On the Feast of the Holy Family, this episode invites us to rest under the quiet, steadfast care of St. Joseph—the trustworthy father chosen to protect Jesus and Mary through danger, uncertainty, and exile. Through the Gospel of the flight into Egypt and a personal story of evacuation and trust, we reflect on how God leads His children to safety through faithful fatherhood and surrendered obedience. As the year closes, we are encouraged to entrust our fears, dreams, and future to St. Joseph, allowing Jesus to grow peacefully in the Nazareth of our hearts.

Gospel passage: Matthew 2: 13-15, 19-23

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Reflection Questions:

1. Who has been a “St. Joseph” in my life—someone whose faithfulness helped carry me through a difficult season?
2. Where in my life do I need to believe again: “It’s all going to be okay”?
3. As I enter a new year, what is one fear, burden, or dream I want to entrust to St. Joseph so that Jesus may grow quietly within me?

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Here's a link to the text of the examen!

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Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this Fourth Sunday of Advent (Matthew 1: 18-24) , we are invited into the hidden wisdom of Nazareth, where God chose not the biggest city, but the biggest heart—Mary’s Immaculate Heart—as the place of the Incarnation. The episode confronts our fear of being ordinary or forgotten and reveals that true greatness is found in joyful service, loving sacrifice, and God’s abiding presence within the quiet routines of daily life. As Christmas approaches, we are encouraged to prepare for Bethlehem by first going to Nazareth—allowing Mary to lend us her heart so that Christ may be born anew in us._______________________________

Reflection Questions:

1. Where in my life do I fear being ordinary, forgotten, or unseen, and how does God want to meet me there?
2. What fears or hesitations keep me from “taking Mary into my home” and entrusting myself to her heart?
3. As Christmas draws near, what would it look like for me to let Christ be born in my heart through humility, trust, and surrender?

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Here's the link to the text of the meditation! Take it into personal prayer, reread it, or share it with a friend!

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Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this week’s episode on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Zac shares a raw and vulnerable story of wrestling with doubt in the silence of a seminary chapel—only to discover that God’s abiding Presence can pierce even the deepest darkness. Through the Gospel scene of John the Baptist in prison, in Matthew 11: 2-11, we learn that God’s silence is never His absence, and that true freedom comes from a hope the world cannot chain. Jesus reveals His presence through His works, especially in the Eucharist, and invites us to become living witnesses of His love in our own Nazareths. In moments of faith and in moments of desolation, the abiding Presence of God remains the unchanging Light at the center of our lives.

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Reflection Questions:

1. When have you experienced God’s silence and assumed it meant His absence?
2. What “prisons” in your life—doubts, fears, habits, circumstances—seem to confine you right now?
3. How might God already be abiding with you inside those very places?

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Here is the link to the meditation for you to bring into personal prayer and read over again on your own time.

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Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

In this second Sunday of Advent episode, Zac reflects on the mark of the Spirit of Nazareth: loving sacrifice. He draws from his own vocational journey with the Missionaries of Charity and the witness of John the Baptist. Zac also explores how sacrificial love, though often painful, frees us to love authentically, experience God’s peace, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Through reflection, storytelling, and meditation, listeners are invited to consider what gifts of the heart they can offer Christ this Advent.

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Reflection Questions

1. What personal sacrifices have you made out of love, and how have they transformed you?
2. How might your offerings of love and sacrifice impact others in ways you cannot yet see?
3. What gift of your heart could you vulnerably offer to Christ this Advent to prepare for His coming?

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Click Here to access the full text of the meditation.

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I'm praying for each of you - please don't forget to pray for one another!_____________________________________________________

Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

Taste & See is a weekly podcast that builds a community of prayer by offering heartfelt reflections and meditations on the Sunday readings. Hosted by Zac Wierschem from Paradisus Dei, each episode is a preparation of the heart for the Sunday Mass of the upcoming weekend. Personal reflection questions and the text of the meditations are also provided to guide you and your family as you prepare to receive the superabundant grace God offers every Sunday and to deepen the graces you receive in prayer.

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of ALearn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

In this First Sunday of Advent episode, Zac reflects on Christ’s first, second, and “third” coming through a tender childhood memory of joyful waiting, revealing how Advent invites us into the same hopeful anticipation. He explores how Jesus comes to us today—especially in children, the poor, the weak, and the Eucharist—and how joyful service prepares our hearts for His return in glory. Through Scripture, storytelling, and a moving meditation in Jesus’ voice, this episode invites listeners to watch, wait, and love with the Spirit of Nazareth.

Gospel Passage: Matthew 24: 37-44

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Reflection Questions

1. When you think about Advent as a season of “joyful waiting,” what emotions or memories surface for you?
2. In what ways do you personally experience Christ’s presence in the “third coming,” in the people and situations of your daily life?
3. What does “joyful service” look like in your life this week? Where is Jesus inviting you to serve Him?

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Here is a link to the text of the meditation!

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Learn more about the mission of Paradisus Dei and its life-changing parish programs here.

The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

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 for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica on November 9th, 2025, we explore John 2:13-22, where Jesus cleanses the temple, drawing parallels to personal experiences of inner turmoil. Host shares a recent dating dilemma filled with anxiety and indecision, resolved through confession, likening it to Jesus driving out mental "moneychangers" for true peace and surrender. Delving deeper, the discussion highlights the heart of worship as giving rather than getting, emphasizing Jesus' zeal for the poor and His call to purify our consumerist approach to faith. A meditative story from a temple dove seller's perspective illustrates transformation from profit-driven life to following Christ, reminding us of our dignity as temples of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection/Journal Questions

1. How has anxiety or indecision in your relationships acted like "moneychangers" in the temple of your heart, and what steps can you take to invite Jesus to drive them out?
2. In what ways do you see your own heart as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and what distractions or negative thoughts need to be purified for deeper peace?
3. How might viewing Mass or prayer not as a place to receive but to offer everything deepen your connection to God and others?
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Here's a link to the meditation for you to read over and pray with!

