The Normal Christian Life

From Duty to Delight: The Priority of Praise (S2 E12)

In this episode of the 'Normal Christian Life,' Frs. Michael and Christopher Trummer and Mary Bielski delve into the essence of worship, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God beyond just music. They share personal experiences and insights into how worship has played a vital role in their spiritual lives. The conversation explores the role of praise and adoration in the Church, the transformative power of expressive worship, and practical ways to incorporate worship into daily life. The episode includes references to Biblical episodes, teachings from the Catechism, and the personal journeys of the speakers with a particular focus on falling deeper in love with God. If you yearn to foster a heart of worship and adoration, this episode provides thoughtful reflections and actionable steps to deepen your prayer life.
 
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Reminder
00:16 The Importance of Worship Beyond Music
00:28 Personal Journey and Intellectual Pursuit of Faith
00:50 The Role of Worship in Christian Life
01:46 Charismatic Renewal and Emphasis on Worship
02:53 Broader Picture of Worship
03:15 Consumer Mentality in Faith
05:12 Catechism on Adoration and Praise
07:27 Challenges and Misconceptions About Praise
09:19 Joy and Worship in Christian Life
30:04 Scriptural Examples of Worship
36:32 Finding Inspiration in Others
36:55 The Nature of Love and Worship
37:38 God's Preference in Worship
38:30 The Power of Praise and Thanksgiving
39:59 Living a Life of Worship
43:45 Expressing Worship Through Actions
49:36 The Role of the Body in Worship
58:12 Overcoming Barriers to Expressive Worship
01:05:53 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

The Vital Role of Community (S2 E11)

In this episode of 'The Normal Christian Life,' we delve into the significance of spirit-filled community. Building on a previous discussion about friendship, Father Michael, Father Chris, and Mary Bielski explore how community, distinguished by its larger scale and deeper theological context, plays a crucial role in the Christian journey. The episode highlights personal experiences, the importance of deep, intentional relationships within the church, and the transformative power of unity and community. Key aspects such as prophetic prayer, mutual support, and shared worship are discussed, along with practical ways to foster community both in-person and through technology.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:08 Defining Community vs. Friendship 00:48 Personal Experiences of Community 05:52 The Role of Culture in Community 13:13 Theological Foundations of Community 22:27 Scriptural Insights on Community 25:21 The Importance of Community in Faith 27:10 Theological Differences Between Catholic and Protestant Views 29:46 Taking Responsibility for Each Other 33:04 Challenges and Benefits of Living in Community 43:57 The Role of Technology in Building Community 49:22 Concluding Prayer and Reflections

"I Have Called You Friends”: The Gift of Christian Friendship (S2 E10)

In this episode of the Normal Christian Life podcast, Father Michael, Christopher, and Mary Bielski explore the profound significance of friendship in the Christian life. They discusse the integral role of friends in spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of Christ-centered relationships. They share their own experiences, discussing how genuine Christian friendships help them stay strong in their faith. They dive into the dynamics of male and female friendships, the challenges of finding and maintaining deep connections, and the transformative power of community rooted in the Lord. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on building and nurturing friendships that draw us closer to God and each other.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Promotion
00:53 The Importance of Friendship in Christian Life
02:03 Personal Experiences with Faith and Friendship
03:46 Challenges of Maintaining Faith-Based Friendships
13:29 The Role of Technology in Modern Friendships
17:51 Differences Between Male and Female Friendships
28:01 Christian Friendship vs. Secular Friendship
32:58 Seeing Clearly Through Others
34:23 Christian Friendship and Accountability
35:53 Saint Basil and the Power of Holy Friendship
38:27 The Joy of Christ-Centered Friendships
41:26 The Challenge of Finding True Friends
54:02 Practical Tips for Building Christian Community
01:00:26 A Prayer for Friendship

Childlikeness: Embracing Joy, Humility, and Surrender (S2 E9)

In this episode of The Normal Christian Life, Father Michael Trummer is joined by Miriam Johl and Mary Bielski to explore the theme of spiritual childhood and the profound importance of childlikeness in the spiritual life. Through personal anecdotes, scriptural insights, and heartfelt discussions, the team delves into the distinctive aspects of being childlike, such as joy, surrender, and playfulness. They reflect on the balance between childlike faith and mature responsibility, the power of joy and humor, and the significance of trust and surrender to God. This episode encourages listeners to embrace a childlike disposition, find joy in God, and foster a joyful, playful, and trusting relationship with the Heavenly Father.
 
 
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
00:32 The Importance of Spiritual Childhood
01:28 Childlike vs. Childish
02:57 Humility and Lowly Status in Spirituality
04:06 Aging and Childlikeness
06:01 Balancing Responsibilities and Joy
08:09 Trust and Worry in Spiritual Life
09:40 Playfulness in Saints' Lives
10:17 Simplicity and Humility
27:45 Joy and Expressed Faith
35:53 Unexpected Joy and Setting the Tone
36:40 Expressing Gratitude and Vulnerability
38:17 Creating and Sharing Joy
40:23 The Power of Humor and Joy
42:12 Cultivating Joy and Trust in God
47:13 Surrendering to God's Plan
51:50 Childlike Trust and Joy in Prayer
01:03:01 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer
 

Faith Comes from What Is Heard: An Introduction to Evangelization (S2 E8)

Fr. Michael, Father Christopher, and Mary Bielski - delve into what evangelization truly means and its significance for the renewal of the Church. Explore the importance of personal testimony, the role of miracles and signs, and the power of accompaniment. Discover practical insights and be inspired to take up the call of spreading the gospel through love, prayer, and genuine relationships.
 
00:00 Introduction to Evangelization 00:53 The Importance of Evangelization 02:52 Personal Experiences and Misconceptions 03:52 Evangelization and Apologetics 05:38 The Role of the Laity in Evangelization 07:48 Evangelization as an Identity 09:19 The Call to Evangelize 12:29 Encounter and Mission 14:33 The Power of Personal Testimony 16:34 Signs, Wonders, and the Holy Spirit 18:20 Balancing Evangelization and Discipleship 19:57 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelization 21:07 Building a Foundation for Evangelization 22:55 The Importance of Personal Relationship with God 25:05 Equipping the Church for Evangelization 27:00 The Need for a New Pentecost 29:23 Proclamation and Demonstration 31:29 The Role of Signs and Wonders 33:07 Persistent Faith in Evangelization 34:52 The Importance of Accompaniment 40:56 Personal Evangelization Challenges 41:40 The Walk to Emmaus: A Model of Discipleship 44:30 The Role of the Mass in Evangelization 46:51 Engaging in Faith Conversations 51:04 Listening with Compassion 01:02:52 The Power of Personal Testimony 01:10:42 The Call to Evangelize 01:13:50 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Does God Always Want to Heal? (S2 E7)

Father Michael and Father Christopher Trummer explore the complex topic: Does God always want to heal? They discuss various Christian perspectives, particularly focusing on views within the charismatic movement that emphasize healing through faith. The dialogue delves into balancing expectancy in God's healing power with submission to His will, supported by teachings from the Catechism and Biblical references. They highlight the value of redemptive suffering, pointing out instances in scripture and personal experiences where suffering had significant spiritual growth. The episode also addresses potential pitfalls of certain theological interpretations and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy, faith-filled prayer life.
 
00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview 00:34 Does God Always Want to Heal? 01:22 Church Teachings on Healing 02:43 Faith and Healing in the Bible 04:04 Balancing Expectation and Acceptance 04:31 Insights from Bill Johnson 06:12 Jesus' Healing Ministry 07:54 The Role of Faith in Healing 11:21 Ultimate Healing and God's Plan 14:37 Redemptive Suffering and God's Will 20:30 The Already and Not Yet of God's Kingdom 31:34 The Role of Suffering in God's Plan 32:18 St. Paul's Thorn in the Flesh 34:08 The Value of Weakness and Dependence on God 35:14 Redemptive Suffering and Union with Christ 37:25 The Church's Imperfection and the Call to Suffer 39:36 The Example of Jesus and the Father's Will 42:26 Theological Clarifications on Suffering and Healing 50:52 The Problem with the 'Always Heal' Theology 56:31 Persistent Faith and the Mystery of God's Timing 01:00:20 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

Living Spousal Intimacy w/ Katie Reis (S2 E6)

Join our hosts and Katie Reis in an insightful discussion that delves into the lived experience of spousal intimacy with the Lord. Building on the previous episode's theological foundation, this installment explores practical aspects of nurturing a deeper relationship with God through prayer, sacrameånts, and vulnerability. They highlight the importance of genuine sharing, savoring God's presence, and overcoming obstacles like fear and unworthiness. Tune in for a profound conversation on expressing love for the Lord and growing in spiritual intimacy.
 
