The Myth Pilgrim

Why did Tolkien make Frodo epic fail at the last moment? Today, we'll look at the 'failure' stories of St Charles de Foucauld, St Louise de Marillac and St Joseph of Cupertino. Be encouraged by the fact that "God doesn't ask us to be successful, he asks us to be faithful." Excerpt from episode: "How I plan to structure this episode is as follows. First, I will tell you the stories of three saints...

This is a short story I was inspired to write, very much inspired by the experience of finding God in the wilderness. Join Pirum the orphan as he sets out to find the treasures of the desert, treasures he hopes will make him wise.   Here are the first two paragraphs of the story: "Once upon a time, there was a great desert filled with many hidden treasures. At the desert’s edge stood an ancient ki...

The experience of grief and broken dreams is often a lonely journey, yet Pixar’s Up gives us language to share it. Journey with the heartbroken Carl, and learn Christian wisdom for our seasons of loss. Practical Pilgrim reflection: Excellent video talk about the life of St Charles de Foucauld (Fr James Wang) Excerpt from episode: "... Grief, especially of losing a loved one is always a paradox. It...

Within C.S. Lewis' 'The Great Divorce' is a profound story about a man, a lizard and an angel. Enter the real struggle of temptation, attachment and the exhilaration of being set free!    Excerpt from episode: "...Firstly, note the sheer resistance the Ghost had to allowing God to burn the lizard off. While the lizard represents the man’s attachment to lust, I want to suggest the lizard stands for...

Even for a person without faith, Christianity’s influence on western civilization is undeniable. How? Here are seven ways Christianity shaped—and can save—the values we take for granted: (1) The inviolable dignity of the person (2) The pursuit of truth (3) A belief that history is linear (4) Love and family (5) The upholding of both individuals and community (6) Meaning in suffering and death (7)...

Being creatures of habit, when God calls there is often resistance! Allow the calling stories of Abraham, Jeremiah and others shed new light on Rey Skywalker, as the Force calls her out of desert scavenging into Jedi deliverer.    Excerpt from episode: "Biblical call narratives are fascinating to follow because they inspire and challenge us, to respond that way too! And if you ask me, one of the r...

Rediscover Cinderella's profound Christian roots and storyline! How do glass slippers, fairy godmothers, ash-covered princesses and a cat named Lucifer echo the biblical story of salvation? Excerpt from episode:   "... If I were to quickly retell Cinderella through the Christian framework, it would go something like this. Cinderella symbolises fallen humanity, with our true dignity covered over by...

What happens at the moment of our death? The last judgement is often a confusing and anxiety-ridden topic. Allow C.S. Lewis and his Narnia Aslan to open up a conversation about Christ the judge! Discover how this neglected doctrine can inspire within us love, life and the pursuit of truth! Excerpt: "...but even so, what person in their right mind would want to not choose God? What Narnian creature...

Shame is crippling and difficult to discuss openly. Yet Quasimodo and Frollo provide an excellent platform to explore shame, its effects and the means to be free from it. Learn what this Disney classic can teach about vulnerability, and the God who became an outcast first. Watch here the : Esmerelda encountering Quasimodo scene referenced this episode Scripture quote for meditation: “Therefore, th...

Despite many iconic superheroes in the MCU, the ‘ordinary’ Cap tops most polls as favourite. Why is this? Fr James Baptist explores the origins and inspiration of Steve Rogers, and describes his own connection with the character’s virtues. Journey with the superhero that has been dubbed by foe and friend as “God’s righteous man.”  Here are some of the clips mentioned in the podcast:  Dr Erskin's c...

How does a Disney movie open up a conversation about The Baptism in the Holy Spirit? Join Bernadette MGL, myself & Encanto's cast (and mansion) as we explore our church in crisis and the incredible grace poured out for its renewal! 'Deeper' Retreat (June, 2022) “Delve deeper in your experience of Baptism in the Holy Spirit, be encouraged in discipleship, activate the charismatic gifts and be e...

Enter the mystery of Holy Week through one my FAVOURITE short stories ever! I’ve loved the Tale of the Three Trees since I was a child … and I trust the beauty and simple truth of the story will lift your gaze heavenward too! You can read along with the text of the story here . To listen to another great Easter Triduum story, please visit the The Lonely Little Cave episode, written by Br Lawrence...

