This episode contains adult themes that are not suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Snippet From the Show

"If we immerse ourselves in holy artwork, movies, music, and Scripture, our imagination starts to become a sacred space that the devil can't play with."

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“The goal of the Christian life is to imitate God, adoration of God leads to imitation of God.”

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Snippet from the Show
When dealing with very messy members of the body of Christ, lean into a closer relationship with St. John of the Cross. He abided with a difficult community who didn’t like him and even imprisoned him!

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Snippet from the Show
_When it comes to making the act of spiritual communion, this practice can be done anywhere, anytime. And ask God to transport your soul to the nearest tabernacle if you can’t get out of your home to be in the presence of Jesus. _

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Snippet from the Show
“If a person receives Holy Communion and says ‘Amen’ without believing in the True Presence, they act dishonestly.”

SHOWNOTES

Glory Story (2:13)

Listener Feedback (5:37)

Holy Communion to Non-Catholics (7:45)

Hi Fr Josh,
Thank you for the gift that is your podcast and for all of the wisdom, guidance, and advice you offer to us, your brothers and sisters.

I am recently engaged to the love of my life. I am a devout Catholic and he is a devout non-Catholic Christian. We have come a long way in our relationship with understanding each other‘s faith and beliefs and are excited to venture into the sacrament of marriage. One thing that we continue to struggle with and have conversation about is taking Communion at Mass. He feels rejected by the Church knowing that he cannot take Communion and it breaks my heart to see how it affects him. I understand that we believe the bread is the Body and wine the Blood and must protect the sacred Eucharist but if Jesus says “come to me all who are hungry, and you will be fed”, I don’t understand why someone of such great faith as my fiancé cannot receive Communion at Mass. There is a Catholic Church in Bend, Oregon, recognized by the archdiocese as a Catholic Church, that offers Communion to any Christian person. I have not had the opportunity to attend Mass there but this is the first church I’ve heard of doing this. Curious on your thoughts on this as well. Looking for any guidance and advice on understanding the Church’s teaching on the Eucharist for myself and my fiancé.
Thank you so much for your desire and dedication to bringing people closer to the Lord. You are a gift!

• Jordan

Essential Oils (18:05)

Hey Father Josh, loving the podcasts. I listen to them to help me focus before my theology homework. Anyways, I have a follow up question. A few episodes ago you mentioned that essential oils may lead to the devil or evil. Can you elaborate on that?
Thanks! Praying for you!

• Emma

St. Paul and the Book of Galatians (23:13)

Hey Father Josh,
Thank you so much for constantly reading and answering my emails on your podcast. Your explanation of St. Peter as the first pope helped me a ton and affirmed what I already believed to be true in my heart. Another question, could you help me process the book of Galatians? In Galatians, Paul talks about how the law does not justify you but it is through faith that a person has life. Reading this entire book my head goes straight to the Protestant view on salvation and how they can use the book of Galatians to justify their beliefs that faith alone leads to salvation. I just need help understanding what Paul’s saying and what that means for us Catholics, help a girl out! Also shoutout to my homegirl Olivia K. for being the best Catholic friend I could ever ask for, could you say a special prayer for her?

• Kennedy

Resources
Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh
Romans: The Gospel of Salvation with Dr. Andrew Swafford and Jeff Cavins
Email Fr. Josh: askfatherjosh@ascensionpress.com
Walking with God: A Journey Through the Bible
Galatians: Set Free to Live with Jeff Cavins & Gayle Somers

Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Snippet from the Show
“The word ‘pray’ actually means ‘to ask’. It’s become synonymous with ‘worship’ but that’s not what it means.”

SHOWNOTES

Glory Story (1:46)
One of Fr. Josh’s parishioners recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! As he was leaving the hospital the women’s youngest son ran up to Fr. Josh thinking he was Jesus.

