Just A Guy In The Pew Podcast

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. Follow us! 👇 https://www.instagram.com/justaguyinthepew/ https://twitter.com/JustGuyinthePew https://www.facebook.com/justaguyinthepew 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

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 BECOME A PARTNER IN THE PEW! www.donorbox.org/pew START A MEN'S GROUP IN YOUR PARISH! www.justaguyinthepew.com JOIN US IN ITALY! rb.gy/ue800 DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

The journey continues as John and Victor dive deeper into the 7 Deadly Sins. This week's focus is Lust, the "disordered desire for or inordinate enjoyment of sexual pleasure" (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], paragraph 2351). According to Archbishop Fulton Sheen, the key word is inordinate. God Himself associated pleasure with the flesh. Pleasure becomes sinful when we use it as a means instead of an end. Lust distorts the gift of sexuality and causes us to gaze only upon ourselves and our desires. What is the remedy? "The only real escape from the demands of the flesh is to find something more than the flesh to love" (Archbishop Fulton Sheen). Scripture passages to pray with: -Matthew 5:28 -1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 -Romans 8:6 -Psalm 51:10-12 In this episode: -Lust is selfish or perverted love -Acknowledging the gift of our sexuality -Chastity,"the successful integration of sexuality within the person" (CCC 2337), is the virtue that combats lust -There is hope! Call on Jesus and His Mother, turn your gaze from yourself to the ones you love, & view temptation as an opportunity to choose the good

Join John and Victor as the Lenten journey continues on the 7 Deadly Sins. This week's focus is Gluttony, or overindulgence of food and drink. How we live and the way we treat ourselves matters. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Scripture passages to pray with: - Romans 12:1 - Romans 13:14 - 1 Corinthians 10:31 - John 4:13-15 - Matthew 6:25 In this episode: - "A Glutton does not eat to live, he lives to eat." ~Archbishop Fulton Sheen - Addressing the places in which we live in excess - Learning to practice temperance (the virtue of moderation)

"Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." Matthew 6:21 Join John and Victor in the Lenten journey on the 7 Deadly Sins this week as they discuss the sin of Greed. Our possessions, time, and talents are gifts from the Lord and how often we allow our attachments to these things to control us and rob us of our joy and living a life of freedom with the Lord. Hoard not the things of the world, but virtue, prayer, time with Him. How do we combat greed? Charity. Generosity. Seeing everything as a gift. "The greedy man is really not rich, but poor. He does not control his money but is controlled by it. He does not possess his wealth but is possessed by it. He may have many things, yet for him he has all too little." ~ St. Anthony of Padua Scripture passages to pray with: -1 Timothy 6:10 -Matthew 6:19-21 -Luke 12:16-34 In this episode: -Letting go of fear and grasping for possessions and turning in trust to the Lord -Not letting our possessions possess us -"Everything is disappointing except the Redemptive Love of our Lord." ~ Archbishop Fulton Sheen -No one can serve two masters...you cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24) BECOME A PARTNER IN THE PEW! www.donorbox.org/pew START A MEN'S GROUP IN YOUR PARISH! www.justaguyinthepew.com JOIN US IN ITALY! rb.gy/ue800 DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

“Run as to Win” - 1 Corinthians 9:24 John and Vic continue their Lenten Series on the 7 Deadly Sins this week by focusing on Sloth. All of us struggle with sloth both physically and spiritually at times in our lives. If we aren’t careful though, giving into comfort and putting down our crosses can lead us far away from the Lord. It doesn’t take long either. Listen in this week as John and Vic discuss the dangers of becoming slothful and share tips on how to run the race as to win. In this Episode You’ll Hear: Thoughts from Archbishop Fulton Sheen on Sloth Christ example as a determined intentional man Parables that Jesus used to convey his warnings about sloth The dangers of a lazy spiritual life How to run as to win BECOME A PARTNER IN THE PEW! www.donorbox.org/pew START A MEN'S GROUP IN YOUR PARISH! www.justaguyinthepew.com JOIN US IN ITALY! rb.gy/ue800 DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

