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!Embark on a profound exploration of Lent with me as we observe the transformative Palm Sunday, marking the onset of Holy Week. Witness how these final days of spiritual introspection transcend a mere countdown to Easter, offering a tapestry of customs and reflections that deepen our understanding of this sacred period. Through the wisdom of Bishop Jacques Bossuet's meditations, we uncover the layers of Jesus' majestic and glorious procession into Jerusalem.Join us for an episode that celebrates the intricate beauty of these traditions as we immerse ourselves in the poignant juxtapositions of Christ's journey. From the adoring crowds with their palm fronds to the echoes of ancient prophecies, we traverse the path of reflection that leads to the heart of the Easter mystery. Discover with us the enduring messages of faith, sacrifice, and renewal that Holy Week embodies.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: 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!Why do hearts resist the divine, even when miracles unfold before their eyes? This Palm Sunday eve, we grapple with the paradox of belief and skepticism, inspired by Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet's "Meditations for Lent." In a rare unedited live session, nestled amidst the aromatic blend of morning cigars and coffee, my linguistic stumbles seem to echo humanity's own faltering steps towards faith. We examine the stirring gospel accounts, including the resurrection of Lazarus, and the challenges Jesus faced with the hardened hearts of the Pharisees—a testament to the complex interplay between witnessing the miraculous and the decision to believe.As our Lenten journey nears its crescendo, we confront the unsettling question: if Jesus's miracles were so evident, why didn't the whole world believe? This episode isn't just another scripture reading; it's an intimate exploration of the human heart's profound attachment that often blinds us to the divine. Join me, without edits or filters, in a contemplation that might just reveal the thoughts of many hearts, including our own. From unexpected family interruptions to an immersion in biblical wisdom, this is a live session that promises a connection to the spiritual struggles and triumphs that have echoed through the ages.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: 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 questioned the depth of your faith? Join me as we navigate the profound essence of our beliefs in the Messiah, inspired by Bishop Jacques Bossuet's meditations published by Sophia Institute Press. In a period where reflection is essential, we dissect the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, the revolutionary teachings of Jesus, and the miracles that affirm His purpose. Together, we endeavor not only to recognize but also to embody the teachings of Christ. This episode is a call to action for introspection—to measure our lives against the exemplary model of Jesus—and to discover the serene harmony that emerges from the sacrament of confession and trust in His sacrifice.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: 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!Discover enduring lessons on integrity and perseverance as we draw wisdom from Bishop Jacques Bossuet's reflections on Jesus' response to persecution and calumny. This episode delves into the events of Christ's final days, offering an intimate look at how He navigated the treacherous tides of political and religious turmoil with unshakable grace. As we move closer to Holy Week, we are invited to embody the resilience and purity of conscience exemplified by Jesus in the face of grave injustice.With our journey into Passiontide, we bear witness to the harsh realities Jesus faced, including the false zeal of the Pharisees and the manipulative uses of political power. As Bishop Bossuet eloquently guides us through these historical and moral intricacies, we are challenged to examine our own responses to life's adversities. This episode prompts an introspective exploration of our own spirit, urging us to confront our trials with the same integrity and compassion as our Savior. Join us in this meditative experience that transcends time, teaching us to navigate contemporary society's complexities while staying true to our deepest values.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: 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!This episode promises a rich tapestry of Catholic life, blending humor with the solemnity of spiritual practice. We navigate through the tumultuous seas of the Trad Recovery Conference, offering apologies and explanations for our satirical take that ruffled some feathers. We then embark on an engaging critique of Mass of the Ages Ep 3: Guardians of Tradition, pondering its impact on youth and the Latin Mass movement. The episode isn't all serious critique, though; we're also weaving in light-hearted moments and community feedback through listener voicemails, adding a personal touch that reminds us all of the close-knit fabric of our audience.As we look to the horizon, the future of traditional Catholicism takes center stage. We debate the potential of age-old practices to captivate young men looking for a deeper spiritual challenge, and we tease the idea of a round table discussion among Catholics of various persuasions. It's an exploration of how Catholic media and differing opinions can coexist, culminating in a reflection on navigating disagreements within the Church. Whether you're a Trad or not, join us for an episode that promises to uplift, challenge, and inspire.