virtuous companions, thinking more frequently of God throughout our day, closing our eyes to what offends God, and opening them to opportunities for good.American Catholicism has historically embraced a "go along to get along" approach—understandable given the prejudice Catholics once faced but problematic in today's aggressively secular culture. The uncomfortable truth is that faithful Catholics today must be prepared to lose relationships, even with family members, to maintain their faith. Yet there are encouraging signs of revival, particularly among young Catholics who are standing firm against cultural tides with unprecedented courage.This reflection challenges us to consider whether we're truly living as disciples willing to walk the opposite way of the world. God has ordained us to live in this particular historical moment for a purpose. Will we protect our faith at any cost, recognizing that our spiritual sight depends on purity of heart?Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!What if the Fall of Man wasn't about forbidden fruit at all, but about our perpetual dissatisfaction? "We'll never age, we'll never die, and all our dreams come true the instant that we have them." "Yeah, it's just not enough, is it?" This profound insight launches us into a wide-ranging exploration of human nature and modern Catholic challenges.We dive deep into the controversial case of Blessed Carlo Acutis and the troubling evolution of the Church's canonization process. Since Pope John Paul II removed the adversarial "devil's advocate" role, canonizations have exploded in number, with one priest lamenting, "We're becoming a factory here." Friends of Carlo share surprising revelations that cast doubt on the narrative around his extraordinary sanctity, raising uncomfortable questions about manufactured devotion versus authentic veneration.The conversation shifts to examining how Jesus is portrayed across different media, comparing scenes from The Chosen, Jesus of Nazareth, and The Gospel of John. Each presents a radically different Christ figure—from a hesitant, uncertain teacher to a bold, confrontational messiah challenging the religious establishment. These portrayals matter profoundly, as they shape how believers conceptualize Christ himself.We also examine a viral social media clip of a woman contemplating divorce despite having a "perfect on paper" husband, revealing deeper truths about modern marriage expectations, the challenges of working mothers, and what it means to feel "seen" in relationships.Throughout, we weave scriptural insights, particularly from the Gospel of John, revealing how its rich symbolism of "the hour," bread, and wine points toward the Eucharistic kingdom Jesus established. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges comfortable assumptions and invites deeper reflection on faith, relationships, and the media that shapes our spiritual imagination.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon