Episodios

  • What's Stopping You from Hearing God's Voice?

    What's Stopping You from Hearing God's Voice?
    Jun 19 2025

    We often want God to speak louder and more clearly, but the invitation always for us to draw near to Him, to recognize and appreciate the ways He is already speaking. Following our earlier episode on hearing God's voice, we now dive deeper into this central aspect of prayer. We explore various conditions and postures of the heart and offer practical tips to help you better tune in to God's voice. Discover key elements such as cultivating faith and expectation, maintaining a positive image of God and self, practicing stillness and silence, desiring God's will, engaging in praise and gratitude, and the need for discernment.
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    54 m
  • You Can Hear God's Voice – Here's How | S2 E19

    You Can Hear God's Voice – Here's How | S2 E19
    May 21 2025

    In this episode of 'The Normal Christian Life,' hosts Fathers Michael and Father Christopher Trummer, along with guest Laura Shoulders, discuss the common struggle of hearing God's voice. They explore various ways through which God communicates, including through thoughts, imagination, feelings, conscience, and dreams. The conversation emphasizes that everyone is made to hear God's voice and that being attuned to subtle impressions and the conditions that foster a receptive environment are key. They share personal experiences and practical tips on recognizing and interpreting these divine communications.

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    00:00 Introduction and Struggles with Hearing God's Voice

    00:55 Personal Experiences and Struggles

    01:36 Understanding Our Identity in Hearing God's Voice

    03:11 Biblical Foundations and Personal Reflections

    05:08 The Role of the Holy Spirit and Personal Revelation

    06:48 Practical Insights on Hearing God's Voice

    11:31 The Subtlety of God's Communication

    23:12 Impressions and Conscience as God's Voice

    35:13 Understanding God's Patience and Kindness

    35:41 Spiritual Senses and Impressions

    36:17 Feelings as a Way God Communicates

    37:40 Unique Ways God Speaks to Us

    38:14 The Broader Context of God's Voice

    39:13 Experiencing God Through Feelings

    42:00 The Power of Images in Communication

    44:27 The Role of Imagination in Spiritual Perception

    53:27 God's Communication Through Dreams

    01:00:45 Highlighting as a Form of Divine Communication

    01:06:56 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement
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    1 h y 11 m
  • Is Prophecy Still a Thing? | S2 E18

    Is Prophecy Still a Thing? | S2 E18
    May 14 2025

    Join hosts Mary Bielski, Fr. Christopher, and Fr. Michael with special guest Laura Shoulders as they delve into the often misunderstood and overlooked gift of prophecy within the Christian community. In this episode of 'The Normal Christian Life,' they discuss the biblical foundations, personal experiences, and misconceptions of prophecy. They aim to demystify what prophecy really means and how it plays a crucial role in edifying and loving others in the contemporary church. Discover how prophecy is not just an Old Testament relic, but a vibrant part of authentic Christianity, designed for the renewal of the church and personal spiritual growth. This episode also provides practical insights and stories that illustrate the transformative power of hearing and sharing God's voice today.

    Support Our Mission through Patreon patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast

    00:00 Introduction to Prophecy

    00:20 Personal Experiences with Prophecy

    01:21 Prophecy in the Catholic Church

    03:29 Understanding Old Testament Prophets

    05:26 The New Covenant and Prophecy

    06:48 Prophecy in Modern Times

    09:47 Personal Testimonies and Stories

    22:26 Prophecy vs. Fortune Telling

    26:30 Challenges and Misconceptions

    29:23 Evangelization and Prophecy

    33:21 Unexpected Encounter with a Buddhist

    34:18 Discerning Spirits and Prophetic Gifts

    36:26 The Importance of Prophecy in the New Testament

    46:09 Personal Stories of Prophecy

    49:59 Encouragement to Seek Prophetic Gifts

    01:03:35 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
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    1 h y 7 m
  • "Increase Our Faith!": How to Overcome Unbelief and Cultivate Faith | S2 E17

    "Increase Our Faith!": How to Overcome Unbelief and Cultivate Faith | S2 E17
    May 8 2025

    Join Fr. Michael Trummer and Fr. Christopher Trummer in this episode of Normal Christian Life as they explore ways to cultivate the gift of faith. They discuss personal experiences, the importance of community, repentance, and practical steps to strengthen one's faith. The episode emphasizes humility, childlike trust, and the role of spiritual senses in deepening one's relationship with God. Additionally, they introduce their new Patreon account to help support and grow the podcast. Tune in for profound insights and practical tips to enrich your spiritual journey.

