Soul Food Priest: Recent Episodes

Soul Food Priest

This is the podcast where culinary and Christianity collide. Each week Fr. Ben Bradshaw will serve up homilies, whip up Teaching Tapas, answer your burning questions, and pass along recipes.

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Fr. Ben ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ gives several tips on how to deal with people who are difficult. It's best to learn these tips so we don't allow them to steal our peace, and to prevent oneself from being that difficult person to others.

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Fr. Ben provides a fascinating homily on the impact Catholics have had in culture, and why culture needs Catholics. The teachings of Christ have transformed the lives and hearts of so many that the world is forever changed by them. Take a listen because this homily is for you to discern with the Lord how He’s calling you to impact the culture He’s placed you in.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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So many people are confused by what SSPX (the Society of St. Pius X) is. Now this society is in the news and Pope Leo has excommunicated their bishops and priest. Who are they? Were they Catholic? What do they teach? Fr. Ben discusses the answers to these questions in this episode with Silvia and Khira.

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Fr. Ben is completing his homily series on the 10 Commandments. Coveting our neighbor's goods can be prevented by having more gratitude in one's life. Listen as Fr. Ben explains and how you can grow in gratitude everyday.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ . Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben addresses the 9th commandment by focusing on chastity. Often times we have a false idea of what chastity is. Fr. Ben defines it as well as share how and why it applies to every person. He also uses some of St. John Paul II's beautiful teachings about this topic and what it means to be human.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben continues his reflections on the commandments by addressing the 8th, bearing false witness. Gossip is included in this commandment. Listen to this homily to receive insights about what gossip truly is and what it can reveal to us about ourselves.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ .

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America celebrates 250 years and the soccer team is in the World Cup! What makes America unique? How does the Catholic fit into the American culture? How can Catholics assist their fellow citizens? Plus find out what Fr. Ben was baking in the kitchen on the 4th of July!

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How does stealing apply to most Catholics? Most associate stealing with shoplifting or robbing a bank; however, there are other ways we rob ourselves and others of the proper things in life. Fr. Ben provides insight on this issue to help all grow in holiness and the spiritual life.

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Jesus tells us in Scripture to "be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:8). This begs the question of how this is possible. We live in a culture that strives for perfectionism, but is this what Jesus is talking about? Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira tackle this question as well discuss som of Fr. Ben's favorite show, The Bear.

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Fr. Ben continues his homily series on the commandments. This week he addresses the sixth commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery. Ultimately, this one addresses fidelity. Whether married or not, this homily is so important for all those in a relationship so as to live it out in a holy manner.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben discusses the value of fatherhood and the important aspects of being a good father. It will take work, but it will be the most rewarding work a man can achieve. This is a beautiful homily for all men, whether they're physical or spiritual fathers.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ ,. Thanks for listening!

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Khira Rotty continues the conversation with Fr. Anthony Baetzold, OFM Cap. to honor this year of St. Francis. Learn some cool fun facts about Franciscans and how they've impacted our culture!

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Humans are body and soul. This means that "thou shall not kill" can apply to both. Listen as Fr. Ben explains and how we can correct our faulty habits of offending others.

We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben discusses the beauty of parenting and creating memories as well as the difficulties of parenting. How children of all ages can respect their parents and how parents can honor their children.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Jealousy often times creeps into our lives, even sometimes envy. What's the difference between the two? What do we do when this happens? How do we combat these feelings that often times creep in? Watch as Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira discuss these questions on a practical level.

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This is the third installment of Fr. Ben's homily series on the commandments: Keeping the sabbath holy. Watch to learn how this practically applies to families today and why it's so important to uphold.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube @SoulFoodPriest.

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Fr. Ben continues his homily series on the commandments by addressing the second one: You shall not take the Lord's name in vain. What we say matters and how we say it can affect others in strong ways. This is the same with the Lord.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on any YouTube @SoulFoodPriest!

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Fr. Ben, @SoulFoodPriest , welcomes a special guest from HALLOW, Jonathan Campbell. Hallow is the number one prayer app in the world, so this topic of conversation is all about prayer. Topics include how to pray, when to pray, how to pray as spouses, how to pray as a family, etc. Fr. Ben, Khira Rotty, and Jonathan Campbell all speak about their own prayer lives and provide practical tips about prayer in the different vocations and seasons of life one might find themselves in.

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Fr. Ben begins a homily series on the 10 Commandments. This week he provides basic information about the commandments, the natural moral law, and the various gods we might have in our lives. Take a listen to gain some insight on how purify one's heart and begin to grow in holiness.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ . Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben delivers a beautiful homily on motherhood and femininity. He provides incredible insight on what women experience on a regular basis and how men can help them. This is a great homily for both men and women!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on any YouTube ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ !

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Watch this episode to get some of the answers you've wanted to know about the Sacrament of Confession (Penance). Why should Catholics confess to a priest? Can a priest share what he hears in the confessional? Who is forgiving the sins? And more!

Please comment below or share if you like this episode. Also, let us know what other topics you'd like to have us discuss.

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Fr. Ben's homily this past weekend is on learning from our mistakes. How can we grow from them? How can we combat shame and discouragement when they happen? Watch as he presents some great spiritual advice on this topic.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest.

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Fr. Ben explains in the homily why we can trust God with our prayers. Oftentimes people doubt if God is listening or if He's there. It all takes faith, surrender, and trust. Listen to learn more.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben gives insight as to how often he's thinking about food! However, this leads to a more serious topic of how to control emotions, surrender, and make prudent decisions. Watch to receive practical insight on growing in spiritual maturity.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ !

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We are a people of HOPE! Listen as Fr. Ben explains why and how this is Good News for EVERYONE! We pray you have a blessed Easter.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest!

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Fr. Ben provides explanation on the differences between sympathy, empathy, and compassion. He also explains how we can become better in all three of these areas. Take a listen!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest!

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Fr. Ben addresses a topic that plagues so many people in our culture- worry and anxiety. In this homily, he provides practical ways to help maintain peace.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food!

You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben discusses what psychologists call the "butterfly effect". This principle can relate to one's own spiritual life. Take a listen this Lent to reflect on your own life and decisions you can make to better your spiritual life.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben provides a list of some of life's greatest lessons. Jesus reminds us of true happiness in the beatitudes, and Fr. Ben's homily provides more insight on attaining that happiness Jesus speaks of.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube @SoulFoodPriest. Thanks for watching!

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Fr. Ben preaches on the importance of one's vocation as the way God has called you to express His love. He also takes the time to reflect on the beauty of religious life and gives interesting statistics on the state of vocations in the United States.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us YouTube ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ !

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This episode includes New Year traditions, where they came from, and the possibility of a new bishop in our diocese. Many people ask, or don't even know, how a new bishop is elected for a diocese or archdiocese. Watch as Fr. Ben explains this.

We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest!

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Languages and words can be tricky at times. Some languages express sentiments better than others and some words can be really harsh. There are just some words in the food world that maintain its original language.

As we prepare to gather for the holiday season, we know there will be some conversations that will be difficult to navigate and some people who we might try to avoid. Fr. Ben will give some tips in this episode to help you with these situations, should you find yourself there.

We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest!

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Fr. Ben spends time in this Advent season encouraging us all to learn from our mistakes. This is how we grow in wisdom and humility. Listen to learn more and be hopeful.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ !

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Fr. Ben provides a great homily on what makes the Catholic Church unique from all other churches. Watch to learn more and reflect on what it means to you.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube @SoulFoodPriest. Thanks for listening!

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In this episode, Fr. Ben, Silvia and Khira discuss the beauty of Advent. What they do to prepare, family traditions, and some insights on the season itself and what it means.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube @SoulFoodPriest.

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Advent begins a new liturgical year in Catholicism. Fr. Ben invites you to take the time this Advent to ponder a few questions about this past year and look to the upcoming year. Listen and take some time to answer these questions personally and even as a family this season. You'll be happy you did!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube @SoulFoodPriest.

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There are many things in this world that we can't control, but there are two things we can control. Listen as Fr. Ben reveals those two things and how one can utilize them for the overall good of the world.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Gratitude is key here ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ ! Watch to learn why and why you should have gratitude as well, even in the midst of struggle.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube @SoulFoodPriest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben gathers with over 100 women of his parish for a monthly event called Cocktails & Conversations. On this particular evening he provided great insight and wisdom on the topic of worry and anxiety. There are great psychological and theological lessons to gain from this. We hope you enjoy and allow God to provide His peace.

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Fr. Ben describes the three stages of life and what the second coming means. What does the "resurrection of the dead" from the creed mean? Watch to learn what is meant by this!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest!

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Fr. Ben describes honesty, integrity, and faith and how every Catholic can embody these three virtues. He also provides many historical examples of what happens when people are honest and when they are not. Hint: you can tell by the fruits. Take a listen!

We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ !

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What did you do on your Fall break? Silvia and Khira tried to catch some rest and have some time with the family. However, Fr. Ben @SoulFoodPriest attended the Culinary Institute of America and is the first priest to do so. Listen to hear what that experience was like for him.

We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest!

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Fr. Ben discusses the hard realities of mortality, but how all must be at peace with it. Watch to learn how. He also provides practical advice for everyone regarding ways to help your family be at peace after you pass. It's a difficult topic but Fr. Ben shares what he's learned from assisting so many families.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest!

