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Deacon Dave & Layperson Lisa Show!

Deacon Dave & Layperson Lisa Show

Deacon Dave & Layperson Lisa Show
Set Apart: A Reflection on the Readings for the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Love: A Reflection on the Readings for the Solemnity on the Baptism of the Lord
This video reflects on the readings for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, focusing on the concept of fear. The speaker contrasts two types of fear: Worldly Fear (Herod's Fear): Herod's fear is characterized by a desire to maintain power and control, leading to envy and a destructive impulse when he hears of the new "king of the Jews" (0:22-1:12). Fear of the Lord (Magi's Fear): This is described as a gift of the Holy Spirit, manifesting as awe, reverence, resulting in generosity, and obedience (1:55-3:00). The Magi demonstrate this by paying homage to Jesus, being generous with their gifts, and obeying the dream to avoid returning to Herod (1:38-3:24). The video emphasizes that "fear of the Lord" is not about being scared, but about a deep reverence for God. It encourages listeners to strengthen this gift through: Prayer and Silence: Lifting hearts, minds, and souls to God in prayer, particularly in silence, is crucial for strengthening this gift (3:30-4:28). Obedience and Being a Gift of Self: Obedience means emptying oneself of selfish ways to allow God to fill them, becoming a vessel for His will and being a "gift of self" rather than being selfish (4:30-5:30). Saying "yes" to God's calling, even when it's inconvenient, strengthens this gift (5:38-6:26). The reflection concludes by encouraging viewers to commit to spending time in silence, lifting their hearts to God, and asking for a strengthening of the "fear of the Lord" to foster obedience and generosity (6:33-7:01).
Fear: A Reflection on the Readings for the Solemnity on the Epiphany of the Lord
The video reflects on the readings for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, emphasizing the Christian belief in becoming adopted children of God through the Holy Spirit (0:07). The speaker highlights Mary's heart, which was "inflamed with the Holy Spirit," and encourages listeners to cultivate a similar heart through consecration to Jesus through Mary, as discussed in "33 Days to Morning Glory" (0:33-0:57). The reflection also ties into the new year and a class on patience, using a personal anecdote about driving to Mass to illustrate how God provides opportunities to grow in virtues like patience (1:27-3:09). The speaker stresses the importance of not reacting negatively to frustrating situations and allowing God's peace to dwell in one's heart (2:47-3:09, 3:54-4:02). Finally, the video encourages dedicating 2026 to a deeper prayer life, emphasizing the need for silence and solitude to allow God to speak and guide personal growth in virtues (4:08-5:21).
A Heart Like Yours: A Reflection on the Readings for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
This video, titled "Smooth Water," is a reflection on faith and gratitude during both easy and difficult times in life. Layperson Lisa discusses the following key points: Gratitude in Smooth Waters (0:10-0:17): It is easy to give thanks to God when life is going well and "the waters are smooth." God's Presence in Choppy Waters (0:24-1:06): When life becomes difficult, with "choppy water," "storms," "trials," "sufferings," and "affliction," we may feel distant from God. However, the speaker emphasizes that this is when God is actually closest to us, carrying us through our struggles. Joy vs. Happiness (1:29-1:47): The video differentiates between happiness, which is situational and a feeling, and joy, which is a disposition. One can be "joy-filled" even when not "happy," especially during hard times. Thankfulness for Affliction (1:49-2:04): Referencing St. Paul's Romans 5, the speaker notes that affliction builds character, endurance, perseverance, and ultimately, hope in Jesus. Hope in Jesus (2:05-2:17): The video highlights that placing hope in ourselves or others can lead to disappointment, but hope derived from Jesus "does not disappoint" because "He's always there." Finding Blessings in Difficult Times (2:21-2:48): It's important to be thankful for God's presence in both smooth and choppy waters, and to look for "little blessings" even amidst suffering, such as a beautiful day or the shining sun (both literal and metaphorical). God Dwells in Our Hearts (2:49-3:15): The truth is that we are "shrines of the trinity," and God dwells in our hearts. When things are not smooth, God is holding us and carrying us, which might be why we don't feel His presence, as He is actively uplifting and supporting us. Deeper Trust and Joyful Suffering (3:22-4:01): The speaker encourages prayer for deeper trust and dependency on God, and to cultivate a "disposition of joy that does not tremble in hard times." She mentions a book on patience, stating that the "sixth degree of patience is to suffer not quietly but joyfully," because "Jesus is in our heart." Continuous Gratitude (4:02-4:33): The video concludes by reiterating the importance of remembering that the same God thanked for blessings in smooth times is still present and holding us during choppy times, loving us, suffering for us, being our strength, and being our joy.
Smooth Water
In this Advent podcast, Layperson Lisa discusses the concept of "cloudy water," symbolizing confusion and struggles in life (0:08). She shares her personal journey of shifting her prayers from "Why can't you heal me of this?" to "How are you calling me to be purified and grow in deeper relationship with you?" (1:17-1:33). Lisa emphasizes that when we ask God for virtues like patience or humility, He often provides opportunities to cultivate them, even if they aren't always recognized as such (1:44-2:08). She encourages viewers to reframe their questions to God from "why is this happening?" to "How are you using this for me to draw closer to you?" and "How can this situation help me grow in heroic virtue?" (3:06-3:50). The video concludes by highlighting that embracing these "cloudy waters" as opportunities for growth helps reduce confusion, foster trust, and prevent discouragement, ultimately drawing us closer to God and helping us on our path to becoming saints (4:29-5:56).
Cloudy Water
The video "Advent Day 9: Deep Water" by Deacon Dave & Layperson Lisa Show discusses the concept of living a supernatural life that God calls us to through our baptism (0:20). Key takeaways include: Going Deeper: The hosts use the analogy of snorkeling or scuba diving to illustrate how going "deep" in our spiritual life allows us to see more of God's divine family and the supernatural world, much like seeing new life under the water (0:32-0:50). The Eucharist and Supernatural Calling: Receiving the Eucharist not only unites us with Jesus but also transforms us into "beacons of light," burning with the fire of love (1:56-2:18). The video challenges viewers to reflect on where they are not living out this supernatural calling (2:22). Reconciliation and the Heart as a Throne Room: Drawing on St. Teresa of Avila's imagery, our hearts are described as "throne rooms for the king" (2:41). Reconciliation is presented as a way to cleanse these "throne rooms" to readily receive Jesus, making them sparkle with jewels when we invite Him in (2:58-3:15). Mass as a Miracle: The Mass is highlighted as the place where "heaven meets earth" and countless miracles occur daily (3:54-4:10). The hosts encourage opening our hearts to truly understand these experiences (4:13).
Advent Day 9: Deep Water
This Advent podcast, with the theme of water, focuses on "shallow water" (0:10), which represents playing it safe in one's faith, or staying in the "kid zone" (0:19). The hosts suggest identifying these areas by looking at where you experience turmoil or tension in your life (0:41-0:48). These are often areas where people are hesitant to invite Jesus, fearing He might ask them to do something uncomfortable or scary (0:55-1:07). The video highlights that these moments of tension are an invitation from Jesus to enter "deeper waters" (1:17-1:28). Layperson Lisa shares her personal experience of being in "shallow waters" due to perceptions of rejection stemming from past wounds and fears (1:49-2:05). She emphasizes the importance of inviting Jesus into these situations as soon as they are recognized, allowing Him to provide supernatural peace (2:26-2:46). The hosts encourage viewers to reflect on where they are playing it safe, experiencing tension instead of peace, and to invite Jesus into those areas (3:27-3:40).
Advent Day 8: Shallow Water
The video, "Advent Day 7: Brackish Water," discusses the concept of brackish water (0:18), a mix of fresh and salt water, as a metaphor for life. These areas, like the Chesapeake Bay tributaries (0:24-0:34), are rich with life and thriving ecosystems. The speaker then applies this metaphor to personal spiritual growth, contrasting surviving with thriving (1:06). She shares a personal experience of a stressful job where she was merely surviving (1:15-1:34) and how getting "inside her head" can prevent her from thriving spiritually (1:45-2:00). She emphasizes that thriving means living out one's "baptismal identity as a beloved daughter of God," loving God and others, and being a vessel for His kingdom (2:07-2:26). The video also touches upon holiness and carrying crosses as disciples of Jesus, which involves renouncing one's will and uniting it with God's will (2:41-2:56). As the first week of Advent focuses on hope (3:20-3:28), the speaker encourages viewers to have hope in God, knowing He works through weakness (3:45-3:53). She concludes by urging viewers to reflect on where they are merely surviving and where God is calling them to thrive (5:36-5:46).
Advent Day 7: Brackish Water
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Archived Podcasts

