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!What happens when pride confronts the simplicity of God's healing? The ancient story of Naaman washing in the Jordan River provides a powerful metaphor for our Lenten journey and approach to confession.We're approaching the halfway mark of Lent, and today's reflection invites us into a deeper understanding of the Sacrament of Penance through the lens of Naaman's healing. This Syrian general, accustomed to honor and recognition, initially rejected the prophet's simple instruction to wash in the Jordan seven times. His indignation mirrors our own resistance to spiritual practices that seem too humble to bring transformation. Yet when he finally submitted, complete healing followed.This narrative brilliantly illuminates how we should approach confession – not with reluctance or skepticism, but with the faith St. John Vianney describes as recognizing "God present in the priest," the hope that believes in God's pardoning grace, and the charity that places in our hearts regret for having offended divine love. The daily examination of conscience becomes our practical tool for preparation, helping us identify patterns that reveal the shape of our soul and highlighting areas needing correction.As St. Padre Pio reminds us, the Lord awaits us with "infinite tenderness" in the Sacrament of Penance. If your Lenten practices have faltered, now is the perfect moment to renew your commitment. Incorporate a nightly examination into your routine, work against your predominant fault, and approach confession with humility. The healing waters of God's mercy are waiting – will you step in?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!The battle against impurity might be the most crucial spiritual struggle of our time. In this Lenten reflection, we explore what St. Gregory the Great called "the most common cause of man's damnation" – the devil of impurity that seeks to transform souls from spiritual beings into carnal ones, degrading human dignity below even that of animals.When children as young as eight are being exposed to pornography, we must recognize the urgency of this fight. The beatitude "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God" reminds us what's at stake – our very capacity to encounter the divine. Through practical wisdom from tradition and modern application, this reflection offers a roadmap for maintaining purity in a world designed to compromise it.The sacraments provide our strongest defense – Confession heals wounds already inflicted while the Eucharist strengthens our spiritual immune system against future attacks. Yet the enemy is clever, using shame to keep us from confession while removing it during the act of sin itself. We must be "ashamed of the sin, but not of admitting the sin."Beyond supernatural means, practical strategies matter: implementing technological safeguards, carefully selecting media, avoiding occasions of sin, practicing custody of the eyes, and eliminating idleness – "the mother of all vices." The battle begins not in society but in our own hearts and homes, creating environments where innocence can flourish and virtue is celebrated.Join us this Lent in recommitting to purity of heart. Share your own strategies for maintaining dignity in a challenging world, and remember that this fight isn't about prudishness but about preserving our capacity to see God clearly, both in this life and the next.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 does charitable dialogue cross the line into religious indifferentism? This passionate emergency broadcast dives into a controversial recent exchange between Catholic apologist Voice of Reason and Protestant influencer George Janko, sparking a deeper conversation about effective Catholic apologetics in the modern era.Anthony, visibly frustrated after watching the entire interview, questions whether Voice of Reason's gentle, affirming approach with Janko accurately represented Catholic teaching on crucial doctrines like "No Salvation Outside the Church" and the Real Presence in the Eucharist. The stream features clips from the original conversation, with Anthony highlighting moments where he believes clarity was sacrificed for congeniality.Nick joins to provide more measured analysis, explaining the nuances of invincible ignorance and offering a more charitable take on Voice of Reason's intentions, while still acknowledging problems with the presentation. Their conversation evolves into a fascinating examination of apologetic approaches—whether to prioritize relationship-building or doctrinal clarity, particularly in public forums with potentially millions of viewers.The episode touches on deeper questions about Catholic-Protestant dialogue: Is modern ecumenism becoming too accommodating? Can tough theological discussions happen without alienating non-Catholics? When should apologists draw hard lines rather than build bridges? As the conversation progresses, Anthony reflects on his own harsh initial reaction, showcasing the genuine passion and concern traditional Catholics have for preserving doctrinal integrity.Watch as two articulate Catholic voices work through this controversial topic with honesty, humor, and ultimately a shared commitment to both truth and charity. Whether you're interested in apologetics, interfaith dialogue, or Catholic theology, this unfiltered discussion offers valuable insights into communicating faith in our polarized 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!The powerful parable of the Prodigal Son offers us a profound invitation to examine the quality of our repentance this Lent. As we reflect on this wayward son who squandered his inheritance in "riotous living" only to return humbled and broken, we're challenged to consider: Do our confessions truly lead to conversion?St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests who spent up to 18 hours daily