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 touching episode, Zac shares a heartfelt story from a friend's joy-filled wedding, painting it as a powerful image of self-giving love that mirrors our human call to freely give and receive. Rooted in John 6:37-40 for the Commemoration of All Souls, he reveals how we are precious gifts from the Father to Jesus, embraced without rejection and promised resurrection, igniting hope no matter our past. The episode challenges us to embrace purgatory as God’s merciful fire, actively urging us to pray and offer acts of love for departed souls, letting our identity as cherished gifts in the Trinity spark transformative action.
Reflection Questions:
Don't forget to pray for one another!
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
In this week’s episode, we explore how an essential principle from romantic relationships reveals the heart of the Gospel in Luke 18:9–14. Through the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we uncover how emotional and spiritual intimacy with God must come before outward expressions of faith—just as authentic love precedes physical intimacy in relationships. Join us for a meditation from God the Father’s perspective, as He speaks tenderly to the tax collector, revealing what true humility and intimacy with Him look like.
Journal Questions
Here's a link to the meditation for you to take into prayer!
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
In this episode of Taste and See, we reflect on Jesus’ call to persevere in faith even when prayer feels unanswered. Drawing from Luke 18: 1–8, Zac explores what it means to keep trusting God without growing weary and how prayer transforms us rather than trying to change Him. Through honest reflection and prayer, we’re reminded that faith isn’t proven by results but by our willingness to remain in relationship with the One who loves us. Join us as we rediscover the quiet strength of steadfast prayer.Journal Questions:
Here's the link to the meditation for you to bring into prayer with the Lord.
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
In this week’s episode of Taste and See, we enter into Luke 17:5–10, where Jesus calls His disciples to live as humble servants. This Gospel passage challenges us to recognize that no matter how holy our works may appear—daily Mass, prayers, or acts of devotion—we are still called to say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”
Through a personal story of daily Mass and a touching encounter with a fellow parishioner, we reflect on the temptation to pride when others see holiness in us. True sainthood, however, is not about recognition or reward, but about the joy of serving the Master with humility. Jesus Himself took the lowest place, and He invites us to do the same so that He may lift us into eternal life.
Join us as we pray, “Lord, increase our faith,” and discover the deep joy that comes from serving Christ, not for profit, but out of love.
Journal Questions:
Here's a link to the meditation - I hope it blesses you in prayer!
Please pray for each other!
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
In this episode of Taste and See for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). I share my own journey from being a “good Catholic guy” who ignored the poor to discovering compassion through friendship, immersion trips, and encounters with the homeless. Jesus reveals that the path to heaven is walked with broken hearts—hearts softened by compassion, pierced by suffering, and made like His Sacred Heart. Together we’ll explore how true faith is not just about having answers but about seeing Christ in the poor at our doorstep.
Journal Questions
Here is the link to the meditation! I hope the Lords blesses you through it in prayer!
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
What does Jesus mean when He praises the dishonest steward in Luke 16:1–13? In this episode of Taste and See for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we wrestle with one of the most surprising and challenging parables in the Gospel. Through personal stories from religious life, struggles with money and the spirit of the vow of poverty, and a meditation from the steward’s perspective, we explore how Christ teaches us to use earthly things as means—not ends—and to practice true prudence that leads us to God.
Journal Questions
Here's a link to the meditation!
Pray for each other!
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Zac shares how the color pink—rooted in his mother’s battle with breast cancer—became a symbol of love and victory. In the same way, the cross, once a sign of death and defeat, is exalted as the sign of Christ’s triumph and our salvation.
Journal Questions
◦What personal “crosses” in my life have felt like burdens of suffering, and how might God be inviting me to see them as paths to deeper love and even victory?
◦When I look at the cross, do I truly see a symbol of God’s love for me, or do I sometimes still see only suffering and failure? What would it take for my perspective to change?
◦Like Zac’s memory of pink and his mom’s perseverance, what tangible reminders in my own life point me back to God’s love and the victories He has already won for me?
Here's a link to the meditation! Please don't forget to pray for each other!
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
In this episode, Zac shares a moving call with his mom after a transformative "Come and See" week in Tijuana with the Missionaries of Charity Fathers—daily holy hours, simple living, and serving the poor—sparking his vocational call and her tears over family detachment.
Delving into Luke 14:25-33, Zac explains Jesus' "hate" for family as holy detachment: freedom to love God above all, fueled by Christ's Cross and Eucharistic love that casts out fear and breaks attachments.
He Ends with Jesus' meditative invitation to agape love, mirroring His heavenly sacrifice. Explore Bible discipleship, Christian detachment, and faith adventures!
Journal Questions:
Here's the link to the meditation for you to print out, bring to prayer, and go deeper with it.
Don't forget to pray for one another and for those who are suffering form the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
Happy one year of Taste and See!! Praise God and thank you all for listening prayerfully!
In Episode 48 (Luke 14:7-14), Zac reflects on pricey Catholic conferences and their barriers for the poor, questioning if Jesus Himself could afford one today. Drawing from the parable of choosing the lowest place and inviting the maimed, lame, and blind to banquets, the episode calls for radical heart hospitality—welcoming the unlovable into our inner homes, recognizing our own spiritual poverty. An Examen meditation guides gratitude, review, forgiveness, and resolve to embrace the poor as Christ does.
Journal Questions
Don't forget to pray for one another and place your prayer requests in the comment section!
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
In this episode, we dive into Luke 13:22-30 and the "narrow gate" of forgiveness. Zac recounts the gripping story from The Mission, where ruthless slaver Rodrigo Mendoza hauls his armor-laden burden up Iguazu Falls as penance—only to have a Guarani boy slice it free, symbolizing true redemption through letting go.
This mirrors Jesus' call: True strength isn't in carrying guilt or grudges, but in forgiving yourself and others, unburdened by the Cross's ultimate mercy. Jesus suffered unimaginable wounds—over 5,000, mystics say—to forgive us first, urging us to drop our "netted bundles" and enter heaven's door. A poignant meditation from Jesus on the Cross invites you to embrace His love, console Him, and live freely in forgiveness.
Journal Questions:
Here's the link to the meditation!
Don't forget to pray for me and pray for one another!
Let's create a community of prayer, and not just consume content.
The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.
Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of C
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