This Faith Talk was inspired by the words of Pete Buttigieg,the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Pete is a faithful Christian. He is also a gay man living in a committed and loving same-sex marriage – a lifestyle which can attract hateful words and actions from others. He said, “I am gay,and Jesus loves me.” I was pleased to hear him make that assertion – one which, I believe, is worthy of our consideration. In this episode I reflect on hate, particularly the judgement some people have that God hates certain groups of people. Does God have a “hate” list?

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Scripture Cited: Luke 15:11-32, 1 John 4:7-8, John 3:16, Matthew 7:1.

Other Sources Cited: Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Fr. James Martin, SJ.

Do you consider “Friend” to be an appropriate term for Jesus? That’s something I have struggled with over the years. I think friend is a perfect way to introduce Jesus to children, but on an adult level, it has always seemed to be a bit too casual. But I recently listened to an episode of Fr. James Martin’s podcast - with his guest, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe. In their conversation, they talked about this subject, and Imust say, it made me rethink my position. Please join me as I share the insights I came away with.

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Scripture Cited: John 15:14-15

 Other Sources Cited: The podcast: The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J., Episode 1: Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe.

In this Faith Talk I reflect on the words, “You were in my path” from the movie Land, starring Robin Wright, on Amazon Prime. The question is this: Is this life journey that I’m on truly just my journey to travel alone OR might my entire life be intertwined with every other human on earth? Am I on a separate path of faith or might my path cross and re-cross the paths of every other human on earth? To help me reflect on these questions, I turn to the words of Jesus in the gospels.

Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos

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Scripture Cited: Luke 10:29-37, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 25:40, John 17:11.

 Other Sources Cited: The Movie, “Land” starring Robin Wright. Amazon Prime.

In this Faith Talk I share 2 aspects of Pope Leo XIV that I find to be most significant: His diverse ancestry/resume and the choice of his Papal name. I believe these tell us a lot about what we might expect from him during his Papacy. I end the episode with a personal message from Pope Leo XIV to all ofus. Please share this with anyone who might benefit.

Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos

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Scripture Cited: Genesis 17:5, 15; Matthew 16:18.

Other Sources Cited: Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII; CatholicSocial Teachings; Pope Leo XIV.

What is the purpose of the Easter Season? We spent 40 long days in the Lenten desert preparing for Easter. But what was it all for? Is Easter just another fun day on our calendar? Easter Day is over – so now what? In this Faith Talk I look at the experiences of the first Christians on the day of Jesus’ Resurrection to see what they can tell us about the purpose of this time. Please share this with anyone who might benefit.

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Scripture Cited: Matthew 28:10, Matthew 28:20, Luke 24: 13-35, John 20:21.

Other Sources Cited: St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis

As my Lenten journey was coming to an end, I was preparing to celebrate the Feast of Easter in the same way I had done for most of my life. But as I contemplated the gospel reading for Easter Day, I was taken by surprise. A few seemingly unimportant phrases caught my attention and changed my whole mindset. As a result of this revelation, I decided that this year I will celebrate the Feast of Easter in a way I have notdone for a very long time - like a young child – filled with humility and wonder. I hope my reflection is helpful for you. Please share it with anyone who might benefit. Happy Easter!

Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos

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 Scripture Cited: John 20:1-9, 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

In this Faith Talk, I reflect on the story of The Woman Caught in Adultery from the gospel of John, chapter 8. I see this story as a reflection of the human condition. We are all imperfect, sinful creatures, both in the way we live our personal lives and in the way we relate to one another. I also see in this story a very tender and loving encounter between this woman and Jesus – which is intended, I believe, to be a mirror image of my relationship with God. I hope my reflection will be helpful for you as you come to the end of your Lenten journey.

Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos

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Scripture Cited: John 8:1-11, Matthew 7:3-5, Luke 15:11-32

In this Faith Talk I reflect on Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Son, also known as The Prodigal Son – the gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. This story mirrors our own Lenten Journey, so it is the perfect story to reflect on as we pass the midpoint of Lent. With this story, Jesus invites us to embark on a journey with him – a journey that will take us from pride, arrogance, and greed to anguish and despair. Finally, leading us to humility, repentance, forgiveness and renewal. This, my friends, is the path of our Lenten Journey. Please share this with anyone who might benefit.

Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos

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Other Sources Cited: Faith Talk with Anita You Tube Video Episode 48 I was Lost but now I’m Found https://youtu.be/k8VdkO-HMYA;

You Tube Podcast 3  https://youtu.be/tBB7A49kGwg

Scripture Cited: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

In this episode, I reflect on the story of Moses at the Burning Bush, the First Liturgical Reading for the Third Sunday of Lent. I see the Burning Bush as a metaphor for God’s burning desire for our attention. God does indeed burn for us and quite often uses the ordinary events of our lives to get our attention and move us to engagement. It is up to us to be alert and open to God’s actions. Please share this Faith Talk with anyone who might benefit.

Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos

Follow me on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/

Other Sources Cited: Faith Talk with Anita You Tube Video Episode 8 Is God Calling Me?  https://youtu.be/wen_1JX6Nps

Scripture Cited: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15

In this Faith Talk I reflect on the Lenten tradition of fasting. Fasting is a common practice within the major world religions (Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism), including Judaism (Christian foundation). And because Jesus was Jewish, fasting was a familiar and essential ritual for Jesus, which is why it also became an important practice within Christianity. Fasting can help us step out of our ordinary way of living so that we can move closer to Christ’s way of living, which makes it a helpful tool to have in our Lenten toolbox.

Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos

Follow me on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/

Scripture Cited: Exodus 34:28, Daniel 10:2-3, Joel 2:12-18, Matthew 6:16-18.

Other Sources Cited: Pope Pius V (closing prayer). Diocese of Seattle (Lenten Obligations).