hearing confessions, offers us this sobering insight: "There are many who go to confession and few who convert." Even in 19th century France, with its deeply Catholic culture, the Curé of Ars recognized that many approached the sacrament without true contrition. How much more relevant is this warning today? We can easily fall into treating confession as having a "revolving door," presuming on God's mercy while secretly planning to return to the same sins. True repentance requires not just acknowledgment of sin but a firm resolution to amend our lives.Yet there's profound hope in this message too. St. John Vianney also reminds us that "God forgives a repentant sinner faster than a mother snatches her child from the fire." When our contrition is genuine, God's forgiveness is immediate and complete. This Lent presents the perfect opportunity to deepen our approach to confession and extend our spiritual focus outward by praying for someone who needs to experience reconciliation with God. Prayer and fasting often accomplish what our best arguments cannot. Who might return to God's embrace through your dedicated prayer this Lenten season?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!Envying the spotlight rather than the possessions—this reflection reveals how our digital age has transformed an ancient sin into something more insidious. Four weeks from Good Friday, we journey through scriptures that parallel Joseph's betrayal by his brothers with Christ's rejection by the Pharisees, discovering that at their core, both stemmed from the same deadly sin: envy of another's status and position.Our social media landscape has engineered this sin to operate on an unprecedented scale. Each notification, each like, each follower count directly feeds our craving for human respect and validation. The reflection candidly acknowledges how even creating spiritual content isn't immune to these temptations—the pressure to craft clickable titles, engaging thumbnails, and discussion-generating topics that prioritize audience engagement over authentic spiritual purpose.This meditation challenges us to combat envy through deliberate action: performing acts of service that truly cost us something—not necessarily money, but time, effort, and comfort—while intentionally receiving no recognition for them. These hidden sacrifices directly counter our cultural obsession with being seen and appreciated. As we approach the commemoration of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, what better spiritual practice than to serve others without the dopamine hit of public acknowledgment? Take this weekend to perform one meaningful act that no one will ever attribute to you, and experience the freedom that comes from breaking the chains of comparison and validation-seeking. What will you do in secret to prepare your heart for Easter?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 secrets lie beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza? When ground-penetrating radar reportedly revealed massive spiral structures extending 600 meters beneath the surface, we invited Michael Hitchborn to explore the fascinating connections between these discoveries and biblical accounts of pre-flood civilizations.Hitchborn takes us on a geological journey through the evidence for catastrophic continental separation, explaining how the mid-Atlantic Ridge represents not slow tectonic movement but the dramatic aftermath of a world-changing flood. His analysis of mountain ranges along the western coasts of the Americas—extending continuously from Alaska to the southern tip of South America—offers compelling physical evidence for the biblical narrative.Most intriguingly, Hitchborn explains how a different atmospheric composition before the flood created conditions that allowed for extraordinary human lifespans, massive creatures like dinosaurs, and potentially advanced technological development. If humans lived for hundreds of years, accumulating knowledge and collaborating across generations, what might they have achieved? Could the pyramids themselves be power generators rather than mere tombs?Before diving into these mysteries, Hitchborn shares his recent investigation into the "Hymnal Industrial Complex"—revealing how non-Catholic publishers with concerning ideological agendas control Catholic liturgical music while forcing parishes into expensive licensing arrangements.Whether you're fascinated by ancient mysteries, theological interpretations of geological evidence, or concerns about modern Catholic worship, this thought-provoking conversation will challenge conventional narratives and inspire deeper questioning about our understanding of human history and spiritual tradition.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!The striking parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as our Lenten meditation today, challenging us to reconsider what constitutes true wealth. While the rich man enjoyed every comfort and ignored the beggar at his gate, their eternal fates revealed a profound reversal – Lazarus carried to heaven by angels, the rich man cast into torment.This powerful story exposes uncomfortable truths about our modern American lifestyle. Most of us live with material abundance unimaginable throughout human history, yet we've become remarkably stingy with our time, possessions, and affection. We hesitate to lend a $20 book for fear it might come back damaged. We splurge on premium coffee when that extra money could help someone in need. Our reluctance reveals how deeply materialism has penetrated our hearts, even when we consider ourselves people of modest means.The meditation reminds us that Christ himself – the King of Kings – chose poverty during his earthly life. Not that poverty itself is inherently virtuous, but detachment from possessions creates space in our souls for what truly matters. As Bishop Chevrot wisely notes, "The man who spends money right and left damages not only his own interests but the interests of others." Our Lenten journey calls us to examine where our treasure truly lies, to become less dependent on consumer comforts, and to open ourselves to genuine generosity. Through prayer, mindful choices about our resources, and heartfelt giving, we can cultivate the spiritual riches that ultimately open heaven's door. What simple acts of generosity might transform your Lent today?