Taste & See

Zac Wierschem
  • 5.0 (18)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Taste & See is a weekly podcast of heartfelt reflections and meditations on the Sunday readings. Join Zac Wierschem from Paradisus Dei as he guides you into a deeper encounter with Jesus—alongside a global community that prays together each week. Learn more about Paradisus Dei and our life-changing programs at: paradisusdei.org

  1. 1D AGO

    Step 2: Use Money for Others

    In this episode reflecting on Gospel of Mark 9:2–10 and the Transfiguration, the second step to superabundance invites us to use money for others as a natural response to an authentic encounter with Christ. Just as the disciples saw everything differently after meeting Jesus on the mountain, a true encounter with Him—especially at Mass—transforms our relationship with money from something to possess into something to offer in love. Through a personal story of giving away childhood savings and a guided examen, the episode challenges listeners to detach from scarcity, grow in generosity, and see all financial resources as tools entrusted to them for the service of love.Journey Questions: Do I feel more joy spending money on myself or giving it away? Why?Am I living with a mentality of scarcity or abundance?Who in my life right now could benefit from my generosity? Here's a link to the examen: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cg-jzjNwptW2LBNTHiDKCS2lu9OZthaSH0riwqRDvLY/edit?usp=sharing General Information: 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 MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

    34 min

  2. FEB 17

    The First Step to Superabundance: Honor Your Vows

    For the First Sunday of Lent, reflecting on Gospel of Matthew 4:1–11, this episode launches the “7 Steps to Superabundance” with Step 1: Honor Your Vows. Through the example of a father’s fidelity during his wife’s battle with cancer and Christ’s victory over temptation in the desert, we see that real strength is proven in faithfulness, not comfort. Lent becomes a training ground where, led by the Spirit, strengthened by fasting, and armed with Scripture, we learn to protect both our baptismal and marital vows. Reflection Questions: Do you see your baptismal promises as real, binding vows—or more like distant memories?Where might you be relying on your own strength instead of God’s grace?What Bible verses could you commit to memory to defend your vows? Meditation: Here's a link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z1ac1PAxGgpWS8dvKsMOSzqbt0ihY6CQ6typOpAvalk/edit?usp=sharing Dust to Glory with Gomer, Mark Hartfiel, and Zac Wierschem: Here's the promo for the 40 Day video series I mentioned: Dust to Glory: 40 Days with the Saints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3zUR-PDzrM Paradisus Dei: 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 MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

    38 min

  3. FEB 10

    Fulfilled by Love

    In this episode about Matthew 5: 17-20, we reflect on Jesus’ words that He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it—by filling it to the brim with love. Through Zac's personal story of rigidity, a meditation on the Pharisees, and the image of the law as a cup, we see how obedience without love can miss God’s deeper gift. Ultimately, the Cross is revealed as the fullest interpretation of the law: Christ’s love poured out for us, washing us clean and inviting our hearts to overflow with divine love. Reflection Questions When you hear Jesus say He came to “fulfill” the law, what does that stir in your heart?Where do you see God’s love overflowing beyond what seems reasonable or “by the book”?This week, how can you intentionally fill your obedience to God with love rather than fear or rigidity? Meditation Here's a link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12_pT_CvLPUHPhD3Ix2mBx_gQb1TK1ZNMsSqJHX_qDhM/edit?usp=sharing 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

    35 min

  4. FEB 3

    Taste of Joy

    In this episode, we reflect on Jesus’ call to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, drawing from lived experience among the Missionaries of Charity in Kenya and the witness of a joyful sister who embodied this Gospel (Matthew 5:13–16). Through the image of salt—its power to preserve and to give flavor—we examine how our lives are meant to safeguard goodness and make life worth living for others. Jesus invites us to purity, integrity, and joyful witness so that, through our visible lives, others may give glory to the Father._ Reflection Questions: Who has been “salt and light” in my life, helping me remember that life is worth living?In what ways might my life have become spiritually “bland” or numb?Where might Jesus be asking me to trust again and step toward a life of deeper “flavor”?_ Here's the link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cgyHBwRdCpnakGFFi2q_4D0wbIMBLBRCkcIuu8NlAKw/edit?usp=sharing - 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 MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