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

    00:34 Support Through Patreon

    01:36 Impact of Paid Promotions

    02:44 Cultivating the Gift of Faith

    06:14 The Role of Repentance

    08:00 Personal Testimonies and Conversion Stories

    12:15 Experiencing God and Developing Spiritual Senses

    14:08 The Influence of Sin on Faith

    17:46 Faith as a Graced Choice

    25:08 The Importance of Community in Faith

    31:10 Practicing Faith Through Actions

    37:44 Faith and Reason Working Together

    39:40 Closing Prayer for the Gift of Faith
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    41 m
  • Do Not Hide Your Face From Me: Faith, Feelings, and Unbelief | S2 E16

    Do Not Hide Your Face From Me: Faith, Feelings, and Unbelief | S2 E16
    Apr 28 2025

    Join Fathers Michael and Christopher Trummer in this episode of 'Normal Christian Life' as they explore the fundamental topics of faith and unbelief. They discuss the increasing prevalence of atheism and secularism in the Western world and explore why people are swayed by or struggle with unbelief. Analyzing both rational and non-rational factors including sin, emotional issues, and relational aspects, the hosts offer insights from scripture and tradition. This episode serves as a foundation for understanding the dynamics of belief in contemporary society and sets the stage for their continued discussion on cultivating and deepening one's faith.

    00:00 Introduction and Call to Action

    00:11 Exploring Faith and Unbelief

    01:00 The Mystery of Belief and Unbelief

    02:23 Rational Reasons and Other Factors

    04:30 Trusting Testimonies and Experiences

    08:49 Skepticism Towards Miracles and History

    14:19 The Impact of Sin on Belief

    26:21 Faith Beyond Feelings

    33:15 The Role of Imagery in Christian Art

    34:23 Emotional Barriers to Experiencing God

    38:09 The Impact of Relationships on Faith

    44:37 The Necessity and Cultivation of Faith

    55:27 Understanding Faith Beyond Feelings

    01:00:51 Faith in Action: Biblical Examples

    01:02:40 Overcoming Desolation in Faith

    01:05:07 Conclusion and Next Steps
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    1 h y 6 m
  • The Hidden Treasure of Suffering | S2 E15

    The Hidden Treasure of Suffering | S2 E15
    Apr 18 2025

    Join Fr. Michael Trummer, Fr. Christopher Trummer, and Mary Bielski in this profound episode of The Normal Christian Life as they explore the concept of redemptive suffering. As we wrap up Lent, they dive into society's attempt to eliminate suffering, using 'The Giver' as an analogy for understanding its significance. They discuss the transformative power of suffering, referencing Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning' and scriptural insights from St. Paul and St. John Paul II. The hosts emphasize how suffering can lead to spiritual growth, deeper relationship with God, and empathy. This episode also discusses exterior opportunities of suffering, such as witnessing faith, building community, and spreading hope. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on finding purpose and grace in the midst of suffering.

    00:00 Introduction to Redemptive Suffering

    00:21 The Giver: A False Utopia

    01:07 The Meaning of Suffering in Christianity

    01:40 Viktor Frankl and Finding Meaning in Suffering

    03:31 St. Paul's Teachings on Baptism and Suffering

    04:18 Jesus' Approach to Suffering

    07:17 Personal Reflections on Suffering

    09:52 The Mystery of Suffering and God's Compassion

    20:24 The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth

    31:46 Early Christian Persecution and Suffering

    32:21 Embracing Suffering for Spiritual Growth

    33:53 Learning Obedience Through Suffering

    37:55 The Role of Humility in Suffering

    40:09 Suffering as a Path to Maturity

    45:37 Exterior Opportunities of Suffering

    48:25 The Gift of Suffering and Its Impact

    56:31 Concluding Thoughts on Suffering and Faith
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Why Is Missing Mass Such a Big Deal? w/ Fr. Michael Trummer

