Catholic Gospel Reflection: The Apostles' First Apostles | Easter Sunday (Year A)
Rebel Saints: Catholic Faith & Spiritual Growth Podcast for Christians
Send us Fan Mail Can small acts of faith change the world? On this Easter Sunday 2026, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ by looking at the "forgotten co-conspirators" of the Paschal Mystery. While the world focused on the powerful, God was working through an underground network of Catholic women, children, and social "nobodies" to make the Resurrection known. In this episode of Rebel Saints, Nicole Olea dives into the lives of those who stayed when others fled. From the financial support of Joanna and Susanna to the bold witness of Mary Magdalene, we explore why the Catholic Church honors these women as the first apostles to the Apostles. Inside this Easter Episode: * The Women of Galilee: How their "yes" provided the means for Jesus’ public ministry (Luke 8). * St. Dismas (The Good Thief): A deep dive into the patron saint of "latecomers" and why his plea for mercy is the ultimate Easter message. * Hidden Heroes: The roles of Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and even the boy with the five loaves and two fish. * The Power of Small Fidelities: Why your tithe, your parish volunteering, and your quiet prayers are the "underground network" building the Kingdom today. Key Scripture & Catholic Teaching Mentioned: * Luke 8: The women who accompanied Jesus. * John 19-20: The Passion and the Empty Tomb. * 1 Corinthians 1:26-29: God choosing the weak to shame the strong. * Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): On the reality of the Resurrection and the Mercy of God. Topics covered in this episode: Catholic Easter Reflection, St. Dismas and the Good Thief, Women in the Gospel, The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Catholic Women's Ministry, Joseph of Arimathea, Biblical History, Catholic Saints, Mercy of God, and the Paschal Mystery. A Message for the "Restless Heart": Whether you feel like a "nobody" in the Church or you're a busy parent struggling to raise children in the faith, this episode is for you. Easter proves that no one is too far gone for God’s infinite mercy. Just show up. Say yes. Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us! Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review. It’s the best way to help us grow. Connect with Rebel Saints: * Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast * Reflections: https://substack.com/@rebelsaints * Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast * TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast * For exclusive content find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast * Write us: rebelsaintspodcast@gmail.com
About Podcast
There is nothing more punk than Catholicism. Rebel Saints is a Catholic podcast exploring Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, and Catholic theology for restless hearts trying to follow Jesus Christ in a modern world.
In an age of algorithms, anxiety, artificial intelligence, and endless scrolling, how do we live out our Christian faith? St. Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You." Sixteen hundred years later, we're still restless — we just have smartphones now.
Hosted by Catholic journalist, youth minister, and mother Nicole Olea, this show offers a fresh laywoman’s perspective on the ancient Church. Whether you are a cradle Catholic, a recent convert, a scripture seeker, or a skeptic, this podcast tackles the hard questions about faith and culture.
Through thoughtful interviews, compelling storytelling, Catholic Church history, Scripture reflections, and the inspiring lives of the saints, Nicole dives into what it actually means to build a daily prayer life today. The Church has outlived empires, revolutions, and pandemics. She isn't afraid of modernity, and you don't need a perfect life hack or another political hot take to find peace.
Maybe the most rebellious thing you can do isn't reinvent yourself. Maybe it's discovering Catholic spirituality and becoming the saint you were created to be. Restless hearts: You are welcome here.
Join the Rebellion: Connect with the Restless Heart Society!
Ready to connect with fellow rebels living out the Catholic faith?
Find us, follow us, and join the community:
- Restless Hearts Social Club: facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast
- Instagram & TikTok: @rebelsaintspodcast / @RebelSaintsPodcast
- Restless Hearts Society: (Patreon Support the Show): patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast
- Email: rebelsaintspodcast@gmail.com
- Website: rebelsaintspodcast.com
Rebel Saint - this podcast is for you!
