This week Mother Natalia reflects on two listener emails. One talks about welcoming people at church and the ways we can be stretched. Another talks about recognizing the humanity in Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia in the beginning episode banter. Mother Natalia also reflects on a passage in a book by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom. References: The Inmo…

This week Fr. Michael talks about the various aspects of Jesus we can encounter in confession. He highlights Jesus as healer, teacher, and judge. Fr. Michael talks about how we can naturally limit our understanding of Jesus to just those three components at a specific time, but how Jesus has many parts of His character that we can encounter all at …

This week Mother Natalia reflects on self-worth despite no visible evidence of contribution to the greater good. This comes after she got COVID and struggled with fatigue, which impacted her day-to-day operations at the monastery. References: Useless but not Worthless Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube! Join…

This week Fr. Michael takes inspiration from a parishioner who asked for grace from his family as he was going to have a difficult week. Fr. Michael talks about the need for patience and grace that we all should be giving to our family members, our monastic brothers and sisters, and our friends. He links this with Genesis 9 and the way Noah's son's…

This week Mother Natalia takes a mini-topic suggestion from one of our Patreon supporters and talks about it for a full episode! She talks about attachments to people, including family and celebrities, and how those can be wrongly ordered. She talks about differentiating between relying fully on God and our need to have others in our lives since "i…

Today we're joined by special guest Ivy Gates. Ivy and Fr. Michael met each other on the #redbusbestbus during a Holy Land pilgrimage. Ivy talks about authenticity and it's importance in her life. Fr. Michael shares some examples of Ivy living out her authentic self during pilgrimage and how that impacted him. Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on In…

This week Fr. Michael talks about an encounter he had in Rome, and how that encounter led him to consider his weaknesses and other people's wisdom. He talks about how we sometimes weaponize other people's weaknesses instead of recognizing their dignity as a person. References: Stop It - Bob Newhart Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and …

This week Mother Natalia continues her topic on discernment, talking about what not to do but also what to do. She also talks about ways that we see the resurrection in our lives, and the way that St. John saw it, not with the physical presence of Jesus (although he did see that too!) but with his initial viewing of the burial clothes. She talks ab…

This week Mother Natalia uses this episode to prep for a recording she's doing over at Pints! She talks about discernment and what not to do as you're discerning. Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Our Website Our Nonprofit Send …

This week Fr. Michael responds to a correction from a listener, and uses that as inspiration for this week's topic. We talk about letting God work through us and using the gifts He's given us. We talk about how the authors of scripture were so in sync with the Holy Spirit that it showed in their inspired writings. Plus we have a mini-topic on chari…

This week we're joined by special guest Fr. Boniface Hicks. Mother Natalia talks about the importance of repairing relationships which have suffered a rupture, regardless of the type of relationship. They give some examples of where ruptures have occurred in the past, and how a repair might come about. References: TED Talk from Becky Kennedy Tender…

This week Fr. Michael continues his discussion from several episodes ago on living out the gospel as a mom. Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia respond to some reflections that listeners passed along about life as a mom and creative almsgiving. References: Heroic Act of Charity Therapy of Spiritual Illnesses by Jean-Claude Larchet Follow and Contact Us!…

This week we're joined by special guest Dr. Gerry Crete. We talk about some of the concepts from his book, Litanies of the Heart. We talk about the studies and prayer he's had over the years which led throughout his work. We talk about the inner self, the different parts that make up ourselves, and how the parts can interact with each other and our…

This week Fr. Michael walks through some of the prayers of the church which can be incorporated into your daily prayer life. These are everything from prayers before and after meals to a daily examination of conscience. A special shoutout to Antonette who took this picture of Fr. Michael! References: Publicans Prayer Book from Sophia Press Carsoslo…

This week Fr. Michael talks about scripture readings in Acts and John, and links them together to talk about division and having an undivided heart. He talks about the need for full attention to be given to God, and how it's hard to live this out sometimes. Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube! Join our Goodre…

This week Mother Natalia talks about self-reflection on sin, recognizing where we've stumbled, how that has impacted others, and where we've grown. She uses a recent example of something that happened in community life to show us how this works practically. References: Green Dolphin Street by Elizabeth Goudge Litanies of the Heart by Dr. Gerry Cret…

This week Fr. Michael unpacks a theme he sees in the post-Pascha Sunday readings around people saying yes to Jesus immediately vs qualifying the yes or asking follow-up questions before saying yes. He talks about the reasons why we might not say yes right away, and how our human experience can get in the way of our desire to say yes. Follow and Con…

This week Mother Natalia talks about her recent poustinia, where she reflected on rest. Mother Natalia talks about taking to-do lists to pray while also trying to remember that prayer is relational and not something to fulfill check-boxes. Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Mich…