    Why Is Missing Mass Such a Big Deal? w/ Fr. Michael Trummer
    Apr 16 2025
    "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him" (Jn 3:16-17). God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). Relationship with God is a free gift earned by the perfect saving work of Jesus. God is eager to forgive and show mercy. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God..." (Eph 2:8). However, God respects our free will. God will not force us to be in relationship with Him. Like any relationship, we can freely choose to engage and be involved in a relationship, or we can choose to be disengaged. We can be indifferent to God's love. We can be indifferent to God's will. If we are in union with His will and commandments we are in union with Him. One of the ways we abide and remain in relationship with Jesus is through following his commandments: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love" (Jn 15:9-10). God's commandment to keep the Sabbath holy is now fulfilled by worshipping God on Sunday, the Lord's day. "Do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another..." (Heb 10:25). Matthew 22:1-14 and Luke 14:16–24 talk about how God is like a king throwing a wedding banquet for his Son. In Luke in particular, people have reasons why they aren't able to come to the wedding banquet. No one is forced to come to the wedding banquet. The same is true with the Mass. The Mass is the wedding banquet/celebration of the Lamb. We can accept God's invitation to partake of this amazing and wonderful celebration, but God will not force us to participate. To say no to God's loving invitation is to say to no to Him. To say no to living in communion with God is simply what hell is. So then, is it a big deal to miss Mass? We encourage you to reflect on these passage from Matthew and Luke. Other reasons why attending Sunday (or Saturday evening) Mass is so important!

    00:00 Introduction: Is Missing Catholic Mass a Big Deal?

    00:31 Addressing Common Objections

    01:26 Why Missing Mass is Considered a Serious Offense

    02:34 The Importance of Worship and Sacrifice

    04:41 God's Commandments and Our Obligations

    06:56 The Role of Mass in Our Spiritual Lives

    12:48 Legitimate Reasons for Missing Mass

    15:55 The Consequences of Missing Mass

    21:06 Invitation to Return to Mass
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    22 m
  • Temples of the Holy Spirit: How Diet, Exercise, Sleep, etc. Affect Your Spiritual Life (S2 E14)

    Temples of the Holy Spirit: How Diet, Exercise, Sleep, etc. Affect Your Spiritual Life (S2 E14)
    Apr 10 2025

    Join Father Michael Trummer and Father Christopher Trummer in this enlightening episode of 'The Normal Christian Life' as they dive deep into the vital relationship between physical health and spiritual well-being. They explore modern obsessions with health and beauty and discuss how physical health can impact emotional and spiritual states. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical references, and their journeys through various health challenges, the Trummer brothers emphasize the importance of taking care of our bodies, not just for the sake of longevity, but to enhance our spiritual lives and better serve God. Whether you're struggling with health issues or seeking a more balanced life, this episode provides unique insights and practical advice on achieving holistic health.

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

    00:17 The Idol of Physical Health

    01:04 Biblical Perspective on Anxiety and Provision

    03:19 Modern Obsession with Health and Longevity

    04:32 Balancing Health and Spiritual Life

    05:42 The Natural Law and Desire to Preserve Life

    06:46 Vanity and the Idol of Beauty

    09:43 The Role of Wisdom and Immortality

    12:16 The Eucharist: The Ultimate Supplement

    13:03 Fear of Death and Lifelong Bondage

    15:00 Purpose of Good Health: A Life of Love and Virtue

    15:49 St. Ignatius' Principle and Foundation

    18:10 Redemptive Suffering and Physical Health

    24:03 Gluttony and Physical Health

    27:08 Personal Testimonies on Health and Spirituality

    40:29 The Importance of Reverencing the Body

    47:35 Struggling with Body Image and Health

    48:09 A Shift in Perspective on Health

    48:39 The Intersection of Physical and Mental Health

    51:08 Personal Stories of Healing Through Diet

    57:45 The Carnivore Diet Experience

    01:09:35 Balancing Physical Health and Spiritual Life

    01:13:13 Scriptural Insights on Health and Holiness

    01:18:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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    1 h y 33 m