This week Mother Natalia comes to us with some hot takes fresh off her poustinia. She talks about fear, love, vulnerability, and weakness. She talks about each of those in our relationship with God as well as our relationship with others. This episode is deep! 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 Our Website Our Nonprofit Send us a text Support the show...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min
This week Fr. Michael talks about how to pray and providing suggestions to friends who ask for help in praying. He talks about how prayer methods (rote prayer, contemplative prayer, etc.) work differently for each person, but ultimately how important prayer is to our daily lives and relationship with God. References: The Art of Prayer by Kallistos Ware . The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives by Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica Follow and Contact Us! ...
Apr 10, 2024•59 min
This week’s episode was recorded live at SEEK24. Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia are joined by Fr. Boniface Hicks. They talk about how our lives would change if we inherently knew that Jesus loved us. They talk about ways this is exhibited in daily life, in prayer, in the confessional. They also talk about a sticker that premiered at SEEK and how it came to be. Thanks to SEEK for having us and to Spoke Street Media for recording this episode. References: Fawn and Flight with Kristin Molitor Follo...
Apr 03, 2024•45 min
Today we conclude our series of the liturgies for Great and Holy Week. This week’s episode covers Great and Holy Friday, Great and Holy Saturday, and Pascha Sunday. This is our 200th episode. We're so grateful to our listeners for your prayers and support! 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 Our Website Our Nonprofit Send us a text Support the show...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 13 min
This week we continue our series of the liturgies for Holy Week. Today's episode covers Presanctified Liturgy on Holy Wednesday, matins for Holy Thursday, and Divine Liturgy on Holy Thursday. References: The Year of Grace of the Lord by A Monk of the Eastern Church Isaiah 61:1-3 Therapy of Spiritual Illnesses by Jean-Claude Larchet 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 Our Websi...
Mar 20, 2024•57 min
This week we're kicking off a three part series where we walk through the liturgies for Holy Week. Today's episode covers Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. References: The Year of Grace of the Lord by A Monk of the Eastern Church Great Lent by Fr. Alexander Schmemann Behold the Bridegroom Useless but not Worthless Monday Readings: Matt 21:18-43 , Ezekiel 1:1-20 , Exodus 1: 1-20 , Job 1:1-12 , Matt 24:3-35 Tuesday Readings: Matt 22:15-23:39 , Ezekiel 1:21 - 28 , Exodus 2:5-10 , Job 1:13-22 , M...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min
This week Fr. Michael reflects on the encounter of Simeon and Anna with the child Jesus when Jesus was presented in the Temple. Fr. Michael also shares some creative ideas for almsgiving that you can incorporate during the Great Fast and even throughout the year. Episode 200! We're celebrating our upcoming episode 200 by hearing from you! Record a 20-30 second video (or audio only) clip talking about how the podcast has impacted your life. Upload to your Google drive and then share with dbratnic...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 5 min
This week Mother Natalia continues her discussion from a few episodes about the ache and longing we have in our hearts for eternity. She talks about the exodus and pilgrimage through this life, the goods that we can ache and long for, and how ultimately earth is not our home. References: Into Great Silence Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset The Ache Speaks with Mother Petra The Ladder of Divine Ascent by John Climacus Psalm 137 Episode 200! We're celebrating our upcoming episode 200 by heari...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 8 min
On this week's episode, Fr. Michael works through some ideas he has for a homily he's giving later that day. He talks about the need to be cognizant of the work God is doing in our lives, our heads, and our hearts. References: Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset The Ladder of Divine Ascent by John Climacus Episode 200! We're celebrating our upcoming episode 200 by hearing from you! Record a 20-30 second video (or audio only) clip talking about how the podcast has impacted your life. Upload to...
Feb 21, 2024•50 min
This week Mother Natalia takes a mini-topic request on recent Byzantine saints and also talks about fasting. Her discussion on fasting covers some of the reasons she likes fasting, the ways she can grow, and then some general practicalities on fasting. References: Father Vasyl Lonchyna What Suffering is Not with Mother Iliana The Ladder of Divine Ascent by John Climacus Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Ch...
Feb 14, 2024•58 min
This week Fr. Michael uses the story of Zacchaeus as inspiration for this week's episode. He talks about the childlikeness found in Zacchaeus as well as his curiosity. Fr. Michael talks about all the ways that Zacchaeus' sin is pointed out to us in the Gospel, yet we see his quick repentance and conversion. References: Luke 19: 1-10 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 Our Webs...
Feb 07, 2024•47 min
This week Mother Natalia shares about a recent experience rock climbing. She talks about healthy and unhealthy fear, recognizing the help that others around us provide, and ultimately how rock climbing relates to the spiritual life. References: Scruples and the Sacraments The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis 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 Our Website Our Nonprofit Send us a text ...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 4 min
This week we're joined by Kristin Molitor from the Institute for Ministry Formation. Kristin talks about the fawn response to danger, perceived danger, and trauma. We talk about where the fawn response can show up in our relationships well after trauma or danger has passed. We talk about the concept of spiritual bypassing or spiritual platitudes and how those can be a way of us ignoring our deeper feelings and emotions. References: Institute for Ministry Formation Theosis and Tribulations by Ste...