This week we’re joined by special guest Brother Simeon Miriam from the CFRs. Brother Simeon was imminently about to start an 8-day poustinia, so in this episode we talk a bit about poustinia, the nights of poustinia he helped start in NYC, a bit about how he became Roman Catholic, and the love of breathing with both lungs. References: The Way of a …

This week Mother Natalia talks about imperfection and recognizing that we will always be imperfect, following a retreat she gave at Wyoming Catholic College. She and Fr. Michael talk about the externals of our prayer practice, both personal prayer and prayer during Diving Liturgy or Mass. They talk about how our relationship with Christ should grow…

This week Mother Natalia talks about attacks of the devil that lead to despair. She vulnerably shares some personal examples, and talks about people in her life who encouraged her during these moments of despair. Mother Natalia shares some writings from St. John Chrysostom related to despair as a way to encourage and strengthen us. Want to be a bac…

This week Fr. Michael reflects on the names of Adam and Noah, how they're linked, and how they reflect the new Adam. Fr. Michael talks about becoming an altar and how we can live that out in our day-to-day lives. Want to be a backstage listener? Become a patron on Patreon! References: The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis by Avivah Gottli…

Episode 73 with Yasmine. On resistance. You can follow Maryland 2 Palestine at @md2palestine on Instagram.

This week Mother Natalia comes to us with some hot takes fresh off her poustinia. She talks about fear, love, vulnerability, and weakness. She talks about each of those in our relationship with God as well as our relationship with others. This episode is deep! Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube! Join our Goo…

This week Fr. Michael talks about how to pray and providing suggestions to friends who ask for help in praying. He talks about how prayer methods (rote prayer, contemplative prayer, etc.) work differently for each person, but ultimately how important prayer is to our daily lives and relationship with God. References: The Art of Prayer by Kallistos …

This week’s episode was recorded live at SEEK24. Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia are joined by Fr. Boniface Hicks. They talk about how our lives would change if we inherently knew that Jesus loved us. They talk about ways this is exhibited in daily life, in prayer, in the confessional. They also talk about a sticker that premiered at SEEK and how it…

Today we conclude our series of the liturgies for Great and Holy Week. This week’s episode covers Great and Holy Friday, Great and Holy Saturday, and Pascha Sunday. This is our 200th episode. We're so grateful to our listeners for your prayers and support! Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube! Join our Goodrea…

This week we continue our series of the liturgies for Holy Week. Today's episode covers Presanctified Liturgy on Holy Wednesday, matins for Holy Thursday, and Divine Liturgy on Holy Thursday. References: The Year of Grace of the Lord by A Monk of the Eastern Church Isaiah 61:1-3 Therapy of Spiritual Illnesses by Jean-Claude Larchet Follow and Conta…

This week we're kicking off a three part series where we walk through the liturgies for Holy Week. Today's episode covers Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. References: The Year of Grace of the Lord by A Monk of the Eastern Church Great Lent by Fr. Alexander Schmemann Behold the Bridegroom Useless but not Worthless Monday Readings: Matt 21:18-43,…

This week Fr. Michael reflects on the encounter of Simeon and Anna with the child Jesus when Jesus was presented in the Temple. Fr. Michael also shares some creative ideas for almsgiving that you can incorporate during the Great Fast and even throughout the year. Episode 200! We're celebrating our upcoming episode 200 by hearing from you! Record a …

This week Mother Natalia continues her discussion from a few episodes about the ache and longing we have in our hearts for eternity. She talks about the exodus and pilgrimage through this life, the goods that we can ache and long for, and how ultimately earth is not our home. References: Into Great Silence Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset The…

On this week's episode, Fr. Michael works through some ideas he has for a homily he's giving later that day. He talks about the need to be cognizant of the work God is doing in our lives, our heads, and our hearts. References: Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset The Ladder of Divine Ascent by John Climacus Episode 200! We're celebrating our upco…

This week Mother Natalia takes a mini-topic request on recent Byzantine saints and also talks about fasting. Her discussion on fasting covers some of the reasons she likes fasting, the ways she can grow, and then some general practicalities on fasting. References: Father Vasyl Lonchyna What Suffering is Not with Mother Iliana The Ladder of Divine A…

This week Fr. Michael uses the story of Zacchaeus as inspiration for this week's episode. He talks about the childlikeness found in Zacchaeus as well as his curiosity. Fr. Michael talks about all the ways that Zacchaeus' sin is pointed out to us in the Gospel, yet we see his quick repentance and conversion. References: Luke 19: 1-10 Follow and Cont…

