In a world that’s gone lukewarm, it’s time to stoke the fire. Here are five bold, practical, and spiritual ways to stay fired up in your Catholic life. This is not just a pep talk. It’s a spiritual wake-up call. NOTE: read the notes I was using, with a little more detail, in this post here
Whether you’re a practicing Catholic, a returning wanderer, or someone who just feels the flame is burning low and going out, these are your marching orders.
This is the first “Firebrand forum” episode. More to come.
🔥 “A glowing ember dies down if it’s not stoked.”
If you’re ready to reignite your zeal for Jesus Christ and live the faith like it matters, this episode is for you.
🧭 Show Notes
0:00 – Welcome to The Firebrand Forum
TJ greets the live audience with his trademark mix of humor, warmth, and energy.
Quick backstory on Stoking the Embers and the mission to turn sparks into a fire seen from space.
3:00 – Why Even Practicing Catholics Need a Reboot
The danger of spiritual complacency.
Why being “comfortable” in faith can quietly smother your fire.
5:00 – Tip #1: Keep the Flame Fed — Daily Prayer & Sacraments
Prayer isn’t optional; it’s oxygen for your soul.
St. Francis de Sales’ timeless wisdom: “Half an hour of meditation a day—unless you’re busy. Then, an hour.”
Confession as monthly maintenance for your spiritual engine.
13:00 – Tip #2: Stay Close to the Saints & Scripture
Saints aren’t distant heroes—they’re companions who’ve walked the same path.
Why daily Scripture—even just a few verses—can ignite divine insight.
“The saints were where you are.” Learn from them.
23:00 – Tip #3: Practice Small Acts of Love
You don’t need to do great things—just consistent ones.
How small daily sacrifices build holiness brick by brick.
25:00 – Tip #4: Keep Community Around Your Flame
“Lone embers grow cold.”
Why authentic Catholic community is non-negotiable.
Dealing with hecklers, hostility, and anti-Catholic noise with grace (and a bit of fire).
36:00 – Tip #5: Expect Resistance and Press On
Spiritual fire will meet the wind—don’t mistake resistance for failure.
The wisdom of St. Ignatius: “When we are on God’s side, the enemy stirs a thousand difficulties.”
How God uses resistance to make you stronger.
40:00 – Wrap-Up & Mission Reminder
TJ’s closing message: God takes you seriously. Take your faith seriously, too.
Connect on Substack, TikTok, or anywhere @RealTJHaines.
“Keep your fire burning bright. The world needs your light.”
🔑 Key Points Covered
Why spiritual comfort is dangerous—and how to overcome it.
How to build a consistent prayer life rooted in honesty, not perfection.
The Saints as living proof that holiness is possible in ordinary life.
The power of small, daily acts of love and sacrifice.
The need for Catholic community to keep your fire alive.
How to interpret resistance as a sign of grace, not defeat.
The truth that spiritual fire always meets the wind—but it’s made stronger by it.
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