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
This week on Taste and See, we explore the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:39-56). Zac shares a humorous middle school quest for YouTube fame, reflecting a deeper desire to be loved. This connects to Mary, a humble woman from Nazareth, chosen by God as His hidden treasure and assumed into heaven. The episode highlights God’s love for the lowly and includes a meditation from Mary’s perspective, encouraging listeners to embrace their poverty and trust in God’s love.
Journal Questions
Here's the link to the meditation for you to bring to your 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
Join me as we dive into Luke 12:32-48, reflecting on what it means to stay awake for Jesus’ return. I share a personal story from my days in religious life, struggling to stay alert during late-night Eucharistic vigils, yet finding a deep connection with Jesus in the quiet. We’ll explore how being "vigilant" is all about waiting in love, not fear, for our Savior’s coming. A heartfelt meditation from Jesus’ perspective invites you to open your heart and prepare for His embrace. Perfect for anyone seeking a closer walk with Christ this 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Come listen and grow with me!
Journal Questions
1. If Jesus were to come tomorrow, what would I need to do or change to get ready for His coming?
2. How does God want me to do to prepare for His Second Coming?
3. Who does God want me to help prepare for His Second Coming?
Here's the link to the meditation!
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
Summary:
In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus warns against hoarding wealth, urging us to embrace detachment for true richness in love. A Camino de Santiago story about ditching heavy boots for sandals reveals how letting go of attachments lightens our spiritual load. This episode challenges us to shed worldly burdens, focus on love, and prepare for eternity with a monthly examen to realign our hearts.
Journal Questions:
1. What are you carrying on your journey that is burdening you unnecessarily?
2. What is stopping you from letting go of that burden?
3. What would you life look like if you stuck to the essentials?
Don't forget to pray for each other!
We need to hold each other up on our journeys to heaven!
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 Luke 11:1-13, Jesus teaches the Our Father and urges persistent prayer, revealing God’s desire to give us more than we ask. Inspired by a story of a missed opportunity to give generously, this episode explores how we limit God by asking for too little. Learn to pray boldly for big things—God’s kingdom, forgiveness, and daily bread—drawing closer to His heart. A moving meditation from God the Father invites us to seek, ask, and knock for His abundant gifts.
Journal Questions:
1. What may God want to give you, but which you never asked for?
2. Is your spiritual life more of a mansion, or are you still digging the foundation? Why?
3. What gift can you give you God this week?
Here's the link to the meditation to take into personal prayer!
Don't forget to pray for one another!
Let's not just consume content, but create a community of 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
Summary:
Explore the tension between service and silence in Luke 10: 39-42, where Jesus reminds us that "one thing is necessary." Reflect on the dangers of burnout from relentless serving, as seen in young adults in ministry, and discover how silent prayer at Jesus' feet restores our connection to God. Featuring a heartfelt meditation on Martha's encounter with Jesus, this episode challenges us to prioritize relationship with God over busyness, ensuring our service flows form a deep, prayerful faith.
Journal Questions (to go deeper):
1. Who do I identify more with: Mary or Martha?
2. Think of a time when you felt burned out from serving - what were the signs of burnout that you might have been unaware of?
3. How is God inviting you to deepen your prayer life this next week?
Meditation:
Here's the link to the meditation.
See you next week - 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, we explore the Parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37, where Jesus challenges cultural and religious divides by presenting a Samaritan as the model of neighborly love. Unlike the priest and Levite, who pass by a wounded man, the Samaritan shows mercy, embodying the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." Drawing from Hosea’s call for "mercy, not sacrifice," we reflect on how true worship is rooted in self-sacrificial love. A personal story from the 2015 European refugee crisis in Greece illustrates how compassion transcends differences, reminding us that we will be judged by our love for others, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did to the least of these, you did to me.”
Key Takeaways:
Mercy Over Sacrifice: The Samaritan, despite being despised, fulfills God’s law through compassion, unlike the priest and Levite who prioritized ritual over love.
Love Transcends Differences: Cultural, ethnic, or ideological divides (like Jews vs. Samaritans or modern-day conflicts) are overcome through acts of mercy.
Judgment Based on Love: We are called to see Christ in the suffering and act with love, as our eternal judgment hinges on how we treat “the least of these.”
Journal Questions:
Who in your life or community might you be tempted to “pass by” like the priest and Levite, and how can you show them mercy instead?
Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed an act of unexpected compassion. How did it reveal God’s love to you?
How can you better recognize Christ in the suffering people around you, and what practical steps can you take to love them as your neighbor?
Scripture Referenced in the Episode:
Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did to the least of these my brethren, you did to me.”
Leviticus 19:18: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Learn more about the European Refugee Crisis (2015-2016) for context on the personal story shared.
Reflect on the Parable of the Good Samaritan with this scripture study guide.
Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—subscribe and share with others seeking to grow in faith and love.
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 heartfelt episode, we dive into the essence of evangelization as an act of love, inspired by Luke 10:1-9, where Jesus declares, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” Through a personal story of a chance encounter with a man named James, we explore how simple gestures of kindness—seeing, knowing, and loving others—can reflect God’s love and fulfill the call to evangelize. This episode challenges listeners to embrace opportunities to share the Gospel through compassion, courage, and vulnerability, even in the face of rejection.
