Does the internet dictate your life? Jeff concludes his conversation about having a plan for living by focusing on the impact of the internet and social media on living a purpose-driven life. Jeff discusses how digital distractions like email, social media, and instant gratification can interfere with God's abundant plan for your life. Please consider supporting this podcast and Ascension’s free media by visiting ascensionpress.com/support. Snippet from the Show The internet can keep us from liv...
Apr 11, 2025•23 min
Without a plan for life, we often chase superficial things that don't fulfill our hearts. Jeff expands on his previous episode about having a plan for life, contrasting material pursuits with meaningful experiences and habits. Jeff offers us nine worthwhile experiences rooted in our relationship with God, family, and community that will truly fill our hearts. Please consider supporting this podcast and Ascension’s free media by visiting ascensionpress.com/support. Snippet from the Show Meaningfu...
Apr 04, 2025•24 min
Are you navigating life with a clear sense of direction, or are you simply reacting to the world around you? Jeff discusses the importance of having a personal plan for living that reflects your faith and priorities. He explores the concept of 'haram,' which involves shaping your daily life around your beliefs. Jeff emphasizes that God's plan, unlike any human-made plan, encompasses both earthly and eternal perspectives. Please consider supporting this podcast and Ascension’s free media by visit...
Mar 28, 2025•26 min
Do you find yourself complaining often? Jeff connects the Israelites' 40 years in the wilderness, filled with complaints against Moses, God, and their circumstances, with our own potential for complaint during the 40 days of Lent. Jeff encourages us to transform complaints into moments of trust and gratitude. Snippet from the Show Am I a complainer looking for a problem, or am I a disciple helping Jesus solve problems? Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. ...
Mar 21, 2025•25 min
Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. Jeff reflects on the power of small acts of kindness in the Body of Christ. He emphasizes how our willingness to endure small inconveniences can make a significant difference and help us become more like Jesus. Snippet from the Show Inconveniences can lead to fruitful outcomes for both the giver and the receiver. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and ge...
Mar 14, 2025•24 min
Do you find it hard to be patient? Jeff discusses how hope and prayer are essential in developing the virtue of patience. Through Biblical examples and the analogy of early and latter rains in farming, Jeff illustrates the importance of waiting for God's timing. Snippet from the Show Hope and prayer help us adjust our expectations with Jesus and grow in patience. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s s...
Mar 07, 2025•31 min
What happens in the final moments of our lives? Jeff shares his personal experience as he faces his mother's imminent passing, emphasizing the Catholic tradition of Last Rites, the Apostolic Pardon, and various prayers offered by the Church during the final hours of a loved one's life. Snippet from the Show We need spiritual strength for the process of going from this life to the life to come. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-77...
Feb 28, 2025•20 min
How do we study and interpret Scripture? Jeff explains the different senses of scripture—literal and spiritual—and dives into the origins and differences in the Biblical canons between Protestants and Catholics. Snippet from the Show Understanding the senses of Scripture enriches our study of the Word of God. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit htt...
Feb 21, 2025•28 min
Are you considering joining a Protestant Bible study? Drawing from his experience as a former Protestant pastor, Jeff shares his insights on Catholics attending Protestant Bible studies. He discusses the differences between Catholic and Protestant approaches to Scripture, emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical context of the Bible within the authority of the Church. Additionally, he provides essential guidelines for Catholics who are thinking about attending Protestant Bible ...
Feb 14, 2025•28 min
Every day, God gives us an opportunity to grow in our relationship with him. Jeff Cavins emphasizes the importance of transforming our knowledge about the Faith into action to experience authentic spiritual growth. He offers practical advice on tackling procrastination in the spiritual life and shares Scripture verses to inspire us on our journey of discipleship. Snippet from the Show To become true followers of Jesus, we must put into practice everything we learn. Email us with comments or ques...
Feb 07, 2025•24 min
Suffering is a universal human experience that is difficult to embrace. Jeff Cavins explores how suffering can be a transformative and redemptive experience when we unite it with Christ's suffering. Drawing on Scripture verses and the teachings of St. John Paul II, Jeff provides deep insight and encouragement on how we can find deeper meaning in our suffering. Snippet from the Show Suffering more clears the way for grace so our souls can be transformed. Email us with comments or questions ...
Jan 31, 2025•29 min
How do we rebuild when we experience devastation? Drawing lessons from the Biblical story of the Israelites' return from the Babylonian exile, Jeff Cavins emphasizes three essential steps in rebuilding: engaging with the sacraments (specifically the Eucharist), studying the Word of God, and fostering community. Snippet from the Show During times of immense devastation, we find solace in the unwavering presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@as...
Jan 24, 2025•20 min
How do we respond to tragedy? Jeff delves into the devastating LA fires and focuses on the role of the body of Christ during such crises. He explores the importance of empathy, understanding the value of home and community, and how the Church can support those affected by tragedy through prayer, volunteering, and compassion. Snippet from the Show " In Christ, there's always a new chapter. There's always a new beginning." Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com...
Jan 17, 2025•23 min
Opportunities to evangelize can be found anywhere, even on an airplane. Jeff Cavins describes a time when he took the opportunity to share Jesus with a fellow passenger on an airplane. Jeff explains that we are never “off the clock” as evangelizers and encourages everyone to be on the lookout for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with others. Snippet from the Show You’re either going to go through life only studying and reading about the faith or you’re going to get out there and put this...
Jan 10, 2025•22 min
As we begin the new year, Jeff emphasizes the power of God's Word to provide insight, healing, and encouragement. He shares several Scripture verses that address topics such as self-control, identity, trust, and peace, all aimed at helping us have a transformative year. Snippet from the Show " In moments of disappoinment this year, remember this: God know your name and your story." Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscri...
