This Faith Talk was inspired by the words of Pete Buttigieg,the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Pete is a faithful Christian. He is also a gay man living in a committed and loving same-sex marriage – a lifestyle which can attract hateful words and actions from others. He said, “I am gay,and Jesus loves me.” I was pleased to hear him make that assertion – one which, I believe, is worthy of our consideration. In this episode I reflect on hate, particularly the judgement some people have that God hates certain groups of people. Does God have a “hate” list? Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture Cited: Luke 15:11-32, 1 John 4:7-8, John 3:16, Matthew 7:1. Other Sources Cited: Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Fr. James Martin, SJ.
Do you consider “Friend” to be an appropriate term for Jesus? That’s something I have struggled with over the years. I think friend is a perfect way to introduce Jesus to children, but on an adult level, it has always seemed to be a bit too casual. But I recently listened to an episode of Fr. James Martin’s podcast - with his guest, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe. In their conversation, they talked about this subject, and Imust say, it made me rethink my position. Please join me as I share the insights I came away with. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture Cited: John 15:14-15 Other Sources Cited: The podcast: The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J., Episode 1: Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe.
In this Faith Talk I reflect on the words, “You were in my path” from the movie Land, starring Robin Wright, on Amazon Prime. The question is this: Is this life journey that I’m on truly just my journey to travel alone OR might my entire life be intertwined with every other human on earth? Am I on a separate path of faith or might my path cross and re-cross the paths of every other human on earth? To help me reflect on these questions, I turn to the words of Jesus in the gospels. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture Cited: Luke 10:29-37, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 25:40, John 17:11. Other Sources Cited: The Movie, “Land” starring Robin Wright. Amazon Prime.
In this Faith Talk I share 2 aspects of Pope Leo XIV that I find to be most significant: His diverse ancestry/resume and the choice of his Papal name. I believe these tell us a lot about what we might expect from him during his Papacy. I end the episode with a personal message from Pope Leo XIV to all ofus. Please share this with anyone who might benefit. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture Cited: Genesis 17:5, 15; Matthew 16:18. Other Sources Cited: Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII; CatholicSocial Teachings; Pope Leo XIV.
What is the purpose of the Easter Season? We spent 40 long days in the Lenten desert preparing for Easter. But what was it all for? Is Easter just another fun day on our calendar? Easter Day is over – so now what? In this Faith Talk I look at the experiences of the first Christians on the day of Jesus’ Resurrection to see what they can tell us about the purpose of this time. Please share this with anyone who might benefit. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture Cited: Matthew 28:10, Matthew 28:20, Luke 24: 13-35, John 20:21. Other Sources Cited: St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis
As my Lenten journey was coming to an end, I was preparing to celebrate the Feast of Easter in the same way I had done for most of my life. But as I contemplated the gospel reading for Easter Day, I was taken by surprise. A few seemingly unimportant phrases caught my attention and changed my whole mindset. As a result of this revelation, I decided that this year I will celebrate the Feast of Easter in a way I have notdone for a very long time - like a young child – filled with humility and wonder. I hope my reflection is helpful for you. Please share it with anyone who might benefit. Happy Easter! Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture Cited: John 20:1-9, 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
In this Faith Talk, I reflect on the story of The Woman Caught in Adultery from the gospel of John, chapter 8. I see this story as a reflection of the human condition. We are all imperfect, sinful creatures, both in the way we live our personal lives and in the way we relate to one another. I also see in this story a very tender and loving encounter between this woman and Jesus – which is intended, I believe, to be a mirror image of my relationship with God. I hope my reflection will be helpful for you as you come to the end of your Lenten journey. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture Cited: John 8:1-11, Matthew 7:3-5, Luke 15:11-32
In this Faith Talk I reflect on Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Son, also known as The Prodigal Son – the gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. This story mirrors our own Lenten Journey, so it is the perfect story to reflect on as we pass the midpoint of Lent. With this story, Jesus invites us to embark on a journey with him – a journey that will take us from pride, arrogance, and greed to anguish and despair. Finally, leading us to humility, repentance, forgiveness and renewal. This, my friends, is the path of our Lenten Journey. Please share this with anyone who might benefit. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Other Sources Cited: Faith Talk with Anita You Tube Video Episode 48 I was Lost but now I’m Found https://youtu.be/k8VdkO-HMYA; You Tube Podcast 3 https://youtu.be/tBB7A49kGwg Scripture Cited: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
In this episode, I reflect on the story of Moses at the Burning Bush, the First Liturgical Reading for the Third Sunday of Lent. I see the Burning Bush as a metaphor for God’s burning desire for our attention. God does indeed burn for us and quite often uses the ordinary events of our lives to get our attention and move us to engagement. It is up to us to be alert and open to God’s actions. Please share this Faith Talk with anyone who might benefit. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Other Sources Cited: Faith Talk with Anita You Tube Video Episode 8 Is God Calling Me? https://youtu.be/wen_1JX6Nps Scripture Cited: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15
In this Faith Talk I reflect on the Lenten tradition of fasting. Fasting is a common practice within the major world religions (Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism), including Judaism (Christian foundation). And because Jesus was Jewish, fasting was a familiar and essential ritual for Jesus, which is why it also became an important practice within Christianity. Fasting can help us step out of our ordinary way of living so that we can move closer to Christ’s way of living, which makes it a helpful tool to have in our Lenten toolbox. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture Cited: Exodus 34:28, Daniel 10:2-3, Joel 2:12-18, Matthew 6:16-18.Other Sources Cited: Pope Pius V (closing prayer). Diocese of Seattle (Lenten Obligations).
