The 4 Persons Podcast

John and Cherry discuss the Liturgical calendar

Living Out Our Faith: The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus

Welcome to "Nourishing Our Body and Soul" with your host Cherry Maestro Mallorca. In this episode, we delve into the spiritual significance of the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus. As we celebrate, we are reminded of the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the profound mission that began at the Jordan River.
Join us as we reflect on the deeper meaning of our baptismal call as Christians, embracing Jesus' threefold mission as priest, prophet, and king. We'll explore how we can live out these roles in 2025, guided by a powerful acronym, BAPTISM, and conclude with a prayer for renewal.
Grab your coffee or tea, find your favorite spot, and discover how this feast inspires us to act as Christ’s hands and feet, bringing hope, justice, and love into the world. Let us embark on this journey with renewed faith and purpose.

Embracing the Call: From Fishermen to Disciples

Welcome to the Daily Readings from ThePourPuzzles.com for January 13, 2025, the Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of St. Hillary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Today's episode features a reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, highlighting how God has spoken to us through His Son, who is the imprint of His being and superior to the angels. We are reminded of the importance of leaving behind old ways and responding to God's invitation with faith.The Responsorial Psalm encourages us to let all His angels worship Him, acknowledging the Lord as King and rejoicing in His justice and glory. The Gospel according to Mark illustrates Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John to be "fishers of men." This passage serves as a powerful reminder of our mission to follow Jesus, embrace discipleship, and share the good news courageously and humbly.Let us reflect on the acronym FISHERMAN, which guides us in our mission: Faithfully Follow Jesus, Inspire others, Seek His will, Hope in His promises, Evangelize with love, Respond to His call, Minister to those in need, and Embrace discipleship. May we always answer God's call with open hearts and willing spirits.

"Called to Be Fishers of Men: Embracing the Gospel Message"

In this episode, listeners are invited to reflect on the readings for Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time, focusing on the Memorial of St. Hillary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. The first reading from the Letter to the Hebrews highlights the supremacy of Jesus, the Son of God, who is the reflection of God's glory and the sustainer of all creation.
The responsorial psalm calls for all angels to worship the Lord, emphasizing His justice and kingship. The Gospel according to Mark recounts the calling of Simon, Andrew, James, and John by Jesus. By leaving their nets to follow Him, these fishermen were transformed into fishers of men, illustrating the call to leave behind old ways and embrace a life of faith, courage, and discipleship.
Listeners are encouraged to embody the message of the Gospel by faithfully following Jesus, inspiring others, seeking His will, and sharing the good news with courage and compassion. Through prayer and reflection, the episode urges believers to respond to God's invitation with open hearts and willing spirits.

Eric Tafoya- Anger and Forgiveness

Eric Anthony Tafoya, T4P friend and partner sent me an inspiring video. Here is the audio for it.

"Embracing Faith: Lessons from the Feast of Epiphany"

Welcome to "Nourishing Our Body and Soul," where we delve into the beauty and significance of the Feast of the Epiphany. Join your host, Ms. Sherry Maestro Mallorca, the acronym lady from the Philippines, as we explore this extraordinary celebration that inspires us to deepen our faith and love.
The Feast of the Epiphany, also known as the Feast of the Three Kings, has been an integral part of our Christian tradition since 354 AD. It commemorates the journey of the Magi, who traveled to honor the newborn King, Jesus Christ. This journey symbolizes our own life's paths, where companionship from family, friends, and Jesus Himself guides us through life’s challenges.
Through the acronym 'EPIPHANY,' we find deeper meaning in this celebration, reminding us of God's revelation to all humanity. As we celebrate, we are invited to encounter Jesus daily, not only in the sacraments but also in acts of love and kindness towards others. Let's make giving our love, faith, and heart to Jesus a part of our daily lives.
May this reflection inspire you to journey with faith and offer your best to Jesus as you encounter Him in every aspect of your life. Stay blessed and guided by God's light and love.

