My Friend the Friar

Send us Fan Mail 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 Catholicism stands as the one holy and apostolic Church, distinc...

Send us Fan Mail 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 truly means, confronting the profound implications of...

Send us Fan Mail 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's teachings. The echoes of the...

Send us Fan Mail 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 complexities stemming from Christmas's fixed date to...

Send us Fan Mail 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 into the liturgical practices that bring the mystery of...

Send us Fan Mail 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 God through prayer - a relationship that goes b...

Send us Fan Mail 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 forgiveness.  Did you know that prayer is our r...

Send us Fan Mail 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 plea for conversion. With December 17th marking t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 importance of the deposit of faith. Father Stephe...

Send us Fan Mail 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 the Apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, made key d...

Send us Fan Mail 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, and a deep dive into the challenges of being reverent at...

Send us Fan Mail 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 acceptance of truth in a Baptist church. An intriguing pil...

Send us Fan Mail 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. We hope this episode will inspire you to becom...

Send us Fan Mail 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 comparisons between her experiences and those of hi...

Send us Fan Mail 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, peanut butter tacos, and the Incredible Hulk. Jo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 crucial role of teachers in crafting th...

Send us Fan Mail 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 probe the challenges caused by Latin being used as...

Send us Fan Mail 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 little t ones, like 'la bola' in Hispa...

Send us Fan Mail 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 theologians while keeping in focus the human elements of sel...

Send us Fan Mail 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 into an introspective journey, highlighting the importanc...

Send us Fan Mail 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 the Apostolate of the Laity and its significance in the...

Send us Fan Mail 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 its significant implications for understanding the v...

Send us Fan Mail 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 personification of truth as Jesus Christ...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tumultuous era that gave birth to it. Revelation is a...

Send us Fan Mail 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 occurring through the forgiveness of sin...