Fr. Tom Sparacino: Don’t Put Conditions on God

October 7, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

“If you’re going to follow the Lord, then follow the Lord. Don’t put any stipulations on Him.”

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Give Up Fear and Follow Him All the Way

Fr. Tom Sparacino starts with a scream. He was napping on the top deck, minding his own “little plot of land,” when a friend from Canada shrieked — another passenger had snuck up and scared her again. Her husband, Fr. Tom reports, was “absolutely no help.” It’s funny, and then it isn’t: how often do we give in to a simple fear? He confesses he’s been staring out the cabin window at the dark water, half convinced a sea monster was about to surface.

That’s not what we were made for. What we do at the altar, he says, and what this whole mission has been about, is to be fearless — fearless in proclaiming the Good News, fearless in the Spirit. Not giving in to fear, but giving up fear, and asking the Lord for the gift of awe instead.

Then the hard part. Fr. Tom hears it all the time from young men discerning the priesthood: “Father, I want to be a priest — but before I do, here are the things I want to do first.” Go ahead, he tells them. I’ll be right here when you come to your senses. Every priest he knows has tried it, and the Lord “usually knocks us on our backside.”

He tells the story of a teenager who wanted a car. His parents set three conditions: no complaining about school, Mass and youth group and Scripture every week, and a haircut. The boy kept the first two beautifully — honor roll, rosary, even long talks with the priest. But the haircut? He’d learned his rhetoric well. “Every statue of Jesus has long hair,” he argued, “so it’s good enough for me.” Wonderful, said his father. And you’ll notice Jesus walked everywhere, too.

We do the same thing to God. Lord, we want this healing. We want, we want, we want. The Pharisees in today’s Gospel were busy washing cups and pots, while Jesus was looking at their hearts. The rules of the game were never complicated: love God, love your neighbor, be merciful.

What it looks like to love God without conditions

On the memorial of St. Scholastica, Fr. Tom — trained by the Benedictine monks at St. Vincent in Latrobe — remembers the sister who loved God so much that He answered her prayer with a storm, while her brother Benedict worried about keeping the rule. The Church prays that, following her example, we may “serve you with a pure love and happily receive what comes from loving you.” We can only do that, he says, if we stop putting our rules on God and just listen: read Scripture, let it penetrate the heart, stay in relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with Mary our Mother and with St. Joseph — and give Him full and complete control.

“When we do, honey child, we can walk on water. And not only walk — we can run across the water.”

“Let’s not allow fear to grasp us, but let’s be fearless in the love that we have for Jesus. And all the gifts that He has for us, let us be open to them — and not put any stipulations, because by His blood He has washed us clean already, once and for all.”

Key quotes (pull quotes / social)

“How often we give in to a simple fear.”
“Not giving in to fear, but giving up fear.”
“If you’re going to follow the Lord, then follow the Lord. Don’t put any stipulations on Him.”
“We give the Lord a list — I’ll try all this stuff, and then I’ll follow You. And He usually knocks us on our backside.”
“We want, we want, we want — when all that we need to be is just open.”
“When we do, honey child, we can walk on water. And not only walk — we can run across the water.”
“By His blood He has washed us clean already, once and for all.”

Scripture & liturgy references

Mark 7:1–13 — the Pharisees, the washing of hands, and “this people honors me with their lips”
Matthew 22:37–39 — love God, love your neighbor
Matthew 14:22–33 — walking on the water
Memorial of St. Scholastica (February 10) — Collect: “serve you with pure love and happily receive what comes from loving you”
Gregory the Great, Dialogues — St. Scholastica’s prayer and the storm

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

In this inspiring collection of nine homilies, Fr. Tom invites listeners into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ through the liturgical year, the Eucharist, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Preached during a Magnificat pilgrimage, these reflections weave together Scripture, personal testimony, humor, and practical spiritual wisdom to encourage believers to live boldly as missionary disciples.

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

Just as the infant Christ was presented in the Temple, believers are called to welcome His presence daily through prayer, Scripture, and especially the Eucharist. Every Mass is an invitation to encounter Christ anew and allow His Word to become the guiding light for life’s journey.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit with confidence and humility. Holiness is presented not as perfection but as complete dependence upon God. Fr. Tom reminds us that every baptized Christian has received spiritual gifts and is called to use them courageously in service of the Church and the world.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

Through moving personal stories and reflections on sunrise prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and the beauty of creation, Fr. Tom illustrates how Christ continually invites His people away from the noise of everyday life into intimate communion with Him.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Pride, fear, divided hearts, and the temptation to place conditions on God’s will prevent authentic healing and discipleship. Instead, Fr. Tom calls believers to surrender everything to the Lord, trusting that God’s grace is always sufficient, even amid suffering and uncertainty.

Drawing from the lives of saints including Simeon, Anna, St. Agatha, St. Scholastica, St. Bernadette, and St. Blaise, these messages demonstrate how ordinary people become extraordinary witnesses through unwavering faith and courageous obedience.

One of the most powerful themes woven throughout the homilies is that God does not abandon His people in suffering. Rather than removing every trial, He provides the grace necessary to endure them. Through stories of pastoral ministry, healing prayer, and personal encounters with God’s mercy, Fr. Tom encourages listeners to trust God’s timing and remain steadfast even in life’s darkest moments.

Ultimately, these nine homilies form one unified invitation: to become living tabernacles of Christ. Nourished by the Eucharist, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and transformed by divine mercy, every Christian is called to leave Mass renewed, fearless, and ready to bring Christ’s light into the world.

Highlights

Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
Learning from the witness of the saints
Trusting God’s grace in suffering
Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14^th, 2026.

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Filed Under: Cruise Homilies, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, discernment, fear, fearless faith, Fr. Tom Sparacino, Magnificat homily, Mark 7, Pharisees, St. Scholastica, Surrender, vocation, walking on water

Hunger For God: How To Feed Your Soul

October 5, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Does your soul hunger for God? Do you feel that something is missing in your life? Are you unsettled? In this episode of A Few Minutes with God Podcast, we discover what it means to hunger for God and how you can feel your soul!

Hunger For God

Episode 44

Thanks to the sponsor, Eden’s Table.

The choices we make each day are something we don’t think much about, we just do them. We are creatures of habit, I wake up each morning and expect to drink a cup of coffee, and sit for a few minutes as I wake up. We do things out of habit more so than actually thinking about it — and habits are formed with routine.

We do the things that don’t affect our salvation either way — whether I drink a cup of coffee or not has nothing to do with how I feel about my relationship with God. But, if we take the time to think and contemplate life, often we feel that something is missing. That could be one of the reasons we keep our lives so busy–so we don’t have to think. Because if we do, we may find we are unsatisfied with an element of our lives.

Why?

Man was created to know, love, and serve God, but how do we love someone we do not know? Unless we spend time with God each day and allow Him to be the Lord of our lives, we will always feel unsettled… that there has to be more, and seek after pleasure in places that will leave us empty!

When we think about hunger for God we think of food and drink.

John 6:35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”

If we come to Him… it is an invitation, and we know it is more than food and drink that our Lord offers up but the offer of everlasting life… we will never thirst. It is a call of eternity with God!

John 7:37-38

“Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

Jesus is the living water, he came not only to feed the hungry as he did with the miracle of the loaves and fishes but to feed more than our bodies, to feed our souls. Our hunger for God goes beyond the physical which is why we seem unsettled when we are out of sorts with God.

Ask yourself these questions:

Have I spent time today with God in prayer?
Have I listened to God today in quiet?
Have I read from the Holy Bible?
Have I journaled anything that comes to mind?
Am I open to God’s leading in my life?

Our soul thirsts for God in the everyday matters in our life, in our decisions in our feelings of despair and dismay.

Psalm 42:2 “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?”

Our soul thirsts for God whether we realize it or not, and we seek after something we can’t attain unless we understand this very fact — our love of God is sustained in prayer and when we feel out of sorts we should pray.

Psalm 63:1 “O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

This journey is similar to when people talk about a “desert” experience. Being in the desert paints a picture of being lost and without water and something that would be harsh, yet this is similar to the state of our souls when we yearn for God and find ourselves lost in the desert of our own making due to our free will – those choices may seem right at the time but they leave us feeling empty.

Self Reflection:

How do I spend the majority of my time?
What do I do daily that brings me joy?
Is this joy short lived?
Is there a purpose to my day?
Do I feel happy when I head to bed at night?

What are some things you can do differently each day to focus more on the end result – life everlasting with God than the here and now?

There are always life circumstances that are important, work, family getting food on the table, what appears to be the simple and mundane can be done with joy if you have God in your life. Each day, each breath we take we can praise and give thanks to the Lord we serve.

Hungering for God means filling our souls with every good thing, in the things we watch on TV, the internet, read, or listen to… are we putting things into our body that will help us grow toward love of God or things that will hinder our progress? When we seek after God all the things that previously seemed so important seem so little in comparison.

It’s like the lady who loved her hair, it was her best asset — yet, when she found out she had cancer and would lose her hair, she happily shaved it off in an effort to combat the horrible feeling of losing it in pieces. Her battle with cancer was successful and when her hair grew back, more beautiful than before she didn’t even care that much. Why? Because she realized the preciousness of life and what appeared so important before was now a minor.

If we change our priorities in life and put God first we can satiate the hunger! We will then grow closer to God and strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The things that were a priority become a footnote – many things still need to be accomplished daily but with God at the head, it all seems to work out for the better.

Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

By hungering for God we also hunger for righteousness and happily, that is so much more satisfying!

Let’s pray!

I praise you and thank you Lord that any effort we place into seeking a deeper relationship with You is always rewarded so much more than we can imagine. I thank you for putting that hunger for God into my soul — for inviting me to seek you in a greater way! I ask you to help me make you a number one priority in my life, to help me to wake up early enough to pray each day, to help me to think of you last before I go to sleep at night, to help me to see all the ways you help me and are there for me each day. Help me to know you and love you more each day! Lord I ask you for the following intention in my life …. I thank you ahead of time for answered prayer, and I pray this in Jesus Name. Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, hunger for God

Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs — A Call to Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement

October 2, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 21, Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs — A Call to Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement

Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs shares his testimony of being called to the priesthood at a young age. He enjoyed this calling and his priestly duties, yet in his heart, Bishop Jacobs felt something was missing. In desperation, he asked the Lord to reveal the answer, and in time, it was revealed. This revelation led to a new spiritual awakening and played an important role in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement.

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

The Podcast is a platform for inspiring testimonies that showcase God’s goodness, greatness, and grace in our lives. These testimonies not only inform and educate but also encourage and inspire us to develop, deepen, and cultivate our relationship with the Triune God. The show hosts are Monique Moussot and Maryann Ridini Spencer.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS on The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and other channels: Magnificat® Proclaims: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry/

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs, Magnificat Proclaims, Magnificat Proclaims podcast

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Commit to the Lord and He Will Act

September 30, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

“Commit to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will act.”

Fr. Tom Sparacino: When Wickedness Seems to Be Winning

It was a rough day at sea, and Fr. Tom Sparacino doesn’t pretend otherwise. “That’s a heavy load when you’re rocking on the seas — literally.” He’d spent the morning watching the seabirds dive-bomb into the waves and wondering where they ever find rest, and one bird out in front of the ship looked to him like the Holy Spirit leading the way.

He admits he’s not a confident flyer, and he hadn’t counted on turbulence on a boat. When a plane bounces, he asks, do you grab the seat in front of you? “Do you realize you’re holding on to the thing that’s going to crash?” That’s what fear does, and it’s what the evil one does: he wants us to go with him. “We could never go with him, because we have the Lord. Why would we want something like that when we have salvation?”

On the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Fr. Tom traces where Mary has appeared — in the fields of Portugal, in a cave in Lourdes, on a mountain in France with tears on her face — and notes that every time, she warns us: don’t give in to evil.

The day’s psalm is a reaction to that same question every believer eventually asks: why do the wicked seem to prosper while the good suffer? The psalmist’s answer is simple — commit to the Lord your way; trust in Him, and He will act. Fr. Tom shares the breviary antiphon he underlines every time he comes across it: “I love you, Lord, my strength.” It’s only by grace that we overcome wickedness, he says. The good aren’t losing. They’re gaining grace.

Let Him into the recesses of your heart

Then he turns to the Gospel, where Jesus says it isn’t what goes into a person that defiles but what comes out of the heart. Fr. Tom loves to cook — with plenty of garlic, so the seminarians always know when he’s in the kitchen — and he points out that even the best meal in the world ends up in the latrine. “We’ve eaten good on this boat, right?” But the food we receive at the altar, and the Word we consume, cut straight to the heart — “where wickedness doesn’t live, but God lives, the good lives. And that’s where we need to live.”

“Wickedness always appears to be winning — but it will never win. Commit to the Lord. For Lord, You are our strength, You are our hope.”

Key quotes (pull quotes / social)

“When there’s turbulence, do you hold on to the seat in front of you? Do you realize you’re holding on to the thing that’s going to crash?”
“We could never go with him, because we have the Lord. Why would we want something like that when we have salvation?”
“Each time she appears, she warns us: don’t give in to evil.”
“Commit to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will act.”
“I love you, Lord, my strength.”
“The good aren’t losing. We’re gaining grace.”
“Wickedness always appears to be winning — but it will never win.”

Scripture & liturgy references

Psalm 37:5–6 — “Commit to the Lord your way; trust in him, and he will act”
Psalm 18:2–3 — “I love you, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer”
Mark 7:14–23 — what comes from within defiles
1 Kings 10 — the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon
Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11); Marian apparitions at Fatima, Lourdes, and La Salette

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
Learning from the witness of the saints
Trusting God’s grace in suffering
Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14^th, 2026.

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Filed Under: Cruise Homilies, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, fear, Fr. Tom Sparacino, Grace, Magnificat homily, Marian apparitions, Mark 7, Our Lady of Lourdes, Psalm 18, Psalm 37, spiritual warfare, trust in God

Shroud of Turin

September 28, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Have you wondered if the Shroud of Turin is real? And why “Turin”? What does this have to do with the burial cloth reported to have covered our beloved Savior? In this podcast, your host, Felice Gerwitz, shares a personal experience.

Shroud of Turin: What the Cloth Still Says About Jesus ~ Episode 378

The Shroud of Turin continues to speak powerfully about Jesus. Recently I visited the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando. What I experienced there—and what my grandchildren experienced—went far beyond any documentary or article I had seen before.

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A Personal Encounter with the Shroud of Turin

We entered a quiet room, watched a short video on the history and testing of the Shroud of Turin, and then stood before the displays. The atmosphere was hushed. People spoke in whispers. It felt as if we were standing before the crucified Christ Himself.

The size of the nails, the replica of the Roman flagrum, and especially the helmet-style crown of thorns left a lasting impression. The crown was not a simple circlet. It covered the top of the head and forehead. A life-sized replica of the Shroud of Turin image and its photographic negative revealed the face with startling clarity. There was even a metal panel on which the actual Shroud of Turin had rested—a second-class relic for those who accept its authenticity.

Ordinary means cannot explain the image itself, and that is the true mystery. It appears formed by energy from a body that was upright, hair hanging straight rather than spread out. Infrared studies show three-dimensional information. These details point beyond burial to the moment of the Resurrection.

Who Is the Man of the Shroud of Turin?

The wounds visible on the Shroud of Turin match the Gospel accounts with precision: scourge marks, nail wounds through the wrists, the side wound, and the injuries from a full crown of thorns. (Turin, Italy, is where the Shroud resides.)

Isaiah 53:5 declares, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.”

John 19:40–42 and John 20:5–7 describe the burial in linen cloths and the discovery of the empty tomb. The Shroud of Turin invites us to hold the wounds, the burial, and the empty tomb together in humility and wonder.

The Divine Mercy Image and the Face on the Shroud of Turin

The first Divine Mercy image, painted in 1934 by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski under the direction of St. Faustina, bears a striking resemblance to the face on the Shroud of Turin. Neither the artist nor Sister Faustina had detailed knowledge of the Shroud at that time. The parallel continues to draw the attention of many who see the same merciful Savior in both images. This was something I didn’t know!

An Invitation for Seekers and Believers

The Shroud is an invitation to remember what the Savior of the world did for us! The Man of the Shroud of Turin, the Suffering Servant, the Risen Lord. Whether you come as a longtime believer or a seeker, the cloth still points to Him.

Spend a few minutes with God this week reflecting on the wounds that healed us and the empty tomb that gives us hope.

For More Study:

National Shroud of Turin Exhibit: https://www.nationalshroudofturinexhibit.org/
Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe: https://www.maryqueen.org/

Related Episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, Divine Mercy Image, Felice Gerwitz, Shroud of Turin

Community Discernment

September 25, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Show notes: In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Pat, and Jackie are joined by Donna Ross of the Magnificat Central Service Team to discuss the dynamics of Community Discernment.

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Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples? Why and how do we follow and serve Him today? In this SOME WOMEN podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today. Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him!

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: community, discernment, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women Podcast

A Pastor’s Heart: Bishop Mark Eckman’s Journey of Faith and Service

September 22, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

A Pastor’s Heart: Bishop Mark Eckman’s Journey of Faith and Service

In this warm and wide-ranging talk, Bishop Mark Eckman shares the story of his vocation, his path to the episcopacy, and his hopes for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Speaking with humor, humility, and a clear pastor’s heart, Bishop Eckman reflects on his upbringing in St. Valentine Parish in Bethel Park, the people and experiences that shaped his priesthood, and the way prayer guided each major turn in his life.

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He begins by thanking the women of Magnificat for their witness of faith, emphasizing that their pursuit of holiness strengthens the whole local Church.

From there, he recounts how a 7th grade teacher introduced him to conversational prayer, how a confirmation prayer for vocations first took root in him, and how a conversation with a parish priest in high school helped him begin to discern a call to the priesthood.

Bishop Eckman walks listeners through his formation at St. Paul’s Seminary and St. Vincent Seminary, his ordination in 1985, and the many roles he held over the years: parochial vicar, high school chaplain and teacher, pastor, vicar for clergy, auxiliary bishop, and eventually Bishop of Pittsburgh. Along the way, he shares memorable moments from parish life, his love of planning and organization, and his longstanding commitment to serving wherever the Church asked him to go.

A major theme of the conversation is service rooted in prayer.

Bishop Eckman explains his episcopal motto, “To serve in faith and charity,” and describes his diocesan listening sessions focused on how parishes can strengthen the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. He outlines his desire for a pastoral plan centered on charity, unity, and practical expressions of Christian love.

The episode also includes a lively Q&A, where Bishop Eckman discusses who a bishop reports to, what helps him sleep peacefully at night, how laypeople can live their faith simply and faithfully, how parents can nurture children in the faith, and why he is hopeful about priestly vocations and young adults entering the Church.

This episode offers a compelling portrait of a bishop who sees himself first as a pastor: grounded in prayer, attentive to people, and committed to helping the Church love God and neighbor more deeply.

Topics covered

Bishop Mark Eckman’s upbringing in Bethel Park and St. Valentine Parish
Early influences on his vocation
Seminary formation and priestly ordination
Parish ministry, education, and diocesan leadership
Becoming auxiliary bishop and later Bishop of Pittsburgh
His episcopal motto: To serve in faith and charity
Listening sessions across the diocese
Vocations, evangelization, and signs of hope in the Church
Practical advice on prayer, parenting, and living the faith

Key themes

Prayer as the starting point for discernment
Charity as the practical expression of faith
Pastoral leadership rooted in service
Hope for the future of the Church
The importance of Catholic witness in daily life

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Bishop Mark Eckman, Magnificat Testimonies, Magnificat Testimony

The First Shall Be Last

September 21, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

The Kingdom of God can seem far away, and when we hear “The first shall be last,” this can be discouraging. In this episode of A Few Minutes with God, host Felice Gerwitz shares hopeful news: “The first shall be last” is a call to a joyful heart, not a threat hanging over those who already love the Lord.

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The First Shall Be Last And How To Avoid This Happening To You ~ Episode 377

A landowner hires workers at dawn for a denarius, the usual daily wage. He returns through the day, even at the eleventh hour — and hires more. When evening comes, every laborer receives the same pay. The first workers grumble. The landowner has not cheated them. He has kept his word, and he is free to be generous.

How Does Matthew 19 Prepare Us for This Parable?

This teaching is already echoing in Matthew 19:16-30. A rich man had kept God’s laws from his youth. He came to Jesus wanting eternal life. When he was asked to sell everything for the Kingdom, he turned away sad. He had followed so much — and still could not let go.

Jesus said:

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24, RSV-CE)

The disciples wondered who then could be saved. Jesus answered:

“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, RSV-CE)

And He closed that scene with the same refrain that frames the vineyard:

“But many that are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 19:30, RSV-CE)

Do we need to worry? No.

The rich man trusted what he already had. The first laborers trusted what they had already done. In both places Jesus shows the same mercy: the Kingdom is God’s gift. What is impossible with men is possible with God.

What Is the Parable of the Laborers About?

This Gospel is about the Kingdom, not about keeping score.

The vineyard is the Lord’s field. The denarius is eternal life, not a paycheck we calculate by the hour. The first workers can stand for those called early who then resent latecomers — tax collectors, sinners, and those the first group never expected to see as equals. The hours of the day can also be the seasons of a life: childhood, youth, the years of strength, and even old age.

St. Gregory the Great taught that the landowner keeps going out because God never tires of calling. St. Augustine and others remind us that the wage is the same because the gift is the same: God Himself. The Good Thief received the same promise as those who followed for years.

The last workers were not lazy. No one had hired them. If they did not work, they did not eat. God has an abundance to give. He is just, and He is generous.

“Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matthew 20:15-16, RSV-CE)

The Good News If You Already Believe

You do not need to fear that a lifetime of faith will be wasted because God is kind to someone who comes later. Heaven is a gift, not a contest. The years you have already spent with the Lord are themselves a blessing.

When a sinner finds Christ, heaven rejoices. We are invited to rejoice too.

Five Encouragements from This Episode

Joyous: Be joyous knowing you are on the right path.
Surround yourself with like-minded Christians who can encourage you.
Listen to more podcasts like this one that can encourage and help you on your journey.
Rest in this: the same Lord who called you is still calling others — and His generosity has not run out.
Thank God that heaven is a gift, not a contest. Your years with Him are already a blessing.

You are a believer. You are headed toward the Lord, who waits with an open heart. Spend a few minutes with God today, and ask Him to fill you with His joy — joy over your own calling, and joy over every soul He welcomes home.

Related Episodes from A Few Minutes with God

Unworthy of God — Mercy for the heart that feels it has no claim on His love.
God’s Love Is Sufficient — Grace is enough when we cannot earn what we need.
Living on Purpose: God’s Plan for Everyday Life — Ordinary days in the vineyard still matter.
Christian Example — A life that lifts others up.
Called to Be Saints — Embracing Holiness in Everyday Life — Holiness walked out one faithful hour at a time.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, eleventh hour conversion, eternal life as gift, Felice Gerwitz, first shall be last, God’s generosity, Grace, joy in the Lord, Kingdom of God, landowner and vineyard, Matthew 19:16-30, Matthew 20:1-16, parable of the laborers, rich young man, RSV-CE, with God all things are possible

Fr. Tom Sparacino: To Whom Do You Give Power?

September 17, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

“If yesterday’s word was pride, I think today’s word is power.”

Fr. Tom Sparacino: There’s Power — But Only in the Name of Jesus

Fr. Tom Sparacino opens with the question the whole homily turns on: to whom do you give power? Do you let the Lord have power in your heart, your soul, your life — or do you hand it to someone else?

He knows how quickly power gets misassigned, because he watches it happen to his seminarians. Families arrive ready to ordain their son on day one. His first words to them: please don’t. When he comes home, have him do the dishes, take out the trash, wash the toilets. “But Father, he’s never taken out the trash.” Well — that’s not on me, that’s on you. Because the power a priest is given was never his to begin with.

From there he goes to Paul: “You are not in darkness, brothers, that the day should catch you off guard like a thief. No, all of you are children of the light and of the day.” Our power comes from light. He sets that beside David, who started counting his army because he was getting full of himself again — until he came to his senses. God, he says, doesn’t care about the numbers the way David did. He cares about your heart.

So what is the power?

The Holy Spirit. Grace that is sufficient. The name of Jesus. And light — the light of true knowledge that, as the spiritual writer puts it, makes it possible to discern without error the difference between good and evil.

Then the hard question. Jesus was in their midst and they didn’t realize it; they weren’t willing to listen, weren’t willing to believe. Are you willing? He pictures his guys at 7 a.m. Mass, slumped in the chapel — what are you doing with the power you have to grasp the word of God? The Word is coming into your midst, and you’re sitting there thinking, maybe not today.

He ends with the ocean story. Newly ordained, on a two-week beach vacation his friends gave him, floating in the Atlantic and marveling that there is power in these hands — but only in the name of Jesus. Lord, if I bless the ocean, and the ocean touches all the waters of the world, our work is done, right? It isn’t that easy. He needs you. He needs the power He gave you, for the specific part of His work of salvation that has your name on it.

“Give Him power. Give Him power over your life. Don’t give power to the evil one, because he’s going to lose. We only win with Jesus.”

Key quotes (pull quotes / social)

“If yesterday’s word was pride, I think today’s word is power. The question is: to whom do you give power?”
“You entered the seminary — you weren’t ordained a priest. You did nothing but drive down the driveway and get out of the car.”
“The power that we are given is not ours.”
“All of you are children of the light and of the day. Our power comes from light.”
“He doesn’t care about the numbers the way David did. He cares about your heart.”
“If we want to walk on water, do it in the name of Jesus.”
“There’s power in these hands — but it’s only in the name of Jesus.”
“Give Him power over your life. Don’t give power to the evil one, because he’s going to lose. We only win with Jesus.”

Scripture & liturgy references

1 Thessalonians 5:4–5 — “You are not in darkness… all of you are children of the light”
2 Samuel 24 — David’s census, and his coming to his senses
Mark 6:1–6 — Jesus in their midst, unrecognized; amazed at their lack of faith
Matthew 14:22–33 — Peter walking on water
Acts 3:6; Philippians 2:9–10 — the power of the name of Jesus
2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you”
Diadochus of Photice, On Spiritual Perfection — the light of true knowledge that discerns good from evil (Office of Readings)
Magnificat’s “Walking on Water” retreat

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
Learning from the witness of the saints
Trusting God’s grace in suffering
Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14^th, 2026.

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Filed Under: Cruise Homilies, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: 1 Thessalonians 5, Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Catholic homily, Catholic podcast, children of light, Fr. Tom Sparacino, King David census, Magnificat cruise, name of Jesus, power of the Holy Spirit, priesthood, walking on water

From Fear to Freedom: Maria Arsenault’s Journey to Becoming a Consecrated Virgin

September 14, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

From Fear to Freedom: Maria Arsenault’s Journey to Becoming a Consecrated Virgin

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, Maria Arsenault shares the remarkable story of how God transformed a shy, insecure young woman into a joyful missionary, spiritual director, and Consecrated Virgin living in the world.

Growing up in Nova Scotia, Maria struggled with loneliness, insecurity, and the fear of rejection. Quiet by nature and slow to speak as a child, she often felt invisible among her peers and searched for acceptance in all the wrong places. Everything changed at a youth retreat when, during Eucharistic Adoration, she encountered the profound love of Jesus in a way that forever changed her life. That moment ignited a passion to know Christ and pursue holiness.

Maria recounts how Scripture, World Youth Day with St. John Paul II, and years of prayer shaped her spiritual foundation. While building a successful career in respiratory therapy, God gradually awakened a deeper desire—not only to care for people’s physical health but also to help heal their spiritual wounds. Through Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO), she learned to overcome her fear of speaking and discovered the joy of evangelization and missionary discipleship.

The heart of the conversation centers on Maria’s long and often difficult vocational discernment. After exploring religious life, dating relationships, and years of waiting on the Lord, she discovered the ancient vocation of Consecrated Virginity—a permanent, public consecration as a bride of Christ while remaining in the secular world. She shares how this vocation perfectly fulfilled the deepest desires God had planted in her heart and culminated in her consecration by the Diocese of Victoria in 2022.

[powerplay}

Maria also offers beautiful reflections on God’s providence. Through stories of pilgrimages, unexpected financial provision, and radical trust, she illustrates how faithfully the Lord provides for those who surrender themselves completely to His will. Today, her ministry focuses on spiritual direction, inner healing prayer, and accompanying others into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Whether you are discerning your vocation, struggling with fear or loneliness, or simply longing to deepen your relationship with Christ, Maria’s testimony is a powerful reminder that God’s love casts out fear and that His plans are always greater than our own. Her story beautifully demonstrates that true freedom is found not in controlling our future, but in trusting the One who lovingly calls each of us by name.

In This Episode

· Maria’s childhood struggles with shyness, loneliness, and insecurity
· A life-changing encounter with Jesus during Eucharistic Adoration
· The influence of St. John Paul II and World Youth Day
· Leaving a successful healthcare career to become a missionary
· Learning to trust God’s providence through radical faith
· The long journey of vocational discernment
· Discovering the vocation of Consecrated Virginity
· Living as the Bride of Christ in the secular world
· The ministry of spiritual direction and inner healing
· Why perfect love truly casts out fear

Key Takeaway

God’s call is unique for every person. As Maria reminds us, our deepest fulfillment comes not from following someone else’s path, but from listening attentively to the voice of Christ and courageously embracing the vocation He has prepared for us.
Maria Arsenault’s Testimony was given to the Vancouver BC, Canada Chapter in October 2025.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Magnificat Testimonies

Dream Bigger Than Your Excuses

September 14, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

What does it mean to dream big when the dream isn’t about money, status, or followers — but about God?

In this episode, Felice Gerwitz takes a phrase she’s heard in a hundred marketing seminars and author workshops and holds it up to Scripture.

Dreaming big in faith, she explains, isn’t chasing a bigger house or a million-dollar book deal. It’s giving God permission to work in your life beyond anything you could manufacture on your own.

Felice shares the story of a young homeschool mom who had received one word from the Lord for the year: say yes to really good opportunities.

When Felice invited her to start a podcast, she said yes on the spot — no overthinking, no talking herself out of it. That single yes became a living picture of what faith in action looks like.

She’s also honest about her own resistance.

This very episode sat written but unrecorded for over a month while the two that follow it got produced — a small, familiar example of how easily we stall on the thing God has put in front of us, and how often we mistake the enemy’s obstacles for our own good reasons.

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From there, Felice walks through a simple, practical starting point: a comfortable chair, an open Bible, a journal, and ten to thirty uninterrupted minutes. She offers a short prayer to begin with and three honest questions to bring to the Lord: What have I been ignoring? Where have I settled for safe instead of faithful? What is one small, concrete step I could take this week?

Along the way she looks at the ordinary people Scripture is full of — Abraham, who left everything familiar; Joseph, who endured betrayal, slavery, and prison before God used him to save nations; and Mary, a young, poor girl who answered an angel with “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.” None of them started with a big plan. They started with trust.

Felice also names the lies that shrink our dreams — I’m too old, I’m too young, I don’t have the education, someone else is already doing it better, what if I fail and look foolish — and reminds listeners that Moses stuttered, Gideon hid, David was overlooked, and the disciples were fishermen and tax collectors. Their limitations were exactly what made God’s power unmistakable.

She closes with the joy she’s found in a project she once thought impossible: revamping more than twenty of her own curriculum books. The mountain hasn’t moved, but the work is getting done — and she describes a peace, vigor, and confirmation she can’t explain apart from the Lord.

If you’ve been waiting for a dramatic sign or a sudden burst of courage, consider this your gentle invitation to begin today. You don’t need to see the whole path. You only need to take the next faithful step with the light you have.

In This Episode You’ll Hear

Why dreaming big in faith is nothing like what the world calls success
The young mom whose one-word prayer — say yes — changed her year
Felice’s honest confession about the episode that sat unrecorded for a month
How “being realistic” can quietly become a disguise for fear
A simple four-part starting point: a chair, a Bible, a journal, and 30 minutes
The prayer to pray before you begin, and three honest questions to ask the Lord
Abraham, Joseph, and Mary — ordinary people who simply said yes
The lies that shrink our dreams, and why our limitations showcase God’s strength
Why clarity usually comes after the first step of obedience, not before it
What resistance looks like when you start leaning into a God-sized dream
Felice’s own “impossible” project — and the joy she never expected to find in it

Start Here: Four Steps to Dreaming Big with God

Find a comfortable chair
Take out your Bible
Keep a journal beside you
Give it 10–30 minutes of undivided time

Pray first: Lord, help me to do what You want me to do. Help me to always be in Your will. Help me to hear Your gentle voice, and help me with the gift and blessing of discernment.

Then ask:

Lord, what have You placed on my heart that I’ve been ignoring or minimizing?
Where have I settled for safe instead of faithful?
What would it look like to take one small, concrete step this week?

Scripture

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” — Luke 1:38

Memorable Quotes

“Dreaming big gives the Lord permission in our life to allow Him to work in a way that is beyond our expectations and beyond anything we could do on our own.” — Felice Gerwitz

“Being real is useful… but it can also be a tool of the enemy. It can be a convenient disguise. And it can disguise fear.” — Felice Gerwitz

“Clarity usually comes after the first step of obedience, not before it. Waiting for perfect understanding can become a form of delayed obedience.” — Felice Gerwitz

“If I had known in my 30s that it would be 20 years down the road, I might have lost heart. But I know now that things happen in God’s perfect time.” — Felice Gerwitz

Connect

A Few Minutes with God is part of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network. Show notes: AFewMinutesWithGodPodcast.com Listen on your favorite podcast app — and if this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a review so more listeners can find it.

Mentioned: Choosing God Daily: Faith in Action

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: a few minutes with god, Christian Encouragement, Christian Podcast, dreaming big, Faith in action, Felice Gerwitz, God's will, Luke 1:38, obedience to God, overcoming fear, Prayer Journal, prayer journaldreaming big, saying yes to God

Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin

September 11, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin

Show notes: In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Pat, and Jackie are joined by Susan Potvin to discuss the processes of Discerning the Will of God.

Susan Potvin, worship leader and inspirational speaker, has been involved in Catholic and ecumenical renewal work for more than forty years. She and her husband, Urby, who have been married for 45 years, reside in Steubenville, Ohio. They have raised 4 children and have 2 grandchildren and one on the way. Susan is the leader of Living Praise Worship Team, which travels nationally and internationally, serving such groups as Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women, where she is the Chair for Praise and Worship…. Women of Grace®, the National Charismatic Renewal and many local dioceses and women’s ministries. With Living Praise, Susan has produced seven worship CD’s. Susan has a passion to speak and teach about praise and worship and inspire others in their relationship with the Lord. Graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a B.A. in Theology, Susan also has a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University and is a trained Spiritual Director through the School of Spiritual Direction at Franciscan University. Susan works as a school counselor at a K-12 Christian school.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: discerning God’s will, Magnificat Ministry Podcast

Overcome Daily Struggles

September 7, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Overcome Daily Struggles Episode 52

Is it time to overcome daily struggles? Does it seem that there is always a new daily struggle to overcome? Sometimes the pile gets overwhelming and then we fall under the strain. In this episode of A Few Minutes With God Podcast, we’ll discuss scripture verses that will help as well as the hope that is in store for those who believe.

When I think about ways to overcome daily struggles I remember a book I read years ago I read a book to the kids Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It was published in 1972 and even won a series of literary prizes for children’s literature. The reason? It resounded with the old and young alike. We always have to deal with everyday life and some days are harder than others. Each day we struggle. Each day we fall, each day we do things we are not proud of doing. How do we stand up under the crushing weight that is on our shoulders? It is not easy.