The Gospel Truth with Gary Michuta

Join us in this captivating discussion as we delve into Gary Michuta;s book, "The Gospel Truth," where I expose agnostic misconceptions and explore the historical authenticity of the Gospels. As a research enthusiast, I've compiled intriguing insights that challenge the hazy agnosticism prevailing in today's society. We discuss how the Gospels are not just ancient myths, but contemporary biographies, offering a robust narrative of Jesus' life and teachings. I highly recommend checking out our conversation as we address questions often overlooked in evangelical circles, such as the Gospels' truthfulness and the interpretation of their texts. Discover how Protestant scholarship is evolving and why the historic Christian community is crucial for understanding biblical scripture. This video is not just an exploration of theological concepts but a journey into history and faith. Don't miss out—join us now and deepen your understanding of the Gospel truth!

The Virtue of Affability wih Anne Desantis

The lost virtue of affability is crucial for Catholics in 2025. Join us as we discuss this timely topic with Dr. Anne DeSantis, author of "The Virtue of Affability". We explore how this often-overlooked virtue can transform evangelization and personal relationships in the modern world. Dr. DeSantis shares insights from her doctoral research, explaining how affability aligns with Pope Francis' teachings and the wisdom of the saints. We delve into practical ways Catholics can apply this virtue in daily life, from online interactions to community engagement. Discover why affability is essential for effective evangelization and how it relates to the theological virtues. Dr. DeSantis also introduces her work with the Saint Raymond Nonnatus Foundation, offering free pastoral care to those in crisis. I highly recommend watching this enlightening conversation about rediscovering a vital aspect of our faith. Check out Dr. DeSantis' book and learn how to become a more affable, Christ-like presence in today's world. Join us in exploring this lost virtue and its potential to renew Catholic evangelization. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and understanding of affability's role in modern Catholicism.

THE BOOK OF REVELATION PART 22

22 Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him; 4 they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. 5 And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they shall reign for ever and ever.
 
6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. 7 And behold, I am coming soon.”
 
Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
 
As I mentioned before, Michael Barber's book about this prophetic work is called Coming Soon.
 
The theme is appropriate. John is writing to tell his audience to expect these things soon. The theme is repeated.
 
 
 
Revelation 1:1 
 
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants what must soon take place; and he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
 
 
 
Revelation 2:16
 
Repent then. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.
 
 
 
Revelation 3:11
 
I am coming soon; hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
 
 
 
Revelation 11:14
 
The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is soon to come.
 
 
 
Revelation 22:6
 
And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.
 
 
 
Revelation 22:7
 
And behold, I am coming soon.” Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
 
 
 
Revelation 22:12
 
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done.
 
 
 
Revelation 22:20
 
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
 
 
 
It is the same imminence shown in the Gospels. How can you deny a message given 8 times in these 22 chapters? In verse 10, it says "The time is near" which is another way of saying the same thing.
 
 
 
This book deals very little with the far-off things of Jesus return at judgement but deals, rather, with His vengeance against Jerusalem and it's replacement with the Catholic church.
 
 
 
Anti-Catholics falsely accuse the catholic church of violating the precepts outlined in verses 18 and 19 by ''adding to" or "subtracting from" this book. I ask you to consider this. What are you doing by futurizing this book after being told NINE TIMES of the imminence of the warnings and the promises contained within?
 
 
 
The church baptized by the river of life (v1), healed by the fruit of the tree of life, worshipping God, with His indelible mark on our foreheads. We keep the words of the Book by obedience to the church it heralds.
 
 
 
8 I John am he who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me; 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brethren the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
 
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
 
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
 
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and every one who loves and practices falsehood.
 
16 “I Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.”
 
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let him who hears say, “Come.” And let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price.
 
18 I warn every one who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if any one adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if any one takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
 
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
 
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.
 
Thank you for joining us for this series!
 
