Taste & See – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, we explore the profound kingship of Jesus Christ, revealed not in earthly power but in His selfless sacrifice on the cross, as highlighted in the Gospel of Luke. Through the story of Fr. Jaison, a humble pastor who embodies servant leadership by cleaning parish bathrooms, we see how true authority mirrors Christ's loving service. The meditation from St. Dismas reminds us that even in our brokenness, Jesus remembers and invites us into His eternal kingdom of mercy and love.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the image of Jesus reigning from the cross challenge your understanding of power and authority in your own life?
2. What does your schedule reveal about your knowledge of Jesus' love for you, and how might you adjust it to reflect a deeper relationship with Him?
3. If the cross is Jesus' throne of self-sacrificial love, what "throne" in your heart needs to be conquered by His reckless love for you?

Here's a link to the meditation for you to re-read and pray with!

Don't forget to pray for one another!

In this episode for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time on Luke 21:5-19, Zac draws from encounters at a young adult retreat with a joyful Chinese Jesuit priest descended from a canonized martyr and a tearful participant inspired to priesthood despite family persecution, the discussion connects to Jesus' warnings of betrayal and hatred, urging a reception of a martyr's heart ready to face external and internal Calvaries. The episode challenges believers not only to die for Christ but to live fully for Him in ordinary moments, transforming personal pain into divine compassion, culminating in a meditative letter from Jesus inviting followers to persevere in love for healing and authentic self-giving.

Reflection/Journal Questions:

1. Consider the stories of the Chinese Jesuit priest and the retreat participant: How does hearing about their martyr's hearts, shaped by real persecution, challenge or deepen your own commitment to faith in a freer environment?
2. How does the idea that true faith means not just dying for Christ, but living for Him in everyday ordinariness, resonate with your daily routines? What small "martyrdoms" can you embrace today?
3. Ponder Jesus' invitation: "Give yourself away for my name’s sake, receive this martyr’s heart, and don’t just receive this heart, but receive your very self"—how can self-giving reveal your authentic identity rooted in His love?

Meditation Link:

Here's a link to a Google doc of the meditation if you would like to read it over and/or bring it to personal prayer.

Don't forget to pray for each other!

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:

1. What are you are attached to more than God?
2. What is hindering you from being ready to leave your attachments if God called you to do so?
3. How does God view that attachment?

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.

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

1. How often do I think about the poor on a daily basis?
2. How often does God think about the poor on a daily basis?
3. What can I do to have a heart of radical hospitality?

Don't forget to pray for one another and place your prayer requests in the comment section!

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:

• What part of Mendoza's story resonates with your own?
• What are the specific persons for specific things that you need to forgive in order to enter the narrow door?
• Why did Jesus endure so much suffering for you?

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.

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

1. Do you struggle with having a relationship with Mary? Why?
2. How do you think Jesus felt when He took up Mary into heaven?
3. How can you live out the truth that you are God's hidden treasure?

Here's the link to the meditation for you to bring to your prayer!

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!

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!

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!

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 :)