Overcome Daily Struggles

I thought that this was the week that would do me in! There was no way I could overcome my daily struggles. This week has been one of the hardest weeks. Actually the last two weeks. I’ve had ups and downs in my life in dealing with situations out of my control. And I truly think those are the hardest. Those are the ones where we have to throw up our hands and ask the Lord to help us. Recently one of my children was waiting for room assignments in a college dorm and instead of the private room she requested she’ll be sharing one big room with two other girls. She also had a hard time signing up for classes as a transfer upperclassman. Things happen, they are stressful but we make do. My other son twisted his ankle while training, and he is playing a college sport on scholarship – so the stress is that he would heal in time to keep training. Then two days later another son fell off a ladder at work and had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. One daily struggle then another, then another. We sometimes wonder when it will stop?

The enemy likes nothing better than to kick us when we are down. To remind us of all the bad things happening in our lives while glossing over all the good that comes out of our struggles. Realize that when we struggle we can suffer real pain. It can come first in the sense of worry, anxiety, stress, tears, anger and then translate into physical ailments such as a stomach ache, headaches, or restlessness and insomnia. Anxiety can lead to depression and yet there is hope.

Scriptures Show Us How To Overcome Daily Struggles

Things will get better. One reason? Because we are promised this in scripture. We have to look no further than the book of Job.

Job 14: 14 “If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait Until my change comes.

A change will come. It can come in the form of others praying with us, understanding our needs and standing up for us in times when we need help. It can come in the form of relief — a change in the situation and a need that comes from the struggle. Sometimes we become so self-sufficient, we are our own worse enemies. We don’t want to ask for help because we don’t want anyone to know what we are going through. Just ask. Friends are there for you in so many different ways!

Trials and struggles can help us to grow stronger. We know that if the Lord denied the cross there would be no resurrection. James 1:2 states -Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…

That is a hard verse to read if you are in the midst of struggling. Joy in the midst of trials? Only with God’s grace and only with the help of Almighty God.

What does Ephesians say about ways to overcome daily struggles?

Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Our struggles and our daily walk is not done alone. Remember, you are not invincible and you don’t have to carry the burden yourself. If you are on social media on Facebook I have a page for prayers – you can post them here and I will get a notification to pray. You don’t have to be specific – just saying, “I need prayers,” is good enough. A community of believers can be helpful in times when your struggle.

Recently when my son had to go to the hospital after a fall at work I messaged and posted on several private groups asking people to pray. The prayers came pouring in. He was released from the hospital and all was fine – but of course, before we knew if everything was going to be alright it was filed under the classification of “Oh no!” and the stress level was high!

Psalm 34:18 states The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

Thank-you Lord for being close to us when we are broken-hearted. For making crooked lines straight. For helping us in knowing that You hear our prayers.

Psalm 23:4 — Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

No matter what you are going through, no matter how horrible or how sad, the “valley of the shadow of death” in our lives we are told to fear no evil because God is with us and He will comfort us. That my friends is the real key. Understanding that we don’t walk alone.

Let’s Pray for help for help to Overcome Daily Struggles:

Jesus, we trust in you – we trust in your providence for us each and every day. We ask you to bless and keep us safe, for our loved ones to be surrounded by your love and your protection. We ask that you help us daily to know that you are there and that you hear our prayers. Please Lord hear us as we pray for these intentions… and thank you Lord ahead of time for hearing us! In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, daily struggles

From Walls of Anxiety to Waves of Praise with Gail O’Brien

September 7, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

From Walls of Anxiety to Waves of Praise

Guest: Gail O’Brien

Location: Albany, NY

Date: March 2026

In this deeply moving testimonial, Gail O’Brien takes listeners on a chronological journey through her life, illustrating how God repeatedly went before her—even during a year-long period of self-proclaimed atheism.

Gail opens up about her childhood battle with severe shyness and a debilitating 20-year struggle with crippling social anxiety. From her early career at Grumman Aerospace to a dramatic physical healing, a painful divorce after 22 years of marriage, and an unexpected late-in-life romance, Gail shares how surrendering her life completely to Jesus and the Blessed Sacrament transformed her from a trapped introvert into a joyful leader of music ministry and Catholic Charismatic renewal.

Gail discusses growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY, as a profoundly shy child.

Outwardly loved by her family, she felt deeply isolated and unable to speak full sentences to outsiders, building a protective wall around her emotions and developing early signs of panic and social anxiety.

While studying computer science in college, Gail stopped praying and declared herself an atheist. However, following the tragic death of a classmate, a profound, desolate emptiness during a memorial service led her to realize God had removed His presence to show her He had been there all along.

After landing a software job at Grumman Aerospace, Gail’s anxiety intensified. Unable to speak to street evangelists, Jesus met her in her living room through a Christian radio program where she accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She eventually found community, scripture memorization, and emotional safety within a local Baptist church’s young adult group.

Gail details her 1991 marriage to her first husband, Joe, and her subsequent introduction to the Catholic Charismatic renewal via the Spirit Life Center. She shares a powerful, mystical experience before the Blessed Sacrament that resolved her doubts about the Real Presence, leading to her confirmation.

After discovering an internet-backed dietary solution, Gail experienced a sudden lift of her 20-year anxiety—which turned out to be an intense physical response to artificial hormones in meat. This miraculous healing occurred just two weeks before she needed to step up as the primary caregiver for her dying father.

As Gail found her voice, her marriage dynamics fractured, resulting in a painful divorce after 22 years. Gail reflects on the hours spent in a 24-hour adoration chapel, using the book I Hurt by Ann Costa to weed out bitterness, leading her to pursue a clean slate through the annulment process.

Gail recounts reconnecting with her college friend, Mark O’Brien, leading to a vibrant wedding with 100 guests—a stark contrast to her first private wedding. She details their spiritual battles as a couple and her current fulfillment leading praise with the Joyful Heart music ministry and the Albany Magnificat chapter.

Notable Scripture Quotes Referenced

Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son…”

Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged…”

Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”

John 6:54 – “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life…”

James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Connect & Resources Mentioned

Book Mentioned: I Hurt by Ann Costa

Gail O’Brien’s Testimony was given to the Magnificat Albany Chapter in March, 2026.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Gail O'Brien, Magnificat Ministry Testimony, Magnificat Testimonies

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 20, Deacon David Hockwalt — Surviving Change with Faith in God’s Plan

September 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 20, Deacon David Hockwalt — Surviving Change with Faith in God’s Plan

Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Deacon David Hockwalt shares how even the best-laid plans can lead to unexpected outcomes and how trusting God’s plan through change can lead to a more fulfilling life. Growing up in a Catholic family, Deacon David attended Catholic schools and colleges, but afterward, he fell away from the faith. Pursuing a successful career in television broadcasting in Washington, D.C. and then in Dallas, Texas, unexpected life events changed his course, leading him back to the faith and eventually to being ordained a deacon, where he has served at St. Francis of Assisi parish in La Quinta, California, since his ordination in 2012.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: Deacon David Hockwalt, Magnificat Ministry

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart

September 2, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart

Preached on the memorial of St. Agatha, as the group prepares to go ashore for a day of mission, this homily asks a plain question: what are we actually equipped with?

Fr. Tom Sparacino starts with the gifts. Those in the Charismatic Renewal have them, he says — the trouble isn’t receiving, it’s using. Each of us has been given something different, and the Lord asks us to embrace it.

Then he tells on his own formation.

Men spend seven or eight years in the seminary, and on ordination day he tells them the truth: “Congratulations — we’ve prepared you for a priesthood that doesn’t really exist.” Books don’t equip a priest. The school of the Spirit does. And that school, he says, is the one all of us are enrolled in.

So what does the Spirit equip us with? Two things. Holiness — not the position of our hands or the clothes we wear, but a focus fixed on one and only one, Jesus. And fear of the Lord — not being afraid, but knowing our lives are nothing without Him, that nothing we could ever want or dream of compares to Him.

That’s where St. Agatha comes in.

She focused on one and only one. She was tortured with hot coals — which is why she’s invoked as a patron of firefighters, and why Fr. Tom, watching the water that morning and thinking about the graces flowing, decided she ought to be a patron of the Charismatic Renewal too. “We want those hot charcoals to touch our hearts today. We want to burn. We want to be consumed by the fire of the Holy Spirit.”

He’s honest about how asking works: tell the Lord what you want — he does, all the time, and it usually doesn’t go his way — but trust that He gives what you need, because His grace is always sufficient. The gifts and the fruits begin with fear of the Lord and grow into a life of piety: honoring God, and nothing else.

He closes with St. Paul: “We pray for you always, that our God may make you worthy of His call and fulfill by His power every intention and work of faith.” Live in the Spirit today. Be dependent on Him. And with these gifts, do the one thing we were made to do — exalt God forever.

Key quotes

“We’ve got the gifts. We just need to use them.”
“Congratulations — we’ve prepared you for a priesthood that doesn’t really exist.”
“It’s the school of the Spirit that equips our guys — and equips us.”
“What does holiness look like? Is it the position of our hands, or the clothes we wear? Or is it our focus on one and only one — and that is Jesus?”
“Fear of the Lord: not to be afraid, but to realize that our lives are nothing without Him.”
“We want those hot charcoals to touch our hearts today. We want to be consumed by the fire of the Holy Spirit.”
“He will give you what you need, because His grace is always sufficient.”

Scripture & liturgy references

Memorial of St. Agatha, virgin and martyr (February 5) — tortured with hot coals; invoked as a patron of firefighters and against fire
2 Thessalonians 1:11 — “that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith”
Isaiah 6:6–7 — the burning coal that touches the prophet’s lips
Isaiah 11:2–3 — the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including fear of the Lord and piety
Galatians 5:22–23 — the fruits of the Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you”
Daniel 3 — the canticle refrain, “praise and exalt him above all forever”
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal; baptism in the Holy Spirit

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
Learning from the witness of the saints
Trusting God’s grace in suffering
Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14^th, 2026.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Catholic homily, Catholic podcast, charismatic renewal, fear of the Lord, fire of the Holy Spirit, Fr. Tom Sparacino, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, holiness, Magnificat cruise, priesthood, St. Agatha

Emptying Yourself to Find Fulfillment with Fr. Jon Miskin

August 31, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Fr. Jon Miskin — Emptying Yourself to Find Fulfillment

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Fr. Jon Miskin shares the remarkable story of his vocation to the priesthood and the lessons he has learned about sacrifice, obedience, trust, and authentic love.

Ordained in 2019 for the Diocese of Little Rock, Fr. Jon reflects on his upbringing in a faithful Catholic family, where he first learned the meaning of self-giving love through the example of his parents and siblings. As a cradle Catholic, his journey was not marked by a dramatic conversion, but by a gradual transformation of the heart—a movement from simply knowing about God to developing a personal relationship with Him.

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Fr. Jon candidly recounts how he initially resisted any thought of becoming a priest. Like many young people, he envisioned a future filled with personal success, marriage, children, and financial security. Yet through a series of providential moments—including a life-changing retreat experience, a letter from his pastor, and a growing awareness of God’s voice in prayer—he found himself confronting a deeper question: not what he wanted from life, but what God wanted for him.

Drawing inspiration from Philippians 2:6-8, Fr. Jon explains how Christ’s example of self-emptying became the foundation of his vocation. He explores the paradox at the heart of Christian discipleship: that true fulfillment is found not in pursuing our own plans, but in surrendering ourselves to God’s will.

Listeners will be encouraged by Fr. Jon’s reflections on humility, obedience, sacrifice, and trust. Whether you are discerning a vocation, navigating marriage and family life, or simply seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, this conversation offers practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement.

Key Topics Discussed

Growing up in a faithful Catholic family
The difference between knowing God and following God
Vocational discernment and listening to God’s call
The transformative power of retreats, Adoration, and Confession
Why obedience is central to discipleship
The connection between priestly and marital vocations
Finding joy through sacrifice and self-gift
Trusting God’s plan over our own desires
The beauty and fulfillment of serving others

Memorable Quote

“What you want may be beautiful things, but what do I want for you?”

Takeaway

Fr. Jon’s testimony reminds us that God’s plans often exceed our own expectations. When we surrender our lives to Him, embrace sacrifice, and trust His guidance, we discover the deeper joy and purpose for which we were created. True fulfillment is found not in holding tightly to our own dreams, but in allowing God to shape them according to His perfect will.

Fr. Jon Miskin’s talk was given to the Cherokee Village Chapter, AR in March 2026.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Catholic faith testimony, Fr. John Miskin, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Testimonies, testimony

Humility

August 31, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

You have a secret weapon toward greater faith and that is humility. It is often misunderstood. It’s not something that comes naturally—we’ve got to put in some serious effort, even push our own ego aside sometimes, to really follow God’s lead.

The Gift of Humility ~ 344

Replay sponsored by CTCMath.com

Humility is a profound gift—one I’ve come to cherish more deeply through the years and my prayer life. It’s amazing how often I’ll have an idea for a podcast, open my Bible, or flip through my church notebook, only to find the theme of humility staring back at me. Even this morning at Mass, the pastor spoke on it, as if God Himself were nudging me to talk about the topic. Human nature doesn’t naturally incline us toward humility. We’re drawn instead to confidence, pride, or self-assurance—qualities the world often celebrates. Yet, for a Christian, humility is a virtue to pursue, a calling rooted in the very heart of Scripture.

Why should we strive for humility? Because God has given us the ultimate example: Jesus Christ, the all-powerful Son of God, who humbled Himself to enter our world in poverty and simplicity. Philippians 2:5-8 captures this beautifully: read on air. Jesus didn’t come as a conquering king or a wealthy ruler. He came as a helpless infant, born to Mary and Joseph—ordinary people elevated by their humble “yes” to God’s plan. Their trust in Him mirrors the humility we are called to use as an example.

Humility is a powerful weapon against evil, though we often fail to recognize its strength. It dispels darkness because it reflects God’s loving plan—a plan that doesn’t force itself upon us but invites us to surrender. How do we explain this to those who don’t believe? Perhaps by living it out, showing that humility isn’t weakness but a grace that aligns us with God’s will. Friends, I’ve struggled with humility. God has given each of us gifts, and He has allowed us to excel or to be capable. We may think we have no need to be humble. Yet, through the years I’ve witnessed godly people who were blessed or graced in a way that I admired and yet they displayed true humility.

Proverbs 22:4 reminds us, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” It’s not about humiliation—something we instinctively flee from, accompanied by anxiety or embarrassment—but about trusting God’s greater purpose, even when life humbles us.

I’ve seen this in the aging process. As people grow older, they often become dependent on those they once led or cared for. Leaders, parents, and providers find themselves at the mercy of the next generation. As a first-generation Italian, I was raised to honor and care for my elders. My husband and I shared this value, and we were blessed to care for my father in his later years. At first, he took care of us more than we did him, but as time passed, the roles reversed. It’s a humbling reminder that one day, that may be us—needing others, relying on the love we poured into them. In this, humility reveals itself as a gift, not a burden. James 4:6 echoes this truth: “But he gives more grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” When we offer our humbled moments to the Lord, they become blessings in disguise.

Consider Jesus again and what He did for us. He could have descended as a mighty ruler, instantly claiming power. Instead, He entrusted Himself to two earthly parents with free will, who chose to follow God’s call. Luke 1:50-53 reflects this beautifully: (Read on air.) Mary and Joseph’s humility paved the way for the Savior, showing us that ordinary people, open to God, can do extraordinary things. This challenges the world’s message of greatness through wealth, status, or self-reliance. The world urges us to climb over others, to delay life’s joys—like marriage or children—until we’ve “made it.” But God’s plan often looks different. He knows our hearts and gently leads us, not by force, but by example.

So how do we live this out? Through prayer—spending time with God, talking to Him as if He’s right beside us, because He is. Through trust—opening ourselves to His will, even when it humbles us. 1 Peter 5:6-7 offers this encouragement (read on air.)

Did you hear that? Cast all your anxieties on Him for He cares about you! He does, friends, He really does. The Lord is waiting for us to offer our hearts to Him and one way we can begin is to spend time with Him in prayer.

Humility isn’t about destroying others to succeed; it’s about recognizing that true prosperity—spiritual richness—comes as a gift, not a conquest. When we embrace it, we find peace in God’s control, freedom in His plan, and grace in every humbled step. May God be praised now and forever.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, faith, humility

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Praise and Worship

August 28, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Praise and Worship

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Susan Potvin as they explore the value and purposes of praise and worship in various settings.

Get more information on Praise and Worship and order CD’s at www.LivingPraiseWorship.com.

Watch on YouTube

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Magnificat Ministries, praise, Some Women Podcast, worship

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Look at the Sun and Let Him In

August 26, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The final homily of the Magnificat Caribbean cruise, preached at a votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — the theme, Fr. Tom Sparacino says, that has been running underneath everything since the group first stepped aboard.

He begins with the Gospel of the deaf man, whom Jesus takes off by himself, away from the crowd. That, he says, is what these two weeks have been: getting out of the noise, out of the turmoil, out of “our own stuff.” What the group should leave behind is all of that — not what they’ve received in word and sacrament.

Then he tells them about his morning. Up on the top deck at 4:30, walking in the dark for an hour and a half, praying four rosaries while he waited for the sun. He watched the darkness turn to every color in the rainbow — the sign of the covenant — and then the brightness came up, and he simply stood there in adoration.

That sunrise carried him back two places at once. To his first Mass, where his mother and his aunts sang the old lullaby Heart of Jesus, meek and mild. And to Medjugorje, where a woman from the South Hills of Pittsburgh badgered him for days to look at the sun — until he finally, stubbornly did, and saw a pulsating heart.

From there he prays the litany that carried him around the deck that morning: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world — and then by your word, your birth, your breath, your glance, your footstep upon the earth, your calming of the stormy sea, your peace, your light, your sacred heart, your sweat, your blood, your tears, your whisper. The community answers each one: You have redeemed the world.

He closes with the Eucharist in front of them: where Jesus is, grace is; where grace is, He is washing over you. Whether you realize it or not, he tells them, you are being baptized in the Spirit right now. “Let Him in your heart. Do you have trouble? Look at the sun. Let Him in. Let Him shine bright. For He has redeemed the world.”

He also opens with a small Holy Spirit story: a woman he rode up in the elevator with when he boarded, whom the Lord put on his heart to pray for — and who turned out to be from Pittsburgh, and had already been talking with Karen Sensula about speaking for Magnificat, with no idea Magnificat would be on the ship.

Quotes

“What we have done for the last 14 or so days is we got out of our own stuff. Don’t leave behind what we have received in word and sacrament — but all this stuff, absolutely.”
“I watched the darkness turn to every color in the rainbow. And I couldn’t help but think about the Lord putting that rainbow in the sky as a sign, as a covenant.”
“What floats our boat, it’s Jesus. And the boat is the heart of Jesus, and He wants us all in there.”
“I looked at the sun, and honestly — it was a pulsating heart.”
“Just when you think you’ve abandoned everything to Him, He’s gonna swab you around the deck.”
“Where Jesus is, grace is. Where grace is, He’s baptizing us and washing over us.”
“Let Him in your heart. Do you have trouble? Look at the sun. Let Him in. Let Him shine bright. For He has redeemed the world.”

Scripture & liturgy references

Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mark 7:31–37 — Jesus heals the deaf man, taking him away from the crowd (Ephphatha)
Genesis 9:12–17 — the rainbow as the sign of the covenant
“We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world” — Stations of the Cross
Heart of Jesus, Meek and Mild — traditional hymn/lullaby
Baptism in the Holy Spirit; the gifts of the Spirit
Medjugorje — Apparition Hill and the miracle of the sun

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
Learning from the witness of the saints
Trusting God’s grace in suffering
Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14^th, 2026.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Cruise Homilies, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: baptism in the Holy Spirit, Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Catholic homily, Catholic podcast, Ephphatha, Eucharist, Fr. Tom Sparacino, Magnificat cruise, Mark 7, Medjugorje, miracle of the sun, Sacred Heart of Jesus

Trusting God in Every Chapter of Life with Yvette Helfers

August 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Trusting God in Every Chapter of Life with Yvette Helfers

What does it mean to trust God completely—even through tragedy, uncertainty, suffering, and unexpected blessings?

In this deeply moving episode, Yvette Helfers shares her powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness throughout every season of her life. From a miraculous rescue after nearly drowning as a toddler to the heartbreaking loss of multiple children through miscarriage, Yvette reveals how the Lord has continually drawn her closer through both joy and suffering.

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Raised in a large Mexican Catholic family with a mother devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Yvette reflects on how her mother’s faith and prayers laid the foundation for her own relationship with Christ. She recounts the miracle that saved her life after she was found lifeless in a swimming pool, a moment she believes was made possible through her mother’s unwavering trust in God’s mercy.

As her story unfolds, Yvette speaks candidly about marriage, motherhood, and her own journey of conversion. Although she remained Catholic, she admits that she knew very little about her faith as a young adult. Together with her husband, Kevin—who was initially strongly opposed to Catholicism—they gradually discovered the beauty of the sacraments, Eucharistic devotion, and God’s call to deeper discipleship.

One of the most profound moments of the episode centers on an encounter with Jesus during Eucharistic Adoration. There, the Lord revealed areas where Yvette and her husband had struggled to trust Him, particularly regarding family planning. Through the grace of Confession and spiritual direction, they embraced a path of surrender that transformed their marriage and opened their hearts to God’s plan.

Yvette also shares the emotional journey of experiencing multiple miscarriages. Rather than allowing grief to separate her from God, she found hope through prayer, the intercession of St. Padre Pio, and confidence that each of her children rests safely in the Father’s embrace. She beautifully describes how these experiences strengthened her conviction that every human life is precious and that God can bring extraordinary grace even from profound suffering.

Throughout the conversation, Yvette continually points listeners back to the heart of the Gospel: Jesus never abandons His children. Through prayer, the Rosary, frequent reception of the sacraments, and trust in God’s providence, He provides peace even when life’s circumstances remain difficult.

This testimony is filled with encouragement for anyone carrying burdens, grieving loss, questioning God’s plan, or seeking renewed faith. Yvette reminds us that while we cannot always understand God’s ways, we can always trust His love.

In This Episode You’ll Hear:

The miraculous story of Yvette’s survival as a toddler.
How her mother’s devotion to Our Lady shaped her lifelong faith.
Her husband’s unexpected journey from anti-Catholicism to becoming a Catholic deacon.
A powerful encounter with Christ during Eucharistic Adoration.
The healing grace found in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Lessons learned through miscarriage, suffering, and surrender.
The role of St. Padre Pio and the communion of saints in her spiritual journey.
Why complete trust in God transforms marriages, families, and hearts.
Practical ways Catholics can remain faithful through life’s greatest trials.

Memorable Quote

“God doesn’t ask for only part of our hearts. He asks us to trust Him with every compartment of our lives. When we surrender everything to Him, His grace can transform even our deepest wounds into beautiful testimonies of His love.”

Whether you are walking through suffering, seeking healing, or longing for a deeper relationship with Christ, Yvette’s testimony offers hope, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that God’s mercy is always greater than our fears.

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” — St. Padre Pio

Yvette Helfers Testimony was given to the Orange County Magnificat Chapter in September 2025.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Catholic testimonies, Our Lady, St. Padre Pio, testimonies

Living God’s Plan on Purpose: Saying Yes to God Every Day

August 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Living God’s Plan on Purpose: Saying Yes to God Every Day

A Few Minutes with God Podcast | Episode 375

Have you ever wondered, “Am I really living the purpose God has for me?”

We all want our lives to matter. We want to know that the ordinary things we do each day are part of something bigger—and that we are following God’s plan for our lives.

But busy schedules, responsibilities, disappointment, distraction, and seasons of weak faith can make it difficult to see that purpose.

In this episode of A Few Minutes with God, Felice Gerwitz shares how living with purpose often begins with something surprisingly simple: choosing God today.

God has already chosen you, created you, and prepared good works for you. Our response is to continually say, “Yes, Lord. I choose You today.”

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What Does It Mean to Live on Purpose for God?

Living on purpose doesn’t necessarily mean making a dramatic life change, starting a ministry, or accomplishing something the world considers impressive.

Often, it means faithfully following God in the life you are already living.

It is choosing Him while raising children, homeschooling, working, caring for your family, driving through traffic, doing laundry, running errands, or entering a new season of life.

As Felice shares in this episode, God opened doors for her to proclaim the Good News through podcasting later in life—not necessarily when she expected it.

God’s purpose works according to His timing, not ours.

God Created You for a Purpose

One of the enemy’s most damaging lies is that you have no purpose or that your life doesn’t matter.

Scripture tells us otherwise.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

You are God’s workmanship.

He has given you gifts and talents, and He has prepared opportunities for you to use them. Our job isn’t to measure our lives against someone else’s accomplishments. Instead, we can thank God for what He has given us and ask how He wants us to use it.

Choose God Every Day

Felice shares something her husband often tells the engaged couples they work with at their church:

Every day, he makes a conscious decision to choose God and to choose his wife.

Faithfulness is a daily decision.

When we become trapped in irritation, anger, hurt, disappointment, or distraction, those emotions can consume our attention. Instead of remaining stuck in that cycle, we can turn our attention back to God.

Sometimes the prayer can be as simple as:

“Lord, help me. I choose You today.”

That small prayer of surrender can redirect an entire day.

God’s Plan Isn’t Finished

Maybe you feel as though your opportunity has passed.

Perhaps your children are grown, your career has changed, you’re retired, or life simply doesn’t look the way you expected it to look.

God is not finished with your story.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

There is still purpose in today.

5 Simple Ways to Live God’s Purpose Every Day

You don’t have to completely reorganize your life to begin living more intentionally for God. Start with small, faithful choices.

Offer your day to God.
Begin the morning with a simple prayer: “God, I am here to do Your will. I choose You today.”
Keep Scripture where you can see it.
Place a favorite Bible verse on your desk, refrigerator, mirror, or phone screen as a reminder of God’s promises.
Offer ordinary tasks to God.
Laundry, errands, commuting, homeschooling, caring for children, and serving your family can become quiet acts of love.
Fill your surroundings with reminders of Him.
Listen to praise and worship music, pray throughout your day, and intentionally redirect your thoughts toward God.
Look back with gratitude.
At the end of the day, ask: Where did I see God working today? Where did I walk in His purpose? What can I thank Him for?

Then take it one step further: encourage someone else in their faith. Tell another person what God has done in your life.

Living on Purpose Isn’t About Perfection

Living God’s plan isn’t about getting everything right.

It’s about returning to Him again and again.

It is trusting His timing when yours looks different.

It is remaining faithful in ordinary moments.

And it is waking up each day willing to say:

“Yes, Lord. I choose You today.”

God has already chosen you.

Will you choose Him today?

Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode

Ephesians 2:10 — We are God’s workmanship, created for good works.
Jeremiah 29:11 — God has plans that give us a future and a hope.

In This Episode

Felice discusses:

How to know whether you’re living according to God’s purpose
Why God’s timing may look different from your own
Choosing God intentionally every day
Breaking cycles of discouragement, anger, and distraction
Finding purpose in ordinary responsibilities
Using the gifts and talents God has given you
Practical ways to keep God at the center of your day
Why age or season of life doesn’t eliminate your purpose
Encouraging others by sharing what God has done in your life

A Question to Consider

What is one area of your life where God may be asking you to simply say “yes” today?

Take a few minutes to pray about it and ask Him to help you recognize His purpose—even in the ordinary moments.

Thank you for spending A Few Minutes with God. May His peace and purpose fill your days, today and always. Amen.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: a few minutes with god, Bible Study, Christian Encouragement, Christian living, faith, God's Plan, God's Purpose, Spiritual Growth, Trusting God

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let Simeon’s Prayer Be Our Prayer

August 17, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Aboard the Magnificat cruise, Fr. Tom preaches on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord — the day, forty days after Christmas, when Mary and Joseph carry the infant Jesus into the temple.

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Fr. Tom: Let Simeon’s Prayer Be Our Prayer

He sets the scene against Ezekiel’s prophecy that the Lord’s presence was departing from the temple, and then points to what happens on this feast: a young couple walks in with a baby, and God returns. Simeon and Anna, who stayed faithful through the long wait, finally see what they had hoped for — and Simeon prays the words the Church still prays at the close of every day: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation.”

Fr. Tom then turns the scene toward the listener.

Jesus is about to enter the temple of your heart, he says — in fact He already has, in the Word proclaimed. A ship stays on course by staying fixed on its heading; we get to heaven by staying fixed on the Word, and the Word is Jesus, and that Word is life and light. We bless candles because the Light came into the darkness of the world — and today that light comes into you.

He closes by making Simeon’s prayer our own: “Master, you may let your servant go in peace according to your word. For in this Eucharist, our eyes have seen your salvation.”

Quotes

“Everything that he waited for and he hoped for and he trusted and he had faith in became a reality in that moment when Mary and Joseph walked into that temple.”
“Jesus is about to come into the temple of your heart. He’s about to take up residence once again in your heart.”
“We are nothing without the Word, because the Word is everlasting life.”
“We bless candles because the light came into the darkness of the world. But today that light is coming into you and into me.”
“Master, you may let your servant go in peace according to your word. For in this Eucharist, our eyes have seen your salvation.”

Scripture & liturgy references

The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) — celebrated 40 days after Christmas
Luke 2:22–40 — the Presentation; Simeon and Anna
The Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29–32) — prayed at Night Prayer / Compline
Ezekiel 10–11 — the glory of the Lord departing the temple
St. Blaise and the blessing of throats (February 3)
Blessing of candles

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
Learning from the witness of the saints
Trusting God’s grace in suffering
Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14^th, 2026.

Filed Under: Cruise Homilies, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Candlemas, Catholic homily, Catholic podcast, Eucharist, Fr. Tom, light of Christ, liturgical year, Luke 2, Magnificat cruise, Nunc Dimittis, Presentation of the Lord, Simeon

Journaling: Proof That God Answers Prayers

August 17, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Journaling sounds simple — until you try it. In this episode of A Few Minutes with God, host Felice Gerwitz issues a challenge that she calls life-changing: start writing down what God is saying to you.

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Journaling: Proof That God Answers Prayers

Felice opens her own journal to an entry dated May 2, 2015, where she had recorded Judith 9:11 — “Your strength is not in numbers, nor does your power depend upon stalwart men, but you are the God of the lowly, the helper of the oppressed, the supporter of the weak, and the protector of the forsaken, the savior of those without hope.” She had claimed that verse in prayer over her son during what must have been a hopeless situation. Years later, when she showed him the entry, neither of them could remember what the crisis had even been.

That, she says, is the point. When we wonder whether God hears us, a journal answers back. Felice shares how she taught her children that God always hears — He says yes, He says no, or He says not right now — and reflects on the humbling truth that we can only describe God in our own feeble, human words. One of her pastors taught her to pray, “Lord, I praise You and I thank You and I love You as You know Yourself to be.”

She also shares the news she received that day: the passing of a close high school friend who had been ill for twenty years and belonged to a faith that did not believe in medical intervention. While Felice doesn’t share that belief, she was struck by her friend’s unwavering testimony that God could heal her — a reminder that God heals in many ways: through miracles, through the hands of doctors, and through the medicines He created. The episode closes with a prayer of praise and blessing over every listener and their family.

A companion episode covers the practical how-tos of setting up a journal.

Key Takeaways

Journaling lets you look back and see answered prayer you’d otherwise forget.
God always hears — He answers yes, no, or not right now.
We can only speak of God in human words; He is far greater than our understanding.
Praying Scripture over your children is a powerful way to intercede for them.
As Christians, we are never without hope — our hope is God Himself.
God heals in many ways: through miracles, through doctors, and through medicine He created.
Free will means our decisions are our own — trust is what we bring to God.

Scripture Referenced

Judith 9:11 — “Your strength is not in numbers, nor does your power depend upon stalwart men, but you are the God of the lowly, the helper of the oppressed, the supporter of the weak, and the protector of the forsaken, the savior of those without hope.”

Quotable

“When you journal, you can go back, you can look at past entries, and then you will be so amazed at all of the times that the Lord answered prayer.”

“He always hears your prayers. And He either says yes, He says no, or He says not right now.”

“Lord, I praise You and I thank You and I love You as You know Yourself to be.”

Connect

Website: afewminuteswithgod.com
Podcast page: afewminuteswithgodpodcast.com
A production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Call to Action

Start journaling this week — even one line a day. Then come back in a year and read it. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a review so more listeners can find A Few Minutes with God.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: a few minutes with god, Answered Prayer, Christian hope, Christian Podcast, faith and healing, Felice Gerwitz, Hearing God, Journaling, Judith 9:11, Prayer Journal, praying scripture over your children, quiet time with God

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Divorce

August 14, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Divorce

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Shownotes:

In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie and Pat are joined by Maryann Ridini Spencer as they explore and share experiences and insights discuss divorce from the understanding and teaching of the Catholic Church.

Maryann Ridini Spencer pens award-winning fiction and nonfiction books and writes and produces critically acclaimed projects for film and television that entertain, inspire, educate, and uplift, with themes that revolve around faith, family, hope, healing, forgiveness, timeless friendships, enduring romances, and the wondrous mysteries of life. She has had numerous experiences as a producer, writer, director for television and movie productions.

She founded Ridini Entertainment Corporation with projects that have appeared on Showtime, SyFy Networks, TMC, USA Networks, CBS-TV, Time Warner Cable, and in the foreign theatrical market. Recently honored as Author of the Year by the International Impact Book Awards for Christian Fiction, Spencer’s award-winning, best-selling novels include the Kate Grace novel series and the Lavender Hill Cove novels.

Her nonfiction works to date include The Mary Garden; Simply Delicious Living® with Maryann—Entrées cookbook; and Country Skies: Prayerful Bible Meditations for Morning & Evening.

Visit for more information: https://maryannridinispencer.com[.](https://maryannridinispencer.com.)

Watch Episode 21 on YouTube

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples? Why and how do we follow and serve Him today? In this SOME WOMEN podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today.

Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church.

Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him! Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting.

The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: divorce, Maryann Ridini Spencer, Some Women Podcast

Salt of the Earth, Light of the World, Call to Holiness Homily given by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon

August 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Salt of the Earth, Light of the World, Call to Holiness

Homily given by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon

In this inspiring homily, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, reflects on Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, reminding us that every baptized Christian is called to be both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Speaking to members of Magnificat, he emphasizes that discipleship is not reserved for clergy or religious—it is the vocation of every believer.

Beginning with the Beatitudes, Archbishop Gordon explains that Jesus presents a revolutionary blueprint for true happiness. While the world often searches for fulfillment in wealth, power, or success, Christ offers a radically different path rooted in humility, mercy, purity of heart, and trust in God. When we ignore this blueprint, we should not be surprised that our world experiences confusion, brokenness, and moral decay.

The image of salt becomes a rich symbol throughout the message. Salt gives flavor, preserves food from decay, and in biblical times represented value, covenant, and sacrifice. Likewise, Christians are called to preserve society from spiritual decay by faithfully living the Gospel. Rather than complaining about the state of the world, the bishop challenges listeners to ask a more personal question: “Where is the salt?” If society is losing its moral foundation, Christians must examine whether they are truly living as disciples of Christ.

The homily also explores the sacrificial nature of Christian living. Every act of love, every sacrifice made for one’s spouse, children, neighbors, or the poor becomes part of the offering presented to God at Mass. The bishop beautifully explains that our daily sacrifices are united with Christ’s perfect sacrifice, participating in God’s ongoing work of salvation.

Drawing from the prophet Isaiah, he reminds listeners that our light shines most brightly through the Corporal Works of Mercy: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and caring for those on the margins of society. Holiness is not simply personal devotion, but love expressed through concrete acts of charity.

Speaking directly to the Magnificat community, the bishop affirms their mission as disciple-makers. The true measure of success is not attendance or impressive events but whether lives are transformed and people grow into deeper discipleship with Jesus Christ. Every testimony, every prayer, and every gathering should help move someone one step closer to Christ.

He concludes with the inspiring example of Mother Teresa, whose interior spiritual darkness never diminished the brilliant light she radiated to the world through selfless love. Her witness reminds us that holiness is not measured by feelings but by faithful service.