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Listen to learn what is considered a regret and how to heal from it. God is so good and doesn't want you to live with regret.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube @SoulFoodPriest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben ‪@SoulFoodPriest‬ receives questions about Halloween in the fall every year. He, Silvia, and Khira discuss those questions and all the things we can and can't do as Catholics.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Negative self-talk can minimize how one views themselves; but, God has a greater plan for each person. How do you avoid negative self-talk? Find your talent. Listen to this homily to find out how and why?

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben and Khira discuss some of their peeves in the kitchen. Along with this topic, it can be really bothersome by how some people misinterpret the Second Vatican Council. Fr. Ben sets to try and clarify some of those misinterpretations.

Let us know what some of your pet peeves are in the kitchen!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben explains the importance of prayer for married couples as well as the vital role parents play in their children's lives. This is a huge responsibility that can be difficult, but that's why there are new ministries to assist couples and parents in this endeavor. Take a listen to find out more. You can also visit @SoulFoodPriest on YouTube to watch the video he references.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube.

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Changes happen all the time. Transitions are different seeing that they are rarer. How do you handle change? How do you handle transition? Fr. Ben spends time providing how we can better handle these times along with the hope that God is with us.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben has received the question: How does one come into the Catholic Church. He , Silvia, and Khira discuss the stages people usually have of coming into the Church; but it's not without discussing some of their favorite summertime drinks with friends.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube @SoulFoodPriest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben celebrates mass with those with special needs from all over Memphis, TN. It's a beautiful mass filled with joy, and that's precisely what Fr. Ben talks about in this homily. What does it take to have joy in life? Take a listen.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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In this episode, Fr. Ben introduces Silvia and Khira to Dubai chocolate as they discuss some very interesting interesting questions. What's the deal with angels & demons? Can they read our thoughts? What about ghosts?

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Want to know how to attain happiness? Listen to Fr. Ben's homily to find out.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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(You'll enjoy watching this episode on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest.)

Ever wanted to know how to properly dice an onion, tomato, or bell pepper? Now's your chance! Fr. Ben teaches us how to do this as well as provide other safety tips. This is an episode Khira has been looking forward to!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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What is indifference? Indifference is not I don't care, but I care so much that I'm not going take control. Listen how Fr. Ben explains how we surrender and become indifferent in life with God and others.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube @SoulFoodPriest!

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This season of Soul Food Priest is focused on making the Catholic Faith and they kitchen more approachable and way less intimidating. In this episode, Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira discuss the top five must haves in the spiritual life and in the kitchen. You'll receive some great information for the soul and the body!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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The way people will remember you in life is determined now and in your life decisions. Why do the small, everyday decisions in life matter? Take a listen to Fr. Ben's homily for the answer and several examples of people from the past.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben preaches on the virtue of courage. Everyday requires this virtue, especially when called to live the faith in this culture. How do you grow in it? How to do you change your perspective to appreciate the trials? Take a listen.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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This week on @SoulFoodPriest , Fr. Ben discusses a topic he's always found intriguing, Near-Death Experiences. After much reading, research, and personal interviews, Fr. Ben reveals some of the fascinating information he has received and how it can affect all people.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben discusses the basis of faith and the necessary task of each person to know what he/she believes. Better understanding what you believe and learning more about the Faith will help deepen your relationship with Lord. Not only that, but people will notice. Take a listen!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben shares some of the topics that either cause family conflict or can keep it going. This list has been compiled by counseling people for almost twenty years. Take a listen to find out how to promote peace.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Welcome to the ⁨@SoulFoodPriest⁩ season finale where Fr. Ben gets interviewed by teenagers! This is your chance to get to know him a little better. Watch to see what questions they throw at him and possibly see what he was like as a teenager.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube. Thanks for listening!

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In this homily Fr. Ben discusses the difference between narcissism and altruism. One tends to cut God and others out of their life and the other lives for the other. This is a great time for us to reflect on our own daily lives and see how we can simply change our ways to be a more loving people.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben takes the time to roll out his 3-year plan for St. Michael's. This all comes through prayer, focus groups, discussions, and surveys. We'd love to hear what you think!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben receives a lot of questions regarding the church teaching about Same Sex Attraction. What does the Church officially teach? Why does the Church teach that? Ben, Khira and Silvia discuss this major topic.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on any podcast platform!

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It's easy to find the struggles and ugliness in everyday life that we overlook the beauty that surrounds us. Fr. Ben teaches us in this homily why we should take notice and what to do with it. Let beauty pierce your day!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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The Founding Fathers used many principles in the Constitution that Jesus spoke about Himself. Fr. Ben revisits the Constitution, what these men wrote, and the beliefs that our nation was founded upon. These beliefs are in line with our Catholic belief! Take a listen to hear how and what all it means to be a Catholic American.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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A lot of Catholics know of people who have fallen away from the church for various reasons. The question that gets asked a lot then becomes: What do we do?? In this episode Father, Silvia, and Khira attempt to answer this question as well as provide some type of advice for those who are considering leaving the church.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Everyone finds themselves in difficult situations where they have to navigate dealing with difficult people. It could be relatives, friends, or people in the grocery line. What does the Lord want of us? Listen to receive practical, helpful tips on how you can improve the situation.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook, or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben receives a lot of questions regarding spreading the ashes of a loved one. Why doesn't the Catholic Church allow that? Fr. Ben, Khira and Silvia discuss this topic, and Silvia attempts to explain a type of Mexican bread that is a way of remembering one's mortality.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube at Soul Food Priest!

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The majority of the Church consists of laity. Who are they? The average Catholics in the pews. Those who are married or single and are not a consecrated religious.

Vatican II called for leadership in the laity. What does that mean for the average Catholic? Take a listen as Fr. Ben explains what the role of the laity is.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Typically, near the Solemnity of the Ascension, Fr. Ben gets asked multiple questions about Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. He decided to do a homily to explain what all three are and how the individual person decides what they want. Listen to better understand.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben serves up a small teaching on the four aspects of cooking and how it relates to one's daily life. Listen to learn the four to heighten your meals as well as your life.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben addresses the one of the most radical teachings of Jesus that only His followers are required to follow: Love thy enemies. Why MUST we do that? It's also so countercultural; however, Fr. Ben addresses why this teaching is vital to follow and what it can unlock in one's life.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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The top question Fr. Ben is receiving right now is: What do you think about the new pope? Everyone wants to know, so Fr. Ben shares some of his initial thoughts on the new Pope, Leo XIV. Along with this, one of the top qualities we hear about Pope Leo is the ability to listen, so Father, Silvia and Khira discuss the art of listening in the first part of this episode.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben reflects major lessons from three of the Pope Leos: Pope St. Leo the Great, Pope Leo XIII, & Pope Leo XIV. What is the main common thread in all three? Take a listen to find out!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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All should take a listen to this homily to have a greater appreciation for moms and overall parenting. There is some great insight on how to take care of the moms in your life, and, moms, how to take care of yourselves.

Moms, thank you for all you do!!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Many people have asked Fr. Ben for his assessment of Pope Francis' pontificate. Last week Fr. Ben focused on the positives; this week he focuses on some of the criticisms.

Please join us in prayer as a new pope will soon be elected.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben shares the beautiful wisdom of the importance of humility and how that affect one's day to day life in numerous ways. Want to learn the way of peace? Take a listen.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest.

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Many people have asked Fr. Ben for his assessment of Pope Francis' pontificate. In this episode, he focuses on the good that Pope Francis brought to the Church. Take a listen to as we take the time in gratitude for our late Pope and begin to pray for the new one to be elected.

This is a two part series. Part II will be released next Thursday.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben explains the role of the pope and what takes place in the conclave. He gives reasons, both rooted in Scripture and Tradition, as to why the Catholic Church does what She does regarding this sacred process and office.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben creates three amazing dishes for Silvia and Khira that they’ve either never tried or there’s a surprise twist. With this idea of surprises that one can find in food, the topic of God allowing surprises to happen to us becomes a topic of discussion. Listen as we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to surprises in life.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben reminds us that Easter is a time of hope and renewal. The only question is: Will you allow it to be that for your life? This homily message helps us know what that means and how we can better live as a people of hope.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben gives a brief homily about Holy Week. Take a listen...it's only two minutes.

Please know if our prayers for you as we approach Easter.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Lent is a time for self-reflection and purification. Fr. Ben reflects in this homily on the importance of reflecting on our stubborn ways and growing in humility. Take a listen to this difficult yet helpful homily.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben, Silvia and Khira continue their conversation with author and journalist George Weigel.

Mr. Weigel is most well-known for his two-part biography on St. John Paul II. While working on this biography, he developed a close friendship with the great saint. April 2, 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s death, so we wanted to discuss with Mr. Weigel what St. John Paul II meant to him, the Church, and the rest of the world. We hope you enjoy our conversation.

To learn more about George Weigel and his writings, visit his website at www.georgeweigel.com.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben, Silvia and Khira had the incredible honor of sitting with author and journalist George Weigel. Mr. Weigel is most well-known for his two-part biography on St. John Paul II. While working on this biography, he developed a close friendship with the great saint. April 2, 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s death, so we wanted to discuss with Mr. Weigel what St. John Paul II meant to him, the Church, and the rest of the world. We hope you enjoy our conversation.

