My Friend the Friar
A podcast where we learn about our faith and share what it takes to live a Catholic Christian life through conversations and contemplations with my friend the friar, a Discalced Carmelite Priest.
Episodes
In this episode, Father Stephen Sanchez helps us explore the intricate symbolism of wine in the sacred context of Jewish marriage. From the Talmud we uncover the cultural and theological significance of Jewish nuptial customs and their parallels in Catholic theology. This episode isn't just an exchange of ideas; it's a celebration of the sacred union that mirrors the church as the bride of Christ, i...
Are the titles "Son of God" and "Son of Man" simply echoes of ancient scripture, or do they offer a gateway to the profound mystery of Jesus Christ? Step into a captivating conversation with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite Priest, as we navigate the historical and theological landscapes that these enigmatic titles inhabit. We delve into the complexity of Jesus' identity,...
Join us in the third and final part our conversation on the reality of Satan. Discover the divine authority that pulses within you as we reflect on quotes from St. Teresa of Avila, a Carmelite nun who commanded power over darkness through her identity in Christ. Our exploration brings her timeless revelations to light, offering you a fresh perspective on spiritual empowerment. This episode is a mosaic of theo...
Embark on a journey into the heart of spiritual doctrine with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite Priest, as we confront the truths about Satan, the reality of angels, and their pivotal place in Catholic Christian faith. As we explore these profound teachings, you're promised an awakening to the deeper layers of our creed. By acknowledging the existence of spiritual beings, we not only adhere t...
Have you ever pondered what it means to stand before the God at life's end? Join us as we explore this mystery with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite priest, whose insights into the Catholic tradition's views on the afterlife and final judgment are nothing short of illuminating. We scrutinize the intimate moment of personal judgment, where the sum of our earthly lives is unveiled before ...
As we approach the solemnity of Good Friday, Father Stephen Sanchez joins us to navigate the depths of emotion and tradition that shroud this holy day. Together, we grapple with the weighty acknowledgment of our own roles in Christ's crucifixion, teetering between the heartache of remorse and the solace of gratitude for His sacrifice.
The quietude of Good Friday brings a stark reflection as we ...
Step inside the solemnity of the Good Friday Liturgy with Father Stephen Sanchez and witness how the Church's traditions invite us into a journey of reflection and profound understanding. Together, we unveil the mystagogical significance of the Good Friday liturgy and discover how this sacred day bears the weight of our salvation history.
Examine this particular day of the Triduum, where sometim...
Journey with us as we grapple with the profound mysteries of the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. Father Stephen provides an enlightening perspective on these eschatological themes.
Literature and Christian teachings intersect as we navigate the rich tapestry of eschatology, with insights from C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce" illustrating the eternal consequences of...
Embark on a spiritual expedition with Fr. Stephen Sanchez as we traverse the terrain of Christian schisms, seeking the unity once envisioned by the ecumenical council fathers. Our heartfelt discussion navigates the rich diversity of Christian thought, encouraging a blend of intellectual curiosity and compassionate outreach. As you join us, you'll gain a nuanced appreciation for the varied doctrines and h...
Embark on a riveting journey back to the tempestuous days of the Reformation in Germany, where Fr. Stephen Sanchez offers his profound insights into the religious and political whirlwind that reshaped the Christian faith. Prepare to unearth the roots of denominationalism and discover the painstakingly woven influences of figures like Wycliffe and Huss, pivotal moments such as the Avignon Papacy and the Great ...
Prepare to be transported through time as we uncover the historical tapestry of church and state separation. Our episode may kick off with a chuckle over tortillas and feline antics, but the conversation soon picks up where we left off in our previous episode and sails into the profound ocean of the past, where the power struggles and political intricacies that led to the modern-day relationship between churc...
Uncover the deep-rooted connections and divisions that have sculpted Christianity into the diverse tapestry we see today. We navigate the historical and theological nuances that differentiate the Catholic Church from other Christian traditions. Unpacking the significance of the Second Vatican Council, we confront how Catholicism stands as the one holy and apostolic Church, distinct from the broader category o...
In this episode, John explores how an understanding of the New Testament transformed his understanding of Christian faith. From the blood of the lamb in Exodus to the transformative sacrifice of Christ, John breaks down how Jesus's new perpetual Passover is a necessary part of Christianity. Contemplate with us what it all truly means, confronting the profound implications of the New Covenant. Through a t...
In this episode, John unravels the threads of apostolic authority that anchor the Church in divinely ordained leadership, a concept as pivotal today as it was in Jesus' time. He casts light on the 'binding and loosing' entrusted to the apostles, an indisputable authority that continues to shape God's will through the Church's teachings.
The echoes of the early Church ring tr...
In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John reflect on the oft-overlooked Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. They shed light on the intricacies of this feast, which is rich in history and spiritual significance but frequently finds itself overshadowed by the preceding Christmas festivities. Their dialogue traverses the liturgical complexities stemming from Christmas's fixed date to the profound implications of...
In this episode, John and Father Stephen uncover the profound anticipation of the Nativity and the second coming of Christ. Feel the pulse of ancient traditions come alive in our present, binding the sacred with the rhythm of our daily lives. Their conversation offers a unique perspective on the dual focus of Advent, delving into the liturgical practices that bring the mystery of salvation into the now and il...
In this episode, Fr. Stephen, John, and Bertha finish their exploration of prayer through the fourth pillar Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode isn't about merely reciting prayers; it's a deep dive into the essence and the art of praying. Fr. Stephen stresses the importance of teaching children how to relate with God through prayer - a relationship that goes beyond mere words but involves...
In this review of the final pillar of the Catechism, Fr. Stephen and John paint a picture of the transformative power of prayer, revealing how it feeds our faith in Christ's mercy and healing. They navigate the challenges of maintaining faith, stressing how our perceived unworthiness can't limit God's infinite love and forgiveness.
Did you know that prayer is our response to God'...
Are you prepared for the Second Coming? As Advent approaches, let's embark on a deeply spiritual journey, reflecting on this season divided into two significant parts. The first stage, from the first Sunday of Advent to December 16th, calls for our vigilance as we anticipate the day of the Lord, echoing John the Baptist's plea for conversion. With December 17th marking the shift to the second stage,...
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