Faith Talk with Anita: Join Me on the Journey

In this episode I continue with my top ten list of “Jesus’ words to live by.” For Christians these life lessons are our code of ethics. We need to hear and heed them so we can be an example for others. I hope my list of “Jesus’ words to live by” is helpful for you, and I encourage you to read through the gospels and make your own list of Jesus’ life lessons. It’s a great exercise for all Christian...

The words of Jesus are the most powerful tool in our Christian toolbox. I believe that if more people followed the “words to live by” that Jesus offers us, we would all get along so much better, and the world would be a better place. In this episode I offer my list of Jesus’ greatest lessons – “words to live by” to be sure. I encourage you to read through the gospels and make your own list and com...

This year, 2023, The Catholic Church will enter a significant period in the history of the Church with the beginning of the Synod on Synodality, which was called by Pope Francis. The words of Pope Francis and some of the bishops, regarding this synod give me a glimmer of hope that the church will take a decisive step towards becoming the Church God intends it to be. In this Faith Talk, I will expl...

There are many images of the Church. The best image that describes the Church for me is “community." What image best describes the Church for you? I think it is important to ponder this question. The way we see the Church informs our relationship with the Church. And quite often, our relationship with the Church determines our relationship with God. In this Faith Talk I explore the image of t...

Jesus was, in my opinion, the greatest storyteller of all time. And his parables were some of the greatest stories ever told. When asked why he spoke in parables, Jesus said, “This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.’” (Matthew 13:13) Jesus’ parables capture our attention and stimulate our imagination like “plain talk” jus...

Antisemitism has been on my list of topics for quite some time now, but I am finally ready to tackle it head-on and share my thoughts with you. In this Faith Talk I share statistics from the Anti-Defamation League, Scriptural wisdom, and my own understanding and perspective. To be clear – I know most Christians do not discriminate against Jewish people. On the contrary, most Christians have a grea...

Forgiving others can be very difficult, especially if it was a serious offense which wounded us severely. Quite often we choose to withhold forgiveness. But all that does is hold us, and our offender, hostage, as if chained in a prison of our own creation. Jesus gives us an alternate example. One which calls for limitless, unconditional forgiveness. Jesus does not ask us to condone sin or pretend...

As children it was easy to believe that Jesus loved us no matter what. But, as adults, it’s easy to see ourselves as flawed. We question how Jesus could possibly love us as we are, considering all the things we’ve done and said, all the sins we’ve committed, all the hurt we’ve caused. We think Jesus could only love us if we change or do enough penance or somehow make up for all our failings. We ha...

Pentecost, or the Descent of the Holy Spirit, is one of the most remarkable events in Christian history. Christian scholars have written volumes trying to explain and make sense of this incredible spiritual experience. In this Faith Talk, I join them in that quest. The story is recalled in Acts 2:1-11. In my reflection I wonder if this happened exactly as it is recounted, or could this be the only...

The Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is the Christian prayer of unity – given to us by Jesus. Most Christians know this prayer by heart and can recite it without even thinking about the words. But it’s vital that we slow down, from time to time, and reflect on the words that Jesus taught us. In this video I give a bit of background for the prayer and then break it open in small bits to...

God is mystery – knowable, to be sure, but at the same time, just beyond our grasp. I was recently asked to explain what I believe about God. That’s easy to do, to a point. But, as St. Augustine said, “If you can understand it, it is not God.” This is my personal faith reflection. I hope it helps you as you continue on your faith journey. Two questions for your consideration: Why are you a person...

I think early Church history is fascinating! I hope you do too! In this Faith Talk I walk through the first 300 years of the Church - the conflicts and compromises the first Christians experienced – including the Ascension, The Pentecost event, the Council of Jerusalem, the Great Persecution and the Church of Constantine the Great. I offer you a few thoughts to ponder and wonder about, and end wit...

The first Christians were remarkable people who had been blessed to know and follow Jesus during his life, and then witness the Resurrection of Christ. It was these same remarkable people who Jesus sent on mission to continue his work on earth. Their passion for Christ was burning within them. And that passion gave them the strength, courage, and hope they needed to persevere – to bring the Christ...

In this episode we reflect on the story of the disciples encounter with Jesus on the shore from John’s gospel and consider the analogy of The Church as a simple math equation: Jesus + Us = The Church. We can’t be Church without him. And he needs us to do the physical work to bring the Kingdom to fullness. This story is filled with theological goodies which help us better understand The Church and...

Doubting Thomas has gotten a bad rap over the years for his lack of faith in Jesus, but he is just a typical human being – no different than you and me. We all have the possibility of being Thomas at one point or another in our lives. It doesn’t make us bad Christians; it just makes us human. The main point in this story is not Thomas’ unbelief, but Jesus’ response to him. Jesus offers him peace a...

In this Faith Talk I offer you a new lens through which to view and reflect on Good Friday, by reflecting on the “Good Friday” experiences of your life – the sadness and grief you have felt at the loss of a loved one. We join with Mary and all the people who loved Jesus as they walked with him through his suffering and death. And I share my experiences of loss and offer support for you in your los...

Like Judaism, the Christian Church is centered around laws, rules and regulations. But, Jesus stressed relationship and faith in God above Law. In this episode I share Scripture passages in which Jesus spoke of the Law. While he clearly respected the Law, he knew that the value of the Law rested firmly on relationship with, and love for, God. I also share my opinion that some Church laws, rules an...

Jesus gave us 7 images to help us know him better as Messiah (One with the Father). Each of these messianic metaphors is a mirror reflecting the person of Jesus in a very powerful way. They are all different and yet each portrays Jesus perfectly. They are simple – easy for us to picture in our minds - and yet extremely complex. Using common items, such as bread, light, vines, and shepherds, Jesus...

A Lenten Reflection. Jesus asks the question, "What are you looking for?" And then he invites us to "Come and See!" (John's gospel). This episode is a reflection on this interaction Jesus had with his disciples. I include a short meditation to help you reflect on these words of Jesus in your life. How might you answer Jesus' question, "What are you looking for?" And how do you respond to his invit...

This video is a reflection on the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke's Gospel chapter 15) - perfect for Lent. Source:  Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life (pages 138-142) Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J. Ignatius Press

This Faith Talk is a Lenten reflection on the first public words of Jesus in Mark's gospel: Repent and Believe in the Gospel, as well as a reflection on the call of Jesus to turn back to God and change. Scripture referenced - Mark 1:15-20. I include questions for your Lenten contemplation. Please follow me on Instagram at Faith_Talk_With_Anita and check out my library of  videos on YouTube.co...

This episode is an introduction to my podcast and myself. Please join me on this faith journey!