Have you ever gone through a heartbreak or a terrible loss but had to power through it because you knew you had responsibilities? Have you ever had to set aside your feelings at the time because you knew other people were relying on you? It seems like Jesus knew that very well. This episode is a further reflection on what was in Jesus' heart during…

Numbers aren't everything but it does mean something. The amount we put in means something for our work, our body, our relationships, and our faith. In some instances, it can even be a necessary pathway. Music by Kayel Marcelo All of Mon's links - https://linktr.ee/notsosecular (including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)…

Just because something is free, that doesn't mean it came with no cost. Let's explore what that means here in our short Easter episode. Romans 5:6-11 Romans 8:14-15 Music by Kayel Marcelo All of Mon's links - https://linktr.ee/notsosecular (including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)…

Giving flowers for your loved one is not practical. But does that make it bad though? Matthew 26:6-13 Music by Kayel Marcelo All of Mon's links - https://linktr.ee/notsosecular (including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)By Mon Reyes

Can I fast from social media instead? What about shopping, or movies, or gossip? CCC 1434 Joel 2:12-14 Music by Kayel Marcelo All of Mon's links - https://linktr.ee/notsosecular (including how to book him as a speaker and how to support the show)By Mon Reyes

The world has a distorted idea of both strength and gentleness. In reality, one cannot even be an option without the other. Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus is gentle and humble in heart Matthew 5:5 – Beatitude, blessed are the meek 2 Timothy 1:6-7 – not a spirit of cowardice but self-control CCC 1809 – Cardinal virtue of temperance Music by Kayel Marcelo …

In this episode, Mon talks about when God chooses not to do something. We know that he can do great things for us, but what if he doesn't? Will we still worship him them? Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Music by Kayel Marcelo All of Mon's links - https://linktr.ee/notsosecular (including how to book him as a speaker and how to support th…

In this episode, Mon gets personal and talks about pride and parables. Luke 15 – Parable of the Prodigal Son Matthew 20:1-16 – Parable of the workers in the vineyard Luke 18:9-14 – Parable of the pharisee and the tax collector Music by Kayel Marcelo All of Mon's links - https://linktr.ee/notsosecular (including how to book him as a speaker and how …

We're connecting together the many appearances and references to John the Baptist in the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:14-28 – Herod is troubled about Jesus' identity Mark 6:19-29 – Herod makes a bad promise and kills John Mark 1:2-5 – Intro to John Mark 1:6-8 – John intros Jesus Mark 1:14 – John is arrested, and Jesus begins his ministry Mark 2:18 – Jesu…

Marianne Mencias is the author of several books on dating, self-worth, and purpose. She is a motivational speaker and a Gallup-certified Strengths coach. In this episode, Mon talks to her about her message, beliefs, and advocacies, particularly toward singlehood, dating, and family. All of Marianne's links: https://linktr.ee/MarianneMencias Music b…

In the first 2/3rds of this episode, Mon talks about the story of St. Paul and how we might view his change of heart in a different way. In the last 1/3rd of the episode, he talks about the dangers of conflating actions and intentions in the context of our society today. Acts 9 – Paul's encounter with Jesus Acts 22:3-8 – Paul's testimony Galatians …

This episode is about the dangers of conformity, and how what God values is often different from what the world values. 1 Samuel 16:1-13, David is anointed 1 Samuel 8, Israel demands a king Romans 12:2, "Do not conform..." 1 Samuel 9, Saul is introduced 1 Samuel 17, David and Goliath Numbers 13:31-33, The twelve scouts / spies Mark 10:45 & Matthew …

The Magbirays are a young and faithful Catholic couple whose love story intertwines with their faith story. Nico once left Catholicism in order to join an Evangelical Church (or born again Christian) while Carissa remained steadfast in her Catholic faith as she dug deeper into the reasons why she professes it. This led to them parting ways only for…

This episode is all about brokenness, healing, and ripped jeans. Mark 10:46-52, Blind Bartimaeus John 5, the Man at Bethesda John 4:1-41, the Samaritan Woman Music by Kayel Marcelo Not So Secular Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/notsosecular/ Mon's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rizmonreyes Mon's Twitter https://www.twitter.c…

Jewelle Villarisco is a Catholic content creator, an illustrator, a homeschool mentor, a youth leader, and the artist behind Jewie's Art Space. In this episode, Mon talks to her about her story, her work, and her views on a number of things. Jewie's Art Space: https://linktr.ee/jewiesartspace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewiesartspace/ Mor…

This episode was recorded live from Feast Bellevue PM. It was a message dedicated for one of the Sundays in between the regular preaching series. Mark 4:30-32, Parable of the Mustard Seed 2 Kings 5, the story of Naaman Luke 16:10 Mark 1:15 Matthew 6:9-10 John 12:23-24 Music by Kayel Marcelo Not So Secular Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/g…

Having your personal Bible time is important, but what if the way we read our Bibles now, in solitude and in book form, is not how most Christians in history encountered God's written word? In this episode, Mon takes us through the history of the ways the Bible was written throughout the centuries. 1 Timothy 4:13 Nehemiah 8:1-7 Acts 2:42 Verbum Dom…

Most of us think of being open to change as a good thing, and it can be! But what do we make of those who are just more resistant to it rather than open? Is that a bad thing then? Let's talk about it. Sirach 5:9-10 Colossians 1:23 Big Five Personality Traits: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/big-5-personality-traits Unboxing The Bible, Let…

Every year, Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. And every Lent, one of the things we do and talk about in the church is fasting. What is fasting? Why do we do it? Does it count if I get hangry? What does the Bible have to say about this ancient discipline? Luke 4:1-4, Luke 5:27-35 2 Samuel 1:11-13, Psalm 35:12-14 Nehemiah 1:3-4 1 Samuel 7:5-6 …

Words and deeds. Both matter. Both can powerfully express our convictions and principles. But what do we do when we come across someone who behaves and believes otherwise? Pints With Aquinas Abortion Debate: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qQke0IcoUj7ckCVaF1wzg Matthew 18:15-17 Galatians 6:1-10 Music by Kayel Marcelo Not So Secular Facebook Group…

In this episode, Mon answers your questions: Wala pa ako jowa but how to prepare for marriage? What is the voice of God? How do you know that it's Him speaking to you, and not just the thoughts in your head? Free Love True Love, book by Fr. Joel Jason: https://feastbooks.ph/product/free-love-true-love/?ref=rizmonreyes How To Find Your Soulmate With…

In this episode, Mon talks about one way we can read the Bible better: by identifying design patterns. As people in the modern day reading an ancient text, it helps to plug ourselves into mindset of the original authors and their intended audience. After all, don't we make internal adjustments for when we read older books like the Iliad and Odyssey…

In this episode, Mon and Aikel talk about the most overlooked and under appreciated member of the Christmas story: Saint Joseph. Even the three kings get mentioned more than he does! They talk about who he is and why we care, and what we can learn from him today. The Jay Aruga Show Adam Minihan and David Niles on Authentic Manhood and the Role of F…

Three days ago was Christ the King Sunday, so let's talk about it! Solemnity of Christ the King, article by Simply Catholic: https://www.simplycatholic.com/the-solemnity-of-christ-the-king/ Gospel of the Kingdom, video by BibleProject: https://youtu.be/xmFPS0f-kzs Image of God, video by BibleProject: https://youtu.be/YbipxLDtY8c Compelled, a talk b…

Isn't it more sincere when you use your own words instead of repeating somebody else's? In this episode, Mon talks about spontaneous prayers and structured (or memorized) prayers. He also shares a bit about the beauty or praying the rosary. Matthew 6:7-13 – Jesus' teaching on prayer Luke 11:1-4 – Luke's account of the Lord's Prayer Deuteronomy 6:4-…

In this episode, Mon takes on three (3) questions on the topic of love life and dating: What is the difference between courtship and dating? What good is courting someone if you're only putting your best foot forward? Is it okay for the woman to initiate the relationship? Look up Jason Evert and Christopher West Music by Kayel Marcelo Not So Secula…

Because of who Jesus is and what he has done, we can be assured that we have good reason to rejoice regardless of our circumstances. However, we do acknowledge that not every circumstance is pleasant. Pain and suffering are real. So how do we deal with that? How do we embody joy during times when we have to lament? This episode is a reflection on t…

Arrogance and insecurity may seem like they're on opposite poles but they might not be as far from each other as we often think. The two might be different expressions, but they stem from the same root. In this episode, Mon talks about a previous Bible study session he gave, an insight one of his members shared, and how someone can be both humble a…

Mon shares about a talk he has recently written, his peculiar take on The Lion King's Hakuna Matata, and what JPII refers to as an "adequate anthropology" in his Theology Of The Body. Genesis 4 – Cain & Abel story Matthew 6:25-34 – Jesus' words against worry Mark 12:28-34 – The Greatest Commandment The Lion King (1994) Man And Woman He Created Them…

We like calling people out. But we don't like being called out, don't we? In this episode, Mon talks about the story of King David and the prophet Nathan. David has done wrong, and Nathan confronted him about it. As Christians, we must stand for what is true and just, but it matters how we do it. How might we do it then? What posture should we take…

We post a lot, don't we? We post about where we go, whom we're with, what we eat, and even what we think. Through the internet and social media, we can know a lot about others and others can know a lot about us. But knowing about someone is different from knowing someone. In this episode, Mon gives a simple reminder: Your private life matters. He f…

Have you ever been called privileged? Would you want to? It seems like more and more nowadays, people have been using the term "privileged" with a negative connotation. But is privilege itself a bad thing? Going further, is it a sin? In this episode, Mon addresses this question. In relation to this, he also shares his thoughts on the 2019 movie, Pa…

