In this week’s episode of Taste and See, we enter into Luke 17:5–10, where Jesus calls His disciples to live as humble servants. This Gospel passage challenges us to recognize that no matter how holy our works may appear—daily Mass, prayers, or acts of devotion—we are still called to say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”

Through a personal story of daily Mass and a touching encounter with a fellow parishioner, we reflect on the temptation to pride when others see holiness in us. True sainthood, however, is not about recognition or reward, but about the joy of serving the Master with humility. Jesus Himself took the lowest place, and He invites us to do the same so that He may lift us into eternal life.

Join us as we pray, “Lord, increase our faith,” and discover the deep joy that comes from serving Christ, not for profit, but out of love.

Journal Questions:

1. What does sainthood mean to you?
2. What would taking the lowest place look like in your everyday life?
3. How does God want to increase your faith this week?

Here's a link to the meditation - I hope it blesses you in prayer!

Please 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 of Taste and See for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). I share my own journey from being a “good Catholic guy” who ignored the poor to discovering compassion through friendship, immersion trips, and encounters with the homeless. Jesus reveals that the path to heaven is walked with broken hearts—hearts softened by compassion, pierced by suffering, and made like His Sacred Heart. Together we’ll explore how true faith is not just about having answers but about seeing Christ in the poor at our doorstep.

Journal Questions

1. How do I respond to those who beg or ask favors from me? Am I defensive, too accommodating, etc.?
2. Am I afraid of letting me heart be broken, so I decide to numb it or avoid others instead?
3. What thoughts do I think go through God's mind when He gazes at my heart?

Here is the link to the meditation! I hope the Lords blesses you through it in 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

What does Jesus mean when He praises the dishonest steward in Luke 16:1–13? In this episode of Taste and See for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we wrestle with one of the most surprising and challenging parables in the Gospel. Through personal stories from religious life, struggles with money and the spirit of the vow of poverty, and a meditation from the steward’s perspective, we explore how Christ teaches us to use earthly things as means—not ends—and to practice true prudence that leads us to God.

Journal Questions

1. Where do I find myself using money imprudently?
2. How would God see my use of how I use my money?
3. What was the greatest challenge for me in trying to understand this episode?

Here's a link to the meditation!

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

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Zac shares how the color pink—rooted in his mother’s battle with breast cancer—became a symbol of love and victory. In the same way, the cross, once a sign of death and defeat, is exalted as the sign of Christ’s triumph and our salvation.

Journal Questions

◦What personal “crosses” in my life have felt like burdens of suffering, and how might God be inviting me to see them as paths to deeper love and even victory?

◦When I look at the cross, do I truly see a symbol of God’s love for me, or do I sometimes still see only suffering and failure? What would it take for my perspective to change?

◦Like Zac’s memory of pink and his mom’s perseverance, what tangible reminders in my own life point me back to God’s love and the victories He has already won for me?

Here's a link to the meditation! Please 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, Zac shares a moving call with his mom after a transformative "Come and See" week in Tijuana with the Missionaries of Charity Fathers—daily holy hours, simple living, and serving the poor—sparking his vocational call and her tears over family detachment.

Delving into Luke 14:25-33, Zac explains Jesus' "hate" for family as holy detachment: freedom to love God above all, fueled by Christ's Cross and Eucharistic love that casts out fear and breaks attachments.

He Ends with Jesus' meditative invitation to agape love, mirroring His heavenly sacrifice. Explore Bible discipleship, Christian detachment, and faith adventures!

Journal Questions:

1. What are you are attached to more than God?
2. What is hindering you from being ready to leave your attachments if God called you to do so?
3. How does God view that attachment?

Here's the link to the meditation for you to print out, bring to prayer, and go deeper with it.

Don't forget to pray for one another and for those who are suffering form the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.

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

Happy one year of Taste and See!! Praise God and thank you all for listening prayerfully!

In Episode 48 (Luke 14:7-14), Zac reflects on pricey Catholic conferences and their barriers for the poor, questioning if Jesus Himself could afford one today. Drawing from the parable of choosing the lowest place and inviting the maimed, lame, and blind to banquets, the episode calls for radical heart hospitality—welcoming the unlovable into our inner homes, recognizing our own spiritual poverty. An Examen meditation guides gratitude, review, forgiveness, and resolve to embrace the poor as Christ does.

Journal Questions

1. How often do I think about the poor on a daily basis?
2. How often does God think about the poor on a daily basis?
3. What can I do to have a heart of radical hospitality?

Don't forget to pray for one another and place your prayer requests in the comment section!

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, we dive into Luke 13:22-30 and the "narrow gate" of forgiveness. Zac recounts the gripping story from The Mission, where ruthless slaver Rodrigo Mendoza hauls his armor-laden burden up Iguazu Falls as penance—only to have a Guarani boy slice it free, symbolizing true redemption through letting go.

This mirrors Jesus' call: True strength isn't in carrying guilt or grudges, but in forgiving yourself and others, unburdened by the Cross's ultimate mercy. Jesus suffered unimaginable wounds—over 5,000, mystics say—to forgive us first, urging us to drop our "netted bundles" and enter heaven's door. A poignant meditation from Jesus on the Cross invites you to embrace His love, console Him, and live freely in forgiveness.

Journal Questions:

• What part of Mendoza's story resonates with your own?
• What are the specific persons for specific things that you need to forgive in order to enter the narrow door?
• Why did Jesus endure so much suffering for you?

Here's the link to the meditation!

Don't forget to pray for me and pray for one another!

Let's create a community of prayer, and not just consume content.

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

This week on Taste and See, we explore the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:39-56). Zac shares a humorous middle school quest for YouTube fame, reflecting a deeper desire to be loved. This connects to Mary, a humble woman from Nazareth, chosen by God as His hidden treasure and assumed into heaven. The episode highlights God’s love for the lowly and includes a meditation from Mary’s perspective, encouraging listeners to embrace their poverty and trust in God’s love.

Journal Questions

1. Do you struggle with having a relationship with Mary? Why?
2. How do you think Jesus felt when He took up Mary into heaven?
3. How can you live out the truth that you are God's hidden treasure?

Here's the link to the meditation for you to bring to your 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

Join me as we dive into Luke 12:32-48, reflecting on what it means to stay awake for Jesus’ return. I share a personal story from my days in religious life, struggling to stay alert during late-night Eucharistic vigils, yet finding a deep connection with Jesus in the quiet. We’ll explore how being "vigilant" is all about waiting in love, not fear, for our Savior’s coming. A heartfelt meditation from Jesus’ perspective invites you to open your heart and prepare for His embrace. Perfect for anyone seeking a closer walk with Christ this 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Come listen and grow with me!

Journal Questions

1. If Jesus were to come tomorrow, what would I need to do or change to get ready for His coming?

2. How does God want me to do to prepare for His Second Coming?

3. Who does God want me to help prepare for His Second Coming?

Here's the link to the meditation!

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

Summary:

In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus warns against hoarding wealth, urging us to embrace detachment for true richness in love. A Camino de Santiago story about ditching heavy boots for sandals reveals how letting go of attachments lightens our spiritual load. This episode challenges us to shed worldly burdens, focus on love, and prepare for eternity with a monthly examen to realign our hearts.

Journal Questions:

1. What are you carrying on your journey that is burdening you unnecessarily?

2. What is stopping you from letting go of that burden?

3. What would you life look like if you stuck to the essentials?

Don't forget to pray for each other!

We need to hold each other up on our journeys to heaven!

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