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 we reached a pivotal moment in Church history? Anthony returns from a contemplative retreat with a profound concern: what if the diabolical disorientation within the Catholic Church represents more than just another crisis?In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into one of the most challenging theological questions facing Catholics today: Do Jews and Christians worship the same God? This seemingly simple question opens up a profound examination of Scripture, Church teaching, and the state of modern Catholicism.We explore Jesus's stark words in John 8:44 where He tells certain religious leaders "your father is the devil" and consider how this passage should inform our understanding of true worship. Cardinal Mueller's alarming statement about a "hostile takeover of the Catholic Church" shapes our discussion about disturbing patterns emerging within Church leadership.The conversation extends beyond theology to examine world events, particularly escalating tensions between major powers, and how these might connect to Catholic prophecy. We don't shy away from difficult topics, including the influence of Vatican II documents on interfaith relations, the "Christ is King" controversy, and what appears to be coordinated messaging from prominent Catholic voices regarding antisemitism.This episode isn't about promoting fear or division but rather urging a return to foundational Catholic teachings when many leaders seem hesitant to proclaim them clearly. Whether you agree with every point or not, you'll be challenged to consider what it truly means to worship God as Trinity and what's at stake when this fundamental truth becomes obscured.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!The paradox of Christian suffering stands at the heart of our Lenten journey. Through Christ's prediction of His Passion, we confront a profound spiritual reality: suffering, while an evil in itself, becomes transformative when embraced for the right purpose.Our natural instinct rebels against pain. Modern society encourages us to eliminate all discomfort, creating what we might call an "effeminate" mindset—not feminine, but comfort-seeking and pain-avoiding. Yet Christ's invitation remains unchanged: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." This call often confounds us as much as it did the apostles who abandoned Jesus despite His clear warnings.Navigating between extremes helps us understand suffering's true purpose. On one hand, prosperity gospel teachings suggest Christians shouldn't suffer because Christ suffered for them—missing our participation in redemption. On the other, Catholics can sometimes appear to value suffering for its own sake, which misses the point entirely. As Father Troadec reminds us, suffering "does not deserve to be loved for its own sake" but only as a means to "the redemption and sanctification of souls." This transforms our trials from meaningless pain into spiritual currency, for "souls are not given away. They are bought at the price of suffering."Perhaps most practically, today's meditation challenges us to stop complaining—especially about trivial matters like weather—while fellow Christians worldwide face genuine persecution. Our complaints reveal our rejection of the Cross rather than its embrace. By accepting small sufferings without grumbling, we train ourselves for weightier crosses ahead and participate in Christ's redemptive work. What suffering might you offer up today for the salvation of souls?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!Humility—the forgotten foundation of spiritual growth. While most spiritual teachings warn against pride, far fewer emphasize cultivating its counterpart. Yet as we discover in this profound Lenten reflection, humility isn't merely the absence of pride but the essential virtue that makes all other virtues possible.Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, we examine the stark contrast between the prideful Pharisees and Christ's humble disciples. What made the difference in their ability to recognize Jesus as the Messiah? The answer lies in that first, crucial disposition of soul: humility. As we learn from the beautiful examples of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and countless saints throughout history, humility becomes not a path to insignificance but the very "gateway of salvation."The wisdom of Saint John Vianney resonates throughout our discussion: "Humility is to the other virtues what the chain is to the rosary. Take away humility and all of the virtues disappear." This profound insight reveals why pride is so dangerous—it doesn't merely exist alongside other virtues but actively corrupts them from within. Through practical resolutions and reflections on the challenging Litany of Humility prayer, we discover tools for cultivating authentic humility in our daily lives. But beware—when you pray to be delivered from the desire for recognition and approval, God might just answer that prayer in unexpected ways! Are you ready to embrace true humility this Lenten season?Listen as we explore this essential spiritual practice and prepare for tomorrow's reflection on the Christian meaning of suffering. Together, let's follow Christ's perfect example of humility through his passion and discover the freedom that comes from releasing our grip on pride.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