The Melancholic Monk Podcast: Musings in Mercy & Meaning

Sometimes we can become angry with God and ourselves for not experiencing the fullness of our faith.  But what does Jesus really promise?  After more than a month break, I tackle an issue that can make us more melancholic than we need to be....

In this podcast we continue our journey through First Peter learning about a special dimension of our Christian identity -- that of being strangers and exiles, and Jesus as the new Moses leading us on an epic journey back to God the Father.

In Matthew 11, Jesus promises "rest" to the weary and over-burdened.  He also promises that His yoke is easy and light.  Have you ever struggled with this text?  Take a few minutes to join me in meditating about the rest Jesus promises and the yoke he asks us to bear.

In this episode I launch into something a little different than in the past couple of months -- we begin a more structured look into the First Letter of Peter, which was written to new Christians who found themselves in the midst of a pagan culture and in desperate need of teaching and encouragement.  This is so relevant to what we need today!  Pull out your bibles and let's dive in.  I will always recite to you the passages that you need to hear for those of you who are working and traveling.

In the wake of the race riots, a number of people are talking about police and justice in our society.  Here are a few observations about what the "No Police" movements may have to do with our Catholic Faith and how we should understand this vitally important conversation in our chaotic times.

What would it mean for us to really "go for it" in our spiritual lives?  What is God asking of me if I truly have the inspiration to live more intensely for Jesus?  Have you been feeling this inspiration?  This episode is for you!

What would it mean for us to really "go for it" in our spiritual lives?  What is God asking of me if I truly have the inspiration to live more intensely for Jesus?

What might the mystery of the Ascension teach us?  We must learn to see with different eyes and deal with doubt, who is the "ugly cousin" of faith!  If you are having trouble with divine doubt or would simply like to learn more about the Ascension, this meditation is for you.

Things are crazy out there right now.  Some are talking about the "end of the world."  This is a meditation on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  Whether we fear the end of the world or not, we can always pause for a Christian meditation on our anxieties, fears, and perhaps even having a little joy in the midst of them!

I have heard many people who have struggled with their faith who cannot understand why and how Jesus promises "Abundant life" in John 10:10.  They often ask, "Am I missing something?"  "Was Jesus really serious about this promise?"  Using some philosophical and scriptural insights, I will delve more deeply into the question of the abundant life that Jesus promises.