Stay ConnectedTaste & See is a weekly podcast of heartfelt reflections and meditations on the Sunday readings. Join Zac Wierschem of Paradisus Dei as he guides you into a deeper encounter with Jesus—alongside a global community that prays together each week..
Learn more about Paradisus Dei and our life-changing programs at: paradisusdei.org
Copyright: © Zac Wierschem
In this special Gaudete Sunday episode, we dive into the profound connection between repentance and joy. Drawing from Luke 3:10–18, we reflect on how true repentance leads us to experience the overwhelming joy of God’s forgiveness. Through personal stories, Scripture, and timeless wisdom from the Church, we’ll explore the beauty of confession, the healing power of mercy, and the freedom that comes with being truly forgiven.
If you’ve ever hesitated to approach confession or struggled to understand how repentance brings happiness, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Key Scripture References:
Connect With Us: On Instagram: @thetasteandseepodcast
Intro music: "My Life (Main)" by Good B Music
Meditation music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A
In this episode of Taste and See, we reflect on the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent (Luke 3:1-6) and explore how John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus by proclaiming repentance. But what does it mean for “all flesh to see God’s salvation”? We dive into the profound truth that God’s salvation is not just something we receive—it’s a person, Jesus Christ. Through the lens of the Theology of the Body, we discuss the gift of the human body, its dignity, and how embracing this truth helps us prepare for Christ’s coming.
Key Takeaways:
Call to Action:
This Advent, reflect on the dignity of your body as a gift from God. How is He calling you to prepare the way for His coming by embracing His truth about your worth? Share this episode with a friend and help them rediscover the beauty of God’s salvation in their lives. Don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and tune in next week for more Advent reflections!
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Together, let’s prepare to welcome Christ into our lives and hearts.
Scripture passages taken from the World English Bible
Intro Music: "My Life (Main)" by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of G
In this episode of Taste and See, we dive into the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36) and reflect on how Advent is more than just preparing for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. It’s also a time to prepare for Christ’s Second Coming, His presence in the Eucharist, and His coming to us in the poor. Through a personal story of being distracted during Mass, we explore how to stay focused on the profound mystery of Christ’s coming in all its forms.
Key Takeaways:
Call to Action:
Prepare your heart for the coming of Christ this Advent season. Share this episode with a friend who could use inspiration for staying spiritually vigilant! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover this meaningful content.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Us:
Follow us on instagram @thetasteandseepodcast and join our community as we journey through Advent together!
In this episode of Taste and See, we reflect on the conclusion of the liturgical year and the celebration of Christ as King of the Universe. Through the lens of John 18:33b-37, we explore what it means to follow a king whose reign transcends worldly power and authority.
Key Themes Discussed:
Highlights of This Episode:
Reflection Questions:
Practical Invitation:
Resources Mentioned:
Join us as we celebrate Christ the King and reflect on how His reign transforms our lives and leads us to eternity.
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Gospel reading taken from the World English Bible Translation
Intro music: "My Life (Main) by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of D
In this episode of Taste and See, we reflect on the gospel for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, where Jesus describes the end times and His glorious return (Mark 12:24-32). The imagery is intense—darkened skies, angels gathering the elect—and it can stir both excitement and fear. But what if this isn’t just about judgment and apocalyptic visions? What if it’s about longing for the One we love?
Through a personal story of a long-distance relationship, Zac explores the deeper meaning of waiting for Christ. Just as absence made love grow fonder, so does our distance from Jesus increase our desire for Him. We don’t await a distant judge but a beloved Savior who longs to be close to us.
Key Topics:
Scripture Reference: Mark 12:24-32
Gospel reading taken from the World English Bible translation
Intro music: "My Life (Main)" by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship PAds - foundations in the key of G
In this week's episode of Taste and See, we explore the Gospel passage of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44, focusing on the profound act of giving everything we have. Drawing from his own experiences, Zac reflects on a deeply emotional moment with his mother, who chose a path of suffering for the love of him. This episode invites us to consider the true meaning of sacrificial love and trust in God when life’s challenges feel overwhelming.
