Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Chris talk about finding joy in good times, difficult times, and trusting in God to provide comfort. We open up about healing and redemption through Christ, drawing parallels between personal struggles and the suffering of Jesus on the cross. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of finding profou…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Chris explore a compelling examination of the fine line between the fear of the Lord—a reverence that shapes our purpose—against the fear of losing earthly roles and relationships that often define us. This intricate tapestry of discussion leads us to question our own priorities and the true source …

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discover the profound connections between ancient Jewish wedding customs and the Christian faith. Our fascinating discussion takes us on a journey through time, exploring the historical significance of wine, the ceremonial cup in betrothal rituals, and the manner in which a Jewish groom traditionally 'acq…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Father Stephen Sanchez helps us explore the intricate symbolism of wine in the sacred context of Jewish marriage. From the Talmud we uncover the cultural and theological significance of Jewish nuptial customs and their parallels in Catholic theology. This episode isn't just an exchange of ideas; it's a celeb…

Send us a Text Message. Are the titles "Son of God" and "Son of Man" simply echoes of ancient scripture, or do they offer a gateway to the profound mystery of Jesus Christ? Step into a captivating conversation with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite Priest, as we navigate the historical and theological landscapes that these enigmatic tit…

Send us a Text Message. Join us in the third and final part our conversation on the reality of Satan. Discover the divine authority that pulses within you as we reflect on quotes from St. Teresa of Avila, a Carmelite nun who commanded power over darkness through her identity in Christ. Our exploration brings her timeless revelations to light, offer…

Send us a Text Message. Discover the profound triumphs of the divine as we navigate the enigmatic realm of spiritual beings with Father Stephen Sanchez. Our journey into the essence of angels and demons reveals their shared origins, despite their starkly contrasting destinies. We dissect the intricate roles these ethereal entities play in the grand…

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a journey into the heart of spiritual doctrine with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite Priest, as we confront the truths about Satan, the reality of angels, and their pivotal place in Catholic Christian faith. As we explore these profound teachings, you're promised an awakening to the deeper layers of ou…

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever pondered what it means to stand before the God at life's end? Join us as we explore this mystery with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite priest, whose insights into the Catholic tradition's views on the afterlife and final judgment are nothing short of illuminating. We scrutinize the intimate moment …

Send us a Text Message. As we approach the solemnity of Good Friday, Father Stephen Sanchez joins us to navigate the depths of emotion and tradition that shroud this holy day. Together, we grapple with the weighty acknowledgment of our own roles in Christ's crucifixion, teetering between the heartache of remorse and the solace of gratitude for His …

Send us a Text Message. Step inside the solemnity of the Good Friday Liturgy with Father Stephen Sanchez and witness how the Church's traditions invite us into a journey of reflection and profound understanding. Together, we unveil the mystagogical significance of the Good Friday liturgy and discover how this sacred day bears the weight of our salv…

Send us a Text Message. Journey with us as we grapple with the profound mysteries of the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. Father Stephen provides an enlightening perspective on these eschatological themes. Literature and Christian teachings intersect as we navigate the rich tapestry of eschatology, with insights from C.S. Lewis'…

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a spiritual expedition with Fr. Stephen Sanchez as we traverse the terrain of Christian schisms, seeking the unity once envisioned by the ecumenical council fathers. Our heartfelt discussion navigates the rich diversity of Christian thought, encouraging a blend of intellectual curiosity and compassionate outreach. …

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a riveting journey back to the tempestuous days of the Reformation in Germany, where Fr. Stephen Sanchez offers his profound insights into the religious and political whirlwind that reshaped the Christian faith. Prepare to unearth the roots of denominationalism and discover the painstakingly woven influences of fig…

Send us a Text Message. Prepare to be transported through time as we uncover the historical tapestry of church and state separation. Our episode may kick off with a chuckle over tortillas and feline antics, but the conversation soon picks up where we left off in our previous episode and sails into the profound ocean of the past, where the power str…