In this episode, Mon responds to your questions! Question 1, from Jona (01:01): Hi, kuya Mon! How do you do your devotions daily? Buy Companion, Didache, and Sabbath from Feast Books: https://feastbooks.ph/?ref=rizmonreyes The Bible In A Year With Fr. Mike Schmitz, Featuring Jeff Cavins: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration, https://me…

In this episode, Mon goes straight to the point and elaborates more on what the Catholic Church has to say about marriage and why it's important to our life in the family and society. Humanae Vitae 8: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html CCC 1603: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c…

Elections Day just happened in the Philippines and social media is full of... feelings. Some are "good" and some are "bad." In this episode, Mon talks about how we might view and respond to these emotions. He reads from the Bible, particularly the Psalms, to look at some examples of people being open and vulnerable to God with their thoughts and em…

In this episodes, Mon reads and comments on an excerpt from an article published by CBCP News recently on how Philippines led in the world's most number of baptisms for 2019 and 2020. He then takes this opportunity to talk about some of the other elements of the Christian life that we ought to actively incorporate more daily alongside baptizing our…

What comes to mind when you hear the word, "conservative"? Does it have something to do with what a person wears or how a person dates? Does it make you think of a particular stance on a political or social issue? In this episode, Mon is joined by Jay Aruga of The Jay Aruga Show. They talk about what conservatism is, the clash of propaganda and sto…

During the Holy Week, you might have seen a meme or two on social media mentioning how during the time of Jesus, the people chose Barabbas the thief over the Savior. This is then followed by a remark saying something along the lines of "2000 years later, we still choose the robbers." These memes are a bit old already but it might be popping up agai…

In this episode, Mon shares a talk he gave at Youth Home Taft during Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. As of the time this is published, we find ourselves in the high point of Lent which is Holy Week. All the same, the message of being open to hearing God's word in our lives is one that remains. Here, Mon talks about the three "voices" that we …

Healing and hurt. These two experiences might be more connected than you think. Of course, we know that we wouldn't need to heal if we weren't hurt in the past. But it is also true that the process of healing has moments where it hurts, too. In this episode, Mon expounds on this further. He talks about two kinds of hurts (unnecessary hurts and nece…

Face-to-face classes, face-to-face work, face-to-face outings, these are some of the things we have been preparing for as the cases are going down and the restrictions are being lifted. But one more thing that we ought to prepare for (if you're Catholic) are face-to-face Masses—which is really how it's meant to be celebrated! In this episode, Mon s…

Bread, forgiveness, and temptation. These are the things that Jesus brings up in the latter half of the prayer he taught us. What do we mean when we say these things? What are we asking for exactly? In this episode, Mon leads us through the final installment of this series, the last lines of the Our Father. Here he explores the relational, social, …

Kingdom, kingdom, kingdom... If you pay close attention to Jesus' teachings in the Bible, you'll notice that he mentions this word A LOT. Around 50+ times in Matthew, around 20 times in Mark, and around 40+ times in Luke. When he first started his ministry, this was what he proclaimed! Many of his parables begin with something along the lines of "T…

What is Jesus' favorite way of referring to God? Answer: He calls him Father. And he invites us to do the same! In this episode, Mon talks about the first two lines of the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father in heaven, holy be your name." How might we understand and appreciate this better? Mon also dives deeper into what we mean when we call something or so…

The "Our Father." Majority of Filipinos (especially those who come from Catholic schools) have heard and recited this prayer countless of times. But let's admit it, it can be so easy to let these memorized words slip off of our tongue without us really taking them to heart. In this time of Lent, Mon begins this 4-part series of reflection and study…

The Pharisees are often painted as the villains in Jesus' story, but this oversimplification and lack of understanding could lead us to serious error: one of those errors being that we end up becoming like them. In this episode, Mon talks about this and how this comes out today in a specific area of our lives called politics. We might be fighting f…

Welcome to the first episode of the year... in February. Mon is back and he's here to talk about the story of Jonah. You might know him as the guy who gets eaten by a whale (it was more of a big fish really) but there is more to his story than we often talk or hear about. This Old Testament story is actually very funny and profound—filled with exag…

Two kings? Weren't there three? Yes, you read that right. In this episode, we will talk about the two kings—not the three who gave the gifts to Joseph and Mary, but the two who are contrasted in the Christmas story. Let's talk about King Herod, and King Jesus. Mon shares with us a brief background and history on Herod, and he reflects on the import…

How do you perceive yourself now? How could you perceive yourself better? Is self-esteem any different from confidence? Where does human dignity fit into all of this? In this episode, Mon explores the answers to these questions. The hope is that in the process, this gives us insight into how we ought to treat ourselves and one another. Along the wa…

A common go-to response of people trying to encourage someone goes along the lines of, "you are enough," and "you just have to believe in yourself." But is that always true, though? Is it always helpful? These are some of the questions that Mon opens in a talk he gave recently which is featured in this episode. He discusses the meaning of the word,…