We’ll delve into:
Listen now to deepen your faith and learn how to embrace sacrificial love, even in times of great difficulty. Join us as we journey through the story of the widow, the mystery of Mary’s love, and the transformative power of trusting in God.
- Gospel reading taken from the World English Bible translation
- Intro Music: "My Life (Main)" Good B Music
- Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of G
In this episode of Taste and See, we explore Jesus’ challenge in Matthew 23:1-12, calling us to live with humility, servant-heartedness, and freedom from pride. Zac shares a personal story from his time as a missionary in Guatemala, reflecting on an encounter with a child in the slums that uncovered his own struggle with material attachment.
We discuss:
✨ How small choices reveal our hearts and reflect the Gospel.
✨ What it means to live what we preach, even when it costs us.
✨ Finding freedom by letting go of anxieties, pride, and possessions.
✨ How Jesus' open, wounded hands invite us into deeper trust and service.
Listen for a guided meditation on surrender and an intimate letter from Jesus encouraging you to release burdens and embrace His joy.
Key Themes: Humility, service, discipleship, spiritual freedom, mission work, Matthew 23, personal growth in faith
🔗 Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:1-12
🎧 Tune in now to embrace the call to serve with open hands and discover the joy of letting go!
*all scripture verses are taken from the World English Bible
In today’s episode, we dive into the Gospel story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, and reflect on what his encounter with Jesus reveals about our hearts and our need for healing. Bartimaeus meets Jesus not on a mountaintop but in Jericho, the lowest city on earth—symbolic of hitting rock bottom in life. What happens when we encounter God not in success but in failure and helplessness? Zac shares the story of the poorest woman he met in a Kenyan slum and how she was the happiest woman because she encountered God in her poverty as Provider. Reflection Questions:
Where is my lowest place, and have I encountered God there?
What is in the way of encountering God in my woundedness?
Can I see God in the poverty of my own heart?
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Bible verses quoted:
Matthew 16:17, “Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
*all scripture verses are taken from the World English Bible
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Taste and See, we reflect on Mark 10:35-45, where James and John approach Jesus with bold, unfiltered requests. Together, we explore the importance of bringing our true desires to Christ—whether it’s asking for miracles, relationships, or dreams that feel risky. Through this reflection, we challenge the fear of desire, discuss how God delights in hearing the honest longings of our hearts, and explore how our deepest desires, when surrendered to God, draw us closer to Him and His plan for eternity. Then Zac shares about his own experience of overcoming his fear of his romantic desires both before and after seminary.
Timestamps:
Key Takeaways:
Prayer Reflection:
Take a moment this week to ask yourself: What is the deepest desire of my heart right now? Bring that desire honestly before God in prayer, trusting that He delights in hearing you and will lead you toward what is best for you.
Scripture Reference:
Mark 10:35-45
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If you enjoyed this reflection, please rate and review the podcast to help others discover Taste and See! Follow us on social media for more content and updates.
Intro Music: "My Life (Main)" by Good_B_Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - Foundations in the key of G
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we explore the profound message of Mark 10:17-30, where Jesus invites us to surrender our possessions and distractions to truly follow Him. We reflect on the nature of love, the essence of true treasure, and what it means to possess the greatest gift of all—our relationship with Christ most preeminently in the Eucharist at Mass. Zac shares how he felt the call to sell everything he had and give to the poor 6 years ago and how that has affected everything he does even to today. Through personal anecdotes and spiritual insights, we are reminded that the path to fulfillment lies not in worldly success, but in the depths of divine love detached from things of the world.
Reflection Questions:
Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit from hearing about the true treasure of Christ. Join our community as we seek to deepen our relationship with God and serve others.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)" by Good_B_Music
Meditation Music Background: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - Foundations in the key of C
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