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!This episode takes you from the recent controversy surrounding Cardinal Dolan to the solemn bedside of a family in Oklahoma, grasping at hope during their child's medical struggle. We navigate the harmony and discord between faith and science, confronting the Catholic stance on creation and excavating the symbolism buried in Genesis. The episode is steeped not only in theological debates but also in human stories that will clutch at your heartstrings.Fatherhood, rites of passage, and the shifting role of masculinity in society are placed under a microscope as we converse with our esteemed guests about building men of virtue amidst a culture grappling with identity. We analyze the present trials of the Church, including the rising tide of female leadership and the urgency for clerical accountability. The ebb and flow of tradition and modernity within Catholicism are candidly discussed, setting the stage for a rich and multifaceted dialogue that stretches from past to present and gazes into the future.Finally, we embrace the reflective season of Lent, sharing the intimate challenges and triumphs of fasting and spiritual transformation. We connect the dots between current events, moral dilemmas, and their portrayal in popular media, leading to an in-depth dissection that ventures beyond the surface. The episode concludes by fostering a sense of camaraderie among listeners, celebrating the diverse tapestry of voices who find solace and strength in shared faith. Join us for an episode that promises to enlighten, provoke thought, and perhaps even transform.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!Embark on a profound exploration of what it truly means to live a life of Christian righteousness, following the insightful spiritual guidance of Bishop Jacques Bossuet. With Lent upon us, we delve into the essence of a faith that surpasses mere exterior ritual, seeking instead a genuine connection with the teachings of Christ. Discover how Jesus redefines righteousness, inviting us to transcend the wisdom of the pagans and the justice of the Jewish law and, ultimately, to strive for the perfection found in knowing Him. This episode promises a contemplative journey that not only enlightens but also challenges us to grow spiritually.As the first full week of Lent draws to a close, we share the deep significance of the Stations of the Cross, a devotion that becomes especially poignant on this Friday of abstinence. My personal reflection on this practice, second only to my love for the Holy Rosary, is one I am eager to share with you. May this meditation serve as a cornerstone for your own Lenten journey, bringing you closer to a renewal of faith and offering a wellspring of blessings to carry with you. I am truly grateful for your presence in this shared pilgrimage 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!As we navigate the tumultuous seas of Lent, I find myself reflecting on how often we, like Jonah, try to avoid the divine plan set before us. We examine the reluctance of Jonah to face the Ninevites, a tale that resonates with our own spiritual voyages, and the trials we encounter when faith calls us to challenging tasks.In the quiet moments of this season, we are reminded of the importance of steadfastness in our penances and reflections. I am filled with gratitude for the companionship of each soul partaking in this shared spiritual endeavor. Through our collective meditation, we seek the serenity that Jonah found, ultimately aligning our steps with the divine will. It's with a heart brimming with thanks that I look forward to the continuation of our daily meditations, guiding and walking alongside you through the remaining days 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!Join us with our special guest, Josh, as we pepper our discussion with laughter while rethinking Catholic apologetics. Ever wonder how the early church fathers might sway a Protestant's path? We share Josh's unexpected detours from Protestantism to the welcoming arms of Catholicism, stirred by the rich teachings of those who walked the faith before us.Scripture is a tapestry, and in this episode, we thread the needle through the vibrant patterns of typology in the Old Testament. We weave the story of Jonah with the ministry of Jesus, demonstrating how these ancient narratives cast a prophetic shadow over the New Testament's revelation. And as we navigate through the labyrinth of biblical interpretation, we tackle the Catholic Church's bold claim to offer infallible guidance. The chessboard of theological debate is set, and we're questioning every move across the Protestant-Catholic divide, calling out for a higher caliber of discourse.Fasten your seatbelts as we take a sharp turn into the dynamic terrain of salvation. It's not just about punching a ticket to heaven; we reveal how salvation is more akin to a transformative journey—cue the Eastern Catholic concept of theosis and the Latin idea of divinization. We also spin the "first century peasant test," challenging the notion that simplicity lacks depth in scriptural understanding.  Tune in for a ride through theology that cuts through the noise to the heart of Christian unity.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!Embark on a spiritual odyssey this Lenten season as we absorb the timeless wisdom of Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet. Through his profound reflections, we'll explore the depths of prayer, confronting the ways in which the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father," can reshape our understanding of divine adoption and God's boundless love. Prepare to be stirred by Tuesday's meditation on the Father's infinite affection and what it truly means to be His child, enveloped in a relationship of paternal tenderness and guided by the Holy Spirit.This week, we traverse the landscape of Bossuet's sermons, allowing his words to illuminate our path to a closer connection with the divine. As you settle in with us, expect to be moved by the powerful recognition of our filial cry to "Abba, Father" in times of need, and how this invocation is a testament to our intrinsic bond with the Creator. Let the spirit of sonship resonate within as we confront our earthly struggles and the temptations that steer us away from our spiritual journey. Join us as we pause, reflect, and renew our hearts in this most sacred time.