Our image of healthy masculinity and femininity is as wounded today as it is diminished. Borrowing Chinese wisdom from Shang Chi, learn how the biblical vision of man and woman can be illustrated through the Taoist Yin and Yang. Learn how Ying Li embodies both the gentleness and strength of Mother Mary! Excerpt: "... Like in the bible, this truth is echoed in Taoist wisdom. A man should still be Y...

Blurb: Few realise that The Lord of the Rings author was a frontline soldier in WWI, one who knew tragedy and loss first hand. Given the looming shadow of war today, we journey with a man into his own Mordor, to allow his life, faith and creation to speak to our times. Excerpt: "...Years later, when asked by his own son Christopher about the effect of the war on him, he writes “I took to 'escapism...

Disney’s Encanto is a spiritual banquet … hence, we SHOULD talk about Bruno! Join guest speaker Bernadette Toohey MGL and I, as we explore the hidden spiritual gifts, our dignity, the centrality of family and what makes truly Encanto prophetic for our times! Excerpt: "...one of our focus areas at the moment in MGL sisters particularly, is allowing people to really know and to move out really power...

Don't be deceived by the sci-fi wrappings of The Matrix - it is not only profoundly mythical in structure, but also deeply Christian. Learn how how the first movie presents the theology of salvation, the Holy Trinity, the nature of evil and spiritual blindness! "...Further, the first time in the Gospels Jesus meets John the Baptist (at least as grown ups), it was at his baptism in the Jordan river...

Despite the holy grail's many appearances within pop culture, very little is actually known about how the original legend went ... and why. Be inspired by Sir Galahad's original quest, and be challenged to deepen your understanding of the sacraments!  Excerpt from episode: "... note the fact the grail is not presented as some treasure to be found that would instantly reward its finder. This makes...

You've probably heard that Santa Claus was based upon St Nicholas - but how well do you know his story? In this special episode, discover the legend behind St Nicholas and allow his story to shed fresh light upon presents this Christmas. Excerpt from episode "... wanting to remain hidden, bishop Nicholas instead climbs onto their roof, and throws the bag of money down the chimney into the fireplac...

Do you ever feel beyond redemption, or that someone is undeserving of mercy? Discover what message makes Les Miserables the longest running musical of all time, and let the journey of Jean Valjean become your own! Excerpt from episode: “…what happens next to that criminal we don’t know, but we do know that in this famous Les Miserables bishop scene, the criminal Valjean is shown mercy and is cut t...

Some accuse fairytales for setting up unrealistic expectations about life, love and fulfilment. What might be the Christian position on this? This episode locates fairytale endings within Jesus' resurrection, exploring how repentance is key to unlocking happily ever after today.  Excerpt from episode: "... okay, why did I share this passage from the Silmarillion? Because it illustrates a uniquely...

What is your greatest fear, and how would your life be different without it? “How to Train Your Dragon” is a beautiful tale about mastering one’s fear. Journey with Hiccup, unveil biblical truths about the nature of fear, and learn how it can transform into your greatest ally.  "... There's something really important about gazing and looking at the object of one's fear in order to master it. I del...

Robin Hood famously ‘robbed from the rich to give to the poor’ ... but so did Jesus of Nazareth! And he still does so today. How? Journey with these two infamous outlaws, and have any ‘meek and mild’ notions of Jesus challenged!  Excerpt from episode: "Because the reality is, we dear listeners, the church-going, educated, well off ones who listen to awesome Catholic podcasts … we may well be the r...

A misunderstood notion of “I can just follow my conscience” has been topical lately, even amongst the Catholic faithful. Using the timeless story of Pinocchio (and Jiminy cricket), this episode seeks to clarify what conscience is and isn’t, drawing from the rich teaching of the church. Be inspired and challenged! Key quotes from this episode: “Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human p...

St Padre Pio called the rosary "the weapon of these times." Discover how the legendary Excalibur, Lightsabre and the Elder Wand have nothing on the rosary. Discover this ancient weapon again, and with the intercession of Mary, defeat the Enemy in your life!  Talk: The Rosary: Invincible Weapon - Fr. Bill Casey Talk: The Rosary: Spiritual Sword of Our Lady - Fr Don Calloway Intro to the Rosary: Bis...

“It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered.” There are two stories that can rule our lives: the Me story (Ego-drama) and the God story (Theo-drama). The drama of Christianity is moving from one to the other, and this perilous! Journey with the hobbits as they leave the Shire and learn what it takes to enter the Great Story. Excerpt from episode "... I feel the drama...