Meditations for Saints in the Making

Guided Meditation - Seeking, and Finding Jesus

Previously available only on the podcast's portal site (https://LNK.TO/CatholicMeditations), I wanted to offer it on the podcast catalogue after being in hiatus for a couple of weeks. If you enjoy Meditations for Saints in the Making, please let me know by dropping a comment or direct message on my social networks, @ForTheQueenBVM on Twitter [https://twitter.com/forthequeenbvm], and @CatholicAdventurer on Facebook [https://facebook.com/catholicadventurer].  Become a Subscriber to The Catholic Adventurer [https://catholicadventurer.com/my-plans] ($5/month) to support the apostolate that produces this podcast Podcast Portal Site [https://lnk.to/catholicmeditations]

Mary, the Conduit of God's Power and Presence

In this lighter, but not less-substantial episode of our podcast is a contemplative journey through the first two Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary—the Annunciation and the Visitation, through the prism of the Gospel of Luke. We unlock the mysteries of the humility and power of the Blessed Virgin Mary, demonstrated in her Fiat, the Magnificat, and her visit to Elizabeth, demonstrating how she rushes to do the good. I begin by addressing the question "Where in the Bible does anybody pray to Mary" using it as the basis for explaining the Hail Mary, its roots in both scripture and tradition, as I explain the difference between Sacred Tradition, and "customary traditions" Going into an explanation of Joseph's lineage, and why it has significance to the angel's annunciation to Mary, I proceed to bring the listener into a deeper appreciation of Mary's fiat ("So be it!"). Then, focusing on Mary's visit to Elizabeth, we reflect on the selflessness of the Blessed Virgin and her symbolic role as the new Ark of the Covenant. The episode culminates with a discussion on the strength and power of Mary, as evidenced in the Magnificat and her pivotal role throughout Jesus' life. Chapters * 3:45 - About the Gospel of Luke * 7:09 - 'Where is Marian Prayer in the BIble??' * 11:38 - Why the Hail Mary has Power - 11:38 * 15:50 - Joseph, House of David, Our Lord's Father * 17:55 - Mary's Fiat * 22:57 - The Virginity of Mary, and Mary's Faith in God * 27:54 - Nothing WILL BE Impossible * 32:19 - Mary's Perfect Faith. What is Faith? * 36:42 - The Visitation * 44:19 - In a Loud Voice,.. * 47:00 - How Did Elizabeth Know That? * 50:43 - Canticle of Mary * 55:31 - The Power of Mary * 57:13 - Mary's Power Links Let it Be Done to me... [https://catholicadventurer.com/2021/02/07/let-it-be-done-to-me-meditation-2-6-21/] Become a Subscriber to The Catholic Adventurer [https://catholicadventurer.com/my-plans] ($5/month) to support the apostolate that produces this podcast Podcast Portal Site [https://lnk.to/catholicmeditations]

Finding Jesus

Join me as we embark on a journey through Scripture to uncover the three significant moments of seeking and finding Jesus. From the temple to the tomb, we explore the parallels between Jesus's youth and his resurrection, providing insights that deepen our understanding of these pivotal biblical events. We discuss the themes of longing, loss, and the joy of reunion with the Lord, as well as the contemplative experience of Mary and Joseph in their anxious search. Listen in as I share the richness of these narratives and invite you to a guided meditation available through our portal website.  In this conversation, we consider the human aspects of Mary and Joseph as parents in the story of Jesus at age 12, offering a perspective that brings us closer to their experience. We touch upon the significance of wisdom and truth-seeking in the passage, and how these themes echo throughout Jesus's resurrection. As your guide, I share personal reflections and encourage you to meditate on these scriptures, inviting a connection that transcends church teachings and fosters individual spiritual growth.  We wrap up this spiritual exploration by contemplating the resurrection narratives across the Gospels, noting how the differences among them enhance their credibility. I highlight the pivotal encounters of Mary Magdalene and the disciples with the risen Christ, and the transformative moments that follow. Through these reflections, we seek to understand the importance of the ascension and the role of the Holy Spirit in realizing one's mission and purpose. Enrich your faith through these timeless narratives of finding Jesus.   Chapter Timestamps (00:03) - Finding Jesus in Scripture Seeking and finding Jesus in the temple and Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Christ, with emphasis on loss and reunion. (08:08) - Reflecting on Finding Jesus in Temples Humanizing Mary and Joseph in the narrative of Jesus at age 12, emphasizing themes of knowledge, wisdom, and truth-seeking. (14:38) - Understanding Jesus' Wisdom and Humanity Jesus, fully divine, grew in wisdom as a human, astonishing teachers and parents with his profound knowledge. (27:24) - Finding Jesus in the Father's House Mary's role in prompting Jesus's first miracle and finding solace in the interior of oneself, "The Temple of the Spirit" is the House of the Father. (39:05) - Exploring Resurrection Narratives in Gospels Analyzing the resurrection. Explaining that discrepancies in the Gospel narratives make the Gospel more credible, not unbelievable. The significance of the burial clothes in John's Gospel are also significant. (48:14) - The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus The disciples' reactions to Jesus' resurrection, Mary Magdalene's encounter, and the transformative moments of receiving the Holy Spirit and witnessing divine actions. (58:00) - Supporting the Catholic Experience Podcast Support the Apostolate through listener contributions, be 'Saints in the Making', and engage with content on social media. Scripture References Finding Jesus in the Temple - Luke 2:41-52  Finding Jesus after the Resurrection - John 20:1-10 Mark 28:1-10 Jesus' Appearance to Mary Magdalene - John 20:11-23 Elijah and Elisha - 2 Kings 2:9-11 Ascension of Jesus - Acts 1:8-11 Become a Subscriber to The Catholic Adventurer [https://catholicadventurer.com/my-plans] ($5/month) to support the apostolate that produces this podcast Podcast Portal Site [https://lnk.to/catholicmeditations]