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 spiritual odyssey as we probe the depths of Lent, guided by the wisdom of Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet and the moving narrative of Jesus's compassion and detachment. Discover how the act of forgoing daily comforts can deepen your faith and forge a connection with the divine. This week, we delve into the heart of perseverance, examining how Christ's journey through suffering and temptation serves as an exemplar for our own season of reflection. I share my insights on how embracing the Lenten disciplines of fasting and abstinence is not merely an act of deprivation but a transformative experience that hones our spiritual resilience.Feel the solidarity of our shared path as we navigate the solemnity of this season, contemplating our personal acts of penance and their profound implications. I invite you to reflect on the power of Jesus's fasting in the desert as we align our Lenten sacrifices with His, finding strength in His humanity and the fortitude to maintain our commitments. Join me in this meditation that promises to uplift and fortify your spirit as we together seek the solace and guidance that can only be found in following the footsteps of Christ's compassion and mercy. Share this journey with others seeking inspiration during this thoughtful time, and let it be a beacon of hope and encouragement in our collective pursuit of spiritual growth.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!Make Lent of 2024 edifying with daily meditations for Lent from the famous French orator, Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet.Embrace the tranquil rhythm of Lent as we journey alongside Bishop Jacques Bossuet, uncovering the spiritual depths of this reflective season. Our meditation begins with the solemn isolation of Jesus in the desert, where his confrontation with temptation mirrors our own battles against worldly distractions and inner vices. This episode provides a serene backdrop for deepening your faith, inviting a moment of solace and introspection amid life's relentless clamor. As we navigate the austere landscape of Lent, we're reminded of the virtues of abstinence and self-discipline, finding strength in Jesus' example to fortify our own spiritual resolve.With the guidance of Bishop Bossuet's profound insights, we embark on an inner quest, contemplating the essence of our Christian journey as one of retreat, battle, and detachment. The narrative of Christ among the wilds, resisting Satan and comforted by angels, serves as an evocative blueprint for our Lenten observance. This episode is not merely a recounting of sacred scripture but an invitation to experience alongside Jesus, the allure of solitude and the power of divine support in our confrontation with life's temptations.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!Make Lent of 2024 edifying with daily meditations for Lent from the famous French orator, Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet.Embark on a spiritual odyssey with me as we navigate the profound revelations of Jesus being "the truth and the life," guided by the timeless wisdom of Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet's "Meditations for Lent." Even as a bout of illness attempts to dampen our spirits, I'm here to share the essence of Lenten reflection and the sovereign nature of truth that must be pursued through both knowledge and love. Through the lens of Jesus' life and teachings, we grasp the guiding principles for a virtuous existence, steering clear of deceit and the illusions of pride. Join in this episode to uncover how living authentically in Jesus' truth can illuminate our path and how the Eucharist serves as the embodiment of the life we yearn for.I invite you to persevere in your Lenten disciplines and consider Bishop Uswe's call to detach from earthly desires. As we fortify our spirits through fasting, abstinence, and penance, let's embrace the deeper significance of our sacrifices. I'm grateful for your presence on this journey, confident that our collective meditation will lead to spiritual edification. Join me in anticipation of the next morning's reflection, with a heart open to the blessings and transformative power of this sacred season.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!Make Lent of 2024 edifying with daily meditations for Lent from the famous French orator, Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet.Embark on a serene exploration of the soul as we uncover the essence of detachment in our third Lenten meditation. Drawing wisdom from Bishop Jacques Bossuet's profound work, we delve into the call for a radical detachment from the temporal world, aligning ourselves with St. Philip and the Apostles' teachings. In this episode, I guide you through understanding how seeing the Father can satisfy our intrinsic yearning for completeness, offering solace and fulfillment beyond the fleeting allure of material possessions and societal accolades.As we journey deeper into this sacred season, we emphasize the transformative practice of detachment, a theme that not only resonates during Lent but serves as a pivotal element in nurturing one's spiritual life. With Bishop Bossuet's insights illuminating our path, we are reminded of the importance of letting go—today, over this weekend, and throughout our Lenten journey.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 an edifying Lent of 2024 with daily meditations for Lent from the famous French orator, Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet.As ash settles on our foreheads, we are reminded of our mortality and the spiritual quest that defines the Lenten season.  We consider life as a pilgrimage, tracing our steps alongside Jesus's teachings during Lent and understanding how each of us is beckoned to join Him on the path to the Father. Through stories and insights, we draw parallels to the Israelites' exodus, seeing our Christian journey as one of faith and ongoing transformation. We are pilgrims, after all, and it's time to consciously prepare our hearts for the journey towards our final destination with Christ.The second part of our contemplation dives into the heart of Lent—detachment from the world and its fleeting pleasures. It's a time to break free from the chains that bind us, challenging ourselves to go beyond just the required fasting and abstinence. This is not just a call to minimal observance but an encouragement to use this sacred period as a crucible for deep prayer and meaningful detachment from worldly things.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