“In your anger do not sin” - Ephesians 4:26 This week John and Victor continue their Lenten Series on the seven deadly sins and how they impede us from being able to "return to God with our whole hearts" ( Joel 2:12). The sin of the week is Anger. Many of us struggle almost daily with anger. Sometimes our anger is just and sometimes it is unjust. So how do you know the difference and if your anger is actually a sin? If your anger is festering and is bad for you then how do you rid yourself of it? Listen into this week’s episode as John and Victor seek to find the answers to dealing with anger in a healthy way and discuss the methods in which we can utilize charity and forgiveness as a remedy for unjust anger. In this episode: John and Vic cover the catechism and Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s definition of anger If anger is really a sin The two types of anger The remedy for unjust anger 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 JOIN US IN ITALY! rb.gy/ue800

"Envy is the assassination of brotherly love." - Archbishop Fulton Sheen A blessed Lent to you all! This week kicks off a new Lenten Series on the 7 deadly sins from John and Victor. In this week's episode we begin our Lenten journey as John and Victor discuss envy, one of the seven deadly sins that goes unnoticed but can undermine our spiritual health. The guys share their own personal battles with envy, revealing how it has manifested in their lives and the struggles they've faced in overcoming it. They remind us that we are not alone in our imperfections and that envy is something we all struggle with in our lives The two also discuss the transformative power of genuine sacrifice and how true spiritual growth often requires us to give up not just the superficial things but also those deeper attachments, sins, and wounds that keep us from fully embracing God's will. They explore the concept of internal cleansing, drawing a compelling parallel between decluttering our physical spaces and tidying up our inner lives. Grab a seat in the pew and listen in to find out how to offer up your struggles with envy and how to combat it by living a life of gratitude. In this episode you will hear: -The difference between giving up and offering up -What the catechism says about true sacrifice -The deadly sin of envy and how we all struggle with it -How to combat the sin of envy and offer up those struggles to God this Lent -How to clean out your heart and allow God in as your offering this Lent

"The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness." - Pope Benedict XVI You don't have to look around long to see that the world needs Catholics that are willing to boldly live their faith. Unfortunately, many of us can often find ourselves retreating back into the comfort and safety of those like us. While there is nothing wrong with surrounding ourselves with like minded people, we must never close the door to those in need or become uninviting to the unchurched. Jesus never said you are not welcome in my group or at my table and neither should we. Listen in this week as John and Victor discuss the importance of fighting the urge to retreat back into the comfort and safety of the initiated while challenging us to become the missionary disciples we are called to be. It's time to get uncomfortable. In this episode John and Victor discuss: - The need to return to the mentality of a missionary church - Fighting the urge to close ourselves off in small groups that aren't welcoming to those in need. - Running towards the unchurched instead of away from them. - Loving people the way Jesus did

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about" We all have had confrontations with strangers, co-workers, and even family and friends that haven't always gone the way we would like. Oftentimes, these interactions can leave us upset and we can move quickly to anger, premature judgments, and resentment towards the other person. As Christians, we are called to be better than that. We are called to love others, to forgive, and to turn the other cheek. While these are not easy things to do in a moment of confrontation, they are the very things that allow us to live out the Gospel in our lives. We just never know the wounds and the battles people are facing at any given time. Listen in this week as John and Victor discuss ways to meet confrontation head on with the love, mercy, and forgiveness Christ commands us to. In this episode John and Victor discuss: -Their personal experiences with out of the blue confrontation and what they learned from it -That we have a choice in how we react to others -Going to scripture to see how Jesus tells us to handle confrontation -What to do when you are blindsided by someone

Join us for a special episode this week as John welcomes his friend Hani for an interview about living as a Christian in the Holy Land. Experiencing the kindness of a pilgrim as a young child, he now devotes his life to leading pilgrims to encounter the person of Jesus Christ and the land in which he lived and ministered. With a passion for connecting the New and Old Testaments, Hani invites us into life in the Holy Land and the gift of leading others to the Lord.