 
 
 
 

THE BOOK OF REVELATION PART 21

It is wonderful that we have a church that can give us insights into the spiritual things that do not so quickly reach the eye. Venerable Maria of Agreda's nearly 2,800 page work The Mystical City of God is just such a work. I consider it almost essential to understanding the 21st chapter of the Book of Revelation and I am so glad I read it.
 
 
 
 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; 3 and I heard a great voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them;
 
 
 
These few verses are very confusing and hard to digest and it is necessary to understand the symbolism and work through it slowly.
 
 
 
A new heaven and a new earth, the old heaven and earth and sea were no more.
 
 
 
If you think in terms of the Jerusalem Temple having been God's dwelling place on earth and differentiate it from Pagan Rome, they are the heaven and earth that are talked about as passing away. In Revelation past chapters, they were talked about as a harlot and a beast or even as 2 different beasts. Here, they are 2 different kingdoms- the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of Earth. The sea represents the multitudes of evil people and nations who followed them to their destruction.
 
 
 
The new Jerusalem, which comes down from heaven is both the new heaven and the new earth. it is the new holy city. It replaces the one which became Sodom and Egypt (11:8)
 
 
 
There is of course only 1 possible candidate - Vatican City.
 
 
 
They are His people, and He is with them as their God.
 
 
 
but someone might object- what about the next verse? This doesn't happen with the Catholic church!
 
 
 
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.”
 
 
 
Notice that it says "He will wipe away". Not He has wiped away. It is a promise to those who are faithful of what awaits them later.
 
 
 
We see this clarified as follows, especially in verses 7 and 8.
 
 
 
5 And he who sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water without price from the fountain of the water of life. 7 He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
 
 
 
Once again, Salvation is directly tied to action.
 
 
 
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues, and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And in the Spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed; 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
 
 
 
This is a vision directly contrasting that of Revelation 17. There, we saw a woman who was a harlot that represented the Great city. Now, we see a woman as bride representing The Holy city. The Great city was the one drunk with the blood of prophets and martyrs but the Holy city was built with the gates of the sons of Israel and the foundations of the Apostles. We see this very language referring to the church in Ephesians 2:20.
 
 
 
These verses are talking about the Kingdom of God being handed over to the Catholic church.
 
 
 
This is exactly what Jesus foretold in Matthew 21:43
 
 
 
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.
 
The deep mystical reality of how heaven can come down to earth and dwell with man is conveyed in the miracle that God came down here to dwell with us as a man. That mystical city that He dwelled in on earth is none other than the Blessed Virgin Mary. As she is mother of He who is both human and Divine, she is mother of the church that is both human and divine. As such, as we have covered, it is her and her spiritual children who are at war with the devil. Likewise, it is her and the apostles who form the very fortress in that war. They are the foundations upon which it stands and the gates by which we enter. They are synergistic joined to Christ whereby, we stand upon His word when we stand upon theirs, we enter by Him, when we enter by them.
 
 
 
The tendency is to conclude that we Catholics are, once more, putting too much emphasis on the Blessed Virgin Mary but we are not. She is not God, nor is She a Savior. She is not the mediator between God and man, nor could she be. What she is, however, is that pure, human instrument that acts as the key to unlocking this complex mystery.
 
 
 
Jesus is the Sacrifice and the Priest that offers the sacrifice. He is the Temple, and the God who dwells inside it. In the same way, Mary is- at the same time- the Ark that dwells inside the Temple (11:19-12:1) and the mystical city which the temple is located in. On Good Friday, she lost her Son and her God at the same time. She received the Holy Spirit's overshadowing at the conception of Jesus and then at Pentecost. She received Jesus inside her incarnate and then in the Eucharist. She was the handmaiden of the Lord then the queen of angels and saints.
 
 
 
No person in history has ever been entwined with the Trinity as she has-
 
Daughter of the Father.
 
Mother of the Son
 
Spouse of the Holy Spirit.
 
 
 
As intertwined as she is with God, so then is she with the church. As such, it pleased God that her centrality and magnificence with be veiled like she was, to be revealed by the studious work of her children, the true believers in Christ. Seeing is not believing, believing is seeing.
 
