In this week’s episode on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Zac shares a raw and vulnerable story of wrestling with doubt in the silence of a seminary chapel—only to discover that God’s abiding Presence can pierce even the deepest darkness. Through the Gospel scene of John the Baptist in prison, in Matthew 11: 2-11, we learn that God’s silence is never His absence, and that true freedom comes from a hope the world cannot chain. Jesus reveals His presence through His works, especially in the Eucharist, and invites us to become living witnesses of His love in our own Nazareths. In moments of faith and in moments of desolation, the abiding Presence of God remains the unchanging Light at the center of our lives.

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Reflection Questions:

1. When have you experienced God’s silence and assumed it meant His absence?
2. What “prisons” in your life—doubts, fears, habits, circumstances—seem to confine you right now?
3. How might God already be abiding with you inside those very places?

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Here is the link to the meditation for you to bring into personal prayer and read over again on your own time.

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Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this second Sunday of Advent episode, Zac reflects on the mark of the Spirit of Nazareth: loving sacrifice. He draws from his own vocational journey with the Missionaries of Charity and the witness of John the Baptist. Zac also explores how sacrificial love, though often painful, frees us to love authentically, experience God’s peace, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Through reflection, storytelling, and meditation, listeners are invited to consider what gifts of the heart they can offer Christ this Advent.

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Reflection Questions

1. What personal sacrifices have you made out of love, and how have they transformed you?
2. How might your offerings of love and sacrifice impact others in ways you cannot yet see?
3. What gift of your heart could you vulnerably offer to Christ this Advent to prepare for His coming?

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Click Here to access the full text of the meditation.

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I'm praying for each of you - please don't forget to pray for one another!_____________________________________________________

Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

Taste & See is a weekly podcast that builds a community of prayer by offering heartfelt reflections and meditations on the Sunday readings. Hosted by Zac Wierschem from Paradisus Dei, each episode is a preparation of the heart for the Sunday Mass of the upcoming weekend. Personal reflection questions and the text of the meditations are also provided to guide you and your family as you prepare to receive the superabundant grace God offers every Sunday and to deepen the graces you receive in prayer.

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of ALearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

In this First Sunday of Advent episode, Zac reflects on Christ’s first, second, and “third” coming through a tender childhood memory of joyful waiting, revealing how Advent invites us into the same hopeful anticipation. He explores how Jesus comes to us today—especially in children, the poor, the weak, and the Eucharist—and how joyful service prepares our hearts for His return in glory. Through Scripture, storytelling, and a moving meditation in Jesus’ voice, this episode invites listeners to watch, wait, and love with the Spirit of Nazareth.

Gospel Passage: Matthew 24: 37-44

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Reflection Questions

1. When you think about Advent as a season of “joyful waiting,” what emotions or memories surface for you?
2. In what ways do you personally experience Christ’s presence in the “third coming,” in the people and situations of your daily life?
3. What does “joyful service” look like in your life this week? Where is Jesus inviting you to serve Him?

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Here is a link to the text of the meditation!

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Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this episode, we explore the profound kingship of Jesus Christ, revealed not in earthly power but in His selfless sacrifice on the cross, as highlighted in the Gospel of Luke. Through the story of Fr. Jaison, a humble pastor who embodies servant leadership by cleaning parish bathrooms, we see how true authority mirrors Christ's loving service. The meditation from St. Dismas reminds us that even in our brokenness, Jesus remembers and invites us into His eternal kingdom of mercy and love.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the image of Jesus reigning from the cross challenge your understanding of power and authority in your own life?
2. What does your schedule reveal about your knowledge of Jesus' love for you, and how might you adjust it to reflect a deeper relationship with Him?
3. If the cross is Jesus' throne of self-sacrificial love, what "throne" in your heart needs to be conquered by His reckless love for you?

Here's a link to the meditation for you to re-read and pray with!

Don't forget to pray for one another!

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time on Luke 21:5-19, Zac draws from encounters at a young adult retreat with a joyful Chinese Jesuit priest descended from a canonized martyr and a tearful participant inspired to priesthood despite family persecution, the discussion connects to Jesus' warnings of betrayal and hatred, urging a reception of a martyr's heart ready to face external and internal Calvaries. The episode challenges believers not only to die for Christ but to live fully for Him in ordinary moments, transforming personal pain into divine compassion, culminating in a meditative letter from Jesus inviting followers to persevere in love for healing and authentic self-giving.

