My Stogie Mystagogy Podcast

Disclosure Day, Aliens, and the Call to Evangelize

What happens when a blockbuster alien movie raises questions about God, faith, and humanity's place in the universe? This week, Don is joined by special guest co-host Kevin Gonzalez, who steps in while Mark celebrates his father's 90th birthday. Together they discuss Steven Spielberg's new film Disclosure Day and the controversy surrounding claims that the movie is anti-religious or anti-Catholic. Along the way, they explore what the Catholic Church teaches about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, whether aliens would challenge Christian belief, and how Catholics can engage popular culture as an opportunity for evangelization. In the second half of the episode, the conversation shifts to the Gospel's call that "the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." Kevin shares the story behind his Saturday morning men's coffee group and how a simple invitation grew into an informal apostolate that has fostered fellowship, accountability, and faith formation for years. Together, Don and Kevin challenge listeners to discover how God may be calling them to evangelize through their ordinary talents, friendships, and daily lives. Whether you're interested in science fiction, Catholic theology, or practical ways to live your faith, this episode offers thoughtful conversation about listening to God and becoming fishers of men. What Ya Smokin' * Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 4 [Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 4] * Drew Estate Deadwood Fat Bottom Betty [https://drewestate.com/products/deadwood/deadwood-fat-bottom-betty/] What Ya Drinkin' * Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve [https://www.glenmorangie.com/en-us/products/glenmorangie-triple-cask-reserve?srsltid=AfmBOoqCWLrj9hN8XypufN9Tb9C1Mh4qZDtAFdj-2nd8aIpz79lx32vD] * Chick-fil-A Lemonade [https://www.chick-fil-a.com/menu/beverages/chick-fil-a-lemonade] Film Reviews & Commentary [https://www.chick-fil-a.com/menu/beverages/chick-fil-a-lemonade] * Disclosure Day * Decent Films Review Archive [https://decentfilms.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Decent Films Substack (Deacon Steven Greydanus) [https://decentfilms.substack.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Catholic Teaching & Resources * Catholic Answers [https://www.catholic.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Jimmy Akin on faith and extraterrestrial life [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3woBfYQG_Qo] * Solemnity of Christ the King * Matthew 9:37-38 * Matthew 10:1-8 * Matthew 28:18-20 Saints Mentioned * Saint Clare of Assisi * Saint John the Baptist * Saint Josemaría Escrivá

The Eucharist, Real Presence, and Living a Eucharistic Life

What does the Catholic Church actually teach about the Eucharist? On this Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Don and Mark discuss the Church's belief that Jesus Christ is truly, really, and substantially present in the Eucharist. They examine the Bread of Life Discourse in John 6, the Last Supper, and the witness of the earliest Christians. Why did so many disciples walk away when Jesus spoke about eating His flesh and drinking His blood? Why didn't He correct them if they misunderstood Him? And how did the first generations of Christians understand His words? The conversation also explores the connection between the Incarnation and the Eucharist, the meaning of transubstantiation, and why the Catechism calls the Eucharist the "source and summit" of the Christian life. Don shares a personal story about a season when he was unable to receive Holy Communion and how that experience transformed his appreciation for the Blessed Sacrament. The episode concludes with practical suggestions for becoming more Eucharistic people through Mass, Adoration, prayer, and intentional discipleship. What Ya Smokin • Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve Parejo [https://cigarcountry.com/product/arturo-fuente-don-carlos-personal-reserve-robusto/] • Casdagli European Experiment Short Double Perfecto [https://cigarwell.com/cigars/casdagli-european-experiment-short-double-perfecto] What Ya Drinkin • Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky [https://www.totalwine.com/p/19745750-1] Sources Referenced • Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324-1327 [https://www.catholiccrossreference.online/catechism/#!/search/1324-1327] • John 6 (Bread of Life Discourse) • Matthew 26:26-28 • Mark 14:22-24 • Luke 22:19-20 • 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 • 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 • St. Ignatius of Antioch • St. Justin Martyr • St. Irenaeus • St. Thomas Aquinas • St. John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia [https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_20030417_eccl-de-euch.html] • St. Carlo Acutis

Understanding the Trinity: A Relational Perspective

We discuss the Church's doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Then we explore how we can grow in understanding of a mystery that is beyond our comprehension. The answer lies in relationship, in participation. What Ya Smokin * Fuente Hemingway Work of Art * Knuckle Sandwich, Guy Frieri Cigars What Ya Drinkin * Redbreast 12

Pentecost and Confirmation: Unlocking the Holy Spirit's Power

This episode explores the significance of Pentecost, confirmation, and the Holy Spirit in the Catholic faith. Don and Mark discuss the spiritual gifts, charisms, and the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, emphasizing maturation and active participation in faith. Apostolates Cited in Episode * Christian Community of God's Delight [https://godsdelight.org/] * Encounter School of Ministry [https://encounterschool.org/] What Ya Smokin' * Wildfire The Fault Line [https://kingoftheleaf.com/products/wildfire-the-fault-line] * Fuente Hemingway Work of Art [https://www.cigaraficionado.com/top25cigar/arturo-fuente-hemingway-work-of-art-2018] What Ya Drinkin' * WL Weller Special Reserve Bourbon [https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/bourbon/small-batch-bourbon/wl-weller-special-reserve-bourbon/p/13538750?srsltid=AfmBOoo7hEBeKtDeADltaqk0aScR1INzGmUTJ9Vx-_fs1VNN3GWtz09f]

Theology of the Rosary

A brief Joe Catholic talk in which we discuss the Christo-centric nature of the Rosary.