The Normal Christian Life

Is Prophecy Still a Thing? | S2 E18

Join hosts Mary Bielski, Fr. Christopher, and Fr. Michael with special guest Laura Shoulders as they delve into the often misunderstood and overlooked gift of prophecy within the Christian community. In this episode of 'The Normal Christian Life,' they discuss the biblical foundations, personal experiences, and misconceptions of prophecy. They aim to demystify what prophecy really means and how it plays a crucial role in edifying and loving others in the contemporary church. Discover how prophecy is not just an Old Testament relic, but a vibrant part of authentic Christianity, designed for the renewal of the church and personal spiritual growth. This episode also provides practical insights and stories that illustrate the transformative power of hearing and sharing God's voice today.
 
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00:00 Introduction to Prophecy
00:20 Personal Experiences with Prophecy
01:21 Prophecy in the Catholic Church
03:29 Understanding Old Testament Prophets
05:26 The New Covenant and Prophecy
06:48 Prophecy in Modern Times
09:47 Personal Testimonies and Stories
22:26 Prophecy vs. Fortune Telling
26:30 Challenges and Misconceptions
29:23 Evangelization and Prophecy
33:21 Unexpected Encounter with a Buddhist
34:18 Discerning Spirits and Prophetic Gifts
36:26 The Importance of Prophecy in the New Testament
46:09 Personal Stories of Prophecy
49:59 Encouragement to Seek Prophetic Gifts
01:03:35 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

"Increase Our Faith!": How to Overcome Unbelief and Cultivate Faith | S2 E17

Join Fr. Michael Trummer and Fr. Christopher Trummer in this episode of Normal Christian Life as they explore ways to cultivate the gift of faith. They discuss personal experiences, the importance of community, repentance, and practical steps to strengthen one's faith. The episode emphasizes humility, childlike trust, and the role of spiritual senses in deepening one's relationship with God. Additionally, they introduce their new Patreon account to help support and grow the podcast. Tune in for profound insights and practical tips to enrich your spiritual journey.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:34 Support Through Patreon
01:36 Impact of Paid Promotions
02:44 Cultivating the Gift of Faith
06:14 The Role of Repentance
08:00 Personal Testimonies and Conversion Stories
12:15 Experiencing God and Developing Spiritual Senses
14:08 The Influence of Sin on Faith
17:46 Faith as a Graced Choice
25:08 The Importance of Community in Faith
31:10 Practicing Faith Through Actions
37:44 Faith and Reason Working Together
39:40 Closing Prayer for the Gift of Faith

Do Not Hide Your Face From Me: Faith, Feelings, and Unbelief | S2 E16

Join Fathers Michael and Christopher Trummer in this episode of 'Normal Christian Life' as they explore the fundamental topics of faith and unbelief. They discuss the increasing prevalence of atheism and secularism in the Western world and explore why people are swayed by or struggle with unbelief. Analyzing both rational and non-rational factors including sin, emotional issues, and relational aspects, the hosts offer insights from scripture and tradition. This episode serves as a foundation for understanding the dynamics of belief in contemporary society and sets the stage for their continued discussion on cultivating and deepening one's faith.
 
00:00 Introduction and Call to Action
00:11 Exploring Faith and Unbelief
01:00 The Mystery of Belief and Unbelief
02:23 Rational Reasons and Other Factors
04:30 Trusting Testimonies and Experiences
08:49 Skepticism Towards Miracles and History
14:19 The Impact of Sin on Belief
26:21 Faith Beyond Feelings
33:15 The Role of Imagery in Christian Art
34:23 Emotional Barriers to Experiencing God
38:09 The Impact of Relationships on Faith
44:37 The Necessity and Cultivation of Faith
55:27 Understanding Faith Beyond Feelings
01:00:51 Faith in Action: Biblical Examples
01:02:40 Overcoming Desolation in Faith
01:05:07 Conclusion and Next Steps

The Hidden Treasure of Suffering | S2 E15

Join Fr. Michael Trummer, Fr. Christopher Trummer, and Mary Bielski in this profound episode of The Normal Christian Life as they explore the concept of redemptive suffering. As we wrap up Lent, they dive into society's attempt to eliminate suffering, using 'The Giver' as an analogy for understanding its significance. They discuss the transformative power of suffering, referencing Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning' and scriptural insights from St. Paul and St. John Paul II. The hosts emphasize how suffering can lead to spiritual growth, deeper relationship with God, and empathy. This episode also discusses exterior opportunities of suffering, such as witnessing faith, building community, and spreading hope. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on finding purpose and grace in the midst of suffering.
00:00 Introduction to Redemptive Suffering
00:21 The Giver: A False Utopia
01:07 The Meaning of Suffering in Christianity
01:40 Viktor Frankl and Finding Meaning in Suffering
03:31 St. Paul's Teachings on Baptism and Suffering
04:18 Jesus' Approach to Suffering
07:17 Personal Reflections on Suffering
09:52 The Mystery of Suffering and God's Compassion
20:24 The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth
31:46 Early Christian Persecution and Suffering
32:21 Embracing Suffering for Spiritual Growth
33:53 Learning Obedience Through Suffering
37:55 The Role of Humility in Suffering
40:09 Suffering as a Path to Maturity
45:37 Exterior Opportunities of Suffering
48:25 The Gift of Suffering and Its Impact
56:31 Concluding Thoughts on Suffering and Faith

Why Is Missing Mass Such a Big Deal? w/ Fr. Michael Trummer

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him" (Jn 3:16-17). God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). Relationship with God is a free gift earned by the perfect saving work of Jesus. God is eager to forgive and show mercy. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God..." (Eph 2:8).
 