This episode is a compelling invitation to embrace the universal call to holiness, live intentionally as disciples of Jesus Christ, and become the salt that preserves the world and the light that leads others to Him.

Key Takeaways

The Beatitudes are God’s blueprint for lasting happiness.
Christians are called to preserve society by living authentic discipleship.
Every sacrifice offered in love becomes part of Christ’s sacrifice.
The Corporal Works of Mercy allow Christ’s light to shine through us.
Magnificat’s mission is to make disciples and deepen faith.
Holiness belongs to every baptized believer.
The world desperately needs Christians to be visible witnesses of Christ’s love and truth.

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon’s homily was given on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Independence Square, Port of Spain with our Trinidad and Tobago Chapters and those attending the Caribbean Visitation Cruise.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Cruise Homilies, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Beatitudes, corporal works of mercy, discipleship

Do Christians live by too many rules? Rethinking Christian life restrictions

August 10, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Do Christians live by too many rules? Rethinking Christian life restrictions

Christian life restrictions are the norm, right? The idea is that Christians have no fun, that faith piles rule after rule on our shoulders — a long list of do’s and don’ts. But Christianity is so much more than that, and living a Christian life can bring us true freedom. In this episode we explore those so-called restrictions and ask whether there’s any truth to the accusation that Christian life is nothing but rules.

Please share this episode with a friend. As always, thank you for your star rating on iTunes, and please follow along.

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Those of us who call ourselves Christians do live by a right and a wrong. Through a formed conscience, we believe things are either one way or another — and many people consider that a form of restriction.

So the question comes: Why be a Christian? What’s in it for us? Why follow a list of do’s and don’ts when, some say, being a Christian is no fun?

Let me share the truth with you: being a Christian and living a Christian life is, in fact, freeing.

Right and wrong reveal a moral law

It always amazes me to hear people say there is no God because there is no right and wrong — that everything goes. When you get right down to it, that isn’t how any of us actually live. Ask a moral relativist, someone who insists there’s no right or wrong, whether they’d be fine with a burglar breaking in and taking their computer, money, and jewelry. They’ll say, “No. That isn’t fair. They broke the law.”

But how can you have laws — the laws of the land — and not have a moral law beneath them? What is the difference?

A film worth watching here is God’s Not Dead. The main character is a Christian college student in a philosophy class taught by an atheist professor. On day one, the professor requires every student to write “God is dead,” sign it, and turn it in, because he doesn’t want to deal with Christian arguments in his classroom. One student refuses to sign. The professor challenges him to use the coming weeks of class to prove that God is truly alive. One argument that surfaces is simple: rules serve us and protect us. They are not restrictive to those who are living rightly. They only restrict those who want to do what is wrong.

Christian life restrictions? No — it is a gift

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. — Ephesians 2:8–10 (NASB)

Through God we are saved, and this is an amazing gift. I’m not sure how anyone can call a gift a burden.

Here is how I’d sum up what our faith actually gives us:

A gift
A choice
A blessing
Freedom from sin
Open gates of heaven

God gave us a choice and lets us make up our own minds — and yet many people stay firmly closed off in their beliefs.

Everyone lives under some restriction

If Christianity is “restrictive” because we don’t do certain things, then honestly everyone is under restriction in some way.

You can’t run a red light — not unless you’re willing to harm yourself or someone else. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean you can make a racist remark or defame someone (people try these days, but they shouldn’t). Our society has norms, and much of the dissension we see is those norms being pulled apart.

Just because I don’t agree with you, it does not make me wrong. There are boundaries built into our world. We can’t travel without a visa or passport, we can’t board without paying for a ticket, we can’t use a credit card without paying the bill. Our world — and, in essence, our lives — is bound by rules and regulations. So why shouldn’t faith also have some guidelines?

The commandments are guidelines that free us

When God handed down the Ten Commandments, He asked Moses to spread the Word. These are the guidelines we use to lead our lives, and they set us free — they bring us peace, joy, and happiness.

Like any good parent, our God watches over us. It’s striking that the same people who accuse Christians of living under restriction are often restrictive parents themselves. Would any parent let a child play in traffic, play with matches, or put their fingers in an electrical outlet? No — because of the danger of death. That parent isn’t being too restrictive. That parent is being loving. In the same way, we have a God who cares about us and wants us to have everlasting life.

We can never fully understand the mind of God. We come to know Him through reading the Bible, through our interpretation, and through allowing the Holy Spirit to enter our lives more deeply. Scripture does speak to how we should live, and we’ll dig into that in the next podcast.

Free will is the heart of it

In Mere Christianity — a book I recommend every Christian read — C.S. Lewis recalls that, as an atheist, he had built his case against Christianity on a set of ideas he later found to be false. One of them was moral relativism, the notion that there is no right or wrong. That is the crux of this: free will. We have the intellect to decide for ourselves.

Those who call Christianity too restrictive are sometimes the same people who want to defy what is good and holy. Others say Jesus was a good man but not the Messiah. But how can someone be good and a liar? Jesus said He was the Son of God. Either He is who He said He is, or He is not.

Freedom from all regulation does not, by itself, bring us joy. Giving children limits and rules is exactly what lets them flourish. Those who break the rules often find themselves in trouble, doing harm to their bodies, their souls, or both.

True freedom is knowing we are loved and loving others in return. The rules help us live lives that honor God and honor one another. What is wrong with You shall not kill? You shall not commit adultery? Honor your father and your mother? Love your neighbor? I think we’d all agree there’s nothing wrong with wanting to live the best lives we can.

The commandments themselves begin with God Himself:

I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me. (Exodus 20:2–6; Deuteronomy 5:6–10)
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11)
Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

God is love. As limited as we are in our own understanding — and in the human words we reach for to describe a Divine being — we know He saved us from eternal separation by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to set us free, and the Holy Spirit to remain with us always. Eternal life is found in the true God alone.

Let’s pray

Dear Lord, I pray in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I thank You for the gift of freedom, the gift of free will, the gift of faith, and the gift of opening the gates of heaven through Your death and resurrection. Thank You for setting us free, for giving us a renewed gift of faith, and for allowing us to believe in Your Divine Providence for our lives and for our families. I am blessed that You have called me to live a life that honors You, and I can only do this by Your grace, so I pray for an outpouring of Your love and grace to fill me. Please, Lord, hear the petitions I now bring before You: ____________________. I ask that, as a community of believers — all those listening to this broadcast — we join together in prayer for one another and for our personal needs. I thank You for all that is good and holy, and I praise You with every breath I take. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

FAQ

Does being a Christian mean following a list of do’s and don’ts? No. While Christians do live by a sense of right and wrong, faith is far more than a rule list — it is a gift of grace that leads to true freedom, not a burden of restrictions.

Are Christians really restricted from having fun? Christian life restrictions are largely a misunderstanding. Like traffic laws or the boundaries any loving parent sets, God’s guidelines protect us and let us flourish rather than hold us back.

What does the Bible say about Christian freedom? Ephesians 2:8–10 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith as a gift of God, created for good works. The commandments are guidelines that bring peace, joy, and freedom.

Is faith just a set of rules with no freedom? The opposite. True freedom is knowing we are loved and loving others. The rules help us live lives that honor God and each other — the way limits help children thrive.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: Christian freedom, Christian life restrictions, do's and don'ts, Ephesians 2:8, faith and free will, God's Not Dead, living a christian life, Mere Christianity, moral law, moral relativism, Ten Commandments

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 19, Barbara Heil – from Pentecostal Minister to Catholic Evangelist

August 7, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 19, Barbara Heil – from Pentecostal Minister to Catholic Evangelist
Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Barbara Heil, a former Pentecostal minister, missionary, teacher, and evangelist, shares her soul-stirring journey to becoming Catholic. Barbara and her husband, Jeff, have eight children and eleven grandchildren and reside in Iowa.

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. The Podcast is a platform for inspiring testimonies that showcase God’s goodness, greatness, and grace in our lives. These testimonies not only inform and educate but also encourage and inspire us to develop, deepen, and cultivate our relationship with the Triune God. The show hosts are Monique Moussot and Maryann Ridini Spencer.
Find out more about Barbara Heil at https://www.fromhisheart.com
Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts
Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts
**
About Magnificat® Ministry
Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: Barbara Heil, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Proclaims

Living On Purpose: God’s Plan for Everyday Life

August 3, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Living on Purpose: God’s Plan for Everyday Life

Do you ever wonder if your ordinary days really matter? In this episode of A Few Minutes with God Podcast, Felice Gerwitz explores what it means to live on purpose by aligning everyday life with God’s plan—even when schedules are full and faith feels weak.

God created each of us with intention. He has prepared good works for us to walk in, and He invites us to respond to that purpose one day at a time. Drawing from the daily decision required in marriage and the truth of Scripture, this episode offers practical encouragement for living intentionally with God.

What Does It Mean to Live on Purpose?

Living on purpose is not about having a perfect life or a dramatic calling. It is about making conscious, faithful decisions to walk with God in the middle of real life. When we feel discouraged or distracted, we can still return to Him and trust the plan He has already prepared.

Practical Ways to Walk in God’s Plan Daily and Life on Purpose

Start the morning with a simple prayer of surrender
Keep Scripture visible in the places you already look
Offer ordinary tasks as quiet acts of love
End the day with honest reflection and a fresh beginning
Encourage another person in their faith

These small steps help us stay aligned with God’s purpose in the middle of busy seasons.

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Scripture for Reflection (RSV-CE)

Jeremiah 29:11 – Plans for a future and a hope
Ephesians 2:10 – Created in Christ Jesus for good works
John 15:16 – You did not choose me, but I chose you

God has already chosen you and prepared a purpose for your life. The invitation is to walk in it—one ordinary, faithful day at a time.

For more encouragement on your faith journey, explore these related episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

Renew Your Faith this New Year – Making faith a personal, daily decision
Why? A Powerful Question For Christians – Free will and authentic response to God
True Faith – Faith as a conscious decision that brings peace
Faith In Action: Living Your Faith Boldly – Turning faith into practical daily works
Missionaries at Home – Following God’s call in everyday life and relationships

One More Child

Available from Media Angels

This beautiful and entertaining book celebrates the gifts of family and children. It is Felice’s story, but it contains a message that will resonate with anyone who struggles with the often-conflicting messages about family life that are promoted to parents today. The author doesn’t claim to have all the answers; instead in each page, she encourages the reader to be open to the will of God in every area of life, including family planning.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: daily decision to follow God, daily walk with God, discovering God’s plan, faith as a daily choice, faith in busy life, God’s plan for everyday life, God’s plan for my life, God’s purpose for my life, living intentionally for God, practical ways to choose God, purpose from God, walking in God’s purpose

What floats your boat with the CST

August 3, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

What Floats Your Boat with the CST

A Conversation on Faith, Community, and Trust in God

As the final day of a memorable retreat cruise came to a close, the women of Magnificat gathered for one last inspiring conversation centered around a simple yet profound question: “What floats your boat?” In other words, what keeps you spiritually afloat through the storms and challenges of life?

In this heartfelt panel discussion, members of the Some Women podcast share personal testimonies of faith, healing, and transformation. Their answers reveal common themes that resonate deeply with every Christian journey.

For some, what keeps them afloat is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—learning to surrender control and allow Him to guide the course of life. Others speak of the power of community, emphasizing that faith was never meant to be lived alone. Through prayer groups, friendships, and ministries, they have discovered the strength that comes from walking alongside fellow believers.

The discussion also highlights the importance of Scripture and the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, as essential sources of spiritual nourishment. Panelists share how obedience to God’s will, even during difficult and uncertain times, has carried them through life’s storms.

Several touching testimonies underscore the beauty of God’s faithfulness: overcoming fear, receiving answers to years of prayer, witnessing family members return to the faith, and experiencing the peace that comes through complete trust and surrender to God.

Audience members add their own reflections, speaking about the goodness of God, unconditional love, perseverance, forgiveness, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. A special contribution from Fr. John reminds listeners that true intimacy is found not merely in human relationships but in a deep, spiritual relationship with God and one another.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that while everyone’s “boat” may look different, the source of our strength is the same. Whether through community, prayer, the sacraments, trust, or surrender, Jesus Christ remains the One who keeps us afloat.

Key Themes:

Trusting God through every season of life
The power of Christian community
The importance of Scripture and the Sacraments
Learning surrender and obedience
Persevering through trials with faith
Growing in intimacy with God
Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in everyday life

No matter what storms may come, this conversation encourages us to ask ourselves: What truly floats our boat—and are we allowing Christ to be our captain?

The Central Service Team (CST) talk was given on February 13, 2026, the 5^th day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31^–Feb. 14, 2026.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: Catholic Faith, Christian community, sacraments, Scripture, Trusting God

The Spirit of Offense with Dr. Carol Razza, Part Two

July 31, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The Spirit of Offense with Dr. Carol Razza, Part Two

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Dr. Carol Razza as they further discuss a spirit of offense: why we want it removed from our midst, how it endangers a community, family, work place, ministry, etc., the advantage to addressing it individually rather than letting it infect the community, and how to address it within Community.

Dr. Carol Razza was a full-time formation faculty member and professor at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. She also serves on the Advisory Team for the International Magnificat Ministry and as the Regional Representative for Asia and Australia. Prior to accepting the position at the seminary, she had a full-time private psychotherapy practice for over 25 years. She has written two books, Sonblock, How Christians Unknowingly Shield Themselves from God’s Grace and Parent Me Please, a book helping parents to parent their adolescent children. Carol has been called to bring the awareness of God’s Kingdom throughout the world as an international evangelist. Carol has ministered throughout the U.S., Central America, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Africa and Asia. She lives in the Father’s supernatural joy and encourages others to do the same. Carol’s greatest blessings include her marriage to her husband Paul for over 50 years, their wonderful sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Dr. Carol Razza, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Spirit of Offense

Walking Through the Storm with Susan Potvin

July 29, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Show Notes ‘Walking through the Storm’ with Susan Potvin

In this powerful and deeply personal message, worship leader and speaker Susan shares an encouraging invitation to trust God in every season of life. Drawing from the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14, she reminds us that storms are inevitable, but fear does not have to define our response.

Susan opens with a simple but profound declaration: “Jesus, I trust in You.” She explains that praise and worship are acts of surrender—lifting our hands to God like a child reaching for a loving Father. Trust becomes the foundation that allows us to move from merely surviving life’s storms to walking with Jesus in the midst of them.

Through heartfelt stories, including the adoption of her daughter from the Philippines and the loss of her mother to cancer, Susan illustrates how God often meets us at the end of our strength. In our moments of exhaustion, grief, and helplessness, we discover that Christ has been holding us all along.

One of the central themes of this message is that suffering is never meaningless. God permits trials either to produce a greater good within us or to protect us from a greater evil. Rather than asking only, “Why am I suffering?” Susan encourages listeners to ask, “What is the gift hidden in this suffering?”

She also introduces the concept of “situational awareness” in the spiritual life, reminding us that we live in three realms: the earthly realm, the realm of spiritual battle, and the heavenly realm. As believers, our eyes must remain fixed on Jesus and the realities of heaven, even while we navigate the difficulties of this world.

Perhaps the most moving insight of the message is that the victory is not merely when the storm ends. The true victory is found in the storm itself, when we cling to Jesus as Peter did and discover that He is enough.

Whether you are grieving, struggling with fear, praying for loved ones, or carrying unanswered questions, this episode offers hope and encouragement. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He invites each of us to walk with Him—even on stormy waters.

Key Takeaways:

Storms are a normal part of the Christian journey.
Trust and praise keep our focus on Jesus.
Every suffering contains a hidden gift from God.
We are called to live with our eyes fixed on heaven.
The greatest victory is not escaping the storm but encountering Jesus within it.
Our weaknesses and insecurities can become places where God’s glory shines most brightly.

Memorable Quote:
“Don’t ever separate the gift from the Giver. Jesus Himself is the victory in the storm.”

Susan Potvin’s talk was given on February 11, 2026, the 4th day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31– Feb. 14, 2026.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: eyes fixed on Jesus, grief and faith, hidden gift in suffering, Matthew 14, overcoming fear, Peter walking on water, praise and worship, Susan Potvin, trusting God in trials, victory in the storm, Walking Through the Storm, Water Walking Women Retreat

Examination of Conscience (Encore)

July 27, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Examination of Conscience

Episode #41 | A Few Minutes with God

Most of us would rather not look too closely at our own hearts. Slowing down for an honest examination of conscience — asking what we have thought, said, and done, and where we have drifted from God — can feel uncomfortable. But it is one of the most freeing habits a believer can build. In this short episode of A Few Minutes with God, host Felice Gerwitz walks through what an examination of conscience is, why so many of us avoid it, and how to begin.

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What is an examination of conscience?

An examination of conscience is a prayerful review of your recent thoughts, words, and actions, measured honestly against God’s moral law. Think of your conscience as a kind of spiritual autopilot — the quiet inner sense that steers your everyday choices. Like any guide, it works best when it is well formed and checked often.

Why we avoid examining our conscience

Much of the world has lost its sense of sin, and looking inward can feel like the last thing we want to do. Yet a comfortable conscience is not the same as a clean one. As Paul reminds the Corinthians, “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Corinthians 4:4, NIV). Real peace does not come from our circumstances, or even from feeling fine about ourselves. It comes from being rightly related to God — and that relationship is worth an honest look.

How to examine your conscience — five steps

You do not need a complicated method. These five movements, drawn from the episode, are enough to begin:

Form your conscience. A good conscience is not automatic; it is taught. Fill your heart with what is true through Scripture, sound books, and trustworthy teaching so you can tell right from wrong before the moment of choice.
Recover a sense of sin. Naming sin honestly is not shame — it is the doorway to grace. Our freedom can also shape others, for how we live can either wound or strengthen a fellow believer’s conscience (1 Corinthians 8).
Look back honestly. Set aside a few minutes to reflect on your recent thoughts, words, and actions in light of God’s moral law. Where did you fall short in love of God and love of others?
Name and turn from temptation. Notice the patterns that pull you away, and step around them by God’s grace. As Paul assures us, God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but will also provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Guard your heart daily. We would never leave a child near danger without watching; our souls deserve the same care. A regular examination of conscience is how we keep watch.

What Scripture says about examining yourself

The practice is woven through the Bible. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5, NIV). The psalmist prays it as an invitation rather than a dread: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV). And when we bring what we find into the light, we are met with mercy, not condemnation, for Jesus sent His followers out with the ministry of forgiveness (John 20:21-23).

A short prayer to examine your conscience

If you are not sure how to start, borrow this: Lord, quiet my heart. Show me where I have wandered today in thought, word, and deed. Thank You for meeting me with grace, not condemnation. Guard me from temptation, and lead me one more step toward You. Amen.

Or begin a daily practise of examining your conscience.

Frequently asked questions

What is an examination of conscience?
It is a short, prayerful review of your recent thoughts, words, and actions, held up honestly against God’s moral law, so you can confess what needs confessing and grow closer to Him.

How often should you examine your conscience?
Many believers do it daily, often in the evening, looking back over the day. Even a few minutes is enough to make it a habit.

What questions do you ask during an examination of conscience?
Start simply: Where did I fall short in loving God today? Where did I fall short in loving the people around me — in my thoughts, my words, and my actions? What do I want to bring to God and leave with Him?

Is examining your conscience biblical?
Yes. Scripture invites it directly, from “Examine yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5) to “Search me, God” (Psalm 139:23), to Paul’s call to examine ourselves before the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28). The 10 Commandments are also a useful guide.

Related episodes from A Few Minutes with God

If this encouraged you, sit with one of these next:

Combating fear — standing on God’s promises when worry creeps in.
Peacemakers — what it means to be a peacemaker in a world that needs peace.
Faith time capsule — looking back to see how far the Lord has brought you.

Replay

Examination of Conscience

When was the last time you paused to look honestly at your own heart? In this short but searching episode, Felice gently walks through what an examination of conscience is, why so many of us avoid it, and five simple steps to begin — a quiet practice that can set you free. A few honest minutes with God may be exactly what today is asking of you.

Listen Now →

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: daily examen, examination of conscience

Why Catholics Choose Life | Magnificat Ministry, Some Women Podcast

July 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Why Catholics Choose Life | Magnificat Ministry, Some Women Podcast

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Dr. Wanda Franz as they discuss why Catholics Choose Life.

Wanda is a developmental psychologist and professor emerita at WVU where she taught from 1973 to 2003. She authored the textbook, Early Childhood Development, Prenatal Through Age Eight. She has also written chapters for several books on fetal development,

post-abortion syndrome, post-abortion trauma in adolescents, and the cognitive implications of arguments regarding abortion.

She served as the President of the National Right to Life Committee for 20 years, in between two terms as President of WV for Life. Among her many accomplishments and accolades, she has spoken on abortion and euthanasia across five continents and presented at the Third World Congress of Pro-Life Movements given by the Pontifical Council on the Family at the Vatican in Rome.

Dr. Franz was married to Gunter N. Franz for 53 years prior to his passing.

Together they had 3 children and now 12 grandchildren.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Dr. Wanda Franz, pro-life, Some Women Podcast, Why Catholics Choose Life

Getting Out of the Boat – Dr. Carol Razza

July 22, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Getting out of the Boat with Dr. Carol Razza

In this powerful and Spirit-filled message, international evangelist Dr. Carol invites listeners into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ and a renewed awareness of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. Speaking from decades of ministry experience around the world, Dr. Carol shares that God is releasing a “tsunami” of living water—a fresh movement of renewal that is meant to refresh hearts, change lives, and ignite the Church once again.

Drawing from the Gospel account of Peter walking on water, she challenges believers to step out of their “boats” of fear, insecurity, and false identity and fix their eyes firmly on Jesus. Fear, she explains, grows when we focus on our circumstances rather than on God’s perfect love. Through personal stories, Scripture, and prophetic insight, Dr. Carol reminds us that our true identity is not defined by the world but by our baptism—we are beloved sons and daughters of the King.

Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to embrace vulnerability, surrender, and daily encounters with Christ. Dr. Carol emphasizes that Christianity is not merely a set of ideas or religious practices but a living relationship with Jesus, nourished especially through the Eucharist and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

She also shares remarkable testimonies from her missionary journeys in Africa and the Dominican Republic, illustrating how God equips His people with supernatural grace when they respond to His call. These stories serve as reminders that every believer has been gifted and commissioned to participate in God’s work of evangelization and transformation.

The message concludes with a powerful prayer of healing, deliverance, and renewal, inviting listeners to surrender every burden, allow the Holy Spirit to heal old wounds, and rekindle the gifts received through Baptism and Confirmation.

Key Takeaways:

God’s love casts out fear and reveals our true identity.
Encounters with Jesus are meant to happen daily.
The Holy Spirit is renewing the Church and calling believers into deeper faith.
We are invited to step out in courage, trust God’s voice, and become instruments of His love.
Through prayer, surrender, and the sacraments, God desires to bring healing, freedom, and transformation.

This episode is an inspiring call to leave behind fear and complacency and to enter fully into the adventure of walking with Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit and transformed by His love.

Dr. Carol Razza’s talk was given on February 9, 2026, the 3rd day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31– Feb. 14, 2026.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: Dr. Carol Razza, Evangelization, Jesus, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, prayer of healing, Water Walking Women Retreat

Redeeming Your Time: Living Each Day with Purpose

July 20, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Redeeming Your Time: Living Each Day with Purpose

Episode 22

Time well spent makes us happy. If we feel accomplished, if we do things on our “lists,” it makes us feel that we’ve spent our time well. Most of us say we need more time each day, we can’t finish out tasks, we run out of time. How can we add more time to our days?

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Thanks to our sponsor, Media Angels, Inc. A Few Minutes with God, The Journey Begins

When I look at my day I think, “What is the best use of my time each day?” Other than with my friends and family the best time is with God. How can you fill up without the One who truly gives us that grace to get through each day? Who do you spend time with and is that time well spent? In this episode, we explore how you can make the time. Let’s strive to make the most out of every minute of every day.

Look at your day, how can you incorporate time well spent? We all say we don’t have enough time each day!

Identify the time wasters. Relaxing is wonderful for everyone and we don’t need to “produce” every day! However often we say we don’t have enough time for prayer because we don’t use our time wisely.
- What are the things in your day that waste your time
- How can you avoid the time wasters
- Does making a list help you
- We all waste time, and often we all need a break, so enjoy
What is the one thing you can avoid? Is there something on your list that you can eliminate or reschedule in your day so that you can make more time?
- Social media
- Emails in the morning or afternoon
- Shopping without a list
Can you make 5-10-15 minutes or more to spend with God in prayer? Look at your lists above and see where you can add more time to your day. Five, ten or fifteen minutes helps tremendously! Time well spent with God is so helpful in our day. Often we leave prayer time to night time. Praying in the morning, the first thing you do — will change your life and is truly time well spent.
Who do you spend the most time with? Is it family, friends, virtual friends? Ist it fictional characters in books? Truthfully, sometimes we let virtual friends take the place of real ones. I have good friends online, some I’ve never met in person. Nurture your friendships but remember the one who will fill you with faith, love, and joy.
How can you make that time productive? Spending it with God first will increase your productivity all day long.
Can you be a witness or a blessing from the Lord to someone in your life? Do you ask God to use you each day? Do you see the people in your life as a blessing? How can the Lord use you? How can you be an example of God’s love to others?

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: biblical wisdom, Christian living, redeeming your time, Spiritual Growth, time management

Keeping your Eyes on Jesus – Dr. Elizabeth Kim

July 14, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus with Dr. Elizabeth Kim

How do we keep our eyes on Jesus when life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or filled with fear? In this inspiring retreat message, Dr. Elizabeth Kim shares a faith-filled teaching rooted in the Gospel account of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14). Drawing from Scripture, her professional experience as a psychologist, and decades of ministry, she encourages listeners to cultivate a deeper trust in God and live with confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Kim begins by reflecting on her visit to the Sea of Galilee, where she experienced a vivid reminder that Jesus is just as present with us today as He was with His disciples 2,000 years ago. Using Peter’s experience of walking on the water, she explores what it means to keep our focus on Christ instead of the storms surrounding us.

Throughout the message, Dr. Kim examines the relationship between faith, fear, and doubt. She reminds listeners that biblical faith is not merely intellectual belief but a living, active trust that produces courage, healing, and obedience. Using examples from Scripture—including Moses crossing the Red Sea, Joshua crossing the Jordan River, the woman healed from years of hemorrhaging, and the faithful witness of Mary and Joseph—she demonstrates how God works powerfully through those who place their confidence in Him.

The talk also addresses the many forms fear can take, including fear of failure, rejection, suffering, the future, trauma, and even success. Dr. Kim offers a hopeful perspective by distinguishing healthy reverence for God from the unhealthy fear that keeps believers from fully embracing their identity as beloved children of God. Referencing Romans 8 and 2 Timothy 1:7, she explains the difference between living with an “orphan spirit” driven by anxiety and self-reliance versus living with a spirit of adoption that trusts in God’s fatherly care.

As a licensed psychologist and board-certified neurofeedback practitioner, Dr. Kim briefly discusses how trauma affects the brain and emotional responses while emphasizing the healing available through Christ. She encourages listeners to pursue both spiritual growth and healing, recognizing that God desires wholeness in every area of life.

The message concludes with practical ways to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus every day:

Develop a consistent daily prayer life.
Spend time listening for God’s voice.
Stay rooted in Scripture.
Receive strength through the Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration.
Remain connected to a faith community.
Live a Spirit-filled life, continually open to the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Kim closes the retreat with a beautiful prayer inviting a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, asking God to remove fear, heal wounded hearts, renew faith, and empower believers to walk courageously with Christ.

Whether you are navigating personal challenges, seeking deeper faith, or longing for renewed spiritual confidence, this encouraging message reminds us that when our eyes remain fixed on Jesus, He is always faithful to reach out His hand, strengthen our faith, and lead us through every storm.

Key Takeaway:
When fear threatens to overwhelm us, Jesus invites us to trust Him, fix our eyes on Him, and walk forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. Faith grows as we deepen our relationship with Christ, allowing His perfect love to cast out every fear.

This talk, by Dr. Elizabeth Kim, was given on February 2, 2026, the 2nd day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise, Jan. 31 – Feb. 14, 2026.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: Catholic podcast, Christian Encouragement, Dr. Elizabeth Kim, Eucharistic Adoration, faith over fear, healing and wholeness, Holy Spirit, Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Matthew 14, overcoming fear, prayer, Spiritual Growth, trust in God, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, walking on water, Water Walking Women Retreat

Truth About Worries

July 13, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

In this heartfelt episode, Felice Gerwitz recounts a touching encounter at the grocery store where a cashier sang, “I put my worries at the foot of the cross,” turning a routine errand into a powerful reminder of God’s care. Explore the freedom that comes from surrendering anxiety to Jesus, the impact of everyday holy boldness, and practical ways to trust God more deeply in daily life. Includes inspiring Bible verses and encouragement to live with unshakable peace.

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The Truth About Worries ~ Episode 374

Putting Your Worries at the Foot of the Cross

I want to share a beautiful true story of a cashier whose quiet song, “I put my worries at the foot of the cross,” became a divine reminder to surrender all anxieties to Jesus. Even in our everyday errands, the freedom found in casting our cares upon Him and the call to holy boldness in sharing our faith was a serious reminder! If you are seeking peace, I pray you are blessed as much from this story as I was from the encounter.

Truth About Worries Key Takeaways:

Recognize divine appointments in ordinary moments.
The power of worship and song to evangelize and encourage.
Why worry steals our peace and how to release it to the Lord.
Practical faith steps for bold, everyday witness.

Truth About Worries: A Divine Encounter in Everyday Life

Running errands ranks among my least favorite tasks. Crowded stores, heavy traffic, and spending money are not my idea of fun—yet my family needs to eat. While checking out at the store, the cashier worked efficiently and quietly sang the refrain, “I put my worries at the foot of the cross,” over and over.

She wasn’t off-key, and the melody was unfamiliar to me. I wasn’t even sure she realized she was singing—not loudly, but steadily—as she rang up my many purchases. Because I shop infrequently, I tend to stock up, especially on sale items, so she had quite a workload!

As I emptied my basket, her song struck me. This woman was evangelizing without saying a word. She worked diligently—faster than I could load my cart—yet she proclaimed that her worries belonged to the Lord, not to herself.

Of course, Jesus lived, died, and rose again from the dead. He is no longer on the cross. He is risen. (Alleluiah!) But remember that with God, there is no time. We can pray and put our cares, our worries, and our burdens at the foot of the cross! I am going to leave it there without getting into the weeds.

Scripture Verse: Truth About Worries:

Philippians 4:6-7 (RSVCE) “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

An Amazing God Incident

This became a powerful God moment for me. I strive to pray throughout the day, especially during tasks I dislike. I aim to remain thankful for God’s provision and countless blessings. I nearly chose self-checkout, but my overflowing basket made help necessary. Loading, unloading, and putting everything away at home would take effort. Instead, I received an unexpected serenade of faith.

With no one behind me, the clerk handed me my receipt and wished me a wonderful, blessed day. I smiled, thanked her for the song, and shared that I, too, am a Christian. Her face lit up. I asked if others had inquired about God because of her singing. She said yes, at times. I praised her boldness in evangelizing and reminded her that we are all called to share the Good News. She had refreshed my own faith that day.

The Power of Holy Boldness and Releasing Worry

Sometimes we forget to surrender our worries to God. Imagine singing this simple refrain repeatedly—it would serve as a constant reminder and source of strength amid daily struggles.

1 Peter 5:7 (RSVCE) “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.”

Stepping out in faith to share the Gospel isn’t always easy, but this gentle song transformed my day. I already know Jesus, yet I needed the reminder: my cares are nothing in His hands. Worry accomplishes nothing. It changes no outcomes and reveals when we place trust in ourselves rather than in God.

Matthew 6:25-27 (RSVCE) “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life?”

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Peace Works Against Fear – Combat anxiety with God’s supernatural peace.
Peace of Mind – Simple steps to restore calm in chaotic times.
Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Waiting in Peace – Learn to wait on God with confidence.
Faith and Hope – Build unshakeable trust that overcomes worry.
Peace Within Families – Bring God’s peace into your home and relationships.

Listen now and be reminded that Jesus invites you to lay every burden at the foot of the Cross. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today!

Produced by Media Angels, Inc. | Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: 1 Peter 5:7, anxiety, Bible verses worry, casting cares on Jesus, Catholic podcast, Christian anxiety, Christian Encouragement, Christian living, divine appointment, do not worry, evangelism, everyday faith, faith over fear, foot of the cross, God moments in daily life, holy boldness, homeschool mom faith, Matthew 6, overcoming worry with faith, peace of God, peace that surpasses understanding, Philippians 4:6, put worries at the foot of the cross, surrender to God, trust Jesus, truth about worries, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, vintage homeschool moms, worries

Some Women Podcast: The Gift of Healing

July 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The Gift of Healing

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Lynn Marlin as they discuss her miracle of healing and the healing power of God for His people.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast

Staying on Course by Jimmy Seghers

July 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Staying on Course by Jimmy Seghers

Guest: Jimmy Seghers, Author of The Fullness of Truth

Episode Summary

In this moving and deeply spiritual episode, renowned scripture scholar and apologist Jimmy Seghers shares profound insights on the journey toward true holiness. Drawing from the Song of Songs and the wisdom of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Jimmy breaks down the stages of spiritual growth—the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways—and challenges listeners to fully surrender their wills to Christ.

Through personal anecdotes of conversion, historical saintly examples, and a striking nautical analogy, Jimmy explains that holiness is not about our own spectacular actions but about allowing Christ to live and love through us in the present moment.

Key Themes & Takeaways

The Three Kisses of Spiritual Life: Utilizing St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s 87 homilies on the Song of Songs, Jimmy explores the developmental stages of faith:
- The Kiss of the Feet (The Purgative Way): The stage of intense repentance, turning away from mortal sin, and entering life from death (symbolized by Mary Magdalene).
- The Kiss of the Hand (The Illuminative Way): A period of spiritual adolescence where love shifts from emotional and selfish to a committed, self-sacrificing will (symbolized by Peter being pulled from the waves).
- The Kiss of the Mouth (The Unitive Way): The way of perfection and spiritual adulthood where our entire being is united with God’s will.
The Danger of Attachments: Many Christians get “stuck” in the illuminative way because of earthly attachments. Like Gulliver tied down by tiny strings, we are often held back from wholehearted love by small, subtle attachments rather than a desire for grievous sin.
The 211° vs. 1° Misconception: Jimmy shares a personal realization about his own spiritual life. He thought he was “hot water” at 211° needing just one more degree to become a powerhouse. Instead, he realized he was at 1°, and Christ is the 211° powerhouse we must surrender to.
Holiness in the Ordinary: Authentic love is an act of the will, not a feeling. True transformation happens when ordinary, mundane actions (like changing diapers or cleaning toilets) are done strictly out of love for Christ.
The Danger of Being Two Degrees Off: In navigating a ship from Los Angeles to Hawaii, being a mere 2 degrees off course means being completely lost at sea. Regular course correction through scripture and grace is essential to stay aligned with God’s will.

This talk by Jimmy Seghers was given on February 1, 2026, the 1^st day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31^st– Feb. 14^th 2026.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Catholic Faith, Catholic podcast, Christian Encouragement, Evangelization, Holy Spirit, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, prayer, Spiritual Growth, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Spirit of Offense Part 1

July 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Spirit of Offense Part 1

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Dr. Carol Razza as they discuss the definition, identification, and dangers of a spirit of offense

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women Podcast, Spirit of Offense

Freedom in Christ

July 6, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Freedom in Christ

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 18, Kitty Cleveland -Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

July 3, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 18, Kitty Cleveland -Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, singer/songwriter and inspirational speaker Kitty Cleveland shares her moving story of learning to surrender to God’s will.

