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 episode, we launch our Lenten series: "Inner Wisdom"—a seven-week journey exploring the principles of discernment for a happy and holy life. This week, we reflect on the temptation of Jesus in the desert (Luke 4:1-13) and learn to recognize the voice of the devil, resist his lies, and stay grounded in our true identity as God’s beloved.
💡 Key Takeaways:
🔥 Personal Story: I share a time when I felt unworthy and ashamed at a high school reunion—believing the devil’s lies about my success. But God had a different plan.
📖 Scripture Weapons Against Temptation:
✍️ Journal Questions for Reflection:
🎧 Listen Now! Don't forget to follow and share if this episode blesses you!
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’ words in Luke 6:39-45 and the truth that we are created out of the abundance of God's love. Too often, we struggle to receive words of affirmation, brushing them aside instead of letting them penetrate our hearts. But what if these words are meant to remind us of our infinite dignity and our irreplaceable role in God’s creation?
I share a powerful conversation with a friend that helped me see myself through God's eyes—not as an accident, but as an outpouring of His abundant love. Just as God spoke creation into being, we are invited to co-create with Him through the love we pour out into the world.
Tune in as we explore:
🔹 Why words of affirmation can be difficult to receive
🔹 How God's love overflows into creation—and into our lives
🔹 What it means to find love in all things and recognize our dignity as subjects of love
💡 Reflection & Journal Questions:
🔔 Subscribe & Share
If this episode spoke to your heart, consider following, rating, and sharing with a friend who needs encouragement today!
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
📖 Gospel: Luke 6:27-38
Why does Jesus tell us to “love our enemies, lend expecting nothing back, and offer the other cheek?” At first, these words may seem counterintuitive or even weak, but they reveal a profound truth about friendship, happiness, and intimacy with God. In this episode, we explore how true friendship forms through shared actions, how loving as God loves brings us closer to Him, and why mercy is the key to our own happiness.
Through the moving story of Aaron, a man trapped in the wounds of his past, we witness the transformative power of forgiveness and the freedom that comes when we embrace God’s mercy.
🔹 The connection between friendship and doing the same thing together
🔹 How God calls us to love our enemies as He does
🔹 Mercy as the pathway to true happiness and intimacy with God
🔹 The life-changing impact of forgiveness
1️⃣ How does loving your enemies draw you closer to God?
2️⃣ What past wounds or grudges might God be inviting you to surrender in mercy?
3️⃣ How does the story of Aaron challenge or inspire your understanding of forgiveness?
🎧 Listen now and reflect on how God's mercy invites us into deeper friendship with Him!
💬 Join the Conversation: Have thoughts on this episode? Share them with us on social media @thetasteandseepodcast
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
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Luke 6:17, 20-26 | The Beatitudes
In this episode ofTaste and See, we dive into Luke’s Beatitudes, focusing on Jesus’ promise:"Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh." Through personal stories of sorrow, friendship, and reunion, we explore how our weeping on earth points us toward the joy of heaven. Christ is near to the brokenhearted, and in the Eucharist, He fulfills every hunger, every longing.
💡Key Takeaways:
📖Journal Prompts for Reflection:
🙏Prayer for the Week:
"Lord, in my poverty, hunger, and sorrow, remind me that I am not alone. You have walked this path before me, and You promise me Your kingdom. Help me to trust in Your presence, even when I weep. Let me hunger for You above all things. Amen."
🔗Resources & Next Steps:
✨If this episode blessed you, please rate, review, and share! Your support helps others discoverTaste and See and deepens our journey in faith together.
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 reflect on Luke 5:1-11, exploring the profound truth that God meets us at our lowest points. Drawing from real-life stories and the dynamic of Simon Peter’s encounter with Jesus, we unpack the 4 Steps of Fruitfulness: trying our best, encountering our powerlessness, surrendering, and experiencing fruitfulness. Whether it’s in love, vocation, or personal struggles, the blessing of powerlessness reveals God’s power made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
We also share a meditation from the perspective of John the Beloved Apostle, offering a heartfelt narrative that brings the Gospel to life. Through it all, we are invited to cast our nets one more time, not because of our own strength, but because Jesus asks us to.
