This week we're joined by special guest Catherine! Catherine is a catechumen at the Proto-Cathedral of St. Mary's where Fr. Michael is pastor. Catherine talks about her journey to becoming a catechumen. She shares how truth and beauty helped her come to the realization of God’s existence. References: Video Parody of Adele's Hello with Christ the Bridegroom Monastery and the Mercedarian Sisters Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Measurement by Paul Lockhart Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton The...
Dec 29, 2021•1 hr 10 min
This week Mother Natalia shares some reflections she had on poustinia about worry and being present. References: Matt 6: 24 - 24 The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence The Monastery's video on poverty: Be Poor with Me Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jeanne-Pierre de Caussade Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send u...
Dec 22, 2021•1 hr 5 min
We're back with another episode on the Mystery of Crowning, with special guest Fr. Joel Barstad. References: Mystery of Crowning: Part 1 Mystery of Crowning: Part 2 Behold the Bridegroom Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send us a text Support the show...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 20 min
This week we meet Beth from the media team. Beth talks about her personal vocational discernment and not fearing the unknown. Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send us a text Support the show...
Dec 08, 2021•1 hr 7 min
This week we continue our discussion on the Mystery of Crowning with Fr. Joel Barstad. We talk about the Gospel (John 2: 1 ‑11) and Epistle (Ephesians 5: 5:20‑33) which are read at the Mystery of Crowning. References: Mystery of Crowning: Part 1 The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Support us on Patreon Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmai...
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 7 min
We're joined this week by Mother Cecilia. Mother Cecilia is one of the original founders of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery, and has been at the monastery for 12 years. Silence is a topic near and dear to her heart, and in this episode she talks about what silence is not, in an effort for us to understand what silence is. References: The Silence of God by Andrew Peterson Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube Support us on Patreon Join our Goodreads Group Fr....
Nov 24, 2021•1 hr 15 min
This week Father Michael and Mother Natalia do an on-the-spot Lectio Divina of Psalm 16 (Septuagint )/Psalm 17 (Vulgate). We are grateful to everyone who donated to the Monastery fundraiser this past weekend. The nuns released a video called Be Poor with Me: Reflections on Poverty which was shown at the fundraiser. Happy viewing! Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! w...
Nov 17, 2021•59 min
This week Mother Natalia talks about graces she received during her honeymoon, continuing on the graces from her life profession. Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send us a text Support the show...
Nov 10, 2021•1 hr 3 min
This week we're joined by special guest, Andrew Whaley. Andrew is the founder of Calix, an organization focusing on interactions with the unchurched and dechurched. We talk about positive interactions in evangelization, the truth in beauty, and how beauty can bring others to Christ. References: Calix - Andrew's main website Disarming Beauty: Essays on Faith, Truth, and Freedom by Julián Carrón Alpha Catholic Registration for the Bridegroom's Banquet is open! Father Michael and Mother Natalia Out...
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 24 min
We were so elated after Mother Natalia's life profession and had a live episode out in Burton, Ohio. We shared this via Instagram but also recorded it for our non-Instagram followers. Happy listening! If you want to watch this episode, check out the video on our Instagram page. Episodes that talk about the Life Profession Divine Liturgy: Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four If you missed Mother Natalia's Life Profession you can watch the recording up on the monastery's Facebook page . Registra...
Oct 27, 2021•1 hr 12 min
This week's episode concludes our review of the monastic life profession series. Previous Episodes: Part One Part Two Part Three If you missed Mother Natalia's Life Profession you can watch the recording up on the monastery's Facebook page . Registration for the Bridegroom's Banquet is open! Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send us a ...
Oct 20, 2021•1 hr
We're joined this week by special guest Father Deacon Jonathan Deane. He uses the Trisagion Prayer as a jumping off point in the discussion. We discuss sin, having the image of God but losing the likeness of God, and our ultimate destiny. References: Light for Life Series by God with Us Publications. Part One - The Mystery Believed Part Two - The Mystery Celebrated Part Three - The Mystery Lived Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Christ Our Pascha Becoming Human: Meditations on Christian ...
Oct 13, 2021•1 hr 8 min
The life profession already happened but we're still walking through the life profession ceremony. If you missed the first two episodes you can find Parts One and Two here! And today we're joined by special guest, Fr. Steve Flynn. If you missed Mother Natalia's Life Profession you can watch the recording up on the monastery's Facebook page . Registration for the Bridegroom's Banquet is open! Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr...
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 5 min
We're back with special guest, Fr. Joel Barstad, this time talking about the Mystery of Crowning. This is part one of at least two, as we barely got into the mystery of crowning in this episode! We reflect on marriage and some of the day to day interactions between a husband and wife. References: National Catholic Register article on the Rite of Betrothal in the Latin Rite Episodes on Patris Corde: A Father's Heart Part One and Part Two If you missed Mother Natalia's Life Profession you can watc...
Sep 29, 2021•1 hr 11 min
This is part two of two! Sister Natalia walks through the prayers that are said in a monastic life profession liturgy. She reflected on the liturgy during her life profession retreat earlier, and gives us some insight into her journal entries from her retreat. Part One can be found here . Also, check out a written reflection from Sister Natalia on Life Profession. Sister Natalia's Life Profession is September 26th! The Monastery will be livestreaming the event from their Facebook page . Registra...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 4 min
This is part one of two! Sister Natalia walks through the prayers that are said in a monastic life profession liturgy. She reflected on the liturgy during her life profession retreat earlier, and gives us some insight into her journal entries from her retreat. Sister Natalia's Life Profession is September 26th! The Monastery will be livestreaming the event from their Facebook page . References: The Mountain of Silence by Kyriacos C. Markides Registration for the Bridegroom's Banquet is open! Fol...
