God's Playbook
Welcome to Gods Playbook. The podcast that knocks the hard hitting religious questions out of the park, or catching the Holy Spirit in the endzone. Train your soul and be God's MVP with your host Fr. Rico Passero. If you'd like to support us please visit: Ko-Fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/godsplaybookpodcast BuzzSprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1984653/supportGoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supportgodsplaybookpodcast
Episodes
In this episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico explores the “Characteristics of Faith,” reminding listeners that faith is first and foremost a gift from God — a supernatural virtue infused by Him. Breaking it down into three key aspects — faith as a grace, faith as a human act, and faith and understanding — Father Rico shows how God initiates the gift of belief while also inviting us to respond with our minds and hear...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico reflects on the powerful parable of Lazarus and the rich man from Luke’s Gospel. This story challenges us to think about how we use what God has given us and whether we’re attentive to the needs of those around us. While the world often overlooks the poor, Jesus reminds us that God sees their dignity and hears their cries. Join us as we explore what this means for our ...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we celebrate the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, a priest known for his deep compassion for the poor and his mission to reform the Church. St. Vincent reminds us that true discipleship means putting the needs of the most vulnerable first—whether through our resources, our time, or simply our presence. As we reflect on his example, we’re invited to consider how we can be more generou...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico invites us to reflect on the importance of walking hand-in-hand with one another through life’s journey. Inspired by a beautiful prayer from Michael Buckley, we’re reminded to give thanks not only for the gift of family, but for all the people God places in our lives to guide, protect, and support us. Just as Jesus walks with us always, we are called to walk with each ...
In today’s episode, we reflect on the powerful words of Jesus in Luke 9:23–25: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Being a disciple was never meant to be easy, and yet it’s in carrying our daily crosses—big or small—that we truly find hope, strength, and purpose in Christ. Just like a good coach who walks with his players through practice, Jesus l...
Welcome back to God’s Playbook! Today, Father Rico unpacks the big question: What is generational sin—and do we, as Catholics, believe in it? While some may think the sins of parents get passed on to their children, the Church teaches otherwise, with the one exception of original sin from Adam and Eve. In this episode, Father Rico dives into Scripture, clears up misunderstandings, and reminds us that God is not vengef...
Welcome back to God’s Playbook! Today, Father Rico reflects on the life and legacy of St. Padre Pio, a humble yet powerful saint of our time. Known for his deep devotion to the Sacrament of Confession, his gift of reading souls, and even bearing the wounds of Christ through the stigmata, Padre Pio showed the world what it means to live as a true friend of Jesus. Through suffering, prayer, and unshakable faith, he remi...
Welcome back to God’s Playbook! Today, Father Rico unpacks a big church word—transubstantiation—and why it’s at the very heart of our Catholic faith. While the word may be tricky to say, its meaning is powerful: at every Mass, the bread and wine truly become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. In this episode, Father Rico explains this profound mystery with clarity and passion, reminding us that the E...
Today on God’s Playbook, Father Rico dives into one of the most famous miracles in Scripture—the Feeding of the 5,000 from Luke 9:10–17. With just five loaves and two fish, Jesus not only satisfied thousands but also revealed how God always provides in abundance. Are you hungry yet? Whether it’s physical food or the deeper hunger of the heart, this episode invites us to see how Christ meets our needs and challenges us...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico invites listeners to take a closer look at the beauty and meaning behind stained glass windows in our churches. More than decoration, these windows have long served as powerful teaching tools, sharing stories from Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the wonders of creation—especially at a time when many people could not read or write. Stained glass helps us not onl...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we’re diving into the tradition of incense and why the Church continues to use it in worship. From its roots in ancient Jewish rituals to its role in Catholic liturgy today, incense reminds us that our prayers are meant to rise up to God like the smoke we see drifting toward heaven. Beyond its fragrance, incense engages our senses and draws us deeper into the mystery of the Mass. ...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we’re tackling something every Catholic has noticed but maybe never fully understood—what Fr. Rico likes to call “Catholic aerobics.” Why do we sit, stand, kneel, or even genuflect when we walk into church? These postures aren’t random motions but powerful signs of reverence, prayer, and presence before God. Join Fr. Rico as we unpack the meaning behind these gestures and discover...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we reflect on Jesus’ powerful reminder that “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” The disciples got caught up in arguments about status, but Jesus flips the script—real greatness is found in humility, service, and putting others before ourselves. Father Rico unpacks what this looks like in everyday life, from our families and friendships to our workplaces and com...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we dive into St. Paul’s powerful imagery of running the race of life from 1 Corinthians 9. Just like athletes who train with discipline and focus, we’re called to stay committed in our spiritual journey, keeping our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize—eternal life with God. Father Rico unpacks how setbacks, stumbles, and even false starts are part of the race, but with God as our coa...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we dive into one of the most powerful and vivid passages in Scripture—the vision of the dry bones from the prophet Ezekiel. This incredible story reminds us that no matter how hopeless or “lifeless” things may seem, God’s Word has the power to breathe new life and restore hope. Let's join Father Rico as he unpacks how this passage is more than history—it’s a living message fo...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—a powerful reminder of the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. Father Rico draws a fun comparison between championship trophies in sports and the cross, showing us how this sacred sign is the true “trophy” of victory over sin and death. Unlike athletes who must win to earn their prize, Jesus has already won for u...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we’re talking about the call to share our faith with others. Inspired by John 7:25-26, we see how even in Jesus’ time people questioned who He was—yet He kept speaking openly and boldly. Like Jesus, we too are called to witness to our faith, not by shouting from street corners, but through authentic, everyday actions and words. Whether it’s saying grace in public, keeping a crucif...
In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we celebrate the beautiful feast of the Holy Name of Mary. The Church honours Mary’s name because it reflects her deep faith, her “yes” to God, and her role as the Mother of the Church. Just as we show respect when calling our parents “mom” or “dad,” so too we show love and reverence when we say the name of Mary—whether we call her Mary, Mama Mary, or Mother. Join me as we reflect...
Today’s episode, Remembering September 11, invites us to pause and reflect on a day that changed the world forever. September 11th is a day of sorrow and remembrance, but also a call to pray for peace and healing—for the victims, their families, and all who still carry the weight of that tragedy. We also honor the courage of first responders and ordinary people who gave everything to help others, reminding us of Jesus...
Friends, welcome back to God’s Playbook! Today we’re talking about conversion, which Saint Paul VI reminds us isn’t a step backward but a push forward—much like when an athlete adjusts their game to become a stronger, more well-rounded player. Conversion is like shifting from only playing offense to becoming a true two-way player: it takes discipline, sacrifice, and trust in the coach’s plan. Just as teams grow strong...
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