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This week Fr. Michael walks through three prayers said over adults who are entering the church who also are being baptized. Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia talk about the uniqueness of the prayers and how they call both the catechumen and the congregation to faithful living. We are reminded that Satan gets our sins! References:Catechumen CatherineByzantine BaptismFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSupport the show

This week we have special guests! Bob and Marie O'Loughlin join us for an interview from Mother Natalia. Bob and Marie first introduce each other and we hear a little about how they met. Bob and Marie talk about what it was like when they knew Fr. Michael wanted to be a priest, the blessings they've received through his priesthood, and some of their memories.  It's a touching interview with just a few tears!References:Hundredfold by Sr. Agnes Therese, T.O.R.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSupport the show

We're doing back to back episodes where Mother Natalia reflects on words she received while she led a poustinia with Wyoming Catholic. On this episode she talks about having an awareness of self.  References:Word from a Poustinik: MotherhoodPoustinia by Catherine DohertyFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSupport the show

We're doing back to back episodes where Mother Natalia reflects on words she received while she led a poustinia with Wyoming Catholic. This episode she talks about motherhood, the graces she receives from giving spiritual direction, and how God can work through any circumstance to reach us where we're at.References:Poustinia by Catherine DohertyMadonna HouseCatechumen CatherineFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSupport the show

We're so excited to celebrate episode 100. We had a live recording where were joined by some listeners for vespers, dinner, and the recording. In this episode you get a bit of a behind the scenes look at "how the sausage is made" and then we dive into listener questions. Thank you so much for your support. We really appreciate it!Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week Fr. Michael uses the Letter to Diognetus (chapters 5 and 6) as a jumping off point for our episode this week, inspired by  Deacon Michael Hyatt's episode on this same topic. Fr. Michael talks about the paradox of being in the world but not of it.References:40 Days with the Church FathersChrist the Bridegroom Monastery's Typikon St Mary of Jesus Crucified - she was canonized a saint May 17, 2015Orthodoxy by G.K. ChestertonPoustinia by Catherine DohertyMother Natalia and Father Michael's presentation on God with Us OnlineFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week we continue our "Meet the Nun" series with Mother Iliana! Mother Iliana talks about suffering and sickness, and how we encounter God in our suffering. She also talks about visiting the sick and how allowing others to visit you when you're sick helps them fulfill Jesus' command to visit the sick.Mother Iliana wrote a blog post about her reactions to the war in Ukraine and recognizing that Jesus is with her and the people in Ukraine. It's a worthwhile read and a good bookend to what you'll listen to in today's episode. References:Matt 25: 31-46Romans 8:28Mother Teresa - movie shot by Sir Richard Attenborough on Mother TeresaThe Hiding Place by Corri ten BoomAlways Good by Andrew PetersonFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week Fr. Michael uses Isaiah 10:15 as a jumping off point to talk about recognizing God's hand at work in everything, even in the things that we're good at. Many times we're aware of the work God is doing in our life in relation to "bad things" or things we're working on, but we may not always be aware of the work God is doing in our life for things that come naturally to us.References:Isaiah 10:15For the Life of the World by Alexander SchmemannFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week we're joined by Fr. Jeffrey Dufresne who gave a homily on sin that inspired Mother Natalia! Mother Natalia talks about sin as a sickness, how this sickness can spread to others, and how we can seek healing for our sin.References:The Calling of St. Matthew by CarravagioFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

Trigger warning - some discussion on the realities of the Holocaust.This week Fr. Michael talks about having a personal relationship with Jesus after hearing a talk from Monsignor Shea at SEEK2022. He talks about obedience, sin, and death, and how those all impact a personal relationship with God. We've also got a mini-topic this week suggested from a patron on our Patreon group. This week's topic is cultivating a spirit of gratitude.References:Night by Elie Wiesel [or Darkness or Dark as Fr. Michael called it. :-)]News:We'd love to have you join us for a live recording of the show, Tuesday, March 29th, at Holy Resurrection Parish in Euclid, Ohio. Vespers begin at 5:30, potluck vegan dinner at 6:15ish, and recording at 7ish. You're welcome to join us for part of all the event, no RSVP needed. Please bring a vegan dish to share.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week Mother Natalia walks through the differences between destitution and poverty following a homework assignment she gave one of her spiritual daughters. Mother talks about how poverty is the lack of any barriers between us and God, and how that should be our long-term goal. Mother Natalia talks about the poverty Adam and Eve had before the fall.Mother Natalia challenges us to approach the Lord with trepidation and ask Him to show us where we're living in a destitute manner.References:Christ the Bridegroom TypikonThe PhilokaliaThe Four Loves by C.S. LewisNews:We'd love to have you join us for a live recording of the show, Tuesday, March 29th, at Holy Resurrection Parish in Euclid, Ohio. Vespers begin at 5:30, potluck vegan dinner at 6:15ish, and recording at 7ish. You're welcome to join us for part of all the event, no RSVP needed. Please bring a vegan dish to share.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week Fr. Michael shares his vocation story. He starts early - with his grandparents - and then makes his way to childhood and college years. Fr. Michael shares how the Lord worked in his life to show him the peace and joy he'd receive as a priest.References:Father Michael on Chris Stefanick's showFather Michael's vocation episode on Catholic StuffFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week Mother Natalia talks about Zaccheus, the searching he did to find Jesus, and how that searching is in response to Jesus searching for him. This is the same in our lives. We are searching for Jesus as a response to Him searching for us. Mother Natalia talks about how Zaccheus was "all in" with Jesus and how that's a model for her life, including in her response to hospitality.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

We were featured on SEEK in December and we're dropping the episode here in case you missed us! Father Michael and Mother Natalia share stories of their friendship, how SEEK played a part of their lives, and then talk about Divine Liturgy.SEEK is an annual retreat put on by Focus the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. SEEK 22 is wrapped, but put this on your radar for SEEK 23.References:The Orthodox Study BibleMere Christianity by C.S. LewisEpisodes on the Mystery of Crowning with Fr. Joel Barstad Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week we’re joined by special guest Casey Dail. Casey talks about her experience as a foster mom and the balance she has to practice of attachment and detachment. She links some of her experiences to the ecstasy experienced in the cross.Casey recently started a coaching practice. If you’re interested in working with her or would like to know more about her experience as a foster mom, you can email her (caseydail@hotmail.com) or message her on Facebook.References:Hosea 11:3Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de CaussadeFrom Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age by University of Mary PressA Hidden Life (Trailer)Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week Father Michael talks about the reality of loneliness within our vocation. We talk about relying on God instead of others to satisfy loneliness.References:From Whence Mother Natalia CameThe Space Trilogy Series by C.S. Lewis Book 1: Out of the Silent Planet Book 2: Perelandra Book 3: That Hideous Strength Mere Christianity by C.S. LewisSobornost by Catherine DohertyUrodivoi by Catherine DohertyThe Postal Service: Give UpFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week Mother Natalia shares her vocation story up to the decision to enter the monastery. References:Mother Natalia has been on two episodes with Matt Fradd Episode One: Why Sr. Natalia Become a Nun Episode Two: Eastern Catholicism w/ Mother Natalia An Explanation by Luke Spehar Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week's episode is long but so worth it! We're happy to welcome to the podcast special guest Melkite Joe. Melkite Joe shares a bit of his life story that led to his discernment to enter Holy Transfiguration Monastery in California. If you would like to donate to Melkite Joe's fundraiser, you can find all the details here.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

This week Mother Natalia talks about judgement. She gives some practical examples of judgement and the way it causes a block or barrier between herself and the person as well as herself and God.References:Wounded by Love by Elder PorphyriusFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)

Father Michael uses two Gospel passages along with some prayer requests in his life to talk about unanswered prayer and how our unanswered prayers unite us with our forefathers.  References:Hidden Sins, Perceivable Virtue (The episode inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray)The Year of Grace of the LordLuke 14: 16 - 24  - parable about the wedding banquet, read 2 Sundays before ChristmasLuke 15: 11 - 32 - the parable of the Prodigal (Reckless) SonFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/whatgodisnot)