Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world."

And if you're like most of us, you hear that and think, "Jesus, I love you, but... really? I'm just trying to keep my kids alive today. I'm the light of my living room on a good day. That's about it."

Here's the truth: When you're faithful right where you are—in that living room, at that job, with that one person in front of you—you ARE changing the world. You just can't see it yet.

Look at the Gospels. Jesus didn't spend His time chasing massive crowds. Most of His ministry was small encounters with individuals. One conversation at a time. That's how the world actually gets changed.

The problem is we think so big that we miss what God's calling us to do right under our noses. We obsess over global problems we can't control while ignoring the person right in front of us who desperately needs our love.

Mother Teresa showed up late to a global hunger summit because she stopped to feed one dying man outside the door. Everyone else had walked right past him.

Jan Tyranowski lived under Nazi and then Communist oppression in Poland. What could one guy possibly do? He started a Catholic small group. He poured his life into a handful of young men. One of them became Pope John Paul II, who helped topple communism in Eastern Europe.

Jan never saw it. But he was faithful anyway.

Whatever you're doing today, whoever God has put in front of you—even if no one else sees it—He does.

Do it well...and see what happens.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. When you hear "You are the light of the world," what's your honest first reaction? Do you believe Jesus when He says this to you?

2. How does focusing on "big impact" cause us to miss the people and opportunities right in front of us?

3. Think about Jan Tyranowski's story. What "small" faithfulness is God calling you to that might have ripple effects you'll never see in your lifetime?

4. In what ways does our culture's obsession with metrics, followers, and "influence" distort our understanding of what it means to change the world?

5. What's one specific way you can be "the light of your living room" this week—faithful to the small encounters God has placed right in front of you?

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• (00:00:00) - You're a World Changer!
• (00:07:30) - Jan Taranowski: What I Do Matters

Why would anyone confess to a crime when they have the right to remain silent?

Former K-9 officer and white-collar detective Jeff Wrigley has spent years in the room where criminals confess—and he's discovered something shocking: most of them feel RELIEF when they finally tell the truth.

In this eye-opening conversation, Jeff reveals why guilt and shame work like a "boa constrictor" that squeezes tighter every day, why the interrogation room and the confessional aren't that different, and what physically happens when someone finally comes clean.

We also dive into Jeff's powerful conversion story (including his first confession in a police cruiser), why shame makes kids hide instead of heal, and the one phrase every parent needs when their kid messes up.

This conversation will change how you think about confession—both the sacrament and the human need to be known and loved anyway.

Highlights:

0:00 - Intro

3:07 - From K-9 Officer to White Collar Detective

8:53 - Why Criminals Think They'll Get Away With It

11:55 - The "Boa Constrictor" Effect of Guilt and Shame

18:03 - The Confession Room vs. The Confessional

22:40 - When Shoulders Soften: What Confession Looks Like

26:29 - How a Detective Found God (Conversion Story)

35:25 - "He Can't Redeem What You Won't Confess"

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• (00:00:00) - How to Extract Confessions From Your Teenagers
• (00:00:31) - Chris Stefanik: Real Life Catholic
• (00:02:39) - A Senior Detective's Last Words
• (00:03:04) - The Role of a Dog in Law Enforcement
• (00:06:56) - The Thrill of the Chase
• (00:10:31) - Mission: Mission of Joy
• (00:11:55) - How to Fall Into Big Sin
• (00:12:35) - Detective: The Confession Room
• (00:18:14) - How to Carry a Heavy Weight
• (00:22:29) - In the Elevator With Convicted Criminals
• (00:26:27) - One Cop Converts to Catholicism at 32
• (00:28:54) - Tom Brokaw on Confession
• (00:33:14) - What Would You Say to Someone Who's Been Forced to Confess

What do you do when everything just becomes too much?

This Sunday Reflection is deeply personal, as lately God has been bringing me right up to the edge of my own strength—physically, emotionally, spiritually. In prayer, I was reminded of something we all need to remember when we reach our breaking point:

You were never meant to be your own source.

We’re all afraid of running out—of energy, money, patience, creativity, love. As we get older, that fear can quietly run our lives. But Jesus offers a radically different way: trusting God as an infinite storehouse.

In this reflection, I talk about:

• The fear of “running out” and how it shapes our stress
• Why self-reliance eventually makes us miserable
• What Jesus really means by “Blessed are the poor in spirit”
• How trusting God sets you free from burnout and anxiety

If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or feeling like you just don’t have it in you right now—I hope this video brings you some peace. You’re not running out. You just need to remember where the supply really comes from.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Can you identify a moment in your life when you hit a breaking point? How did God show up — or how did you wish He had?
2. Where in your life do you most fear “running out” right now?
3. When you feel overwhelmed, do you tend to withdraw, overwork, or lash out? How does self-reliance show up in your stress, anxiety, or relationships?
4. How would your daily decisions change if you truly believed God is your infinite storehouse?
5. What’s one concrete way you can surrender control to God this week?

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• (00:00:00) - Chris Stefanik on His Challenge
• (00:05:23) - How to Trust God in Life
• (00:06:09) - Blessed Makarios

You probably have a litany of complaints about your priest. But what does your priest think about YOU?

In this episode, I sat down with Fr. Leo Patalinghug (yes, the priest who beat Bobby Flay), and I gave him permission to unload.

This priest chef turns the tables to serve up an honest assessment of the parishioner behaviors that drain the life out of priests...and how we can do better at bringing our best to Mass and Confession.

And, honestly...we need to hear this!

Our conversation is authentic, funny, and convicting as Fr. Leo reflects on his 25 years of priesthood and parish ministry to offer solid advice on how to further engage at Mass and use the sacrament of Confession for its intended purpose of both absolving your sins and healing your mind and heart.

He shares some funny stories along the way about people using the confessional as a counseling session or confessing other people's sins and not their own, those who don't pray along audibly at Mass, and his impression of the face that so many people in the pews are making while lifelessly staring back at him during Mass. (Don't miss it! )

He also offers sound reasons for WHY we should care about the way we confess our sins and our approach to attending Mass. He has some beautiful thoughts on God's mercy, the seal of Confession, and showing respect to the Lord by fully immersing ourselves in the liturgy.

Let's continue to pray for our priests who have given their lives to serve the Body of Christ. And let's use Fr. Leo's tips to renew our approach to the sacraments and fully embrace God's love and mercy.

HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Why Catholics love critiquing priests
3:49 Confession is not counseling
6:01 Why saying the sin brings healing
9:00 Scrupulosity, despair, and self-hatred
11:29 Let God love you with his mercy
14:19 Presumption vs. real repentance
18:27 Why confession sets us free psychologically
25:21 What priests need from us at Mass
30:12 “Mouth the words” — why participation matters
35:06 Why you leaving Mass early crushes priests

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• (00:00:00) - The Problem with Our Priests
• (00:01:04) - Chris Stefanik: Joy in Everyday Life
• (00:03:47) - What's the Nightmare Confession to Hear?
• (00:07:55) - The Importance of Confessions
• (00:09:33) - Mission: Joy
• (00:13:21) - Confession and the Real Sins
• (00:17:13) - In the Elevator With Confession
• (00:21:22) - The Sacrificial Confession
• (00:25:18) - Homilies at Mass
• (00:27:54) - 5 Tips Catholics Should Not Make for Mass
• (00:31:28) - What Drives All Priests Crazy
• (00:35:06) - What Do We Need From You?
• (00:36:44) - Priests and the Liturgy

Have you ever felt small? Like just one person among nearly 8 billion—how could you possibly matter?

That's no doubt how the apostles felt...fishermen of little consequence by the world's standards.

Until Jesus called them by using a phrase that rabbis would use to call specially gifted students: "Come follow me."

They were hearing something they'd dreamt of their whole lives—something they thought had passed them by.

That's why they dropped everything instantly.

They mattered to Jesus. And so do you.

God’s attention isn’t divided. He’s infinite. Which means He gives you His full, undivided love—right now...and he's calling you the same way: "Come follow me."

In those small-feeling moments, remember that God is perpetually pouring His grace over you. Sometimes we forget that God is there loving us, but He never forgets about us.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. When do you most struggle with feeling insignificant or unseen? What triggers those thoughts?

2. How does the idea that God gives infinite attention to each person change the way you see your relationship with Him?

3. What would it look like for you to truly believe that God is calling you personally—not just Christians in general?

4. Are there moments in your life when you felt like God's call to you was clear? What were you called to and how did you respond?