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: 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!Embark with us on a sacred reflection of Jesus' divine authority as we navigate the challenging interactions with the scribes and elders who sought to undermine Him. We're graced by the wisdom of Bishop Jacques Bossuet, whose meditations serve as a guiding light through these poignant biblical narratives. Experience the stark contrast between the welcoming hearts of the Samaritan woman and the man born blind and the hardened skepticism of the Jewish authorities as we scrutinize the true nature of faith versus hypocrisy. Absorb the insights that will enrich your Lenten journey and prepare you for the solemnity of Holy Week.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: 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!As dawn breaks on the 35th day of Lent, we're graced with the Feast of St. Joseph, an opportunity to delve deep into the virtues that shield us from the shadow of envy and guide us toward humility. Through the profound meditations of Bishop Jacques Bossuet, provided by Sophia Institute Press, we unravel the complexities of these traits as they are illuminated in sacred scripture and our everyday lives. In a world where the clamor for recognition can lead to jealousy, we find solace and inspiration in the child-like sincerity praised by Jesus, a sincerity that challenges the stony hearts of the Pharisees and today's skeptics alike.This episode takes us on a spiritual journey, juxtaposing the innocence of youth with the hardened envy of the Pharisees as they confront the adoration Jesus receives. Bishop Bossuet's reflections draw a stark contrast between the purity of genuine worship and the toxic nature of jealousy that consumes from within. As we ponder the Savior's timeless responses to His critics and their secret plots, we're invited to embrace the transformative power of humility. Listen closely and allow your heart to awaken to the melody of true praise, as stones once silent now echo with the voices of those who once slept in sin.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: 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!Ever wrestled with the weight of passing judgment on others? Our Lenten podcast series takes a turn towards the sobering theme of judgment, with Bishop Jacques Bossuet guiding us through a reflective path in his "Meditations for Lent." As we discuss the scriptures from Matthew, Romans, and James, the bishop's insights challenge us to examine the nature of judgment and the implications it has on our spiritual lives. Prepare to be moved by a narrative that unfolds the reality of our limitations in judging others and the true essence of charity, as Bishop Bossuet eloquently reveals through biblical wisdom.This episode isn't just a meditation; it's a call to action for humility and a heartfelt look at self-examination. As we edge closer to Holy Week, let the bishop's poignant words resonate within and lead you toward a more contemplative state. By examining the scriptures, we discover the delicate balance between discernment and judgment, and we're invited to shift our gaze inward to our own need for mercy and grace. Engage with us in this transformative journey, where every word and reflection brings us a step closer to the core of Lenten observance and the solemn anticipation of what lies ahead in the liturgical calendar.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: 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!As the Lenten shadows deepen, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of Passiontide, immersed in reflections that resonate with our deepest yearnings for hope and renewal. I invite you to journey with me through a meditation from Bishop Jacques Bossue that explores the stirring narrative of Lazarus's resurrection. This episode peels back the layers of this divine miracle, inviting us to engage with the emotions that ripple through the Gospel of John—Jesus' profound grief coupled with His authoritative command over life and death. Together, we'll untangle the intricate threads of sin, mortality, and the beacon of eternal life that faith in Christ promises, all underscored by the enduring words Jesus shared with Martha.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: 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!Yesterday, we hit 10,000 subscribers on YouTube, thanks to all of you. To celebrate, we are doing two fun special streams. The first is this one: an "AMA" where you can ask us anything you want. The second is a special old-school trivia episode in the next couple of weeks once we can get the guests lined up. Thank you all so much!Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon