6th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Luke 6:17, 20-26 | The Beatitudes

In this episode ofTaste and See, we dive into Luke’s Beatitudes, focusing on Jesus’ promise:"Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh." Through personal stories of sorrow, friendship, and reunion, we explore how our weeping on earth points us toward the joy of heaven. Christ is near to the brokenhearted, and in the Eucharist, He fulfills every hunger, every longing.

💡Key Takeaways:

• Weeping on earth is not the end—heaven is the promise of joy.
• Jesus Himself knew hunger, poverty, and sorrow.
• The Beatitudes are not just promises for the future but invitations to be blessed now.
• The Eucharist is the fulfillment of the Beatitudes: Christ gives Himself as our food, our joy, and our King.

📖Journal Prompts for Reflection:

1. When have you experienced sorrow that later turned into joy?
2. How does knowing Jesus experienced grief change how you approach your own struggles?
3. Where in your life do you feel poor, hungry, or weeping? How might Christ be present in those moments?
4. What does “poverty of spirit” mean to you? How can you embrace it in your daily life?
5. How does the Eucharist satisfy your deepest longings?

🙏Prayer for the Week:
"Lord, in my poverty, hunger, and sorrow, remind me that I am not alone. You have walked this path before me, and You promise me Your kingdom. Help me to trust in Your presence, even when I weep. Let me hunger for You above all things. Amen."

🔗Resources & Next Steps:

• Gospel Reading: Luke 6:17, 20-26
• Reflect on Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
• Attend Mass and reflect on how the Eucharist fulfills Jesus’ promise in the Beatitudes.

✨If this episode blessed you, please rate, review, and share! Your support helps others discoverTaste and See and deepens our journey in faith together.

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 reflect on Luke 5:1-11, exploring the profound truth that God meets us at our lowest points. Drawing from real-life stories and the dynamic of Simon Peter’s encounter with Jesus, we unpack the 4 Steps of Fruitfulness: trying our best, encountering our powerlessness, surrendering, and experiencing fruitfulness. Whether it’s in love, vocation, or personal struggles, the blessing of powerlessness reveals God’s power made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

We also share a meditation from the perspective of John the Beloved Apostle, offering a heartfelt narrative that brings the Gospel to life. Through it all, we are invited to cast our nets one more time, not because of our own strength, but because Jesus asks us to.

Key Themes:

• The blessing of powerlessness

• How God meets us at rock bottom

• Vulnerability vs. insanity: casting the net one more time

• The dynamic of love, life, and discipleship

• God’s power perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Journal Questions:

1. Where have you experienced the feeling of hitting rock bottom in your life? How did God meet you there?

2. In what areas are you still trying to rely on your own strength instead of surrendering to God?

3. What does it mean for you to “cast your net one more time” in your current season of life?

Call to Action:
Consider where Jesus might be asking you to trust Him with one more cast of the net. It could be in relationships, your vocation, or areas of personal growth. Allow His invitation to move you beyond your exhaustion, fear, or doubt, trusting that He is already there, waiting to fill your nets.

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 reflect on Luke 2:22-32 and the Presentation of the Lord, diving deep into the heart of Mary and Joseph's journey of faith and obedience. Why did Mary, who was without sin, undergo purification? What does this teach us about humility, trust, and the purpose of God’s law?

We also share insights from a 30-day retreat, exploring how God's law and Church teaching open our eyes and hearts to love. Finally, we take time for an Examen of January 2025, offering prompts to see God’s presence in our lives, seek forgiveness, and prepare our hearts for February.

Key Themes:

• The Presentation of the Lord: How the humility of Mary and Joseph paved the way for us to see God.
• God’s Law as Freedom: Church teachings aren’t constraints but keys that free us to love radically and live authentically.
• The Role of Sacrifice in Love: How saying “no” to lesser things prepares us for greater love and deeper joy.
• Monthly Examen: Reflect on moments of gratitude, light, and opportunities for growth in January 2025.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think Mary chose to undergo purification, even though she was without sin? How does her obedience inspire you?
2. How have you experienced God’s law or Church teaching as a source of freedom in your life?
3. What are the "lesser things" you feel called to sacrifice to prepare your heart for a greater love?
4. Reflecting on January, where did you feel God’s presence most clearly? What opportunities for love did you miss?
5. How can you respond more lovingly to God and others as you step into February?

Resources Mentioned:

• Luke 2:22-32 – The Presentation of the Lord
• Leviticus 12: Context for the purification ritual
• The Beatitude: “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8)
• St. Thomas Aquinas on love: “To love is to will the good of the other.”

Takeaway Challenge:
Spend 10 minutes this week journaling about one way God’s law has helped you love more freely. Consider incorporating the monthly Examen into your routine to stay attuned to God’s presence in your daily life.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might benefit from its message. Let’s journey together toward greater love and freedom in Christ!

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 reflect on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time and dive into Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21. Together, we explore:

• Who is Jesus?
  Discover Jesus’ identity as the Spirit-filled, anointed Messiah sent to proclaim good news.