All is gift! Join John and Victor this week as they discuss the power of receiving everything-trials and sufferings included- as a gift from the Lord. As St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, "We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). The Lord desires to use every moment of our lives to draw us back into union with Him. Nothing is wasted! May this year be an opportunity of greater trust, surrender, and freedom in Christ for each of us. In this episode we discuss: -Living joyfully in all things -Receiving every trial and suffering as a way to draw closer to the Lord -The greatest opportunity in life is learning how to love

Happy New Year! At least that's what we all want it to be. Many of us, though, fail in our resolutions and quit before we even get started. Ever wonder why? We listen to the wrong voice, that's why. The one that shows up to convict you of your mistakes and throws your past failures in your face. That voice is the voice of the Evil One. So how do we move past it and start moving forward? By "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." ( Phil 3:13) Listen in this week as John and Victor turn to St. Paul, St Augustine, and Our Lord Jesus Christ for their advice on how to live in the present and look forward to the new year with hope. In this episode, John and Victor discuss: - Spiritual Warfare - Listening to the right voice - What St. Paul, St Augustine, and Jesus have to say about the New Year - 4 steps to take to win the battle and move forward with courage in your resolutions Become a Monthly 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 JOIN US ON A PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY! rb.gy/ue800

See what love (1 John 3:1) "The one who holds the world in being was lying in a manger...The heavens cannot contain him, but a woman carried him in her bosom...May he make us into children of God, since for our sake he was willing to be made a child of man" (St. Augustine). This is our God. This is the God who reveals His power through humility, love, and mercy. Join John and Victor as they share the hope and freedom Jesus' birth brings into our lives. "See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are" (1 John 3:1). In this week's episode: -Jesus brings freedom into our lives -We have a Savior, and you are worth saving -The desire of God for you

Remembrance is at the heart of the Christian life. When we forget who we are and Whose we are, we often fail to see the great gift of our lives and the abundant blessings we have received. Join John and Victor as they challenge us to focus not simply on the material gifts of Christmas, but on The Gift of Christ and his saving power in our lives. Found in this episode: -the necessity and simplicity of gratitude -the joy of giving -Allowing our hearts to be needy and poor before the Lord 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 JOIN US IN ITALY! rb.gy/ue800

The great mystery of Christmas is commemorating the historical event of the birth of the Messiah and simultaneously the preparation of the second coming of Christ. As St. John Paul II said, "Our whole life should be an 'advent', in vigilant expectation of Christ's final coming." Preparation and expectation. How we live our everyday lives matters. Join John and Victor as they address the temptation to get caught up in the busyness of Christmas and reject the gift of the Advent season. In this episode, John and Victor discuss: -Advent as a time of training for the rest of our lives - How conforming our will to the Lord's can be a source of joy - 5 ways to enter into Advent DONATE: www.donorbox.org/pw 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 JOIN US ON A PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY! rb.gy/ue800

Where are your eyes? In the midst of the storms of life, we are often focused on the winds, the waves, and the darkness, tempted to cling to someone or something other than the Lord. Join John and his dear friend, Fr. Malachy, CFR, as they follow the example of St. Francis in focusing not on the confusion and disunity of the world, but on Jesus alone. Because Francis allowed himself to be changed by Jesus, he changed the world around him. Will we, too, allow our hearts to be the place where the rebuilding of the Church begins? Found in this episode: -Where am I looking in the storms of life: Jesus or the darkness? -Conforming our hearts to Christ alone -What am I clinging to other than Jesus? -Recognizing that Christ is with us now and always GIVING TUESDAY https://memphis.igivecatholic.org/organizations/pew-ministries DONATE: www.donorbox.org/pw 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 JOIN US ON A PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY! rb.gy/ue800

Where are your eyes? In the midst of the storms of life, we are often focused on the winds, the waves, and the darkness, tempted to cling to someone or something other than the Lord. Join John and his dear friend, Fr. Malachy, CFR, as they follow the example of St. Francis in focusing not on the confusion and disunity of the world, but on Jesus alone. Because Francis allowed himself to be changed by Jesus, he changed the world around him. Will we, too, allow our hearts to be the place where the rebuilding of the Church begins? Found in this episode: -Where am I looking in the storms of life: Jesus or the darkness? -Conforming our hearts to Christ alone -What am I clinging to other than Jesus? -Recognizing that Christ is with us now and always GIVING TUESDAY https://memphis.igivecatholic.org/organizations/pew-ministries DONATE: www.donorbox.org/pw 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 JOIN US ON A PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY! rb.gy/ue800