The Average Shepherd

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A homily podcast dedicated to opening, exploring, and living the Word of God.

Fr Sam French


    • Aug 31, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 8m AVG DURATION
    • 249 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Average Shepherd

    You Can't Fake It Till You Make It | 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 9:21


    In this week's homily, Fr. Sam French explores the dangers of going through the motions without heart, cautioning against the mindset of “faking it to make it.” Reflecting on the First Reading, where Moses exhorts the Israelites to observe God's laws, Fr. Sam highlights the importance of connecting our traditions to the faith that gives them life. He challenges us to move beyond mere lip service and embrace the deeper meaning behind our Catholic practices. By thoughtfully making the Sign of the Cross, lighting candles, and praying the Angelus, we can renew our faith and let our actions flow from a sincere love of Christ. Tune in to hear Fr. Sam's reflections, homilies, and insights on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: ⁠⁠linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    The Best Things in Life are Free | 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 8:43


    In this week's homily, Fr. Sam French reflects on the profound truth that "the best things in life are free." Using a personal experience with aggressive gym sales tactics as a springboard, Fr. Sam explores how our culture's obsession with money and material goods can distort relationships and distract us from what truly matters. He reminds us that the most important things—love, family, friendships, and above all, the Kingdom of Heaven—are priceless gifts from God that cannot be bought.Fr. Sam delves into the Gospel's message about the Kingdom of Heaven, likening it to a mustard seed that, though small and easy to overlook, has the potential to become the most significant part of our lives. He challenges us to resist the constant bombardment of consumer culture and to focus instead on cultivating our relationship with God through prayer, the Sacraments, and acts of service.Fr. Sam encourages us to see beyond the distractions of modern life and recognise the Kingdom of Heaven already present within us. He invites us to foster this divine relationship, which brings true fulfilment and meaning to our lives.Tune in to hear Fr. Sam's reflections, homilies, and insights on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: ⁠⁠linktr.ee/frsamfrench.

    God Shaped Hole | 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 12:16


    In this homily, Fr. Sam French reflects on a personal encounter with God that profoundly changed his life, experienced on a train journey during his youth. He shares how this moment of grace, amidst a busy life filled with worldly desires, revealed the "bread of life" that only Jesus can provide. Fr. Sam delves into the concept of the "God-shaped hole" within every soul, a void that nothing but divine love can fill. Drawing from his experiences and the teachings of St. Paul, Fr. Sam explores the struggle against the distractions and temptations of modern life. He highlights the dangers of a culture that prioritises comfort and pleasure over spiritual growth, cautioning against the "therapeutic age" mentality. Fr. Sam emphasises the importance of silence, Scripture, and Sacrament in cultivating a genuine relationship with God, urging us to seek these essential elements daily to experience true fulfilment. With heartfelt honesty, Fr. Sam invites us to reflect on our own lives and the desires that drive us, encouraging a deeper pursuit of the divine. He reminds us that in seeking Jesus, we find the true purpose of our existence and the satisfaction of our deepest longings. Join Fr. Sam French for more reflections, homilies, and insights on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: ⁠linktr.ee/frsamfrench.

    Waste Time with God | 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2024 10:58


    In this homily, Fr. Sam French reflects on the Gospel during the 16th Week of Ordinary Time. He addresses a profound cultural shift: our society's loss of true rest and leisure. Fr. Sam explores how modern life, with its relentless focus on productivity and utility, has distanced us from the beauty and purpose that define our humanity. He contrasts the sublime achievements of past cultures with today's emphasis on functionality and economy, questioning the impact on our spiritual well-being. Drawing from the teachings of Josef Pieper and St. Augustine, Fr. Sam delves into the concept of leisure as an essential aspect of human life. He underscores that true rest is a divine gift, not a self-made achievement. Fr. Sam emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness, urging us to disconnect from the noise and distractions of contemporary life to truly connect with God. Fr. Sam's personal experiences as a priest add depth to his message, illustrating the physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion that comes from dedicated service. He invites us to embrace 'wasting time with God,' advocating for regular visits to the Church for Eucharistic Adoration and personal prayer. This episode is a powerful reminder to find rest in God's presence and rediscover the art of true leisure. Join Fr. Sam French for more content, insights, and homilies on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Weathering the Storm | 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2024 7:51


    In this homily titled 'Weathering the Storm,' Fr. Sam French reflects on the Gospel of Mark 4:35-41 during the 12th week of Ordinary Time. He discusses how modern technological advancements can create an illusion of control over nature, leaving society unprepared for life's unpredictable challenges. Fr. Sam shares his personal experience with cancer to illustrate the fragility of human control. He emphasizes that true Christian faith lies in turning to Jesus during life's storms, trusting in His divine power and presence. Fr. Sam encourages a strong prayer life and regular reception of the sacraments to maintain this faith. Join Fr. Sam French for more content, insights and homilies on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench⁠⁠⁠

    Taylor Swift and Lessons on Love | 6th Sunday of Eastertide | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2024 5:33


    This week on the podcast, Fr. Sam delves into the theme of divine love as contrasted with the fleeting passions of human affection, inspired by Taylor Swift's latest album. As we explore the 6th Sunday of Eastertide, we uncover the essence of Jesus' command in John 15: "love one another as I have loved you." This exploration reveals how modern culture, steeped in a romanticized view of love, often distorts our understanding of this profound biblical command. Fr. Sam challenges us to rise above the emotional rollercoaster of human relationships and embrace a love that is self-sacrificial, deliberate, and eternal—the love Christ calls us to embody. Join Fr. Sam French for more thought-provoking content and spiritual insights on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. frsamfrench.com

    Doubting Thomas and the Sacrament of Confession | 2nd Sunday of Eastertide | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 9:17


    This week, Fr Sam invites us into a profound reflection on the narrative of Doubting Thomas and its intrinsic connection to the Sacrament of Confession, as we journey through the Easter season. This homily, set against the backdrop of the second Sunday of Easter, known as Divine Mercy Sunday, unravels the layers of doubt faced by Thomas following Christ's resurrection. Through an insightful examination, Fr Sam bridges our contemporary struggles with faith and the timeless story of Thomas, encouraging us to see ourselves in his quest for tangible proof of Jesus' victory over death. Join Fr. Sam French for more content, insights and homilies on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench⁠⁠

    Cleansing Our Temples | 3rd Sunday of Lent | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2024 8:11


    This week Fr Sam delves into the fiery passion of Jesus as depicted in the Gospel reading for the third Sunday of Lent. The image of Christ we encounter is far from the gentle nativity scenes we remember; instead, we witness a Jesus filled with righteous anger, a natural emotion designed by God to propel us towards justice and goodness. This homily explores the concept of righteous anger, contrasting it with the uncontrolled frustration we often experience, and highlights how Jesus' anger in the Gospel is perfectly focused and governed by reason. Join Fr. Sam French for more content, insights and homilies on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench⁠⁠

    Three Mountains | 2nd Sunday of Lent | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2024 10:41


    In this homily for the Second Sunday of Lent, Fr Sam explores the metaphor of "Three Mountains" drawing parallels between the biblical mountains of Mt Moriah, Mt Calvary, and Mt Tabor, and the personal pilgrimage of faith. Mt Moriah, highlighting the rejection of false gods; Mt Calvary, emphasizing the centrality of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for salvation; and Mt Tabor, encouraging a transformation towards living in anticipation of eternal life. Join Fr. Sam French for more content, insights and homilies on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench⁠⁠

    What is Temptation? | 1st Sunday of Lent | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2024 11:04


    Join Fr. Sam French for more content, insights and homilies on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench⁠⁠.

    Zoom Masses are the Worst (The Healing Touch of Jesus) | Sunday 6th Week of Ordinary Time | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 7:28


    In a time when leprosy meant not just physical suffering but also social and spiritual isolation, Jesus' actions speak directly to the heart of our sacramental faith. This homily explores how, just as Jesus reached out to heal and restore the leper to the community and to God, He continues to reach out to us today through the sacraments. Fr Sam reflects on the essential nature of physical presence in our relationship with God, especially through the Eucharist and Confession, and how these sacraments offer us the healing touch of Jesus. Join Fr. Sam French for more content, insights and homilies on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch: ⁠https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench⁠.

    The Truth Will Set You Free | Sunday 4th Week of Ordinary Time | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2024 8:49


    This week's homily covers: The Mystery of the Holy Trinity: The homily opens with a story about Saint Augustine and a child, illustrating the vastness of God's nature and our limited understanding. The Role of Prophets and Truth: The homily delves into the true role of biblical prophets, emphasizing their task of speaking truth into their age, rather than predicting the future. Authority and Impact of Jesus' Teachings: The focus then shifts to Jesus' profound impact as a teacher with authority. The Power of Truth in Jesus' Miracles: The homily discusses a specific event where Jesus performs an exorcism, demonstrating his authority over evil and his role as the liberator from the effects of sin and evil. Join Fr. Sam French for more content, insights and homilies on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch: https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench.

    God is Chasing You | Sunday 3rd Week of Ordinary Time | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2024 7:42


    This week's homily is about: God's Relentless Pursuit: The homily emphasizes God's desire for a deep, transformative relationship with each individual, highlighting that God persistently seeks our undivided heart and will not settle for being a secondary priority in our lives. The Nineveh Example: It draws a parallel between the spiritual blindness and materialistic preoccupations of ancient Nineveh (a city focused on wealth and self-sufficiency) and modern tendencies to prioritize material goods and instant pleasures over a true relationship with God. The Necessity of Repentance and Change: The homily stresses the importance of repentance, which means more than just feeling sorry for sins. It involves a profound change in lifestyle, aligning our actions, words, and choices with Jesus' teachings and moving away from things that hinder our relationship with God. Call to Radical Transformation and Discipleship: Finally, it calls for a radical transformation in the lives of believers, urging them to prioritize their relationship with Jesus over societal norms, material possessions, or personal desires, and to live as true disciples, not just admirers of Christ. More from Fr Sam French on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench⁠⁠.

    Some BODY to Love | 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2024 9:10


    In this Sunday's homily, Fr Sam discusses Descarte's "dualism", emphasizing the Christian view of the body and soul as a unified whole. Referencing St. Paul and Vatican teachings, he underscores the body's sanctity as the Holy Spirit's temple. The homily critiques modern perceptions of physicality, especially in sexual ethics and surrogacy, aligning with Pope Francis's views. It concludes by urging respect for the body, not as a mere vessel, but as a divine gift integral to our humanity and relationship with God. More from Fr Sam French on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch here: https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench.

    The Greatest Gift Ever Given | Christmas | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2023 8:21


    In this Christmas Homily, Fr Sam explores how our perceptions of God shape our relationship with Him, emphasizing that the Christmas story reveals God's true nature as Emmanuel "God with us." He draws a parallel between Christmas gift-giving and God's ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, highlighting this as the fulfillment of our deepest longing for a divine relationship. You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Salvation is a Partnership | 4th Sunday of Advent | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2023 8:13


    In this week's homily, Father Sam delves into the theme of salvation as a collaborative effort between God and humanity. He highlights the critical role of free will in embracing God's plan, exemplified by Mary's affirmative response to the angel Gabriel, marking the commencement of the Christmas story. Father Sam reflects on his personal journey to priesthood and underscores the importance of saying "yes" to God's call, a decision that benefits not only the individual but also those around them. You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Open Doors | Gaudete Sunday | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2023 9:00


    In this episode, Father Sam explores the significance of Gaudete Sunday, emphasizing the distinction between true joy and mere happiness, cautioning against wrong expectations, and encouraging listeners to keep their hearts ready to receive the authentic joy of Jesus' presence as Christmas approaches. You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Speed Camera Christians | Sunday 2nd Week of Advent | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2023 8:41


    On this Second Week of Advent, Father Sam looks at the strange life of John the Baptist and warns us against becoming 'Speed Camera Christians,' readying our hearts for Christ's coming through repentance and anticipation. You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Just Can't Wait | 1st Sunday of Advent | Year B

