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!Imagine waking up to a fresh perspective on God's love for repentant sinners, as we explore the depths of divine mercy during the 18th day of our Lenten journey. Today's meditation, inspired by Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet's profound work, promises to immerse you in the heartfelt narrative of the prodigal child and the joy that awaits a sinner's return. As we reflect together on the poignant imagery drawn from the book of Jeremiah, we uncover the boundless capacity for forgiveness that lies at the core of our faith.In a time reserved for penance and introspection, this episode becomes a sanctuary for those seeking solace in spiritual renewal. The vivid scriptural parallels and Bossuet's timeless insights, brought to life through our meditation, invite you to a deeper understanding of the celebration in heaven over one sinner's repentance. Join us in embracing the fullness of Lent, not just as passive listeners, but as active participants in the story of redemption that unfolds with every moment of sincere contrition.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 journey deeper into the season of Lent, I invite you to join me in a contemplative exploration of spiritual growth and self-reflection. This week's meditation, drawing from Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet's "Meditations for Lent," focuses on the parable of the Wicked Tenants—a narrative that serves as a stark reminder against the dangers of spiritual complacency. Discover how this timeless tale calls us to cultivate the fruits of the Holy Ghost in our daily lives and reflect on the gravity of living in alignment with God's will.Embark on an intimate pilgrimage without leaving your home as we engage with the Stations of the Cross through the lens of St. Alphonsus' profound meditations. Fridays during Lent can transform into a powerful journey alongside Christ as we contemplate His passion and our own role within it, sometimes confronting the discomfort of seeing ourselves in the shoes of His adversaries. Let this chapter be a source of spiritual fortitude as we together seek to enrich not only our Lenten practices but our entire faith.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!Fr Nix joins us to discuss the Alfred Hitchcock 1953 classic, "I Confess" starring Montgomery Clift and Anne Baxter.Embark on a cinematic pilgrimage with us as we traverse the intersection of faith and film, uncovering the spiritual nuances within a 1953 classic that continues to resonate today. Father David Nix enriches the dialogue as we scrutinize Father Logan, a character whose steadfast commitment to the seal of confession anchors a suspenseful murder mystery. Through this lens, we tackle the incarnational nature of sacraments and the ethical conundrums they pose, offering you a thought-provoking exploration of the theological implications of cinematic storytelling.Step away from the predictable narratives of old-time cinema and join us for a session that surprises and enlightens. Our discussion extends beyond the screen to question societal perceptions of priesthood, celibacy, and the complexities of priestly fraternity. As the episode unfolds, we illuminate the trials of characters that challenge contemporary issues of faith, transporting you into the heart of a narrative that's as much about the human condition as it is about the divine.In anticipation of our next venture into "Becket," we express our gratitude to Father Nix for deepening the conversation and to you, our listeners, for partaking in this spiritual odyssey with us. Stay tuned and enriched as we prepare to dissect another film that promises to stir the soul and provoke the mind. So, grab your favorite classic film and join the ongoing discourse that bridges the sacred and the profane.Personalized Cancer Treatment Center in USAWe treat you—not just your illness—with personalized, integrative care, love, and support.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 transformative power of spiritual reflection as we journey through Lent with the prophetic insights of Jeremiah. Our latest meditation delves into Bishop Jacques Bossuet's "Meditations for Lent," shining a light on the prophet's role as a prefigurement of Christ. Learn how Jeremiah's intercessions and lamentations reveal the raw emotions of a man seeking divine grace amidst trials and how his experience parallels our own struggles for reconciliation and peace. This episode is not merely a recounting but an invitation, an invitation to explore the depths of repentance, mercy, and hope. We examine the potency of prayer as an act of faith, even for those who may oppose us, and ponder the steadfast love that binds us to the divine, even in despair. As you listen, be moved by the timeless call to turn towards the mercy and restoration promised by God, and consider the role of intercession in your life as a source of strength and solace. Join us on this sacred contemplative path, and let the tears of Jeremiah be a guide to your own renewal and faith.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!Explore the path less traveled by society's standards as our latest episode delves into the virtues of humility and service. We reflect on a profound Lenten lesson, where the mother of James and John seeks honor for her sons, setting the stage for a discussion on the human thirst for prominence versus the call to servanthood. Through the lens of this biblical narrative, I'll guide you to understand how true greatness is achieved through selflessness, as Jesus so powerfully exemplified. You'll discover why the Apostles' journey, culminating in their acceptance of Peter's leadership, serves as a testament to the transformative power of humility and the relinquishing of earthly ambitions.Then, let's take a moment to examine the depths of our own ambitions and the glory we seek, as we contemplate the story of Bartimaeus and his fellow blind companion reaching out to Jesus for healing. This chapter is a heartfelt invitation to introspection and the courage to recognize our imperfections. We discuss the importance of seeking divine guidance to triumph over our flaws, all while keeping our pride in check to ensure that it's God we're glorifying through our lives. By the end of our time together, be prepared to feel inspired, ready to embrace spiritual growth, and uplift others, carrying with us the knowledge that the highest honor is found in the service we render to the world around us.