Avoiding Babylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Many Christians struggle to find clear evidence of the Trinity in the Old Testament, often conceding this ground when dialoguing with Jewish or Muslim friends. But what if Christ was hiding in plain sight throughout the Hebrew Scriptures?In this revelatory discussion, Sam Shamoon takes us on a journey through biblical passages that the early Church Fathers unanimously understood as revealing the Trinity. From Jeremiah's encounter with "the Word of the Lord" who physically touched his mouth, to Abraham's meeting with the divine visitor who claimed to be "the Lord," we discover compelling evidence that Christ was actively revealing Himself thousands of years before Bethlehem.The implications are profound. When Jesus said, "Abraham saw my day and was glad," He wasn't speaking metaphorically—Abraham literally encountered the pre-incarnate Christ. This understanding transforms how we read Scripture and provides powerful tools for defending the Trinity using the Old Testament alone.We explore how and why many modern theologians have abandoned these interpretations in favor of readings that align more with rabbinical Judaism, and how this shift impacts interfaith dialogue today. Looking at Genesis 1:26 ("Let us make man in our image"), Genesis 19:24 (which distinguishes between the Lord on earth and the Lord in heaven), and several other key passages, Sam builds a compelling case that the Trinity was never a "new revelation" but has been God's self-disclosure from the beginning.Whether you're seeking to strengthen your faith, looking for new apologetic approaches, or simply love diving deep into Scripture, this conversation will transform how you read the Bible. Discover the Christ who walked with Adam, spoke to Abraham, and touched the prophets—the eternal Word who has been revealing the Father since creation began.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!The power of persistent faith takes center stage in this meditation for the First Week of Lent as we examine the remarkable story of the Canaanite woman. When she approaches Jesus seeking healing for her daughter, his response seems harsh: "the bread of the children is not for dogs." Yet her humble persistence—"but the little dogs eat the crumbs"—ultimately wins his heart. "O woman, great is thy faith," Jesus declares, giving us a profound model of how faith becomes our greatest strength.Why do we struggle to effectively deploy our faith? The answer lies in our resistance to acknowledging our complete dependence on God. Drawing from Father Patrick Troadec's "Toward Easter," we explore how true faith requires us to "place ourselves humbly with the little dogs under the Master's table" to receive grace despite our unworthiness. This meditation includes beautiful prayers and reflections from spiritual giants like St. Catherine of Siena and St. Louis de Montfort, reminding us that faith serves as the foundation for all virtue.The conversation expands to consider how faith faces relentless attacks in our modern world. From secular education to materialistic culture, everything seems designed to replace true faith with counterfeits. Yet, without authentic faith, we cannot properly develop hope or charity. The meditation offers practical wisdom for strengthening this essential virtue: daily recitation of the Creed, making formal Acts of Faith each morning, and resolving not to lose confidence in God during trials. As we continue our Lenten journey, we're invited to rediscover faith not as a passive inheritance but as our active strength, enabling us to persevere through life's challenges with the humble confidence of the Canaanite woman.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!A fascinating dive into the collision between traditional Catholic values and modern digital culture as we examine viral videos of priests creating TikTok dances that compromise clerical dignity. The episode opens with a critical analysis of this troubling trend, connecting it to Leo XIII's warning about preserving the modesty and gravity befitting the priesthood in a world obsessed with social media influence.We tackle a profound question that reveals much about our cultural understanding of marriage: "Who comes first—your mother, daughter, or wife?" The responses from men in a street interview expose a deeply disordered view of family hierarchy, with most claiming wives are "replaceable." We explore the theological foundation for why spouses must prioritize each other above all other relationships, and how this proper ordering creates healthy families. The discussion connects these misplaced priorities to broken family structures and absent fathers, highlighting how what children witness shapes their understanding of love and commitment.The conversation shifts to a deeper exploration of patron saints that moves beyond standard apologetics approaches. Rather than simply defending devotion to saints with Scripture passages, we examine their cosmic significance as spiritual guardians over regions and cities—filling roles once claimed by pagan deities and demonstrating how Christianity transformed cultural landscapes throughout history.Perhaps most valuably, we critique the limitations of typical "Catholic Answers" style apologetics when engaging with sophisticated Protestant theological arguments. While standard apologetics works against evangelical fundamentalism, it often fails to address the nuanced arguments from classical Reformed theology. This segment challenges listeners to deepen their theological understanding beyond mere talking points.The episode concludes with a touching story about the power of family prayer, as a father shares his experience praying the rosary with his speech-impaired four-year-old son who persevered through an hour-long prayer despite his limitations. What will you prioritize in your spiritual journey toward deeper understanding?Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Deep within our Catholic tradition lies the often-forgotten treasure of Embertide – those sacred days of intensified prayer and fasting that punctuate our liturgical year. Today's reflection brings us to Ember Wednesday of the first week in Lent, where we're reminded of the profound spiritual significance these ancient observances hold.The Gospel places before us the sign of Jonah – three days in the whale's belly prefiguring Christ's three days in the heart of the earth. Like the Pharisees who constantly demanded signs despite witnessing countless miracles, we too often seek tangible proofs rather than embracing the mystery of faith. True faith means adhering to divine truths without constant reassurance, trusting even when we cannot see or feel.Perhaps nowhere is this faith more beautifully expressed than in our baptism – that transformative moment when we became adopted children of God. As King Saint Louis IX of France profoundly noted, "I think more of the place of my baptism than of Reims Cathedral where I was crowned King of France, for the dignity of a child of God bestowed upon me at baptism is greater than ruler of the kingdom." How striking that a medieval monarch saw his divine adoption as more significant than his earthly crown! This challenges us to examine our own priorities and appreciate the treasure we received at the baptismal font.While we meticulously plan birthday celebrations marking our physical birth, how often do we commemorate the anniversary of our spiritual rebirth? This Lenten season offers the perfect opportunity to renew our appreciation for baptismal grace through simple practices: singing a Magnificat or Salve Regina in thanksgiving, attending an extra Mass, or establishing family traditions that honor baptismal anniversaries. Through these observances, we keep alive the ember of faith that first ignited in our souls when we became temples of the Holy Spirit.Looking to deepen your Lenten journey? Subscribe now and join our community as we rediscover these ancient rhythms of Catholic spiritual life together!Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!The simplicity of a child's faith stands at the heart of today's Lenten reflection. Drawing from Matthew 21:16 — "Out of the mouth of infants thou hast perfected praise" — we witness a powerful Gospel scene where children recognize Jesus as the Messiah while learned Pharisees remain blind to what unfolds before them. What prevents these educated religious leaders from seeing what comes naturally to children? Pride and jealousy have plunged their hearts into darkness.For traditionally-minded Catholics, this presents a striking challenge. Many of us excel at learning the intellectual aspects of our faith — memorizing catechisms, studying theological works, mastering doctrinal nuances. Yet Christ reminds us that knowledge alone isn't the goal; rather, it should lead us toward the simplicity and openness of a childlike heart. This Lent offers the perfect opportunity to examine whether our spiritual sophistication has inadvertently erected barriers between ourselves and authentic communion with God.Prayer emerges as the essential practice for cultivating this childlike disposition. We explore practical ways to integrate prayer throughout daily life — carrying a rosary for unexpected moments, offering quick "ejaculatory prayers" during routine activities, and establishing family prayer traditions that help children maintain their natural openness to God. Most importantly, we discuss breaking free from the cultural conditioning that has taught many Catholics to keep their faith private and invisible. Children don't yet feel awkward making the sign of the cross in restaurants — and neither should we. As we approach the Ember Days this week, let's embrace the traditional practices of fasting, abstinence, and prayer with childlike simplicity, gratitude and trust.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!The smoke and mirrors of modern politics has never been more apparent than in our post-2024 election landscape. In this riveting conversation, Anthony and Kale explore the concept of "kayfabe" – a wrestling term describing staged events presented as authentic – and how it perfectly captures the theatrical nature of today's political scene.The discussion begins with a shared sense of unease about Trump's surprisingly smooth 2024 election victory compared to the contested 2020 results. Why did institutional resistance seemingly evaporate overnight? How did DEI programs across government and corporations disappear so quickly? These abrupt shifts suggest we might be watching a carefully choreographed performance rather than authentic political processes.Drawing fascinating parallels between professional wrestling and political theater, the conversation examines how both Trump and his opponents understand the power of spectacle. From the controversial Trump Gaza video to the theatrical confrontation with Zelensky, politics increasingly resembles entertainment with predetermined heroes, villains, and dramatic arcs. The hosts warn against getting swept up in the emotional satisfaction of "dunking on the libs" without critically examining substantive policy outcomes.The conversation takes a profound turn when comparing Trump to Pope Francis – both disruptive figures who create daily drama in their respective spheres. Both have generated entire industries of commentators trying to explain or critique their actions, and both have fundamentally altered the institutions they lead. As Pope Francis's health declines, the hosts consider what the next papal transition might reveal about deeper divisions within Catholicism.Throughout this thought-provoking exchange, Anthony and Kale challenge listeners to maintain critical distance from political theater without falling into cynical nihilism. They remind us that authentic cultural renewal comes not through political figures but through communities centered on transcendent principles that outlast any administration.What reality are we actually witnessing behind the political performances? Listen to this essential conversation to sharpen your discernment in an age of sophisticated kayfabe.