Rebel Saints: Catholic Faith & Spiritual Growth Podcast for Christians

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Welcome back to the Rebel Saints Podcast! In this episode, host Nicole explores the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, focusing on themes of surrender, grace, and strength in weakness and how your Catholic faith can restore hope.

Readings:
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 31:31-34

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15 

SECOND READING: Hebrews 5:7-9

GOSPEL: John 12:20-33

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• Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast
• Reflections: https://substack.com/@rebelsaints
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• TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast
• For exclusive content find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast
• Write us: [email protected]

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In this episode of Rebel Saints Podcast, join host Nicole as she delves into the heart of the Fourth Sunday of Lent's readings, exploring themes of grace, change, and light. Through insightful reflections on the First Reading from 2 Chronicles, the Responsorial Psalm, the Second Reading from Ephesians, and the Gospel passage from John, discover how God's grace transforms lives and empowers us to navigate the challenges of change. From the historical context of Nicodemus to the timeless message of God's unconditional love, uncover practical applications for teens in today's world. Embrace the journey of Lent as a proactive time to seek God's grace and unleash the light within, knowing that you are loved beyond measure.

Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us!

Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button 

Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review. It’s the best way to help us grow.

Connect with Rebel Saints:

• Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast
• Reflections: https://substack.com/@rebelsaints
• Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast
• TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast
• For exclusive content find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast
• Write us: [email protected]

Join Nicole for a Catholic Gospel reflection on the readings for the Third Sunday in Lent (Year B). From Moses receiving the Ten Commandments to Jesus' radical temple-cleansing action, explore what authentic Catholic faith demands of us today. Discover how spiritual growth means embracing uncomfortable truth and challenging the status quo—because there's nothing more punk than living the Gospel authentically.

FIRST READING: Exodus 20:1-17

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

GOSPEL: John 2:13-25

Resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline - If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, reach out for help.
• SAMHSA - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
• This week's readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030324-YearB.cfm

Background Music on this episode:
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/hillside-meadow
License code: WTNDONONAHX9GB4E

Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us!

Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button 

Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review. It’s the best way to help us grow.

Connect with Rebel Saints:

• Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast
• Reflections: https://substack.com/@rebelsaints
• Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast
• TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast
• For exclusive content find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast
• Write us: [email protected]

Catholic faith means saying yes when everything tells you to run. In this episode, explore the Second Sunday of Lent with Abraham's unwavering trust, Saint Paul's revolutionary message, and Jesus' Transfiguration—three stories that challenge the modern cult of control and invite you into deeper spiritual growth. Perfect for anyone struggling with doubt, restlessness, or the pressure to prove their worthiness to God.

Topics covered: catholic faith, Lent, spiritual growth, Jesus' Transfiguration,

Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us!

Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button 

Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review. It’s the best way to help us grow.

Connect with Rebel Saints:

• Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast
• Reflections: https://substack.com/@rebelsaints
• Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast
• TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast
• For exclusive content find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast
• Write us: [email protected]

Your Lent doesn't have to feel routine. In this episode of Rebel Saints, we explore how Catholic prayer practices from St. Teresa of Avila and St. Francis turned restlessness into spiritual fire. Discover radical techniques these saints used to transform fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—and how their "punk" approach to faith can deepen your relationship with God this Lent.

What You’ll Learn from the Saints:

• St. Teresa of Avila: How to deepen your internal prayer and contemplation when you feel distracted.
• St. Francis of Assisi: Why radical humility and "Holy Poverty" are the keys to true freedom.
• St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa): How to find Jesus in the "distressing disguise of the poor" through selfless service.

Whether you are looking for Catholic spiritual growth or just a boost in your Lenten pilgrimage, these three saints offer timeless lessons for modern life.

Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us!

Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button 

Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review. It’s the best way to help us grow.

Connect with Rebel Saints:

• Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast
• Reflections: https://substack.com/@rebelsaints
• Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast
• TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast
• For exclusive content find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast
• Write us: [email protected]

Join Nicole Olea as we dive into the Catholic Gospel Reflection for the First Sunday of Lent (Year B). Jesus faced three temptations in the wilderness, and they're eerily relevant to modern Catholic life. Explore how the Genesis covenant, Peter's baptismal promise, and Jesus' victory over temptation speak directly to spiritual restlessness, burnout, and the constant pressure to achieve. Perfect for Catholics starting their Lenten journey with intention.

Gospel Reflection: 1st Sunday of Lent  - 2/18/ 2024 

READINGS:

FIRST READING: Genesis 9:8-15

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

SECOND READING: Peter 3:18-22

GOSPEL: Mark 1:12-15

Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us!

Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button 

Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review. It’s the best way to help us grow.

Connect with Rebel Saints:

• Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast
• Reflections: https://substack.com/@rebelsaints
• Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast
• TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast
• For exclusive content find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast
• Write us: [email protected]

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In episode of Rebel Saints, your trusted Catholic podcast for teens, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth as we explore the concept of a purpose-driven Lent. Join us as we delve into the rich traditions of the Catholic faith and uncover practical ways to make this Lenten season a transformative experience.

Hosted by Nicole, a dedicated youth minister with a passion for guiding teens on their faith journey, this episode offers insightful reflections, actionable tips, and heartfelt encouragement to help listeners embrace Lent with purpose and intentionality.

