In this episode I address the controversial drag show at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which mocked the Last Supper and discuss the pushback I've received on social media. I elaborate on the reaction (and inaction) from the French bishops and how it contrasts to responses from other prominent Catholic figures. I offer my personal thoughts on religious mockery, and advocate for peaceful yet firm responses.

Join me as I explore the implications of this event and call for proper reactions from the Catholic community.

Chapters:

01:18 Pushback and Diverse Opinions

04:52 Critique of the French Bishops' Response

16:18 Scriptural Reflections and Broader Implications

21:50 Critique of The Last Supper Artwork

22:45 The Importance of Seeing the Good

23:11 Taking Ourselves Seriously

23:40 Jesus and the Money Changers

24:18 Moral Indifference and Tolerance

24:42 Responding to Injustice

26:20 Peaceful Responses to Outrage

29:02 Reactions from Religious Leaders

31:45 Criticism of French Bishops

32:18 Broader Cultural Implications

41:09 Call for Constructive Dialogue

42:58 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Join me on Locals (Free or paid)

Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer")

Podcast Portal

In this episode, hosted as an X Spaces session, we dive into the complex issue of declining church attendance among American Christians, with a particular focus on Catholics. Hosted on X Spaces, the discussion explores five main reasons behind this phenomenon, ranging from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the allure of personal spirituality over organized religion. I talk about these points with a mix of anecdotal observations and theological insights. Additionally, I reflects on the impact of social media on spiritual practices and emphasize the importance of active, lived witness of faith in restoring the counterculture of Christianity.

Join me on Locals (Free or paid)

Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer")

Podcast Portal

In this episode, I interview John Kramer, also known as J.M. Kramer, a master Lego builder and faithful Catholic from Saginaw, Michigan. John shares his journey of using his talent in building intricate Lego churches to evangelize, to share his Catholic faith, and bring awareness to the intersection of faith and disability. Despite living with cerebral palsy and other health challenges, John discusses how he turns his struggles into strengths, creating inspiring Lego church displays and engaging in discussions about faith and disability, and trust and surrender to God. He also touches on his writing projects, such as his Substack newsletter 'Praying at the Bricks,' and emphasizes the importance of using one's unique talents to serve God and others.

The conversation highlights John's resilience, creativity, and deep faith, showcasing how he navigates life's challenges while staying true to his mission of evangelization. John is very deep but very real.

There are a lot of nuggets of wisdom in this conversation, and I hope you enjoy listening to it.

John's Substack: https://prayingbricks.substack.com
Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LegoChurchProject

Join me on Locals (Free or paid)

Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer")

Podcast Portal

Spiritual maturity and immaturity are real conditions. I fear many in the Church are trapped in spiritual immaturity, and may sadly even be content with it. I hope to encourage listeners to be better than that. Starting things off with an article on NC Register about British Catholics fearing the rumored cancelation of the Traditional Latin Mass, I get into the theme of spiritual maturity contrasted with spiritual immaturity from a scriptural and historical Catholic perspective. The discussion begins with an analysis of the culture surrounding the Traditional Latin Mass, critiquing the subculture without opposing the TLM Mass itself. The episode also explores the difference between 'milk' and 'solid food' in Catholic teachings, using examples such as simplified teachings from Fulton Sheen and the contrast between the Traditional Latin Mass and Novus Ordo Mass. The evolving teachings on the death penalty are highlighted as an instance of the Church's complex and layered guidance.

Article Read in this episode:
"Agatha Christie Letter 2.0: The Traditional Latin Mass as a Cultural, as Well as Liturgical, Treasure"

Join me on Locals (Free or paid)

Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer")

Podcast Portal

The Importance of Keeping Watch: A Reflection for Catholics In this X Spaces session I emphasizes the need for vigilance within the Catholic faith by reflecting on Mark 13:32-37. I discuss the distractions that have pulled me away from crucial work and the pervasive sense of self-importance seen in some among the Church faithful today. Drawing parallels to the Master commanding his servants to remain watchful, I question how we are truly keeping watch for Christ's return amidst theological nitpicking and divisive behaviors.

Join me on Locals (Free or paid)

Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer")

Podcast Portal

Get the full episode on Locals. Free memberships are very welcome to sign up (!!), but this series is only available to paid members for $5/month) In this clip I get into Aquinas' reflections on existence, exploring the concepts of generation, being, and contingency. Using a personal childhood story and the example of a tree's growth, we examine how objects come into existence and discuss the nuances between generation and being.

Join me on Locals (Free or paid)

Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer")

Podcast Portal

In this episode I discuss the significance of the Mass and address the troubling trend of making an idol of the liturgy. The episode explores the rumors and implications of the Vatican potentially banning the traditional Latin Mass and examines the balance between reverence and worship within Catholic practice. I share insights into the traditional and Novus Ordo Masses, the authority of the Vatican (can they ban the TLM?), and the consequences of making the Mass or the faith itself the object of worship rather than God.

Be sure to join me on Locals. You get more content there, even as a free member. Paid members get even more, for a mere $5/month

Social Networks, my bio, other resources: https://linktr.ee/catholicadventurer

Join me on Locals (Free or paid)

Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer")

Podcast Portal

I address a heartfelt comment from a TikTok follower that really resonates with me. This person is struggling with feeling abandoned by God and is asking how we cooperate with God's grace. I share some practical advice about putting in a good day, being prayerful, and understanding how God uses our failures for His providence. I also share a personal story from my time in infantry school to illustrate perseverance through failure and how it can lead to mastery and strength. Additionally, I discuss the dark periods of spiritual desolation and how they can paradoxically be a time of growth and sensitivity to God's teachings. This episode is packed with my reflections on spiritual struggle and growth, how God's grace works in our lives, and the importance of continually applying our will in the face of doubt and hardship. Join me on this challenging yet rewarding journey of faith, and don't forget, you owe me a Hail Mary!

Join me on Locals (Free or paid)

Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer")

Podcast Portal