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!As we walk the solemn path of Lent, today's journey takes us into the very heart of Christ's divinity. Join me as I unfold the teachings of Bishop Jacques Bossuet, guiding us through the awe-inspiring moments where Jesus reveals Himself through words and miracles. In the intimate dance between the divine and the human, we peer into the profound connection of the Father and the Son, grasping the weight of Jesus' words as they echo with the authority of God Himself. As Passiontide looms on the horizon, our meditation deepens, calling us to embrace these mysteries with the faith of those who stand on sacred ground.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 we tread the solemn path of Lent, our 31st-day reflection draws back the curtain to reveal the stark realities Jesus faced with unflinching resolve. Bishop Jacques Bossuet's thought-provoking sermons guide us through this introspective episode as we grapple with our own reluctance to fully embrace life's grueling challenges. Delving into the narrative of Jesus' ultimate journey to the cross, we juxtapose His conscious acceptance of suffering against the all-too-human ignorance of His disciples—and, by extension, our own. This poignant discussion invites you to confront the comfort zones we cling to and the transformative power of following Christ's example in bearing our crosses with grace and perseverance.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!When whispers of misconduct within the walls of so-called Catholic organizations reach our ears, it demands a closer look. Michael Hichborn, a dedicated investigator, joins us to unravel a tangled web of controversy involving Catholic Relief Services and its connections to groups that challenge the Church's core teachings. Our dialogue with Michael takes a sharp turn as we expose Catholic Relief Services' (CRS) conflicting actions against Catholic doctrine, particularly in relation to condom use. With an eye-opening document from CRS as our guide, we traverse the difficult landscape of accountability and how too few bishops are taking a stand by withdrawing support. This segment is a testament to the ongoing struggle to ensure that religious organizations walk their talk, especially when the well-being of the faithful is at stake.The episode reaches its crescendo with the unearthing of a CRS document from Cameroon, promoting sexual practices among youth that starkly contrast with Catholic values. Michael's findings raise the alarm on CRS's potential involvement in projects supporting abortion, a revelation that's bound to stir discomfort and outrage. As we conclude, the conversation becomes a clarion call for personal responsibility and the crucial importance of informed charity. Our journey through these revelations challenges listeners to reflect on the impact of their contributions and the moral obligations of those who act in the name of humanitarian aid.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 contemplative odyssey as Bishop Jacques Bossuet guides us through the enigmatic role of St. John the Baptist in relation to Jesus Christ. As we near the culmination of Lent, today's meditation — drawn from the thoughtful pages of "Meditations for Lent" from Sophia Institute Press — offers a profound exploration of belief, exemplified by the curious interplay between John's testimony and the chief priests' skepticism. Could it be that our own faith bears a striking resemblance to the hard-heartedness of those ancient elders?During this episode, we engage deeply with the Scriptures, contrasting the Jews' reception of John the Baptist's words against those of Jesus. The meditation provokes us to reflect on our own spiritual vision, the pitfalls of pride and hypocrisy, and how we might confront the irrefutable might of truth. As we tune in to these sacred insights, let Bishop Bossuet's wisdom shepherd our thoughts and invigorate our prayers through this solemn and reflective time. Join this immersive experience and let the Lenten season become a backdrop for becoming holy.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 on a profound Lenten exploration of the soul's journey, guided by the timeless teachings of Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet and the insights of Saint Augustine. As your host, I take you through a reflection on the soul’s creation and its earthly struggles amidst sin. Together, we delve into the essence of spiritual death — a consequence more severe than its physical counterpart, and how it signifies a separation from God, the very life force of the soul. Through scriptural wisdom, we understand that repentance and spiritual rebirth hold the key to overcoming this chasm, bringing the promise of new life through Jesus Christ.With the solemnity of Lent upon us, it's imperative to recognize the sacrament of confession as a beacon of hope for those in search of redemption. In the spirit of Bishop Bossuet's perspective on the soul's eternal fate, I share my personal reflections on the transformative power of confession. This episode is an invitation to all listeners to embrace this sacrament. 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!Join us as we transcend the usual chatter to question the Church's approach to mystical phenomena and debate the delicate dance of politics within religious circles. We consider the charismatics' influence on Catholicism and recount stories of faith tested by skepticism. The episode ventures into the Vatican's looming document on human dignity, contemplating its potential stance on gender ideology and the death penalty. We probe the pressing crisis of trust in church leadership and the geopolitical labyrinth of immigrationSupport 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 on a spiritual expedition with us this Lenten Tuesday, as we draw inspiration from Bishop Jacques Bossuet's "Meditations for Lent," presented by Sophia Institute Press. Listen in and join the contemplation on how suffering and contradiction are not obstacles but rather vital components of our growth in faith. Discover, through the words of Bishop Bossuet, how even denial of God's splendor oddly contributes to its magnificence. We discuss the poignant parallels between the journey of Christ and His followers, recognizing that while we may face misunderstanding and opposition, it is within these challenges that we are sculpted in the image of Christ and uncover our true purpose.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!Could the humility and hiddenness of Jesus' early life hold the key to a deeper spiritual existence? Our Lenten journey takes a profound turn as we explore the enigmatic years of Christ's life, drawing upon the sermons of Bishop Jacques Bossuet's to understand how the divine mystery of Jesus' life invites us to a similar concealment in God. We reflect on His humble beginnings, from the virgin birth to His underestimated role as a carpenter, and how His choice to live a life veiled in simplicity offers us an example of embracing obscurity. Through the lens of Jesus' misunderstandings and rejections, even in His public ministry leading to His death, we are invited to contemplate the transformative power of living a life hidden in God.As we find ourselves amidst a world often indifferent or hostile to faith, we consider the great divide between the divine glory and the earthly struggles of steadfast believers. Christ's life presents a scandal to many, from Jews to Gentiles, and His story is met with enemies and blasphemers across the globe. The chapter doesn't shy away from acknowledging the rise of heresies and the spread of error even within the Church. In a time where true understanding and adherence to His commandments are scarce, we are prompted to ponder the endurance of faith in an era of diminishing charity and escalating scandal. This episode challenges us to question the depth of our faithfulness and prepares us for the next step in our meditation—a life truly hidden in God.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 the tranquility of a life enshrouded in divine mystery as we journey through Lent with Bishop Jacques Bossuet's insight-filled meditations. Imagine peeling away the layers of earthly judgment to find a serene existence rooted firmly in God's perspective—a place where fluctuating worldly views lose their grip, and the stillness of being 'hidden in God' offers a haven of hope and trust. As we reflect on the transformative power of baptism and repentance and the grace that empowers us to rise above inner conflicts, this episode promises a deeper understanding of what it means to live a truly Christian life.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 we find solace in the quietude of Lent's third week, our latest meditation navigates the depths of prayer, aligning our hearts with Bishop Jacques Bossuet's teachings. His poignant reflections, brought to life in Meditations for Lent, guide us through the intertwining of our own spirit with that of Jesus Christ. Delve into the essence of true supplication as we explore the dual truths: our own nothingness without Christ and the boundless potential we possess through Him.Today's session, rich with wisdom from the Gospel of John and the epistles of St. Paul, serves as a beacon through the contemplative season of Lent. We embrace the power of the 'Word of the Cross' as we are led to a deeper understanding of how the journey to crucifixion is not just a historical path but a transformative force in our own spiritual walk. Join us for a heartfelt encounter with the sacred art of prayer, where we learn that it is not by our merit but through His strength that our petitions rise to Heaven and find their answer.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