As we celebrate Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Season of Lent, I reflect on Jesus’ Temptation in the desert. Contemplating Jesus’ experience in the desert helps me to fully grasp and live into the purpose and meaning of this season. My reflection on this intriguing story will focus specifically on how we might use the details of Jesus’ time in the desert to enhance and enrich our own Lenten experience. I also include a prayer for Pope Francis. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture Cited: Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, Joel 2:12-18, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
In this Faith Talk, I share my “This I Believe” essay – My personal Creed, if you will. I find writing a “This I believe” essay to be an excellent Lenten exercise. I hope my essay offers you inspiration to write your own. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Sources cited: Prayer for Pope Francis adapted from a prayer offered by Fr. James Martin, February 24, 2025.
What role should the Church play in the lives of the faithful? That is the question I am reflecting on in this Faith Talk. I see much value in organized religion, and I believe the ChristianChurch has a crucial role to play in our world. But I also believe The Church has overstepped their role throughout our 2000-year history. Whether you agree with me or not, I hope my reflection will give you some food for thought. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture cited: Acts 2:1-4, 42-47, Acts 15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
This Faith Talk came from a need deep within my soul for God’s help and protection. As I often do, I looked for God’s guidance in the upcoming liturgical readings. The gospel reading for February 16 (6th Sunday in Ordinary Time) touched my heart and spoke to many of our societal problems, so I chose to share that message with you. In this scriptural account Jesus spoke his famous words, “Blessed are you” and “Woe to you.” In this episode, I reflect on what Jesus might be calling me to with this powerful message. I hope it is helpful for you. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture cited: Luke 6:17, 20-26, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 91:2 Other sources cited: Closing prayer from JesuitResource.org
In his Sermon on Mount (Matthew’s gospel) Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth. But what exactly does that mean? In this Faith Talk, I reflect on Jesus’ metaphor of salt with the help of the work of Spiritual Writer, Debie Thomas (as seen in Fr. Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation for December 31, 2024). I hope it is helpful for you. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture cited: Matthew 5:13 Other sources cited: Fr. Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation, December 31, 2024. Debie Thomas, Into the Mess and Other Jesus Stories: Reflections on the Life of Christ (Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2022), 164, 165, 166.
Where is God in times of war and suffering? That is a question many of us ask. In this Faith Talk, I reflect on the suffering of innocent people in our world today – where is God and how might we make sense of it all? I hope it’s helpful for you. My sources are the Prophet Isaiah, St. Theresa of Avila, and Jesus. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture cited: Isaiah 9:5-6, Matthew 5:1-12, Acts 1:8 Other sources cited: St. Theresa of Avila. Let There Be Peace on Earth lyrics © Music Copyright Consultant Grp. Songwriters: Jill Jackson/Sy Miller
What does it really mean that God is with us? And does God’s presence impact the way you live your life? In this Faith Talk, I share my thoughts on these questions – using the words of Jesus as my foundation. Please join me in this Faith Talk and share it with anyone who might benefit. Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture cited: John 20:27, Matthew 14:27, Matthew 6:25, John 14:1, Matthew 4:19, Matthew 11:28, Matthew 6:19-21, Matthew 7:7, Matthew 6:6, John 13:15, John 20:19
I believe the most important word in the Christian vocabulary is Emmanuel. Most of us probably think of the word Emmanuel as a Christmas term. We hear it mostly during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. We sing the famous Christmas song, O Come, O Come Emmanuel during our Advent liturgies. But Emmanuel is not just a Christmas term. It’s not just about the birth of the Christ child in the stable in Bethlehem. Emmanuel, which means God is with us, defines who we are as Christians. Everything that we profess to believe as Christians comes from this one central truth - God is with us. Please join me in this Faith Talk as I reflect on this important word - Emmanuel! Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture cited: Luke 15:11-32, Matthew 6:25-30, John 14:16-18, Acts 1:8 Other sources cited: Faith Talk with Anita You Tube video #48 I was Lost but now I’m Found: https://youtu.be/k8VdkO-HMYA Faith Talk with Anita podcast #3 I was Lost but now I’m Found: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/j830iEReYPb
“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Luke 2:11) As we come to the end of our Advent journey and begin our final preparation for the great feast of Christmas, we are reminded of the marvelous gift that God has bestowed upon us. On that day so many years ago, God touched all of humanity in a glorious way. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that God continues to touch each one of us every moment of our lives. The questions we must ask ourselves are, “Will we feel God’s touch? And if we do, how will we respond?” In this Faith Talk I reflect on the gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent which recounts Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. I marvel at how God touched these women. The way in which they responded to God is a model for the way I desire to live. I hope this Faith Talk will be helpful for you. Merry Christmas! Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture cited: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 3:1-6, Luke 3:10-18, Luke 1:39-45 Other sources cited: St. Francis of Assisi
In this Faith Talk, I reflect on the gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Advent in which John the Baptist calls us to put our faith into action. Just as Christ came into the world for us, we are called to be Christ for others. Christmas is our yearly reminder to recommit ourselves to Immanuel, God with us, by living as Christ taught us to live – in love, peace, mercy, forgiveness, and justice. John’s message helps us do that! Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/ Scripture cited: Luke 3:4, Luke 3:10-18, Matthew 5:6-9, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 5:44-45, Matthew 7:1, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 25:40 Other sources cited: St. Teresa of Calcutta