5. What is one concrete way you can respond to God's call this week?

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• (00:00:00) - Small Enough in the Eyes of God
• (00:05:05) - Fishing Lessons for Saints

Suicide rates are rising—and almost all of us have been touched by it. If you’ve ever wondered “What happens to someone who dies by suicide?” or felt crushed by fear, guilt, or unanswered questions, this episode will bring you real hope.

I sit down with Fr. Chris Alar, author of After Suicide, to unpack what the Catholic Church actually teaches: why suicide is grave matter, why that does not automatically mean someone is damned, and how God can work mercy in ways we can’t see.

Our conversation also touches briefly on the lie behind assisted suicide and Fr. Chris tells a beautiful story that explains the power of offering up your suffering as a prayer for the living and those who have died.

We also talk about practical warning signs and what to do when someone is struggling with suicidal ideation.

If you’ve lost someone, love someone who’s struggling, or you’re carrying silent pain yourself—this conversation is for you. God's mercy is real—and it's powerful beyond our human comprehension.

Get Fr. Chris' book "After Suicide": https://www.amazon.com/After-Suicide-Theres-Hope-Them/dp/1596144343

Highlights:

0:00 Intro

5:00 The myth: “Suicide = automatic hell”

9:45 Catechism 2282: mitigating factors & God’s mercy

22:45 Catechism 2283: don’t despair—God can act in ways we can’t see

29:10 Your prayers can still matter (even when it feels “too late”)

37:03 Why some people prefer legalism over mercy

42:12 Suicide today is not an epidemic but a pandemic

44:35 The #1 risk factor for those considering suicide

46:13 Warning signs + what to say when you’re worried about someone

50:11 “I’m a burden” — the lie behind assisted suicide/euthanasia

56:18 Closing prayer + blessing

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or considering self-harm: please call 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or your local emergency number right now. If you’re outside the U.S., look up your country’s crisis line and reach out immediately.

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I recently had the honor of being at the funeral of Micah Kim, the five-year-old son of my friend Paul J. Kim. And I don’t use the word honor lightly.

Because while the pain of losing a child is unimaginable…what I witnessed there was just as unimaginable: JOY.

At Micah’s wake, Paul stood next to his son’s casket—his little body dressed in cowboy boots—and he pointed and said:

“That’s my son’s body. He’s not there. My son is alive.”

Paul said they gave Micah the greatest gift a parent can give: baptism. His passport to heaven. And then I watched this family walk down the aisle behind the casket—hands on it, tears streaming down Paul’s face—and his other hand lifted high in praise as we sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.

Listen to my reflection to hear how Paul's witness of joy in the face of tragedy and Micah's brief life are both tied to the truth of our baptism—that we are beloved children of God and he wants us to live forever with him.

In baptism, we are sealed in this identity and receive our ticket to heaven. We just need to lean into his love and let his grace transform our lives.

Our days here are numbered. But heaven is real, it lasts forever, and you don't need to prove yourself to earn God's love. Receive it!

Follow Paul J. Kim on Instagram to see how God is already using Micah for his glory: https://www.instagram.com/heypjk

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever witnessed faith lived out powerfully in the middle of suffering? What impact did it have on you?

2. Do you think our culture understands joy the way Christianity does? Why or why not? How does the Christian understanding of hope differ from simply “staying positive”?

3. Does your baptism shape your identity? What does it mean to you that, at baptism, the Father looks at you and says, “That’s my son. That’s my daughter”?

4. Where in your life do you find yourself trying to earn God's love or prove your worth? How can you work against that mindset?

5. What can you do this week to live like holiness is your top priority? What needs to change?

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• (00:00:00) - The Joy of a Five-Year Old's Funeral
• (00:01:50) - The Sacrificial Baptism

When most people think about where God is, they look to the sky or point to a mountaintop. God is ON HIGH, right?

But the reality of the incarnation flips that vision upside down.

Christ dwelt among us. God came to the lowest of places to meet us in our brokenness and heal our sin.

Did you know the spot where Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River is literally one of the lowest places on earth? That can't be an accident.

It reminds us that even when we are at our lowest point—a medical diagnosis, marital issues, problems with our children, job loss—God is right there alongside us. He doesn't want us to walk these trials alone.

Hear the words God spoke at Christ's baptism. They are meant for you, too:

“You are my beloved son… you are my beloved daughter… with whom I am well pleased.”

If you find yourself in a low place right now, take it to the Lord. He's already there next to you.

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• (00:00:00) - The Low Places of the Holy Land
• (00:06:39) - The Words for When You're in the Lowest Spot