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2023 9:16


    Fr. Sam French reflects on the season of Advent, emphasizing its spiritual significance in our fast-paced, internet-driven world. He contrasts the immediacy of modern life with the patient waiting inherent in Advent, drawing a parallel between our dwindling patience in the face of rapid technological advancements and the ancient tradition of anticipating Christ's coming. Fr. Sam highlights the importance of embracing this period of watchful waiting, as taught in Christian tradition, and the relevance of Advent in reminding us of the virtues of patience and attentiveness. He offers practical advice for the Advent season, urging listeners to engage in daily Scripture reading and to seek moments of silence amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. This homily invites us to step back from our constant connectivity and to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas, focusing on spiritual readiness and the anticipation of Christ's Second Coming. You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Jesus is King | Solemnity of Christ the King 2023 | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2023 10:49


    You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Choir Practice and Courageous Faith | Sunday 33rd Week of Ordinary Team | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2023 11:27


    You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Wisdom and Teenage Romance | Sunday 32nd Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2023 9:58


    You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Convicting a Catholic | Sunday 30th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2023 8:55


    You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Dress Code of the Soul | Sunday 28th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2023 9:58


    You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

    Acting Like You Own the Place | Sunday 27th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2023 6:42


    Reflecting on the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, Fr Sam underscores the peril of presuming ownership over God's gifts and our lives, using personal stories and scriptural insights. He emphasizes our role as stewards, not owners, of our lives and resources, highlighting the path to true happiness through virtuous living and grateful service to God.

    Forgive to Live | Sunday 24th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2023 6:26


    Fr Sam French | Twitter, Instagram, TikTok | Linktree

    Heaven Hates a Cheapskate - Sunday 22nd Week of Ordinary Time - Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2023 9:24


    Find me on Social MediaMusic by Michael Paton

    From Ceiling Hooks to Heaven | Sunday 15th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2023 9:34


    Find me on Social Media Music by Michael Paton

    Faith, Reason, and Humility | Sunday 14th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2023 8:10


    Find me on Social Media Music by Michael Paton

    We Can't Handle the Truth | Sunday 13th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 7:56


    Find me on Social Media Music by Michael Paton

    Become a Sign of Contradiction | Sunday 12th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2023 8:20


    Find me on Social Media Music by Michael Paton

    God's Garage | Sunday 11th Week of Ordinary Time | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2023 12:02


    Find me on Social Media Music by Michael Paton

    The Beating Heart of Faith | Corpus Christi | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2023 12:20


    Find me on Social Media Music by Michael Paton

    What is Love? God Won't Hurt You! | Trinity Sunday | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2023 11:36


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Paperweight to Powerhouse | Pentecost Sunday | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2023 10:52


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Becoming a Memelord | Ascension Sunday | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2023 11:26


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Set Apart by the Spirit | Sunday 6th Week of Eastertide | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2023 11:14


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Shoot Your Shot: Life on Target | Sunday 5th Week of Eastertide | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2023 12:10


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    No Salvation Outside the Church | Thursday 4th Week of Eastertide | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 7:12


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Inspirational Speeches | Sunday 4th Week of Eastertide | Year A | Good Shepherd Sunday

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2023 14:12


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Chew on This | Friday 3rd Week of Eastertide | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 6:52


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Holy Heart Burn | Sunday 3rd Week of Eastertide | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2023 12:14


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Three Proofs of Risen Love | Easter Thursday | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 5:58


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    EASTER SUNDAY: Embrace the Gospel Fearlessly | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2023 12:56


    THE KERYGMA ON A PAGE Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    A Sacred Encounter: The Last Supper and the Call to Serve | Maundy Thursday | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2023 10:04


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Don't Blame the Crowds | Palm Sunday | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2023 8:26


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Jesus Mic Drop | Thursday 5th Week of Lent | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 5:22


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Life in the Spirit: Authentic Christian Freedom | Sunday 5th Week of Lent | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2023 10:46


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Seek Divine Praise | Thursday 4th Week of Lent | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 3:54


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    Discovering Purpose in the Light of Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2023 13:28


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

    St. Patricks Day | Embracing Our Eternal Call | 17 March 2023 | Year A

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 7:46


    Instagram, Spotify by clicking here. Music by Michael Paton

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