• What does He offer?
  Jesus doesn't offer a 401k with health benefits, but instead He offers Himself.

• Why do we need Him?
  Without Him, we remain captives to sin and blind to true love. With Him, we find purpose, hope, and joy.

Through a personal story of faith and provision, we witness how Jesus meets us in our poverty and provides for our deepest needs.

Key Takeaway: Jesus, the Provider, calls each of us by name, offering His love and life for our salvation.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who is Jesus to you personally?
2. How has He provided for you in moments of need?
3. What does it mean for you to embrace His good news today?

Listen now and discover the richness of how "He Offers Himself to You."

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 explore the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (John 2:1-11), reflecting on the miracle at the Wedding at Cana and how it reveals Jesus’ power to transform our lives.

1. A Personal Journey of Transformation:

   • Zac shares a moving story of returning home after 5 years in the seminary, grappling with lost identity, and discovering God’s peace in the midst of struggle.

2. The Symbolism of the Stone Jars:

   • Learn how the six stone jars at Cana represent our hearts—often weighed down by trauma or pain—and how Jesus turns our “water” into the “wine” of trust, joy, and renewal.

3. A Powerful Meditation:

   • A vivid retelling from the perspective of Asher, a server at the Wedding at Cana, who witnesses Jesus’ first miracle and experiences life-changing trust in God.

• Trust in Jesus: Like Mary’s invitation to “do whatever He tells you,” we are called to surrender our fears and trust God’s transformative power.
• God’s Miracles in Everyday Life: Even in our hardest moments, God can bring about extraordinary changes.
• Spiritual Renewal: Allow God to replace your “heart of stone” with a “heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26) and experience His peace and joy.

👉 Tune in Now: Discover how God can transform your heart and bring peace to your life, just as He turned water into wine at Cana.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Taste and See on Spotify for weekly reflections on Sunday Mass readings.

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 the Baptism of the Lord (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22) and how it reveals our identity as God’s beloved children. Explore the profound love of the Father, who gazes at us with infinite worth, even in our brokenness and nothingness.

“You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22)

Be inspired to embrace God’s unchanging love, understand your identity in Him, and find strength in His affirmation of your worth.

Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of their belovedness in God’s eyes!

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

Gospel Reading taken from the World English Bible

In this Fourth Sunday of Advent reflection on Luke 1:39-45, we journey with Mary to the hill country of Judah as she visits Elizabeth. Through this encounter, we explore the beauty of motherhood, the dignity of femininity, and the Holy Spirit's life-giving power. Mary’s “yes” to God brings salvation to the world, revealing that motherhood—both spiritual and biological—is a profound gift of self-giving love. Join us as we reflect on Mary’s role in giving life to Christ and how her example calls each of us to receive God’s gift of life with joy and generosity.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

Key Scripture Passage:

Reflection Questions:

Listen and Prepare for Christmas:
Reflect on Mary’s example and invite her into your Advent journey as she prepares to bring Jesus into your heart.

Subscribe & Connect:

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

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

In this special Gaudete Sunday episode, we dive into the profound connection between repentance and joy. Drawing from Luke 3:10–18, we reflect on how true repentance leads us to experience the overwhelming joy of God’s forgiveness. Through personal stories, Scripture, and timeless wisdom from the Church, we’ll explore the beauty of confession, the healing power of mercy, and the freedom that comes with being truly forgiven.

If you’ve ever hesitated to approach confession or struggled to understand how repentance brings happiness, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Key Scripture References:

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

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

In this episode of Taste and See, we reflect on the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent (Luke 3:1-6) and explore how John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus by proclaiming repentance. But what does it mean for “all flesh to see God’s salvation”? We dive into the profound truth that God’s salvation is not just something we receive—it’s a person, Jesus Christ. Through the lens of the Theology of the Body, we discuss the gift of the human body, its dignity, and how embracing this truth helps us prepare for Christ’s coming.

Key Takeaways:

Call to Action:
This Advent, reflect on the dignity of your body as a gift from God. How is He calling you to prepare the way for His coming by embracing His truth about your worth? Share this episode with a friend and help them rediscover the beauty of God’s salvation in their lives. Don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and tune in next week for more Advent reflections!

Connect with Us:
Follow us on instagram @thetasteandseepodcast.

Together, let’s prepare to welcome Christ into our lives and hearts.

Scripture passages taken from the World English Bible

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

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

In this episode of Taste and See, we dive into the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36) and reflect on how Advent is more than just preparing for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. It’s also a time to prepare for Christ’s Second Coming, His presence in the Eucharist, and His coming to us in the poor. Through a personal story of being distracted during Mass, we explore how to stay focused on the profound mystery of Christ’s coming in all its forms.

Key Takeaways:

Call to Action:
Prepare your heart for the coming of Christ this Advent season. Share this episode with a friend who could use inspiration for staying spiritually vigilant! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover this meaningful content.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Us:
Follow us on instagram @thetasteandseepodcast and join our community as we journey through Advent together!