Kitty has been delighting audiences from around the world, having appeared on TV, radio, in concert, and keynote speaker throughout North America and in Europe. She launched her music ministry in 2000, previously having worked as a lawyer, university instructor, and career counselor. She and her husband live in the New Orleans area with their daughter, whom they adopted from China in 2005.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: 2 Corinthians 5:7, Catholic podcast, Catholic women, conversion story, Episode 18, faith not by sight, God's grace, Holy Spirit, inspirational speaker, Kitty Cleveland, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Proclaims, Maryann Ridini Spencer, Monique Moussot, singer songwriter, surrender to God, testimony, trust in God, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, walking by faith

10 Commandments Conscience Check

June 29, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Can you use the 10 Commandments for a Conscience Check

Episode #43

In this podcast, we’ll examine if the 10 Commandments can help you check your conscience. How do we know if we are on the right path? Are we doing great? Of course! We don’t sin! That is until you take a look at the list below. I’ve listed each of the 10 Commandments and questions to ask yourself.

First, begin with prayer, ask the Lord to allow us to see what is in our lives that need to be forgiven and perhaps if it is an area where you struggle.

Sin causes us to put off doing what is right and what we should do, and it allows us to make excuses for all the times we are not doing what is right. Are the Ten Commandments just suggestions or are they something we should look at when we examine our conscience? I know that we all struggle because we think, “Well, I’m not an ax murderer so therefore I am a good person,” however, that line of thinking is truthfully not accurate.

Thankfully we do not commit murder but there are other things to look at under the “Thou shalt not kill” commandment.

Thank you to our sponsor, CTCMath.com

Using the 10 Commandments helps us form a good conscience.

The commandments are not suggestions, they are serious. The commandments are so serious that after Moses came down from the mountain and saw the sin happening to the people he had left behind, he broke them. God then gave him the Commandments again!

The first three commandments all deal with the way we consider God. Do we put him first, do we blaspheme His name? Do we keep holy the Sabbath?

Here is a look at the Ten Commandments and ways to consider how you have sinned against God…

I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.
1. Have I denied God in any way?
2. Have I taken part in non-Christian ceremony or service?
3. I have agreed with heretical or blasphemous anti-Christian literature?
4. Have I been faithful in my prayer life?
5. Have I made fun of God or His teachings?
6. Have I presumed upon God’s mercy or doubted it?
7. Have I placed more importance on any person or creature before God?
8. Have I cared about material goods over God?
9. Have I been guilty of irreverence – jokes or other conversations that are anti-God.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
1. Have I sworn against God?
2. Have I complained against God?
3. Have I broken a vow made to God?
4. Have I angered others so that it makes them swear against God?
5. Have I blasphemed?

Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
1. Have I missed Mass or church?
2. Have I been distracted during church?
3. Have I been late to church or left early (not due to an emergency).
4. Have I made others miss church?
5. Have I done unnecessary work on Sunday?
6. Have I bought or sold things not of necessity on Sunday?

Honor thy father and thy mother.
1. Have I been disrespectful or disobedient to my parents?
2. Have I been irreverent to others in positions of authority?
3. Have mistreated my spouse or children?
4. Have I mistreated the elderly, the infirmed or the handicapped?
5. Have I been disobedient or disrespectful of a loved one, a family member?
6. Have I been disrespectful or irreverent toward the clergy or someone in authority to God.

Thou shalt not kill
1. Have I desired or hastened the death of someone, or caused bodily injury to another person?
2. Have I oppressed or did I seek revenge on another person?
3. Did I cause others to fight?
4. Have I argued with another(s)?
5. Did I injure anyone else?
6. Have I been jealous, envious, entertained evil thoughts or hatred against another?
7. Have I entertained thoughts of suicide, etc.
8. Do I abuse my body in any way?
9. Have I harmed my soul by intentional exposure to temptations?

Thou shalt not commit adultery.
1. Have I abused my role in my marriage, (marital rights, practicing birth control, or other contraception such as sterilization?)
2. Have I committed sins against purity?
3. Have watched indecent movies or internet photos, etc.?
4. As a single person have I had sex outside of marriage.
5. Have I worn suggestive clothing, or had thoughts that were impure.
6. Have I used indecent language, told indecent jokes.
7. Have I prayed at once to banish bad thoughts or intentions?

Thou shalt not steal
1. Have I stolen anything?
2. Have I damaged or been negligent with someone else’s property?
3. Have I refused to repay debt?
4. Have I cheated my employer or employees?
5. Have I cheated or defrauded anyone?
6. Have I gambled to the point that it is an obsession?
7. Have I refused to pay a bill

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
1. Have I lied against anyone, causing them harm, spiritually or materially, or ruined their name?
2. Have I judged others without evidence?
3. Have I gossiped about other people even if it is true?
4. Have I been uncharitable in my talk or actions against another?

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.
1. Have I wanted someone who is otherwise committed?
2. Have I had unpure thoughts about someone else?
3. Have I remained alone in another’s company unnecessarily of the opposite sex that is a temptation to me?
4. Have I been in lewd company and listened to indecent jokes or stories?
5. Have I boasted or taken delight in past sins?
6. Have I caused others to sin?

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.
1. Have I wanted something belonging to someone else?
2. Have I acquired something I know is stolen?
3. Have I failed to return something I borrowed?
4. Have I neglected to help someone in need?
5. Have I failed to make restitution for something I’ve taken?

These sins all boil down to sins of pride, vanity, envy, lust, anger, covetousness, envy, laziness or apathy, gluttony… they lead to boasting, duplicity, ambition over others, contempt for others, anger, and resentment and revenge, stubbornness and obstinacy.

Yes, I feel convicted in researching this and sharing this podcast with all of you to change my own life for the better.

Let’s Pray!

Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you sinful and sorrowful and I ask that You help me through an infilling of the Holy Spirit to stay on the path that leads to You. I know Lord this path is difficult but with Your Divine help I know You will be with me every step of the way. Dear Jesus help keep me from pride, envy, lust, anger, covetousness, envy, laziness, apathy or gluttony. Please help me to do what is right and to hunger for righteousness. I thank you for all the ways You have intervened in my life and I give you permission to be a greater part of my life. Thank you and praise You Jesus! And, I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows

The Freedom of Forgiveness | Some Women Podcast

June 26, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The Freedom of Forgiveness | Some Women Podcast

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Sara Ford in sharing personal experiences with forgiveness.

Sara is married, a mother of two, and the grandmother of two granddaughters. She has lived in Las Vegas since late 2007. She attended Magnificat Meals for 20+ years and is a past CST member. She currently serves on the Formation Team and is the Chapter Coordinator for the Las Vegas Magnificat Chapter, aka Our Lady of Miracles Chapter.

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Sara Ford in sharing personal experiences with forgiveness.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Catholic podcast, Catholic women, Ephesians 4:32, forgiveness, freedom of forgiveness, Grace, growing in holiness, healing, Holy Spirit, Las Vegas Magnificat, letting go, Luke 8, Magnificat, Magnificat Ministry, Our Lady of Miracles Chapter, panel discussion, prayer life, Sara Ford, Some Women, testimony, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Speaker Forum- Rise and Walk Conference 2025

June 26, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Speaker Forum

In this dynamic panel discussion moderated by Bishop Toups, Catholic leaders and lay speakers share profound insights on living the Gospel authentically, navigating family struggles, and the power of spiritual discernment. The conversation centers on the “squeezed” moments of life—how our true nature as Christians is revealed during times of suffering and pressure.

Key Discussion Points

The “Squeezed” Analogy: Bishop Toups poses a vital question: When life “squeezes” you through suffering or stress, what comes out? Is it the “scent of the Gospel” or something that repels others?
Authentic Witness in the Home: Janice Charbonnet reflects on how children don’t need perfect parents; they need to see parents who respond to suffering with faith, prayer, and a strong sacramental marriage.
The Power of “Normalcy”: Sister Briege McKenna shares humorous stories from her travels, emphasizing that joy, common sense, and being “normal” are often more effective tools for evangelization than formal preaching.
Transform or Remove: Carol Razza introduces a powerful prayer for difficult relationships and situations: “Lord, transform this person/situation, or remove it.” This prayer acknowledges God’s sovereignty in bringing about the best outcome for all involved.
Practical Discernment: The panel discusses how to hear God’s voice—whether through the “illumination” of silence in Adoration or the persistent guidance of the Holy Spirit in daily decisions.

Memorable Quotes

“Perfection is not the goal… what’s more important is how Mom and Dad are responding [to suffering] through the lens of faith.” — Janice Charbonnet

“If you love Jesus and if you have a good sense of humor and common sense, it’s amazing what Jesus can do.” — Sister Briege McKenna

“Take people where they are and bring them along. Love them where they are.” — Bishop Toups

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Adoration, authentic witness, Carol Razza, Catholic parenting, Catholic speakers, Christian Podcast, Evangelization, faith in hard times, Holy Spirit, joy, living the Gospel, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, panel discussion, prayer, sacramental marriage, Speaker Forum, spiritual discernment, suffering, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

The Greatest Prayer

June 22, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

The greatest prayer that Jesus prayed is not what you think. In this podcast, Felice Gerwitz explains the High Priestly Prayer and how we can use this to grow closer to the Lord each day.

The Greatest Prayer: John 17 Episode 373

High Priestly Prayer & Obedience to God’s Will | A Few Minutes with God

What if the greatest prayer Jesus ever prayed could transform your daily relationship with God?

In Episode 373 of A Few Minutes with God, host Felice Gerwitz explores the High Priestly Prayer of John 17—known as the longest and most profound prayer recorded in Scripture. While the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) gives us a perfect model, John 17 reveals Jesus interceding directly for Himself, for His disciples, and for every believer who would come after them.

What Is the Greatest Prayer in the Bible?

In the Gospels, we see Jesus modeling prayer again and again. He taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6, a beautiful, concise prayer we often pray daily. Yet there is another prayer of Jesus that stands out as the longest and, many believe, the greatest recorded prayer in the entire New Testament. It’s found in John 17—the High Priestly Prayer Jesus prayed in the upper room the night before His arrest.

Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17 Explained

You’ll discover three key movements of this prayer: Jesus’ request for glorification and unity with the Father, His heartfelt plea for protection and sanctification of His disciples, and His powerful prayer for the oneness of all future believers “so that the world may believe.” (John 17:21, RSVCE)

This episode is an invitation to pray with Jesus, to let His words shape your heart, and to walk more closely with the Lord who intercedes for you every day.

Three Key Movements of the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus

First, Jesus prays for Himself. He asks the Father to glorify the Son so the Son may glorify the Father. He speaks of completing the work the Father gave Him to do. In that moment of obedience and surrender, we see the perfect unity between Father and Son.

Second, Jesus prays for His disciples. He asks the Father to keep them in His name, to protect them from the evil one, and to sanctify them in truth. He knows they will face trials in the world, yet He does not ask that they be taken out of the world—only that they be kept faithful.

Third, Jesus prays for all of us—every future believer. He prays for our unity so that the world may believe. What a profound invitation! Jesus wants us to share in the very love and oneness He enjoys with the Father.

How Obedience Becomes Your Best Daily Prayer

For me, the takeaway is that our best prayer is obeying the Lord. That is the greatest gift we can give God. By obeying the Lord we are living in His will. I’ve prayed so many times to be in God’s will, yet in my heart I often know what that looks like and still ignore it. I get busy with the things of the day and forget that the main to-do each morning is spending time in prayer.

We are also called to be obedient, as we are able, to the laws that do not contradict moral decency and Christian principle. This includes those difficult areas many of us overlook—such as living together out of wedlock. It has become commonplace, but it is not God’s design for us.

God gives us the model of a prayer life, obedience to Him, and the mission to share the good news with others. How can we keep this to ourselves? We must live, as much as we are able, like the disciples who glorify God through faithful obedience and bring others to Christ. We can begin by praying for those who are lost, those who do not yet know the Lord. Ask Him for the strength to be bold and to cherish every moment in prayer. This is the closest we get to heaven on earth. May God be blessed today and always.

Practical Takeaway: Living in God’s Will Through Prayer and Obedience

Open your Bible to John 17 this week. Read even a few verses daily and pray them back to the Father. You’ll be amazed at the peace and closeness you experience.

Related Episodes You’ll Love from A Few Minutes with God

Be infilled, entertained, and equipped as you press play today.

Share this episode with a friend who longs to pray more deeply and live in God’s will, and subscribe so the next A Few Minutes with God finds you right when you need it.

All Scripture quotes are from the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE).

Be infilled. Be entertained. Be equipped. Then go live the prayer Jesus prayed for you

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Rise, Walk, and Run: Becoming the Good Samaritan – Bishop David Toups Sunday Homily

June 19, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Sunday Mass with Bishop David Toups

Theme: Rise, Walk, and Run: Becoming the Good Samaritan

Presider: Most Reverend David L. Toups, Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont

In this moving conclusion to the conference, Bishop David Toups presides over the Sunday Eucharist, centering his homily on the profound call of the Good Samaritan. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke and the first reading from Deuteronomy, Bishop Toups challenges us to move beyond “ignoring” those on the peripheries and instead to adopt the “Holy Spirit heart” of Christ.

He shares vulnerable, personal stories—from his own moments of missed connection to his ministry in the Diocese of Beaumont and recent mission work in Cambodia—to illustrate that the Word of God is not “too mysterious or remote,” but is already in our hearts, waiting to be lived out.

Key Takeaways

The Anatomy of Compassion: Bishop Toups breaks down the actions of the Good Samaritan: having an open heart, approaching the victim proactively, and practicing “sacrificial generosity” by pouring oil and wine to heal.
Seeing Christ in the “Least”: A reminder that Jesus is both the Samaritan who rescues us and the “man left half-dead” on the side of the road. To serve the lonely, the immigrant, and the suffering is to minister directly to Christ.
The Power of Recognition: Sometimes, being a neighbor is as simple as acknowledging someone’s human dignity—a smile, a prayer, or a moment of eye contact can be a profound act of mercy.
“Go and Do Likewise”: The Mass ends not with a conclusion, but a commission. We are called to “rise, walk, and run” into the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Notable Quotes

“The Gospel should sting all of our consciences… Jesus is showing us how to live and how to love.”

“Treat them with the human dignity that they deserve… Have the heart and mind of Christ at the store, on the road, at work, and in our ministries.”

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Rise & Walk Homilies, Shows Tagged With: Bishop David L. Toups, compassion, Rise and Walk Conference 2025

Unworthy Of God

June 15, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Feeling unworthy of God or God’s love? You’re not alone. In this episode of A Few Minutes with God Podcast, Felice Gerwitz explores God’s mercy and how it transforms our hearts. Learn how to overcome feelings of inadequacy with these powerful scriptures and practical steps. Don’t miss this uplifting message—read on and share with a friend!

Unworthy of God? Discover His Boundless Mercy ~ Episode 353

Welcome, friends, to a reflection inspired by the latest episode of A Few Minutes with God Podcast! Today, we’re tackling a topic that many of us know well: feeling unworthy of God. If you’ve ever felt like you fall short or wondered if God could possibly love you despite your flaws, this post is for you. Let’s explore the beauty of God’s mercy and how it lifts us up, no matter where we are. If you love this message, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast for weekly encouragement! I also want to remind you to take out your Bible and prayer journal if you have one.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Do You Feel Unworthy of God?

As a Christian, I often wonder if God is frustrated with me. I try to serve Him through prayer and obedience, but let’s be honest—I’m human, and I stumble. Maybe you feel the same way. You want to live for God, but those moments of doubt or failure creep in, making you feel insignificant. The good news? God doesn’t need our perfection; He desires our hearts. His mercy is boundless, and it’s available to us every single day. Praise God for that! Every day is a new day.

There are four powerful scriptures that remind me of God’s love and mercy, even when I feel unworthy, which is often. As I get older I feel less worthy, but the good news is that when this happens I rebuke it in the precious Name of God! The enemy does not want us to think or believe that God is merciful, and often this misinformation creeps in. So, today I’ll share practical ways to embrace His grace and love into your daily life.

Scripture 1: God’s Mercy Is Steadfast

Let’s begin with a verse that shows us the character of the Almighty God. In Psalm 103:8, we read:

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

This verse is a reminder that God isn’t quick to judge or condemn us. Yet He is a merciful and just God. He is there, waiting for us, ready to meet us no matter where we are in our faith walk. Maybe you are just getting started in your faith journey, or maybe you’ve been on this road a long time. Either way, we can feel like we have fallen short. When you feel unworthy, hold onto this truth: God’s love for you is unwavering.

Application: Write down Psalm 103:8 and place it somewhere you’ll see it daily, like your mirror or workspace. Let it remind you of God’s patience and love.

Scripture 2: You Are Valued by God

In my little corner of the world, I sometimes feel so small. But God sees me, and He sees you. Our efforts, no matter how small, matter to Him. Luke 12:7 says:

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

God knows every detail about you. You are never insignificant in His eyes. When feelings of unworthiness creep in, remember that you are precious to Him. I love this verse because it reminds me that we are not only important, but we are seen. That is a big buzzword right now: “feeling seen” and recognized for who we are. But how much more important is it to be the person God created you to be? And how wonderful that God sees us. Sure, we all need to improve, yet He is there waiting.

Application: Take a moment to thank God for His personal love for you. Journal about a time when you felt seen or valued by Him. If you can’t think of anything, thank Him for the gift of life!

Scripture 3: God is Waiting

Can you believe that? God is waiting for you and me? And the best thing is we don’t have to earn His love. The image of the Father running to us, as in the Prodigal Son, or Jesus knocking at the door, waiting for us to invite Him in, reminds us of His relentless love.

A fitting verse is Revelation 3:20

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

This verse beautifully captures the imagery of Jesus, knocking at the door of our hearts, waiting for us to open it. The handle is on our side, symbolizing our free will to invite Him in. God’s love is always there, but He waits for us to respond, to show we care by opening our hearts to Him. When we do, He doesn’t just enter—He comes to dwell with us, sharing an intimate relationship. God is a gentleman. He doesn’t push Himself on us; instead, He is patient and kind.

This scripture reminds us that even when we feel unworthy, God’s arms are open wide. We don’t have to earn His love; we simply need to turn to Him. For more on God’s constant presence, check out my episode Not Abandoned, where I explore how God never leaves us.

Application: Take a moment to pray and ask Jesus to help you open the door of your heart. Journal about what it means to you to know He’s waiting to come in.

Scripture 4: Mercy Brings New Life

Finally, let’s look at Ephesians 2:4-5:

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.”

God’s mercy doesn’t just bring us forgiveness. It gives us new life, a spiritual life of abundance and grace. When you feel like you’ve failed, His grace restores you. This is the heart of the Gospel! God’s love for us is renewed daily and when we are open to it, wonderful things happen.

Application: Each morning, pray a simple prayer of gratitude for God’s mercy. Ask Him to help you live in the freedom of His love.

How to Respond to God’s Mercy

So, how do we live in light of this incredible mercy? For me, it’s through prayer and striving to obey God’s teachings, even when I don’t get it right which is more times than I care to admit. Another verse, 1 John 1:9, offers hope:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This verse is like a reset button. When we mess up, we can come to God, confess our sins, and trust in His forgiveness. Feeling unworthy doesn’t disqualify you from God’s love—it’s an invitation to lean into His mercy. How often? Daily.

Next Steps:

Pray: Spend a few minutes each day thanking God for His mercy. Use my book, A Few Minutes with God, for guided reflections.
Journal: Write about how God’s mercy has shown up in your life. What scriptures encourage you?
Connect: Join our A Few Minutes with God Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/AFewMinutesWithGod) to share prayer requests and praise reports.

More Encouragement from A Few Minutes with God

If this message resonated with you, I invite you to listen to the full podcast episode, Unworthy of God, at ultimateradioshow.com. For more on God’s constant presence, check out these favorite episodes:

Not Abandoned: Discover how God never leaves you, even when you feel far from Him.
Calm in the Storm: Learn how God’s peace sustains you through challenges.

These episodes, along with others at The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, are designed to encourage your faith journey.

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s close with a prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy that never fails. When I feel unworthy, remind me of Your love and forgiveness. Help me to trust in Your grace and live for You each day. Amen.

Thank you for joining me, friends! I pray this post has encouraged you to embrace God’s mercy and let go of feelings of unworthiness. If it blessed you, please share it with a friend and follow us on Instagram. For more resources, visit mediaangels.com.

Call to Action: Subscribe to A Few Minutes with God Podcast on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or your favorite podcast app. Let’s grow in faith together!

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, Bible verses about mercy, Catholic podcast, Christian Encouragement, feeling unworthy, God's mercy, overcoming doubt

Rise and Walk – Sister Briege McKenna, OSC

June 12, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Rise and Walk – Sister Briege McKenna, OSC

In this powerful and humorous episode, Sister Briege McKenna shares her extraordinary journey from a “stubborn as a mule” young nun in Ireland to a world-renowned minister of healing. With her trademark wit and deep spiritual insight, Sister Briege reflects on her 65 years of religious life and the transformative power of saying “yes” to God’s unconventional plans.

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Key Highlights

The Miracle at 24: Sister Briege recounts her instantaneous healing from crippling rheumatoid arthritis during the Eucharist—a moment that changed the trajectory of her life forever.
The Gift of Healing: Discover the “Hound of Heaven” story of how she resisted the gift of healing, fearing it was too sensational, only to have God confirm her calling through a series of undeniable encounters.
Writing Your Own Gospel: Sister Briege challenges every listener to move beyond “remote control” Catholicism. She explains that through our Baptism, we are called to be “walking scriptures,” writing the Gospel according to our own lives.
The Grace of Courage: Reflecting on the theme “Rise and Walk,” she emphasizes that spiritual growth requires the courage to fail, get back up, and trust in God’s infinite patience.
Unique Personalities in Grace: Using the analogy of water filling different shaped bottles, she explains how the Holy Spirit fits into our individual personalities rather than forcing us into a mold.

Memorable Quotes

“Every one of us is supposed to be the walking scriptures of today. We are living in the Acts of the Apostles because we are the apostles.”

“Gifts don’t make you holy… gifts are to bring glory to God, not to yourself.”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Catholic healing ministry, Christian Encouragement, faith and healing, Rise and Walk Conference, Sister Briege McKenna

Pleasing God

June 8, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Pleasing God – Episode 183

Pleasing God is easier than you think! Is there any way that we can be pleasing to God? Is there anything we can do to earn God’s love? Is this something we should even attempt? In this podcast, we will discuss several ways.

Thanks to our sponsor… CTCMath – this is a curriculum company that can help a child to really understand and learn math in a way that will not bog them down! Visit CTCMath.com for a free lesson and pass this on to a friend.

Okay – pleasing God, can you do it? Should you do it? IS this attainable. Pleasing God seems like a formidable task. But the good news is if you do not believe in God is that you can’t.

Hebrews 11: 6 states … And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

So, let’s say for the sake of argument you want to please God … the first place to begin is with your relationship.

When you look at our relationship with God what do you think? If you can stop this audio to think about this for a minute please do… okay so what came to mind as you considered this question?

Maybe you said:

Pleasing God is doing what is right and just.
Pleasing God is not doing anything I want to do.
Pleasing God means having self-control.
Pleasing God is impossible. Or…
Pleasing God is like is like trying to please a parent.

When we talk about faith there is room for feelings and for some of us, we feel like we are a lost cause and swimming against the flow. Here is the thing…

When was the last time you tried to please a parent? As a parent (if you are one) when was the last time your child did something that was pleasing for you?

We don’t think in those terms, do we? We do not act out of respect, or concern or even of love just to please someone we do it just because. If we love someone we want them to be happy, we want to share the love we have for them with time, with gifts or with giving of ourselves. When we love God how do we show the Almighty our love for Him? This may be something you have never considered before because we are so caught up on the Thou Shall Nots instead of the amazing gift of life and freedom that God has given to us.

When we look at the Fall – the Garden of Eden and the beautiful world God created without sin, we only see the sin – we think about that tree – of Good and Evil. God did not want us to suffer, He wanted us to live in paradise. And, we hope and we pray that this is what heaven is – a paradise that has been created for the righteous which can only be justified by the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Christ asks us to turn from sin and to follow Him. That’s it.

That is why Hebrews 11:6 starts by laying the groundwork of faith. Praising God isn’t as hard if our faith is at the center, and with faith comes what? The Holy Spirit is our guide. Not in the new age way of spirit God, please!! Heaven forbid. But in the third person of the Trinity – sent by God – After Jesus rose from the dead and spent time with the various disciples and Mary his mother and Mary Magdelene he rose up to heaven. We read about this in Acts 1-9 [on air]

God sent his Spirit – and this was called Pentecost. Today, we can receive the Holy Spirit into our hearts, in church Sacramentally or in prayer. Again we read about this in 1 John 3:24

We know by the Spirit HE gave us!

When we think about things in our life we can see that pleasing God is not as difficult as we think. Think about the joys of your life. Are you content? Is there an issue in your life if it could be handled or changed that would make you happy? Or how about happier? Of course, in each of our lives, there is something that could add to our happiness. But, the true things that bring us happiness are the things that money can not buy. Buying more things usually brings a short-term happiness, contentment or joy but not long-term!

Romans 8:9

You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

Pleasing God starts with faith and after that, it is way easier than you think – pleasing God is something we want to do – no, we crave doing because of our relationship with HIM – there is an old saying about trying to outgive God, we can’t. It is impossible, the more we give God the more we receive.

Lately, my life has been filled with miracles some big and small – one is a serious surgery we thought my husband would need concerning his spine – not only is the surgery unnecessary, but the doctor’s words were…. Well, you had a serious problem, but your body healed itself. Wow, how does that happen? It is a miracle. And the small things like a toothache and when calling that day, an opening for a dentist appointment was available later in the afternoon. That never happens!

Pleasing God, friends is living our lives and worshiping the creator and it can’t get any better than that!

Let’s pray. Dear Lord thank you for all the blessings and the miracles that surround us each and every day, those we see and those that happen in our lives without us even knowing. I praise you and I thank you and I ask that you help me to be pleasing to my family, my friends, and most of all to you dear God. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. We praise you and are in awe of your gifts. Dear Lord, I ask for the following needs: and I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Magnificat® Proclaims , Episode 17, Elyse O’Kane – Heavenly Melodies through Praise & Worship

June 5, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 17, Elyse O’Kane – Heavenly Melodies through Praise & Worship

Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Elyse O’Kane, a former speech therapist and reading tutor, explains her faith journey. Raised a practicing church-going Catholic, during her college years, Elyse began questioning her faith and attending Mass was no longer a priority, only to return when she was inspired and tended to by a group of ministering women who helped her through a difficult pregnancy and then experienced a miracle.

Elyse has witnessed many miracles in her life. One day, in 1991, a melody inspired by Mother Mary’s Magnificat came to her spontaneously after Mass, and it has since been used in many Magnificat Chapters and churches across the United States. Elyse has continued to compose and write music, including two CDs, “With all my Heart” and “A Time to Heal.” In addition to writing music, she is involved in the ministry of intercessory prayer and healing and enjoys speaking to groups about her faith journey. Elyse is married to her husband, John O’Kane, and they have three grown sons and daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren.

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Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: Magnificat Ministries Presents

From Diagnosis to Deliverance: Testimony of Floredenis Brown

June 5, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

From Diagnosis to Deliverance: Testimony of Floredenis Brown

Principal of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School

In this powerful and high-energy testimony, Floredenis Brown shares her journey of defying the “lies of the enemy” through radical faith. Born with sickle cell anemia and later diagnosed with lupus, Floredenis was told by doctors that higher education was unlikely and motherhood was impossible.

Today, she stands as a wife of 20 years, a mother of two “miracle” boys, and a decorated educational leader holding four degrees. Floredenis recounts her “falling in love” moment with Jesus at a Magnificat luncheon and how that relationship fueled her to navigate high-risk pregnancies, NICU scares, and professional shifts. This episode is a masterclass in replacing panic with prayer and standing on the promises of God when the world says “no.”

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Watch the video presentation.

Key Takeaways

The “Lover of My Soul”: Floredenis describes the pivotal moment she moved from a “sacramental” faith to a personal, charismatic relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Defying Medical Reports: Hear the miraculous story of how she was healed of lupus and how her son—once labeled a “vegetable” by doctors—became a gifted student leader.
The Principle of Multiplication: How God turned a career in public education into a calling to lead and “clean house” in Catholic schools, bringing the Holy Spirit back to the forefront of the classroom.
Faith Over Fear: Practical encouragement on how to maintain peace during “911 moments,” including a chilling story about a school intruder drill and the peace that surpasses understanding.

Notable Quotes

“The devil said I couldn’t have it, but God had His way… I don’t care what diagnosis that doctor gave me. Doctor Jesus said I’m going to be a mommy.”

“I am going to be the Jesus freak of the century because that’s the biggest compliment you could ever give me—that I am in love with the lover of my soul.”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Catholic education, Catholic Testimony, Christian testimony, faith over fear, Floredenis Brown, From Diagnosis to Deliverance, miracle healing, overcoming diagnosis, power of prayer, Rise and Walk Conference 2025

Peace Works Against Fear

June 1, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Remember, peace works against fear, it really does, and we must unite as Christians against the bombardment of fear that permeates our airwaves. Fear is one of the mechanisms that can keep us in bondage. In this podcast, I’ll share how peace works against fear, and in the Name of Jesus, we can be shielded and protected.

Peace Works Against Fear ~ Episode 372

Fear is one of the enemy’s most effective tools to keep us in bondage, but the peace of Christ Jesus shatters its hold. In this episode of A Few Minutes with God, we explore how God’s peace actively works against fear, shielding and protecting us in His holy Name.

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The Influx of Fear in Our Daily Lives

Inboxes and headlines often direct our attention to topics that stir anxiety. Recent years (especially 2021–2023) brought isolation, loss, confusion, and psychological pressure that many still feel today. History will judge this era harshly, yet the daily drip of bad news continues. Bad news sells, but it robs us of peace. Our bodies remain in a constant state of fight-or-flight when we consume fear-driven media.

As Christians, we are called to something greater. Peace is not the absence of trouble—it is the presence of Jesus Christ in our hearts. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and God offers us that perfect peace. Yet, it is easier said than done! Getting the head knowledge down to the heart is another issue altogether. Stress seems to follow me around, and it translates into a feeling of doom when I don’t allow myself the time to pray to attend Mass or, at the very least, thank and praise God.

If you can make a list of your favorite Bible verses that focus on peace. You can refer to this in your prayer journal when you are overwhelmed. If you don’t have a prayer journal, start one today. It doesn’t have to be massive. It can be a small book with a side pen that doesn’t take up much room. I take mine to church to jot down notes and highlight Bible verses I want to read later. This is, once again, a great reference for the times I forget that God is with me. I’ve listed five in my show notes. Use those as a jumping-off point and list five of your own.

Scripture Verses: Peace Works Against Fear

Here are powerful truths from God’s Word to arm you:

1 John 4:18 — “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love.”
John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
Philippians 4:6-7 — “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 27:1 — “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

A list of Bible verses is not empty words—they are living promises. Take them to heart through daily prayer and meditation.

Two Simple Actions This Week to Replace Fear with Peace

Examine Your Routine: Identify what robs you of peace—news feeds, certain conversations, social media, or worries about the future. Replace those triggers with thanksgiving and uplifting content from trusted sources. I have my favorites; once again, make a list of your own.
Seek the Lord Daily: Ask Him each morning to direct your path, fill you with joy, and shield you from fear. Praise and worship lift us into the heavenly realm even in our homes. Try playing Gregorian Chant or sacred music in the background—notice the shift in your spirit.

Thanking the Lord daily for His blessings is a powerful weapon against fear. In this podcast, I’m focusing more on external forces that rob us of our peace and joy.

Why This Matters Today

In a world pushing fear as a constant companion, we can choose the peace that surpasses understanding. I reject the spirit of fear in the precious Name of the Lord, and I can embrace the joy of the Lord! Does that always work to restore my peace and joy? No, but I will fight for it daily. I know that my prayers matter. I know that God hears me. I know, that I know, that I know that He died for me, rose from the dead in three days and is reigning in heaven. This temporary world is a place I can live, but ultimately my goal is heaven. Therefore, I know that while I pray, I must avoid the needless bombardment of fear-mongering and lies, so that I can keep my eyes more fully on Him.

Dear Lord, I pray for those listening today that you fill them with discernment to root out the lies of the enemy, to focus on the ways that the enemy has deceived them, and to give them the strength and fortitude to turn to you in times of need. I come against the spirit of fear in the Name of Jesus and ask You, Lord, to send Your angels to combat it alongside us. And I pray this in Jesus Name. Amen.

Listen to the full episode on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network and share it with someone battling anxiety. God’s peace is available to you right now.

More Encouragement from A Few Minutes with God Podcast

Combating Fear – Practical tools from Scripture to fight fear.
Overcoming Fear – Finding victory in Christ amid uncertainty.
Faith Overcomes Fear – Living boldly through trust in God.
Cure For Fear – Weapons and tools from Almighty God.
Peace of Mind – Restoring calm through prayer and trust.

May the Lord bless you with His unshakable peace. Spend a few minutes with God today—He is waiting. Until next time, walk in faith, not fear.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: 1 John 4:18, a few minutes with god, Bible verses on fear, Catholic encouragement, Catholic podcast fear, Christian podcast anxiety, Christian tools against anxiety, daily prayer for peace, faith over fear, fear and bad news, Felice Gerwitz, fight fear with Scripture, God’s peace, Gregorian Chant peace, Isaiah 41:10 fear not, Jesus shields from fear, John 14:27 peace, overcoming fear with peace, peace of Christ, peace works against fear, perfect love casts out fear, perfect peace RSVCE, Philippians 4:6-7, praise worship overcomes fear, spiritual warfare fear, thanksgiving defeats fear, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Walking in Your Anointing – Janice Charbonnet

May 29, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Walking in Your Anointing – Janice Charbonnet

In this warm and practical session, Janice Charbonnet—a missionary, mother of five, and leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal—shares how to move from a spirit of timidity to a life of “holy swagger.” Drawing on her personal journey from a “Sunday Catholic” to a bold proclaimer of the Gospel, Janice explains that anointing is not about personal talent, but about resting in the Father’s love.

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Janice uses the imagery of “New Shoes” and “The Gaze” to illustrate how we can walk out our unique callings. Whether you are leading a ministry team or serving at a local breakfast, Janice provides actionable tips for staying “in the gaze” of Christ to avoid the trap of self-critical “mirror-gazing.” This episode is a call to put down the magnifying mirror of insecurity and step through the doors of newness God is opening for you.

Watch on Vimeo

Key Takeaways

The Spirit of Aaron: Just as God provided Aaron to speak for Moses, He provides us with the specific graces and “pitch-hitters” we need to overcome our fears.

Humility vs. Timidity: Humility is recognizing that everything good in us comes from God. Timidity is an insecurity that actually hinders the Kingdom.

The Power of Praise: In ministry meetings, Janice advises “hitting the road running” with praise. Praise isn’t a feeling; it’s the vehicle that brings you into the “Throne Room” of the King.

“Papa Said I Can”: Evangelization is simply “one beggar showing another beggar where they found bread.” Your authority to share the Gospel comes directly from your identity as a beloved child of God.

Memorable Quotes

“The timidity and the insecurity have to die, because it’s not serving God and it’s not helping the Kingdom.”

“Put the magnified mirror down and get back in the gaze. Lock eyes with Christ; that’s the only reflection you need.”