However, God respects our free will. God will not force us to be in relationship with Him. Like any relationship, we can freely choose to engage and be involved in a relationship, or we can choose to be disengaged. We can be indifferent to God's love. We can be indifferent to God's will. If we are in union with His will and commandments we are in union with Him. One of the ways we abide and remain in relationship with Jesus is through following his commandments: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love" (Jn 15:9-10). God's commandment to keep the Sabbath holy is now fulfilled by worshipping God on Sunday, the Lord's day. "Do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another..." (Heb 10:25).
 
Matthew 22:1-14 and Luke 14:16–24 talk about how God is like a king throwing a wedding banquet for his Son. In Luke in particular, people have reasons why they aren't able to come to the wedding banquet. No one is forced to come to the wedding banquet. The same is true with the Mass. The Mass is the wedding banquet/celebration of the Lamb. We can accept God's invitation to partake of this amazing and wonderful celebration, but God will not force us to participate. To say no to God's loving invitation is to say to no to Him. To say no to living in communion with God is simply what hell is. So then, is it a big deal to miss Mass? We encourage you to reflect on these passage from Matthew and Luke. Other reasons why attending Sunday (or Saturday evening) Mass is so important!
 
00:00 Introduction: Is Missing Catholic Mass a Big Deal?
00:31 Addressing Common Objections
01:26 Why Missing Mass is Considered a Serious Offense
02:34 The Importance of Worship and Sacrifice
04:41 God's Commandments and Our Obligations
06:56 The Role of Mass in Our Spiritual Lives
12:48 Legitimate Reasons for Missing Mass
15:55 The Consequences of Missing Mass
21:06 Invitation to Return to Mass

Temples of the Holy Spirit: How Diet, Exercise, Sleep, etc. Affect Your Spiritual Life (S2 E14)

Join Father Michael Trummer and Father Christopher Trummer in this enlightening episode of 'The Normal Christian Life' as they dive deep into the vital relationship between physical health and spiritual well-being. They explore modern obsessions with health and beauty and discuss how physical health can impact emotional and spiritual states. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical references, and their journeys through various health challenges, the Trummer brothers emphasize the importance of taking care of our bodies, not just for the sake of longevity, but to enhance our spiritual lives and better serve God. Whether you're struggling with health issues or seeking a more balanced life, this episode provides unique insights and practical advice on achieving holistic health.
 
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:17 The Idol of Physical Health
01:04 Biblical Perspective on Anxiety and Provision
03:19 Modern Obsession with Health and Longevity
04:32 Balancing Health and Spiritual Life
05:42 The Natural Law and Desire to Preserve Life
06:46 Vanity and the Idol of Beauty
09:43 The Role of Wisdom and Immortality
12:16 The Eucharist: The Ultimate Supplement
13:03 Fear of Death and Lifelong Bondage
15:00 Purpose of Good Health: A Life of Love and Virtue
15:49 St. Ignatius' Principle and Foundation
18:10 Redemptive Suffering and Physical Health
24:03 Gluttony and Physical Health
27:08 Personal Testimonies on Health and Spirituality
40:29 The Importance of Reverencing the Body
47:35 Struggling with Body Image and Health
48:09 A Shift in Perspective on Health
48:39 The Intersection of Physical and Mental Health
51:08 Personal Stories of Healing Through Diet
57:45 The Carnivore Diet Experience
01:09:35 Balancing Physical Health and Spiritual Life
01:13:13 Scriptural Insights on Health and Holiness
01:18:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

What a Priest Learned from the Most Serious Confessions He Has Heard w/ Fr. Michael Trummer

Fr. Michael shares what he has learned as a priest hearing confessions.

Choosing Silence in a World of Noise (S2 E13)

In this episode of Normal Christian Life, we talk about the significance of silence, especially during the season of Lent. Reflecting on Jesus’ 40 days in the desert and the importance of stillness, this discussion reveals how silence can enhance our spiritual lives, cultivate holiness, and foster a deeper connection with God. Joined by insightful quotes from saints and personal testimonies, this episode offers practical steps for incorporating silence into our daily lives, ensuring that even in a noisy world, we can find moments of divine encounter and peace.
 
00:00 Introduction to Silence and Lent
00:24 Jesus' 40 Days in the Desert
01:14 Addiction to Noise
02:11 Cultural Challenges and Silence
06:51 Historical Perspectives on Silence
15:51 Personal Experiences with Silence
23:52 The Importance of Silence in Prayer
25:42 Encountering God in Silence
37:58 The Gift of Receiving in Prayer
38:11 The Samaritan Woman and Living Water
38:34 The Challenge of Active Prayer
38:53 The Role of Passivity in Prayer
39:32 Faith and the Efficacy of Prayer
41:13 The Importance of Silence in Prayer
43:33 Quotes on Silence and Prayer
45:32 Personal Experiences with Silent Retreats
48:34 The Role of Silence in Cultivating Holiness
56:42 Practical Tips for Cultivating Silence
01:04:31 The Impact of Silence on Daily Life
01:12:33 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

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