 
 
The word Revelation literally means removing the veil and this book's purpose is not to project a timeline of future events. The purpose of the Book of Revelation is literally to remove the veil shrouding the mysteries of God and His church. Mary is the source of many of those mysteries.
 
 
 
The Apostles are the foundation of this mystical city, and it's church because they were brought forth by Jesus. Mary is the Mother of the church as Jesus was brought forth by her. The mystical vision shows that Mary brought Jesus to us in the Incarnation and Nativity and now brings Him to us through the church. Through signs and wonders, such as at Fatima, Lourdes and Guadalupe, she is manifesting Him to us yet again, in preparation for His return at the end of days.
 
 
 
The Mother of God, the sons of Israel and the Apostles are the means by which God rules through this new city and new temple. A fascinating and lengthy detail of this new temple vision exists in Ezekial chapters 40-48. I recommend you read it.
 
 
 
A partial companion vision exists here.
 
 
 
15 And he who talked to me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its breadth; and he measured the city with his rod, twelve thousand stadia; its length and breadth and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, a hundred and forty-four cubits by a man’s measure, that is, an angel’s. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, clear as glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every jewel; the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.
 
 
 
All of these measurements and adornments have great spiritual significance which I will attempt to summarize briefly.
 
 
 
First, the measurements. Three things that are conveyed- vast size, perfect symmetry and pure gold- are what I will deal with first. As Barber points out (page 264), this hearkens back to 1 Kings 6:20 describing the Holy of Holies in the inner sanctuary:
 
 
 
20 The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high; and he overlaid it with pure gold. He also made an altar of cedar. 21 And Solomon overlaid the inside of the house with pure gold, and he drew chains of gold across, in front of the inner sanctuary, and overlaid it with gold. 22 And he overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished. Also the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.
 
So am I saying that this image is a representation of the Holy of Holies?
 
 
 
No, the opposite is true. The Old Testament is the shadow, this is the fulfillment. Just as we see the purest gold being used within the sanctuary, we see it's use in the Ark of the Covenant which is fulfilled in Mary- the purest gold of all.
 
 
 
In verse 17, we see a confusing and shocking claim:
 
 
 
17 He also measured its wall, a hundred and forty-four cubits by a man’s measure, that is, an angel’s.
 
This seems to convey a theme we have seen over and over where the lines blur between where human roles end and angelic roles begin.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The idea of a city of gold, paved with streets of gold is fascinating enough, but in both references (v18, 21) the gold is said to be as clear and transparent as glass. This is a pretty fascinating paradox when you think about it. The beauty of gold in our world is in the way it shimmers. It's beauty is in the way it reflects the light back to us. Think of the clearest glass in a tall building or an airplane. You can see right through it for miles. On the other hand, a mirror provides a perfect reflection by it's opacity. It reflects the light back, whereas the clearest glass allows it to pass through.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This gold acts like that mirror, reflecting the light while at the same time being completely transparent. How is this possible?
 
 
 
It's very simple. The light reflects from the inside out, not the outside in. This gold is illumined by it's transparency to the light. Just as a church is filled with dazzling light from the sun passing through the stained glass, the mystical city of God is illumined by the light of God unimpeded by impurities. The Son-light brings to life the city of God passing through that magnifier which God created for that purpose.
 
 
 
Luke 2
 
 
 
46 And Mary said,
 
 
 
“My soul magnifies the Lord,47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree;53 he has filled the hungry with good things ,and the rich he has sent empty away.54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.”
 
 
 
The 12 stones each have symbolic meanings which I will not go into here.
 
 
 
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light shall the nations walk; and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates shall never be shut by day—and there shall be no night there; 26 they shall bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean shall enter it, nor any one who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
 
 
 
The city of God on earth is one with the city of God in heaven. The worship is present in both and the former is the gateway to the latter.
 
 
 
Join us next time for Part XXII- the final part.