The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)

For the times we’re going through right now, Pope John Paul II had a message and has a message that still deeply reverberates in hearts today. In this episode Jeff takes us through four of his favorite writings that have significantly impacted his heart and his life and his conversion to the faith! Snippet from the Show My prayer is that everyone of my friends with me here today, in one year from now, will have four worn out, written in, meditated upon, and actuated upon writings of St. John Paul II. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you ever feel alone in your battles? In this episode, Jeff encourages us and reminds us that we’re not alone when we have the Word, those around us, and the armor God has given us! In this second part of this mini-series we learn about the final pieces of our God-issued battle attire: the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Snippet from the Show The time to learn about the armor is not in the middle of the battle, but before the battle has begun. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

We are in the midst of battle: but have we forgotten that the battle has already been won? In this episode Jeff walks us through Ephesians 6:10-17, where St. Paul invites us to "put on the armor of God", that we may walk in the victory Jesus has gained for us. Snippet from the Show Stand firm, and hold your ground. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What sort of responsibility do lay people have when it comes to evangelization? This week, Jeff continues his deep dive into the role of lay people in the Church. Jeff shares with us the wisdom of St. John Paul II from his document Christifideles Laici. Snippet from the Show “Be holy as I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

How are lay people called to serve the Lord? In this episode, Jeff dives into answering this question by walking through some of the wisdom from St. John Paul II’s document Christifideles Laici. Snippet from the Show We are all called to work in the Lord’s vineyard. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Did you know that you have access to all the tools you need to live the Catholic faith? God has given us everything we need in order to follow him. In today’s show, Jeff continues his examination of the tools we have been given to live our Catholic faith. Snippet from the Show We have all the tools we need in order to live our Catholic faith, but sometimes we forget about them. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What are some of the best tools for a Catholic to have as they strive for sainthood? In today’s episode, Jeff shares about the Catholic Swiss Army Knife. He explains what some of the essential, everyday tools are for a disciple. Snippet from the Show There is something about going to confession and hearing the voice of Christ through the priest saying “I forgive you.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

We are all called to be evangelists, so what is holding you back? In this episode, Jeff addresses some of the common reasons people use to avoid evangelization. He offers Scripture and advice on how to overcome fears and hurdles to evangelization. Snippet from the Show God’s power is demonstrated in our weakness. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Where do you go for healing and comfort? In our world today, there are many ways that someone might try to dull their pain or feel good about themselves. However, in today’s episode, Jeff shares about the one true source for healing and strength. Snippet from the Show Seek Christ. Turn to the Lord in the Eucharist. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What do you think are some of the big reasons for people’s unhappiness? In this episode, Jeff walks through a series of questions to help you discover what is most important to you and help you discover one of the main sources of happiness in life. Snippet from the Show Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Is crying a good thing? In this episode, Jeff explains the different types of tears and how crying can be very good for us. He shares what Scripture, saints, and popes have taught us about tears. Snippet from the Show Tears are a gift. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What should our attitude be in the wake of the ruling that has overturned Roe v. Wade? Abortion is a polarizing issue for many and can cause tension in families and friendships. In the wake of this ruling, Jeff offers some points to ponder that could help you navigate these relationships. Snippet from the Show Demonstrate the peace and love of Christ. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Is there an answer to suffering? We all experience suffering in different forms and to varying degrees. So, how do we respond to it? What does it mean? In this episode, Jeff dives into the answers for some of the big questions around suffering. Snippet from the Show The answering to your suffering is found in Jesus’ suffering Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

In the 1980s, Jeff helped smuggle Bibles into the Soviet Union. In this episode, Jeff shares about that experience and the incredible people he met there who had such great faith and such great dependence on God that their witness still impacts his life today. Snippet from the Show “I encountered people who gave so much even though they had so little.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

It can be difficult to receive criticism well, but what about offering criticism? This can be just as difficult! Jeff shares some advice and encouragement on how to give criticism well. Snippet from the Show There is a difference between judging and correcting. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

How do we live in these times? We are called to something so contrary to what the culture offers. In this episode, Jeff expounds on what makes the call of Christ so contrary. He explains how we need to “wake up!” Snippet from the Show Let your words and deeds cry out “I have encountered the Lord!” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Is criticism a good thing? If so, how can we receive it well? In this episode, Jeff Cavins shares personal advice and quotations from Scripture to help you receive criticism well. Snippet from the Show If you want understanding and you want to acquire wisdom, you must be open to criticism. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do bumper stickers say a lot about a person? Bumper stickers on your car could say a lot about what you believe and what is important to you. In this episode, Jeff ponders, “If people in the 1st century would have had stickers on their donkeys, what would some of those have said?” Snippet from the Show Be doers of the Word and not just hearers. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Have you ever experienced going from a high in your life to a low? Many of us have, and today, Jeff shares the story of Elijah to give us important reminders for when we experience such moments in our own lives. Snippet from the Show Hearts change when the good news of the Gospel is shared with them. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Is it a sin to get a tattoo? In today’s episode, Jeff responds to this very common and sometimes controversial question. Jeff offers Scriptural references, Church teaching, and great points to ponder concerning the topic of tattoos. Snippet from the Show Tattoo your heart with the love of Christ. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Curious to know how Jeff takes notes? Continuing his discussion on the art of learning, Jeff shares his method of taking notes and what he has learned about note taking over the years. Snippet from the Show Doing anything of value takes time. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are we losing the ability to learn and think deeply? Jeff explores this question and points out the incredible need for people to think, learn, and read more deeply. Jeff also offers an idea to help your family and community think more deeply. Snippet from the Show We need deep thinking, deep reading, and deep meditation to come to know the things of God. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What does it mean for the Church to be united "on earth as it is in Heaven?" In this episode, Jeff and guest Fr. Josh Johnson respond to this question and dive into a conversation centered around race and discipleship. Snippet from the Show If we have the blessing to be proximate to Jesus in the Eucharist, how can we not be inspired to invite everyone we know to meet Him as well? Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you want to know how to become rich? It seems as though most people have an innate desire to seek material wealth. However, in today’s episode, Jeff shares how to find true wealth that lasts. Snippet from the Show Give, be generous, and enjoy the love of God. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Is truth something that we each get to decide for ourselves? In this episode, Jeff explains the difference between valuing the individual and the radical individualism that is so prevalent in our world today. Snippet from the Show The individual matters and has inestimable value. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you struggle with worry? Life is full of reasons to worry and opportunities to lose our peace. In this episode, Jeff speaks with author Melissa Overmyer to talk about her new book and the recipe to combat worry. Snippet from the Show God is all powerful and nothing is beyond his ability to heal and transform and renew. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you struggle with knowledge hoarding? There is so much information to consume but so often that knowledge is rarely put into action. Jeff offers three steps to help you take the knowledge you have and put it into action. Snippet from the Show Knowledge is not meant to gather dust. It is meant to be put into action. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

As the Activated Disciple series comes to a close, Jeff recaps our journey over the last couple of weeks and offers us some next steps in our personal discipleship with the Lord. Snippet from the Show Imitation is the foundation of discipleship. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What does it mean to be covered in the dust of your rabbi? In this episode, Jeff explains this historic phrase and reveals how as activated disciples, we must conform our lives to Christ. We are called to participate in the life of Christ. Snippet from the Show An activated disciple must conform their life to the life of Christ. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

How do we proclaim the Gospel to others? Jeff shares the seven points of the Gospel that every evangelist should know, common excuses we make up for not sharing the Gospel, and the simple way we can double our parish size in just five years. Snippet from the Show Evangelization always begins with proclaiming how the Lord changed your own life. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

If Jesus asked you to follow him today, would tomorrow be any different than yesterday? Jeff discusses some the disciplines of a disciple and reveals their importance in the life of a follower of Christ. Snippet from the Show If you want to know what Jesus prayed about, look at what he did. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

How does someone come into the Church? Jeff outlines the process of a person coming into the Church and how you can be a part of that process. He also discusses what it means to put on Christ and be a part of the Body of Christ. Snippet from the Show “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Who chooses whom? In this third part of the Activated Disciple series, Jeff Cavins explains how God chose us first and how we are called to respond. Snippet from the Show The vocation of every Christian is to imitate God. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

When you imagine what a disciple should look like, what do you see? In this second part of the Activated Disciple series, Jeff Cavins discusses the importance of imitating Christ in order to be a disciple. Snippet from the Show God does not ask us to change and then abandon us. He remains with us. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are you a fan or a follower? In this first part of the Activated Disciple retreat, Jeff discusses the difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus. What does it mean to be a follower and how do we get there? Snippet from the Show Fans don’t change the world, but followers do. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are you looking for faith opportunities for the young people in your life? Jeff sits down with the leaders of an incredible faith opportunity called Damascus, a Catholic camp for youth. Tune in to hear all about the story, mission, and experience of Damascus. Snippet from the Show “This is the first time I heard God speak to me.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you want to experience true transformation this Lent? Jeff shares an exciting way for you to get the most of your Lent this year, experience real change, and become the disciple God is calling you to be. Snippet from the Show "The shape of your day is reflected by the love for your life. What would it like for Christ to shape your day?" Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What is the leaven of the Pharisees? Diving into Scripture, Jeff shows how Jesus Christ came for all people and that even now we must avoid the Pharisaic view and bring Christ to all people. Snippet from the Show If everyone in the Church lived and worshiped like you, would the Church grow in the next year? Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What does it mean to live the good life? Jeff Cavins describes what it really means to live the good life and gives twelve aspects of living it. He also identifies the barriers we might face in our pursuit of the good life. Snippet from the Show A key to living the good life is to daily do the will of God. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

