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 blog 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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