The Agony in the Garden, and the "suffering of the Christ"

Talking about a pivotal moment in the passion of Jesus, the "suffering of the Christ," and...a cup (?) THere's a lot more going on in the agony in the garden than meets the eye. In this episode I take you through the richness of this moment and peel back some theological layers to shed light on some of the mysteries we encounter in the scriptural narrative. At the bottom of the episode I explain the significance of "the cup" that Jesus asks the father to let pass from him, what it means, and why it has a deep significance beneath the surface of the statement. Link to the show's portal site mentioned in the episode: https://lnk.to/catholicmeditations Time Codes Announcements: 4:55 Meditation Tip #2 - 5:50 There's a bigger picture: 8:20 About the Garden: 9:58 Setting the Stage for the Agony: 11:32 13:25 "Now we get to Gethsemane" The Significance of "The Cup": 37:51 Latin Vulgate, "Finished" vs "Consumatum": 52:20 Scripture: Matthew 26:30, "Peter's Denial, and the fall of the apostles foretold Matthew 26:36 Jesus Prays in Gethsemane, and the agony in the garden.     Become a Subscriber to The Catholic Adventurer [https://catholicadventurer.com/my-plans] ($5/month) to support the apostolate that produces this podcast Podcast Portal Site [https://lnk.to/catholicmeditations]

Miracles of Jesus

This is a loaded episode! To help you to navigate it I’ve included time codesand segments underneath the description, and scripture references beneath that. Description I’ve been talking a lot about Truth lately. It’s the life force of all reality. And what we see in the miracles of Jesus is love, compassion, mercy, and all of that. But those are all manifestationsof TRUTH. Fundamentally what we see in the miracles of Jesus is Truth acting on reality. We’re seeing TRUTH restore and make whole. I apply this to a few lessons in the episode. In this episode I review some miracles of Jesus—Raising the Widow’s son from the dead, raising Lazarus,. and healing a leper—from the scriptural narratives. The narratives kind of show us more than meets the eye. It may inform your own meditation, but it will at least serve as an example of how such things can be meditated on. Then I string some of the healing miracles together, explaining what they have in common with each other. Finally I point out one miracle that stands out from all the rest; something that breaks the mold and ‘doesn’t make sense’. Time codes and segments * What’s On Tap – 1:01 * Miracles are Truth – 4:28 * Tip to Help You Meditate – 8:14 * 1st. Miracle – Raising Widow’s Son from the Dead 00:15:12 * 2nd Miracle, “Lazarus, Come Out!” – 22:44 * 3rd Miracle, Healing – 26:52 * What Do The Miracles Have in Common? – 31:18 * The Miracle that Breaks the Mold – 37:09 * Guest Participation – 44:26 Scripture References Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead – Luke 7:11-17 Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter back to life – Matthew 9:18, 23-26; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43; Luke 8:40-42, 49-56 Jesus raises Lazurus from the dead – John 11:1-45 Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy – Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-14 Jesus heals two blind men Matthew 9:27-31 Jesus heals an invalid at Bethesda John 5:1-15 Jesus heals a paralytic who was let down from the roof – Matthew 9:1-8; Mark2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26 Become a Subscriber to The Catholic Adventurer [https://catholicadventurer.com/my-plans] ($5/month) to support the apostolate that produces this podcast Podcast Portal Site [https://lnk.to/catholicmeditations]