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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**Glory Story (5:00)

**Feedback (9:19)

*Yoga (10:58)
*
Hi Fr. Josh,

I thank the Lord for leading me to your podcast. I am learning a lot with regards to the beauty of our Catholic faith, though late in the game.

Anyway, my question is about yoga. I have read that it stems from another religion and it's called a practice. I am currently attending classes at the gym because I find that among the many I have tried, it works for my aches and stiffness. I consider it as mindful stretching as opposed to a practice of the philosophy it purports to be. My question is: am I violating my Christian faith if I view yoga as just a workout and not the religious practice that others view it?

Any information will be appreciated and again, thank you.

• Joi

Should we forgive the devil? (21:50)

Hey, Fr. Josh! I'm going to get right to it: should we forgive and love the devil? God loves and forgives everyone, right? Does that include the devil? And if it does include the devil, does that mean we should also love and forgive the devil because we are to imitate Christ? My gut feeling is no. We should just steer clear of the devil entirely and leave it up to God to fight and interact with him. I'm not sure about forgiving the devil for his many temptations and assaults against us, but I'm positive we're not meant to love him, right? I would love to know your view on the matter and if the Catholic Church has an official opinion on this. Thank you so much for any help you can provide!

• D

Did Mary have free-will? (32:33)
Hi Fr. Josh,
I love your podcast and I’ve been listening for some time. Here is my question:
Would it have been a sin to deny the angel Gabriel and not have Jesus? And if it would have been a sin to deny God’s plan, and Mary was born without sin, did she have no other option than to accept? So would she not have had free will?
Thank you and God Bless!!

• John

*Resources: *

• Preorder Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
• Email your questions about Lent and other topics and feedback to Fr. Josh at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com
• Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to the shownotes list for the chance to win a free copy of Fr. Josh’s new book!
• Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
• Jeff Cavins Young Adult Pilgrimage with Fr. Mike Schmitz in June 2020

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

Snippet from the Show
“Fight the devil the same way Jesus fought the devil. Whenever you recognize some temptation, quote Scripture out loud, and say ‘Get behind me Satan’. The word of God will fight for us.”

SHOWNOTES

Glory Story (2:20)

Listener Feedback (4:58)

Dropping Hosts (6:51)
Last Sunday, during Communion, as I was peeking at the consecrated host from my hand I dropped it, and it fell to the floor by my feet. I gasped, and immediately grabbed it up and put it in my mouth. I was beyond mortified. I know part of it was embarrassment of those who may have seen me but I couldn't believe I’d been so careless with our Lord. Why wouldn’t I be more attentive during those few minutes I’m receiving Holy Communion. I prayed deeply about this and I heard him chuckle and say “Really, it’s okay.” I just can’t get that sight out of my mind: seeing him, Jesus, on the floor. I pray this never ever happens to me again, but if it does, what is the appropriate thing to do? Is there something more I should do now after making this awful blunder, is this a sin I need to confess?
–A Clumsy Lover of Christ

Devil in Our Thoughts (11:09)
Dear Father Josh,
My friend and I enjoy your podcast so very much. It is my favorite to listen to during commutes or travel, and some of the things you say are so profound to me I either have to stop the podcast and keep repeating it in my head, rewind and replay it over and over, and I usually write it down so I can meditate on the words even more. Your book is also amazing and I can’t wait for the new book to be released. You’re a blessing, keep up the awesome work. Here’s our question: does the devil have access to our minds? Does he know our thoughts as God knows our thoughts and our innermost being. We were thinking that the devil does not know our thoughts and the way that we can protect ourselves from his temptation and masterful lies was to never verbalize our thoughts and feelings, to never think out loud if you will. To keep thoughts inside so as to not allow the enemy to know our secrets. If he can’t access our thoughts then he can’t tempt us and control our minds, or use our thoughts and feelings against us. How exactly does the devil tempt us and can he get into our head?
–Two Friends from Texas

Not Kneeling at Mass (24:03)
Hi Father Josh,
Recently I moved away for college and started attending Mass at one of the local Catholic churches. I was a bit surprised when none of the congregation kneeled down during the Eucharistic prayers. In fact, the pews did not even have kneelers. I’ve since started attending a different Catholic church nearby. This was the first Catholic church I’d ever seen that doesn’t kneel, and it made me curious about the reason. Should I avoid going to this particular church because of this?
–Claire

Resources

• General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM)
• The Litany of Humility
• Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh

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
He suffered, not only for our redemption, but so that we wouldn’t have to suffer alone. He knows that you’re going to suffer in so many ways. He knew that people, in their free will, were going to hurt you and he wanted you to know that you are not alone. He is with you and he is suffering with you.

For today's shownotes including resources from Fr. Josh, listen to today's episode at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh

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