Practical Tips for Service Teams

Don’t Dilly-Dally: Start your meetings with immediate, high-energy praise to shift from a “situation room” mentality to a “throne room” reality.
Don’t Sit on Prophecy: In safe environments like team meetings, practice sharing small prophetic nudges. Don’t wait for “perfect” confirmation; help paint the full picture.
Lay Out a Fleece: For big decisions, give the Lord a specific timeframe (e.g., six months) to see if a desire grows or diminishes.
The 60-Second Rule: If a meeting gets stuck on small details, stop everything for one minute of silence to ask, “Lord, what do You want?”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Catholic podcast, christian leadership, Evangelization, faith and courage, Holy Spirit empowerment, holy spirit ministry, identity in Christ, janice charbonnet, overcoming timidity, power of praise, Rise and Walk Conference 2025, Spiritual Growth, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, walking in your anointing

Peacemakers

May 26, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Who are the peacemakers? Are you a peacemaker, and do you find yourself in that role? What does the Holy Bible say? This podcast discusses being a peacemaker and how we can all strive to do our part.

Peacemakers ~ Episode

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

If you look up the word online, you will find that being a peacemaker is not a good thing. In all fairness, this information came from a search using the latest AI technology, artificial intelligence. There have always been computer programs that search for keywords and match websites with the words. However, the latest technology gives a synopsis of what is found in literal seconds, which needs to be corrected. One of the reasons is technology does not have a heart; a human element is missing.

My search showed me that a peacemaker is drawn to those who disagree and are typically worn out or frustrated, and it is a person who does not take care of themselves. While all of that can be correct, making a blanket statement in some people is not always good. It is said that peacemakers are not assertive. How can you be a peacemaker without speaking up and trying to see things from different sides? That requires diplomacy. Sure, not everyone is diplomatic, but it is a gift if you are. I try to see things from both sides outside my family, and the frustration comes when I can not understand an evil motivation. I can not computer things like abortion on demand or late-term abortion. In truth, I can not understand abortion at all, the killing of a life. In some states, legally. As one popular television personality said, he was for abortion. He agreed it was murder, and he said he could live with that thought and urged abortion advocates to embrace that terminology.

Wow. Our world is a place where evil is recognized and allowed. And we should all be okay with it—are you? We must pray, dear friends, because there is good news. The good news is that Jesus reigns now and forever, and evil has no hold over those who profess Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior (if they live holy and, in my case, sacramental lives).

When we discuss the word peace in a religious context, we are talking about a feeling that comes from an action. This can be caused by an action on our part, being in a quiet room, reading a scripture verse, and meditating on the meaning, which comes from God’s grace. However, a peacemaker can refrain from using words that can incite or cause problems or dissension. A peacemaker can see a situation that has gotten out of control and turn it around into one that is diffused, forcing those in disagreement to agree or compromise.

Recently, I watched someone do this effortlessly. This person took a volatile situation filled with misunderstanding and frustration and, in a few sentences, told each of those affected what the other was trying to say diplomatically. I was impressed. It caused me to think and consider the idea of being a peacemaker. Who are those who strive for peace, and how are they rewarded? As the scriptures tell us – we are told, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Wow! I want to be called a child of God.

I have to admit that I have not always been a peacemaker outside my family. It is sometimes easy to get others riled up, and it is under the guise of teasing, just having fun, or trying to make a point. I realized that it did more harm than good, and while I am not being specific here in my examples, I believe we can all look at our own lives and find situations where we could have used our words more effectively and in a way that would do good rather than harm.

Being a peacemaker is a good thing. In the Bible, we have Christ’s wonderful words when he was surrounded by the crowds. The Beatitudes contain words we should read daily (read on air).

These are words we should read daily. I remember reading these words back in my smart-aleck days and thinking, well, I’m no meek or humble; I’m in trouble! Friends, I was laughing at myself here and kidding around, but I had much work to do on my spiritual journey! It has been quite the journey, and the Lord is still working with me—praise you, Jesus!

Being a peacemaker in this world means making a conscious effort to examine your words, what you are saying, and how they impact the lives of others. Words matter. (More on air.)

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Fr. Erik Villa Saturday Homily- The Healing Power of Scars

May 22, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode: 03 Saturday Mass – Healing Power of Scars – Fr. Erik Villa

Title: Saturday Mass: Healing, Scars, and the Gift of Encounter

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This special Saturday liturgy from the Magnificat Conference in Tampa is a profound exploration of healing, fraternity, and the providence of God. The session opens with a moving moment of solidarity as Bishop David Toups invites the assembly to pray for the families in his diocese grieving the victims of recent tragic floods in Texas.

In the homily, Fr. Erick Villa shares a deeply personal “testimony of magnification.” He reflects on his childhood in the Philippines, his 16-year separation from his mother, and the physical scars he carries from his youth. Fr. Erick reframes these marks not as signs of trauma, but as “reminders that the wounds actually healed.” Drawing parallels to the life of Joseph in Genesis, he encourages listeners to see how God intertwines our paths—even through betrayal and displacement—to fulfill a divine plan.

Key Takeaways

Building the Body: Bishop Toups emphasizes the essential nature of the “lay priesthood,” noting that the love of the laity is what strengthens and holies the ordained clergy.
Bitter or Better: Fr. Erick discusses the choice we face when dealing with dysfunctional pasts or family separations. He argues that our experiences can either harden us or prepare us for a unique mission.
The Theology of Scars: Physical and emotional scars are proof of God’s healing power. They serve as a “normalizing” force that proves we have lived, struggled, and been restored.
A “Global” Church: Fr. Erick highlights the beauty of the universal Church, sharing how a Vietnamese seminarian invited a Filipino to minister in the United States.
Proclaiming from the Housetops: A call to live as “tangible expressions of love,” moving from the interior “domestic church” to the public square with boldness.

Scriptures Referenced

Genesis 49-50: The burial of Jacob and Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers (“Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good”).

Matthew 10:24-33: The call to fearlessness and the reminder that we are worth “more than many sparrows.”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Homilies, Shows Tagged With: Bishop David Toups, Catholic Faith, Catholic healing, Catholic homily, Catholic spirituality, Christian testimony, domestic church, emotional healing, forgiveness and healing, Fr. Erik Villa, lay priesthood, Magnificat Conference, overcoming trauma through faith, proclaiming the Gospel, providence of God, spiritual healing, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, universal Church

Combating Fear | A Few Minutes with God Podcast

May 18, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Combating Fear

Podcast # 27

Combating fear is something we all want. Do you worry about things? Join the club – don’t we all? But in this episode I am going to discuss fear, the result of worry and how we, as Christians, armed with the promises of God can combat the fear and turn it to victory!

Thanks to our sponsors, Media Angels, Inc. A Few Minutes with God, The Journey Begins + CTCMath.com

Show Notes: Combating Fear

Fear gets us nowhere. It is a dead-end street that has us walking the same path again and again. It is the place that the enemy would like us to remain in because let’s face it — fear is a bondage. Fear is from the enemy.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Yet, God built us to fear if we sense danger. Fear does in essence help to protect us – if we sense something instinctively it can help us to survive. Fear is natural, it keeps us away from those things that could hurt us or bad choices.

The bible also tells us that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of all understanding,” how do we take that verse? What we fear is the judgment of the Lord. If you are a follower of Christ and want to do His will – you should not fear judgment, but you should remember it as you live your life.

God is our light – He is the guiding beacon in the midst of our fears. We can have the courage to deal with the things that happen in our lives and what that takes is praying to overcome the fear. Prayer and reading Scripture verses and memorizing some can help. Another help is using acronyms to help us.

When speaking about fear in the spiritual sense, when we allow worry to cloud our thoughts and overtake our lives realize we are giving the spirit of fear permission to reside in us. The first step is in renouncing the spirit of fear.

In the Name of Jesus, I come against the spirit of fear and I renounce it – I do not give fear dominion in my life. I break any chains of fear in my life and offer it to you, Lord. Lord, I give you permission to come into my life with joy, the joy that surpasses all understanding and that reigns in the knowledge that you are in control of my life.

Here are some wonderful scriptures to write in your journal under the title of “Combating Fear” and pray, say, and memorize these wonderful scriptures:

1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
Proverbs 29:25: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
Matthew 10:31 “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk in the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.”
Psalm 91:14 – “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
Romans 8:30-31 – “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Psalm 118:6: “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear?”
Luke 1:30: “But the angels said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.”

If you are fearful and have never repented of the spirit of fear, let’s pray! (Prayer at the end of the audio.)

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Exercising Your Gifts – Alicia Hartle

May 15, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Exercising Your Gifts – Alicia Hartle

In this powerful and personal presentation, Alicia Hartle, Executive Director of Pentecost Today USA, invites us to dive into the “deep end” of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from her unique upbringing in the “fire of the renewal” in Pittsburgh, Alicia explores the essential nature of charismatic gifts and the urgent need for every believer to move from stagnant waters to a life that is constantly poured out.

Key Highlights

The Authority of the Gifts: Alicia grounds the exercise of charismatic gifts in the authority of Jesus Christ and the historical tradition of the early Church. She highlights that the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is not a peripheral movement but is formally integrated into the hierarchical structure of the Church.
Stagnant vs. Living Water: Using a poignant metaphor of a pond from her childhood, Alicia warns against receiving sacramental graces without “pouring them out.” To remain spiritually fresh, we must exercise our gifts for the building up of the Church.
Overcoming Barriers: Whether it’s fear of being “undignified,” past experiences with spiritual immaturity, or modern skepticism, Alicia encourages us to bring our lack of desire to the Lord and allow Him to transform it into zeal.
A Call to New Evangelization: Alicia shares moving stories from her ministry, including her journey into Unbound Deliverance Ministry, emphasizing that the world is hungry for the supernatural reality of God’s love.

Memorable Quotes

“Some of these people know Jesus and some of these people do not… This too is our mission field.” — Alicia’s Father

“Why has no one ever told me that I could have a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit like this?”

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: alicia hartle, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, catholic christian conference, catholic podcast episode, Catholic Women Ministry, charismatic gifts, christian evangelization, christian leadership women, christian women conference, exercising spiritual gifts, exercising your gifts, Holy Spirit empowerment, holy spirit gifts, Holy Spirit lifestyle, pentecost today usa, prayer and worship, Rise and Walk Conference 2025, spiritual gifts podcast, supernatural faith, women of faith

Faith Time Capsule

May 11, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

What if you could open a “faith time capsule” and see exactly where your walk with the Lord began, and how far He has brought you? In this uplifting episode, Felice Gerwitz explores the Road to Emmaus, the power of reflection, and the unexpected ways Jesus shows up in our daily lives.

You’ll be encouraged to take inventory of your faith, realign your focus, and trust that God is still writing your story. Perfect for anyone seeking encouragement, renewal, or a deeper appreciation for God’s faithfulness through every season. View many more podcasts on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Faith Time Capsule: Reflecting on Your Faith Journey and Seeing God’s Hand

Introduction: Your Faith Time Capsule

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Have you ever wished you could go back in time and view your faith journey like a time capsule? What would you see? Would you notice big gains, faltering steps, or those quiet moments when God held you securely in the palm of His hand?

Today, I invite and challenge you to pause and reflect. Jesus often comes into our lives in the most unexpected ways, just as He did for the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. They walked right beside the risen Lord and didn’t recognize Him at first. Their eyes were prevented from seeing the obvious until He opened the Scriptures to them.(Luke 24:16)“But their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.”

When we read the Word of God, it enters our hearts in a powerful way, especially when we pray and ask the Lord for His help and guidance. I’ve caught myself reading the Bible or a Scripture passage, and I stop and re-read it again, because I don’t remember what I just read! This often happens if it is a familiar passage. When I stop and reread the passage, it is often impactful!

On the road to Emmaus, once the disciples recognized Jesus, He vanished, they said to one another: (Luke 24:32)

What are we overlooking in our own daily lives? Sometimes the best thing we can do is stop, take inventory, and let the Lord show us what truly matters. And sometimes that means rereading a Scripture passage and taking some time to quiet our hearts and let the words penetrate.

The Road to Emmaus: Eyes Opened to the Unexpected

The disciples had been with Jesus for years, yet they still missed Him in their midst. How often does that happen to us? We rush through our days, focused on projects, tasks, and to-do lists, and fail to see the Lord walking beside us.

God’s presence is not dramatic. He meets us in the ordinary, sometimes in the very place where we feel most stuck. When we slow down and invite Him in, our hearts burn with recognition, just as the disciples’ did.

Taking Inventory: What Are We Overlooking?

After my recent cataract surgery, I was forced to rest. For someone who is always moving from one project to the next, this “rest” felt harder than the procedure itself! Yet in those quiet moments of discomfort and recovery, I learned I wasn’t as patient as I thought. A tiny bit of physical challenge opened my eyes to how truly blessed I have been.

All of a sudden, things looked brighter. I didn’t realize that cataracts, which develop slowly over the years, can dull your vision. Things are whiter, and the world physically looks brighter. It made me consider what else in my spiritual life has been dulled through the years and ways I have been unaware of it. In this way, sin can dull our spiritual lives. When we allow sin to creep in, a small lie here, gossiping about our friend there, our souls become dull.

Instead of reaching for a spiritual book or listening to a spiritual topic, I go for the low fruit, something entertaining instead of challenging. Sometimes I’ll “assign” myself reading material, take an inventory of my bookshelves, pull off two or three books I’ve been meaning to read, and leave them in places where I will see them. This small thing helps me to achieve my goals without overthinking them.

In my downtime, God came to me in ways I would never have noticed if I hadn’t stopped to appreciate the healing process. He reminded me that even small trials can refine us. (James 1:2-4)

What about you? What is important in your life right now? Your focus reveals where your heart is right now, and today is the perfect time to take stock and make changes. Small changes, as I did.

A Personal Lesson in Rest, Healing, and God’s Timing

During recovery, I realized how much I take for granted. Simple things like clear vision unexpectedly became reasons for gratitude. The Lord showed up in those quiet moments of discomfort, teaching me patience and trust in ways I never expected.

Faith doesn’t always increase steadily with age. It grows in different seasons—through joys, trials, surgeries, and ordinary days—when the Lord steps in exactly when we need Him most.

(Philippians 1:6)

(Jeremiah 29:11)

What Matters Most Now? Realigning Your Focus

Take a moment today and ask: “Lord, what do You want me to see?” Seek first His kingdom, and everything else falls into place. (Matthew 6:33)

Favorite Verse: (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When we look back, we see God’s hand guiding us. Even through faltering steps, going against His will and His plans for us. He never abandons us.

Faith Increases in God’s Perfect Timing

The truth is that our faith grows precisely when we need it most. Whether you’re in a season of rest, recovery, or rapid growth, the Lord is there. When I was younger, I entered everything with great zeal and expectation. I can’t say much has changed other than slowing down. I still have great expectations, and you should too! God is there for us, and we can look to the Word of God for this affirmation.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

We walk by faith, not by sight, and yes, this verse takes on a whole new meaning for me now! 2 Corinthians 4:18

Open Your Faith Time Capsule Today

Friends, open your own faith time capsule this week. Look back with gratitude. Look forward with hope. Jesus is walking with you right now, just as He walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We know in our minds and our intellect that God will not forsake us yet we need to see this with our spiritual eyes as well.

Let’s pray together: Heavenly Father, I praise you and I thank you. Thank you is such a weak word for what I feel in my heart. I praise You for every step of my faith journey. Thank you for opening my eyes to see You in the unexpected. Help us to trust Your perfect will and Your perfect timing and allow us to seek Your kingdom first. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Thank you for spending time with me today. If this episode blessed you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your faith journey matters—God is not finished with you or me yet!

For more encouragement on your faith journey, check out these additional episodes from A Few Minutes with God on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

Not Abandoned – https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/not-abandoned/
Trust in God – https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/trust-in-god/
Renew Your Mind – https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/renew-your-mind/
Faith In Action: Living Your Faith Boldly – https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/faith-in-action/
Your God Given Purpose – https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/your-god-given-purpose/

Listen now on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network or your favorite podcast app.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: bible verses, Catholic, Christian, Christian assurance, Christian faith, christian faith encouragement, faith in Christ, Faith Journey, growing in faith, love of God

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Value of Community

May 8, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Janice Charbonnet in sharing personal experiences showing the value of community to growth along the spiritual journey.

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Janice was born and raised in Canada. She worked in various public relations positions across the country, ending with a position as PR coordinator for a Canadian politician. In 1996, she felt called to quit her job and serve as a missionary with NET Ministries, traveling with a team across the US preaching the Gospel to teenagers.

After a life-changing encounter with the writings of Pope John Paul II, the Holy Spirit put a passion deep in her heart for ministering to women.

She serves on the women‘s team for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans, speaks at marriage retreats with her husband, Jean, and loves to draw from her life as a mother of five children when teaching and preaching. She lives outside New Orleans, LA. She preaches freedom in the power of the Holy Spirit! Psalm 18:20 “He sent me free in the open; He rescued me because He loves me.”

About Magnificat

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: catholic spiritual growth, catholic women fellowship, Catholic women podcast, christian women community, Holy Spirit lifestyle, janice charbonnet, Magnificat Ministry, prayer and holiness, scripture and faith, women following Jesus

Dr. Carol Razza- Prayer Meeting

May 8, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode 03 – Dr. Carol Razza – Prayer Meeting

In this powerful session, Dr. Carol Razza—international evangelist, author, and retired professor at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary—leads a traditional prayer meeting centered on reclaiming our identity as children of God. Moving beyond the “counseling session” model, Dr. Razza refocuses the gathering on pure worship, teaching that when we prioritize Jesus, our burdens and brokenness naturally fall away. She challenges the “spectator” mentality and calls every believer to step into a life of supernatural fruitfulness.

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Key Takeaways

What a Prayer Meeting Is (and Isn’t): A prayer meeting is for Jesus, not for us. It is a time for praise, worship, and building up the Body of Christ—not a therapy or discussion group.
The Power of Identity: We are “1 in 600 billion.” Dr. Razza emphasizes that understanding our identity as sons and daughters of the Most High is the only way to live an abundant life. Without this, we praise God through our wounds rather than the truth.
Supernatural DNA: As baptized Christians, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. Our “natural” state should be the “supernatural.”
Spiritual Fruitfulness: Based on Genesis 1:28 and Matthew 25, we are created for increase. Dr. Razza argues that passivity is not an option; we must use our God-given gifts to glorify Him and expand the Kingdom.
Praying for the Priesthood: A call to action for the laity to pray for priests and seminarians to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, empowering them to lead the Church into “the deep.”

Scripture References

Joshua 3:4-5: “You have not passed this way before… Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
John 20:21-22: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
Galatians 5:22-23: The Fruits of the Spirit.
John 15:16: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.”

About Dr. Carol Razza

Dr. Carol Razza is a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience and a long-time faculty member at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. She is the author of SONblock and Parent Me, Please, and serves on the advisory team for the International Magnificat Ministry.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Catholic evangelism, Christian Encouragement, Christian Podcast, Christian worship, Dr. Carol Razza, fruits of the Spirit, Holy Spirit, identity in Christ, Magnificat Ministry, prayer and intercession, Prayer Meeting, Rise and Walk Conference 2025, Spiritual Growth, supernatural faith, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Strengthening Your Faith

May 4, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Many people exercise their bodies but not their souls. Strengthening your faith takes time and effort, similar to getting into physical shape. In this podcast we explore ways to enhance your faith journey.

Strengthening Your Faith ~ Episode 370

Welcome back to A Few Minutes with God Podcast! In a recent episode, we explored how to put our faith into action—living it out through love, service, and sharing the Good News.

Today, Episode 370 dives deeper into Strengthening Your Faith. How do we build a faith that is not only active but also deep, resilient, and unshakable? That is the vital question we should ask ourselves.

Faith is like a muscle—it grows stronger with use, yet it also requires daily nourishment and spiritual discipline. Whether your faith has wavered in difficult seasons or you long to draw closer to Christ, strengthening your faith is a lifelong journey that equips you to live out His call with courage and joy.

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The Foundation of Faith: Assurance in the Unseen

Scripture gives us the very definition of faith. In Hebrews 11:1 (RSVCE), we read: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse shows us that our trust in God’s promises is important even when the path ahead is hidden. True faith is not blind; it is rooted in the living God who never fails. Read the entire chapter of Hebrews 11; it recaps the faith throughout Biblical history, with Enoch and Abraham as examples for us. The idea of faith isn’t new, and sadly, the faith placed in politicians, athletes, or actors is a distraction.

Deepening Your Faith Through Prayer

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen faith is through prayer—not just a list of requests, but a heartfelt conversation with the Lord. Prayer draws us into His presence and reminds us He is always near. Taking the time, just a few minutes (or longer) a day, exercises your spiritual muscle.

I remember a spiritually dry season when life felt overwhelming, and my prayers became routine. Through an inspiration which I can only attribute to the Holy Spirit, I committed to just five quiet minutes each morning, sitting with God and listening. No fanfare, no charts or books, or a checklist of what I expected to happen. Just a blank journal, a Bible, and time. Over a period of dedicated time, His peace filled my heart. As Philippians 4:6-7 (RSVCE) encourages: “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Illuminating Your Path with God’s Word

Another essential key is immersing ourselves in Scripture. Psalm 119:105 (RSVCE) declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Even one verse a day can transform our outlook. Try reading the Gospel of John slowly—one chapter daily—asking the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. The Bible is God’s living Word that reveals His truth, love, and perfect plan. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (RSVCE) reminds us: “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Consider these words. They are not just “nice” or “encouraging, they are true! God’s Word is a lamp; all scripture is inspired! God is here today just for you and for me. He is here waiting for us to give Him the time He rightly deserves.

Growing Stronger in Community

We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Surrounding yourself with fellow believers—through your parish, a Bible study, or a prayer group—builds encouragement and accountability. I once joined a small faith-sharing group at my parish, and hearing others’ stories of struggle and victory inspired me to persevere. I’ve recently joined another monthly prayer group, and it, too, has encouraged me to grow in faith.

Proverbs 27:17 (RSVCE) tells us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Even more beautifully (if that is possible), Hebrews 10:24-25 (RSVCE) urges: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.”

Faith isn’t exclusive. It isn’t faith or works, but both together. One is the manifestation of the other, and while both have value, only through Christ are they redemptive. Being alone with the Lord is also valuable, but encouragement from others of faith is what often keeps us strong.

Trusting God Through Trials and Tribulations

Strengthening faith also means trusting God amid life’s storms. Doubts may arise when circumstances turn difficult, yet our Lord is never surprised by our trials. As I reflected on Maria Vadia’s inspiring book Healing is For You!, I was reminded that true healing—especially spiritual healing—flows from a relationship with Jesus, not from visible signs alone. Her book, every other sentence, almost, has a scripture verse that proves her point. It is a call from the Lord to be healed inside and outside.

As frail humans, we can fall into conditional faith, but God calls us to deeper trust. The “prosperity gospel” that promises health and wealth if we believe hard enough misses the heart of the Gospel. Jesus taught the narrow road: “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13-14 RSVCE).

Trials produce endurance. James 1:2-4 (RSVCE) beautifully explains: “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Spiritual Endurance: Running the Race of Faith

Watching my son, who recently visited, run four to six miles in the hot, humid Florida mornings reminded me of spiritual discipline. He runs for his health, his job, and his goals—not because it feels easy, but because the results are worth it. The same is true for us. Life demands endurance, yet we often choose scrolling or entertainment over the challenge that deepens our faith.

God calls us to run with perseverance. Hebrews 12:1-2 (RSVCE) invites: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

Strengthening your faith is not a one-time event but a daily choice to pray, immerse yourself in Scripture, walk in community, and trust God through every trial. Like a well-trained runner, you will face discomfort, yet the reward—deeper intimacy with Christ, unshakeable peace, and eternal inheritance—far surpasses any hardship. May you run this race with courage, knowing Jesus walks beside you, equipping you every step of the way. Your faith, strengthened by grace, will become a beacon of hope for a world in need of the Savior.

Amen!

For more encouragement on growing in faith, check out these related episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

Thank you for listening and sharing this episode! Visit AFewMinuteswithGodPodcast.com for show notes, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, Christian Podcast, faith, prayer and scripture, Spiritual Growth, strengthening your faith

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 16, Judy Zelden – The Power of Faith and Prayer

May 1, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 16, Judy Zelden – The Power of Faith and Prayer

Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Judy Zelden, wife of Mike Zelden, is a mother of three and grandmother of nine.

She helped found Magnificat in 1981, moved with her family to Baton Rouge in 1983, and served as a guidance counselor at Catholic schools. Judy returned to Magnificat’s Central Service Team (CST) from 1991 to 2008 and has since been on the CST Advisory Team. She authored a women’s Bible study called Woman, Called By Name which debuted in 2015 and released another Bible study in 2021, “Woman, Called and Sent for Such a Time As This.” Both studies received an imprimatur and were featured in popular webinars.

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Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: catholic podcast episode, Catholic Women Ministry, christian testimony podcast, holy spirit faith, judy zelden, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Proclaims, power of faith and prayer, prayer life encouragement, spiritual growth testimony, women bible study christian

Christian Unity (Replay)

April 27, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Christian Unity ~ Uniting God’s People

Episode 310: Exploring Christian Unity based on Ephesians 4:1-6

How can we have Christian unity when we can’t even get along with those we live with and love? The same goes for world peace. How can we expect World Peace when we argue with our spouse or friends? If we can’t get along with those we like, how can we find common ground among various nations? Our world is falling apart, friends. Right before our eyes, today is the day to pray like never before.

Thanks to CTCMath.com for sponsoring this episode. CTC is a math curriculum found online for grades K-12.

Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. (Psalm 118:24) So we begin with praise, rejoicing in the day and giving God all the glory. As I’ve shared many times on this podcast, we praise God and thank Him even in the midst of trial and adversity. Things are falling apart all around us, and we praise God. One of the reasons is because, yes, God is worthy of praise. The other is because it helps remind us that we are not in this alone. Even if you are driving by yourself, taking a walk, or at your home alone, God is with you.

Once we have praised God, we put on God’s armor. Ephesians 6:10-18. Don’t just read it, pray it. Slowly and with meaning. We ask the Lord for protection against evil one. Why? Because he is the disrupter and the one who causes the division. This began in the Garden and continues today.

Christian Unity Starts Here:

Where does Christian unity begin? It begins with me—right here, right now. It doesn’t start with my neighbor, my friend, or my spouse. I don’t stop to pick up the phone and say, “Hey, you really need to get with it and be united.” It won’t work. For there to be peace, it starts with me. Mother Teresa famously said this about peace: “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”

So, it starts with me: what can I do and how can I do it?

A friend posted an article from a website, and I am posting the link here. The topic is the importance of Christian Unity. It goes on to explain the importance of doing our part (with the help of the Holy Spirit) to not be the cause of division, which means to guard us against temptation, guarding our mouths and what we say, and, more importantly, your social media posts.

When I read the title of the article, I was convicted to watch my words, especially among my family and friends.

As I write this, we are currently in an election cycle, and it can be horrible to read what people say and watch neighbors and friends become enemies. I lost friends during the last election cycle because I would not engage in conversation or be swayed by the beliefs of those who contacted me. They “unfriended” me on Facebook which truthfully hurt my feelings tremendously. In retrospect, while I had many champions for my cause, and the majority of friends agreed with me, I found that those who did not were steeped in a way of thinking I could not identify or understand. I am steeped in prayer this election cycle, making an effort to set aside time daily for our country and the disunity. And for the disunity in our world as well, with countless wars!

Jesus wants us united, yet He is well aware that the evil one is trying to wreck our lives. We read of this in

Ephesians 4:1-6 (read on air).

We are called to be “forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” How can we do this? There is only one way, with an infilling and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is something like this, “Dear Holy Spirit, come and fill me with to overflowing with your love, your peace, and your joy. Please fill me with love for my children and my spouse (name anyone close to you here). Fill me with love and compassion for those who I don’t like, and I don’t care to know. Help me to be faithful to you, my Lord, and help me never to be parted from unity with You. Holy Spirit, come.”

Create your own prayer or version of asking the Holy Spirit for help bringing unity and peace to your life and the lives of others.

The only way for us to have Christian unity is to pray and ask God for a deeper desire for peace in our hearts. Another thing the article said that resonated with me was to ask the Lord to keep us away from “every temptation of the enemy to rip us apart.” These are very wise words. We must avoid the temptation to get in the last word or to say something that might be considered funny yet hurtful. We must rally the troops and let your family and friends know what you are doing. This is not bragging (oh, look at me praying here); this is explaining a way of thinking that I believe most Christians will rally around and unite.

God loves us; He loves this fallen humanity of which we are a part, and He knows our needs before we even ask. Yet ask we must today. Begin now. Ask the Lord for peace and unity, and let it begin with me. May you be blessed now and forever.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Mind of Christ and Psychology

April 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The Mind of Christ and Psychology

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Kim joins Angela, Jackie, and Pat in discussing the Mind of Christ and Psychology. The panel will explore how to know the mind of Christ vs our own minds as we discern the will of God, consolation vs desolation, and the importance of spiritual direction and professional psychological healing service.

Listen to additional Some Women Podcast episodes.

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As a Director of the Brain Fitness Center in Orange County, California, Dr. Elizabeth Kim’s multi-ethnic, dynamic practice as a licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and a board-certified Neurofeedback practitioner, is the perfect setting for her vast experience in the healing arts which she places under the Lordship of Jesus, the Healer.

Elizabeth received a miraculous healing after the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and 54 Day Rosary Novena. In experiencing Abba Father’s tremendous love pouring into her heart and encountering The Living Jesus, she had a radical conversion. This began the most profound and meaningful journey of transformation of a whole person in the grace of the Most Holy Trinity.

Dr. Kim has served the Church in various positions including Youth and Healing Ministry, Prayer Team Ministry, as a member of the Board of Directors for SCRC (Southern California Renewal Communities), and as a speaker at conferences. Her love and zeal for spreading the Good News brought her to speaking at numerous Magnificat Chapter Meals. Her testimony has aired on EWTN Radio. She appeared on EWTN TV’s Women of Grace featuring “Magnificat Proclaims”. Presently, she is a coordinator for the Orange County Chapter of Magnificat Ministry.

“What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35, 37)

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: biblical mindset, Catholic podcast, Catholic women podcast, Christian growth and transformation, Christian healing, Christian psychology, consolation vs desolation, emotional healing through faith, faith and psychology, healing through Jesus, Holy Spirit transformation, Magnificat Ministry, mental health and Christianity, mind of Christ, overcoming anxiety with faith, psychology and faith integration, renewing your mind, Scripture and mental health, spiritual direction, spiritual discernment

Homilies: Episode 03 Friday- Mass Bishop Gregory Parkes, Presider

April 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode 03 Friday- Mass Bishop Gregory Parkes, Presider

In this spiritually uplifting episode, we join the Magnificat Ministry for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Gregory Parkes. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes welcomes attendees and offers a profound reflection on the Feast of Saint Benedict of Nursia.

The episode explores the intersection of ancient monastic wisdom and modern spiritual life, emphasizing how the Holy Spirit guides us through “dark periods” of history and personal turmoil. Bishop Parkes reminds us that holiness is not reserved for the few, but is a daily calling for every believer.

Listen to additional Homilies.

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Takeaway

“The Holy Spirit wants to make us Saints in the middle of our daily life… May the Spirit form in each of us a little monastery—a place where Christ is loved, where peace dwells, and where holiness grows.”

Key Highlights & Themes

A Father’s Blessing: Bishop Parkes welcomes the Magnificat Ministry and its founder, Marilyn Quirk, acknowledging the global “fruitfulness” of this apostolate.
The Legacy of Saint Benedict: A look at the “Father of Western Monasticism” and how his response to a crumbling Roman Empire provides a blueprint for finding peace in today’s noisy world.
Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work): Understanding the Benedictine balance. Bishop Parkes discusses how to integrate a “rhythm of holiness” into our daily chores, schedules, and relationships.
The Power of Silence: Why silence is not an “emptiness” but a “sacred space.” The Bishop challenges listeners to reclaim quiet moments to hear the “whisper of God” amidst the distractions of social media and modern anxiety.
Walking with Mary: A reflection on our Blessed Mother as the ultimate model of Benedictine stability—listening, obeying, and treasuring the Word in her heart.

Scripture References

Genesis 46: Jacob’s migration to Egypt and his emotional reunion with Joseph.
Matthew 10: Jesus’ instruction to the Apostles to be “shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” in the face of persecution.

Magnificat® Ministry

Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Rise & Walk Homilies, Shows Tagged With: Benedictine spirituality, Bishop Gregory Parkes, Blessed Mother Mary, Catholic faith formation, Catholic homily, Catholic inspiration, Catholic podcast, Catholic teaching, Christian living, Diocese of St Petersburg, Eucharistic celebration, Feast of Saint Benedict, Friday Mass, holiness in daily life, Holy Eucharist, Holy Spirit guidance, Magnificat Ministry, Marian devotion, Ora et Labora, prayer and work, Saint Benedict of Nursia, silence and prayer, Spiritual Growth

God First (Special Replay)

April 20, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

God First – Episode 226

When was the last time you put God first? Is God in your first thought of the day? No? How about the last thought? The struggle is real especially when life is overwhelming and seems to get in the way. Join Felice Gerwitz as she shares how she puts God first and the way she accomplishes this daily.

Our wonderful sponsor who helps bring this network to you for free, visit CTCMath.com for a great math curriculum for grades K-12

An elderly friend once shared that as she grew older, her understanding and awareness of her sinfulness increased. This self-awareness should not be limited to age, but due to the nature of most of our lifestyles, this unfortunately is the norm.

If we take time to reflect we will all realize we fall short. Yes, it is difficult to admit but true. We all have shortcomings but the way we handle them is the difference between living a life for God or against Him because somewhere in the middle does not count. The Scriptures remind us that G0d will spew us out of his mouth! In fact Revelations, 3 verses 15-22 will give you so much to unpack. There are five main themes that we hear in entire sermons based on this scripture. First let me share it with you. (Read on air.)

Unpacking Revelations 3 -A Few Points

Lukewarm faith
Don’t need God – own ability
Refined by fire
Repent
God knocking at the door
Ability to hear God’s Word

Let me read the verses in Revelations 3:15-22 (Read on air.)

Lukewarm faith – going through the motions. There is a song that really resonated with me for some time, the song’s title is The Motions by Matthew West. This was a song that hit hard because one of the lines says: (read onair.)

Matthew West was quoted as saying “The song is about complacency and a desire to “break free from the average, ordinary, lukewarm Christian life” – and that is what we need to do, break free of complacency. The thought is there is always tomorrow to pray, to read the Bible to attend church. But the saying goes that today is the “first day” of the rest of your life. We should look at each day as an opportunity not only to grow closer to God but to ask the Lord how to best serve Him.

Is this true of you? Don’t need God – own ability. There is a popular saying, “we make our own luck,” and I think I have always hated that phrase because to me it means I don’t need God. Yes, we should work hard, strive to do the best we can, get up and get going and not wait for handouts. However, we need God in the same way that we need air to breathe. That too is a Christian song, you may know it by its title “Breathe” (The Air I Breathe), and the original author Marie Barnett didn’t even mean to sing the lyrics (as a song leader) but was led to sing it spontaneously in church one Sunday. *You can read here story here. It made it to a Vinyard’s album and later was recorded by many artists such as Michael W. Smith. The words go like this (read on air). (Lyrics here.) Without God we would not even have air to breathe, so all the glory and honor go to Him! (Read Onair.)

Refined by fire – Interesting the Scripture states – counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich – we are refined by fire but usually, that is a painful process and if we do not learn anything from the pain we will suffer again and again. In order to be rich we must learn from this refinement and praise God in all things, even those hardships.

Repent – The obvious here is to ask the Lord for forgiveness, but I want to take it one step further… we stay away from deepening our relationship with the Lord and putting God first when we are in sin. Like Adam and Eve were afraid to show their faces to the Lord, because of their sinfulness and their lack of repentance at that point, so too we are afraid of the justification for our sins. For every sin, there must be a payment. And sin, unfortunately, affects us all not only the person in sin.