    34 min

  5. JAN 27

    The Comfort of Mourning

    Summary In this episode, we sit with the Beatitudes in Matthew 5: 1-12 as Jesus reveals the paradoxical path to true happiness. Through personal vulnerability and the suffering of the world around us, we reflect on what it means to mourn with God rather than turn away from pain. “Blessed are those who mourn” becomes an invitation to share in God’s own heart—and to discover the comfort that only He can give. __ Reflection Questions Where have I grown comfortable in a way that has dulled my compassion for others’ suffering?What might God be revealing to me about my own heart through discomfort or conviction?What would it look like this week to mourn with God and respond in love, prayer, or action?__ Meditation Here's the link to the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tA1haz-k7PE9EHyngfQO2gOuCd-fKc2NryINWaTFEy4/edit?usp=sharing __Important Information 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

    35 min

  6. JAN 20

    Light in the Darkness

    In Matthew 4:12–17, Jesus enters Galilee and fulfills Isaiah’s promise: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” This episode reflects on how physical sickness became a doorway into spiritual surrender, revealing a deeper truth—that our greatest illness is often the need to control rather than to trust. Through the image of Christ as the Divine Physician, we are invited to see the Kingdom not as something far away, but as near, intimate, and close enough to touch our wounds. As Ordinary Time begins, this reflection leads us through an examen of the past month, preparing our hearts to move forward renewed by the Light who meets us in the darkness._ Reflection Questions: Where have I been “sitting in darkness” recently—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—and what light am I longing for?Where in my life might Christ be inviting deeper healing—not just comfort, but transformation?What does it mean for me personally that “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” right now?_ Here's the link to the text of the examen for this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Ev7tGcWDTd6TeslyRkCPJqn-n85VFeTWGRBuf4I2l8/edit?usp=sharing - 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

    38 min

  7. JAN 13

    Testimony of Joy

    In this episode, we reflect on John 1:29–34, where John the Baptist points away from himself and joyfully testifies, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” revealing Jesus as the one upon whom the Spirit remains. Rather than proving Jesus through arguments or signs, John witnesses through humble obedience. This reflection invites us to consider how true Christian witness flows not from striving, but from abiding—allowing the Spirit who remains on Christ to remain in us and speak through our joy. ___Reflection Questions: Do I believe that my quiet faithfulness can be a powerful witness to Christ?Where have I encountered Jesus in a way that changed me, even subtly?Who in my life needs the quiet witness of joy more than explanations or advice?___ Here's a link to the text of the meditation that you can bring into your personal prayer. ___ 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 MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

    31 min

  8. JAN 6

    Mine Before Mission

    On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Matthew 3:13–17), Zac reflects on a foundational truth of the Christian life: identity comes before mission. Through the Gospel of Jesus’ baptism and a personal story of his father’s daily blessing, we are reminded that our worth is not earned by what we do, but received from whose we are—beloved children of the Father. As the heavens are opened over Christ, we hear words spoken not only to Jesus, but to us: “You are my beloved child.” From this belonging flows our work, our healing, and our joy. _____________ 3 Reflection Questions to go deeper: When was the last time I truly rested in the truth that I am God’s beloved child, apart from anything I do?In what ways have I been trying to earn love, approval, or belonging through my work or achievements?As I begin this new year, how can I intentionally return to my identity as God’s beloved before taking on new goals or missions?__________________ Here's the link to the text of the meditation for you to take into personal prayer, read over again, etc. __________________ 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 MusicMeditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Taste & See is a weekly podcast of heartfelt reflections and meditations on the Sunday readings. Join Zac Wierschem from Paradisus Dei as he guides you into a deeper encounter with Jesus—alongside a global community that prays together each week. Learn more about Paradisus Dei and our life-changing programs at: paradisusdei.org

Information

  • Creator
    Zac Wierschem
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Zac Wierschem
  • Show Website
    Taste & See

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