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, featuring the ever-insightful Christian Mario, spins a yarn that stitches together the sacred threads of faith with the rhythmic pulse of hip-hop and parody. We share chuckles over the quirky blend of rap parodies and theology, and Mario steps us through his laughter-laced path from mainstream evangelicalism to Antiochian Orthodoxy.Picture a young Mario sitting in a mega-church as he begins to peel back the layers of his inherited beliefs, only to find his convictions tested and his identity in flux. His narrative is a tapestry of family influence, intellectual challenge, and the unexpected role of humor as a lifeline through the labyrinth of spiritual growth. Our exchange meanders through topics like the regenerative waters of baptism, the echoes of early Christian controversies, and the light-hearted side of religious discourse that keeps us grounded.As we round off our conversation, Mario's tale delicately traverses the landscape of ecclesiastical options, from the Baptist pew to the incense-filled air of Orthodoxy. We probe the intricacies of iconography, the familial tightrope of religious transition, and the ecumenical dialogue that often shapes our inter-denominational understanding. So, if you're ready for a joyride through faith's many avenues, where theology meets beats, and serious inquiry meets a smile, let's turn up the volume and get this conversation started.********************************************************https://www.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/c-1626455Odysee:  https://odysee.com/@AvoidingBabylonPersonalized Cancer Treatment Center in USAWe treat you—not just your illness—with personalized, integrative care, love, and support.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!Are you living your piety for the right reasons, or are you caught in the allure of human praise? Discover the profound truths of genuine faith as we journey through Lent with Bishop Jacques Bossuet. On our 14th day of reflection, we tackle the nuanced teachings of Christ regarding the practice of our Christian righteousness. Delicately balancing the command to let our light shine and the caution against hypocritical piety, this podcast offers a meditation that strikes at the heart of our spiritual intentions. As we navigate the complexities of faith in action, we ponder the valuable lesson that our actions should not seek the fleeting approval of others but the enduring affirmation of our heavenly Father.Join me, your guide, through these moments of introspection as we delve into the purpose behind our piety and the ultimate reward that awaits us. Bishop Bossuet's meditation prompts us to examine the sincerity underlying our Lenten observances. Allow your heart to be stirred by the reminder that the Father who sees in secret is the true witness to our deeds. Embrace the call to a hidden life in Christ, where the noise of the world fades, and the gentle gaze of God becomes our sole desire. Through this episode, find solace and strength in a piety that pleases not men but God alone.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 is it that we, mere mortals, boldly sin yet cannot bear the slightest grievances against us? Join me as we walk through the 13th day of our Lenten meditations with insights from Bishop Jacques Bossuet's profound reflections. Through a narrative that uncovers the human inclination to magnify others' faults while demanding divine indulgence for our own, we seek a path to greater understanding and forgiveness. This contemplative episode, drawn from Bossuet's meditations published by Sophia Institute Press, promises to guide you toward the virtues of patience, self-command, and the silencing of malicious anger.During our time together, we confront the challenging truth that those who wrong us may indeed be more deserving of our compassion than of our vengeance. We consider how our own reactions to hurt, fueled by pride and resentment, can exacerbate conflicts and harm ourselves more than any enemy could. By reflecting on scriptural wisdom, we aim to master the art of tempering our words and actions with the knowledge that a greater accountability lies beyond human judgment. This episode is a solemn call for introspection and the cultivation of a forgiving heart, setting the stage for a more peaceful and considerate existence, both within and beyond this season of Lent.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 immutable foundation of Christian life as we explore Bishop Jacques Bossuet's profound meditations for the Lenten season. His insightful work, available through Sophia Institute Press, offers us a pathway to deepen our faith and guides us in understanding the critical truths for our salvation. Embrace this spiritual journey alongside us as we delve into the essence of 'This is my beloved son,' a message that God himself imparts for our enlightenment.As we ascend metaphorically to Mount Tabor, we engage with the teachings of Christ, distinguishing between the knowledge we pursue and the faith we must foster. This episode uncovers the mystery at the heart of Christianity—the balance between the obscurity of our current faith-filled pilgrimage and the anticipated clarity of divine sight in the afterlife. With reverence for divine authority and a heart prepared for ultimate truth, we invite you to immerse in His word and submit to the transformative expedition of faith.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 transformative power of love this Lenten season as we delve into the profound teachings of Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet on Christian charity. In our latest podcast episode, we explore the three degrees of charity—loving our enemies, doing good to them, and praying for them—as illuminated in "Meditations for Lent." Embrace the call to move beyond simple forbearance to the active pursuit of reconciliation and forgiveness, a message that resonates deeply during these weeks of reflection and renewal.Awaken to a new understanding of the radical love Jesus implores us to embody, it's a love that challenges us to turn the other cheek and walk the extra mile. We explore how these acts not only surpass the value of worldly riches but also lead us to a more profound communion with the divine. As the serenity of Lent unfolds, allow the wisdom from today's meditation to echo in your heart, stirring a change in perspective on conflict and the immense power of unwavering, selfless love.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