Sep 15, 2021•1 hr 6 min
Parental warning - adult content discussed. Trigger warning - sexual assault and rape discussed. This week Fr. Michael reflects on the book The Picture of Dorian Gray and how it illustrates the impact that sin has in our lives. References: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Matt 5:27 - 28 The Porn Myth by Matt Fradd Registration for the Bridegroom's Banquet is open! Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter...
Sep 08, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Sister Natalia and Father Michael recorded an in person episode on the feast of the Transfiguration! In this episode they focus on the Transfiguration account in Matthew and talk about the temptation for us to stay on Mount Tabor, some of the symbolism represented in Matthew's account, and the need for us to transform as a result of our encounters with Christ. References: We have a full IG TV recording up on our Instagram page that features some banter and Q/A before and after this episode. Chec...
Sep 01, 2021•1 hr 4 min
Sister Natalia is fresh off poustinia and reflects on peace. "Nothing else matters except being with Jesus and trying to rest in that knowledge and trying not to be swayed by all the other thoughts coming to me." References: The Final Homily Word from a Poustinik: Hope John 16:33 Quotes from St Seraphim including this one : "Acquire a spirit of peace and thousands of souls around you will be saved." Save the Date for the Bridegroom's Banquet, Nov 13! Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram...
Aug 25, 2021•1 hr 1 min
This week Fr. Michael talks about demons and their interactions in our everyday life. We hear about some of his experiences at Franciscan, and learn how we can be on the lookout to repel demons and evil thoughts. References: The Life of St. Anthony by Athanasius The Philokalia - Volume 1 Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send us a text...
Aug 18, 2021•1 hr 8 min
Sister Natalia walks through some of her favorite passages from the Philokalia, a collection of writings from some of the Church Fathers on how to live as a good monk or nun. "The view in the East is that everyone is called to live as a monk or nun, to the degree which they are able in their vocation," and Sister Natalia wanted to share her favorite passages with everyone! References: The Philokalia - Volume 1 Fr. Michael's episode on Catholic Stuff - Gluttony as a Gateway Sin Follow and Contact...
Aug 11, 2021•59 min
This week we're talking about Byzantine Baptism, everything leading up to the chrismation. Fr. Michael reads through some of the prayers said during the Holy Mystery. Father Michael and Sister Natalia Out and About Catholic Stuff You Should Know recently reposted an episode where Fr. Michael talks about Byzantine Marriage. Check it out ! Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Ema...
Aug 04, 2021•1 hr 11 min
This week Fr. Michael talks about Gregory the Theologian and how he came to know and understand his vocation. He and Sister Natalia talk about the call to holiness and how the people in the church can help encourage men and women to priesthood and religious life. References: Gregory the Theologian's Second Oration Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! whatgodisnotpodca...
Jul 28, 2021•1 hr 8 min
Sister Natalia and Father Michael continue their discussion from last week about fatherhood. Part One of this topic can be found here. In this episode, Sister Natalia walks through some of her favorite quotes from Pope Francis' apostolic letter, Patris Corde, and then relates them to her life experiences, especially her life experiences with Father Michael. References: Part One Patris Corde by Pope Francis Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goo...
Jul 21, 2021•1 hr 4 min
This week Sister Natalia gives us insight into her reflection on fatherhood and tenderness. She and Father Michael provide examples of how they see fatherhood practically lived out in their day to day lives. References: Patris Corde by Pope Francis The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus My Elder Joseph the Hesychast by Elder Ephraim Wounded by Love by St Porphyrios That Man is You Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr....
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 2 min
This week we're joined by special guest Valeria Salgado. Valeria is a Latin revert who discovered Father Michael's parish and has been participating in Divine Liturgy there. This week Father Michael and Sister Natalia answer some questions on the rites of initiation and the differences between the East and the West. Additionally they talk about the process of changing rites. References: Connect with Valeria on Instagram and TikTok Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're ...
Jul 07, 2021•1 hr 4 min
This week we're talking about the Saint of the Day (less three days), St. Nathaniel! St. Nathaniel is Sister Natalia's patronal saint. There's also a great discussion at the beginning of the podcast about spiritual direction. References: Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson Father Elijah by Michael O'Brien Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gm...
Jun 30, 2021•1 hr 1 min
This week Fr. Michael talks about some key takeaways he's learned after reading a book that reminds us of what we sing (or say) when we sing "Heavenly Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things. References: Everywhere Present: Christianity in a One-Storey Universe by Fr. Stephen Freeman Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! whatgodisnotpodcas...
Jun 23, 2021•1 hr 1 min
We're joined at the very beginning by Father Nathan Symeon's daughter, Budsy. Such a fun conversation. Father Nathan is the parochial vicar at Father Michael's parish. Then we discuss seeing beauty in the people around us, despite their sins or despite our ability to see the beauty 'at a glance'. References: Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacques Philippe Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Mo...
Jun 16, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Part 2! The monastery has a new member of the community! Sister Natalia and Father Michael talk about the service for the entrance of a dokimos, specifically Intern Olivia! We've broken this up into two episodes. References: Last week's episode Ladder of Divine Ascent by St John Climacus Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send us a text...
Jun 09, 2021•43 min
