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!Today's Lenten meditation invites us into the profound mystery of divine indwelling—God's continuous presence in the soul of every baptized Christian in a state of grace.Drawing from John 8:29, we explore Christ's promise that just as the Father never left him alone, he never leaves us orphaned. This isn't merely poetic language but a spiritual reality that transforms our understanding of ourselves. As St. Peter teaches, through baptism, we become "partakers of the divine nature," genuine children of God through adoption that goes far deeper than legal terminology.Elizabeth of the Trinity captures this beautifully: "It seems to me that I have found my heaven on earth since heaven is God and God is in my soul." Meanwhile, St. Teresa of Avila describes our soul as "a palace of priceless worth, built entirely of gold and precious stones." These mystical insights remind us that we carry within us a sacred sanctuary where God continually abides.The meditation offers practical ways to honor and recognize this divine presence: saying the Glory Be throughout the day, speaking God's name with reverence, and quickly rejecting thoughts that would taint the soul. As we celebrate the feast days of St. Patrick and anticipate St. Joseph's feast, we're reminded how these saints lived from this awareness of God's indwelling presence. How might your life change if you truly believed God was always with you, not just metaphorically but actually dwelling within your soul? Take a moment today to pause, make the sign of the cross, and acknowledge the divine presence that makes its home in you.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 does it really mean to be holy? On this Second Sunday of Lent, we dive deep into God's explicit call for our sanctification. Drawing from St. Paul's letter to the Thessalonians—"For this is the will of God, your sanctification"—we explore how holiness isn't about extraordinary spiritual manifestations but rather conforming ourselves to Christ.The journey to sanctification remains one of Catholicism's most profound and misunderstood teachings. Unlike the "once saved, always saved" doctrine, we recognize that becoming holy requires our active, daily participation through prayer, sacraments, battling sinful tendencies, and performing good works. As Padre Pio reminds us, "Let us become saints. That way, after our life together on earth, we will remain united forever in paradise."We also examine the often-overlooked truth about heaven's hierarchy. The more we conform ourselves to Christ during our earthly life, the higher our place will be eternally. This understanding transforms our spiritual practices from mere religious obligations into purposeful steps toward our ultimate destiny. Through practical Lenten resolutions—arriving early for Mass, turning to prayer during temptations, and practicing modesty of the eyes—we can begin this transformation today. The best way to lead loved ones to heaven is through our own example of sanctification. Receive the sacraments frequently and remember Elizabeth of the Trinity's wisdom: "A soul who lives in union with God does nothing that is not supernatural."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!Ever wonder why the Transfiguration appears during Lent? This seemingly paradoxical pairing reveals a profound spiritual rhythm that defines the Christian journey.On this Ember Saturday of the first week of Lent, we climb Mount Tabor with Christ and his chosen apostles to witness his divine glory. The face that will soon be marred beyond recognition shines like the sun; the body that will be broken radiates majesty. But why this glorious revelation now, as we're just beginning our Lenten disciplines?The Transfiguration serves a dual purpose that speaks directly to our spiritual lives. First, it offers a glimpse of Easter glory - the resurrection brilliance that awaits beyond our fasting and prayer. Yet perhaps more importantly, this revelation prepared the apostles for the devastating shock of the Passion. As Saint Bernadette beautifully expressed, "The Christian life has not only its combats and trials, it also has its consolations. If we have to go from Tabor to Calvary, we come back from Calvary to Tabor."This pattern repeats throughout our spiritual journey. Those mountaintop moments - when prayer feels effortless and God's presence overwhelming - aren't simply divine rewards. They're strategic preparation for the valleys ahead. The consolations strengthen us for coming crosses. While we rightfully look forward to Easter joy during Lent, we must remember what stands between now and resurrection glory: Calvary.Join us in embracing both the consolations and crosses of this Lenten season. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, may we follow Christ from glory to suffering and back to eternal glory again. What spiritual consolations have prepared you for difficult seasons in your life?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!Patience stands as one of the most misunderstood virtues of our spiritual life. We think it means calmly waiting for our coffee or enduring a traffic jam without cursing. But the paralytic in today's Gospel shows us something far more profound – a man who returned faithfully to the healing pool for thirty-eight years, never abandoning hope despite nearly four decades of disappointment.What does it mean to bear suffering with grace? How do we maintain hope through extended periods of trial? The reflection draws a powerful distinction between momentary patience and long-suffering – that capacity to endure life's most profound challenges without losing faith and hope.The conversation takes a surprisingly personal turn as I share my own struggles with patience – particularly how my melancholic temperament leads me to internalize frustrations with others before eventually unleashing them. This honest admission highlights the teaching from the Imitation of Christ: "Bear with the faults and frailties of others, for you too have many faults with which others have to bear." True patience requires not just outward composure but inner peace.As we journey through Lent, these Ember Days call us to additional fasting, abstinence, and prayer for priests and vocations. Like my experience staying up until 2 AM with excited children to witness a lunar eclipse only to be met with cloudy skies, our spiritual practices don't always yield immediate rewards. Yet it's precisely in these moments of disappointment that patience transforms from mere waiting into a profound spiritual virtue.Join our Lenten journey and discover how cultivating authentic patience might be exactly what your spiritual life needs right now. Take time today for additional prayer, fasting, and if possible, participate in the Stations of the Cross to honor this special Ember Friday.