What God is Not

A podcast explores the symbolism of light in faith, discussing scriptures, feast days, and saints. They share their emotions and preferences in appreciating places. The potential and hope in a celibate lifestyle are explored. Beauty in different places is discussed, along with the theme of the Seek Conference. The concept of baptism and the feast of Theophany are examined. Funny listener encounters and the importance of prayer and communion are also discussed.

This week we're joined by special guest, Mother Petra! Mother Petra and Mother Natalia talk about experiencing an ache for beauty and how that ache can be given to us by God. We talk a lot about C.S. Lewis, a favorite of both Mother Petra and Mother Natalia.Plus we've got a mini-topic on praying with religious art.References:Mother Petra on The Journey HomeThe Weight of Glory by C.S. LewisThe Four Loves by C.S. LewisMere Christianity by C.S. LewisTill We Have Faces by C.S. LewisReflections on the Psalms by C.S. LewisLetting Gifts be Gifts Beginning to Pray by Metropolitan Anthony BloomCaringBridge Site for BrianFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

This week we're joined by special guest Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College. We talk about how our relationships across all areas of life impact each other, the founding of Wyoming Catholic College, and what it's like to intentionally create a college that "breathes with both lungs."References:Poustinia by Catherine DohertyErin PlannedFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

We've got a crossover episode! Fr. Michael records this week with Fr. Mike Rapp from Catholic Stuff You Should Know. Fr. Mike asks Fr. Michael all the questions about Byzantine tradition and practices.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

Reflections on the significance of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, embracing personal crosses, and overcoming sin. Insights on humility and being loved, the power of love and the cross, and how the devil uses our crosses against us. A discussion on dating practices and perspectives, the downfalls of texting in deepening relationships, and the importance of prayers and support.

This week Mother Natalia talks about usefulness vs worthlessness. Our worth is not found in what we do but who we are. This is certainly a hard topic for us to process and we need reminded of this regularly.We also have a mini-topic on holiness.References:A Sign of UselessnessDeath in the Shadows by Paul McCuskerFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

This week Fr. Michael talks about the parable of the wedding banquet found in Matthew, another scripture passage that has confused both him and Mother Natalia. We talk about inspiration we've had from the passage, linking it back to the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve's nakedness. We talk about our need to give up our attachments in order to accept the glorious garment given to us at the resurrection.Plus we've got a mini-topic from a Patron. Thanks to everyone who supports us on Patreon! References:Matt 22:1-14The Great Divorce by C.S. LewisBe Not Afraid EpisodeFear of the Lord EpisodeThe Symbolic World PodcastFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

This week Mother Natalia talks about the Protoevangelion of James and walks through some of the tradition found within it. We talk about traditions jointly shared between the Eastern and Western churches, and some of the traditions that are believed in the East.References:Protoevangelion of JamesFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

Today's episode is inspired by an episode from The Symbolic World. Fr. Michael uses the Pentecost for the Zombie Apocalypse episode to talk about ministering to those in the world and meeting people where they're at in their lives.References:Pentecost for the Zombie ApocalypseFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

This week we're joined by special guest  Rachel Schmitt who is our Operations Manager. Rachel and Mother Natalia talk about saying yes in generosity and no in prudence when we're asked to do something. They talk about aligning your will with the Father's so you can know if your yes or no is the right decision, and they give some practical examples of this in action.Bonus, Rachel's infant daughter joins us on this episode too!References:PDF Link - How to Discern the Elements of Your Vocation by Fr. Peter F. Ryan, S.J.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show