Send us a Text Message. Uncover the deep-rooted connections and divisions that have sculpted Christianity into the diverse tapestry we see today. We navigate the historical and theological nuances that differentiate the Catholic Church from other Christian traditions. Unpacking the significance of the Second Vatican Council, we confront how Catholi…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John explores how an understanding of the New Testament transformed his understanding of Christian faith. From the blood of the lamb in Exodus to the transformative sacrifice of Christ, John breaks down how Jesus's new perpetual Passover is a necessary part of Christianity. Contemplate with us what it all tr…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John unravels the threads of apostolic authority that anchor the Church in divinely ordained leadership, a concept as pivotal today as it was in Jesus' time. He casts light on the 'binding and loosing' entrusted to the apostles, an indisputable authority that continues to shape God's will through the Church'…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John reflect on the oft-overlooked Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. They shed light on the intricacies of this feast, which is rich in history and spiritual significance but frequently finds itself overshadowed by the preceding Christmas festivities. Their dialogue traverses the liturgical …

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Father Stephen uncover the profound anticipation of the Nativity and the second coming of Christ. Feel the pulse of ancient traditions come alive in our present, binding the sacred with the rhythm of our daily lives. Their conversation offers a unique perspective on the dual focus of Advent, delving…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen, John, and Bertha finish their exploration of prayer through the fourth pillar Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode isn't about merely reciting prayers; it's a deep dive into the essence and the art of praying. Fr. Stephen stresses the importance of teaching children how to relate with …

Send us a Text Message. In this review of the final pillar of the Catechism, Fr. Stephen and John paint a picture of the transformative power of prayer, revealing how it feeds our faith in Christ's mercy and healing. They navigate the challenges of maintaining faith, stressing how our perceived unworthiness can't limit God's infinite love and forgi…

Send us a Text Message. Are you prepared for the Second Coming? As Advent approaches, let's embark on a deeply spiritual journey, reflecting on this season divided into two significant parts. The first stage, from the first Sunday of Advent to December 16th, calls for our vigilance as we anticipate the day of the Lord, echoing John the Baptist's pl…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen navigate through the intricate world of synods and synodality, focusing on the need to seek understanding and truth over the desire to be "right". This enlightening encounter emphasizes prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the evolving nature of the Church, while upholding the im…

Send us a Text Message. Curious about the roots of synods and the role of the church's teaching office? Prepare to journey back in time with John and Fr. Stephen Sanchez. Through a fascinating exploration of the first recorded synodal gatherings, such as the initial synod in Asia Minor in 170 AD and the gathering in Gaul in 177 AD, they explore how…

Send us a Text Message. After several weeks of travel and recovering from fall allergy induced sickness, John and Father Stephen delve into the reality of how ritual and religion point to something greater: our relationship with God. Their conversation reflects on how evangelization is intimately tied to relationships, interpreting gospel passages,…

Send us a Text Message. Journey with us on a profound spiritual exploration, as my dear friend Chris and I weave through an intricate web of faith, truth and understanding. The twists and turns of Chris's spiritual journey are as remarkable as they are enlightening, beginning in a Pentecostal and Assembly of God church and then leading to an accept…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John contemplates sin, virtue, and the role of self-awareness has in our ability to cooperate with God's grace. This episode is not just about introspection; it's about understanding the profound impact we can have on others through virtue. Share this with your circle and help us reach more hearts and minds.…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John invites his daughter into a short conversation about her personal experiences with faith and the Church. She brings a fresh perspective to the table, discussing how the pandemic has shifted the landscape of young people's church experience, and the importance of routine in growing in your faith. Drawing…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen celebrate the first anniversary of 'My Friend the Friar' in one of the libraries at the Mount Carmel Center monastery in Dallas, Texas. Their chat includes topics such as reflections on the podcast so far, navigating the complex relationship between faith and culture in a modern world, p…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen journey into the heart of the third pillar of the Catechism, 'Life in Christ', a compelling exploration of our conduct, decisions, and spiritual growth that beckons us to live out Christ's teachings in our day-to-day lives. They delve into the Catechism's adaptability, emphasizing the cr…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John continue to unpack tradition in the framework of the Second Vatican Council's affirmation of Papal Infallibility and Tradition - key doctrines that tie Catholic Church together. They touch on Johann Adam Möhlar's assertion that Church gospel and tradition stand or fall together, and prob…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Father Stephen take us on a captivating journey into the depths of tradition in response to a listener's question. Ever wondered about the importance of traditions in our lives and our faith? Fascinatingly, they'll be shedding light on what separates big T traditions, which are essential, from the l…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen turn their attention to the Catholic view of the human person as a unified entity of body and soul. They unravel teachings from the Catechism, the evolution of the Church's understanding of spirit and soul over centuries, and the influences of diverse cultures, philosophers, and theologi…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen Sanchez dissect evangelization, guided by the Apostolicam Actuositatem, the conciliar decree of the Second Vatican Council. They stress that evangelization involves creating well-educated disciples, who are deeply rooted in their faith. Turning their attention to discipleship, they dive …