God knocking at the door – We have discussed this in many other podcasts and it calls to mind a photo I have of the Lord knocking at the door, but the handle is on my side. God is the Almighty and can do anything, but God wants our hearts only when we give it to Him willingly. Unbelievers will say that religion is forced and there are all these rules and hoops to jump through — however, God has given us free will for a reason and a choice to follow Him, to let Him, to put God first or not.

Ability to hear God’s Word – recently in a prayer ministry meeting a friend recounted a story and said over and over again, “But I told this person specifically…” and she said this more than one time. It is interesting that we can talk to people and they do not hear or comprehend what we say even when we think it is crystal clear. The same with God’s word. It is crystal clear if we have our minds and hearts open to putting Him first.

There is so much more to unpack in those few lines of Scripture and I urge you and challenge you this week to meditate upon the words and make a plan, today to put God first in your life and to get yourself out of complacency and fire for the Lord, the Creator of Heaven and Earth! May God bless us today and always.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Episode: 03 – Maria Vadia- Rise Up, Dry Bones

April 17, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode: 03 – Maria Vadia- Rise Up, Dry Bones

In this high-energy and prophetic session, renowned author and speaker Maria Vadia delivers a stirring call to the “Pew Potatoes” of the Church to wake up and embrace their identity as a “Kingdom of Priests.”

Drawing from the powerful imagery of Ezekiel 37, Maria explores the valley of dry bones—a humanly impossible situation—and demonstrates how the Word of God and the Holy Spirit can bring dead things back to life.

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Maria shares her radical transformation from a materialistic “Sunday Catholic” to a missionary traveling to over 30 nations.

With her signature wit and boldness, she challenges listeners to stop acting like “orphans” and start living as sons and daughters of the King, equipped with the dunamis (miraculous power) of the Holy Spirit to heal the sick, cast out demons, and even raise the dead.

Key Takeaways

The Power of the Tongue: We carry the power of life and death in our speech. Maria reminds us that the Kingdom is “voice-activated”—we must stop grumbling and start prophesying the Word.
Renewing the Mind: While our spirits are reborn at baptism, our minds must be manually “reset” through Scripture to dismantle the “House of Lies” built by the enemy.
Normal Christianity: Miracles, signs, and wonders aren’t just for the saints of old; they are the standard credentials for every believer today.
A New Perspective: We are seated in “heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6). When we look down from the throne room, every problem is under our feet.

Memorable Quotes

“The Lord never intended to leave behind a church that looked like an audience.”

“I’m a weird specimen of a Catholic… because I’m doing what Jesus told us to do.”

Resources Mentioned

Books by Maria Vadia: Firepower, There is Power in Your Tongue, Healing is for You, and No More Orphans.
Ministries: The Glory of God Foundation, Glory House of Miami.
Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 37 (The Valley of Dry Bones), Acts 2 (Pentecost), and John 14:12.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: biblical teaching, Catholic inspiration, Catholic speaker, Catholic talk, charismatic renewal, Christian Podcast, dunamis power, Ezekiel 37, faith revival, healing ministry, Holy Spirit, identity in Christ, Kingdom of Priests, living in the Spirit, Maria Vadia, miracles signs and wonders, power of the tongue, prophetic message, renewing the mind, Rise Up Dry Bones, sons and daughters of God, spiritual awakening, spiritual transformation, valley of dry bones

God’s Love is Sufficient (Replay)

April 13, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

God’s Love Is Sufficient – Episode 182

Uncertainty surrounds our lives yet with God we know that His love is sufficient for all of our needs. In this podcast, learn how you can live a life that is free from worry, stress, and anger.

Thanks to our sponsor CTCMath for all of your children’s (grandchildren or friends and neighbors) math needs. Check out CTCMath.com for more information.

If you know your scriptures you are probably thinking – why is she talking about God’s love being sufficient when the scriptures say, my grace is sufficient: Read: 2 Corinthians 12:9

God’s grace is his love and his forgiveness – it is empowerment by the Holy Spirit that makes us strong in, as the scriptures say our time of weakness. Seriously God’s grace and love is sufficient? Really? When are we weak? When are we scared? When we have infirmities – illnesses?

God’s Love IS Sufficient

No one thinks their life is ideal. But if I asked you to take some time to design your ideal life what would be included? Would it be a house on the beach, listening to the waves crashing on the seashore? Or would it be a mountain retreat? What about an unlimited bank fund or maybe good health and happiness in your family? Each of our lists would be very, very long. But for most one of the missing elements is a relationship with God. Our ideal life surrounds our health and welfare, our temporal or temporary needs. We are often more interested in taking care of today, the right now rather than the forever.

We hold on tight to the things that don’t matter in the end.

An ideal life is free from worry, stress, anger, and heartache, to be free from illness … and the only way for this to happen is to have confidence in Almighty God. A stress-free – worry-free life is almost unimaginable. In fact, it is a difficult concept to grasp. Yet God’s love is all we need to live a life that is fulfilling.

This may be again, easier said than done. God is the God of Creation – He is after all the Creator God. Before original sin our lives would have been more astounding than our greatest dreams. One of the things that our first parents shared with the Creator was the gift of communication with Him. Communication is a form of relationship – communion is beyond speech, it is beyond what we can explain with words. This is what was recovered by the life – the example Christ gave to us, His death for redemption and the resurrection. The miracle. God is the only one who can restore us. This communion with God takes us to a level where we can let go of the things of this world. As a Catholic, I believe Holy Communion is the key because it is healing.

Recently we had a medical scare concerning my husband. We thought he might need surgery on his back – the neck region… and we know how back surgery can be – it can be great or the worse nightmares can happen. Well after months and months of tests, MRI, more scans, and even some he still has to go to later this month, we are at peace. The neuro-surgeon basically said my husband had a major issue but that his body had repaired itself, and the vertebrae he would have had to fuse in surgery was already done for him! What a miracle! What a gift from God.

It also turned out – which shows God’s sense of humor, that the surgeon and I chatted about his hometown which is also my hometown (I’m one of these people who read a doctor’s bio on their website), and it turns out he knew me, and I was his teacher in the 4^th grade when I was a college student and student-teaching in his classroom. Of course, I was blown away, and we laughed about the chances of meeting up again.

God is amazing and in this life, we can either praise God for all things – those we are scared and uncertain about and those things that are truly happy and amazing blessings in our life. God cares in everything we do even if we think that only bad things happen.

We are called to love God and realize that His grace and His love are all we need, but without a relationship, we cannot love someone we do not know. How do we know someone? We communicate with each other. Some may feel speaking to God is a one-way street. We talk, He listens. We hear nothing back. This takes practice and it takes the Holy Spirit. Have you availed yourself to the Holy Spirit? I attended what is called a Life in the Spirit Seminar in the 1990s and this changed my life. Here I learned that God not only wanted a personal relationship with me but that He wanted to pour His Spirit into my life in a way that I could experience, more fully what it means to be a Christian. People talk about finding faith and the honeymoon period. That is a period when they can’t get enough of reading the Bible or spending time in prayer or just meditating on the goodness of the Lord. They are so excited to share their faith and everything that God has done in their life with anyone – and I mean anyone who will listen.

The Holy Spirit allows Scriptures to become alive. When we read about Jesus healing the Lepers we think about this in terms of being there on the side roads and watching this take place. We feel the elation of those healed and we want to shout from the rooftops – God is a God of miracles. Everything else pales by comparison. We also realize that the things of this world are fleeting.

Sure we need money to live, to buy food, to pay for our bills – but that is not enough for most. Everyone has big dreams that include bigger homes, cars, and vacations, and a bigger, deeper relationship with the Lord is not necessarily high up on the list.

No wonder we are depressed, defeated, and feeling like no one cares or listens to what we have to say. So what can we do? Put aside all of our world aspirations – of course not, but maybe intersperse them with other goals and focuses.

First, when you read Scripture always pray to the Holy Spirit for the gift of knowledge, and ask that the Lord allows you to see the parts that really speak to you. Our lives have a way of refining all of the impurities and all of the things we need to release, but our strength is in that grace from God and that Knowledge that God’s love is all we need.

Let’s Pray – Dear Lord we thank you for all of the miracles in our lives for those things we see and for all of those things that are unseen. I praise you for the grace you give us and that is indeed sufficient and I thank you for the love you give for that is sufficient as well. I ask you Lord to bless those I pray for now and provide for all of their needs.. and I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Homilies: Episode 2- Face to Face with Jesus- Fr. Michael Voithofer

April 13, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode 01 Face to Face with Jesus Fr. Michael Voithofer

In this high-energy opening session, Fr. Michael Voithofer challenges listeners to move beyond merely “living” to becoming truly alive in the Holy Spirit. Drawing from his journey as a priest and his ministry, Ablaze, Fr. Michael explores the transformative power of the Ruah (the Breath of God) and the necessity of a “mental renewal” to align our souls with the reality of our identity in Christ.

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He dives deep into the concept of Present Moment Living, arguing that we cannot access the Kingdom of God if we are tethered to the guilt of the past or the anxiety of the future. Through a blend of humor, scripture, and raw exhortation, this session serves as a prophetic call to stop living as “orphans” and start living as beloved sons and daughters.

Key Takeaways

Living vs. Being Alive: There is a fundamental difference between biological existence and the supernatural life found in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The “Already” vs. the “Not Yet”: We often focus on our flaws (the not yet) rather than the finished work of the cross (the already). Faith means believing how God sees us right now.
Identity Over Performance: You cannot serve well if you are constantly checking your “adoption status” with God. We must live from God’s love, not for it.
The Danger of Self-Reliance: Fr. Michael identifies self-reliance as a “primary sin” that numbs us to the Kingdom and traps us in an “orphan” mindset.
The Power of the Gaze: Like Peter walking on water, our ability to do the impossible depends entirely on locking eyes with Jesus and receiving the Father’s affection.

Scriptures Referenced

Genesis 2:7: The Lord breathing the Ruah into man.
John 8:36: “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”
Philippians 3 & Romans 8: Leaving the past behind to strive for what lies ahead.
Matthew 10:8: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Rise & Walk Homilies, Shows Tagged With: becoming alive in Christ, Catholic homily, Catholic inspiration, Catholic teaching, charismatic renewal, Christian Encouragement, Christian Podcast, discipleship, faith awakening, Faith Journey, Fr. Michael Voithofer, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit empowerment, living in the Spirit, Magnificat Ministry, prayer life, renewal in the Spirit, Spiritual Growth, spiritual transformation

The Mind of Christ in Scripture: How to Renew Your Thoughts Biblically

April 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

What does it really mean to have the mind of Christ—and how do we actually live it out in everyday life?

In this episode of Some Women, host Angela Rizzo is joined by Pat Higginbotham, Jackie France, and guest Judy Zeldin to explore how Scripture transforms our thinking, renews our minds, and equips us to resist fear, anxiety, and spiritual attack.

Together, they unpack how aligning our thoughts with God’s Word leads to peace, clarity, and deeper trust in Him.

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Key Takeaways

The mind of Christ is countercultural—it challenges worldly thinking and priorities
Scripture is essential for renewing your mind and transforming your life
You can take every thought captive and align it with God’s truth
Fear, worry, and anxiety often stem from false beliefs or lack of trust
God’s Word is not just helpful—it is powerful, active, and effective in spiritual battles

What Is the “Mind of Christ”?

The mind of Christ means thinking, responding, and perceiving life the way Jesus does.

According to Scripture, this involves:

Surrendering your thoughts to God
Rejecting lies and replacing them with truth
Living in humility, trust, and obedience
Allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your thinking

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2

Practical Ways to Develop the Mind of Christ

1. Study Scripture Daily

There is no substitute for knowing God’s Word. It shapes how you think and respond.

2. Take Thoughts Captive

Not every thought is from you—or from God. Learn to identify and reject lies.

3. Replace Lies with Truth

Don’t just remove negative thinking—fill that space with Scripture.

4. Pray with Scripture

Use God’s Word in prayer, especially when facing fear or anxiety.

5. Build a Relationship with God

Transformation isn’t a formula—it’s the result of a growing relationship with Him.

Spiritual Battle: The Battlefield of the Mind

This episode highlights a powerful truth:

The mind is the primary battlefield of spiritual warfare.

The enemy uses fear, condemnation, and doubt
God equips us with truth, peace, and authority through Scripture

“Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.”

Old Testament vs. New Testament: Why Both Matter

The Old Testament reveals God’s character and foreshadows Christ
The New Testament fulfills those promises through Jesus

Together, they provide a complete picture of how God thinks—and how we should think.

Featured Guest

Judy Zeldin

Original Magnificat Service Team member (since 1981)
Former guidance counselor
Author of two approved Catholic Bible studies
Longtime teacher and speaker in women’s ministry

Final Encouragement

Renewing your mind is a process, not a one-time event.

The more you immerse yourself in Scripture and relationship with God, the more your thoughts—and your life—will begin to reflect Christ.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Bible Study, biblical thinking, Catholic teaching, Christian Encouragement, Christian Podcast, faith and mindset, Magnificat Ministry, mind of Christ, overcoming fear, renewing your mind, Scripture study, Spiritual Growth, spiritual warfare, taking thoughts captive, trust God

Homilies, Episode 01- Homilist: Fr. Connor Penn Finding Peace in the Pit

April 7, 2026 by Magnificat Ministry Leave a Comment

Episode 01- Homilist: Fr. Connor Penn

In this moving homily, Fr. Connor Penn explores the profound life of Joseph from the Book of Genesis, drawing a powerful map for finding divine peace in the midst of betrayal, injustice, and personal tragedy. Whether you are facing family resentment or circumstances beyond your control, this episode is a reminder that the “cross” is never the end of your story—the Resurrection is.

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Key Takeaways

The “Joseph Lesson”: Joseph had every right to seek vengeance against the brothers who sold him into slavery. Instead, he chose to see God’s hand in his suffering, famously stating, “It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you.”

The Story Behind “It Is Well”: Fr. Connor shares the heartbreaking origins of the famous hymn written by Horatio Spafford in 1873 following the loss of his five children and his fortune.

Renouncing the Lies: We often believe the lie that peace is unavailable to us because our lives are “a mess.” Fr. Connor leads a powerful exercise in renouncing these lies and claiming the truth of God’s providence.

The Resurrection Mindset: Peace doesn’t come from the absence of trouble, but from the confidence that God works all things for good—a truth anchored in the Victory of the Cross.

Scripture References

Genesis 37-45: The Saga of Joseph and his brothers.

Matthew 10: Jesus sending out the Apostles to proclaim the Kingdom and bestow peace.

Romans 8:28: All things work together for good for those who love God.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Rise & Walk Homilies Tagged With: Catholic homilies, Fr. Connor Penn, Magnifcat Ministry for Women

Challenge After Easter

April 6, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Challenge After Easter ~ Episode 249

What is the challenge after Easter? Have you even considered this a question? In this episode, Felice explores the idea of embracing each day with the remembrance of the Resurrection and living our lives as true Christian sons and daughters.

Thanks to our sponsor CTC math! Visit the website at CTCMath for more information about a great math curriculum.

Before Easter, many of us take the time to seek God in a deeper way as we consider His ultimate sacrifice. This time is called Lent, and it is the 40 days before Easter. Jesus spent 40 days in prayer in the desert before what is called his public ministry. It is an amazing example to us. Jesus spent this time in preparation, and He was tested.

The Easter season is always special, especially if you practice fasting, almsgiving, reconciliation, or confession. We examine our lives and look for ways to improve. Maybe we realize there are sins in our lives, and we make a point of changing for the better. Lent is practiced widely in the Catholic Church and begins on Ash Wednesday, a time of receiving ashes on the forehead at church with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.” This a reminder that we do not live forever, and while God is merciful, He is also just.

Perhaps you focused before Easter on prayer, journaling, or made a concentrated effort to renew your relationship with the Lord. This time is beneficial; if you did not have time to do this in the past, there is always today to begin. It is never too late to increase your faith and your time with God. Each day is a new beginning, and with it comes new hope! I love the word hope – it is inspiring and gives me the confidence that all will be well. Maybe not as I will it, but as the Lord wills it to happen.

During Easter, we celebrate the fact that God has conquered death and opened up a way to heaven and that we, as His followers, have a path ahead that is an invitation. Easter day may include worship, attending church, and celebrating by sharing a meal with friends and family. It is a wonderful time of connection.

What about after? Do we lose that Easter glow? Do we forget about rejoicing the day after HE has RISEN? Unfortunately, that is a yes for many of us. Each day after, we continue on with our lives and forget what God has done for us. However, the challenge is to remember Jesus daily.

Here are a handful of ideas to keep the Lord front and center:

Praise and thank Him each day for the simple things. In a future podcast, I will discuss everyday prayer, but for now, know that our lives can be used as a prayer. If we dedicate our concerns to Him, the burden is often lifted. Maybe not totally, but in some way, we know we are not alone.
Meditate on one scripture each day. For example, Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Think about the words, and focus on what impacts you. The overarching theme here is that God’s protection for those who follow Him will not overwhelm us. It does not mean life is easy, only that He will give us the grace to handle it. By meditating on this concept, we will be renewed.
Realize that you are not in this life alone. As a follower of the Almighty God, the King of the Universe, you are never alone. John 14;25-27 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. ²⁶But the Advocate,^[a] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. ²⁷Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Again an amazing verse to ponder.
Use song as a prayer. Praying through the verses of your favorite Christian songs helps us to be placed in the midst of God. Praying through song is considered by some, praying twice. Here is a podcast I created sometime back on Christian music and using it for praise, here.

Can you add to the list above? What are some ways to keep God the focus of your life? Take some time and consider this question, maybe right now but afterward. We have different ways of worshiping God, but keeping God at the forefront of our lives takes work and a concentrated effort. Our lives would be so much better if we could remember to do this, and not just during the Easter or Christmas season but all year long.

For many of us, our lives are divided into compartments. There is work time and family or friend time; there is time for recreation, whether it is social media, a book, the television, or an online source. There is time for worship which may be one or more days a week. However, if we include God in all we do, if we did this, our lives would not only be richer but more in the sense of keeping us from sin.

When we get busy or our focus is on the wrong thing, we stumble, and we fall. In trying to do our best or make everyone else happy, we discover that we have lost something of ourselves. Many of us are “other-focused,” which means we place our family and friends above ourselves. This is not a bad thing, but we forget to fill up our own tanks with the hope that Jesus is the only important thing and that His life, death, and resurrection give us hope of eternal life. This is the essence of the Easter message. Understanding that God made us for Himself and that our dedication and prayer to Him daily is for us, not for Him. Nothing we can do can earn us salvation, but in the same way, we should give Him our very best. By doing this, we can release the burdens that keep us tied down to Him in the midst of worship.

How will you keep the Easter season alive in your life? Only you know the answer to this, and I pray that you are motivated to make take the message to heart; you are loved so much, John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Amen and Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: after Easter, Christian Podcast, easter, Easter challenge

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 15, Father Bao Thai – A Witness to Heavenly Miracles

April 3, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 15, Father Bao Thai – A Witness to Heavenly Miracles

Can God still work miracles in the middle of fear, loss, and uncertainty? In this moving episode of Magnificat® Proclaims, Father Bao Thai shares his extraordinary testimony of growing up in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, enduring hardship, and experiencing the grace and protection of God in deeply personal ways.

From miraculous moments to his family’s conversion to Catholicism and their eventual journey to America, Father Bao’s story is a powerful witness to God’s goodness, greatness, and grace.

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Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

In this episode, Father Bao Thai, born in Saigon in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, witnessed, firsthand, the terror and horrors of war. However, despite overcoming many hardships, the family received many graces which led Father Bao and his family to eventually convert to Catholicism. Father Bao shares his many miraculous experiences and explains how the Holy Family provided and protected the family, ultimately leading them to America.

Fr. Bao earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Saigon University and taught high school for a year in Vietnam before his family’s relocation to Orange County in July 1993. In the US, Fr. Bao earned a bachelor’s in philosophy from Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon and was ordained in 2003. Since July 2022, Fr. Bao has been serving as the Rector of Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange, California. Fr Bao Thai is the Spiritual Advisor of the Orange County Magnificat chapter.

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

Who is Father Bao Thai?

Father Bao Thai is a Catholic priest who was born in Saigon, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. He later immigrated to America with his family, discerned a vocation to the priesthood, and now serves as the Rector of Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange, California.

What is this episode of Magnificat® Proclaims about?

This episode shares Father Bao Thai’s personal testimony of surviving the hardships of war, experiencing heavenly miracles, and seeing how God led his family to convert to Catholicism and eventually come to America.

What makes Father Bao Thai’s testimony powerful?

His testimony is powerful because it combines the reality of suffering with the hope of divine intervention, family perseverance, conversion, and trust in God’s providence.

What is Magnificat® Proclaims?

Magnificat® Proclaims is a podcast from Magnificat® Ministry that features inspiring testimonies of God’s goodness, greatness, and grace, encouraging listeners to deepen their relationship with the Triune God.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast Tagged With: Catholic conversion, Catholic podcast, Catholic Testimony, Catholic Women Ministry, Christian Podcast, faith in suffering, Father Bao Thai, God’s protection, heavenly miracles, Holy Family, inspiring testimony, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Proclaims, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, Vietnam War testimony

Transformed Family (Replay)

March 30, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Family Transformed – Episode 217

Are you ready for a transformation within your own family? How about a challenge for a transformed family? This is a follow-up to the last episode of Heart Transformed

Thanks to our sponsor, CTC Math a wonderful math curriculum for kids K-12

Why is it we can see the faults in other people so much easier than we can see the faults in ourselves? Did you know when we focus on ourselves first (the opposite of what we have been taught), and get our own spiritual house in order, the rest of the family will see the change and want to be a part of what you have? If you didn’t catch the last episode, Heart Transformed be sure to check it out.

St. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:1-4 [ Read on air]

When our family is at peace, when we are serving the Lord as a group, we will all get along so much better. I taught my children that God put us together as a family on purpose. There are no mistakes in Lord’s plan for family life. Each person was selected to be together because of what they could learn from each other. It is a beautiful thing when it works the way God designed. If we focus on the things above we are so much happier.

The best teacher is the example we set If we want our family to read the Bible, we need to read the Bible. If we want our family to pray, we need to lead in prayer. Years ago I wanted my husband to be the spiritual leader of our home, and he is in so many ways, but not in the way I wanted him to be. I wanted him to lead the Bible studies and the prayer sessions we had as a family and while he contributed to these, he is not a leader. So we became co-leaders, I would initiate the studies and he and I would contribute to the discussion. We can become upset or bitter because things do not go our way rather than take on the leadership ourselves if that is what God leads us to do. Don’t box yourself in with your own ideas, but rather what works best for your family. Never, never compare your family to other families. That will surely set you up for failure. Many people put up a good front when everything is falling apart. So don’t judge by exteriors.

Here are some simple things to do, for yourself if you do not have a young family and with a family, if you do:

Start each day by giving thanks. By doing this we are giving God all the glory (Colossians 4:4 – When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.”) That is enough for us to rejoice daily.
Family prayer. Begin each meal with thanks to God. Keep it brief. Have a nighttime routine that includes prayer.
Encourage each member of the family to have their own time to pray.
Participate in helping. Whether it is each other or contributing to the family needs. Meals, cleaning up, helping when needed.
Participate in ministry outside of the home. Volunteering, visiting the elderly (neighbor), etc.

Talk to your family members and add to this list. As the children grew and left home we had a big gap in our lives, and my husband and I found we were no longer praying together because our nightly routine was changed. Even when our children were younger, the two of us would pray each evening together. This habit changed as our lives became busier. For anyone who has children, you always think you will have so much time when the kids grow older, but soon find that our lives just change and often become even busier. We must make the time to pray together.

If you are alone in your home and have a good prayer life, that is wonderful, now invite a friend. I pray with my friends often. Sometimes it is in church, sometimes it is a friend in need. I am part of several email prayer groups that send out prayer requests. I set up a Facebook group – A Few Minutes with God years ago for prayer requests. It was used to help people who needed prayers and also to post their praise reports.

And that is really the crux of the transformed family, and that is you will have so many praise reports! A praise report is where we thank God for the blessings in our lives. My son was hit by a falling object that was large and metal off of a single-story roof. The injury could have been so bad, but it turned out that while it bled profusely, the damage was minimal and mostly a scrape. That was a miracle. No swelling, no concussion, no brain damage, or worse! So thank you Lord for your blessings. If you think about it each day you can come up with so many things to thank the Lord for and to praise His Name. But, it takes time to stop and think.

What do you do when you enter a church? Is it a time to be social, or is it a time to listen and pray? Can we pray and be social? Of course! But I feel that often church is used as a social outlet rather than a time of worship. Going to church for me is a time to get on my knees, for as long as I am able, and begin by thanking and praising God, asking His forgiveness for the ways I have offended Him, and petitioning Him in prayer. However, you serve to worship it is an individual choice.

This week I challenge you to work within your own family no matter how big or how small and make positive changes. Small to begin with and grow as your family grows and adapts to a time of prayer, worship, and growing closer to the Lord. I pray this is a blessing to you and your family.

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, Christian Podcast, Family, Family Transformed

The Thorn in Your Side: What God May Be Doing in Your Weakness

March 27, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The “thorn in your side” in the Bible refers to a persistent hardship or weakness God allows for spiritual growth, humility, and dependence on His grace. While we may not know exactly what Paul’s thorn was, the passage teaches that God’s strength is often revealed most clearly in our weakness.

In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie and Pat are joined by Mary Powell in a lively discussion of what it means to have a thorn in the side and personal experiences of carrying one. Mary has been a longtime Magnificat Ministry member and Servant Leader. She currently serves as the first voice to women inquiring about starting a Magnificat Chapter in their diocese and is a powerful intercessor on their behalves.

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Why does God allow a thorn in your side?

That’s the hard question, isn’t it?

And if we’re honest, most of us don’t ask that question theoretically. We ask it because something hurts.

According to this passage—and the wisdom shared in this conversation—God may allow a thorn for several reasons:

1. To keep us humble

St. Paul had experienced extraordinary revelations. Without some kind of humbling limitation, he may have become spiritually prideful.

Sometimes our thorn reminds us:

we are not self-sufficient
we are not in control
we are not God

And while that can feel painful, it is also deeply protective.

2. To keep us dependent on Him

Many of us only discover how much we need God when something in life stops “working.”

A diagnosis.
A betrayal.
A fear we can’t outrun.
A body that doesn’t cooperate.
A loved one who suffers.

The thorn often becomes the place where prayer becomes more than routine. It becomes survival.

3. To increase compassion

Pain has a way of softening us—if we let it.

A woman who has walked through suffering often becomes the one who can truly sit with another person’s pain without offering shallow answers. Hardship can make us more tender, more understanding, and more useful in ministry.

4. To reveal His power

When life is easy, it is tempting to think we are strong.

But when we are weak and still somehow sustained?
When we keep going and know it is only by grace?
When peace shows up in the middle of chaos?

That is often where the power of God becomes unmistakable.

What could a “thorn in your side” look like today?

A thorn is not always dramatic. Sometimes it’s not a mountain. Sometimes, as one speaker beautifully put it, it’s “the sand in your shoes.”

Your thorn might be:

a difficult season in marriage
a spouse’s illness
caregiving responsibilities
body image struggles
aging and physical pain
divorce or family brokenness
fear of the future
recurring emotional or spiritual battles
the ache of unanswered prayer

And yes, your thorn may change over time.

The thing that was hardest ten years ago may not be the thing God is using today.

Can your thorn actually become a gift?

Not because the suffering itself is “good.”
But because God is good in it.

That’s the difference.

A thorn can become a gift when it:

drives you to prayer
strips away pride
teaches surrender
exposes false dependencies
deepens your faith
opens your heart to others
keeps you close to Jesus

That doesn’t mean you have to enjoy it.

St. Paul didn’t say, “This is fun.”
He said he learned to boast in weakness because it became the place where Christ’s power rested on him.

That’s a very different thing.

What if God doesn’t heal it?

This is where faith gets real.

Because many of us believe God can heal… but we are living in the tension of the fact that He hasn’t done it yet.

And that can be heartbreaking.

But Scripture gives us a holy reframe:

God’s unanswered prayer is not always God’s absence.

Sometimes God is answering with:

sustaining grace
daily strength
deeper conversion
greater trust
spiritual transformation
an invitation to holiness

Sometimes the miracle is not immediate removal.

Sometimes the miracle is that you are still standing.

A Catholic perspective on suffering and sanctification

In Catholic spirituality, suffering is never meaningless when united with Christ.

That doesn’t make it easy.
But it does make it redemptive.

Your thorn can become:

a place of surrender
a place of intercession
a place of purification
a place where Jesus meets you intimately

The sacraments, prayer, anointing, Scripture, community, and the Holy Spirit all become lifelines in seasons where the thorn feels heavy.

And often, suffering strips away illusions and brings us face-to-face with what matters most:

eternity
dependence on God
the condition of the soul
the faithfulness of Jesus

How should you respond to the thorn in your side?

If you’re in a hard season right now, here are a few faith-filled responses:

1. Name it honestly

You don’t have to pretend it doesn’t hurt.

God is not asking for polished spirituality. He is asking for truth.

2. Pray boldly

St. Paul asked for the thorn to be removed. You can too.

Faith does not mean silence. It means bringing your full heart to God.

3. Ask what God is doing in it

Instead of only asking, “Why won’t You take this away?” try asking:

“Lord, what are You forming in me here?”
“What are You showing me?”
“How do You want to meet me in this?”

4. Lean into grace, not self-reliance

This is not about gritting your teeth and surviving on your own strength.

It’s about learning to live from His.

5. Stay close to the sacraments and community

Isolation makes suffering heavier.

Stay connected to prayer, the Church, trusted believers, and people who will carry faith with you when yours feels thin.

When I am weak, then I am strong

That line from St. Paul is not inspirational fluff.

It is spiritual warfare language.

It is the testimony of someone who discovered that weakness does not disqualify us from holiness.

In fact, it may be one of the places God does His deepest work.

Your thorn may feel like interruption.
But in God’s hands, it may be invitation.

Invitation to trust.
>Invitation to surrender.
>Invitation to deeper intimacy.
>Invitation to heaven.

And while you may never choose the thorn…
you may one day thank God for what He grew through it.

Final Encouragement

If you are carrying something heavy right now, this is your reminder:

God has not abandoned you in your weakness.
He is present there.
He is working there.
And His grace really is sufficient.

Not always for the next ten years.
But for today.

And sometimes today is enough. 💛

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

FAQ’s

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples?

Why and how do we follow and serve Him today? In this SOME WOMEN podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today. Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him!

What is the thorn in your side in the Bible?

The thorn in the side in the Bible refers to a persistent hardship or weakness described by St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. God allowed it to keep him humble and dependent on divine grace.

What does “My grace is sufficient for you” mean?

It means God gives enough strength, mercy, and help to endure hardship even when He does not immediately remove it.

Why does God allow suffering?

God may allow suffering to deepen faith, increase humility, develop compassion, and draw people into greater dependence on Him.

Was Paul’s thorn physical or spiritual?

The Bible does not say exactly what Paul’s thorn was. Some believe it was a physical ailment, while others think it may have been emotional, spiritual, or relational.

Can suffering bring you closer to God?

Yes. Many Christians find that suffering becomes a place of deeper prayer, surrender, healing, and spiritual growth.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: 2 Corinthians 12, Biblical encouragement, Catholic encouragement, Catholic spiritual life, Catholic suffering, Catholic women, Christian perseverance, Christian suffering, faith in suffering, God’s grace in weakness, hope in trials, My grace is sufficient for you, Some Women Podcast, Spiritual Growth, St. Paul, suffering and sanctification, suffering with Christ, thorn in the flesh, thorn in your side, trusting god in hardship, weakness and grace

10 Lies We Believe

March 23, 2026 by radioadmin 2 Comments

Ten Lies We Believe ~ Episode 128

We all do it we believe lies. There are ten lies we believe! The worse thing? The lies we believe are by definition not true! We give the enemy credit when all the credit should go to Almighty God! In this episode, we explore the most common lies and ways to combat them.

Thanks to our sponsor CTCMath.com

Visit Media Angels, and the books A Few Minutes with God and One More Child

Why do we believe lies? Because many of us are wounded in some way or like to think of ourselves as broken. We are shaped by so many of life’s events. Sometimes it is our own sins, the sins of others, the death of a loved one, or a tragedy within a family. These things shape us and how we consider the future choices we make. God predestines no one to hell! God is the creator, he is love, truth, goodness, beauty. When we see those things in our world they originate from God. Sin is the refusal to live in the beauty that is God. God’s mercy allows us to choose. God never forces His love upon us, he respects human dignity and our free will.

Think about this. Hell is a testimony to God’s respect to our freedom. Love redeemed us and won heaven for us. God will not violate our capacity for choice. So if we want to believe the lies of the enemy we have freedom to do this. The only thing we can give ourselves credit for is sin – every good thing comes from God!

Remember the song, “…and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love…” I use to think that it was an injustice that I was not showing others God’s love because I did not feel His love myself. I was under a false impression. I believed the lies of the enemy. In my steps as a Christian, I had learned about God’s unconditional love – meaning we don’t need to work at it or earn it, yet I believed that God’s punishments were very real and the thought was depressing. Lies these are all lies. It took me years to undo and become free from these lies! And, friends, this freedom is amazing and I pray this for all of you listening today as well.

Jesus spoke about Satan in the Holy Bible, he said the enemy is the “Father of lies.”

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:45-47 Jesus continues… “Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

If we can not hear what God says in the Word, from our pastors and from our prayers, the bigger question is, “Who DO you belong to?” The first step in combatting the lies of the enemy is to recognize them. Evil is frightening and how do we respond to evil? First by recognizing it! We often credit the evil one with the things that belong to God. At the root of evil is pride – the root of all sin.

Top Ten Lies of Satan

Satan is a myth. Does Satan really exist? The enemy likes people to believe he does not exist – God is a myth and all of this “penance” or “fasting” or “being good” or “faith” is a tall tale. My question is to people who do not believe in God, “If you believe in God and there is no heaven, you are assured a life where good is called good and evil is called evil. There is no confusion. But if you do not believe in God, and you follow the ways of the enemy (because of course, you are following Him – he has already duped you in believing he does not exist) and then you die and learn there is God. What is the alternative? A life in eternal damnation because a person who denies God and lives a life without God in it will turn their back on God eternally. Our pastor calls it the fundamental option.) I feel sorry for those who do not believe because they are missing an amazing joy! The joy of the love of a benefactor, a Father who loves us not matter what! We have the choice of obedient love or self-seeking which often leads to destruction. What I am is God’s gift to me and what I become is my gift to God!
Not good enough – false pride- You are sinful and therefore not good enough to follow God. God made us on the sixth day of creation and He said it was “very good” therefore, God made us good. I know there are plenty of people out there that will argue with this statement. So, let’s look at Genesis 1:26-31

²⁶Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,^[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. ³⁰And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. So the question I have for you to think and pray about is this, if God made us good why do we think we are destined for evil, yes we adopted a “sin nature” as the term goes from Adam and Eve but that is why Jesus came! To take on our sins. Think about it.
You must be perfect to be a Christian, and if you are not you fall short. First, there is no perfection outside of heaven but that does not mean we do not try. Secondly, we can not be perfect again this doesn’t mean we are lazy Christians but we don’t become holy by the way we dress or act toward others. Instead, the way we dress or act is an extension of our love of God and His goodness within us. It is a flow-through not a doing it on our own strength.
Doubt — don’t believe what God says. Satan wants us not to believe what God says. Read Genesis 3:1-4

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

²The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, ³but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

⁴“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. ⁵“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

We must believe that when God says it, He means it. And do not believe or doubt God!

5. God Punishes You –– If you are a Christian nothing bad can happen to you. (So when bad things happen to good people, obviously God let you down or there is no God. God punishes you for your sin. Sin does have a consequence and a recourse but we must believe that God is good all the time and all the time, God is good!