Reflection/Journal Questions:

1. Consider the stories of the Chinese Jesuit priest and the retreat participant: How does hearing about their martyr's hearts, shaped by real persecution, challenge or deepen your own commitment to faith in a freer environment?
2. How does the idea that true faith means not just dying for Christ, but living for Him in everyday ordinariness, resonate with your daily routines? What small "martyrdoms" can you embrace today?
3. Ponder Jesus' invitation: "Give yourself away for my name’s sake, receive this martyr’s heart, and don’t just receive this heart, but receive your very self"—how can self-giving reveal your authentic identity rooted in His love?

Meditation Link:

Here's a link to a Google doc of the meditation if you would like to read it over and/or bring it to personal prayer.

Don't forget to pray for each other!

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica on November 9th, 2025, we explore John 2:13-22, where Jesus cleanses the temple, drawing parallels to personal experiences of inner turmoil. Host shares a recent dating dilemma filled with anxiety and indecision, resolved through confession, likening it to Jesus driving out mental "moneychangers" for true peace and surrender. Delving deeper, the discussion highlights the heart of worship as giving rather than getting, emphasizing Jesus' zeal for the poor and His call to purify our consumerist approach to faith. A meditative story from a temple dove seller's perspective illustrates transformation from profit-driven life to following Christ, reminding us of our dignity as temples of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection/Journal Questions

1. How has anxiety or indecision in your relationships acted like "moneychangers" in the temple of your heart, and what steps can you take to invite Jesus to drive them out?
2. In what ways do you see your own heart as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and what distractions or negative thoughts need to be purified for deeper peace?
3. How might viewing Mass or prayer not as a place to receive but to offer everything deepen your connection to God and others?
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Here's a link to the meditation for you to read over and pray with!

Don't forget to pray for one another!

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this touching episode, Zac shares a heartfelt story from a friend's joy-filled wedding, painting it as a powerful image of self-giving love that mirrors our human call to freely give and receive. Rooted in John 6:37-40 for the Commemoration of All Souls, he reveals how we are precious gifts from the Father to Jesus, embraced without rejection and promised resurrection, igniting hope no matter our past. The episode challenges us to embrace purgatory as God’s merciful fire, actively urging us to pray and offer acts of love for departed souls, letting our identity as cherished gifts in the Trinity spark transformative action.

Reflection Questions:

1. Picture a moment when you gave yourself fully to someone—how did that spark joy, and how can you make that a daily habit reflecting God’s love?
2. Knowing you’re woven into the Trinity’s eternal love, how can you face a current struggle with renewed courage and purpose?
3. As a gift of love meant to love, what bold action (like praying daily for the departed or helping someone in need) can you commit to this month to shine your true identity?

Don't forget to pray for one another!

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this week’s episode, we explore how an essential principle from romantic relationships reveals the heart of the Gospel in Luke 18:9–14. Through the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we uncover how emotional and spiritual intimacy with God must come before outward expressions of faith—just as authentic love precedes physical intimacy in relationships. Join us for a meditation from God the Father’s perspective, as He speaks tenderly to the tax collector, revealing what true humility and intimacy with Him look like.

Journal Questions

1. When you think about your relationship with God, do you tend to focus more on what you do for Him or how close your heart is to Him?
2. How might the principle “emotional intimacy should come before physical intimacy” reshape the way you think about love — both human and divine?
3. If your relationship with God were described as a romance, what small gesture of love might He be inviting you to offer Him this week?

Here's a link to the meditation for you to take into prayer!

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C

In this episode of Taste and See, we reflect on Jesus’ call to persevere in faith even when prayer feels unanswered. Drawing from Luke 18: 1–8, Zac explores what it means to keep trusting God without growing weary and how prayer transforms us rather than trying to change Him. Through honest reflection and prayer, we’re reminded that faith isn’t proven by results but by our willingness to remain in relationship with the One who loves us. Join us as we rediscover the quiet strength of steadfast prayer.Journal Questions:

1. How would you life changed if you really only had one hope in God every time you prayed?
2. How does this episode challenge the way that you pray?
3. Have you not just grown weary in praying to God, but also grown weary in listening to Him also?

Here's the link to the meditation for you to bring into prayer with the Lord.

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C