Catholic Gospel Reflection: What Is Your Purpose? | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Artwork

Rebel Saints: Catholic Faith and Spiritual Growth

There is nothing more punk than Catholicism.

In an increasingly secular world, there is nothing more radical than choosing to belong to something as ancient and eternal as the Catholic Church. To be Catholic today is inherently counter-cultural. It means choosing sacrificial love, prayer, and fidelity to God in a society that prizes noise and self-interest above all else.

I’m Nicole Olea. Most days you’ll find me reporting on the Catholic Church, but I spent years in the trenches as a youth minister and a catechist. If there is one thing I learned accompanying teens on their faith journey, it’s that Catholicism is metal.

When I first heard St. Augustine’s words, “our hearts are restless until they rest in You,” I could finally put a name to the longing in my heart, that constant ache for something real.

If your heart is restless too, that isn't a glitch; it’s an invitation. It’s the signal that we were made for more than what’s being sold to us.

Yet, misconceptions about Catholicism prevail, often fueled by the very real mistakes and pain members of the Church have caused. While we shouldn’t hide from our history, the Church needs real voices of people who have joy in the Lord, to testify on her behalf and point people toward Christ in whatever way the Holy Spirit calls them to.

I was called to start this podcast, to share the messy, the beautiful and the METAL parts of the Catholic faith. I am a layperson, and there is no degree in theology hanging on my wall, but I'm not afraid of digging through books and often find myself doing just that when preparing for an episode.

I don't have it all figured out, I’m not perfect, and this podcast isn’t a guide on how to become some plastic version of a saint. I can't promise you this journey won't be chaotic and we'll definitely take the scenic route. So consider yourself warned.

But if you're like me, or if you are longing for "more" authentic spirituality and the idea of becoming exactly who God made you to be appeals to you, then hit that + button and join this little rebellion, because your restless heart can only mean you're a Rebel Saint too.

Welcome home Rebel!

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Rebel Saints: Catholic Faith and Spiritual Growth

Catholic Gospel Reflection: What Is Your Purpose? | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

January 29, 2024 • Christianity | Catholic Faith & Spiritual Growth for Teens • Episode 2

0:00 | 23:25

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This week's readings highlight Jesus' ability to bring healing in physical and spiritual realms and the importance of community in our Christian journey. We are called to reflect on our purpose and discern our mission to lead others to Him.

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Readings

5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
February 4, 2024

FIRST READING: Jb 7:1-4, 6-7
PSALM RESPONSE: Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 " Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted."
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23
GOSPEL: Mk 1:29-39

Source Material:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.). Readings for February 4, 2024. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm

Life Teen. (n.d.). 5th Sunday Ordinary Time. Life Teen. https://resources.lifeteen.com/resource/liturgy/....

YouTube. (n.d.). Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sunday's with Ascension. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xoW-0KNouA

Young Catholics. "5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B." Young Catholics. Accessed 1/25/2024. https://young-catholics.com/3135/5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-b/

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