6. Guilt, Envy, Infidelity – The evil one will tell you that these things are not bad but they are serious. Guilt can eat us up and make us focus on the problem or the issue rather than the solution. Envy is another one of those sins that takes our eyes off of God. Infidelity – well, enough said. Sins may start small but then it snowballs, and as you’ve heard there is no small sin.

7. You can’t trust God you have to do things yourself. This is such a lie, we can trust God and we can ask God for help. You know you are believing this lie if you do not ask the Lord for help throughout the day! Do you say, “I need your help Lord. How do I do this? or How can I carry on?” Or is it that I must take charge and take care of the issue without God’s help? God gives us the ability to handle things but a little prayer can go a long way to finding a solution.

8. Small Sins are not bad. Everyone sins – and your sins are just not that bad compared to everyone else. This is a truth I have heard people say! We are living a life after the fall is a battle. It is good against evil. Good is the promise of everlasting life and evil is the promise of a wonderful life on this earth without any thought of an afterlife.

9. God can never forgive you for your past sins, so why try. Your past does not define you. We are stuck in the past or worried about the future but miss that God is here now. And today? He gives us grace for today! Not for yesterday, or for tomorrow. This can cripple you and make you depressed. You may feel that God has punished you in some way due to past sins. You are a child of God! God lived, died and rose again to give us eternal life. He shouldered that pain and burden when He carried the cross. By His stripes, we are healed. Christ died for you and for me and now lives to give us abundant life! Ask for forgiveness, if you can go to your pastor – if you are Catholic go to confession and let it go!

10. Judgmental – We see the sins and failings of others and use that as an excuse to say that all Christians are hypocrites. Of course, some are and ruin it for the rest of us, but the majority of Christians that want to love and serve the Lord are too busy with their own lives to worry about the lives of others. This goes for our adult children. We can pray for them but must allow them to make their own mistakes. Intervention time is when they live under your roof! Christians do not put each other down or point out each others sins – not unless someone asks you! Committed Christians also give don’t flaunt their “holiness” in fact you will know someone is a good Christian if they don’t believe they can ever outgive God and they give God all the glory!

So how do you combat the lies?

Pray. Keep your eyes focused on God. The #1 Satan buster is prayer. Even if it is just, “Jesus.” or “Jesus help me!” God hears us.
Arm yourself with the power of Scripture – pray this verse daily! Ephesians 6:10-12 – I love Ephesians 6:10-12 ¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Surround yourself with like-minded Christians. This is so important!
Go to church. I go to Mass each day as much as I can. By the time I get home, and I feel joyful!
Listen to praise and worship music. It is difficult to believe the lies of the enemy when we are infused in a joyful atmosphere.

Friends, every day we have a choice. We can be obedient and love the Lord with our whole hearts and ignore those lies or be self seeking which leads to death! Often we chose the world over God! God wishes that we do not rest upon anything other than the infinite goodness of God!

Let’s pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit please hear our plea to help us to combat the lies of the enemy who is fighting for our soul. We know you have won the battle by your life, death, and resurrection. You are so much greater than the forces of darkness. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the Name above all Names and we claim the healing power of You God in our lives. We ask that you help us to combat those lies that we hear in our minds and instead give us words to praise and worship you. I pray for those that are in need of your healing and I lift up the following prayer intentions … and I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: Catholic spiritual warfare, faith, lies we believe

Forgiveness

March 16, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Forgiveness

Episode #10

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

It isn’t a feeling, it isn’t something we want to do, but it is totally freeing! In this podcast learn how a situation in my life turned into a blessing when I understood the true meaning of the gift of forgiving others.

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Show Notes: Episode 10 – Forgiveness

Forgiveness – that is such a beautiful word – in this episode, we will explore the difference between forgiveness as a feeling and as a decision.

Please help us out – Please help share this episode with your friends! And, please give this show a star rating on iTunes (search for AFMWG) or any podcast app on your smartphone. Thanks so much for helping share this show with your friends!

Show Notes: Forgiveness:

Misunderstandings, lies, and false accusations bring hurt to both parties. No one is left unwounded.

I had to make a decision to forgive.
Once you can make a decision to forgive you ask the Lord to help you.

The prayer I prayed asking for forgiveness:

Dear Lord, I know I am a sinner and only redeemed by your grace and what you did on the cross and resurrection for me. I know that only through your grace can I forgive my friend. I know you love this person and I ask you to give me that love – the love you have for them, because Lord I cannot do this on my own. I pray to forgive this person as you have forgiven me, and to love this person, and I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.

Forgiveness became a feeling.
Praying a blessing on our “enemies” works!

Another Prayer:

Dear Lord, I know I am a sinner and only redeemed by your grace and what you did on the cross and resurrection for me. I know that only through your grace can I forgive my friend. I decide in the Name of Jesus to forgive – because I’ve been forgiven. I know you love this person and I ask you to give me that love – the love you have for them because Lord I cannot do this on my own. I pray to forgive this person and to love this person, and I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.

Do you have people in your life that have annoyed you – that have hurt you? And you know in your heart that you have been wronged? Let’s pray – let’s give that to the Lord today and allow the Lord to free you as He has freed me!

Let’s go forth – you and me, together proclaiming as the apostles did – what the Lord has done for them!

Scriptures on forgiveness:

Colossians: 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Matthew: 6:14-15 – For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

What are your favorite forgiveness scriptures? Make a list of these and pray them when you have difficulty forgiving.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: forgiveness

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Power of Praying Women

March 13, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Some Women Podcast

The Power of Praying Women

In this episode of Some Women, the hosts explore the transformative power of prayer and the profound impact praying women can have on families, communities, and the world. Through personal stories, Scripture reflections, and faith-filled encouragement, the conversation highlights how prayer—both personal and communal—deepens our relationship with God and opens the door to spiritual breakthrough.

Hosted by Angela Rizzo of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in Long Island, New York, this episode features regular panelists Pat Higginbotham of West Virginia and Jackie France of Ohio, along with special guest Maria Luque Raucio of Miami, Florida, coordinator of the Jesus Is Lord Magnificat chapter.

Together they share powerful insights on perseverance in prayer, trusting God’s will, and the role of faith-filled communities in strengthening our spiritual lives.

Opening Prayer

Pat Higginbotham opens the conversation with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion and teach listeners how to pray with gratitude, faith, repentance, and trust in God’s will.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Prayer Is a Relationship

The hosts discuss how prayer goes beyond traditional forms such as novenas and the rosary. While these are beautiful expressions of faith, prayer is ultimately a relationship with God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Praying Through Breakthroughs

Maria shares a personal experience of a spiritual breakthrough through persistent prayer and fasting. Sometimes prayer requires perseverance and deep trust in God’s timing and purpose.

The Power of Perseverance in Prayer

Pat reflects on the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18) and how God sometimes delays answers—not out of indifference, but out of patience and love as He shapes our hearts.

Faith and God’s Perfect Timing

The panel discusses how prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will. While we may ask for what seems good, God always desires what is best for us.

Personal Prayer and Listening to God

Jackie shares how prayer has always been an ongoing conversation with the Lord and how God sometimes challenges our expectations—especially when praying for loved ones.

The Role of Community in Prayer

Praying with other believers strengthens faith and helps us persevere. The women share how prayer communities provide encouragement, support, and spiritual strength.

The Gift of Prayer in the Spirit

The discussion includes reflections on praying in the Spirit and the gift of tongues, highlighting how this form of prayer allows the Holy Spirit to intercede when words fall short.

Praise as Powerful Prayer

Even when answers seem delayed, praising God and trusting His plan shifts our focus from our problems to His faithfulness.

Key Scriptures Mentioned

Matthew 21:22 – “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”
Luke 18 – The Parable of the Persistent Widow
2 Peter 3:9 – God’s patience and desire for repentance
John 10:10 – “I came so that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Daniel 10 – Spiritual warfare surrounding prayer

Encouragement for Listeners

The hosts invite listeners to grow deeper in their prayer lives by:

Spending time in praise and worship
Joining a prayer group or community
Trusting God’s will even when answers seem delayed
Persevering in faith and hope

Prayer is powerful—and when women come together in faith, miracles, healing, and transformation can occur.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Magnifcat Ministry for Women, Some Women Podcast

Holy Reliance (Special Replay)

March 9, 2026 by radioadmin 2 Comments

In the middle of our troubles, we can rely on only one person to get us through: God. Today’s podcast is about holy reliance, and we will delve into ways to trust in God even when we feel like things are hopeless!

Holy Reliance ~ Episode 314

What is your first reaction when you are struggling? Today, I had a perfect opportunity to practice what I “preach” and failed miserably! Yet, with God, we get a do-over, a chance to change, repent, and sin no more. We have a chance to see the areas where we need work and to make a decision. Changing is difficult, especially because we want our results to be instantaneous. But change takes time, and it is hard work, consistent work, showing up and rolling up our sleeves, and expecting the best from ourselves and those around us.

I volunteer—a lot! I was very good at one point in time at saying, “No!” when asked. But something happened, and I’m not sure what. I often feel overwhelmed and that there is no more to give, yet God keeps showing up and showing me that I am not in charge. He is in charge, and when I give Him my yes and my life, He makes everything work out!

Do you rely on the Lord for everything? Do you ask God for a parking space? Do you pray when you need help with your finances and to pay your bills? When my two youngest were going to college, I prayed that the Lord would provide scholarships, and He did! We can ask God for the mundane as well as an increase in our spiritual life and an increase in our faith.

Holy Reliance – The Prophet

Scripture talks about prophets and how they did the work of the Lord. Each of them had challenges. Some, like Jonah, were not very good prophets, but one that stood out was Ezekiel. Ezekiel is a prophet, and he is being called by the Lord with a warning. Ezekiel 2:1-2 – He said to me, “Son of man,[a] stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” ²As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

In verses 3-4 the God states: I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. ⁴The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn

He goes on to explain the hardships Ezekiel will have, yet the prophet does not turn his back on God. Why? Because he has Holy Reliance. He knows his strength comes from the Almighty. How can he speak to the Israelites otherwise? Even knowing the hardships, he continues on. Can we do that? Can we persevere even when we know there will be hardships?

Holy Reliance – The Psalmist

The Psalmist knew this as well – in Psalm 121:1-8 (read on air), we read.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
²My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

³He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
⁸the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Read those verses slowly, pray them, and add them to your prayer journal. Mediate on the words, “Where does my help come from?” Many times, we think our help is from ourselves. We are the ones who get things done. We can only rely on ourselves because others let us down! But that is not true. The next verse tells us, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Do we realize that God, the Creator of the Universe and everything in it, cares about us in an intimate way? He knows everything about us, and yet we rely on ourselves or perhaps those closest to us. On a practical level, when I work, I rely on the tools I use, the computer, the internet, and a microphone to record. But if the internet goes down or my computer shuts off midstream, I’m stuck, I’m frustrated, and my peace is shaken. It really does not take much. In our lives, we can quit or continue on.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve saved one finished recording over another, and I’ve had to re-record a podcast. But I don’t—okay, I try not to let it get me down because I feel that the Lord has something so much better for me to say! I’ll get a thought or an inspiration, some idea that hits me, and I will be glad that I had an opportunity to do it again.

What about spiritually? What about those times we know we’ve let ourselves down or the Lord down? This is where we can repent. We can once again call upon the Lord. We can ask him to help us. And when we do, He shows up in a mighty way! In previous podcasts, we’ve discussed miracles. Do we expect miracles in our daily lives?

Friends, we don’t do it alone – in fact, we can’t do it without the help of God! When you are struggling, turn to Psalm 119:7-8

I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
⁸I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.

I love that! Do not forsake me, Lord. I need you now more than ever. We must have trust, and this trust must come with a humble heart. Our hearts ache because we fail to see the goodness around us and focus on the hardships or our failures. Even in our failures, we must trust that God has a righteous plan and will turn it around. Think of the book of Ruth. God turned around a tragedy, the death of her husband and her sister’s husband, and she left her home and went with her mother-in-law Naomi to Israel, where she later remarried and had a child. Ruth was the grandmother of King David, which led to the lineage of Jesus Christ. Our King and Savior!

God has a plan for our lives. What can we do? We can trust. We can rely on Him, we can ask God to give us more of Him and we can ask for an abundance of faith and strength to traits we can always use in our lives. Amen~

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Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 14, Bernadette Patrick

March 6, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 14, Bernadette Patrick

Bernadette Patrick shares her powerful testimony of baptism, reconversion, the Eucharist, and returning to the fullness of the Catholic faith.

Episode Summary

In this powerful and grace-filled episode of Magnificat Proclaims, hosts Monique Mousseau (Our Lady of Grace and Joy, NYC) and Marianne Ridini Spencer (Our Lady’s Desert Roses, Palm Desert, CA) welcome special guest Bernadette Patrick from Trinidad and Tobago.

Bernadette shares her deeply moving testimony of baptism, near death as an infant, her journey away from the Catholic Church, and her dramatic reconversion through a Catholic retreat experience that changed her life forever.

Her story is one of humility, grace, sacramental fullness, and missionary discipleship.

Magnificat® Ministry’s YouTube Channel Video Link :

https://youtu.be/UIN4LUKuFjE?si=7QYxGiuLp6hL-Wzj

Opening Prayer

The episode begins with the Flame of Love Unity Prayer, revealed to Hungarian mystic Elizabeth Kindelmann:

“My adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together…
May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father. Amen.
O Blessed Lady, spread the effect of the flame of love over all of humanity. Amen.”

About Our Guest: Bernadette Patrick

Born in Trinidad and Tobago
Serves pastorally and professionally in the Church
Co-founder of Towers of Strength Community
Established a thriving lunch-hour prayer group in Port of Spain
Caribbean Regional Representative for Magnificat
MBA in Financial Management
Conference speaker and leader in women’s ministries
Describes herself as a “missionary disciple”, inspired by Pope Francis

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

The Power of Baptism

Bernadette shares how:

She was born premature and critically ill.
Doctors believed she would not survive.
Her parents rushed her to baptism.
She received both Baptism and Anointing of the Sick.
Her twin brother passed away — but she lived.

For Bernadette, baptism was not symbolic — it was life-giving.

She reflects on:

The grace of baptism
The importance of not delaying the sacrament
The beginning of sacramental life (Baptism → Confirmation → Eucharist)

Leaving the Church — and What Was Missing

As a young adult, Bernadette:

Was drawn to Pentecostal communities
Experienced vibrant worship and strong teaching
Spent nearly 10 years away from the Catholic Church

Yet something was missing.

She describes:

A deep spiritual hunger
Feeling spiritually malnourished
St. Augustine’s words: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

She compares leaving the fullness of the Church to:

Eating candy instead of a full, nourishing meal.

A Dramatic Reconversion

At a Catholic youth retreat, Bernadette:

Went reluctantly (and ready to argue!)
Challenged God on three things:
- The Holy Spirit in the Catholic Church
- The Real Presence in the Eucharist
- The power of the Rosary

During the retreat:

She witnessed charismatic prayer and healing
Experienced Eucharistic Adoration profoundly
Encountered the power of the Rosary in a personal way

In humility, she surrendered.

That retreat marked the beginning of her return to the fullness of sacramental life.

“The Full Plate” of Catholicism

Bernadette beautifully describes Catholicism as:

A full plate of spiritual nourishment
Organic, rich, complete food
Sacraments as essential nutrients
The Eucharist as central

She emphasizes:

Reconciliation
Confirmation
Eucharistic life
Marian devotion

Missionary Discipleship

Inspired by Pope Francis, Bernadette lives her baptismal call as a missionary disciple.

For over 30 years, she has:

Led women’s ministries
Served in Magnificat
Encouraged reconversion and deeper faith
Helped others encounter Christ

She credits:

Her mother’s persistent prayer
The intercession of Our Lady
Ongoing sacramental grace

Encouragement for Listeners

Bernadette offers hope:

Don’t stop praying for loved ones who have left the Church.
God creates opportunities for encounter.
Humility opens the door to grace.
No one is beyond God’s reach.

Closing Prayer

Bernadette closes with a beautiful prayer for those who have grown distant from the faith, asking:

Jesus the Good Shepherd to seek the wandering
The Holy Spirit to remove obstacles
Mary, Mother of the Church, to intercede
A return to the Eucharist and Reconciliation

“May they know they are never forgotten, never unloved, and always welcome in your Church.”

Learn More About Magnificat

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims Tagged With: Bernadette Patrick, Magnificat Ministries Presents

Taming the Tongue Replay

March 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Taming The Tongue – Episode 18

In James 3:3 he talks about the power of the tongue. In this episode, Felice discusses how some of us need a good dose of taming the tongue in our everyday lives. Can you imagine a world where we are encouraged and uplifted, it can be done and it begins with us.

How often have you said something you regret, to your spouse, your children, or someone else close to you? Why is it that we hurt the people we love the most? Often, as parents we often find ourselves saying things in anger, frustration and then wished for a do-over? The good news is we do get a do-over each and every day, but truthfully our frustrations often occur in direct correlation to our experience and relationship with God.

Recently I was in church and praying. As I was praying to the Lord, a strong thought of anger came over me of an injustice that happened in my life. It wasn’t a big thing but it was something that hurt me. In my mind, I knew it was silly to be upset because I understood the action behind the cause of my pain was not intentional, yet the more I thought about it the angrier I became. So angry in fact that I almost got up and left the church!

I realized my mistake, repented and asked the Lord for forgiveness and the Lord relieved me of the burden of hurt. When we talk about taming the tongue, the same goes for words that are left unsaid. Sometimes we don’t know what to say and even our silence can cause harm to those we love.

God said the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. These are what I call heart issues. We know things in our heart but our minds are a different story.

Faith changes our heart. It fills our heart with every good thing. If God’s will is in your heart you will know what to do in difficult situations, and in times when there is nowhere else to turn but to God for the answers. Life often throws us into situations where we feel totally out of control. Ask any parent of young children. One minute everything is going well and the next minute chaos! You can’t help but cry out to God in times such as this rather than losing your temper. It never helps.

I use to say, I have to yell because I’m Italian, and once I yell I feel better. This might be true, but I can guarantee while I felt better my kids didn’t.

Taming the Tongue: Great Scriptures:

Colossians 4:6:
Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 15:4
Matthew 15:11
Psalm 34:13
Proverbs 15:1-2
Proverbs 6:16-19

So, how do you apply this to your life? Taming the Tongue 101:

When you want to lash out, take a deep breath – pause.
Prepare a statement – I’m so angry I don’t know what to say right now, but let me pray about it and I will let you know later.
Avoid confrontation – yes, you need to address bad behavior (with your kids) but, avoid arguing. Start with – what you did is not right, Avoid character assassination. Address the sin, not the person.
What is really going on here?
Relationship – it is all about love, the love of God within us and the fruits of the Holy Spirit – the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the peace and joy that only God can give.

I believe that many times when we lose it and we are upset many times it is because of what we believe the problem is rather than what it actually is – what I mean by this is often when we listen, (which we don’t want to because we are angry!) then we realize much of what we were upset about really isn’t valid. And if it is, take a breath and use a prepared statement!

Listen, no one said life is easy, there are often ups and downs in each person’s life that is a struggle, but if we take the time and make a plan, we can sure work toward taming the tongue and having fewer regrets in life!

You won’t want to miss the next upcoming episode – with Deanna Bartalin who wrote a book on the topic and has a wealth of great ideas that are applicable

Thank you to our Network Sponsor: CTCMath.com

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Filed Under: One More Child Podcast

Practical Tips on Being Kind Replay

March 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Kindness is good

The world can always use another person to spread kindness. Why shouldn’t it be you? I know it’s not always easy, let’s face it – you’ve got just as much going on as the next person. How can you be kind when it’s not easy or you’d rather treat the person the way they are treating others?

3 tips on how to be kind

Remember this: we don’t know what burdens other people are carrying.
Avoid the mentality that says you give back what you get.
Say or do the kind thing when people are unkind, it often disarms them and hopefully makes them think.

What if you don’t have it in you

Take a long pause before you respond to negativity and consider not responding at all if you know what you will say is not kind.
Take a break and refill however is most helpful to you. Take a walk, grab a drink with a friend, pray, read a fun book, sit in silence, play in the leaves, snow, sand (depends on the season and where you live).

This may be a bit (ahem, okay, very) obvious, but be kind to others this week, especially to those who are unkind to you or others.

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Filed Under: Not LukeWarm Podcast Tagged With: budren, care, concern, kind, kindness

Introduction to Trauma Series: Avoiding Spiritual Identity Theft Replay

March 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode #2 – Introduction to Trauma Series (Avoiding Spiritual Identity Theft!)

Have you or someone you love endured sufferings in which you continue to feel stuck? Does this leave you feeling confused or even fearful, perhaps even rejected or abandoned by God? Unfortunately, there are so many types of trauma and such experiences are so prevalent that it’s difficult to imagine someone who hasn’t been traumatized at one time or another.

Have you ever been told or thought that if you only had greater faith you’d be able to overcome feelings of abandonment, rejection or insecurity? In this series Margaret will help unpack how the neurophysiology of trauma can leave us trapped in the emotions from traumatic experiences regardless of how great our faith is. Come to a deeper understanding of what happens in the person during traumatic experiences and deepen in your sense of God’s love. Grow in compassion for yourself and others.

Due to a very specific biological reaction during trauma, even decades later we can default to a mode of fear leading to cortisol (a stress hormone) and shutting off oxytocin (a feel-good hormone associated with love, trust, and friendship) when we encounter reminders of those traumatic experiences. Knowing the body responds in this way can help us to cling to the truth and not give into a skewed perspective that is fear-based.

The evil one wants to divide you off within yourself, disconnect you off from others, and even give you a sense of separation from God by spiritual identity theft! He wants you to think that your symptoms of feeling fearful and rejected are really who you are. The truth is they aren’t who you are. They are only how you are doing in a moment. Understanding where those feelings come from can help unmask the lies we can take on and operate out of and even more it can help us stay grounded in the truth of our identity as God’s beloved children!

My first book, More Than Words: The Freedom to Thrive After Trauma, is available on Amazon.com and will provide you with more information about how traumatic experiences can impact us even decades later.

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Filed Under: Wholeness and Holiness Podcast Tagged With: cortisol, identity, oxytocin, trauma, Wholeness and Holiness

Historical Roots of Secular Humanism (Replay)

March 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Historical Roots of Secular Humanism ~ Episode 35

What are the roots of secular humanism? Where do they come from and why should they matter to Christians? Listen as Father David explains the roots and how this humanism has entered the lives of those even in the church.

The stress and process of the current pandemic place many unexpected challenges in our lives that are not always easy to handle. Shutting down of churches, government mandates, confusing reports, fear of infection, and lastly our own personal faith responses to name just a few. We did not just arrive at this cultural dilemma recently; this societal breakdown has been coming for some time. What are some of the significant movements that have contributed to our current “state of affairs”?

Roots of Secular Humanism

What are the roots of Secular Humanism? It begins in Europe.

In Europe, in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, a major movement emerged entitled the Enlightenment. This social event happened in strong reaction against the mandates, prescriptions, and controls of Christian belief systems, especially Catholicism. For some academic professionals, this was an honest attempt to search for the truth beyond the rules and regulations of current society. Acting against the societal faith norms in control, it eventually led to an abandonment of essential established ways of life producing a complicated ferment against the peaceful balance of the age. In short, it consisted of an aggressive attempt to separate the principles and values of humanism from their Christian foundations. This movement emphasized a purely scientific and rational approach to human realities and the truths of life.

The Enlightenment held and promoted an exclusive approach to truth that did away with biblical revelation, supernatural beliefs, the Ten Commandments, and no need for God to live a moral, meaningful, truth-filled way of life. If God remained in the picture He was pushed off to the outer margins of existence. Of course, the Church soundly resisted this movement, sometimes violently. This movement impacted all the domains of human reality. Specifically, in the French Revolution, its aggressive momentum ignited the fire of violent rebellion against the Catholic Church. Bishops, Priests, religious, and many laypeople were brutely put to death. Even though several Popes and Church leaders proclaimed their errors this philosophy of life caught on significantly affecting the thinking and lifestyle of Europeans, and by the way made major inroads in the emerging way of life of many Americans.

The European brand of the Enlightenment influential among the French tended to fuel the thinking and ideals of the Foundering Fathers of our Country, along with the ideas of Deism. The beginnings of the American ideals, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were encouraged by France who supported the Founding Fathers in their efforts to be free from English domination. The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from France. Benjamin Franklin made frequent lengthy visits to France. He was very comfortable with the more modern view of an enlightened life and personally espoused those principles in his lifestyle. Many of our Fathers really held the belief system of Deism, which is the core of the Unitarian faith. This religion holds to faith in unity in the One God, however, we are left to develop a humanistic spiritual or religious way of life without any or very little demands on the individual. One is pretty much free to carve out a good and moral life stance by humanistic efforts alone while placing our efforts in deciding our own truth about life or one’s self enlightened humanism. Thus, the principles and values of the Enlightenment and Deism infiltrated the spirit and reasoning of our Nation.

Over a relativity short period of time, the spirit, principles, and values of enlightened human liberalism captured the social atmosphere, the thinking, and development of “the American Dream.” Wealth, and attitudes of comfort, affluence, scientific advancement, social, and economic control infused and infiltrated the American way of life. Over the last seventy years, these accepted and promoted realities have nurtured and matured in our society expanding and deepening among the peoples of our Country. All the while infiltrating the minds, hearts, and relationships of our citizens and our young people and subtlety producing a new religious or spiritual humanism called secularism humanism.

Secular Humanism is a world view and way of life. It believes God is not necessary to be moral. As a spiritual state of being it presumes that human beings are capable of being ethical or moral without being religious or believing in a deity. Along with this is an understanding and conviction that secular humanism is a way of life that continually adapts searching for truth through science and human experience and various philosophies. It consists of a world view that is primarily concerned with the promotion of human welfare in this world. Secular humanism denies the subordination of human dignity and happiness to supernatural realities. It would reject religious faith and hold distrust in absolutes when they are religiously proposed, rejecting moral absolutes in any form. Our moral sense of which concluded in a blind alley leading to mental confusion. Secular humanism would lead to moral relativism, ethical bankruptcy, and religious indifference.

In the later part of the 19^th Century, secular humanism emerged in the world and specifically in the Church as a movement entitled Modernism. It was a strong effort to liberalize the “tight” laws, principles, and practices of Catholic life. The Popes of the time engaged in an aggressive effort to eliminate its influence from Catholic life. Pius X took a fearful shut down approach to this invasive cultural influence. Leo XIII who followed him in the Papacy was more open to defeat this cultural disintegration by opening the doors to evaluation, study, and constructive adaptation. This approach encouraged an intellectual reassessment of scripture, liturgical development, and a review of pastoral theological considerations. This was an honest attempt to curtail the negative effects of the Enlightenment and its brainchild modernistic secular humanism. Some would say that this effort would unintentionally open the door for its advancement in the 20^th Century and its 21^st Century maturation. For example, a case where a prominent official publicly referring to the grace of God while supporting and promoting the practice of abortion and the enterprises of Planned Parenthood.

Roots of Secular Humanism started long ago.

Years of study and planning transpired before Pope John XXIII announced the opening of Vatican II in 1961, which concluded in 1965. The Documents of the Council are a sound presentation of teaching designed to move the Church into a fresh authentic adaption of the Church in the modern world. The aftermath in the Church a major struggle. Pope Paul the VI did his best to steer the ship in a positive and fruitful direction, but the inroads of the Enlightenment and Modernism caused controversies so that this positive effort would not be the case. Eventually, confusion, reaction, and misrepresentations emerged, which we still suffer from today with even an increased intensity. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI firmly promoted a “hermeneutic of continuity” as a standard for the implementation of the authentic traditional teaching of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis is committed to the teaching and values of Vatican Council II. His approach appears to be on an emphasis to adapt the Council’s teaching to the areas in the Church and world where human life is taking place, and where justices are ignored, and the poor suffer the consequences. Therefore, without compromising authentic traditional Catholic teaching he attempts to move the Church where human life is happening. In this regard, he appears to be a supporter of meaningful and just socialism. Obviously, this approach is not going down well with some members of the Church led by some members of the hierarchy. This opposition has become an intense battle that has reached the position of a new scandal. It has become a complicated mess. This battle has some relationship to society’s struggle and adherence to the pseudo-spirituality and religiosity of contemporary secular humanism. Pope Francis’s hesitation to present clear Catholic moral teaching, especially in the areas of sexuality and family life is very upsetting to some sincere members of the Catholic Church. This concern needs significant attention.

May we ourselves do a life review to discern if we have been influenced, adopted, or caved into some aspects of the religion and spirituality of secular humanism; even if we unintentionally ingested these discordant values to some degree into the ambient, environment, or culture of our American life.

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Filed Under: Evangelizing Catholic Culture Tagged With: Evangelizing Catholic Culture, secular humanism

New Eyes of Faith (Replay)

March 2, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

New Eyes of Faith – Episode 263

As a Christian, it is important to practice our faith. But what does your faith look like? The new eyes of faith is an awakening. In this episode, we explore the meaning of faith and how we sometimes deceive ourselves.

Thanks to our sponsor CTC Math – visit the website at CTCMath.com

Faith can be subjective. Your faith is naturally based upon your experiences, your understanding, and even your denomination. Even two people sitting next to each other in church can have a different take on faith. This lends itself to an interesting question. Where is your faith, and can you say you practice what you believe?

This may be a hard question to answer and one that will take some time and thought.

Do we love the One who gave us life? The one who loves us beyond anything we can imagine. Let’s take a moment and think about that. You. Are. Loved. That alone should open our eyes and give us new eyes of faith. That should fill us with such love that we want to share this love with others.

That is the crux of the issue that many of us face in our world today. Those who say they have faith and those who do not practice what they supposedly believe. Listen, we all fall short, but by the grace of God, we flounder. Thankfully Jesus came into the world to redeem us. We read in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Read on air).

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

When our eyes are opened, we see evil for evil and good for good. That is why so many of us are upset by what is happening in our world today. Many people, they have been desensitized, and they can not see evil for evil.

Our eyes can be opened to greater faith and a deeper walk with the Lord, and at times it takes something catastrophic to happen before we can see the light, so to speak. Many things we consider important no longer are, and those things we hold onto, we find we can do without. Has that happened to you? You find that what was previously important is no longer an issue or of great concern. It is as if the blinders were removed; now, we can see clearly.

In Genesis 3:5, the tempter tells Adam and Eve a lie; the scripture reads: “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

So, what did they do? Genesis 3:6-7 (read on air).

What did they receive? New eyes of faith, but it was not a positive outcome for the pair. The eyes of Adam and Eve were opened when they ate the forbidden fruit. God warned them. His perfect will was for them to live with Him forever in the place He had created for them. Instead, they made a choice, and we see it perfectly in hindsight –

Scripture often talks about finding “favor in your eyes,” with many references to finding favor in God’s eyes. That should be our goal, to find favor in the eyes of God. How do we do this? How do we deepen our love for God? One way is by spending time in His presence. We have many reasons why this can’t happen. We have family responsibilities, work, school, and other obligations. And, it is a choice.

New Eyes of Faith

Just like Adam and Eve had a choice. This is the first lesson we learn in the Bible about good vs. evil. It is the enemy against us, the evil one. He hates what God created. God created and said, “It is good,” and that is what the evil one wants to destroy. He wants to destroy our families and us. An increase of faith helps us weather the storm of life, but we need that connection to each other and God.

Faith is a connection to the Almighty. We are made for connection. One of the podcasters on this network, Margaret Vasquez, who hosts the Wholeness and Holiness Podcast, talks about connection. As a trauma specialist, she knows that a lack of connection often causes dysfunction.

We can become disconnected from ourselves, those around us, and those we love the most. And a disconnection from God can lead us to other less desirable things! We can find we lack direction, and worse. Who we are is important, but who we are in Christ is important to renewing faith. Do we witness the gospel message? How can we when we are struggling ourselves? It is time to take a deep refreshing breath and look at our faith with new eyes.

As a business owner, I know that I better fulfill that promise when I promise to do something. No one cares about our excuses. Thankfully my job is not life and death, but it is important to keep websites up, bills paid so that the podcast stream doesn’t stop on your app and other things that we do to keep the business running. All of our behind-the-scenes work is invisible, but it is necessary for our customers. Many of my decisions were based on troubleshooting better options.

The worse thing we can do is not admit when we are wrong. We can all improve. Isaiah 2:10-12 (Read on air). Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. (Talk about humility)

Isaiah 5:20-21 (Read on air)

In this way, we should troubleshoot our options when it comes to renewing our faith and praying to the Lord to open our eyes.

We can ask that the Lord gives us the new eyes of faith to:

Identify areas where we have sinned.
Make better choices.
To choose God first above all others.
To make time to pray.
To get our priorities right

Remember, faith is a choice. It is a free-will option given to us by an Almighty God who loves us and who loves you beyond anything we can comprehend. It is perfect love, and no one can love you the way God can. We are created in His image. We were created for a specific purpose. We were created to love and serve Him, but He gives us so much more than anything we can do for Him. Our challenge this week is to pray that the Lord opens our eyes to areas we need to improve and gives us a deeper faith.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Some Women Podcast Walking in Community

February 27, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Finding Community | Episode 10 – Some Women Podcast (Luke 8:1–3)

In this episode of the Some Women Podcast, the Magnificat® Central Service Team gathers once again to reflect on the meaning and power of Christian community. Through personal stories drawn from family life, friendships, and involvement in Magnificat Ministry, they share how authentic community—while not always comfortable—leads us closer to God and helps us grow in holiness.

This heartfelt conversation explores how God uses relationships to refine us, strengthen our faith, and draw us into deeper trust in Him and one another.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

How Christian community helps shape and strengthen our spiritual lives
Why growth in holiness often happens through relationships
The challenges and blessings of living faith in community
How God works through family, friendship, and ministry to draw us closer to Him

📖 Scripture Inspiration: Luke 8:1–3

This episode is part of the Some Women podcast series, inspired by Luke 8:1–3, which highlights the women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples. Their example invites us to reflect on important questions:

Who were the women who followed Jesus?
How are we called to follow and serve Him today?
What role does community play in faithful discipleship?

🎙️ About the Some Women Podcast

Presented by Magnificat®, the Some Women Podcast features panel discussions—along with occasional guest panelists—on topics relevant to Catholic women today, including:

Growing in holiness
Building Christ-centered community
Living a Holy Spirit–led life
Spiritual warfare
Nurturing a vibrant prayer life

Each episode reflects on Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church, inviting listeners to pray, learn, and experience what God can do when we open our hearts to Him.

🌸 About Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women

Founded in 1981, Magnificat® is an international Catholic nonprofit with over 70 chapters worldwide. The ministry exists to evangelize and encourage women to grow in holiness by opening more fully to the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Inspired by Mary’s words in Luke 1:46—“My soul magnifies the Lord”—Magnificat® gatherings include:

Praise and worship
Personal testimonies of God’s transforming grace
Faith-sharing in a welcoming, community-centered environment

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, as a model for all Christians—especially women.

🔗 Learn more at: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Catholic women discipleship, Catholic women podcast, Christian community Catholic, Finding community in faith, growing in holiness Catholic, Holy Spirit community, Luke 8:1-3 women of the Bible, Magnificat Ministry, Some Women Podcast, women following Jesus

Discipline And Faith

February 23, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz 1 Comment

Discipline and Faith: The Inner Circle ~ Episode 369

In this episode, we’ll discuss being part of Christ’s inner circle through discipline and faith, which leads to true discipleship. We’ll reflect on the cost of following Jesus, which is outweighed by the hope it brings. I’ll also share the ways faith empowers us to live holy lives in today’s world. Let’s begin with a prayer: Lord, open our hearts to Your will and guide us in the discipline of faith. Amen.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

As I was praying about the last few podcasts, the recurring theme was on silence, pondering in awe, Almighty God, and sacrifice, meaning discipline. I am wondering if it’s because I need it? The answer is yes! I do need it, and I need to be reminded of it often. That is typically how it goes when I podcast.