Key Points
The Heart of Evangelization: Evangelization is not about preaching doctrines but about inviting others to experience God’s love, helping them see themselves as seen, known, and loved by Him.
A Personal Encounter: A story of meeting James, a man begging at a stoplight, illustrates how small acts of connection—like asking someone’s name or offering a prayer—can touch hearts and plant seeds of faith.
The Call to Love: Jesus sends us, like the 72 disciples, to share His love in everyday moments, whether through kindness, prayer, or bold faith-sharing.
Embracing Rejection: Evangelization can be vulnerable, but facing rejection allows us to share in Christ’s sufferings and grow closer to Him.
Practical Steps: Reflect on moments to evangelize through an examen of the past month, focusing on gratitude, awareness, forgiveness, and resolve to bring one person closer to Christ.
Journal Questions:
Reflection on Connection: Think of a recent interaction where you had the opportunity to show kindness or share your faith. How did you respond, and how might you act differently next time to reflect God’s love more fully?
Identifying Opportunities: Where in your daily life—at home, work, or in your community—do you sense God calling you to evangelize through small acts of love or prayer?
Overcoming Fear: What fears hold you back from sharing your faith or connecting with others? How can you ask God for courage to be a “window” of His love in those moments?
Subscribe: Never miss an episode—subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.
Share: Spread the message of love and evangelization by sharing this episode with a friend or on social media.
Reflect: Take 10 minutes this week to complete the examen shared in the episode and journal your responses to the questions above.
Related Scripture:
Luke 10:1-9: Jesus sends the 72 disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
John 8:32: “The truth will set you free.”
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 powerful episode, we reflect on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, exploring the unshakable foundation of the Catholic Church despite human failings. Drawing from Matthew 16:13-19, we delve into Jesus’ promise to Peter: “The gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury report exposed horrific clergy abuse, shaking many Catholics’ faith. Yet, through Zac's personal story— of a transformative Camino de Santiago pilgrimage—and Jesus’ divine assurance, we see the Church as Christ’s living body, enduring for 2,000 years. Discover how we’re called to run toward the Church with hope, fighting evil with forgiveness and sacrificial love.
Key Takeaways
Journal Questions for Reflection
Prayer for This Week: Jesus, make me a true brick of your True Church.
Listen and Subscribe: Stream this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
Support the Show: Rate and review on Spotify to help others find this message of hope.
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
This episode explores the profound connection between the Feeding of the 5,000 and Corpus Christi Sunday, where the Church celebrates the Eucharist. Both miracles—ordinary bread made miraculous and unleavened bread becoming Christ’s body—reveal Jesus’ heart to feed us abundantly. Through the Eucharist, we are blessed, broken, and given to nourish the Church, the Body of Christ.
Miracles of Abundance: The Feeding of the 5,000 (a sacramental) points to the Eucharist (a sacrament), where Jesus feeds stomachs to inspire faith and hearts to strengthen faith.
Apostles’ Role: With scarce resources, the apostles trusted Jesus to multiply their offering, feeding thousands with baskets of leftovers. Today, priests distribute the Eucharist, pouring out boundless grace.
Personal Conviction: A real-life encounter at a gas station reveals the struggle to trust Jesus’ vision when our resources feel limited, urging us to dream bigger with God.
Jesus’ Heart: From Jesus’ perspective, He longs to draw us close, not send us away, satisfying our deepest hungers with Himself in the Eucharist.
Journal Questions:
What “five loaves and two fish” in your life feels insufficient? How can you offer it to Jesus to multiply?
When have you hesitated to help someone because of fear or scarcity? How might Jesus’ vision for that situation be bigger than your own?
How does receiving the Eucharist remind you that you are “more than enough” in Christ? What grace do you seek from Him today?
Lord, may Your vision be my vision. Take my little—my fears, my resources, my brokenness—and multiply it for Your glory. Draw me close to Your heart in the Eucharist, and let Your dreams for me become mine. Amen.
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
John 17:20–26 | Seventh Sunday of Easter
In this week’s episode, we reflect on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: “Father, they are your gift to me.” What does it mean that you are a gift from the Father to the Son?
Through the story of a dear friend's wedding—marked by intentional love and heartfelt vows—we explore the powerful truth that love is more than words. It's a gift of persons. This reflection dives into your God-given dignity, the meaning of freedom, and how the Eucharist reveals your identity as a gift to be given and received in love.
Join us in this meditation on self-gift, the unity of the Trinity, and how Christ helps us rediscover who we are.
What You’ll Hear
Reflection on John 17: Jesus calls you the Father’s gift
Wedding story that illustrates the spiritual exchange of love
The connection between the Eucharist and your identity
Why true freedom means giving yourself away in love
Journal & Prayer Questions
Where in my life do I struggle to believe that I am a gift?
How is God inviting me to make a sincere gift of myself today?
When was the last time I simply gazed at the Eucharist without trying to do anything?
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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