Does it feel like being Catholic is almost impossible today?

In this episode of "The Catholic Talk Show," Ryan Scheel and Ryan Dellacrosse join Jamie Baxter, founder and CEO of Exodus 90 to discuss if Christianity is too hard and puts too many burdens on people.

They explain how spiritual discipline, sacrifice, and community ultimately lead to the fulfilling, joyful life God desires for us!

Embrace the Challenge

Being Catholic is not a set of burdensome rules.

“Asceticism isn’t about doing hard things just to do hard things—it’s ultimately a means to a much greater end, which is union with God and love,” Baxter says.

These challenges are part of our call to true greatness. When we push beyond our comfort zone, we start relying on God’s grace and discover that genuine discipleship changes us into courageous witnesses—not weary followers shackled by fear.

Discover Lasting Joy

Our culture’s obsession with ease and instant gratification falls short of what we need.

“We’re not as happy as we’ve ever been, and sociological research suggests almost the inversion, which, from a Catholic perspective, you’d expect,” Baxter says.

Start with spiritual discipline, like daily prayer, honesty about our struggles, and detachment from distractions. This creates space for deeper joy, anchored in God’s loving presence, rather than fleeting comforts that fail to satisfy the human heart. 

The Power of Sacrifice

Sacrifice moves us closer to Christ and each other.

“When we look at the lives of the saints, I don’t know a single story where it ends with ‘and they lived comfortably ever after’,” Baxter says.

Acts of penance, fasting, or simply going the extra mile for friends, family, or strangers are concrete ways to share in Jesus’ self-giving. By willingly embracing difficulties, we become more capable of loving, forgiving, and building relationships rooted in compassion.

The guys say that living the faith wholeheartedly will change our hearts and the world!

Watch this episode below 👇

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“When you pray, enter into your room, and having shut the door, pray to your Father in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you.” - Matt. 6:6 🙏
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