Jan 03, 2025•25 min
Merry Christmas! Jeff shares a special Christmas message. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Dec 27, 2024•3 min
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the busyness of the holiday season? Jeff emphasizes the importance of living in the moment as disciples of Jesus, especially during this hectic time. He shares four key areas to focus on each day: being a witness, the power of prayer, the significance of praise, and the necessity of wisdom. These essentials help us cultivate a deeper and more intentional relationship with Christ amidst life's distractions. Snippet from the Show Prayer helps us become aware of the p...
Dec 20, 2024•26 min
What we eat physically impacts our health, and what we consume spiritually influences our souls. Jeff discusses the importance of taking care of our bodies and highlights the significance of the Word of God and the Eucharist in nourishing our spiritual life. He also provides practical suggestions for maintaining a prayer life that supports optimal spiritual well-being. Snippet from the Show "We have to pay attention to what we put into our hearts." Email us with comments or questions at thejeffc...
Dec 13, 2024•19 min
Why does the Catholic Church have a liturgical year? Jeff explores the significance of the liturgical calendar and explains how it helps us conform our lives to Christ's life. From the start of Advent to the Feast of Christ the King, Jeff breaks down the seasons, colors, feasts, and solemnities that shape the liturgical year. He also shares practical ways to integrate the liturgical cycle with our personal schedules to live more fully united to Christ. Snippet from the Show "The liturgical year ...
Dec 06, 2024•25 min
Gratitude helps us shift our focus from our troubles to the blessings God has provided. Jeff Cavins reflects on the story of Jesus cleansing the ten lepers from Luke 17 and the profound lesson it teaches us about gratitude. Jeff offers us ten ways to cultivate a grateful heart, such as keeping a record of God's faithfulness, looking for blessings in the mundane, and participating fully in the Eucharist. Gratitude doesn't change God, but it will change you.* Email us with comments or questions at...
Nov 29, 2024•25 min
We are all called to be activated disciples of Jesus Christ! But what does that mean? Where do we start? Jeff Cavins shares a powerful personal story about one of his evangelization encounters and how the Lord worked through him. Today’s call is to step outside of your comfort zone and see how the Lord can work through you! Snippet from the Show We all have a responsibility to go out into the world and make disciples. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. T...
Nov 22, 2024•29 min
We are all brothers and sisters in the family of the Church. We are one. Jeff Cavins encourages us that even in a political climate that attempts to divide us, we need to maintain this unity in each other. Jesus is the only one who is able to heal our world, so let us remain in His love together. Snippet from the Show The number one thing for us as Christians is not that we all politically agree, but that we maintain the unity of the Spirit in the Body of Christ. Email us with comments or questi...
Nov 15, 2024•28 min
What can we do to make a difference in our political climate? Jeff Cavins points to scripture as he talks about why we should be praying for our leaders and those entrusted with the responsibility of keeping us safe. There is power in prayer. You can do your part by praying for the Lord to guide their decision making and to use them as instruments for good. Snippet from the Show Politics can help set the table, but we have to come to the table and be a part of our society. If you have found Asce...
Nov 08, 2024•34 min
Amidst the business of life, what does God require of us? Jeff Cavins looks to scripture to help us come back to the basics and focus on three things required of us according to Micah 6:8. We dive deeper into the meaning of justice, mercy, and humility and how we can apply these key principles to our daily lives. Snippet from the Show The way that we treat each other reflects on our walk with God. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 3...
Nov 01, 2024•31 min
Is truth something that we each get to decide for ourselves? In this rerun episode, Jeff Cavins explains the difference between valuing the individual and the radical individualism that is still prevalent in our world today. Snippet from the Show The individual matters and has inestimable value. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.asc...
Oct 25, 2024•31 min
This episode is a tribute to Jeff Cavins’ late father, Robert E. Cavins, after his passing this week. Jeff reflects on his father's work ethic, faith, and family life as a devout husband and father. Robert had a profound impact on Jeff’s life and the lives of so many others. Snippet from the Show Everything my father did for me set the stage for the Lord to work through us. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and g...
Oct 18, 2024•22 min
This episode is a rerun from October 2020 with a message that remains relevant today. It can be tempting to lose hope and optimism in a chaotic and divisive world. Jeff Cavins offers 10 practical ways to ignite our optimism and keep our gaze fixed on the victory of Jesus Christ. Snippet from the Show In dark times, let us keep our gaze fixed on the victory of Jesus Christ who has already won the battle and sits on the throne of glory. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@asce...
Oct 11, 2024•29 min
Burnout is an unfortunate reality for many of us. Jeff Cavins sheds light on what we can do when experiencing burnout and how we can avoid this cycle in the future. The key is found in a relationship with the Lord. By uniting ourselves to the Lord during our most challenging times, He will give us the strength and grace to persevere. Leave your burden at His feet. Snippet from the Show Stop fighting and give this to Jesus. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.c...
Oct 04, 2024•32 min
Our world is afflicted by conflict and suffering today. And where is the voice of the Church? Jeff Cavins recounts his experiences and the cultural shift that occurred during the Jesus Movement in the late 1960’s and early 1970s. These are the days of Elijah, and it is our turn to stand up and demonstrate the Gospel to this generation. Snippet from the Show We need to demonstrate the gospel with the way we talk, the way we live, and the way we treat one another. Email us with comments or questio...
Sep 27, 2024•28 min
Do you know how to read the Bible? The Bible can be very intimidating and for many, it isn’t immediately obvious how to go about reading and studying it. Jeff Cavins shares about some of his favorite resources for reading and studying the Bible, many of which he created! Snippet from the Show There is a revival in Biblical study in the Catholic Church. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes de...
Sep 20, 2024•35 min