Send us a Text Message. What if the true depth of your Christian faith journey lies in understanding the very essence of your being - the supernatural part of your human nature? In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John discern the critical role each of us plays in the Church and how we can align our daily tasks with the spirit of Christ. They explore …

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John discuss discipleship and the lay person's role in evangelization. They discuss how to authentically represent Christ, focusing on building relationships and trust while avoiding presumption about the other person’s knowledge of the topic. They also examine the Second Vatican Council and …

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen set the philosophical foundations of truth as viewed by Plato, Aristotle, and early Christianity. They then journey through the immaterial world of perfect objects and forms in Plato's philosophy, and Aristotle's emphasis on the intellect's judgement. They investigate Christianity's pers…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John unearth the secrets of the Book of Revelation as they navigate its historical context and rich symbolism. They go back to the time of Emperor Domitian and the aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem's second temple to gain a deeper understanding, not just of the book but also of the tu…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Father Stephen tackle the differences between Protestant and Catholic views on justification by analyzing Isaiah 53:11, a verse that prophesizes Jesus as the one to 'justify many' and 'bear their guilt'. They dissect the idea of imputed justice and the Catholic belief of a genuine transformation occ…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we introspect on our ways of relating, our preconceptions, and how our unhealed wounds can obscure our relation God. Just like the Israelites from the Exodus story, we too can let got of our slavery to sin and find our way back to God if we make room in our lives for God's love to heal our wounds. Father San…

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how sin can impact your relationships, especially the one with the divine? Unveiling the layers of sin and its implications, we journey into the heart of moral theology, shedding light on the complex concept that's often misused and misunderstood in today's society. We analyze sin from religious and cultural pe…

Send us a Text Message. Gratitude, the Eucharist, and the concept of radical poverty are complex yet essential components of our relationship with God. Father Stephen and John deconstruct these ideas to better understand how our perceptions of God and our relationships with others shape our ability to be truly thankful. Join us for this episode ful…

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever pondered the complexity of your own identity? Is it an inherent truth or an ever-evolving perception shaped by experiences and relationships? Join me and my esteemed guest, Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite Priest, as we dissect these deep questions, offering you fresh perspectives on the fascinatin…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John finish their conversation with Mark regarding discernment and the Diaconate. Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at myfriendthefriar@gmail.com or click here!By John Lee and Fr. Stephen Sanchez, O.C.D.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John sit down with Mark and discuss his discernment for the diaconate and what roles deacons fulfill within the Catholic Church. Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at myfriendthefriar@gmail.com or click here!…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John discuss what is known about spiritual or angelic beings, and what is purely speculative theology. They draw from sources such as the Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite's De Coelesti Hierarchia, St. Thomas Aquinas, Sacred Scripture, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Have something yo…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode Fr. Stephen and John discuss the Church's Christocentric teaching on Mary since Vatican II. Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at myfriendthefriar@gmail.com or click here!By John Lee and Fr. Stephen Sanchez, O.C.D.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode Fr. Stephen and John discuss the blessed mother, Mary, and how she has been influential to the Church since the very beginning. Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at myfriendthefriar@gmail.com or click here!By John Lee and Fr. Stephen Sanchez, O.C.D.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John sit down with Courtney, a non-denominational Christian pastor while she shares her story of becoming ordained, what that means to her, and the challenges she has faced as a woman in ministry as a non-Catholic Christian. They also discuss the importance and dignity of womanhood, women's r…