To learn more about George Weigel and his writings, visit his website at www.georgeweigel.com.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben had extra cherries in his kitchen, so we whipped several batches of clafoutis. Don’t know what that is? Watch and you’ll find out! What makes some parishes thrive and others remain stale? Fr. Ben researches this question online by seeing what people post and what surveys say. He reveals his findings and discusses them with Khira and Silvia.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions or follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben discusses the art of listening in this homily and the value of it. Being able to communicate is extremely important, but people often overlook the importance of listening. Spend some time listening to what the Lord may be teaching you.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben preaches on what it means to be made in God's image and likeness. The deep beauty of who you are is incredible and God marvels at you. Do you know this? Take a listen and know your own identity this Lent.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben serves up a small plate of couscous and tells you of various ways you can use it. He also relates it to the spiritual life. How is that possible?? Take a listen.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben talks about the courage to walk upstream in our culture, especially when it comes to truth. It takes a lote of courage to be Catholic, but there are so many who have witnessed it throughout history. Take a listen to hopefully be built up in your faith.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben and Khira get the privilege of sitting with Sr. Mary Lawrence again to discuss God’s infinite love for each person. The joy in her face as she describes the love of God is beautiful and contagious. Our prayer is that you are able to live in that love, so watch and hear how you can.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on any podcast platform!

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Soul Food Prest wants to brag on our very own Silvia Vega. She covered the song "Run to the Father" by Matt Maher at St. Michael's1st Sunday of Lent Mass. It was recorded live through our livestream. Fr. Ben gave a brief statement about the Diocesan Capital Campaign, so we wanted to share this video with you in lieu of a homily. May you have a blessed Lent running to the Father.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast.

You can also follow Silvia at Silvia Vega Music on Facebook or Instagram.

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Fr. Ben serves up sourdough in this episode. He talks about what makes it have the tang. This process of creating a sourdough starter can easily be related to how our hearts can become sour over time. Take a listen!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, and it is on that day that Christians are really reminded of their mortality. Fr. Ben talks on the difficult topic of death as a way to prepare for this coming Lent. How can we prepare for death? Why should we reflect on our mortality? These questions, and others, are addressed in this homily.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben just completed a week of creating over 650 king cakes as a fundraiser for his parish. He shares it with you this week as well as the origins of the “King Cake”. As he was preparing all those king cakes, news of the Pope’s failing health was reported. Many people then started asking the questions of “What happens if the Pope dies?”. This is the topic Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira discuss.

Please join us in prayer as we pray for the healing of Pope Francis.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben discusses the key points that those who are young can and should learn from those who are older. Life will be more beautiful when one adopts this wisdom in life. Take a listen to what they are.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? You can submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast through Facebook or you could email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben and Khira sit with Sister Mary Lawrence, O.P. to discuss religious life. Many people often ask questions about the life of a sister or nun but rarely get to hear from one. In this episode you have the privilege of listening to our dear friend explain the life of a sister.

Sr. Mary Lawrence is a Dominican sister from the St. Cecelia Congregation in Nashville and is the principal of a school in Memphis. She’ll discuss more of what all this means and what their particular charism is as a community.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on any podcast platform!

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Fr. Ben discusses what he thinks are the top 5 reasons we should be proud to be Catholics. These are his opinions, but he also gives great evidence to back them up. Take a listen and you'll learn a lot.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben serves up a small lesson on patina. He teaches what it is physically and how it can apply to one's spiritual life. Take a listen and learn.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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There have been many anti-Catholic sentiments over the course of the Church's entire existence. Where does it come from? Is there truth to any of them? What can Catholics do to dispel any confusion that exists around Catholicism? Fr. Ben tackles all these questions in this one episode!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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How do you grow in virtue? This is the main question Fr. Ben poses to his parishioners and to you today. Knowing what virtue is and knowing how to grow in it makes us a people of moral character. Take a listen to this homily filled with great wisdom and examples of virtuous people.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben serves up a small bit of knowledge on Chef Tom Colicchio, the judge and head producer of the show Top Chef. Colicchio remembers the moment words had a massive impact on him, and so Fr. Ben elaborates on this reality of our words.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Sometimes it's easy to tell the truth, at other times it's something we don't want to do. Listen to what Fr. Ben has to say about that in this homily and how small lies can make a big impact.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben welcomes the New Year by inviting Khira and Silvia to the parish rectory. Kicking off Season 2 of Soul Food Priest with a very requested topic, "End of Life Care". Many do not want to talk about it and maybe leave it until it's inevitable. Fr. Ben gives us great advice on how to navigate this in a peaceful and loving way.

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Fr. Ben counsels many married couples on a regular basis. He shares some of his advice to the congregation that he often times shares with those couples. This homily provides some helpful tips for families and how to keep everyone well-grounded and humble.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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What would you say the most important days are in a person's life? Fr. Ben discusses this on Christmas. It's great to take stock of where we are in our faith at this time and discern what might be holding us back. Take a listen and be encouraged to take the right steps this season leading into the new year.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben explains in this homily the difference between confidence and ego. One can be rooted in humility. Take a listen so as to examine oneself if humility or the ego is at work in life.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Taking things slower in food preparation can enhance the dish one is preparing. The same could be said about one's spiritual life. Take a listen as Fr. Ben briefly explains how.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben explains the history of his parish in Memphis, TN and what it means to be parish. It's very interesting to rethink what "parish" means and reflect on what it means in your life. Research the history of your own parish and the importance of faith to those who laid the original stones.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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The holidays are coming and that often mean baking sweet cookies, but also dealing with bitterness and struggle. This can be difficult when Christmas peace is all we want. So how do we maintain peace in our hearts and homes? How do we maintain that peace when we know some stressful events may occur? Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira provide great tips based on years of trial and error.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube. Thanks for listening!

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Advent is the beginning of the new liturgical year, so look at it as your new year in the spiritual life. Fr. Ben gives three tips in becoming a better person that you can start to put in practice during the holiday season.

St. Michaels has also partnered with the Hallow app. We cannot encourage you enough to join their prayer challenges and better develop your prayer habits in this new year as well.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Did you know the Vatican has a cookbook that was written by a Swiss Guard? Listen as Fr. Ben gives his opinion on this cookbook as well as talk about the importance of protection. He also covers the moral guidelines of protection according to the Church.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben provides great tips before the holidays about making wise choices. This can make or break some relationships, and his hope is for you to maintain healthy relationships. Take a listen to also hear a poem he created back in grade school about this very topic.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Constructing gingerbread houses can be stressful and sometimes never work the way we imagined, especially with kids involved. Fr. Ben has constructed some amazing gingerbread houses for his parishes that have weighed over 200 pounds. Khira on the other hand has not attempted to construct one with her family.

Building a vibrant parish life can be stressful and tricky as well. Many people have many opinions and can be quite negative. How do we deal with negative people in the Church? How do we charitably deal with strong opinions coming from frequent churchgoers? Take a listen to receive great advice.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube. Thanks for listening!

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Some people aren't too sure what some of the differences are between Catholicism & other world religions and why those differences exist. Most know less about what there is in common between them. It's important to know and Fr. Ben explains why.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben serves up a small lesson on who César Ritz was, what his expectations were, and what parishes can learn from him. Take a listen to learn what it means to make a parish "ritzy".

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food!

Follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Listening doesn't require much work; however, it can often times be the most difficult thing to do. It is especially difficult to listen to the people you're surrounded by every day because they might repeat what they say. In this homily, Fr. Ben discusses how this is an act of love. Curious about that? Take a listen.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben and Khira sit down with a special guest, Gwen Coffey. She’s the Director of Social Ministries for St. Michael’s parish and her deep love is to serve persons with special needs. In this episode, she talks about the ministries that have been developed for persons with special needs and the importance of ministering to them and their families. This is such a beautiful episode filled with great information for all.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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This episode is a bit different in that Fr. Ben gives a review of the new movie Conclave out in theaters. He also addresses the idea of women's ordination, which is a topic this movie is pushing. Take a listen to have a clearer idea and understanding of Church teaching on this major topic.

(We apologize. This episode was to be released last Thursday. It's being uploaded today because we want you to have this information while this movie is still out in theaters and fresh on people's minds.)

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben speaks on the harm of negativity and self-pity and provides the way to stop it. This is a great examination for all to practice, especially when examining one's self-talk. Take a listen to receive the great advice of wise people to learn how to stop this cycle of negativity in your own mind and heart.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben at stmichaelmemphis.org to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube @SoulFoodPriest. Thanks for listening!

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Sometimes thing happen in life that are very inconvenient and not according to our plans. How do we respond? Could God have allowed it? If so, why would He do that?

Fr. Ben has great advice for these moments in this homily. He also provides great insight on how we can utilize these moments to grow in the spiritual life.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira spend time talking about variations of frostings, dough, and cooking methods. Along with this, they discuss variations in communication styles and how that can cause some conflicts, especially on social media. Fr. Ben gives tips on social media etiquette and how they can also be utilized in everyday conversations.

In this episode too, Khira takes Fr. Ben's advice to be not afraid and gives him her homemade cake to try! What's his reaction?? You'll have to check it out!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Living in a fallen world is hard! Whether it's struggling with the sins of the past or present, and/or struggling with the sins of others who have hurt you. How can you truly forgive? Can you make everyone happy? Listen to some of these difficult but redemptive truths from Fr. Ben, and others who have gone before us, to learn how to live a life free from the slavery of sin and resentment.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben serves up one of Julia Child's favorite desserts and it's made of avocado! So what does the pit of an avocado have to do with our relationship with God?? Fr. Ben makes that connection. Take a listen.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben has spent numerous hours helping parishioners handle conflicts between their spouses, family members, kids, and/or friends. So in this episode of Soul Food Priest, Fr. Ben serves up some amazing mocha dipped shortbread cookies and give great practical advice on dealing with conflict. Sometimes cookies can help with conflict; however, we need to know how to properly handle the conflicts in our various relationships to maintain a healthy and holy life. (FYI: You can see the cookies on the Soul Food Priest YouTube page!)

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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There are many who oppose science at the expense of faith and faith at the expense of science. Fr. Ben provides clarity to this issue and explains what the Church really teaches. Take a listen and you might be surprised.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben serves up a small plate of helpful advice on knowing the difference between cooking vs. cuisine and self-deception vs accountability. We can all be a little confused on these topics. Father helps to clarify and give a great tip on dispelling self-deception.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben's homily is a basic overview of some of the beautiful symbols used in mass and most churches all over the world. You must listen to the end to hear what Catholics believe is NOT a symbol and the simple fact as to why that's so.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira have fun conversation about taste, and the difference between taste and flavor. Fr. Ben also reveals his top 10 Catholic movies! Take a listen to find out what they are and why. We'd love to hear what you'd add to the list. Comment or email us at sfppodcast@icloud.com.

Just a reminder that you can see this episode on YouTube at Soul Food Priest - YouTube!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) or email us to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben's parish, St. Michael in Memphis, has a mass where persons with special needs participate in the liturgy and prayers are offered for them. It's such a beautiful mass! Enjoy this homily from that mass.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Have you ever heard of Mukbang? It comes from South Korea. Listen to this episode and Fr. Ben will fill you in on this new phenomenon and what it reveals.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Listen as Fr. Ben explains one virtue that will greatly benefit when on the struggle bus. Reaching out for help, growing in our faith, having a continual prayer life, and developing healthy friendships all help in fostering this particular virtue.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Just a reminder that you can see this episode on YouTube at Soul Food Priest - YouTube!

Many people, Catholic and non-Catholics, are confused on the difference between chastity and celibacy. This is a common question he and Khira receive as they teach the Theology of the Body. So, in this episode, Fr. Ben clarifies and reveals the beauty of both. Many even wonder how men and women could take a vow of celibacy! Now you can hear Fr. Ben's perspective as a celibate priest.

Plus, we'd love to hear from you on what your favorite dining experience has ever been! Please comment or email us at sfppodcast@icloud.com!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben explains in this homily what patience is, how to grow in it, and he tells a great story about Michaelangelo.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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Fr. Ben discusses a famous quote from French food writer, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, and how contemplation of this quote should lead one to gratitude. Take a listen to hear this famous quote and why we should be grateful every time we eat.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and on YouTube!

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You can now watch Soul Food Priest on YouTube! Go to Soul Food Priest - YouTube to like & subscribe!

Scents, especially from food, have the ability to bring back memories through our olfactory glands. Fr. Ben discusses this topic with Silvia and Khira as they reminisce about some of those memories. Along with this, Fr. Ben gives insight on what it's like to be a diocesan priest. People always question what a diocesan priest do throughout their days. Take a listen!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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There's a fine line in having a healthy work life and allowing it to dictate life. Fr. Ben discusses this very topic in his homily this week. There is a dignity to work, so take a listen to learn what it is and how to stay balanced.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up a drink today that you'll either love or hate- Chartreuse. Sometimes our opinions of food, drink, and people can be off or change over time. Listen to this helpful lesson from Fr. Ben.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Fr. Ben provides this great homily on how often times many in the Church, including us, can use Jesus rather than truly love who he is. Listen as he provides great pieces of advice on what it means to hijack Jesus.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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We are so happy to announce that you can see this episode on YouTube as well!! Go to Soul Food Priest - YouTube to like and subscribe!

Fr. Ben recently received an email regarding if the Blessed Mother had food cravings when she was pregnant with Jesus. He, Silvia, and Khira discuss this topic as well as "what is the Feast of the Assumption and why do Catholics celebrate it?". Take a listen or grab a cup coffee and watch our discussion.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben gives great tips on seasoning a cast iron skillet and making sure you are able to maintain peace in your life. Both incredibly helpful in life!

Soul Food Priest looks forward to seeing you on YouTube August 15th (this Thursday) @SoulFoodPriest. We will still upload everything on podcast platforms.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up a spectacular topic this week for his homily- Surrender. What does that mean? How do we surrender to God? Why should we surrender to God? Take a listen to learn some of the most crucial answers to one of life's most common questions.

We apologize for the delay in the release of this podcast.

Check us out on YouTube (Soul Food Priest - YouTube) August 15! We look forward to seeing you!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben serves up a small plate of quality food. After that he leads you into a reflection regarding the quality of friends one might have. What kind of people do you surround yourself with? Ones that will lead you towards Heaven or away from it?

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben discusses some of his favorite cookbooks, and then quizzes Khira & Silvia on some of the saints in August. Be prepared to laugh as Khira and Silvia pretty much flunk their quiz. You'll also learn all the ways you can celebrate in August with the amazing collection of saint feast days!

Our next episode will be here on podcast as well as YouTube!!! Check us out at Soul Food Priest - YouTube.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. The questions can be on faith or food! You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube at Soul Food Priest. Thanks for listening!

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Trying to defend the Faith can be tricky, but Fr. Ben encourages us to learn how to do so. Take a listen to better understand how not to become defensive when trying to defend.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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There are so many details that can go into making food appealing to the one who will eat it. The same could be said about details needed to say the difficult thing to others. Fr. Ben serves us a small plate of prudence and how best to use it when dealing with others.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben speaks of the beautiful women of the Old and New Testaments who brought God's love in the world in amazing ways. All women have the capability to do this. Listen and be inspired to act!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Are there pet peeves you have when eating at a restaurant? These pet peeves can make or break a dining experience. This is the same for one's spiritual and home life. July 11th is the feast day of St. Benedict, the father of monasticism, so Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira discuss the importance of healthy practices in the home that help prevent chaos and yuckiness.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Grudges can truly poison people from the inside out. Fr. Ben gives helpful insight as to how face the grudges and overcome them with the Lord's help.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Do you know where brownies came from? Fr. Ben serves up a small platter of brownies in this episode and teaches us how we can me more comfortable in our faith. It's a simple recipe!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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According to Craig Claiborne, a New York Times food critic, various regions in the United States have food rights. People want more authentic food true to the region they're from. This topic then leads to Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira talking about basic human rights and voting, and what it means to be an authentic Catholic American. This is a hot topic, especially for voting year! We hope you enjoy!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben explains in this homily what it means to be an indivisible country with true patriotism. What does this look like in your everyday life? What does this mean in your life as a Catholic? Take a listen!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up a small platter of why English cuisine has had a bad reputation in the culinary world and what we can learn from them in the spiritual life.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Do you ever question whether or not God is listening to your prayers? This is a struggle for most. Often times we struggle with trust in the Lord and why we are enduring the trials we have to endure. Listen as Fr. Ben provides beautiful insight and encouragement that the Lord is with you.

Fr. Ben also talks about the process of electing a new pope and fascinating facts about the papacy.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben talks about a great restaurant in Venice he recently visited called The Devil in Holy Water! Listen to hear that experience. With that in mind, he, Silvia, and Khira talk about Hell and what it really is.

We're also so excited to announce that Soul Food Priest will be going visual in AUGUST!!!! Please pray for us as we prepare to take on this new, exciting endeavor!

Have a question for Fr. Ben to address? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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TV dinners were once a thing and now they're not. Times change, tastes change, but does truth change? Fr. Ben takes on this question and serves a great, succinct answer.

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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What is honor? What does it mean to you? Honor is in the marriage vows and 10 Commandments. We say we'll do it, but do we really understand what we are agreeing to? Take a listen as Fr. Ben explains this virtue and gives examples of true honor.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben, Silvia and Khira discuss whether or not they love gorgonzola or blue cheese. Listen to find who likes it or not. They also discuss the importance of rest, especially as we are in summertime.

Fr. Ben, Silvia and Khira also have some fun news to share!!

Have a question? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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It's very easy for people to give up on hope, especially when tragedy strikes. Discouragement and despair can set in, but they are the thief of all hope. Where should our hope be placed? Listen as Fr. Ben discusses this beautiful topic and the witness a parish family provided for him, and for all of us, in their time of tragedy. Our prayers are with the Lopez family.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Not only do you receive the recipe to make chocolate mousse, but Fr. Ben also serves you a small bit of history on how the Catholic Church chose the books of the Bible. This episode is short but it sure is loaded with flavor!

Got a question you'd like to ask Fr. Ben? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben provides great wisdom for married couples regarding intimacy and communication. Yes, that's right, a celibate man giving marital advice! However, he has worked with hundreds of couples for over 15 years providing counseling, so this is advice is what he has gleaned from those sessions.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben received a request from a listener to explain the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. He does an amazing job and relates it to panforte! Don't know what either of those are? Take a listen.

Fr. Ben, Silvia and Khira also have some fun news to share!!

Have a question? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben points out in this homily that all throughout history there has been evil, but there have always been faithful witnesses. To be a faithful witness, it takes courage and boldness. Do you have that? Listen as Fr. Ben challenges you to be bold!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, both physical and spiritual! Thank you for all you do. Fr. Ben gives some great advice for you in this homily and some helpful advice for the dads.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Give us this day our daily (ciabatta) bread! There are hundreds of bread recipes, so what does this line of the Our Father mean? The Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses the Our Father, so Fr. Ben unpacks the prayer for you, especially as we approach Father's Day.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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In this homily, Fr. Ben digs into what honesty truly means, and it's not just "not lying". He also is very open and honest about the good of the Church and identifies some of the weaknesses in the Church. Take a listen to hear his honest opinions and pray about where the Lord is leading you to be a more honest person.

Have a question? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Listen as Fr. Ben discusses remarkable cheese created by a nun and how she uses whole milk. It's a process that some would not approve of, but it's incredibly healthy. Listen as he explains further and how this relates to overly protective parenting styles.

Have a question? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben discusses the Eucharist and why Catholics have the reverence we do. Take a listen and learn about the most crucial, source, and summit of the Catholic Faith.

Have a question? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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All Soul Food Priest listeners must be fans of Nutella! Just kidding! In today's episode, Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira discuss the controversy Nutella caused on one college campus as well as the responsibility of Catholic universities. All parents of high schoolers and young adults want to listen to this episode while searching for colleges to attend.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben walks through his happy place, an international grocery store. Breaking away from our usual grocery store can be as unusual as walking outside our comfort zones. Why is that important? Fr. Ben serves you a tapas explaining why!

Have a question? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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We want to apologize! This episode was intended to be released April 11th; however, due to technical issues, we're releasing it late. We hope you still enjoy it though!

What would your last meal be if you knew this was your last day? Fr. Ben poses this question to Silvia and Khira in this episode and their disussion will make you laugh.

Also, we receive questions about the Apocalypse. Is it coming, especially given all the disasters, feuds, and potential wars? What do Catholics believe about the Apocalypse? Take a listen!

Have a question? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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In this homily, Fr. Ben describes the difference between authenticity and duplicity. What does it look like in a person and how should we be as faithful Catholics? This definitely serves as a great examination of conscience.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Knowing Who we are and Who's we are is crucial to developing a thick skin. Fr. Ben explains this in his homily and why it's important in the spiritual life.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Happy Easter!! We pray that many blessings be upon you and your families this season.

Easter means that, as Catholic Christians, we are a people of hope. This should be what people see. So, what does an Easter attitude look like? Take a listen as Fr. Ben explains in his homily.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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A listener asked the question: How do I evangelize? A lot of Catholics are unsure of how to evangelize and what it looks like. In this episode, Fr. Ben, Khira, and Silvia discuss the best ways to evangelize and how to be bold in the faith.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up a small plate of BBQ, Memphis style, and discusses what this can teach us about the importance of being together.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben discusses the beauty of being able to laugh at oneself. The great saints were able to do it. Listen to this homily to understand why.

Have a question? Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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What in the world is Babka? Take a listen (hint: our Polish listeners will know). Why is Holy Week so important? Why is the Easter Vigil so long? Why does the mass look a little different during the Triduum? What is the Triduum? All these questions discussed in this episode with Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Listen to this homily as Fr. Ben encourages parishioners to be healthy in mind and spirit so as to be faithful witnesses of the Lord in a world where bad things happen.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben speaks about cooking author, Michael Pollan, and his book "Cooked". Listen to the interesting points Pollan makes and how Fr. Ben ties them to the cardinal virtue of temperance.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben gives a homily on fostering a grateful heart, especially by being grateful for the small things in life. That can seem obvious, but most people take everything for granted. Also, do you know where the Grace Before Meals prayer came from? Take a listen.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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What's the weirdest food in different parts of the world? What's the purpose of Lent? What is mortification? Why do Catholics give something up for Lent? All these questions are discussed on this episode of the Soul Food Priest Podcast.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Life is full of curveballs. How do we react when that happens? What should our response be? Fr. Ben addresses this topic and how to hold firm to the faith.

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Some people can really struggle with cooking and definitely baking. There are basic principles that have to be followed in order for a recipe to work. Fr. Ben cooks up a well-prepared tapas and teaches how principles must also be applied to one's faith life.

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Stubbornness and determination...what's the difference? Fr. Ben explains the difference between the two and applies them to popular figures as examples.

(We apologize for the glitches in this episode.)

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Valentines Day and Ash Wednesday were on the same day! Once we get into marriage, we start to realize how difficult this relationship can be. We start to realize that love and sacrifice go hand in hand (just like Ash Wednesday and Valentines). Silvia, Khira, and Damon Owens continue their discussion on marriage, cooking, and family life; however, this episode focuses more on trials and suffering.

For more information on Damon Owens, check out his website and ministry at www.joytob.org.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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February 11 was Worldwide Marriage Day and Lent is on Valentine's Day! Fr. Ben serves up his 10 Commandments for Marriage in this homily. He created this list according to what he's heard in years of counseling married couples. All people need to listen to this homily, whether married or not, because it provides great insight on relationships.

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben serves up a small plate packed with flavors and theology. He definitely makes sure this plate is balanced though! Why is that important and how do these topics relate? Take a listen!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben discusses the importance of our decisions and the weight they carry. He speaks on the realities of Hell and how people get there, especially if God is all loving. Listen to a very intriguing homily on a topic that not many preach on.

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February 11th is Worldwide Marriage Day! With that said, Silvia and Khira sit down with Damon Owens to discuss marriage, cooking, and family life.

For more information on Damon Owens, check out his website and ministry at www.joytob.org.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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The apostles went from living ordinary lives to extraordinary ones. Life with Christ transformed everything! What happened to them? What does this have to do with your life? Take a listen to hear what the Lord has in store for you!

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben serves a small plate of porridge and teaches us how to be grateful. Not many people would be grateful for porridge! How can we be happy when we're served porridge instead of something else we prefer? Take a listen!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben talks about the amarone grape found in the northwest region of Italy. What does that grape have to do with the meaning in life? Take a listen as he also discusses life's difficult and biggest questions.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Martin Luther is the link between these two topics. He was a German priest and friar who began the Protestant Reformation by posting his 95 Theses on the cathedral door. One of his major teachings was on sola fide (faith alone), which the Catholic Church opposes. Why? What do Protestants and Catholics believe on this topic? Take a listen.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben gives a State of the Parish Address every Epiphany Sunday. This is a way for parishioners to know what was accomplished the year before and what the vision is for the new year. This podcast is part of it and we want to thank all of you for listening. Please share it with others!

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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How in the world does Fr. Ben link barracuda to marriage prep? Listen to find out!

Some marriage proposals probably happened during the holidays, so Fr. Ben and Khira take the time to discuss marriage prep. What it should and shouldn't look like. What couples can do together as they get ready for such a great sacrament.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up small ways in which one can grow in their spiritual life that can have a large impact.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up tapas on flavors that don't work well together, opposing flavors that do, and moral relativism. Not sure what all that means? Take a listen!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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People have submitted various questions, so Khira and Silvia decided they would put Fr. Ben in the Hot Seat! Little did they know, he would would turn the tables on them. Take a listen!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up a great homily to bring clarity to such a confused culture. Does right and wrong still exist? What do we believe as Catholics? Listen as Fr. Ben gives a lesson on moral theology and how it applies to everyday life.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben's tapas for today is one of his favorite dishes in the world along with a message on knowing one's faith. We hope you enjoy!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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It's the holiday season! Not only are we preparing the house, the tree, and the meals to celebrate, but we're possibly preparing ourselves to deal with the difficult people we'll be surrounded by. Are there people in your life who you find difficult? How can you best prepare for these occasions? Listen as Fr. Ben serves up amazing tips to help prepare you so peace may reign in your heart this season.

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Here are the couple of major questions Fr. Ben receives around the holidays:

  1. How do you properly cook a turkey?
  2. How do we teach our children a healthy balance of receiving gifts and giving gifts?

Listen as Father and Silvia discuss the answers to these questions and provide a few tips.

Fr. Ben serves up ways in which one can be a better leader for their family, friends, and community. Hint: a key ingredient is humility (and maybe some butter)!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Enjoy this homily Fr. Ben served up at mass on how to grow older gracefully. Take time to listen to this message and savor the richness of it in your life.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Do you ever get into discussions where you and someone else disagree on which type of food is the best? Burgers vs Hot Dogs, French vs Italian, Steak vs Everything Else, etc. There are not only discussions people have about this but also about topics regarding what Catholics believe. This teaching tapas is robust with truth that will hopefully help you in these discussions.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up ways in which one can be a better leader for their family, friends, and community. Hint: a key ingredient is humility (and maybe some butter)!

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up great wisdom and practical insight as to why it's important to apologize and how to apologize in a healthy way. This is vital, especially as we approach the holidays. Do you need to forgive? Are there people you need to apologize to? Take heart and listen.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Are there times when you try a new recipe, and something goes wrong? You followed all the instructions! Now you need to reach out to an expert. Do you reach out? What do you do with his/her's advice? Fr. Ben serves up a great tapas on this very topic and how it also relates to one's spiritual life.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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In this show, Fr. Ben highly recommends the show The Bear. It's about a chef taking over his deceased brother's restaurant and the struggles that he has to endure.

This then pairs well with the topic of choice for the week which is intercessory prayer. Here are some questions we've received on this topic:

  • What is intercessory prayer?
  • Why do Catholics pray to saints?
  • Where can you find that in the Bible?

All this plus, an extra helping of crostatas! Here's Fr. Ben's recipe (remember that he cooks for the masses):

  • 20 cups flour
  • 5 pounds of butter
  • 5 cups sour cream
  • 3 eggs
  • salt

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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There are so many conflicts going on in the world, and we sometimes wonder what we can do about it. Fr. Ben provides an answer to this with a sense of urgency. Take a listen to this great homily and hopefully peace will reign.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben serves up a healthy portion of gratitude in this homily. He also speaks on why it's so important to have gratitude in one's daily diet. Listen and pray about how the Lord is calling you to be grateful in this upcoming month.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira sit down to talk about the do's and don'ts of Halloween.

  • Is it ok to be Catholic and celebrate Halloween?
  • Is Halloween an evil holiday?
  • What is Halloween?
  • What can and can't we do to celebrate Halloween?

All of these questions plus a discussion on some of the best fall recipes! Our favorite!!

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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There are times in life when love requires telling the truth to those we love or listening to the hard truth about ourselves. It takes courage to speak and to listen in a humble manner. Fr. Ben discusses this point in this homily and the ways he's applied it to his life.

Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can visit Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest and let us know what you think of the podcast.

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American cuisine comes variety of positive influences. Your life can also become amazing through positive influences! Enjoy this small plate Fr. Ben has served up to encourage you to listen to the powerful witnesses in your life.

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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Fr. Ben explains the beauty of souffles and the beauty of traveling to shrines in one's life. He discusses the top five shrines in the world people should visit. Listen to his suggestions on where you should travel.

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This small plate served up for you today includes the first celebrity chef, the use of food as a political tool, and the temptation to get ahead in life. We hope you savor the deep truth Fr. Ben serves about the uniqueness of you.

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest. We'd love to hear your feedback as well!

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What does true masculinity look like and why is it so important? In this homily, Fr. Ben defines Christian masculinity and explains what that looks like in today's world. He provides examples of real-life men who live up to this model despite all the hardships in life.

Go to Ask Fr. Ben | St. Michael Church (stmichaelmemphis.org) to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at Soul Food Priest.

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In this episode you'll learn the amazing story of Chef Marco Pierre White and how he practiced great virtue during a pivotal moment in his life. The discussion then leads to the four cardinal virtues and what it means to grow in virtue every day.

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In this homily, Fr. Ben speaks on the beauty and the gift of those with special needs in our community. They truly are a gift from God! What can they teach? How do they witness to us? Listen to this homily to find out.

Please go to stmichaelmemphis.org for more information about St. Michael's parish and submit questions to be addressed on the podcast. You can also follow us on Facebook at the St. Michael Catholic Church page and the Soul Food Priest Page.

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Fr. Ben serves up a pre-meal drink, or aperitivo, and connects it to the importance of gathering with others.

Google aperitivo and you will find some great recipes or go to this site for some Fall recipes: Fall-Friendly Aperol Spritz Riffs (foodandwine.com).

Let us know what you think by posting on the Soul Food Priest FB page! We'd love to hear from you!

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This is a beautiful homily on the lessons the youth can teach adults as well as advice on how adults can support the youth. Fr. Ben also talks about the beautiful traditions the church has to remind all parents that the youth ultimately belong to God. Prayer for the youth as well as the faithful adults who seek to raise them in the Faith.

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The most frequently asked question Fr. Ben receives is: How do parents help to keep their kids in the Faith? They face major obstacles in their life. Fr. Ben has this discussion with Khira and Silvia and provides great words of wisdom.

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This homily is all about getting out of your head and changing your way of thinking. Thinking positively also removes the weeds of discouragement that easily creep up in us. This can drastically affect those around you and how you treat them. Enjoy!

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This small serving is filled with Fr. Ben's insight on success. Is it good? Where should our focus be?

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Relaciones disfuncionales

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Fr. Ben and Silvia talk about the importance of acidity with regards to the balance of flavors. The conversation then goes to the importance of balancing relationships so that there isn't dysfunction. Great practical tips for healthy relationships are served up in this episode!

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Fr. Ben serves up a small portion of great insight on the importance of technique. Knowing the basics is vital for growth, whether it be in one's cooking style or prayer life. 

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Fr. Ben serves up the most amazing croissants to Khira and Silvia. In between bites of this most delicious pastry, they also discuss the topic of expectations and what happens when expectations are not met. Some events and people can exceed our expectations, but some leave us disappointed. How do we respond when that happens?

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In this homily, Fr. Ben talks about one of the main topics most people don't want to discuss...death. How does the Catholic Church view death? What can we do to prepare? We will all experience death, so it's better to be ready.

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Fr. Ben gives the practical ways in which the Serenity Prayer can be adapted to one's life. This homily also provides great tools for living one's daily spiritual life with courage.

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In this homily, Fr. Ben addresses many of the fundamental questions regarding the existence of God. He also talks about what it means to be human and the true meaning of love. You don't want to miss this succinct explanation. 

(We apologize for releasing this late. Our producer was at World Youth Day 2023.)

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Fr. Ben serves up a great tapas full of ingredients to create a life of humility! Listen to this short segment and gain a lot of rich insight.

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Fr. Ben continues the discussion with his dear friend, Maureen Yarborough, on the beauty and agony that can accompany family life. Her story includes tragedy, but she wants to tell it to provide hope to those who suffer greatly, especially with loss and grief. 

Thank you, Maureen, for your witness, faith, and courage!

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Las preocupaciones de las madres.

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Listen as Fr. Ben serves up the various types of Italian sauces and the influence of Italians in a culture. A major part of Italian families is dinner together at least once a week. How can you implement this in your family?

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Our cities are scary, our culture is scary, our world can be scary. How do we navigate life when fear surrounds us? Fr. Ben gives the recipe for having joy and peace rather than anxiety and fear. 

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Fr. Ben invites a dear friend, Maureen Yarborough, to the table to discuss the beauty and agony that can accompany family life. Her story includes tragedy, but she wants to tell it to provide hope to those who suffer greatly, especially with loss and grief. 

Thank you Maureen for your witness, faith, and courage!

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In this homily, Fr. Ben discusses these hard questions that Catholics must face in order to grow in their own faith. Why do people leave the Church? Why do people stay? Why am I making the decision I am? What can I do in the Church to help people stay? Will the Church last in these hard times?

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In this episode, Fr. Ben serves up a small helping of Nutella along with discussing the influence people can have on each other.

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Does what you do give you meaning? Do you live for yourself or a higher purpose? Fr. Ben addresses these questions and on the necessity of answering these questions for oneself.

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This was recorded around Mother's Day, so Fr. Ben was thinking about the many cakes moms make and how much worrying can be involved in parenting. Do you struggle with worry? What are ways to combat worry and anxiety? Fr. Ben provides insight on this as well as other tips that have worked for Khira and Silvia.

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What is envy? What is the anti-venom to envy? How does envy harm us and others? Listen to this wonderful homily Fr. Ben served up this past weekend. 

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Here's the follow-up to the last teaching tapas on the bread (especially the baguette) and the Eucharist. Enjoy this small serving on the greatest food we can eat!

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Fr. Ben explains how loving others and self is not just about what we say but also in our attitude. What is your attitude towards others? What is your attitude towards self? What is your attitude towards God? All of this can affect one's spiritual life in good or bad ways.

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How can we grow in holiness? Is this possible in our daily lives? These are questions Fr. Ben frequently receives and his answer is the Little Way. Listen to find out what that means.

Here's the easiest pasta recipe Fr. Ben gives in this episode:

2 Eggs

1 1/2 Cup Flour

Splash of Olive Oil

Put the flour in a food processor. Turn it on.

Add the eggs and oil one at a time.

Stop when it forms a ball of dough. Wait for an hour and roll it out.

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Happy Father's Day!

On this special weekend, Fr. Ben reflects on the great calling of fatherhood, and the ultimate goal for each dad. Learn what that is in this inspiring homily.

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Two main staples in most cultural dishes are potatoes & bread. The greatest staple in the Catholic Church is the Eucharist, the Bread of Life. Enjoy this small serving on the greatest meal in the world!

The Catholic Church is now celebrating a Eucharistic Revival. To begin it, Fr. Ben is serving a few helpings of teachings on the Eucharist this year. Stay tuned for more!

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Catholics celebrated Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ) this past Sunday. Listen to this homily Fr. Ben served up at mass on the importance of the Eucharist, especially in daily living.

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How did a chai tea latte cause Fr. Ben to think about the topic of dating?? What is the purpose of dating? When should one date and not date? Silvia and Khira also provide their stories of dating their husbands.

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How can self-knowledge help us in life and our spiritual life? Fr. Ben explains this as well as identify some psychological disorders that can impede us from self-knowledge. Humility is key!

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Wisdom Part 2

Gewürztraminer is Fr. Ben's favorite type of wine. What can that grape teach us about our spiritual lives? Listen as Fr. Ben plates up this small lesson filled with wisdom!

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On this past Pentecost Sunday, Fr. Ben speaks about various people in history who either impacted the world in good ways or bad ways. Each of these people were baptized Christians. The big question is: Will you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to be on the right side of history?

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Do you know the various types of bread around the world? Fr. Ben quizzes Khira and Silvia! 

What is Pentecost? What is the importance of Pentecost? What does it mean for the average person?

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All throughout history, people have either faced their problems or run away from them. What is the key ingredient to facing our demons? Fr. Ben provides the answer in the homily along with various examples of those who used it in their lives.

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What can aged butter teach us about wisdom? Fr. Ben serves up a small portion of thought on how we can grow in wisdom through knowing HIStory.

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Happy Mother's Day to all the physical and spiritual moms out there! Fr. Ben offers this homily to reveal the beauty of motherhood, as well as provide insight to the heart of a mom.

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Have you ever wondered what Foie-Gras is and how it comes about? How about what the Catholic Church teaches on topics like science and evolution? Join Fr. Ben and Khira as they discuss these topics and hopefully clarify any questions you might have.

If you would like to submit a question, you can visit the Soul Food Priest FB page or go to our parish website here.

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Jesus tells us in the Gospel, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." Often times it seems like this is impossible. There are some who have had near death experiences and would say it is possible. What can their stories tell us? Fr. Ben discusses this in his homily.

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Ever heard of the James Beard Awards? Who was James Beard? What's the importance of a mentor in life, especially the spiritual life? Listen and find out in this tapas Fr. Ben is serving up!

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In this homily, Fr. Ben explains the difference between wisdom and knowledge, and what true wisdom looks like. He shares a beautiful moment he had in Normandy, France, this past week, that caused him to think about the need of wisdom in the American culture. 

Sorry we haven't posted a homily in a couple of weeks. Fr. Ben was out of town.

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Visiting priest, Fr. Anthony, and Fr. Ben discuss with Khira Rotty what the day in the life of a parish priest looks like. Have you ever wondered what they do all day? Take a listen!

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Have you ever had prosciutto? Have you wondered how it's made? What does that have to do with prayer? Listen and find out what Fr. Ben is serving up today!

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On this Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Ben addresses the massive importance of trust in the Lord. Often times we create obstacles that prevent us from truly trusting in God. What are those obstacles and how can we overcome them? Fr. Ben explains this with the encouraging word of what life can be like when we trust.

Jesus I trust in you!

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Soul Food Priest has invited a dear friend, Fr. Anthony, to join us for a conversation.

The questions to be addressed are: At what temperature doe water boil? What is joy? What does it mean to be a people of joy? And how can we be joyful and sorrowful?

Happy Easter & know you are in our prayers that you experience the love of the Lord in deeper ways!

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Radical courage helps us to do the hard thing and allows the right thing to be done.

Happy Easter from Soul Food Priest! 

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Here is Father Ben's reflection on Holy Thursday in both Spanish and English.

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Some people try to provide remedies to cooking mistakes that are completely not true. Others speak and cast assessments on others who are divorced that can also be completely not true. Fr. Ben serves up truth on both of these topics. 

If you would like to submit a question, you can visit the Soul Food Priest FB page or go to our parish website here.

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In lieu of a homily on Palm Sunday, Fr. Ben offers prayers for all those killed in Nashville.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and all the souls of the faithfully departed, rest in peace.

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Changing our eating habits can be incredibly difficult! Parenting can be incredibly difficult! Why is this and how can we parent well? In this episode Fr. Ben discusses this with Khira Rotty & Silvia Vega, who are in the daily struggles of parenting, how love is the act of the will and we have to be strong.

If you would like to submit a question, you can visit the Soul Food Priest FB page or go to our parish website here.

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How do we dial the drama in our life so we can be happy? This is the major question Fr. Ben answers in this homily.  He also provides three tips on how to ensure the drama doesn't lead to further frustration and steal our peace.

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Generally speaking, there are three categories of food. (Listen to get a great comfort food recipe!) There are also, in our culture, various categories for gender. Fr. Ben discusses these various categories, what we believe as Catholics, and how we can confront this issue in charity.

If you would like to submit a question, you can visit the Soul Food Priest FB page or go to our parish website here.

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The news is reporting the increasing rates of teen depression and suicide, especially among women. This topic has been weighing heavily on Fr. Ben's heart, and he wanted to address it so as to provide clarification and hope to all. The Lord wants all to be healed, so do not be afraid to reach out for help.

If you, or anyone you know is struggling with depression or have thoughts of suicide, call 988. Please know you are in our prayers. 

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Listen to this homily as Fr. Ben explains some of the differences and similarities between Catholicism and Protestantism. It's important for all people to know their faith and ask the important questions (Father addresses some of those questions). Deep conversions take place when there are beautiful witnesses in the world who can give a reason as to why they believe what they believe. 

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What are some of the rules regarding food during Lent? What about special feast days?

What's the purpose of the Creed? Why is it so important? What does it mean? What does consubstantial mean?

Fr. Ben & Khira tackle some of the questions you have. 

Silvia could not be with us during this recording. Her husband underwent surgery and is recovering. Please pray for his healing and their family. 

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Loneliness is very difficult because the Lord made us for communion. What can we do to prevent loneliness? What is required of us to achieve communion with others? Listen to this homily and Fr. Ben will answer these questions.

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Figuring out how to navigate the spiritual life can be a bit like properly seasoning a dish. Less might be best!

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We all make mistakes. Our response to our mistakes can lead to harm or transformation. What does Jesus teach us regarding the mistakes we make? How does He treat His apostles? Don't be harsh on yourself because we all are making mistakes.

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Rejoice & Repent cause now it's Lent!! Why do Catholics observe Lent? What's the purpose of Lent?                  The discussion today will be addressing these questions and hopefully have you think about this season in a new way. Also, Father quotes "The Greatest Showman"!

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Are you concerned what others think of you? We cannot place our peace in the hands of others. There's only one who can give us peace. Listen to Father's homily to find out where to find peace and how to maintain it. 

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Oracion durante la Cuaresma

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Fr. Ben serves up a description of moral character based on the expectations Emeril Lagasse had on his staff. 

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January 23 is the Day of the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Many people's questions arise regarding what the Church teaches regarding the dignity of the human person, abortion, and when life begins. In this episode, Fr. Ben provides answers to these major questions. 

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Chaos is all around and can happen at any moment. We can either allow the chaos to rob us of peace or we can maintain peace. Is this possible? How? Fr. Ben sheds light on this topic, esp through the life of St. Josephine Bakhita. 

(There will not be a homily released next week due to Bishop's Annual Appeal.)

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Jealousy is something most people struggle with. Where does it come from? Listen as Fr. Ben explains the difference between jealousy and envy, the harm it causes in our lives, and how we can extract it from our hearts. 

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Listeners have asked: "How can we know what God Will's for our life?" and "how do we adjust to change?". In this episode, Fr. Ben provides great insight into proper discernment of God's Will, what to do, and how to be remain calm in the midst of stress.

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Are you experiencing burnout? What can you do when you experience it? How can you avoid burnout? Fr. Ben provides great spiritual and practical advice on this topic.

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Todos Somos Inmigrantes/We Are All Immigrants

Padre Ben y Silvia hablan sobre la belleza de las diferentes culturas. ¿Somos todos inmigrantes? ¿Cómo podemos unir nuestras comunidades? ¿Cómo podemos abrazar con amor a nuestros hermanos y hermanas de diferentes países?

Fr. Ben and Silvia talk about the beauty of different cultures. Are we all immigrants? How can we come unite our communities? How can we lovingly embrace our brothers and sisters from different countries.

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This small plate contains the beauty of why restaurants are so popular and how they originated.

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At various times throughout the day, we might be faced with people and problems that will test us. How will we respond? Is it ok to fight back? Fr. Ben gives advice on how to engage in the fight and remain humble. 

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Where does the papacy come from? What's the role of the Pope? Why does the Church need a Pope? Who appointed the first Pope? In this episode, all of these questions, and more, are answered. 

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Do you panic when life gets tough? Want to know how to respond rather than react? Listen to this homily where Fr. Ben teaches us how to grow in spiritual common sense and not be discouraged.  

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The etiquette that we use at our dinner tables can remind us of the ways that we ought to interact with others in every other setting of our lives.

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Every January, Fr. Ben gives a State of the Parish Address to his parishioners to look at the previous year and inform them of his vision for the new year. This is also a time where he encourages all to be active disciples of the Lord and share his gratitude for each of them. This message is also for you. Become great disciples in the world by getting involved at your local parish.

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Even though it's January, it's still the Christmas season in the Catholic Church (this is where the 12 Days of Christmas comes from). In this episode, Fr. Ben discusses the beauty and importance of seasonal drinks and the Blessed Mother. On New Year's Day, the Catholic Church celebrates a feast day for the Blessed Mother, so here's a discussion addressing some questions you might have about her.

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Pope Emeritus Benedict and St. Joseph are great examples of true manhood. Fr. Ben shares three lessons from the life of St. Joseph that can help all men grow in true masculinity.

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Merry Christmas! Do you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders? We hope that as you enjoy this season, and approach the new year, these words of hope and peace bless you. 

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Padre Ben y Silvia: Buena comunicacion durante la navidad.

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Salt is one of the most important ingredients to any dish and Jesus tells us we are the salt of the earth. Fr. Ben elaborates on this and what this means for your life.

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Fr. Ben encourages us to take courage and speak the truth at all times. The reality of Christ coming at Christmas is that God came to us as Truth, to teach Truth, and have us live in this Truth. We must be courageous.

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What are your must have holiday foods? What are the must haves in your daily walk with the Lord? Fr. Ben, Silvia, and Khira have this discussion as we all are steeped in the hustle & bustle of the holidays and still trying to grow closer to Christ.

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There are many situations that try our patience every day and how we respond can make all the difference. In this homily, Fr. Ben provides great insight on how to best respond in a way that leads to holiness.

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All of life can be a lesson, even getting struck with food poisoning. Fr. Ben expands on this type of suffering and how we can apply it to the spiritual life. 

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What does beauty in art teach us? Beauty is all around us, but none of it compares to you. 

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Ever wondered what the Church teaches on Angels & Demons? Check out this episode! Oh & we talk about Mexican food.

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Are you overwhelmed at this time of year? The culture tells us it's "the most wonderful time of the year" but inundates us with all the "must haves". Stress and anxiety creep in and tensions rise. Fr. Ben provides tools for navigating this season.

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If our view of Jesus is that of just our "buddy", then Fr. Ben challenges us to rethink this idea. The Lord wants your relationship with Him to go deeper.

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We're honored to have Dr. Abigail Favale on our podcast! We have received questions regarding the gender issues in the media and what the Catholic Church teaches. Dr. Favale is an expert on this topic, and we wanted her to provide her expertise and beautiful wisdom.  

About the Speaker:

Dr. Abigail Favale is a writer and professor in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. She has an academic background in gender studies and feminist literary criticism, and now writes and teaches on topics related to women and gender from a Catholic perspective. She tells her amazing conversion story in her book Into the Deep: An Unlikely Catholic Conversion where she traces her journey from birthright evangelicalism to postmodern feminism to Roman Catholicism. Her latest book The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory was just released in June 2022 by Ignatius Press. For more information you can go to her website here.

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C.S. Lewis said: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” Our ego can get in the way of our spiritual growth. Fr. Ben explores this point in his homily and how Bono can teach us a valuable lesson as well.

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Fr. Ben gives a brief reflection on the beauty of the different cuisines in America and how that reflects the beauty of the differences found in men and women.

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In this homily, Fr. Ben encourages us to keep an objective perspective when facing problems. How do we do that? Why should we do that? Just take a listen.

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We're honored to have Dr. Abigail Favale on our podcast! We have received questions regarding the gender issues in the media and what the Catholic Church teaches. Dr. Favale is an expert on this topic, and we wanted her to provide her expertise and beautiful wisdom.  

About the Speaker:

Dr. Abigail Favale is a writer and professor in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. She has an academic background in gender studies and feminist literary criticism, and now writes and teaches on topics related to women and gender from a Catholic perspective. She tells her amazing conversion story in her book Into the Deep: An Unlikely Catholic Conversion where she traces her journey from birthright evangelicalism to postmodern feminism to Roman Catholicism. Her latest book The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory was just released in June 2022 by Ignatius Press. For more information you can go to her website here.

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Life has its challenges, and they can happen suddenly. What type of people are you when this happens? Do you get bitter or better? Fr. Ben addresses the self-talk we have and how we can be beacons of hope in this world, esp when it all goes wrong.

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In this brief episode, Fr. Ben reflects on the beauty of Fall flavors, a good bisque, and how we can make a good spiritual soup.

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What is discipline and how can it affect our lives? In this awesome homily, by Fr. Ben, he answers these questions as well as giving us the tools to be better. 

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The holidays are coming! Have you ever built a gingerbread house? It's a delicate process that takes patience, care, and proper communication. Do you sometimes feel like building your marriage and family life can be like that sometimes? Join Fr. Ben as he provides great tips for helping with both gingerbread houses and marital communication.

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This homily is all about healing high conflicts and how you can bring peace into high tense situations. 

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This is a short teaching on the gift of food & grace and how they affect our memories.

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Walking Upstream: Catholics Are Different

In this homily, Fr. Ben encourages us to be not afraid and try something new. Follow God's ways and be uniquely you!

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Fr. Ben and Khira continue their amazing conversation with Dr. Christopher West, the President of the Theology of the Body Institute and top scholar on Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. In this discussion, they talk about food, the universal longing we all have to be fulfilled, and how food points us to that ultimate fulfillment- God! Be prepared to be amazed by the beautiful insight shared during this conversation.

Dr. Christopher West will be in the Memphis at St. Michael's Church for the Made for More event Nov. 15, 2022. To experience more of a talk like this, music by Mike Mangione, and an evening of beauty go to memphism4m.eventbrite.com to purchase your tickets! Space is limited, so get your ticket today! All are welcome.

To find out more about Dr. Christopher West and the Theology of the Body Institute, where Fr. Ben and Khira have both studied, go to tobinstitute.org or go to the Institute's YouTube channel.

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Fr. Ben explains the mass in 17 minutes!

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What can the art of braising teach us about the spiritual life, esp. the virtue of patience? Listen to this short clip!

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The Special Needs Ministry at St. Michael's parish in Memphis helped to celebrate mass on Sunday. They were lectors, altar servers, and signed the beautiful prayers and songs for the congregation. This was a joyful mass, and, in this homily, Fr. Ben speaks about the joy they bring to our community.

Bonus: At the end of the homily we added our wonderful Silvia Vega singing Oceans by Hillsong UNITED. This was a beautiful moment in the church to have her sing as a girl with Downs Syndrome signed it. 

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Fr. Ben and Khira had the amazing opportunity to chat with Dr. Christopher West, the President of the Theology of the Body Institute and top scholar on Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. In this discussion, they talk about food, the universal longing we all have to be fulfilled, and how food points us to that ultimate fulfillment- God! Be prepared to be amazed by the beautiful insight shared during this conversation.

Dr. Christopher West will be in the Memphis at St. Michael's Church for the Made for More event Nov. 15, 2022. To experience more of a talk like this, music by Mike Magione, and an evening of beauty go to memphism4m.eventbrite.com to purchase your tickets! Space is limited, so get your ticket today! All are welcome.

To find out more about Dr. Christopher West and the Theology of the Body Institute, where Fr. Ben and Khira have both studied, go to tobinstitute.org or go to the Institute's YouTube channel.

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The way you think affect your actions, and your actions have consequences. How are your thoughts affecting your life? How can you find happiness in life? Fr. Ben discusses these major topics.

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In this 6 minute teaching, Fr. Ben discusses the types of tastes that exist and how they may or may not relate to objective and subjective truth.

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Horrific injustices happen in the world and leave us wondering where God is. We also wonder how we get through tragedies with faith and hope. Fr. Ben beautifully addresses these deep struggles in this homily and how we can entrust ourselves to God.

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In this episode, Fr. Ben addresses the questions regarding the priesthood, celibacy, and why women can't become priests. We also discuss the goodness found in street food, but the difficulty in cooking in those conditions. 

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What is the difference between Jesus and other prophets of the world? Who is God? Is Catholicism just like other religions? Fr. Ben addresses all of these questions in this one homily!

(We apologize for the delayed release of this homily. There were audio issues in the original.)

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In this short session, Fr. Ben reveals the original sauces in the culinary world as well as the cardinal virtues that every person can practice. Both the sauces and the virtues can elevate daily life.

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What is hope? How can we have hope? Hope can be found in this world, and Fr. Ben informs us how. 

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In this episode Fr. Ben addresses the opposition in the world, whether it be politics, religion, or even food, and ways these opposites can come together to create unity...or an emulsion.

(We apologize for releasing this episode a few hours late. Roofers were working while we recorded, so we tried to remove the background noise as much as possible.)

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If God is all loving, then why does He allow bad things to happen? We've all wondered this, and Fr. Ben provides an answer.

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Want to learn how ganache and conscience relate to each other? Fr. Ben serves up a short 5 min. Teaching Tapas to reveal how.

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Fr. Ben explains in this homily how Catholics view Science, and how science and religion can help each other out.

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Fr. Ben sits down with Silvia Vega and Khira Rotty to discuss patron saints, eat some macaroons, and talk about his love for Julia Child and St. Edith Stein. Enjoy!

Fr. Ben's recipe for French Macarons (yield: 110)

8.25 cups of ground almond flour 19 egg whites (room temperature) 6 cups plus 3 TBSP of powdered sugar 3 cups of granulated sugar

1.) Puree the almond flour and the powdered sugar in a food processor until the mixture is very fine, then sift at least once.

2.) Whip the egg white in a mixer on medium-high speed, gradually adding the granulated sugar… repeat: GRADUALLY! Beat on high until firm peaks form. 

3.) Now begins what is sometimes called “macaronage,” or the process whereby the whites and the almond flour are folded together.  Add 1/3 of the almond flour mixture into the whites, folding it in slowly.  Once all of the almond flour is added, the mixture should look somewhat like lava and form a figure-8 without the ribbon breaking as it falls off the rubber spatula. 

4.) Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

5.) Pipe onto a sheet pan with parchment paper or silpat (I prefer parchment), spacing about an inch apart. 

6.) Pick up the sheet pan and drop it in the counter about 3 times to force out any excess air bubbles in the macaroons.  

7.) Let the piped macaroons sit at room temperature, to form a skin, for no less than 30 minutes before baking.  You should be able to touch one without batter sticking to your finger. Bake for 15 minutes.

8.) I suggest making the macaroons and the filling the day before use.  They are better when they stale a bit.  Leave uncovered overnight. 

There are thousands of variations, though I prefer the following: rose petal (made with rosewater), pistachio, Nutella ganache, salted raspberry, lavender-lemon, or dulce de leche. 

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Fr. Ben explains what the conscience truly is and how following it can affect one's life and that of others. 

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Fr. Ben gets inspired throughout his day and whips up Teaching Tapas for you! These are small plates of faith and food served up for you every other Thursday. We hope you enjoy this one on oysters and humility.

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In this homily, Fr. Ben explains the various forms of communication and how to be truly attentive to others.

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Welcome to the Soul Food Priest Podcast! This is the first official podcast recording where Fr. Ben Bradshaw unfolds his hopes for this podcast and what you can expect in the weeks to come. He is joined by two of his friends and staff members, Silvia Vega and Khira Rotty, who will be the moderators for the upcoming Q & A episodes. If you have a question for Fr. Ben, regarding food or faith, go to www.stmichaelmemphis.org/ask-fr--ben or the Soul Food Priest FB page at https://www.facebook.com/soulfoodpriest/. 

We're glad you're here!

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In this homily, Fr. Ben addresses the struggles in parenting, the beauty of parenting, and the calling that God has for all parents.

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In this homily, Fr. Ben speaks of the beauty and importance of masculinity and femininity.