Welcome to our podcast archive! These recordings bring the Gospel to life through conversations on Catholic faith and practice. Each episode is crafted to help you encounter Jesus Christ more deeply. Explore past shows below—you might be surprised how a message from months ago speaks directly to where you are today.

This podcast is an apostolate dedicated to sharing the Truth of the Gospel. We explore a variety of Catholic topics to help you engage more deeply with the message of Jesus Christ. Browse our archived episodes below—there’s always something new to discover, and revisiting past shows often brings fresh insights exactly when you need them.

The homily—meaning “explanation”—has roots in ancient Jewish tradition, where Levites helped people understand God’s law and synagogues paired readings with explanations. Jesus continued this practice in Nazareth and throughout Galilee.

Homilies help the faithful understand Scripture and apply it to their lives, holding “pride of place” among forms of Christian instruction. Only ordained ministers—deacons, priests, or bishops—may proclaim the Gospel and preach, reminding us these texts must be read within apostolic faith and tradition.

I prepare by first praying to the Holy Spirit for guidance, mindful of the liturgical season and community needs. I read commentaries and other homilies for deeper understanding. Though I often draw on personal experiences, I ask God to “empty me of me” so His Spirit inspires my words. Whatever the preacher’s style or the day’s readings, God meets each of us exactly where we are—if we’re open to receiving Him.

Dr. Christine Bacon is a featured speaker, author, radio show host, couple’s mentor, and former professor who specializes in understanding communication and utilizing knowledge to improve personal relationships and growth. For speaking and more, find Dr. Christine Bacon at: www.drchristinebacon.com