From fasting and prayer to almsgiving and acts of service, we delve into the various pillars of Lent and discuss how each can be approached with a clear sense of purpose. Through meaningful sacrifice and intentional reflection, we discover how Lent becomes not just a season of deprivation but an opportunity for profound spiritual renewal and growth.

Whether you're a seasoned Lent observer or new to the practice, this episode provides valuable guidance and inspiration to help you make the most of this sacred time. Join us as we embark on a journey of self-discovery, and renewal to draw ourselves closer to God.

Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us!

Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button 

Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review. It’s the best way to help us grow.

Connect with Rebel Saints:

• Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast
• Reflections: https://substack.com/@rebelsaints
• Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast
• TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast
• For exclusive content find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast
• Write us: [email protected]

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, but what does Catholic spiritual growth actually look like when we embrace our own brokenness? In this gospel reflection, Nicole explores the biblical roots, ancient traditions, and surprising power of ashes as a symbol of repentance and renewal. From Genesis to the Cross, discover how admitting we're dust connects us to God's unwavering love and frees us from the burnout of constant striving. Perfect for teens, young adults, and anyone ready to transform Ash Wednesday from a ritual into a revolution.

Show Notes:

As promised, here is where you can find references to Ashes/Sack Cloths in the Bible. 

1. Genesis 3:19 - "you are dust and to dust you shall return" - Reflects on human mortality and the return to dust.
2. Matthew 11:21 - Jesus mentions the practice of sackcloth and ashes, emphasizing its significance.
3. Jeremiah 6:26, 25:34 - Prophets speak about sackcloth and ashes symbolizing humility after committing sin.
4. Daniel 9:3 - Daniel adopts the practice of sackcloth and ashes as a sign of repentance.
5. Ezekiel 27:30 - References sackcloth and ashes as a symbol of mourning and humility.
6. Genesis 18:27, Ecclesiastes 3:20, Job 30:19 - Reflect on the human condition and mortality.
7. Job 2:12, 42:6 - Sackcloth and ashes used as symbols of mourning and repentance after loss.
8. 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1, 4:3, Jonah 3:6 - Instances where sackcloth and ashes are worn in mourning and repentance.

I used these websites to help write this podcast:

• Catholic Productions. (n.d.). The Biblical Roots of Ash Wednesday. Retrieved from https://catholicproductions.com/blogs/blog/the-biblical-roots-of-ash-wednesday
• Museum of the Bible. (n.d.). The Biblical Foundations of Lent and Ash Wednesday. Retrieved from https://www.museumofthebible.org/magazine/featured/the-biblical-foundations-of-lent-and-ash-wednesday
• Vatican News. (2018, February). Ash Wednesday: Commentary. Retrieved from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-02/ash-wednesday-commentary.html
• LTParentLife. (n.d.). Why Do Catholics Put Ashes on Our Heads on Ash Wednesday? Retrieved from https://ltparentlife.com/why-do-catholics-put-ashes-on-our-heads-on-ash-wednesday/

What does bold faith look like when you're afraid? In this Catholic Gospel Reflection for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Rebel Saints explores spiritual growth through healing and vulnerability. Nicole unpacks what Jesus is really asking us to surrender when healing requires trust—and why doubting Christians are often the ones brave enough to ask. Perfect for Catholics seeking deeper discipleship on Sunday's gospel readings.

READINGS:
FIRST READING: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46

PSALM RESPONSE: Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11

1. (7) I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

SECOND READING: 1 Cor 10:31—11:1

GOSPEL: Mk 1:40-45

Sources: 

• Catholic Stand. "The Sunday Readings for February 2024 and Catholic Doctrine." Accessed February 5, 2024. https://catholicstand.com/the-sunday-readings-for-february-2024-and-catholic-doctrine/.
• U.S. Catholic. "A Reflection for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time." Accessed February 6, 2024. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202402/a-reflection-for-the-sixth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-3/.
• Young Catholics. "6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B." Accessed February 5, 2024. https://young-catholics.com/3139/6th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-b/.
• Life Teen. "6th Sunday Ordinary Time." Accessed February 5, 2024. https://resources.lifeteen.com/resource/liturgy/6th-sunday-ordinary-time.

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Are you a "teen rebel" looking for something real? In this episode of Rebel Saints, we’re pulling back the curtain on the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth.

We don't just list them; we explore how these sins manifest in the modern world and, more importantly, how to break free from them. Whether you're struggling with social media envy or the "sloth" of everyday life, this Catholic guide provides practical strategies for overcoming temptation and striving for holiness.

What We Cover:

• The Root Causes: Why we fall into these specific traps.
• Virtue over Vice: Practical steps to live a life in alignment with God’s will.
• Real Talk: Navigating faith as a teenager in a counter-cultural way.

About Your Host: Nicole is a seasoned (now former) Catholic youth minister and journalist who provides a safe, honest space for young listeners to ask tough questions about Christianity and the Church.

Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us!

Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button 

Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review. It’s the best way to help us grow.

Connect with Rebel Saints:

• Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast
• Reflections: https://substack.com/@rebelsaints
• Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast
• TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast
• For exclusive content find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast
• Write us: [email protected]