This week Mother Natalia shares about a recent experience rock climbing. She talks about healthy and unhealthy fear, recognizing the help that others around us provide, and ultimately how rock climbing relates to the spiritual life. References: Scruples and the Sacraments The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram an…

This week we're joined by Kristin Molitor from the Institute for Ministry Formation. Kristin talks about the fawn response to danger, perceived danger, and trauma. We talk about where the fawn response can show up in our relationships well after trauma or danger has passed. We talk about the concept of spiritual bypassing or spiritual platitudes an…

Julie and Justine discuss Pete Davidson's new stand up special, Ariana Grande, Mia Goth being sued by a background actor, Taylor Swift's PR Relationship with the NFL, the Lizzie Mcguire reboot that never happened, and of course the newest episode of TLC 1000Lb Sisters For Early Release & More, go to Patreon www.patreon.com/restingbitchpod IG @ Rest…

This week Mother Natalia uses a scripture passage from 2 Peter as inspiration for her episode. She talks about being patient while waiting but also hastening towards our call, or whatever we're waiting for. We give some practical advice on waiting while simultaneously hastening, and also give an example of not pursuing the next step that God is cal…

This week Fr. Michael talks about the ordinariness lived out in a mother's vocation and her hiddenness in that ordinariness. He talks about three women who have given reflections on specific Gospel passages, and how those passages have convicted the moms in their vocation. We also talk about sacrifices that parents make as they raise their children…

Justine went to see the Iron Claw, Jersey Shore Family Vacation isn't showing any signs of slowing down with Ron and Sam finally filming together, Julie gives a full breakdown of The Curious Case of Natalia Grace Season 2, Gypsy Rose Blanchard is officially out of prison and thriving, the House of Kardashian documentary is exceptional, 1000Lb Siste…

Our (not so exciting) 2024 New Years, The ongoing debate between long nails or short nails, Reviewing our predictions from last year to see how right (or wrong) we are. Also, 1000lb Sisters, Teen Mom, Being Canadian & More ! For Early Release episodes, our "Sexy Sawa" series & more go to patreon.com/restingbitchpod www.patreon.com/restingbitchpod I…

This week we're joined by special guest Fr. Boniface Hicks. Mother Natalia and Fr. Boniface talk about sensitivity. They talk about being a person who is perceived as "too sensitive" and interacting with people who are more sensitive than ourselves. References: What Humility is Not with Fr. Boniface Hicks Institute for Ministry Formation Grief to G…

Justine and Julie discuss the crazy fight on 1,000lb sisters, Gypsy Rose Blanchards pending release, Natalia Grace speaking out, the Carter Curse, underrated actor and actresses we love, and more. This week on ⁠Patreon⁠⁠ we discussed the dark and disturbing movie "The Quiet" as our "More Ashmore" series finale. www.patreon.com/restingbitchpod Follo…

This week Mother Natalia talks about being open and vulnerable, receiving healing the Lord provides, and the general brokenness which both of them have. We talk about online personalities and how the personalities should not become our end-all be-all in terms of knowing Jesus and following Him. References: All Rise for Judge Natalia Follow and Cont…

This week Fr. Michael expands on a mini-topic request on the death of infants. We talk about death and mourning, the various hymns of farewell used, why limbo came to be a concept, and the reality of evil and death. References: The Hope of Salvation for Infants who Die without being Baptized Scruples and the Sacraments The Reed of God Follow and Co…

Justine and Julie discuss what's really important during the holidays, the new season of 1000Lb Sisters, some fun stories and more for "More Ashmore" and so many more bonus episodes go to Patreon www.patreon.com/restingbitchpod Follow us on Instagram @Restingbitchpod @shorestorepod . . . . . #1000lbsisters #tammyslayton #amyslayton #tlc #realitytv …

This week Mother Natalia reflects on two different encounters she recently had. The encounters led her to reflect on being Jesus to others and gently evangelizing others. References: Evil Thoughts Five through Eight (the one about anger) The Philokalia Volume 2 Father Michael and Mother Natalia Out and About Chris Stefanik - Nobody Wants to Talk ab…

WARNING !! SALTBURN SPOILERS ARE IN THIS EPISODE Spoilers from 19.25-58.00 Justine & Julie discuss Saltburn, movie theatre experiences & more for early release episodes, "More Ashmore", and so much more go to patreon ! patreon.com/restingbitchpod ig @Restingbitchpod @shorestorepod

We're in person this week! This week Father Michael walks through the prayers that are said as a bishop is vested at a hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Plus we've got a minitopic on confession. References: CSYSK Episode on Priestly Vesting Prayers Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're o…

Justine and Julie catch up. For Early Releases, Patreon Exclusvies and more go to www.patreon.com/restingbitchpod IG @ Restingbitchpod @ShoreStorePod