What Is the Inner Circle?

Have you ever wanted to be in that inner circle—in that group where people care for each other, where they are there for each other, where they will do anything for you? Many of us are blessed to have this within our families or a close group of friends. Can you imagine living in the time of Christ? What was His inner circle? It began with Joseph and Mary, and more than likely extended family. It then expanded to those who were called by Christ, who accompanied Him, who sat at His feet, and who benefited from His teaching.

Today, we have an opportunity to be in that inner circle by the very nature of our faith and belief in that Jesus Christ is indeed Lord. But being a disciple takes discipline, and in a way, it goes along with my last podcast on striving for holiness. I think we can be happy in the fact that the disciples selected by Christ were, in essence, a ragtag group. They were not the elites, the most learned, or the people with the most money; they were everyday working people, what people like to refer to as the everyday man. But that gives us such hope and, again, purpose. We need hope to wake up each day, praying it is better than the last. We need purpose, because without it we have no focus or goal.

As Scripture reminds us, and I love this! 1 Corinthians 1:27-28: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.” This shows us that God calls the ordinary to do extraordinary things through Him. Don’t you want to be called? The very fact that you are listening today is a call.

The Cost of Discipleship

These men learned to give up not only the life they had lived but to become disciples in a way that was going to give them true freedom and true joy—but at a cost. And you know that’s what keeps a lot of people from Christianity: the cost. Discipleship is not free.

It can be learned, but it takes work. Sometimes it means losing your friends, your job, and even your life. In some countries, Christians even today are being persecuted. They’re being wiped off the face of the Earth, and we are helpless, it seems, to stop this genocide. This cost is high, and yet most of us are not called to that level—yet we still take our freedom in Christianity for granted.

In Luke 14:27-28: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Jesus calls us to count the cost, but the reward is eternal joy and freedom in Him. Think about this. The world offers us a counterfeit, something that is temporary. Yet, Christianity offers us salvation and eternal life.

Discipline in Faith: Why It’s Worth It

Most of us would agree that it’s important for an Olympic athlete to train, spend countless dollars, give up relationships and sleep, and push their bodies to unbelievable lengths to win a medal and the prestige and honor that come with it. In fact, it’s expected, and that doesn’t keep people from wanting to strive for a seat on an Olympic team. That isn’t just accepted, for a winner, it is mandated.

But isn’t it okay to work toward learning more about God? Faith is a gift, and salvation is free if we choose to believe in Christ as Savior. Yet, many don’t believe we should lose sleep to study, to pray, to surround ourselves with like-minded people, or to choose to be alone and contemplate the Almighty and what He has done for us!

Why then is the cost of discipline and being in the inner circle of people who love, honor, and serve the Lord so unattainable to some? I’ve been told in the past that being a Christian means giving up my freedom, that I am narrow minded that the gate to heaven is not narrow. If giving up my freedom means that I have trained and educated myself in the Word of God and the teachings of the Church, in the love that God has for me—that’s striving for holiness as I shared in the last episode. It means that if I watch what I say and govern my speech, I can bless others with words that build up rather than tear people down. I can be aware that true holiness means following God in all things. It means taking time to fast. It means spending time with God in silence. It means surrounding myself with others who are also uplifting and love the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Discipline in faith is our race toward holiness, and it’s empowering. And our example is Christ.

Living as Disciples Today

Discipline isn’t cheap, but it is so worthwhile. And true discipleship means asking the Lord again and again and again for His will in our lives. We can’t be complacent; that time is gone. Our world is in shambles, and people of faith are needed now more than ever. We have to be that voice in the darkness. We have to let others know that the love of God is true love, that the love of God does take discipline, but the love of God is so worthwhile. We have a purpose; we have a goal. We know that the enemy has been defeated, and I believe that the enemy knows that which is why there is so much chaos and confusion in our world. It is to take our eyes off of the prize, which is faith in Christ. In his defeat the enemy wants to take down as many as he can. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)

And I challenge you today to make a list, to figure out the ways that you can, in the little slice of life that God has given you, share about the goodness of God. Sometimes it just means being a good example, a good neighbor, a good friend, a good student, a good coworker. Sometimes it means being a witness to others in ways that you will never see—it’s planting those seeds but letting God harvest. But whatever that is for you, know that you are part of this inner circle of those who love the Lord, who want to sit at His feet and hear what He has to say. And we can do that today by opening our Bibles, by memorizing the Word, and by living lives that are holy. May God be praised today and always.

Philippians 3:12-14 inspires us to press on: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Thank you for joining me on this journey of faith and discipline. Remember, God’s love calls us to more—let’s embrace it with joy!

Related Episodes on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

For more encouragement on faith, purpose, and holiness, check out these additional episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast under the category on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

Called to Be Saints — Embracing Holiness in Everyday Life – Explore sainthood as a daily invitation for every believer.
Vocation and Purpose – Discover how Christians balance family, work, and faith through vocation.
Your God Given Purpose – Guidance on finding your purpose through listening to God and trusting His plan.
Discerning God’s Will – Insights on hearing God’s voice and aligning your life with His will.
Listening To The Lord – Practical ways to hear God’s voice in daily life for deeper faith.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, discipleship

Testimony of Karen Jedrzejewski

February 18, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Testimony of Karen Jedrzejewski

Magnificat Podcast – A Ministry to Catholic Women

Episode Overview

In this powerful episode of the Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Karen Jedrzejewski shares her extraordinary journey from a painful and abusive childhood to complete surrender to Jesus Christ. What began as a lifelong love of horses ultimately became the path God used to draw her into healing, faith, and redemption.

Karen’s testimony is one of perseverance, recovery, and God’s transforming grace—even in the most broken places.

Karen Jedrzejweski- A Story: From Brokenness to Belonging

Karen grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in a deeply dysfunctional and abusive home. By the age of 14, she realized she could no longer remain with her family and began moving from one household to another.

At 16, she dropped out of school, bought a motorcycle, and moved to a ranch in Ohio. While horses were her passion, they were not enough to stop her descent into addiction and self-destruction.

In 1992, after entering a treatment facility, Karen began her road to recovery—and it was there she encountered Jesus Christ in a life-changing way. Following a devastating horse accident that nearly took her life, Karen experienced a moment of complete surrender to the Lord.

Life After Surrender

Today, Karen is:

Married for 36 years
A mother of three adult children
A grandmother
Fully devoted to seeking and serving God

Her faith journey didn’t stop there. Karen’s musical gift as a drummer was recognized within her prayer group, and she has faithfully served as a drummer with the Living Praise Worship Team for over 20 years.

About The Testimony of Karen Jedrzejweski

Recorded: August 2025
Location: Pittsburgh, PA Magnificat Chapter
Length: 34 minutes, 31 seconds

This episode is a moving witness to how God redeems suffering, restores purpose, and calls His daughters into deeper relationship with Him.

Listen & Learn More

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 https://www.magnificatministrypodcast.com

💙 About Magnificat – A Ministry to Catholic Women
Learn more about the mission, chapters, and events of Magnificat by visiting:
👉 https://www.magnificat-ministry.org

🛍 Magnificat Store
Looking for meaningful Catholic gifts? Explore rosaries, books, apparel, jewelry, Bible studies, and more:
👉 https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast Tagged With: Catholic testimony podcast, Catholic women podcast, Christian conversion story, Christian testimony, healing through Christ, Magnificat Ministry, recovery and faith, surrender to Jesus, women’s faith stories

Holiness Is Possible

February 16, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Holiness Is (Im)Possible: Striving for Sainthood in Everyday Life ~ Episode 368

Have you ever considered becoming holy? What about becoming a saint? Do you believe it’s possible, or do you think holiness is impossible? Maybe you believe we can’t be holy—only Jesus, or perhaps some of His followers, or subsequent martyrs and saints became holy. But you and me? No way. My friends, this is a diabolical lie, and many Christians believe it. Therefore, they don’t strive for holiness because why should they? We’re striving for a goal that doesn’t make sense or isn’t possible, especially in the day in which we live today. But holiness is possible.

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Scripture on God’s Call to Holiness

As Scripture reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:3: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from immorality…” God desires us to be holy, set apart for Him. This verse encourages us to pursue purity and dedication in our daily walk with the Lord. But we can’t do it alone, and when we try to do it without prayer, without seeking God, we will fail. So many times I read a scripture verse and think there is no way I can do it, but then I remember I don’t have to do it without help!

Additionally, in 1 Peter 1:15-16, we read: “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'” These words further remind us and confirm what we know intellectually, that holiness is not just a distant ideal but a calling we can embrace through God’s grace. Sometimes getting things from our heads to our hearts can be a challenge.

Why Striving for Holiness Matters

I used to think that striving to do good—well, good enough—was a decent goal. I didn’t think anyone needed to strive to be great because that’s an unattainable goal. Plus, it’s kind of vain thinking that what we do or who we are is great. But truly, if we are sons and daughters—adopted sons and daughters of God—then by definition, we are heirs to the kingdom. We should strive for holiness not so we can boast but so we can give all the glory to God.

Friends, we get distracted by semantics and we think that holiness isn’t possible this side of heaven. In fact, we very rarely say the word or think that we are working toward holiness because again, that goal seems too far off or unattainable. It’s like saying I’m going to be part of the Olympic team and I’ve never even trained—which brings us to the fact that if we want to be holy, one of the things we must do is train. And the way we can train depends on our situation in life.

Holiness in Your Unique Life Situation

The reason I’m qualifying it by saying your situation in life is because we all have responsibilities. Maybe you are a mom of young children, a student with lessons and responsibilities, or maybe you are middle-aged and a caregiver to elderly parents. We all have situations in our lives that may prevent us from striving for holiness in the way of, let’s say, someone who’s in seminary or someone who’s in religious life.

But that doesn’t give us a pass on doing some basic things. As I shared from the book The Forgotten Way by Matthew Kelly, one of the ways to strive for holiness is to watch what we say. As he puts it, “You can become a saint just by governing your speech.”

You may be thinking, but that’s just too basic.

But is it really? Think of the number of times that we have spoken and hurt someone or have spoken and not thought our words through. Very rarely do people apologize when they should, or maybe they over-apologize, as in the case of my sweet granddaughter Samantha. She often apologizes even when it’s not her fault. But holiness is possible, and that is a purpose that we should strive for. We can start today—it isn’t too late, even if you are overwhelmed, busy, have a huge workload, or have multiple deadlines to meet. You can start being holy just by saying, “Lord, I want to be holy,” and I want help in guarding what I say.”

I’m guilty of talking without thinking and hurting those I love the most. I used to chalk it up to transparency, that there was no need to wonder what I was thinking because I would tell you. Honesty is a virtue, but talking before thinking of the results of those words is not charitable. Something I wish I had learned earlier in life.

Finding Purpose Through Holiness

So many people have lost their life’s purpose.

Young people, especially, don’t seem to have life goals. I saw a recent post by a dad talking to his children about higher education, and they were wondering which jobs they could get that wouldn’t be replaced by AI in the future.

Without purpose, goals, or hope, we find people living in despair, discouragement, and disappointment. But what if our goal is to strive for heaven, to strive for the love of God, to strive to be a child of God? Does this change our despair? Yes! Realizing that there is more than what we can physically see and touch, and the goal is greater, is a blessing and leads to true freedom.

The first step would be asking the Lord, “Lord, what do you want from me?” What do you want from me today, right now? It doesn’t have to be a huge declaration. It can just be an acceptance of His will in our life for that day.

Sometimes our lives are not our own. We’re not in control, even when we think we have everything organized, scheduled, and perfectly mapped out. It doesn’t work that way—it doesn’t even work out at times when we’re trying to do good for the sake of another. It doesn’t always work out, but each day we get to see the glory and hand of God if we can just thank Him. If we can thank Him in the midst of the adversities, if we can thank Him even when we break a glass jar five minutes before we have to leave the house, or we’re going to be late to an appointment that is 30 minutes away, we can be thankful that no tile was chipped and the jar was not valuable.

Overcoming Distractions and Embracing Discipline

Sometimes these little issues take us away from our purpose, and our purpose is to serve God and to bless others by works of charity, even when we pat ourselves on the back, and then something like this happens to take away our peace.

None of us is perfect, and that’s not what holiness means. It doesn’t mean achieving perfection. I think that holiness means striving to be the best that we can be, given our life situations. Again, when I share things like life situations, it’s because I don’t want to put a burden on people. I know that as a young mom, I would hear people share testimonies and think, “Gosh, I want to go to that. I want to share the glory of God with other people,” but I couldn’t. It was not my time; it wasn’t my station in life. Yet I could work with what God gave me: raising my children, homeschooling, being there for my husband, my family, and my friends.

Striving for holiness means guarding our speech, but it also means being deliberate in our speech. You know, speech can either make people happy or miserable, and sometimes we lash out and say things we don’t need to say because we’re upset. Yelling makes us feel better because we’ve gotten it off our chest, but it doesn’t make those who are the recipients of our yelling feel any better. And that is the best time to say nothing—or at least pray before we do.

The Path to Holiness: Practice and Quiet Time

Holiness isn’t easy. Holiness doesn’t have a direct formula either. I’ve read uplifting articles that if you did X, Y, and Z, then the Lord would bless you—that if you wanted that house, you just needed to claim it, or that car. It’s like telling somebody that you have to go through all of these hoops to please God before you’re blessed. We don’t know the mind of God, but that is not the God I serve.

Striving to be holy is a goal that is attainable, but like anything we strive for, it takes practice. The idea of A Few Minutes with God, the title of this podcast, is a testament to the fact that spending time with God in quiet is a step toward holiness, peace, tranquility, and joy. The holiness comes from acknowledging that God is holy, and in the example of Jesus Christ, we have an example to follow, meditate on, and contemplate.

But we avoid the quiet. When things are quiet, what do you do? Do we reach for our phones, turn on the television, or computer? Again, a tool of the enemy to distract us.

Goals:

But quiet and sit with God, just for a little while at first. And when we are distracted, apologize to the Lord and move on. Guilt is not from God.
Guard our words. Think before we talk, or better yet, remain silent.
Add, “Be Holy!” to the top of our to-do list!

By striving to be holy, we focus on the discipline of controlling our speech.

By controlling our speech, we also find we can control our tempers and our reactions to things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. In essence, we have greater control over ourselves and our actions. Discipline can be trained, and we see it in many athletes, but discipline is something that we need, especially if we are going to work towards striving for holiness.

Think about the fruit that comes from this discipline.

When we exercise self-control over our words we can avoid gossip, lies, harshness, or unnecessary speech. Read James 3:2-12– my goodness, it is eye-opening! Let me just read you a portion, but please go back and study this verse: James 3: 8-10 (Read on air.) …but no human being can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.

This is so true; from our mouths come beautiful and sometimes vile things. Let us repent and move on because we all want healthier relationships, inner peace, and godly character. Let us pray to the Lord that He blesses us with the ability to have self-control, gentleness, and kindness, all fruits of the Spirit, that we may praise God in all things, strive for holiness because it is possible, and live in joy. Amen!

Related Episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast

For more uplifting content on faith and Christian living, check out these related episodes on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, becoming a saint, Catholic spirituality, Christian discipline, Christian living, Christian purpose, everyday holiness, faith encouragement, fruits of the Spirit, godly character, guarding your speech, holiness, prayer life, pursuing heaven, quiet time with God, sanctification, self control, Spiritual Growth, spiritual maturity, striving for sainthood, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Evil Tactic (Replay)

February 9, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Evil Tactic – Combatting Evil ~ Episode 225

What is an evil tactic? It is something employed by the evil one to take souls to hell. Harsh? Maybe. But, this is something that few of us want to talk about or consider. In this podcast, Felice will explore the tactics used and how to prevent being led to the dark side.

Visit this month’s wonderful sponsor who helps bring this network to you for free, visit CTCMath.com for a great math curriculum for grades K-12

Few people realize the greatest tool of evil is to convince people that evil does not exist. Everything is fine, it’s good, there is nothing to worry about. Everyone gets a free pass to go to heaven. Don’t worry, proclaim God once, claim Him and go on and live your life in whatever way you see fit. I realize we all come from different faith walks. Some are non-denominational and others adhere to a specific denomination. Some teach it is faith alone and others that it is faith and works.

In the previous podcast, I cited James 2:14-26, Faith without works is dead. With this thought, we must look at the ways that evil sets to destroy not only others but specifically our lives.

Here is a short list of things that are considered evil tactics:

Not believing evil or satan exists. John 8:44 (read)
Fearfulness (in a minute I’ll read from Matthew 10 which helps us to combat fear)
Deception and lies, Confusion, Twisting of words – reproductive freedom, no big deal, not for us to judge
Division – because when we are divided we are weak. John 17:20-24 (read)
Diversion – an overload of information, social media, anxiety, and distractions of everyday life Matt 10:26-32 (read)
Discouragement and depression – personal setbacks, always wanting more, if “this” happens, I’ll be happy. (humility)

There is so much packed into these verses, first, we have nothing to fear, the next is that we should not fear the body because what is most important is our soul, and the only person to fear is what can destroy us -that is giving into evil tactics and ultimately hell. Then there is the wonderful verse about the Father’s intimate knowledge about each one of us because he even knows the number of hair on our heads. We have value to God, my friends more than we know! We must also acknowledge God, we must not be afraid of our Christian faith or deny him unless we want to be denied before the Father in heaven. Powerful words!

5. Humility – the key to discouragement and depression is humility. Realizing we can do nothing without God. This is not a way to push off blame or alleviate our guilt, it is a way however to realize that when we do things under our own steam we are setting up ourselves for failure. Have you ever wondered when your life falls apart, and you can’t seem to handle anymore that you are “doing” it yourself and without God? Sure, we are all gifted in some way, but those gifts should be attributed to the Almighty.

In our humility we ask the Lord for help, to come into our lives in a deeper way (I know – I must sound like I repeat myself over and over) but it is a truth that when we grow closer to God we find things that are so important in our life or that we think are important fall way. All the people who suffer loss realize in the end that these are things they can not take with them when they die. That is why we are taught to look to the end, to look at our lives and when we do, when we grow closer to God we can see the areas where we have sinned.

Evil tactics are lost on those who are grounded, who surround themselves with like-minded Christians, and who immerse themselves in all that is good and holy, beginning with your relationship with Christ and the Scriptures. This week make a list of the evil tactics aimed at you and work at ways (with God, Scripture, and prayer) that you can combat the evils.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, evil, evil tactics, overcoming evil with good

Magnificat Presents® Some Women®: Be Not Afraid

February 9, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Be Not Afraid | Episode 9 – Some Women Podcast (Luke 8:1–3)

“Be not afraid.”

In this powerful episode of the Some Women podcast, Angela, Jackie, Pat, and Sharla share how God has proven Himself faithful in the midst of life’s battles. Through personal testimony, prayer, and reflection on Scripture, they reveal how the Lord led them into deeper trust—and spoke personally to their hearts with the words “Be not afraid.”

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

How God meets us personally during seasons of fear and uncertainty
What it looks like to trust the Lord in spiritual warfare and daily struggles
How ordinary women grow extraordinary faith through surrender and prayer
Why the words “Be not afraid” remain central to the Christian life

📖 Scripture Focus

This episode is part of the Some Women podcast series, inspired by Luke 8:1–3, which highlights the women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples. Their example invites us to ask:

Who were the women who followed and served Jesus?
How are we called to follow and serve Him today?
What does faithful discipleship look like for women in the modern world?

🎙️ About the Some Women Podcast

Presented by Magnificat®, Some Women features lively panel discussions (with occasional guest panelists) on topics relevant to Catholic women today, including:

Growing in holiness
Building authentic community
Living a Holy Spirit–led life
Spiritual warfare
Developing a deeper prayer life

Each episode reflects on Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church, encouraging listeners to pray, learn, and experience what God can do when we let Him work in our lives.

🌸 About Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women

Inspired by Mary’s words in Luke 1:46—“My soul magnifies the Lord”—Magnificat® gatherings include:

Praise and worship
Testimonies of God’s transforming grace
Faith-sharing in a relaxed, welcoming community

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, as a model for all Christians, especially women.

🔗 Learn more at: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Be Not Afraid Bible verse, Catholic faith testimony, Catholic spiritual warfare, Catholic women podcast, Christian women encouragement, Holy Spirit lifestyle, Luke 8:1-3 women of the Bible, Magnificat Ministry, women following Jesus

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 13, Kelly Wahlquist- From Heart to Heart: Bringing Joy with the New Evangelization

February 6, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 13, Kelly Wahlquist- From Heart to Heart: Bringing Joy with the New Evangelization

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Kelly Wahlquist shares her faith-filled journey to becoming a disciple of Christ. Today, through founding the national women’s ministry WINE: Women in the New Evangelization, she shares the faith, empowering women to enjoy a closer relationship with the Lord and to use their unique gifts to bring joy, connection, and community, healing the body of Christ.

Kelly is also Director of the Archbishop Flynn Catechetical Institute in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Kelly is the author of innovative collaborative Bible studies and travels the country speaking at Catholic conferences, retreats and leads women’s pilgrimages through Italy. She and her husband, Andy, reside with their three children in Minnesota.

Women of the New Evangelization website: https://catholicvineyard.com

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

About Magnificat® Ministry

Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Memorize Scripture (Replay)

February 2, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Memorize Scripture

Replay sponsored by CTCMath.com

When was the last time you attempted to memorize scripture? This is worthwhile and beneficial to our spiritual growth. By memorizing the verses we can ingrain them into our hearts and call them to mind in times when we struggle. Here are some tips for memorizing with ease.

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When the children were younger I would assign them scriptures to memorize. Most of the time they were a verse or two, often nothing longer. I had friends whose children could quote sections of the Bible and I was amazed! And while memorization is great for children, it is important that we as adults also spend time on memorization. In fact, it can really help us as we get older.

I have a list that I call life verses, such as Joshua 24:15 – but the entire verse is not what I quote. Here is the entire verse:

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

When I think of the verse, it is this part… As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Another is John 1:1-5 –

What I will quote having memorized it is this part, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made.”

I love that verse because it is one of those mind-blowing verses – in those words I can see the Almighty God, Father, and Son. The Word is Jesus, God is God the Father and nothing is done without the Spirit. For some reason, that verse makes me very happy!

It is almost like I have a tiny glimpse of the creation of the world.

Then there is what we call the Magnificat – Luke146-55 when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and the baby in Elizabeth’s womb lept for joy. Here we read Mary’s answer to Elizabeth: And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, …

Another version says, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

and another the King James – My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

I love all of those versions, but my favorite is My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…

You can look up various scripture verses on a website such as BibleGateway.com or your own Bible translation.

I’m making a point to memorize some new verses, do you want to join me in the challenge? Let’s get started with some simple techniques for memorization.

Memorize Scripture The Easy Way

Scriptures that are important to you. The first step is to look at the Bible and find the verses that are important to you. You can begin by listing some of your favorites, even if you have already memorized these verses. I shared some with you.
Write them down. Reinforces the words. Using seeing, hearing, and writing helps us in remembering. While typing is tactile it really is beneficial to write the scriptures out and say them out loud. Seeing them in print helps as well.
Read them often. Put the scriptures you are using in one spot. Several of my children used flashcards to help them when studying for a test. You can do this with the scripture verses. Put the words on the lined side of the card, and the verse number on the back. By looking at the verse such as John 1:1 – you should be able to recite, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Create a sign or banner. This is one of my favorite things and I love receiving gifts that are plaques with Scripture verses on them, in fact, I have many throughout my home. I also hang them from the bedroom doors, I use those sticky plastic hook things. Okay, so sometimes it does bang on the door when you open or close it, but it is so worth it to see those verses and it reminds me to live them!
Test yourself. How are you doing? You can set simple goals like one new verse a week. Just think in a year you can memorize 52 new verses! Wouldn’t that be great?

Will you join me? That is this week’s challenge, one verse! Be blessed and in the Name of Jesus I ask for an infilling of the Holy Spirit to be upon your family today and always. Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: learn the bible, pray with scripture, scripture memory

Discerning God’s Will

January 26, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Listening to that still, small voice is the goal of all who are discerning God’s will! In this episode, we explore how we can shift our focus once we have practiced the habit of listening.

Discerning God’s Will: Aligning Your Path with His Plan ~ Episode 367

Listening to the Lord, following His will, and practicing holding our tongue is not easy. As I shared in the previous episode, as a family, we are reading the book “The Forgotten Way. The Saint James Master Plan.” By Matthew Kelly – This little book is powerful. What it lacks in words it makes up for in punch.

Holding our tongue, thinking before we talk, and spending time in silence helps us to cultivate the habit of listening to that still, small voice. The natural next step is to understand and interpret what He is revealing to us.

There is no formula – you do x + y, and you get Z. No, that is not how it works. But listening takes practice, and it is difficult to listen if we are talking.

When was the last time you were seeking a clear direction in your life? Making decisions—whether it’s a career change, family matters, or spiritual growth is possible without Go,d but how much better is it if we pray for the Lord’s help?

In a world filled with distractions and conflicting voices, discerning God’s will isn’t just a skill; it’s a lifeline to living a purposeful, God-centered life.

The Art of Discernment in Faith

Discernment is more than just making good choices; it’s a spiritual practice rooted in prayer, reflection, and obedience. It involves testing the spirits to ensure our decisions align with God’s holy truth rather than our own desires or worldly influences.

In today’s fast-paced society, where self-help gurus and social media influencers bombard us with advice, true discernment calls us back to the foundational principles of our faith. We’ll draw inspiration from biblical figures like the Apostle Paul, whose vision of the Macedonian call in Acts 16 redirected his missionary journey entirely.

This wasn’t a random event but a clear prompting from the Holy Spirit, showing us that God often speaks through circumstances, inner peace, and confirmation from Scripture and community. For Catholics, the Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes forming our moral compass through regular examination and sacraments like Reconciliation.

By prioritizing these elements, we can avoid the pitfalls of confusion and step into the clarity that comes from a heart attuned to God. Discernment isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress in holiness, trusting that God reveals His will progressively as we seek Him diligently.

Key Scripture Passages

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God.”

This powerful verse from St. Paul urges us to reject the patterns of secular culture that prioritize materialism, individualism, and instant gratification. Instead, it calls for a radical transformation through the renewal of our minds—achieved via daily immersion in God’s Word, prayer, and the Eucharist.

After reflecting on this, consider how worldly influences might be clouding your judgment. For instance, in a culture obsessed with success measured by wealth or status, discerning God’s will might mean choosing a vocation that serves others, like teaching or missionary work, even if it’s not lucrative.

Practically, start by cutting back on your media intake: replace scrolling through divisive news feeds… Ultimately, this transformation equips us to test and approve God’s perfect will, leading to a life of fulfillment and eternal reward.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

In an age where self-reliance is idolized—think of the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality—this proverb reminds us that true straight paths come from acknowledging God in every aspect of life, from mundane routines to major crossroads.

After pondering this, reflect on times when leaning on your understanding led to detours. Use apps with daily Scripture I shared about the Bible in a Year podcast by Ascension Press. It’s free on YouTube. (More on air.)

1 John 4:1

1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”

St. John warns against deception in a world rife with false prophets and misleading ideologies.

This is especially relevant today, with cultural shifts promoting relativism and ideologies contrary to Christian teachings, such as those undermining the sanctity of life or traditional marriage. Testing spirits involves comparing promptings against Scripture, Church tradition, and moral absolutes.

After this reference, delve into how to practically test: use the “fruit inspection” from Galatians 5—does the spirit produce love, joy, peace? Avoid sources that twist the truth, such as progressive theologies that dilute biblical commands.

Instead, draw on solid resources such as the Bible! In personal life, test career callings: if a job requires compromising ethics, it’s not from God.

As a believer, we must speak out against anti-family policies. Surround yourself with like-minded Christians. This safeguards against spiritual pitfalls, leading to authentic freedom in Christ.

Tips for Discerning Daily

To make discernment a daily habit, begin with structured prayer times, perhaps using a prayer journal to record areas of struggle or praise reports. I love keeping a praise journal to see all that God has provided in our families.

If you can add fasting to your life, not just from food but from noise—turn off the music or news during commutes to listen inwardly. Surround yourself with a faithful community, like Bible study groups, for objective feedback. Remember, discernment thrives in frequent attendance at church. I love that my church encourages silence. When entering, I can kneel and pray quietly. It is a wonderful way to begin to worship God.

If facing major decisions, consider a retreat, even for a few hours! Seek spiritual guidance from your pastor. Patience is key—God’s timing often differs from ours, building trust. Incorporate nature walks and reflect on creation as a means of discernment, as Psalm 19 suggests. Finally, celebrate small discernments to encourage perseverance.

Related Podcast Episodes

Enhance your spiritual discernment with these additional episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

Faith in Action – Steps to boldly live your faith.
Overcoming Hopelessness – Embracing joy in trials.
Praying for a Friend – Interceding for others.
Let Your Yes Be Yes – Commitment and truthfulness.
Asking God – Persistent prayer for wisdom.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, Christian discernment, discernment

Magnificat Presents Some Women: Personal Prayer Life

January 23, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat Presents Some Women: Personal Prayer Life

In this episode, Angela, Donna, Jackie, and Pat talk about their prayer lives. They describe what their prayer was like when they first came back to the Lord, how it has changed over the years, and how it’s like for them now.

Some Women Podcast

Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, prayer life, Some Women Podcast

Listening To The Lord

January 19, 2026 by Felice Gerwitz Leave a Comment

Listening to the Lord: Hearing God’s Voice in Daily Life ~ Episode 366

Welcome to A Few Minutes with God Podcast, hosted by Felice Gerwitz. In this episode, we dive into the foundational aspect of our Christian walk: learning to listen to the Lord. As believers, tuning our hearts to God’s gentle whispers amid the noise of the world is essential for spiritual growth.

This four-part series explores listening to Him, following His will, and exercising caution in our speech. Join us as we seek timeless wisdom from Scripture to inspire your faith journey.

Why Listening to the Lord Matters

In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the still, small voice of God. This episode focuses on practical ways to cultivate a listening heart, drawing from biblical examples like Samuel’s call in the night. By prioritizing quiet time in prayer and meditation, we open ourselves to divine guidance that aligns our lives with His purpose.

Book referenced: The Forgotten Way*

Scripture Verses for Reflection

1 Kings 19:11-12: (Read on air.) This reminds us that God often speaks in whispers, urging us to be attentive.
Psalm 46:10: “(Read on air.) A call to silence our minds and listen for His presence.
John 10:27: “(Read on air.) Jesus assures us that as His followers, we can recognize His voice.

Practical Steps to Listen Better

Start your day with intentional silence, perhaps by reading the passage slowly and stopping to contemplate the words, or by journaling. In this way, you can write down your prayer requests and keep track of those that have been answered and those you need to continue praying for. Avoid distractions like social media during devotion time, and seek confirmation through godly counsel. Remember, listening is an active pursuit of intimacy with the Lord.

Related Podcast Episodes

For more insights on deepening your relationship with God, check out these episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

Let Your Yes Be Yes – Exploring integrity in our commitments to God.
Asking God – How to approach the Lord in prayer with boldness.
Faith in Action – Living out your beliefs courageously.
Overcoming Hopelessness – Finding joy through God’s promises.
Praying for a Friend – The power of intercession in building community.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, discerningment, prayer

Magnificat Ministry Podcast: Testimony of Claire Gallagher

January 16, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Testimony of Claire Gallagher

Claire Gallagher is a consecrated virgin from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Claire was born and raised in the New Orleans area in a devout Catholic family. She had many good role models, her own parents as well as, aunts and uncles. Like many little girls she had dreams of one day getting married, having a large family, and living in a home with a white picket fence. While attending college, she thought she found the perfect man, but she knew deep down it was not right.

Claire explains how her life took many unexpected turns and she received important life lessons that allowed her to listen more closely to God’s plan for her. She found that God uses everything, he led her through a process of ‘letting go’ enabling her to be open to a deeper relationship with him and the vocation to the consecrated life.

Her love for the youth and young adult ministry, teaching, and retreat ministry led to her involvement and years of experience nurturing the spiritual formation of others. She currently manages a project through the Loyola Institute for Ministry that provides spiritual enrichment for religious sisters and is the co-host of the podcast “Flourishing Sisterhood,” which highlights the unique stories of religious sisters in the south.

This testimony was given to the Marrero, Louisiana Chapter in August 2025. The recording is 44 minutes, 26seconds in length.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast Tagged With: Catholic Testimony, Claire Gallagher, consecrated virgin, Magnificat Ministry Testimony

Finding God Every Day

January 12, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Finding God in the Every Day with Felice Gerwitz

Do you have a daily schedule? It’s time to add finding God to your list. The Lord’s voice is something we seek, whether in quiet time or in prayer. What should we do? What does God want us to do? What is God’s will for us, today, tomorrow or next year? How do we find God? In this episode, Felice Gerwitz discusses how we should seek God every day.

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Give Up Fear and Follow Him All the Way

What it looks like to love God without conditions

Key quotes (pull quotes / social)

Scripture & liturgy references

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Hunger For God

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 21, Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs — A Call to Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

Fr. Tom Sparacino: When Wickedness Seems to Be Winning

Let Him into the recesses of your heart

Key quotes (pull quotes / social)

Scripture & liturgy references

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Shroud of Turin: What the Cloth Still Says About Jesus ~ Episode 378

A Personal Encounter with the Shroud of Turin

Who Is the Man of the Shroud of Turin?

The Divine Mercy Image and the Face on the Shroud of Turin

An Invitation for Seekers and Believers

Related Episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast

A Pastor’s Heart: Bishop Mark Eckman’s Journey of Faith and Service

He begins by thanking the women of Magnificat for their witness of faith, emphasizing that their pursuit of holiness strengthens the whole local Church.

A major theme of the conversation is service rooted in prayer.

Topics covered

Key themes

The First Shall Be Last And How To Avoid This Happening To You ~ Episode 377

How Does Matthew 19 Prepare Us for This Parable?

What Is the Parable of the Laborers About?

The Good News If You Already Believe

Five Encouragements from This Episode

Related Episodes from A Few Minutes with God

Fr. Tom Sparacino: There’s Power — But Only in the Name of Jesus

So what is the power?

Key quotes (pull quotes / social)

Scripture & liturgy references

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

From Fear to Freedom: Maria Arsenault’s Journey to Becoming a Consecrated Virgin

In This Episode

Key Takeaway

What does it mean to dream big when the dream isn’t about money, status, or followers — but about God?

Felice shares the story of a young homeschool mom who had received one word from the Lord for the year: say yes to really good opportunities.

She’s also honest about her own resistance.

In This Episode You’ll Hear

Start Here: Four Steps to Dreaming Big with God

Scripture

Memorable Quotes

Connect

Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin

Overcome Daily Struggles Episode 52

Overcome Daily Struggles

Scriptures Show Us How To Overcome Daily Struggles

Let’s Pray for help for help to Overcome Daily Struggles:

From Walls of Anxiety to Waves of Praise

In this deeply moving testimonial, Gail O’Brien takes listeners on a chronological journey through her life, illustrating how God repeatedly went before her—even during a year-long period of self-proclaimed atheism.

Gail discusses growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY, as a profoundly shy child.

Notable Scripture Quotes Referenced

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 20, Deacon David Hockwalt — Surviving Change with Faith in God’s Plan

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart Preached on the memorial of St. Agatha, as the group prepares to go ashore for a day of mission, this homily asks a plain question: what are we actually equipped with?

Then he tells on his own formation.

That’s where St. Agatha comes in.

Key quotes

Scripture & liturgy references

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

The Gift of Humility ~ 344

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Praise and Worship

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart

Preached on the memorial of St. Agatha, as the group prepares to go ashore for a day of mission, this homily asks a plain question: what are we actually equipped with?