Key Themes:
The blessing of powerlessness
How God meets us at rock bottom
Vulnerability vs. insanity: casting the net one more time
The dynamic of love, life, and discipleship
God’s power perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Journal Questions:
Where have you experienced the feeling of hitting rock bottom in your life? How did God meet you there?
In what areas are you still trying to rely on your own strength instead of surrendering to God?
What does it mean for you to “cast your net one more time” in your current season of life?
Call to Action:
Consider where Jesus might be asking you to trust Him with one more cast of the net. It could be in relationships, your vocation, or areas of personal growth. Allow His invitation to move you beyond your exhaustion, fear, or doubt, trusting that He is already there, waiting to fill your nets.
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 reflect on Luke 2:22-32 and the Presentation of the Lord, diving deep into the heart of Mary and Joseph's journey of faith and obedience. Why did Mary, who was without sin, undergo purification? What does this teach us about humility, trust, and the purpose of God’s law?
We also share insights from a 30-day retreat, exploring how God's law and Church teaching open our eyes and hearts to love. Finally, we take time for an Examen of January 2025, offering prompts to see God’s presence in our lives, seek forgiveness, and prepare our hearts for February.
Key Themes:
Reflection Questions:
Resources Mentioned:
Takeaway Challenge:
Spend 10 minutes this week journaling about one way God’s law has helped you love more freely. Consider incorporating the monthly Examen into your routine to stay attuned to God’s presence in your daily life.
Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might benefit from its message. Let’s journey together toward greater love and freedom in Christ!
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 reflect on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time and dive into Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21. Together, we explore:
Who is Jesus?
Discover Jesus’ identity as the Spirit-filled, anointed Messiah sent to proclaim good news.
What does He offer?
Jesus doesn't offer a 401k with health benefits, but instead He offers Himself.
Why do we need Him?
Without Him, we remain captives to sin and blind to true love. With Him, we find purpose, hope, and joy.
Through a personal story of faith and provision, we witness how Jesus meets us in our poverty and provides for our deepest needs.
Key Takeaway: Jesus, the Provider, calls each of us by name, offering His love and life for our salvation.
Reflection Questions:
Listen now and discover the richness of how "He Offers Himself to You."
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 explore the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (John 2:1-11), reflecting on the miracle at the Wedding at Cana and how it reveals Jesus’ power to transform our lives.
A Personal Journey of Transformation:
The Symbolism of the Stone Jars:
A Powerful Meditation:
👉 Tune in Now: Discover how God can transform your heart and bring peace to your life, just as He turned water into wine at Cana.
Stay Connected:
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 the Baptism of the Lord (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22) and how it reveals our identity as God’s beloved children. Explore the profound love of the Father, who gazes at us with infinite worth, even in our brokenness and nothingness.
“You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22)
Be inspired to embrace God’s unchanging love, understand your identity in Him, and find strength in His affirmation of your worth.
Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of their belovedness in God’s eyes!
Intro Music: "My Life (Main)" by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A
Gospel Reading taken from the World English Bible
In this Fourth Sunday of Advent reflection on Luke 1:39-45, we journey with Mary to the hill country of Judah as she visits Elizabeth. Through this encounter, we explore the beauty of motherhood, the dignity of femininity, and the Holy Spirit's life-giving power. Mary’s “yes” to God brings salvation to the world, revealing that motherhood—both spiritual and biological—is a profound gift of self-giving love. Join us as we reflect on Mary’s role in giving life to Christ and how her example calls each of us to receive God’s gift of life with joy and generosity.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
Key Scripture Passage:
Reflection Questions:
Listen and Prepare for Christmas:
Reflect on Mary’s example and invite her into your Advent journey as she prepares to bring Jesus into your heart.
Subscribe & Connect:
Intro music: "My Life (Main)" by Good B Music
Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A
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