Listener Feedback (6:51)

Praying to the Saints (11:57)
Fr. Josh, I absolutely love your podcast and haven't missed an episode! I am a cradle Catholic and your podcast, in addition to a few other awesome Catholic podcasts, have helped me to grow in my Faith and my love for Jesus more than I ever thought possible. My husband of 11 years joined the Church at the Easter Vigil in 2018. During RCIA classes, he learned a lot more than what I could have ever begun to tell him about; that being said, he still has a hangup with how we pray to Mary and to the Saints for their intercession for us. During our nightly prayer time, I've attempted to be more intentional with praying to saints for their intercession and have been trying to learn more about various saints. One night, I specifically prayed for our Blessed Mother to help us to parent more like her and to be patient like she was in raising Jesus. After we finished, he said that he wasn't sure it was right that I asked Mary for help. I tried to explain that Mary can only help us through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and not of her own power. I think it was just the language I used during prayer that caused him to hesitate, so my questions are below:

1. Is there a 'correct' way to pray to Mary or the Saints in such a way that it doesn't seem like we are worshiping them or asking them directly for their help through their own power?

2. How can we properly explain that when we pray to Mary and the Saints that we are NOT worshiping them? We believe that they are the living Body of Christ in Heaven and they can pray for us and help us just as a member of the living Body of Christ here on earth can, right? Why is this so hard for non-Catholics to understand?

Thanks so much, and may God continue to bless you as you walk with so many of us while we deepen our Faith.
-Tammy

The Communion Fast (22:33)
Hi Fr. Josh! I have a tricky question for you regarding the hour fast before Holy Communion. It surprises me how many people of all ages do not know about this fast. I do understand that this is a fast before Communion and not the start of Mass, but there have been numerous times when friends, acquaintances, and various adults have been eating something or drinking coffee in that "grey area time" (where depending on the Mass length you may not meet the fast) or even a few minutes before Mass. I don't think God is "counting down the minutes" till you have met the hour fast, but I also believe that as Catholics we shouldn't want to cut it close just to eat food. We should be honoring this fast in devotion to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. There have been a few instances where a friend has been about to eat something and out of charity I reminded them about the fast. But I am confused as to when it is right for me to do so and when I should just hold my tongue? Because if these people truly did not know about the fast, it would be good if I told them, but I also don't want to commit a sin by not speaking up when I have the opportunity to kindly remind them about the fast.
-Jane

Confession “Hopping” (26:59)
Thank you so much for your podcast! It has been so helpful for me. I'm not really sure how to phrase this question, but it's something I've been thinking about lately so here goes.. I am quite involved in my parish now so my parish priests have gotten to know me a lot better than they used to. I have kinda been avoiding going to confession recently because the priests know me personally now, I'm no longer 'anonymous' as such. I would rather go to confession at a different parish (there are others close by) to do a good confession with a priest I don't know. Is this ok or should I just try and 'get over' this fear/embarrassment. I know it's a pride thing on my part, and they would just be happy that I go to receive the sacrament! Anyway I'm wondering what advice you may have on this? How do you do a good confession with a priest you work closely with?? Is it ok to avoid confession at your local parish and go to a different parish? Do you have any advice on how you've managed this in your own life?
-Anonymous

Universal Call
Share this podcast with a friend and potentially be the reason they deepen their relationship with God!

Resources
See more resources at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh

• Broken and Blessed book by Fr. Josh Johnson

Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Snippet from the Show

Imagine the people who might ask you questions about your ashes. It’s a great opportunity to be a witness and to evangelize. It’s also a great opportunity for you to remember that you are dust, that you are called to daily repentance, and that you are called to be an intercessor for the world.

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Visit www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh to view the full version of the show notes for every episode.

SHOWNOTES
Glory Story (1:23)
Listener Feedback (4:57)
Ash Wednesday (15:09)
Downplaying Mortal Sins During Confession (20:17)
Dress Code for Mass (27:50)
Universal Points (30:48)

Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Visit www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh to view the show notes for every episode.

Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)