Taste & See

In this episode, we explore the profound kingship of Jesus Christ, revealed not in earthly power but in His selfless sacrifice on the cross, as highlighted in the Gospel of Luke. Through the story of Fr. Jaison, a humble pastor who embodies servant leadership by cleaning parish bathrooms, we see how true authority mirrors Christ's loving service. The meditation from St. Dismas reminds us that...

In this episode for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time on Luke 21:5-19, Zac draws from encounters at a young adult retreat with a joyful Chinese Jesuit priest descended from a canonized martyr and a tearful participant inspired to priesthood despite family persecution, the discussion connects to Jesus' warnings of betrayal and hatred, urging a reception of a martyr's heart ready to face exte...

In this episode for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica on November 9th, 2025, we explore John 2:13-22, where Jesus cleanses the temple, drawing parallels to personal experiences of inner turmoil. Host shares a recent dating dilemma filled with anxiety and indecision, resolved through confession, likening it to Jesus driving out mental "moneychangers" for true peace and surrender. Del...

In this touching episode, Zac shares a heartfelt story from a friend's joy-filled wedding, painting it as a powerful image of self-giving love that mirrors our human call to freely give and receive. Rooted in John 6:37-40 for the Commemoration of All Souls, he reveals how we are precious gifts from the Father to Jesus, embraced without rejection and promised resurrection, igniting hope no matt...

In this week’s episode, we explore how an essential principle from romantic relationships reveals the heart of the Gospel in Luke 18:9–14. Through the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we uncover how emotional and spiritual intimacy with God must come before outward expressions of faith—just as authentic love precedes physical intimacy in relationships. Join us for a meditation from God...

In this episode of Taste and See , we reflect on Jesus’ call to persevere in faith even when prayer feels unanswered. Drawing from Luke 18: 1–8, Zac explores what it means to keep trusting God without growing weary and how prayer transforms us rather than trying to change Him . Through honest reflection and prayer, we’re reminded that faith isn’t proven by results but by our willingness to remain...

In this week’s episode of Taste and See , we enter into Luke 17:5–10, where Jesus calls His disciples to live as humble servants. This Gospel passage challenges us to recognize that no matter how holy our works may appear—daily Mass, prayers, or acts of devotion—we are still called to say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” Through a personal story of daily Ma...

In this episode of Taste and See for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). I share my own journey from being a “good Catholic guy” who ignored the poor to discovering compassion through friendship, immersion trips, and encounters with the homeless. Jesus reveals that the path to heaven is walked with broken hearts—hearts softened b...

What does Jesus mean when He praises the dishonest steward in Luke 16:1–13? In this episode of Taste and See for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we wrestle with one of the most surprising and challenging parables in the Gospel. Through personal stories from religious life, struggles with money and the spirit of the vow of poverty, and a meditation from the steward’s perspective, we explore how C...

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Zac shares how the color pink—rooted in his mother’s battle with breast cancer—became a symbol of love and victory. In the same way, the cross, once a sign of death and defeat, is exalted as the sign of Christ’s triumph and our salvation. Journal Questions ◦What personal “crosses” in my life have felt like burdens of suffering, and how might God be invi...

In this episode, Zac shares a moving call with his mom after a transformative "Come and See" week in Tijuana with the Missionaries of Charity Fathers—daily holy hours, simple living, and serving the poor—sparking his vocational call and her tears over family detachment. Delving into Luke 14:25-33, Zac explains Jesus' "hate" for family as holy detachment: freedom to love God...

Happy one year of Taste and See!! Praise God and thank you all for listening prayerfully! In Episode 48 (Luke 14:7-14), Zac reflects on pricey Catholic conferences and their barriers for the poor, questioning if Jesus Himself could afford one today. Drawing from the parable of choosing the lowest place and inviting the maimed, lame, and blind to banquets, the episode calls for radical heart hospit...

In this episode, we dive into Luke 13:22-30 and the "narrow gate" of forgiveness. Zac recounts the gripping story from The Mission, where ruthless slaver Rodrigo Mendoza hauls his armor-laden burden up Iguazu Falls as penance—only to have a Guarani boy slice it free, symbolizing true redemption through letting go. This mirrors Jesus' call: True strength isn't in carrying guilt or...

This week on Taste and See, we explore the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:39-56). Zac shares a humorous middle school quest for YouTube fame, reflecting a deeper desire to be loved. This connects to Mary, a humble woman from Nazareth, chosen by God as His hidden treasure and assumed into heaven. The episode highlights God’s love for the lowly and includes a meditati...

Join me as we dive into Luke 12:32-48, reflecting on what it means to stay awake for Jesus’ return. I share a personal story from my days in religious life, struggling to stay alert during late-night Eucharistic vigils, yet finding a deep connection with Jesus in the quiet. We’ll explore how being "vigilant" is all about waiting in love, not fear, for our Savior’s coming. A heartfelt med...

Summary : In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus warns against hoarding wealth, urging us to embrace detachment for true richness in love. A Camino de Santiago story about ditching heavy boots for sandals reveals how letting go of attachments lightens our spiritual load. This episode challenges us to shed worldly burdens, focus on love, and prepare for eternity with a monthly examen to realign our hearts. Journa...

In Luke 11:1-13, Jesus teaches the Our Father and urges persistent prayer, revealing God’s desire to give us more than we ask. Inspired by a story of a missed opportunity to give generously, this episode explores how we limit God by asking for too little. Learn to pray boldly for big things—God’s kingdom, forgiveness, and daily bread—drawing closer to His heart. A moving meditation from God the Fa...

Summary : Explore the tension between service and silence in Luke 10: 39-42, where Jesus reminds us that "one thing is necessary." Reflect on the dangers of burnout from relentless serving, as seen in young adults in ministry, and discover how silent prayer at Jesus' feet restores our connection to God. Featuring a heartfelt meditation on Martha's encounter with Jesus, this episo...

In this episode, we explore the Parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37, where Jesus challenges cultural and religious divides by presenting a Samaritan as the model of neighborly love. Unlike the priest and Levite, who pass by a wounded man, the Samaritan shows mercy, embodying the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." Drawing from Hosea’s call for "mercy, not sacri...

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the essence of evangelization as an act of love, inspired by Luke 10:1-9, where Jesus declares, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” Through a personal story of a chance encounter with a man named James, we explore how simple gestures of kindness—seeing, knowing, and loving others—can reflect God’s love and fulfill the call to evangelize. Thi...

In this powerful episode, we reflect on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, exploring the unshakable foundation of the Catholic Church despite human failings. Drawing from Matthew 16:13-19, we delve into Jesus’ promise to Peter: “The gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury report exposed horrific clergy abuse, shaking many Catholics’ faith. Yet, through Zac&#...

This episode explores the profound connection between the Feeding of the 5,000 and Corpus Christi Sunday, where the Church celebrates the Eucharist. Both miracles—ordinary bread made miraculous and unleavened bread becoming Christ’s body—reveal Jesus’ heart to feed us abundantly. Through the Eucharist, we are blessed, broken, and given to nourish the Church, the Body of Christ. Miracles of Abundan...

John 17:20–26 | Seventh Sunday of Easter In this week’s episode, we reflect on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: “Father, they are your gift to me.” What does it mean that you are a gift from the Father to the Son? Through the story of a dear friend's wedding—marked by intentional love and heartfelt vows—we explore the powerful truth that love is more than words. It's a gift of persons. This refle...

John 13:31–35 | Fifth Sunday of Easter What does it mean to love like Jesus? In this Catholic podcast episode, we reflect on John 13:31–35 through a powerful personal story of selfless love: my grandfather’s care for my Nana as she battled memory loss and physical decline. His daily acts of service—dressing her, bathing her, teaching her birthday again and again—reveal a deeper meaning of love: wi...

John 10:27–30 | Good Shepherd Sunday What does it mean that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? In this episode, I share a personal story from my time in Kenya caring for sheep, and how that experience brings fresh meaning to Jesus' words: “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.” We explore how Christ doesn’t just lead from above—He draws near, enters our mess, and even smells like u...