Podcast
The Normal Christian Life
Hosted by Frs. Michael and Christopher Trummer, Mary Bielski · EN
What does ”ordinary Christianity” look like exactly? Using Scripture, Church history and personal testimony, two Catholic priests, Frs. Michael and Chris Trummer, and Mary Bielski offer a renewed vision of what our lives can be like as Christians. Far from being ”ordinary”, the normal Christian life is an entirely new life empowered by the Holy Spirit -- drawing upon a divine inheritance, manifesting supernatural power, and bearing a staggering promise of glory.
25episodes
Episodes
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Do Not Hide Your Face From Me: Faith, Feelings, and Unbelief | S2 E16
Apr 28, 202501:06:17Tap to summarizeJoin Fathers Michael and Christopher Trummer in this episode of 'Normal Christian Life' as they explore the fundamental topics of faith and unbelief. They discuss the increasing prevalence of atheism and secularism in the Western world and explore why people are swayed by or struggle with unbelief. Analyzing both rational and non-rational factors including sin, emotional issues, and relational aspects, the hosts offer insights from scripture and tradition. This episode serves as a foundation for understanding the dynamics of belief in contemporary society and sets the stage for their continued discussion on cultivating and deepening one's faith. 00:00 Introduction and Call to Action 00:11 Exploring Faith and Unbelief 01:00 The Mystery of Belief and Unbelief 02:23 Rational Reasons and Other Factors 04:30 Trusting Testimonies and Experiences 08:49 Skepticism Towards Miracles and History 14:19 The Impact of Sin on Belief 26:21 Faith Beyond Feelings 33:15 The Role of Imagery in Christian Art 34:23 Emotional Barriers to Experiencing God 38:09 The Impact of Relationships on Faith 44:37 The Necessity and Cultivation of Faith 55:27 Understanding Faith Beyond Feelings 01:00:51 Faith in Action: Biblical Examples 01:02:40 Overcoming Desolation in Faith 01:05:07 Conclusion and Next Steps
Transcribe →The Hidden Treasure of Suffering | S2 E15
Apr 18, 202501:05:45Tap to summarizeJoin Fr. Michael Trummer, Fr. Christopher Trummer, and Mary Bielski in this profound episode of The Normal Christian Life as they explore the concept of redemptive suffering. As we wrap up Lent, they dive into society's attempt to eliminate suffering, using 'The Giver' as an analogy for understanding its significance. They discuss the transformative power of suffering, referencing Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning' and scriptural insights from St. Paul and St. John Paul II. The hosts emphasize how suffering can lead to spiritual growth, deeper relationship with God, and empathy. This episode also discusses exterior opportunities of suffering, such as witnessing faith, building community, and spreading hope. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on finding purpose and grace in the midst of suffering. 00:00 Introduction to Redemptive Suffering 00:21 The Giver: A False Utopia 01:07 The Meaning of Suffering in Christianity 01:40 Viktor Frankl and Finding Meaning in Suffering 03:31 St. Paul's Teachings on Baptism and Suffering 04:18 Jesus' Approach to Suffering 07:17 Personal Reflections on Suffering 09:52 The Mystery of Suffering and God's Compassion 20:24 The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth 31:46 Early Christian Persecution and Suffering 32:21 Embracing Suffering for Spiritual Growth 33:53 Learning Obedience Through Suffering 37:55 The Role of Humility in Suffering 40:09 Suffering as a Path to Maturity 45:37 Exterior Opportunities of Suffering 48:25 The Gift of Suffering and Its Impact 56:31 Concluding Thoughts on Suffering and Faith
Transcribe →Why Is Missing Mass Such a Big Deal? w/ Fr. Michael Trummer
Apr 16, 202500:21:55Tap to summarize"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him" (Jn 3:16-17). God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). Relationship with God is a free gift earned by the perfect saving work of Jesus. God is eager to forgive and show mercy. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God..." (Eph 2:8). However, God respects our free will. God will not force us to be in relationship with Him. Like any relationship, we can freely choose to engage and be involved in a relationship, or we can choose to be disengaged. We can be indifferent to God's love. We can be indifferent to God's will. If we are in union with His will and commandments we are in union with Him. One of the ways we abide and remain in relationship with Jesus is through following his commandments: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love" (Jn 15:9-10). God's commandment to keep the Sabbath holy is now fulfilled by worshipping God on Sunday, the Lord's day. "Do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another..." (Heb 10:25). Matthew 22:1-14 and Luke 14:16–24 talk about how God is like a king throwing a wedding banquet for his Son. In Luke in particular, people have reasons why they aren't able to come to the wedding banquet. No one is forced to come to the wedding banquet. The same is true with the Mass. The Mass is the wedding banquet/celebration of the Lamb. We can accept God's invitation to partake of this amazing and wonderful celebration, but God will not force us to participate. To say no to God's loving invitation is to say to no to Him. To say no to living in communion with God is simply what hell is. So then, is it a big deal to miss Mass? We encourage you to reflect on these passage from Matthew and Luke. Other reasons why attending Sunday (or Saturday evening) Mass is so important! 00:00 Introduction: Is Missing Catholic Mass a Big Deal? 00:31 Addressing Common Objections 01:26 Why Missing Mass is Considered a Serious Offense 02:34 The Importance of Worship and Sacrifice 04:41 God's Commandments and Our Obligations 06:56 The Role of Mass in Our Spiritual Lives 12:48 Legitimate Reasons for Missing Mass 15:55 The Consequences of Missing Mass 21:06 Invitation to Return to Mass
Transcribe →Temples of the Holy Spirit: How Diet, Exercise, Sleep, etc. Affect Your Spiritual Life (S2 E14)
Apr 10, 202501:33:19Tap to summarizeJoin Father Michael Trummer and Father Christopher Trummer in this enlightening episode of 'The Normal Christian Life' as they dive deep into the vital relationship between physical health and spiritual well-being. They explore modern obsessions with health and beauty and discuss how physical health can impact emotional and spiritual states. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical references, and their journeys through various health challenges, the Trummer brothers emphasize the importance of taking care of our bodies, not just for the sake of longevity, but to enhance our spiritual lives and better serve God. Whether you're struggling with health issues or seeking a more balanced life, this episode provides unique insights and practical advice on achieving holistic health. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:17 The Idol of Physical Health 01:04 Biblical Perspective on Anxiety and Provision 03:19 Modern Obsession with Health and Longevity 04:32 Balancing Health and Spiritual Life 05:42 The Natural Law and Desire to Preserve Life 06:46 Vanity and the Idol of Beauty 09:43 The Role of Wisdom and Immortality 12:16 The Eucharist: The Ultimate Supplement 13:03 Fear of Death and Lifelong Bondage 15:00 Purpose of Good Health: A Life of Love and Virtue 15:49 St. Ignatius' Principle and Foundation 18:10 Redemptive Suffering and Physical Health 24:03 Gluttony and Physical Health 27:08 Personal Testimonies on Health and Spirituality 40:29 The Importance of Reverencing the Body 47:35 Struggling with Body Image and Health 48:09 A Shift in Perspective on Health 48:39 The Intersection of Physical and Mental Health 51:08 Personal Stories of Healing Through Diet 57:45 The Carnivore Diet Experience 01:09:35 Balancing Physical Health and Spiritual Life 01:13:13 Scriptural Insights on Health and Holiness 01:18:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Transcribe →What a Priest Learned from the Most Serious Confessions He Has Heard w/ Fr. Michael Trummer
Apr 8, 202500:05:43Tap to summarizeFr. Michael shares what he has learned as a priest hearing confessions.
Transcribe →