My Friend the Friar
John Lee and Fr. Stephen Sanchez, O.C.D.
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.
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Top 10 My Friend the Friar Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best My Friend the Friar episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to My Friend the Friar for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite My Friend the Friar episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
05/10/24 • 34 min
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, inviting you to savor the theological nuances and ancient customs that have shaped the Church's theology.
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
Divine Empowerment Over Satan and the Fallen Angels
My Friend the Friar
04/26/24 • 34 min
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 theological reflection, inviting you to appreciate the angelic order and to recognize the freely given gifts of God's mercy. Embrace the lessons of honor, delight, and repose through the experiences of saints, as we guide you towards a more profound realization of the divine order that orchestrates our spiritual lives.
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
The Fall from Grace and the Reality of Satan
My Friend the Friar
04/12/24 • 40 min
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 to the scriptures but also preserve the integrity of our beliefs, encompassing God, heaven, and the soul.
In a compelling narrative that mirrors the dramatic fall of Anakin Skywalker, we dissect the origins of Satan, his role as both accuser and tempter, and the intricacies of good and evil in theological discourse. Father Sanchez guides us through the theological landscape, where we examine the misuse of free will that spurred the rebellion of angels, leading to the concept of evil as a finite choice, rather than an absolute force. This episode is an invitation to understand the profound implications of pride, free will, and the power of God's love even for the fallen, an exploration that promises to enlighten and challenge the faithful and curious alike.
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
Good Friday: Contemplating the Cross
My Friend the Friar
03/29/24 • 34 min
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 explore the symbolism behind an empty church and a stripped altar. These rituals echo Mary's profound sorrow, and through customs such as the Stations of the Cross, we find space for shared mourning and intimate contemplation. Good Friday is a poignant reminder that our personal trials often reflect Christ's sacrifice on the cross, offering both comfort and an opportunity for deeper connection.
Concluding our journey this episode, we ponder the vast expanse of God's love and its significance as we traverse from Good Friday through Easter. We invite you to join us and meditate on the goodness of the Father and let it permeate your Easter celebrations.
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
The Easter Triduum: Reflections on Good Friday
My Friend the Friar
03/28/24 • 34 min
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 sometimes silence speaks louder than words, and traditional aspects of the liturgy are notably absent. Father Sanchez guides us through the liturgy's powerful themes, including the passion narrative from John's Gospel, the symbolism of blood and water, and the birth of the Church. Feel the gravity of Christ's sacrifice anew as we delve into the depth of the passion narrative and reflect on the absence which would have followed his death.
The transformative power of the Holy Spirit comes alive as we discuss the personal spiritual encounters clergy and laity have during these intimate celebrations. Join us and enrich your faith with the timeless wisdom of these pivotal moments in the Catholic tradition.
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
The Tumultuous Origins of Modern Christian Sects
My Friend the Friar
03/08/24 • 39 min
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 Western Schism, and the Renaissance's nurturing of individualism—all setting the stage for Martin Luther's indelible impact on history and theology.
This episode paints a vivid tableau of the aftermath of Luther's defiance, from the Peasant Revolt to the rise of the Anabaptists and the intricate denominational splits that followed. Immerse yourself in the narratives of Zwingli, Calvin, and the English Reformation under Henry VIII, as we explore how these leaders and their controversial decisions led to an array of new religious movements and sects. Father Sanchez helps us grapple with the enduring legacy of these tumultuous times, assessing how they continue to influence our contemporary struggle between personal significance and the common good. Join us for an enlightening exploration of the events that forever changed the course of Christian history.
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
The Renaissance and Its Impact on Church-State Dynamics
My Friend the Friar
03/01/24 • 35 min
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 church and state unravel. Fr. Stephen guides us from the era of the French crown's defiance against Papal authority to the religious upheavals that heralded the rise of denominations.
The journey doesn't stop there, as we navigate through the tumultuous waters of the Western Schism and the historic resolutions borne from the Council of Constance. The Renaissance, sparked by the influx of Byzantine Christians into the West, brought forth an intellectual reawakening that reshaped the very fabric of society. We traverse the philosophical and cultural shifts that arose from this pivotal moment in history, exploring how the recognition of individual dignity challenged the medieval societal structures and influenced the modern Western world. This episode is a feast for the mind, layered with tales of ecclesiastical authority, schisms, and the quest for unity that continues to influence the church and state dynamic to this day.
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
Exploring Schisms and the Fabric of Modern Christianity
My Friend the Friar
02/23/24 • 29 min
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 of denominations. Diving into the contentious topics of scripture interpretation and the Sola Scriptura principle, we strive to foster a dialogue that stretches beyond mere labels, encouraging a broader perspective on what it means to identify as Christian within varying cultural contexts.
Navigating the once inseparable realms of church and state, we traverse the historical landscape that saw the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church split amidst a whirlwind of politics and theology. We dissect the complex ecclesiastical relationships and the concept of schism, revealing how such religious rifts birthed modern sovereign states. As the discussion unfolds, we reflect on the resilience of faith through human imperfection and the transformative evolution that led to the current secularism. Join us on this enlightening episode as we examine the profound influence of Christendom on politics and the enduring legacy of the church in shaping nations.
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
Necessary for Christianity: The New Testament Sacrifice
My Friend the Friar
02/10/24 • 24 min
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 tapestry of scriptural wisdom and the intimacy of the Eucharist, we come to understand the indispensable aspect of this sacrament in our daily walk with God. Join us as we share in the revelations that have reaffirmed John's faith within the Catholic Church, and potentially, could fortify yours.
Article on Passover: https://www.alexisrael.org/pesach---past-present-or-future
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
The Link Between Jewish Marriage Customs and The Last Supper
My Friend the Friar
05/17/24 • 34 min
In this episode, we discover the profound connections between ancient Jewish wedding customs and the Christian faith. Our fascinating discussion takes us on a journey through time, exploring the historical significance of wine, the ceremonial cup in betrothal rituals, and the manner in which a Jewish groom traditionally 'acquires' a bride. From the wedding at Cana to the four cups of the Passover meal at the last supper, these symbols find a deep echo in Christian beliefs, painting a vivid picture of covenant and unity that transcends the ages. Join us as we contemplate the theological richness of marriage underscoring the sacrament of marriage and Communion as the ultimate expressions of divine covenant.
Fun Catholic T-Shirts!
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Sources for Reference:
The Mystery of the Passover Wine Revealed
13 Facts about Judaism and Wine
Wine at the Jewish WeddingWhy is Kiddish Said Over Wine?
Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at [email protected] or click here!
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FAQ
How many episodes does My Friend the Friar have?
My Friend the Friar currently has 100 episodes available.
What topics does My Friend the Friar cover?
The podcast is about Catholic, Christianity, Conversation, Faith, Priest, Religion & Spirituality, God, Podcasts, Religion, Church and Christian.
What is the most popular episode on My Friend the Friar?
The episode title 'Exploring the Symbolism of Wine and Marriage in Jewish and Catholic Tradition' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on My Friend the Friar?
The average episode length on My Friend the Friar is 44 minutes.
How often are episodes of My Friend the Friar released?
Episodes of My Friend the Friar are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of My Friend the Friar?
The first episode of My Friend the Friar was released on Aug 2, 2022.
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