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!Many Christians struggle to find clear evidence of the Trinity in the Old Testament, often conceding this ground when dialoguing with Jewish or Muslim friends. But what if Christ was hiding in plain sight throughout the Hebrew Scriptures?In this revelatory discussion, Sam Shamoon takes us on a journey through biblical passages that the early Church Fathers unanimously understood as revealing the Trinity. From Jeremiah's encounter with "the Word of the Lord" who physically touched his mouth, to Abraham's meeting with the divine visitor who claimed to be "the Lord," we discover compelling evidence that Christ was actively revealing Himself thousands of years before Bethlehem.The implications are profound. When Jesus said, "Abraham saw my day and was glad," He wasn't speaking metaphorically—Abraham literally encountered the pre-incarnate Christ. This understanding transforms how we read Scripture and provides powerful tools for defending the Trinity using the Old Testament alone.We explore how and why many modern theologians have abandoned these interpretations in favor of readings that align more with rabbinical Judaism, and how this shift impacts interfaith dialogue today. Looking at Genesis 1:26 ("Let us make man in our image"), Genesis 19:24 (which distinguishes between the Lord on earth and the Lord in heaven), and several other key passages, Sam builds a compelling case that the Trinity was never a "new revelation" but has been God's self-disclosure from the beginning.Whether you're seeking to strengthen your faith, looking for new apologetic approaches, or simply love diving deep into Scripture, this conversation will transform how you read the Bible. Discover the Christ who walked with Adam, spoke to Abraham, and touched the prophets—the eternal Word who has been revealing the Father since creation began.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 power of persistent faith takes center stage in this meditation for the First Week of Lent as we examine the remarkable story of the Canaanite woman. When she approaches Jesus seeking healing for her daughter, his response seems harsh: "the bread of the children is not for dogs." Yet her humble persistence—"but the little dogs eat the crumbs"—ultimately wins his heart. "O woman, great is thy faith," Jesus declares, giving us a profound model of how faith becomes our greatest strength.Why do we struggle to effectively deploy our faith? The answer lies in our resistance to acknowledging our complete dependence on God. Drawing from Father Patrick Troadec's "Toward Easter," we explore how true faith requires us to "place ourselves humbly with the little dogs under the Master's table" to receive grace despite our unworthiness. This meditation includes beautiful prayers and reflections from spiritual giants like St. Catherine of Siena and St. Louis de Montfort, reminding us that faith serves as the foundation for all virtue.The conversation expands to consider how faith faces relentless attacks in our modern world. From secular education to materialistic culture, everything seems designed to replace true faith with counterfeits. Yet, without authentic faith, we cannot properly develop hope or charity. The meditation offers practical wisdom for strengthening this essential virtue: daily recitation of the Creed, making formal Acts of Faith each morning, and resolving not to lose confidence in God during trials. As we continue our Lenten journey, we're invited to rediscover faith not as a passive inheritance but as our active strength, enabling us to persevere through life's challenges with the humble confidence of the Canaanite woman.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!A fascinating dive into the collision between traditional Catholic values and modern digital culture as we examine viral videos of priests creating TikTok dances that compromise clerical dignity. The episode opens with a critical analysis of this troubling trend, connecting it to Leo XIII's warning about preserving the modesty and gravity befitting the priesthood in a world obsessed with social media influence.We tackle a profound question that reveals much about our cultural understanding of marriage: "Who comes first—your mother, daughter, or wife?" The responses from men in a street interview expose a deeply disordered view of family hierarchy, with most claiming wives are "replaceable." We explore the theological foundation for why spouses must prioritize each other above all other relationships, and how this proper ordering creates healthy families. The discussion connects these misplaced priorities to broken family structures and absent fathers, highlighting how what children witness shapes their understanding of love and commitment.The conversation shifts to a deeper exploration of patron saints that moves beyond standard apologetics approaches. Rather than simply defending devotion to saints with Scripture passages, we examine their cosmic significance as spiritual guardians over regions and cities—filling roles once claimed by pagan deities and demonstrating how Christianity transformed cultural landscapes throughout history.Perhaps most valuably, we critique the limitations of typical "Catholic Answers" style apologetics when engaging with sophisticated Protestant theological arguments. While standard apologetics works against evangelical fundamentalism, it often fails to address the nuanced arguments from classical Reformed theology. This segment challenges listeners to deepen their theological understanding beyond mere talking points.The episode concludes with a touching story about the power of family prayer, as a father shares his experience praying the rosary with his speech-impaired four-year-old son who persevered through an hour-long prayer despite his limitations. What will you prioritize in your spiritual journey toward deeper understanding?