Just A Guy In The Pew Podcast John Edwards

Whether your job feels monotonous or mundane, this conversation reveals how it can still serve as a profound act of worship and transformation. Join us as we unpack how even the simplest tasks can glorify God and change our lives, making every day an opportunity to live out a testament of faith and purpose. He leadeth me by Fr. Walter J. Ciszek S.J. provides a pathway to discovering how we can live and work within God's will, turning every workday into a step towards spiritual fulfillment.

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In this episode, we discuss topics like:

- Responding to workplace irritations as chances to grow in sanctity.
- Understanding work's higher purpose and aligning it with God's plan.
- Embracing total abandonment to God's will in our professional lives.
- The impact of complaining about work and how it might contradict our faith.
- The necessity of dependence on God to guide our work efforts.
- The risks of living life in wait for its end, and appreciating the present as a gift.
- Drawing lessons from Adam's work in the Garden of Eden and working "unto the Lord."
- Recognizing the trap of ego in work, where "I" becomes a barrier to experiencing work's true glory.
- Insights from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on viewing work as a gift—not a burden but a means to enrich others' lives.

This week John and Victor discuss the true purpose of life . . . and it isn't anything the world offers us. Many men today are wrapped up in a materialist culture, putting their careers and possessions above everything else, only to realize later in life that they missed out on some of the most important things in their lives. Others think that it's enough just to show up to church on Sundays and go about their business. Maybe for some they fear that what they would get if they gave everything up wouldn't be better.

Men, it's time we dare to believe! Jesus promises us so much more and to settle for anything else is to settle for less. It's not wrong to have questions or doubts, but we have to take those directly to our Lord and trust in Him.

Our faith isn't something. It's everything.

Get in the Scriptures. Go to Mass everyday. Join a men's group. There's work to be done.

Fulton Sheen quotes mentioned in today's episode:

“We shrink therefore from God, knowing that he wants to enrich our being, rather than our having - that He wishes to elevate our nature, not to submerge and to lose it in trifles. He has called us to the superior vocation of being His children, of partaking of His nature, and of being related to Him as branches to a vine. Few of us completely want that elevation; it is our petty desire to have more, not to share the glory of being more. We want the poor shadows, not the light - the sparks, and not the sun - the arc, and not the circle.“

“As for the desire for the world and things increases in us, God makes less and less appeal. We hold back, our fists closed about our few pennies, and thus lose the fortune He holds out to us. That is why the initial step of coming to God is so hard. We cling to our nursery toys and lose the pearl of great price."

Scriptures for further reflection:

“For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life” - Mark 8:36

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” - John 6:27

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2: 15-17

“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-2

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus”. - Philip 3:14

This episode brings you an in-depth exploration of men's ministry and personal development, filmed against the backdrop of our recent leadership summit in Columbus, Ohio. Join John and Victor as they unpack the transformative experiences of the summit, where men gathered to deepen their faith and leadership skills.

The duo shares stories of reconnection and inspiration, reflecting on the powerful moments of community building and spiritual renewal. They delve into the importance of maintaining momentum post-conference, advocating for continuous engagement in faith through regular meetings and shared activities that foster a supportive environment for growth.

Throughout the episode, John and Victor highlight the critical role of authentic relationships in personal and spiritual development. They discuss strategies for overcoming the isolation that many men face today by building strong, supportive networks that empower individuals to actively participate in their communities and churches.

The conversation also turns to the practical aspects of leading a men's group, offering listeners valuable insights and actionable tips on how to initiate and sustain these transformative gatherings. From the logistics of organizing regular meet-ups to the emotional aspects of fostering open, vulnerable communications, they cover all bases.

This episode is not just a recount of an event but a call to action for all men seeking a deeper, more connected spiritual life. Whether you're a long-time follower or a new listener, this episode promises to inspire, challenge, and equip you with the tools needed to make a lasting impact in your life and the lives of those around you. Tune in to discover how stepping up as a leader in your community can lead to profound personal and communal transformation.

In this week's episode, John and Victor take a look at the journey and life of Peter in the 40 Days after the Resurrection. As they reflect on the Scripture readings from the first Friday of the Easter season, John and Victor draw parallels between the biblical stories of Peter's denial and his subsequent redemption, exploring themes of vulnerability, forgiveness, and the endless capacity for personal growth and healing in the light of Christ's mercy. This episode is a raw look at the moments of despair that can lead to profound transformations through faith and community support.

This week's episode is not only a narrative of personal struggle but also a testament to the power of surrendering to God's will, the importance of community, and the ever-present hope that faith in Jesus brings. It's a reminder that no matter how far we may stray, redemption is always within reach, inviting us to cast our nets once more into the waters of faith, hope, and love.

Whether you're struggling with personal demons, searching for meaning in the midst of chaos, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your faith, this episode offers a message of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of God's love.

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This week John is joined by one of his favorite brothers in Christ, fellow evangelist Hector Molina. John and Hector have been friends for many years now and are finally getting a chance to meet in studio to talk about their mutual love of the Scriptures. Hector is a brilliant evangelist with a story, just like the rest of us, that led him to a relationship with Christ and a deep love of Scripture. Listen in this week as Hector shares his journey to the faith, his love of biblical typology, and the profound place love of the Scriptures should hold in each of our lives.

CHECK OUT HECTOR"S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/@HectorMolinaCatholicEvangelist

HECTOR"S WEBSITE
https://hectormolina.com

BECOME A PARTNER IN THE PEW!
www.donorbox.org/pew

START A MEN'S GROUP IN YOUR PARISH!
www.justaguyinthepew.com

DOWNLOADS
Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

A Blessed Holy Week to you. Join John and Victor as we conclude the Lenten journey with the 7th Deadly Sin: Pride, the root of all sin. "In that sin man preferred himself to God...He chose himself over and against God, against the requirements of his creaturely status and therefore against his own good" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 398). How do we return to God? Humility. "Humility is truth or the recognition of gifts as gifts, faults as faults. Humility is dependence on God, as pride is independence of Him" (Archbishop Fulton Sheen). This is the way. This is the remedy.

Scripture passages to pray with:
- Proverbs 11:2
-James 4:6
-Philippians 2:3
-John 15:5

In this episode:
-"Pride is an inordinate love of one's own excellence, either of body or mind or the unlawful pleasure we derive from thinking we have no superiors." ~Archbishop Fulton Sheen
-The key to offset pride is humility and surrender to God

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DOWNLOADS
Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK