One more week. In just a few more days, Andrew and Cherry will be saying "yes" in front of God to spending the rest of their lives together. Is Andrew ready? They invited Gabby Song and Cheryl Chan, two longtime friends of theirs going back to their days at university together, to find out. They ask Andrew to share about his relationship with Cherry, what their discernment process has been like, and otherwise grill him just to make sure he knows what he's doing. They're joined by a special guest halfway through, so make sure you listen to the whole thing ;) One more week. In just a few more days, Andrew and Cherry will be saying "yes" in front of God to spending the rest of their lives together. Is Andrew ready? They invited Gabby Song and Cheryl Chan, two longtime friends of theirs going back to their days at university together, to find out. They ask Andrew to share about his relationship with Cherry, what their discernment process has been like, and otherwise grill him just to make sure he knows what he's doing. They're joined by a special guest halfway through, so make sure you listen to the whole thing ;)  

Fountain of Love and Life

“Road from Emmaus” Ep022 – Andrew and Cherry Are Getting Married (but not with Cheryl and Gabby)

Sometimes when we go to Mass, we might come away underwhelmed by the homily. Or maybe we'll go to Confession and the counselling that we receive isn't exactly the greatest. What should we do when this happens? Is it wrong for us to feel this way? Sometimes, our faith becomes a little too priest-centric, and today, Andrew and Jason talk about what that looks like and how we can remind ourselves what things like Mass and Confession are really about. May we always find ourselves pointed towards Christ. Sometimes when we go to Mass, we might come away underwhelmed by the homily. Or maybe we'll go to Confession and the counselling that we receive isn't exactly the greatest. What should we do when this happens? Is it wrong for us to feel this way? Sometimes, our faith becomes a little too priest-centric, and today, Andrew and Jason talk about what that looks like and how we can remind ourselves what things like Mass and Confession are really about. May we always find ourselves pointed towards Christ.  

“Road from Emmaus” Ep021 – When Priests Aren’t Interesting

215. That's the number of Indigenous children whose remains were found on May 29, 2021. They were found buried on the site of what used to be Kamloops Indian Residential School. Andrew and Jason take today's episode to lay out what happened, what the residential school system was and its traumatic effects on the Indigenous peoples, and how the Catholic Church was involved in this dark past. They share their thoughts and talk about how the lay Catholic should receive this news. Let's continue to keep our Indigenous brothers and sisters in our prayers. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us! Additional Resources - Aboriginal Peoples Fact Sheet for Canada, Nov 2015: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-656-x/89-656-x2015001-eng.htm - Native-Land.ca - Apology from Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, May 30: https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.71.250/30a.492.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Media-Release-KIRS-1.pdf - Joint statement from Chief Littlechild (former Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations) and Archbishop Richard Smith, Archdiocese of Edmonton, June 4: https://caedm.ca/PastoralScene/entryid/876/video-chief-littlechild-and-archbishop-smiths-statement-on-kamloops-and-reconciliation - Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops Statement, June 10: https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/cccb-statement-delegation-to-the-holy-see/ - Archdiocese of Toronto statement from June 3: https://www.archtoronto.org/en/outreach/news/archdiocesan/statement-from-cardinal-thomas-collins-archbishop-of-toronto--re-discovery-of-childrens-remains-at-former-kamloops-residential-school/ - Archdiocese of Vancouver responses and statements: https://rcav.org/first-nations 215. That's the number of Indigenous children whose remains were found on May 29, 2021. They were found buried on the site of what used to be Kamloops Indian Residential School. Andrew and Jason take today's episode to lay out what happened, what the residential school system was and its traumatic effects on the Indigenous peoples, and how the Catholic Church was involved in this dark past. They share their thoughts and talk about how the lay Catholic should receive this news. Let's continue to keep our Indigenous brothers and sisters in our prayers. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us! Additional Resources - Aboriginal Peoples Fact Sheet for Canada, Nov 2015: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-656-x/89-656-x2015001-eng.htm - Native-Land.ca - Apology from Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, May 30: https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.71.250/30a.492.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Media-Release-KIRS-1.pdf - Joint statement from Chief Littlechild (former Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations) and Archbishop Richard Smith, Archdiocese of Edmonton, June 4: https://caedm.ca/PastoralScene/entryid/876/video-chief-littlechild-and-archbishop-smiths-statement-on-kamloops-and-reconciliation - Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops Statement, June 10: https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/cccb-statement-delegation-to-the-holy-see/ - Archdiocese of Toronto statement from June 3: https://www.archtoronto.org/en/outreach/news/archdiocesan/statement-from-cardinal-thomas-collins-archbishop-of-toronto--re-discovery-of-childrens-remains-at-former-kamloops-residential-school/ - Archdiocese of Vancouver responses and statements: https://rcav.org/first-nations  

“Road from Emmaus” Ep020 – 215

Andrew and Jason have gotten to the age where they're starting to think about the next stage of their lives--specifically, married life, family life, and bringing up children. In some ways, it's a funny conversation to have because neither of them are even married (yet), but it's also an important conversation. How can we do our best to be examples of holiness, so that our children can become saints? You can hear what they have to say on that on today's episode. Andrew and Jason have gotten to the age where they're starting to think about the next stage of their lives--specifically, married life, family life, and bringing up children. In some ways, it's a funny conversation to have because neither of them are even married (yet), but it's also an important conversation. How can we do our best to be examples of holiness, so that our children can become saints? You can hear what they have to say on that on today's episode.  

“Road from Emmaus” Ep019 – Children’s Formation (by two guys who don’t have children)

When priests get assigned to a new parish, go on study or personal leave, or retire, it can be jarring, for the parishioners and for the priest. On this episode, Andrew and Jason talk about what it must be like when priests have to leave their parish, and why it's important for us as laypeople to be able to let go. They touch on the virtue of obedience, too. Remember to keep your priests, deacons, and religious sisters in your prayers! When priests get assigned to a new parish, go on study or personal leave, or retire, it can be jarring, for the parishioners and for the priest. On this episode, Andrew and Jason talk about what it must be like when priests have to leave their parish, and why it's important for us as laypeople to be able to let go. They touch on the virtue of obedience, too. Remember to keep your priests, deacons, and religious sisters in your prayers!  

“Road from Emmaus” Ep018 – When Priests Get Reassigned

On Holy Saturday, Andrew was praying with an ancient homily, and he had a revelation of sorts. Andrew and Jason dive into one particular quote within the homily, which was said by Jesus as he brought Adam out of hell. The quote: "Rise, let us leave this place. The enemy led you out of the earthly Paradise. I will not restore you to that Paradise, but will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you." They talk about the nuts and bolts of how, exactly, Jesus came to defeat and erase the effects of sin. Then they go into what we can do now that Jesus has done the heavy lifting, and how we can participate in salvation by purging our own vices and seeking virtue as we walk through this valley of tears. On Holy Saturday, Andrew was praying with an ancient homily, and he had a revelation of sorts. Andrew and Jason dive into one particular quote within the homily, which was said by Jesus as he brought Adam out of hell. The quote: "Rise, let us leave this place. The enemy led you out of the earthly Paradise. I will not restore you to that Paradise, but will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you." They talk about the nuts and bolts of how, exactly, Jesus came to defeat and erase the effects of sin. Then they go into what we can do now that Jesus has done the heavy lifting, and how we can participate in salvation by purging our own vices and seeking virtue as we walk through this valley of tears.  

“Road from Emmaus” Ep017 – Revelation According to Andrew Chau

"The Source and the Summit". You've probably heard these words before to describe the core of our Catholic faith, but what does it actually mean? Today, Andrew shares about his revelation on how the Eucharist can be mapped as a parallel to the journey that is our interior life. Andrew and Jason dive into what it truly means to receive Jesus's Body and Blood through the Eucharist. There are some important things to hold in our hearts whenever we find ourselves in front of the Eucharist; may we keep these things prayerfully in our hearts! The video Andrew references by "Breaking In The Habit", on "Do I Have to Confess My Sins to a Priest?": https://youtu.be/PtaGqN2Wm4o "The Source and the Summit". You've probably heard these words before to describe the core of our Catholic faith, but what does it actually mean? Today, Andrew shares about his revelation on how the Eucharist can be mapped as a parallel to the journey that is our interior life. Andrew and Jason dive into what it truly means to receive Jesus's Body and Blood through the Eucharist. There are some important things to hold in our hearts whenever we find ourselves in front of the Eucharist; may we keep these things prayerfully in our hearts! The video Andrew references by "Breaking In The Habit", on "Do I Have to Confess My Sins to a Priest?": https://youtu.be/PtaGqN2Wm4o  

“Road from Emmaus” Ep016 – The Source and the Summit

Audrey Assad said a thing a few weeks ago, so Andrew and I start off talking about that. Then we talk about practicing the interior life, and how this is imperative for us to be able to truly be in relationship with God. Without it, the things we do as Catholics can be seen as meaningless. So we try to unpack what the interior life means, using our own journeys and learnings as examples, along with those of the saints. This is being released just before Palm Sunday, so we're praying that you have a blessed Holy Week! Audrey Assad said a thing a few weeks ago, so Andrew and I start off talking about that. Then we talk about practicing the interior life, and how this is imperative for us to be able to truly be in relationship with God. Without it, the things we do as Catholics can be seen as meaningless. So we try to unpack what the interior life means, using our own journeys and learnings as examples, along with those of the saints. This is being released just before Palm Sunday, so we're praying that you have a blessed Holy Week!  

“Road from Emmaus” Ep015 – Understanding the Interior Life

In today's episode, Andrew and Jason bring on their first ever guest, Fr. Raphael Ma CR. They tackle a heavier topic with him as they dive into questions about grief and suffering: Why does God allow suffering into this world? What is the teaching of redemptive suffering? How do we approach grief with someone who is or isn't Catholic? Before unpacking these questions, Fr. Raph CR shares his own experiences with grief: from the perspective of someone who regularly ministers to those who grieve, but also as someone who has gone through his own fair share. -- Resources referred to by Fr. Raph CR throughout the episode: 1) Stephanie Gray blog post that illustrates what God does about suffering (and not just "why suffering"): https://loveunleasheslife.com/blog/2016/3/30/the-day-i-was-stumped-by-stephanie-gray 2) Website on grief - https://whatsyourgrief.com/ 3) Another podcast episode on grief (Erin Kinsella works at Newman U of T) https://www.inthethicketpodcast.com/s/stories/s1e4-what-not-to-say In today's episode, Andrew and Jason bring on their first ever guest, Fr. Raphael Ma CR. They tackle a heavier topic with him as they dive into questions about grief and suffering: Why does God allow suffering into this world? What is the teaching of redemptive suffering? How do we approach grief with someone who is or isn't Catholic? Before unpacking these questions, Fr. Raph CR shares his own experiences with grief: from the perspective of someone who regularly ministers to those who grieve, but also as someone who has gone through his own fair share. -- Resources referred to by Fr. Raph CR throughout the episode: 1) Stephanie Gray blog post that illustrates what God does about suffering (and not just "why suffering"): https://loveunleasheslife.com/blog/2016/3/30/the-day-i-was-stumped-by-stephanie-gray 2) Website on grief - https://whatsyourgrief.com/ 3) Another podcast episode on grief (Erin Kinsella works at Newman U of T) https://www.inthethicketpodcast.com/s/stories/s1e4-what-not-to-say  

“Road from Emmaus” Ep014 – Grief and Suffering with Fr. Raphael Ma CR

Today, Andrew and Jason just spend an episode catching up with each other on Lent. They talk about how they prepared for Lent (if they prepared at all), and their thought process behind what they're giving up. Lent isn't just about fasting, though, so they also talk about prayer and almsgiving. Finally, Andrew reflects on how he's taken his faith almost a little too seriously lately, and our need sometimes to recenter our faith on finding joy. Today, Andrew and Jason just spend an episode catching up with each other on Lent. They talk about how they prepared for Lent (if they prepared at all), and their thought process behind what they're giving up. Lent isn't just about fasting, though, so they also talk about prayer and almsgiving. Finally, Andrew reflects on how he's taken his faith almost a little too seriously lately, and our need sometimes to recenter our faith on finding joy.  

“Road from Emmaus” Ep013 – Not Really Ready for Lent

It's Part 2 of the Road from Emmaus "Why Catholicism?" two-episode mini-series! Last episode, Andrew and Jason tried to answer the questions of "Why do we even believe in religion at all?" And, "Of all the religions in the world, why Christianity?" This time around, they go one level deeper and talk about why they chose Catholicism. They start by sharing their journeys of being cradle Catholics, and then they discuss the importance of Holy Tradition within the Catholic Church. Like the Church, they don't believe in Sola Scriptura, and they talk about that a bit too, and highlight some differences between Protestants and Catholics. They wrap things up by sharing about what they might say to those of us who have friends who've turned away from the Catholic faith. It's Part 2 of the Road from Emmaus "Why Catholicism?" two-episode mini-series! Last episode, Andrew and Jason tried to answer the questions of "Why do we even believe in religion at all?" And, "Of all the religions in the world, why Christianity?" This time around, they go one level deeper and talk about why they chose Catholicism. They start by sharing their journeys of being cradle Catholics, and then they discuss the importance of Holy Tradition within the Catholic Church. Like the Church, they don't believe in Sola Scriptura, and they talk about that a bit too, and highlight some differences between Protestants and Catholics. They wrap things up by sharing about what they might say to those of us who have friends who've turned away from the Catholic faith.  

