AfterMass

the story of the thief on the cross is one of the most quoted moments in the gospel and one of the most misunderstood. how can someone who spent their life in sin be promised paradise in a single moment?we break down what’s actually happening at the cross: justice, responsibility, mercy and what real repentance looks like. because this is revelation of how it actually works and it raises a harder question: are we still defending ourselves or are we finally ready to entrust ourselves to Christ?find me on patreon: www.patreon.com/anamunley

Many people assume that when they surrender to God, peace and clarity will immediately follow. But often the opposite happens.. prayer feels quiet, Scripture feels flat and God feels silent.So what does that actually mean?In this episode we talk about spiritual dryness, why God sometimes removes emotional consolation and the deeper question silence exposes in our faith: Do we love God.. or do we love how God makes us feel?Looking at the Cross, Christ’s cry of desolation in Matthew 27:46 and the quiet fidelity of Mary at the foot of the Cross, we explore why silence is not abandonment but often part of spiritual maturity.If your prayer life feels quiet right now, this conversation is for you.This episode is part of the Lenten series: 40 Days at the Foot of the Cross, where we walk step-by-step through the interior journey of Lent.Subscribe for the rest of the series.Support the podcast and join the community:patreon.com/anamunley

What actually dies when you decide to follow Jesus? In this episode of 40 Days at the Foot of the Cross, we reflect on a truth that many Christians don’t expect: discipleship always costs something. When Christ calls us to follow Him, He’s not just asking for belief. He’s asking for surrender. And that surrender often means letting parts of our old life die.In this Lenten reflection, we talk about the hidden sacrifices that come with walking closely with Christ. The comfort we cling to. The habits we excuse. The identities we build around ourselves. Jesus never promised an easier life, but He did promise a transformed one.💌 Contact me: [email protected]⚡ Powered by Truthly 👉 Download the app: bit.ly/anaXtruthlyGet a free 30 day trial with code AFTERMASS#Catholic #CatholicPodcast #AfterMass #CatholicFaith #CatholicChurch #ReversionStory #ComingHome #AnaMunley #TruthlyAI

Lent has begun, and Episode 1 of 40 Days at the Foot of the Cross starts with the foundation of Christianity: you don’t get to follow Jesus and skip the Cross.In this reflection, we break down what Jesus actually means when He says, “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). The Cross is not inconvenience. It’s death to self. It’s surrender. It’s allowing God to reorder your loves.We also look at Peter’s resistance to suffering (Mark 8:31–33), why so much of our struggle in Lent is really about control, and what redemptive suffering actually means in Catholic theology.If Lent feels uncomfortable this year, that’s not failure. The Cross exposes before it purifies.If you want deeper discussions, extended Q&A, and exclusive After Mass content, join our Patreon community here:

Are you actually doing Lent well.. or just checking a box?In this episode, we talk about how to approach Lent the way the Church intends, not the way we've usually approached it, which has historically been as a self improvement challenge or a diet plan.. not as 40 days of random sacrifices, either. But as a season of repentance, discipline, surrender and real interior conversion.Lent is not about proving something to God. It’s about putting God back in His rightful place and allowing Him to transform you from the inside out.Let’s stop wasting Lent.💌 Contact me: [email protected]⚡ Powered by Truthly 👉 Download the app:bit.ly/anaXtruthlyGet a free 30 day trial with code AFTERMASS#Catholic #CatholicPodcast #AfterMass #CatholicFaith #CatholicChurch #ReversionStory #ComingHome #AnaMunley #TruthlyAI