Spirit Juice

What do you do when the plan you had suddenly falls apart?

In Poco a Poco Podcast episode 297, the friars reflect on the role of closed doors in discernment, those moments when something we hoped for, planned for, or tried to control simply doesn’t happen. A missed flight, a changed plan, a lost opportunity, a relationship that doesn’t unfold the way we imagined… sometimes reality interrupts us and invites us to listen more deeply.

Rather than seeing every closed door as failure, the friars explore how these moments can become places of surrender, curiosity, and trust. Not because every disappointment is easy or painless, but because Jesus is present even there. The Resurrection reminds us that no door is more closed than the sealed tomb, and even there, God was not finished.

Support the Poco a Poco Podcast: spiritjuice.org/pocoapoco

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 128

Spirit Juice

Have you ever wondered why it can be so hard to recognize Jesus, even when He’s right in front of you?

In this episode, the friars reflect on the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus, moments where those closest to Him don’t recognize Him at first. From Mary Magdalene in the garden to the road to Emmaus, they explore the mystery of how the risen Lord reveals Himself: personally, patiently, and often in unexpected ways.

They unpack how Jesus meets people exactly where they are, in grief, confusion, doubt, and even ordinary moments and how those encounters change things. This isn’t just something that happened back then. It’s a pattern that continues today. The same Jesus still comes, still pursues, and still reveals Himself in ways uniquely meant for each of us.

For those who feel like they’ve never had that “breakthrough” moment, this episode is a gentle reminder: the Lord is closer than you think, especially in the Eucharist, where the Resurrection is made present again.

#pocoapocopodcast

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3 weeks ago | [YT] | 186

Spirit Juice

"The voice of one crying out in the desert.”
St. Mark’s Gospel begins with a roar.

It begins with John the Baptist's bold call to prepare the way, to make straight the path for the Lord. That is why the Church gives him the lion, a symbol drawn from Scripture and from the wilderness, a voice that refuses to stay quiet.

Mark's Gospel was composed sometime around the year 70, and it seems to have been intended for a non-Jewish audience facing persecution. Some ancient writers describe Mark as Peter’s interpreter—that Mark’s Gospel was written from Peter’s eyewitness account of Jesus’ life.

The association of Mark with the image of a lion also reaches back to the vision of the prophet Ezekiel, where four living creatures appear, each later understood by the Church to represent the four Evangelists. Mark is given the lion, a sign of bold proclamation and a Gospel that moves with power.

Over time, that same lion became a sign of the city of Venice, where the remains of St. Mark are interred.

St. Mark, pray for us that we may boldly share the Gospel.

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1 month ago | [YT] | 180

Spirit Juice

New episode of the Poco a Poco Podcast is out!

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube: spiritjuice.org/pocoapoco/be-merciful-as-your-father

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1 month ago | [YT] | 157

Spirit Juice

We’ve heard from so many of you that the Reel Homilies series has been such a great gift in helping you understand the Gospel in your daily life.

But the reality is, without the support to sustain it, we may need to pause Reel Homilies at the end of April. And we really don’t want that to happen.

If you’ve received something from these videos, if you’ve grown closer to the heart of Christ, would you consider supporting the mission?

Even a small monthly donation helps us continue.

Know that you’re in our prayers and we're so grateful for your support.

Support Reel Homilies here: spiritjuice.org/donate/reelhomilies

1 month ago | [YT] | 35

Spirit Juice

What should I do if I'm not sure whether I'm in mortal sin before Communion?

When in doubt, receive Jesus.
Jesus is our Lord and our God. He is gentle. He is loving.

He meets us where we're at.

It takes faith and courage and literally being on the road to sanctity, on the road to sainthood to be able to go to Mass and say, 'I want nothing more than to receive Jesus, but in this moment, I'm just not ready'.

https://youtu.be/pQp1FJhLuWY

1 month ago | [YT] | 73

Spirit Juice

The Eucharist is medicine for sinners, but it's not medicine for the dead.

The harsh, but sobering reality is that mortal sin, in a way, makes us dead.

It disconnects us from the life of grace with the Lord because of the grave matter, because we knew that it was wrong but freely chose to do it.

BUT if this is the state that you're in right now, it's gonna be okay.

The Lord is ready to receive you, like the Father receives the prodigal son back, not only embraces him, but welcomes him back and celebrates him being back.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/pQp1FJhLuWY

1 month ago | [YT] | 48

Spirit Juice

Can I still receive Communion if I’m in a state of mortal sin?

In 1 Cor 11:27-32 Saint Paul tells that Corinthians that there are people who receive Communion while not right with the Lord, with sin on their soul, and that receiving unworthily creates even more disconnect with Him.


Because of this, the Church, along with Jesus and Saint Paul, teaches that if we have mortal sin on our heart, we should abstain from receiving Holy Communion.
Mortal sin is something grave, something we freely choose, knowing that it is wrong.


If you have mortal sin on your conscience, you are invited to go to confession and receive the Lord’s mercy before receiving the Eucharist.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/pQp1FJhLuWY

1 month ago | [YT] | 15

Spirit Juice

Our prayers for the dead aren’t just for them—they’re also for us.

Each time we lift a soul to God, we’re reminded of what lies ahead:
Mercy.
Healing.
And eternal life with Him.

🕯️ Who are you praying for this November?

6 months ago | [YT] | 35

Spirit Juice

Can Catholics celebrate Halloween?

Watch the newest episode of our Ask a Priest series to find out!

https://youtu.be/54wCnXs8_qw

7 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 4