“Road from Emmaus” – Why Catholicism? (Part 2)

On today's episode, Andrew and Jason dig into the foundations and fundamentals of their faith life. Why are they Catholic? Before they can answer that question though, it's necessary to take a look at a couple of other questions: Why believe in religion at all? And of all the religions in the world, why Christianity? The first part of a two-episode mini-series, they touch on moral relativism, and how Christianity isn't just about being a good person or following a set of rules; it's being in a relationship with God. They also announce some exciting news off the top--you can now find the Road from Emmaus podcast on Fountain of Love and Life! 04:38 - Encountering the Fountain of Love and Life on the Road from Emmaus 09:10 - "Why religion?" and moral relativism 15:25 - Who are we to judge? What does it mean to have intellectual discourse? 22:49 - Religion provides a structure of consistent thinking 28:43 - Religion is often more than just having good ethics or mor On today's episode, Andrew and Jason dig into the foundations and fundamentals of their faith life. Why are they Catholic? Before they can answer that question though, it's necessary to take a look at a couple of other questions: Why believe in religion at all? And of all the religions in the world, why Christianity? The first part of a two-episode mini-series, they touch on moral relativism, and how Christianity isn't just about being a good person or following a set of rules; it's being in a relationship with God. They also announce some exciting news off the top--you can now find the Road from Emmaus podcast on Fountain of Love and Life! 04:38 - Encountering the Fountain of Love and Life on the Road from Emmaus 09:10 - "Why religion?" and moral relativism 15:25 - Who are we to judge? What does it mean to have intellectual discourse? 22:49 - Religion provides a structure of consistent thinking 28:43 - Religion is often more than just having good ethics or mor  

“Road from Emmaus” – Why Catholicism? (Part 1)

It's a new year, and there's no better way to start it off than in the same way that the Church starts it off -- celebrating our Holy Mother Mary, Mother of God! There's so much richness and beauty to unpack when it comes to Mary and Marian theology; Andrew and Jason could barely stop talking over each other. Using the Joyful Mysteries to keep them on the right track, they try to dive into the story of Mary, and the reflections they each have on her holy "yes" to God, what it might have been like to be the mother of Jesus, and the pain that she had to carry. Praying that 2021 will get off to a blessed start for you! It's a new year, and there's no better way to start it off than in the same way that the Church starts it off -- celebrating our Holy Mother Mary, Mother of God! There's so much richness and beauty to unpack when it comes to Mary and Marian theology; Andrew and Jason could barely stop talking over each other. Using the Joyful Mysteries to keep them on the right track, they try to dive into the story of Mary, and the reflections they each have on her holy "yes" to God, what it might have been like to be the mother of Jesus, and the pain that she had to carry. Praying that 2021 will get off to a blessed start for you!  

“Road from Emmaus” – “Ave Maria” Means “Hail Mary”, Apparently

It's been a whirlwind of a year, and looking back at 2020 is no simple task. Our day-to-day lives ground to a halt with the COVID pandemic, but that doesn't mean nothing happened during the year. Andrew and Jason take this last episode of 2020 to look back and do an examen of sorts on the year. What were some highlights from 2020? What did they learn? And above all, how did they bring Jesus into these things? They wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas (but not a "Happy Holidays"!) :) It's been a whirlwind of a year, and looking back at 2020 is no simple task. Our day-to-day lives ground to a halt with the COVID pandemic, but that doesn't mean nothing happened during the year. Andrew and Jason take this last episode of 2020 to look back and do an examen of sorts on the year. What were some highlights from 2020? What did they learn? And above all, how did they bring Jesus into these things? They wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas (but not a "Happy Holidays"!) :)  

“Road from Emmaus” Doing An Examen on 2020

 A big part of being a Christian is understanding that a lot of our faith is relationship-based. God seeks to be in relationship with us, to know us, to be with us. It's a wonderful blessing to be able to recognize that Jesus is our friend. Sometimes, though, we fall into the trap of only thinking of Jesus as a buddy. We forget that He is also a King, that God is our Creator, and that, as much as Jesus walks alongside us, there's kind of still an "order" to the relationship we have with Him. Today, Andrew and Jason try to unpack what it means that Christ is our King. A big part of being a Christian is understanding that a lot of our faith is relationship-based. God seeks to be in relationship with us, to know us, to be with us. It's a wonderful blessing to be able to recognize that Jesus is our friend. Sometimes, though, we fall into the trap of only thinking of Jesus as a buddy. We forget that He is also a King, that God is our Creator, and that, as much as Jesus walks alongside us, there's kind of still an "order" to the relationship we have with Him. Today, Andrew and Jason try to unpack what it means that Christ is our King.  

“Road from Emmaus” Is Jesus Our Buddy?

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