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!The journey through Lent begins with a powerful reminder that this sacred season is fundamentally about conversion. Drawing from the prophet Ezekiel's portrayal of the Lord as the Good Shepherd, we're invited to recognize how Christ seeks out His lost sheep, binds up what is broken, and restores what is wounded.A sense of spiritual urgency permeates this meditation as we contemplate the sobering reality that our time for conversion is finite. "One day, time will no longer exist for us and we will no longer be able to do penance. It will then be too late." These words cut through complacency, challenging us to approach each day of Lent with intentionality rather than carelessness. The mercy of the Good Shepherd will eventually give way to the justice of the Just Judge, and only what we've done for the love of God will carry eternal weight.At the heart of authentic conversion lies the inseparable connection between love of God and love of neighbor. We're called to concrete expressions of charity—consoling someone experiencing difficulties and offering prayers and sacrifices for those distant from faith. The meditation concludes with pastoral wisdom for those concerned about loved ones who have fallen away: more than theological arguments or persuasive reasoning, hearts are prepared for conversion through our faithful prayers and penances.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!During this first Sunday of Lent meditation, we explore what it truly means to enter into our own forty days in the desert – not just through fasting, but through the powerful practice of prayer and spiritual withdrawal.Drawing from the day's Mass readings in the traditional Roman rite, we examine how biblical figures like Moses and Elias spent their forty days in profound spiritual retreat, preparing us to understand Christ's own desert sojourn. Their examples remind us that Lent isn't merely about giving something up; it's about creating sacred space where God can speak to our hearts. As St. Augustine wisely noted, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee" – and Lent offers us the opportunity to rediscover that rest.But what does a spiritual desert look like in our hyperconnected world? Unlike medieval peasants who could physically withdraw, we face unique modern challenges. This meditation offers practical suggestions for prayer that fit within contemporary life: morning and evening devotions, spiritual communions, rosary recitation, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and attending traditional practices like Stations of the Cross. Rather than scrolling before bed, we might pray Compline. Instead of a lunch break scrolling social media, we could sit in silence before the tabernacle. These small shifts create powerful openings for divine encounter.The three Ps of Lent—Penance, Prayer, and People (almsgiving)—must remain in balance. We easily remember to eat fish on Fridays, but do we remember to pray? This Lent, accept the invitation to withdraw from digital noise, secular distractions, and worldly preoccupations. Create your own spiritual desert—not of emptiness, but of divine fullness. Your forty days await.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Have you ever considered how a single careless word can spread beyond your control, wreaking havoc you never intended? The first Saturday of Lent invites us to examine one of our most common yet destructive spiritual ailments—sins of the tongue.Drawing from Mark's Gospel, we reflect on how Jesus healed the sick with just the touch of his garment, prompting us to recognize our own spiritual infirmities. The meditation focuses particularly on our tendency toward gossip, detraction, and calumny—sins that might seem minor but cause irreparable damage. St. Philip Neri's brilliant illustration of this truth comes alive as we hear about the penitent told to pluck a chicken and then gather all the scattered feathers, an impossible task mirroring the irretrievable harm of our careless words.What makes this reflection particularly powerful is its unexpected relevance to our digital lives. As I reflect on my own social media habits, I realize how platforms like Twitter have supercharged our ability to commit these sins, allowing us to instantly broadcast potentially harmful statements to thousands. The meditation's warning that "in every society, none are more to be feared than those who speak ill of their neighbor" takes on new urgency when we consider how digital gossip erodes the very trust our communities need to survive.The five practical resolutions offered—from not involving ourselves in what doesn't concern us to avoiding all insulting words—provide a challenging Lenten practice for anyone seeking spiritual growth. Whether you're struggling with everyday gossip or finding yourself caught in cycles of online criticism, this meditation offers both the uncomfortable mirror of self-recognition and the hopeful path toward healing our speech.Subscribe to join our Lenten journey as we continue tomorrow with reflections on prayer for the First Sunday of Lent, and share your own experiences of taming the tongue in our increasingly digital world.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Prayer changes our hearts. Penance disciplines our bodies. Charity connects us to other people. These three pillars form what Father Troadec calls "the three Ps of Lent" - the essential spiritual practices that transform this season from mere ritual into profound renewal.As we navigate the early days of our Lenten journey, we're reminded that abstinence from meat on Fridays isn't optional during these forty days. But deeper than following rules is understanding why these practices matter. Prayer acknowledges we cannot overcome sin through willpower alone. We need divine grace to see the world and others as Christ does. Penance recognizes our hybrid nature as embodied souls whose physical appetites often lead us astray. By disciplining our bodies, we free our spirits to soar.The challenge before us is balance. Many Catholics fixate on "giving up chocolate" while neglecting prayer. Others might fast rigorously but forget almsgiving. This Lent, examine which pillar needs strengthening in your spiritual life. Consider attending Stations of the Cross at your parish, a powerful devotion that connects us to Christ's Passion while fulfilling our call to deeper prayer. Whatever resolutions you make, remember they serve to bring you closer to the One who suffered for love of you.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise:  https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps:  https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss