Saint of the Liminal. Saint of the Desert. Saint of the Moon.John the Baptist isn’t just the wild prophet of the Jordan — he is the mystic of the in-between. In this episode of St. Anthony’s Tongue, we explore how John embodies the liminal, the purgative power of the desert, and the quiet radiance of reflected light.We’ll dive into:John as the Threshold Saint — not the light, but witness to itThe desert as mystical geography and a place of purificationHis title as the Lunar Saint, reflecting Christ’s light into darknessStrange and beautiful folktales — from haunted relics to St. John’s WaterHow John’s life reflects the purgative, illuminative, and unitive way of the soulPlus: Learn how to join the 9-day St. John the Baptist Novena, and find God in the holy ache of becoming.Here is our digital novena guide!—Follow @StAnthonysTongue on Instagram & YouTube for novenas, mystic reflections, and strange Catholic devotionals.
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29:01
Three Mystics of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: St. Gertrude, St. Lutgardis and St. Margaret Mary
Long before devotion to the Sacred Heart was formalized, a few mystics were already listening—already burning.In this episode, we explore the mystical beginnings of Sacred Heart devotion through the lives and visions of three extraordinary women:— St. Lutgardis, the first to exchange hearts with Christ.— St. Gertrude the Great, who heard the heart of Jesus like a harp singing divine music.— St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who brought the devotion into the heart of the Church during a time of spiritual coldness.We’ll trace the Scriptural roots of the Sacred Heart, its emergence during times of crisis, and the spiritual invitation these mystics offer us today: to enter the burning heart of Christ, and mirror it in the world.If you’ve ever felt drawn to divine love, bridal mysticism, or the deeper meaning of Catholic devotion—this episode is for you.
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31:42
Draw Me After You, Let Us Rise: A Letter on Longing in the Octave of the Ascension
In this contemplative episode, I offer a poetic spiritual letter inspired by the Feast of the Ascension. Drawing on the language of Scripture, bridal mysticism, and the insights of saints like Bernard of Clairvaux, this reflection explores the longing of the soul for the risen and ascended Christ.The Ascension is not Christ’s departure, but His drawing us upward. He leaves in body but not in love. His heart remains with us, and ours with Him. This is a time of holy yearning, of gazing through the lattice and crying out: “Draw me after You, let us run.”If you’ve ever felt pierced by love, stirred by divine absence, or overwhelmed by the beauty of the risen Lord, this reflection is meant for you.For those who live between the tomb and the throne, between resurrection and return, may this meditation enkindle hope, desire, and devotion.
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5:12
My "Mystical" Testimony: The Mystical Experience That Brought Me Back to Catholicism
As I explain in the video, I don't like talking about my personal experiences in prayer. Though, given that this was the experience that led me back to Catholicism, and something that shows the merits of contemplative prayer within the Catholic tradition, this is one "experience" that I am okay with sharing. While experiences are not the point, the great saints tell us that these consolations are often the first step towards our journey with God. They are natural, and also common.
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23:18
Meditate Like the Mystics: An Introduction to Lectio Divina
Catholics are often told to meditate. "Meditate" on the mysteries of the rosary, "meditate" on scripture - and yet, we are rarely told "how" to do it. Though many of the mystics and saints of our faith, names like St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. John Paul II, St. Catherine of Siena, and many more practiced what is called Lectio Divina, or Divine Reading. This is an incredible way to connect with God through scripture.
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