Don't forget to pray for one another!

In this touching episode, Zac shares a heartfelt story from a friend's joy-filled wedding, painting it as a powerful image of self-giving love that mirrors our human call to freely give and receive. Rooted in John 6:37-40 for the Commemoration of All Souls, he reveals how we are precious gifts from the Father to Jesus, embraced without rejection and promised resurrection, igniting hope no matter our past. The episode challenges us to embrace purgatory as God’s merciful fire, actively urging us to pray and offer acts of love for departed souls, letting our identity as cherished gifts in the Trinity spark transformative action.

Reflection Questions:

1. Picture a moment when you gave yourself fully to someone—how did that spark joy, and how can you make that a daily habit reflecting God’s love?
2. Knowing you’re woven into the Trinity’s eternal love, how can you face a current struggle with renewed courage and purpose?
3. As a gift of love meant to love, what bold action (like praying daily for the departed or helping someone in need) can you commit to this month to shine your true identity?

Don't forget to pray for one another!

In this week’s episode, we explore how an essential principle from romantic relationships reveals the heart of the Gospel in Luke 18:9–14. Through the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we uncover how emotional and spiritual intimacy with God must come before outward expressions of faith—just as authentic love precedes physical intimacy in relationships. Join us for a meditation from God the Father’s perspective, as He speaks tenderly to the tax collector, revealing what true humility and intimacy with Him look like.

Journal Questions

1. When you think about your relationship with God, do you tend to focus more on what you do for Him or how close your heart is to Him?
2. How might the principle “emotional intimacy should come before physical intimacy” reshape the way you think about love — both human and divine?
3. If your relationship with God were described as a romance, what small gesture of love might He be inviting you to offer Him this week?

Here's a link to the meditation for you to take into prayer!

In this episode of Taste and See, we reflect on Jesus’ call to persevere in faith even when prayer feels unanswered. Drawing from Luke 18: 1–8, Zac explores what it means to keep trusting God without growing weary and how prayer transforms us rather than trying to change Him. Through honest reflection and prayer, we’re reminded that faith isn’t proven by results but by our willingness to remain in relationship with the One who loves us. Join us as we rediscover the quiet strength of steadfast prayer.Journal Questions:

1. How would you life changed if you really only had one hope in God every time you prayed?
2. How does this episode challenge the way that you pray?
3. Have you not just grown weary in praying to God, but also grown weary in listening to Him also?

Here's the link to the meditation for you to bring into prayer with the Lord.

In this week’s episode of Taste and See, we enter into Luke 17:5–10, where Jesus calls His disciples to live as humble servants. This Gospel passage challenges us to recognize that no matter how holy our works may appear—daily Mass, prayers, or acts of devotion—we are still called to say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”

Through a personal story of daily Mass and a touching encounter with a fellow parishioner, we reflect on the temptation to pride when others see holiness in us. True sainthood, however, is not about recognition or reward, but about the joy of serving the Master with humility. Jesus Himself took the lowest place, and He invites us to do the same so that He may lift us into eternal life.

Join us as we pray, “Lord, increase our faith,” and discover the deep joy that comes from serving Christ, not for profit, but out of love.

Journal Questions:

1. What does sainthood mean to you?
2. What would taking the lowest place look like in your everyday life?
3. How does God want to increase your faith this week?

Here's a link to the meditation - I hope it blesses you in prayer!

Please pray for each other!

In this episode of Taste and See for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). I share my own journey from being a “good Catholic guy” who ignored the poor to discovering compassion through friendship, immersion trips, and encounters with the homeless. Jesus reveals that the path to heaven is walked with broken hearts—hearts softened by compassion, pierced by suffering, and made like His Sacred Heart. Together we’ll explore how true faith is not just about having answers but about seeing Christ in the poor at our doorstep.

Journal Questions

1. How do I respond to those who beg or ask favors from me? Am I defensive, too accommodating, etc.?
2. Am I afraid of letting me heart be broken, so I decide to numb it or avoid others instead?
3. What thoughts do I think go through God's mind when He gazes at my heart?

Here is the link to the meditation! I hope the Lords blesses you through it in prayer!

What does Jesus mean when He praises the dishonest steward in Luke 16:1–13? In this episode of Taste and See for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we wrestle with one of the most surprising and challenging parables in the Gospel. Through personal stories from religious life, struggles with money and the spirit of the vow of poverty, and a meditation from the steward’s perspective, we explore how Christ teaches us to use earthly things as means—not ends—and to practice true prudence that leads us to God.

Journal Questions

1. Where do I find myself using money imprudently?
2. How would God see my use of how I use my money?
3. What was the greatest challenge for me in trying to understand this episode?

Here's a link to the meditation!

Pray for each other!

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Zac shares how the color pink—rooted in his mother’s battle with breast cancer—became a symbol of love and victory. In the same way, the cross, once a sign of death and defeat, is exalted as the sign of Christ’s triumph and our salvation.

Journal Questions

◦What personal “crosses” in my life have felt like burdens of suffering, and how might God be inviting me to see them as paths to deeper love and even victory?

◦When I look at the cross, do I truly see a symbol of God’s love for me, or do I sometimes still see only suffering and failure? What would it take for my perspective to change?

◦Like Zac’s memory of pink and his mom’s perseverance, what tangible reminders in my own life point me back to God’s love and the victories He has already won for me?

Here's a link to the meditation! Please 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!