In 1982, Mother Teresa of Calcutta delivered a powerful commencement address at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Today, I share with you her simple yet profound words to those young people. No matter what you're going through in life right now, Mother Teresa's timeless words will surely move your heart and remind you that you are beloved. Snippet from the Show "Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid to love. Even when suffering comes, humiliation comes, pain comes, success comes, joy comes. Remember, you are precious to Him. He loves you."- St. Teresa of Calcutta Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jeff gives an overview of the four types of core wounds. He explains the lies that we believe, how they impact our relationships and behaviors, and concludes with a few simple steps we can take to start the healing process. Disclaimer: Jeff Cavins is not a psychologist, but shares these observations on suffering based on his time serving and helping people during his years as a pastor. These are general observations on the symptoms of suffering and basic recommendations for ways to begin healing. Snippet from the Show When suffering from a core wound, the most important first step is identifying it. Then, you can invite God to help you start the healing process. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

God helps us to grow into the fruitful branches he needs us to be by having us endure different spiritual seasons. Just like each season is essential to the growth of a fruitful grape vine, each spiritual season plays an essential part in helping us as disciples better follow Christ. Jeff offers some comforting perspective on this and encourages us to embrace the seasons we're in, even if it is one of pruning and cleansing. _Show Snippet _ "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit," John 15: 1-2 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

People encounter Christ by encountering him through the words and deeds of Christians. Jeff shares how we can be an essential part of the "grapevine" through which others can be touched by God and encouraged to enter into a relationship with Christ. Snippet from the Show We want to be part of the grapevine helping people hear about the Lord, especially by bringing them to the Eucharist. We do this by touching people through our words and actions. Snippet from the Show Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jeff takes us into the new year by sharing a beautiful prayer from St. Ephraim, which highlights how reading the Word of God is like drinking from a fountain and having our thirst quenched. He also shares his conversation with the hosts of Ascension's new podcast launching in 2022, La Biblia en un Año, which brings the Bible in a Year experience to the Hispanic community. Snippet from the Show "For your word, Lord, has many shades of meaning just as those who study it have many different points of view. The Lord has colored his word with many hues so that each person who studies it can see in it what he loves. He has hidden many treasures in his word so that each of us is enriched as we meditate on it."- St. Ephraim Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jeff shares two gifts and three stocking stuffers from Jesus in this Christmas special. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Statues can make a big difference in helping keep our Faith present in our daily lives, especially for kids as they grow up. But, sometimes religious statues make people uncomfortable. Jeff describes how statues are not idols, but rather tools to remind us of our salvation and the virtues we need to cultivate to attain it. Snippet from the Show Religious statues point to the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. A statue of Jesus points to salvation. We do not worship the statue, but rather use it as a tool to inspire our prayer and growth in virtue. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

We all have many choices to make in these times, whether at work or at home. We need wisdom in our life to make the right decisions. Jeff explains the differences between knowledge, wisdom, and understanding and why acting on principle rather than preference is how to align our decisions with God's will. He then concludes with four steps to help you make the right decisions. Snippet from the Show When we apply knowledge to make the right decisions, we act wisely. When we ask God and act according to his Word, our decisions bear good fruit in our lives and benefit others. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

How has God blessed you this year? In today's brief Thanksgiving episode, Jeff invites us to reflect on the greatness and generosity of God the Father and encourages us to live in constant thanksgiving for all the ways he provides for us. Snippet from the Show "God is the Father Almighty, whose fatherhood and power shed light on one another: God reveals his fatherly omnipotence by the way he takes care of our need."- CCC 270 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Unforgiveness is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in our walk with the Lord. Jeff uses the parable of the unforgiving servant to share with us how unforgiveness hardens our hearts, immobilizes us spiritually, and prevents us from appreciating God’s mercy with our own brokenness. Snippet from the Show There is a relationship between us being forgiven and us forgiving others. If you struggle with unforgiveness, remember what Jesus did for you on the Cross. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jesus tells us to pray, fast, and give alms in secret because the Father who sees in secret will repay us. Jeff expands on this fascinating teaching and invites us to think about our secret places where we meet God and encounter his love. Snippet from the Show "Your Father who sees in secret will repay you."- Matthew 6:4 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!