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!Deep within our Catholic tradition lies the often-forgotten treasure of Embertide – those sacred days of intensified prayer and fasting that punctuate our liturgical year. Today's reflection brings us to Ember Wednesday of the first week in Lent, where we're reminded of the profound spiritual significance these ancient observances hold.The Gospel places before us the sign of Jonah – three days in the whale's belly prefiguring Christ's three days in the heart of the earth. Like the Pharisees who constantly demanded signs despite witnessing countless miracles, we too often seek tangible proofs rather than embracing the mystery of faith. True faith means adhering to divine truths without constant reassurance, trusting even when we cannot see or feel.Perhaps nowhere is this faith more beautifully expressed than in our baptism – that transformative moment when we became adopted children of God. As King Saint Louis IX of France profoundly noted, "I think more of the place of my baptism than of Reims Cathedral where I was crowned King of France, for the dignity of a child of God bestowed upon me at baptism is greater than ruler of the kingdom." How striking that a medieval monarch saw his divine adoption as more significant than his earthly crown! This challenges us to examine our own priorities and appreciate the treasure we received at the baptismal font.While we meticulously plan birthday celebrations marking our physical birth, how often do we commemorate the anniversary of our spiritual rebirth? This Lenten season offers the perfect opportunity to renew our appreciation for baptismal grace through simple practices: singing a Magnificat or Salve Regina in thanksgiving, attending an extra Mass, or establishing family traditions that honor baptismal anniversaries. Through these observances, we keep alive the ember of faith that first ignited in our souls when we became temples of the Holy Spirit.Looking to deepen your Lenten journey? Subscribe now and join our community as we rediscover these ancient rhythms of Catholic spiritual life together!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 simplicity of a child's faith stands at the heart of today's Lenten reflection. Drawing from Matthew 21:16 — "Out of the mouth of infants thou hast perfected praise" — we witness a powerful Gospel scene where children recognize Jesus as the Messiah while learned Pharisees remain blind to what unfolds before them. What prevents these educated religious leaders from seeing what comes naturally to children? Pride and jealousy have plunged their hearts into darkness.For traditionally-minded Catholics, this presents a striking challenge. Many of us excel at learning the intellectual aspects of our faith — memorizing catechisms, studying theological works, mastering doctrinal nuances. Yet Christ reminds us that knowledge alone isn't the goal; rather, it should lead us toward the simplicity and openness of a childlike heart. This Lent offers the perfect opportunity to examine whether our spiritual sophistication has inadvertently erected barriers between ourselves and authentic communion with God.Prayer emerges as the essential practice for cultivating this childlike disposition. We explore practical ways to integrate prayer throughout daily life — carrying a rosary for unexpected moments, offering quick "ejaculatory prayers" during routine activities, and establishing family prayer traditions that help children maintain their natural openness to God. Most importantly, we discuss breaking free from the cultural conditioning that has taught many Catholics to keep their faith private and invisible. Children don't yet feel awkward making the sign of the cross in restaurants — and neither should we. As we approach the Ember Days this week, let's embrace the traditional practices of fasting, abstinence, and prayer with childlike simplicity, gratitude and trust.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 smoke and mirrors of modern politics has never been more apparent than in our post-2024 election landscape. In this riveting conversation, Anthony and Kale explore the concept of "kayfabe" – a wrestling term describing staged events presented as authentic – and how it perfectly captures the theatrical nature of today's political scene.The discussion begins with a shared sense of unease about Trump's surprisingly smooth 2024 election victory compared to the contested 2020 results. Why did institutional resistance seemingly evaporate overnight? How did DEI programs across government and corporations disappear so quickly? These abrupt shifts suggest we might be watching a carefully choreographed performance rather than authentic political processes.Drawing fascinating parallels between professional wrestling and political theater, the conversation examines how both Trump and his opponents understand the power of spectacle. From the controversial Trump Gaza video to the theatrical confrontation with Zelensky, politics increasingly resembles entertainment with predetermined heroes, villains, and dramatic arcs. The hosts warn against getting swept up in the emotional satisfaction of "dunking on the libs" without critically examining substantive policy outcomes.The conversation takes a profound turn when comparing Trump to Pope Francis – both disruptive figures who create daily drama in their respective spheres. Both have generated entire industries of commentators trying to explain or critique their actions, and both have fundamentally altered the institutions they lead. As Pope Francis's health declines, the hosts consider what the next papal transition might reveal about deeper divisions within Catholicism.Throughout this thought-provoking exchange, Anthony and Kale challenge listeners to maintain critical distance from political theater without falling into cynical nihilism. They remind us that authentic cultural renewal comes not through political figures but through communities centered on transcendent principles that outlast any administration.What reality are we actually witnessing behind the political performances? Listen to this essential conversation to sharpen your discernment in an age of sophisticated kayfabe.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