Jan 24, 2024•53 min
This week Mother Natalia uses a scripture passage from 2 Peter as inspiration for her episode. She talks about being patient while waiting but also hastening towards our call, or whatever we're waiting for. We give some practical advice on waiting while simultaneously hastening, and also give an example of not pursuing the next step that God is calling us to. References: 2 Peter 3:11-12 Italy Tour with Chris Stefanik Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! J...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min
This week Fr. Michael talks about the ordinariness lived out in a mother's vocation and her hiddenness in that ordinariness. He talks about three women who have given reflections on specific Gospel passages, and how those passages have convicted the moms in their vocation. We also talk about sacrifices that parents make as they raise their children. References: Matthew 6:5-6 John 3:30 Matthew 8:16 - 20 Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodrea...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 6 min
This week we're joined by special guest Fr. Boniface Hicks. Mother Natalia and Fr. Boniface talk about sensitivity. They talk about being a person who is perceived as "too sensitive" and interacting with people who are more sensitive than ourselves. References: What Humility is Not with Fr. Boniface Hicks Institute for Ministry Formation Grief to Grace Tenderness Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ th...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 8 min
This week Mother Natalia talks about being open and vulnerable, receiving healing the Lord provides, and the general brokenness which both of them have. We talk about online personalities and how the personalities should not become our end-all be-all in terms of knowing Jesus and following Him. References: All Rise for Judge Natalia 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 Our Webs...
Dec 27, 2023•58 min
This week Fr. Michael expands on a mini-topic request on the death of infants. We talk about death and mourning, the various hymns of farewell used, why limbo came to be a concept, and the reality of evil and death. References: The Hope of Salvation for Infants who Die without being Baptized Scruples and the Sacraments The Reed of God 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 Our We...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 11 min
This week Mother Natalia reflects on two different encounters she recently had. The encounters led her to reflect on being Jesus to others and gently evangelizing others. References: Evil Thoughts Five through Eight (the one about anger) The Philokalia Volume 2 Father Michael and Mother Natalia Out and About Chris Stefanik - Nobody Wants to Talk about This Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bride...
Dec 13, 2023•47 min
We're in person this week! This week Father Michael walks through the prayers that are said as a bishop is vested at a hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Plus we've got a minitopic on confession. References: CSYSK Episode on Priestly Vesting Prayers Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson 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 Our Website Our Nonprofit Send us a text Support the show...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 9 min
This week we're joined by Alex from Voice of Reason! We recorded this episode live at the Metropolitan Assembly in New Jersey. Fr. Michael and Alex talk about living a life of service and holiness, imitating the holy people around us, and bringing others to the faith. References: God With Us Voice of Reason (YouTube) The Forgotten: Catholics of the Soviet Empire from Lenin through Stalin Finding a Hidden Church Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join ou...
Nov 29, 2023•44 min
This week Mother Natalia and Fr. Michael talk about places in scripture where we see the theme of light as they reflect on SEEK24’s theme of Be the Light. References: Romans 13:12 1 John 1:5-7 John 4:7-42 Hymns for the feast of the Theophany of the Lord SEEK24 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 Our Website Our Nonprofit Send us a text Support the show...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 6 min
This week we're joined by special guest, Mother Petra! Mother Petra and Mother Natalia talk about experiencing an ache for beauty and how that ache can be given to us by God. We talk a lot about C.S. Lewis, a favorite of both Mother Petra and Mother Natalia. Plus we've got a mini-topic on praying with religious art. References: Mother Petra on The Journey Home The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis Reflectio...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 15 min
This week we're joined by special guest Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College. We talk about how our relationships across all areas of life impact each other, the founding of Wyoming Catholic College, and what it's like to intentionally create a college that "breathes with both lungs." References: Poustinia by Catherine Doherty Erin Planned Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegro...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 9 min
We've got a crossover episode! Fr. Michael records this week with Fr. Mike Rapp from Catholic Stuff You Should Know . Fr. Mike asks Fr. Michael all the questions about Byzantine tradition and practices. 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 Our Website Our Nonprofit Send us a text Support the show...
Nov 01, 2023•59 min
This week Fr. Michael reflects on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. In this feast, we shower the cross in the church with flowers to show the significance and importance of the feast. Fr. Michael talks about the need for us to look at our personal crosses with this same sort of significance and reverence. Plus we've got a mini-topic this week on dating. References: Ministering to Monsters Mother Iliana on Pints with Aquinas Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 15 min
This week Mother Natalia talks about usefulness vs worthlessness. Our worth is not found in what we do but who we are. This is certainly a hard topic for us to process and we need reminded of this regularly. We also have a mini-topic on holiness. References: A Sign of Uselessness Death in the Shadows by Paul McCusker 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 Our Website Our Nonprofi...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 8 min
This week Fr. Michael talks about the parable of the wedding banquet found in Matthew, another scripture passage that has confused both him and Mother Natalia. We talk about inspiration we've had from the passage, linking it back to the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve's nakedness. We talk about our need to give up our attachments in order to accept the glorious garment given to us at the resurrection. Plus we've got a mini-topic from a Patron. Thanks to everyone who supports us on Patreon! Refer...
Oct 11, 2023•59 min
This week Mother Natalia talks about the Protoevangelion of James and walks through some of the tradition found within it. We talk about traditions jointly shared between the Eastern and Western churches, and some of the traditions that are believed in the East. References: Protoevangelion of James 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 Our Website Our Nonprofit Send us a text Su...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Today's episode is inspired by an episode from The Symbolic World . Fr. Michael uses the Pentecost for the Zombie Apocalypse episode to talk about ministering to those in the world and meeting people where they're at in their lives. References: Pentecost for the Zombie Apocalypse 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 Our Website Our Nonprofit Send us a text Support the show...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 8 min