00:00 Introduction to Spousal Intimacy 00:53 The Role of Prayer in Spousal Intimacy 01:52 Vulnerability and Deep Sharing with God 03:36 Practical Aspects of Spousal Prayer 14:34 The Importance of Praise and Worship 32:33 Guarding and Prioritizing Prayer Time 33:10 The Story of Martha and Mary 33:52 The Cost of Putting God First 34:16 Blessings of Prioritizing Prayer 35:14 Vulnerability in Worship 36:25 Fear of Intimacy 38:32 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Love 40:32 The Courage to Be Seen 41:31 Jesus' Ultimate Vulnerability 45:19 God's Unconditional Love 51:00 The Prodigal Son and Peter's Feet 54:26 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

God’s Spousal Love, Pt. 1: The Greatest Love Story (S2 E5)

In this thought-provoking episode, Father Michael Trummer, Mary Bielski, and Father Christopher, delves into the profound concept of having a spousal relationship with God. Addressing the deeply rooted theological and spiritual aspects of this topic, they discuss the importance of understanding God not just as a friend or father, but as a spouse. The conversation highlights significant scripture passages, the fruits of spousal intimacy, and personal experiences that illustrate how this relationship can transform one's faith journey. Whether you're a priest, a layperson, or someone seeking deeper intimacy with God, this podcast offers valuable insights and reflections. Tune in to explore the rich theology and practical implications of being in a spousal union with God.
 
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup
00:35 Understanding Spousal Relationship with God
02:29 Personal Experiences and Perspectives
05:49 Theological Foundations and Scriptural Insights
28:36 Priestly Identity and Role
31:34 The Wedding at Cana and Eucharistic Union
36:55 The Mystical Union with God
37:58 Jesus' Sacrifice and Mercy
38:31 The Last Supper and the Cross
40:59 The Sacred Heart and Total Emptiness
41:59 Desire and Intimacy with God
42:46 Saints' Expressions of Divine Love
45:08 Spousal Relationship with God
45:51 The Song of Songs and Human Love
46:28 Eros and Agape in Christianity
47:45 God's Delight in Us
48:27 The Importance of Intimacy with God
59:47 Living in God's Love
01:00:24 Invitation to Spousal Intimacy
01:11:20 Prayer and Closing Reflections

Praying with the Word: Rediscovering Lectio Divina | Encountering the Word Series (S2 E4)

Join our hosts and Mike Nolan  in this insightful episode of 'The Normal Christian Life,' where they delve deep into the transformative practice of Lectio Divina. Discover the traditional steps of this ancient form of prayer—Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio—and gain inspiration from personal stories and experiences that highlight how God speaks to us through scripture. Whether you're new to Lectio Divina or looking to deepen your practice, this discussion offers valuable insights and practical tips for encountering the Word of God in a relational and meaningful way.
 
00:00 Introduction and Series Overview
00:39 Deepening the Theme of Encounter
02:19 Steps of Lectio Divina
04:28 Personal Experiences with Lectio Divina
06:14 The Importance of Active Engagement
08:26 Contemplation and Meditation
09:22 Practical Tips for Praying with Scripture
11:51 The Power of Personal Encounter
13:22 Challenges and Overcoming Distractions
32:28 The Role of Discipline and Virtue
34:48 Valuing God's Word
40:32 Avoiding Judgments in Prayer
43:40 Understanding How God Speaks Through Scripture
44:16 Personal Experiences with Scripture and Prayer
46:38 The Role of Imagination in Spirituality
48:08 The Importance of Childlike Faith in Prayer
50:11 God's Initiative in Revelation
55:31 Hearing God's Voice in Everyday Life
01:05:45 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
01:15:58 Closing Prayer and Resources

Relational Prayer with the Word w/ Mike Nolan | Encountering the Word Series (S2 E3)

In this video, join our hosts as they engage in an in-depth conversation with Mike Nolan about the profound impact of scripture on one's personal faith journey. Mike shares his touching testimony of turning to the word of God during challenging times and how it helped to navigate through life's hurdles. The discussion covers how to cultivate a relational encounter with scripture, integrating prayer and the word in daily life, and the significance of spiritual and emotional interpretation of biblical passages. Stay tuned to explore practical insights into Lectio Divina and learn how to make the Bible come alive in your everyday experiences.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:33 Mike's Testimony: Encountering God Through Scripture
02:27 Developing a Healthy Relationship with Scripture
03:58 Prophetic Rosary and Discernment
06:52 Theological Insights and Personal Reflections
14:24 The Importance of Relational Prayer 29:06 Spiritual Interpretation of Scripture
36:29 The Role of Scripture in Our Relationship with God
37:05 Jesus and the True Source of Life
37:29 The Scholar of the Law and Self-Justification
38:55 Experiencing the Word Incarnate
43:19 The Power of Story in Understanding Scripture
46:07 Redemption and Personal Stories
47:32 The Importance of Identity in Christ
55:29 God's Word and Its Fulfillment
58:01 Entering the Wilderness to Hear God's Word
01:01:08 Concluding Reflections and Prayer