The devil hates soup.Not because soup is magic, but because mercy makes the love of Christ tangible.In this video, I talk about the works of mercy as mysticism, spiritual warfare, and a way of making our faith become flesh.This idea comes from Issue IV of The Margins: God in the Gutters.Learn more / subscribe: www.stanthonystongue.com/margins

What’s the difference between meditation and contemplation—and why do Catholics so often confuse them?In this episode of Mysticism, Word by Word, we unpack what the Church means by both, how meditation can open into contemplation, and why dry prayer is still fruitful.

In this week’s Mass Prep, we sit with Matthew 11:25–30 and explore the mysticism of being little, the meek and humble heart of Jesus, and what it really means when Christ says, “My yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

What do we do when we are misunderstood?In this video, I talk about the ache of being misread, the temptation to become false, and the strange mercy of learning to be seen by God instead of constantly seeking the approval of every room.The Gospel does not promise that everyone will understand your heart.It promises that God already does.Support My Patreon!Buy a Zine!

Support the Patreon!Buy a Zine!A new series exploring Catholic mysticism through the words and phrases that show up again and again in the mystical tradition: union with God, the dark night, meditation, contemplation, the wound of love, and more.But before we can talk about any of those, we have to start with the most obvious and maybe most misunderstood word of all:Mysticism.In this episode, we talk about what Catholic mysticism is, what it is not, why it is not just spiritual fireworks, and how the mystical life is really about being transformed by God’s presence into deeper love of God and neighbor.

In this Mass Prep for Matthew 10:37–42, we reflect on what it means to put Christ first, take up the cross, and trust that even the smallest hidden act of love is seen by God.Jesus is not calling us to love less, but to love in the right order. He is not asking for empty suffering, but for the cross that leads to freedom. And He reminds us that even a cup of cold water given in love will not be forgotten.

Grab a copy here: stanthonystongue.com/margins In this episode, I walk through Issue III of The Margins, my Catholic zine on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.This issue is about the Heart against the machine: Christ’s burning love against cold religion, mechanical faith, spiritual numbness, and bloodless Catholicism.We also talk about Emmaus, Christ’s wounds, adoration, Scripture, saints, mystical heartache, and why the Sacred Heart is not just something to admire, but something we are called to imitate.Physical copies are available now:stanthonystongue.com/margins

Support my Patreon!Buy a Zine!How do you know if something is from God, your own mind, or even the devil? In this episode, we talk about spiritual discernment through the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, especially when it comes to dreams, consolations, inner words, coincidences, and strange little moments in prayer.Catholic discernment is not about overthinking every grace or becoming spiritually paranoid. It is about receiving what leads us toward God, testing the fruit, and staying rooted in Christ, the sacraments, and the wisdom of the Church.We’ll discuss Ignatian discernment, consolation and desolation, spiritual experiences, and how to avoid both rationalizing grace away and clinging too tightly to spiritual feelings.

In this Mass Prep, we sit with Jesus’ words: “Fear no one.”Matthew 10 reminds us that Christian courage does not come from pretending life is easy, but from remembering that the Father sees us, knows us, and holds us. Not even a sparrow falls without His care — and we are worth more than many sparrows.A simple reflection on fear, courage, trust, and acknowledging Christ before the world.

Ordinary Time is not filler.In this episode, we explore the mysticism of Ordinary Time and why this long green season of the Church year teaches us how to live the mysteries of Christ in everyday life. After Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, Ordinary Time asks: now what does it mean to follow Jesus?We’ll look at Matthew 9:36, the moved Heart of Christ, discipleship, the hidden Kingdom of God, the mission of mercy, and how Catholic mysticism is found not only in ecstasies and visions, but in ordinary life, daily prayer, mercy, work, fatigue, and small acts of love.Ordinary Time is where the mystery becomes livable.