The Melancholic Monk Podcast: Musings in Mercy & Meaning

Are you getting worried about our political situation?  Need a little spiritual encouragement?  This episode is meant to be an Advent reflection on the readings of the 4th Sunday of Advent, 2020 A.D.  It can be listened to without reference to the readings.  

In this episode we conclude our reading and commentary on Pope Saint John Paul II's Letter to Artists, where we tackle topics like the relationship between art and religion, the true meaning of art and the understanding of our sacred calling as artists dedicated to work with the Holy Spirit for the salvation of a despairing world.

This is the second installment of my reading and commentary on Pope Saint John Paul's Letter to Artists, promulgated on April 4, 1999.  In this middle section (par. 5-9), we hear about the inspiration and history of Catholic art, and some suggestions on how modern artists might engage the culture war today.

In this episode, we hear PART ONE (of three) where I both read the full text and comment on a lesser-known official letter of Pope Saint John Paul II -- his LETTER TO ARTISTS.  Did you ever want to know what it truly means to be an artist, or what the Pope meant by the "culture of death" and how to defeat it?  Give this a listen!

War is coming.  Indeed, the red horse of Revelation already rides among us.  The Holy Spirit leads us to contemplate the popular passage about the "armor of God" in Ephesians, Chapter 6.

Introducing MELANCHOLIC MONK MINUTES!  A short insight in ten minutes or less.  St. Paul writes in Colossians 3:17:  "Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  What does it mean to do EVERYTHING "in the Lord's name"?  

Jesus has a very interesting teaching in Luke 11 that when a demonic spirit leaves a person and that same person is not careful, seven WORSE spirits than the former can come and possess that person.  In this podcast I deal with one of those seven -- REGRET. 

Sometimes in order to be spared the melancholy and anxiety that can wreck our spiritual journey, we must see with new eyes.  St. Benedict recommends "Keeping death daily before your eyes" as a way we can change our spiritual vision.  

There are certain feelings that can keep us in depression and very much block us from freedom in Christ.  The feeling of being a failure or "not good enough" is certainly one of the awful princes of those feelings.  In this podcast we examine this problem.

There are certain feelings that can keep us in depression and very much block us from freedom in Christ.  The feeling of being a failure or "not good enough" is certainly one of the awful princes of those feelings.  In this podcast we examine this problem.

Sometimes we can become angry with God and ourselves for not experiencing the fullness of our faith.  But what does Jesus really promise?  After more than a month break, I tackle an issue that can make us more melancholic than we need to be....

In this podcast we continue our journey through First Peter learning about a special dimension of our Christian identity -- that of being strangers and exiles, and Jesus as the new Moses leading us on an epic journey back to God the Father.

In Matthew 11, Jesus promises "rest" to the weary and over-burdened.  He also promises that His yoke is easy and light.  Have you ever struggled with this text?  Take a few minutes to join me in meditating about the rest Jesus promises and the yoke he asks us to bear. 

In this episode I launch into something a little different than in the past couple of months -- we begin a more structured look into the First Letter of Peter, which was written to new Christians who found themselves in the midst of a pagan culture and in desperate need of teaching and encouragement.  This is so relevant to what we need today!  Pull out your bibles and let's dive in.  I will always recite to you the passages that you need to hear for those of you who are working and traveling.

In the wake of the race riots, a number of people are talking about police and justice in our society.  Here are a few observations about what the "No Police" movements may have to do with our Catholic Faith and how we should understand this vitally important conversation in our chaotic times.

What would it mean for us to really "go for it" in our spiritual lives?  What is God asking of me if I truly have the inspiration to live more intensely for Jesus?  Have you been feeling this inspiration?  This episode is for you!

What would it mean for us to really "go for it" in our spiritual lives?  What is God asking of me if I truly have the inspiration to live more intensely for Jesus?

What might the mystery of the Ascension teach us?  We must learn to see with different eyes and deal with doubt, who is the "ugly cousin" of faith!  If you are having trouble with divine doubt or would simply like to learn more about the Ascension, this meditation is for you.

Things are crazy out there right now.  Some are talking about the "end of the world."  This is a meditation on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  Whether we fear the end of the world or not, we can always pause for a Christian meditation on our anxieties, fears, and perhaps even having a little joy in the midst of them!

I have heard many people who have struggled with their faith who cannot understand why and how Jesus promises "Abundant life" in John 10:10.  They often ask, "Am I missing something?"  "Was Jesus really serious about this promise?"  Using some philosophical and scriptural insights, I will delve more deeply into the question of the abundant life that Jesus promises.

Today is a meditation for those who feel "outside the camp," as is written in Hebrews 13:11-16.  But Jesus himself was sacrificed "outside the camp."  Perhaps if we are feeling a bit alienated or lost, there is some comfort in this meditation for us?

Are zombies really looking for brains?  Maybe they're looking for hope -- and maybe we are as well.  If you find that your hope is fragile, join me for a little while for a few insights into this fragile but vital virtue!

What does it really mean to be a priest?  Have you realized that YOU were baptized as PRIEST, prophet and King?  If that is who and what you are, do you understand it?  In this episode, using the Catechism, popes, philosophy, and the saints, we will delve into the "missing" priestly dimension of our identity.

On November 14, 2003, Pope Saint John Paul II delivered an address to the 18th International Congress sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care.  I recite this address and offer some comments of my own related to our present COVID-19 crisis as well as general spiritual concerns.    

In this episode I finish the sermon, "Learning in Wartime" by the writer C.S. Lewis.  He warns us of three dangers to continuing our lives as we should during war (or pandemic, in our case):  excitement, frustration, and fear.  I comment on these and apply them to our present situation.

In this episode I read a sermon by the famous writer and Christian thinker, C.S. Lewis entitled "Learning in Wartime," preached in an English Church during WWII.  We may not be in a war, but we find ourselves in pandemic, and some of his logic very much applies to our present situation.  What should we Christians be doing with ourselves during such a disaster?  I will read Part One of the sermon and offer a few comments, and within a few days will complete the sermon.

"From where do we get our consolation?"  Is it from God, or from distraction, oblivion and pleasure?  Because it might be little wonder why we are depressed if we are drinking at a well that cannot satisfy thirst!  If that sounds possible, spend a few minutes and listen!  (Please be patient as I experiment with new software and microphones -- I want to start publishing during this quarantine but am still dedicated to providing you with a clear, high quality sound!)

The spiritual life is not all about spirit.  That may sound odd, but it's true.  We are embodied spirits, and as such, we have bodily needs that alter our spiritual life.  This is a short reflection on what that might mean for us.

False expectations can often cause more anxiety and sadness than we bargained for.  In this podcast, we delve into some of the key dimensions of what is expected of us by Jesus, particularly regarding trials and suffering.

In this episode I discuss several terms for a "melancholic" personality:  sadness, mourning, depression, desolation and melancholia itself.  When we are delving into the interior life it is helpful to have concepts and terms available to us so that we might begin to understand our internal experience.  These terms are more philosophical and theological and not meant to replace medical terminology.

It is hard to find the Lord sometimes -- very hard.  My dilemma is that it is hard to find him in the monastery, but I know it is likely harder to find him without.  And so what shall I do?  Perhaps my dilemma might help you if I solve it?

Have you ever felt guilty for not feeling more Easter joy?  Is there something wrong with me that I can feel sad during Easter?  If you have thought these things, this episode is for you!

As Christians we seek wholeness -- unity.  But we often struggle with internal division.  The Melancholic Monk talks about what the church has to say about this internal spiritual division, as well as some images concerning how to unite the fragmented parts of ourselves.