web02.fireside.fm Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:17:42 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast) - Episodes Tagged with “Fasting” https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/tags/fasting Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:30:00 -0500 Ask Fr. Josh is the podcast where I hear you out and do my best to help you navigate the tricky times in life when our Catholic Faith doesn’t give you an easy “fill-in-the blank” answer. On this show, we’ll listen to one another, problem solve together, and ultimately entrust everything to our Lord. If this is your first time tuning in, here’s how the show goes: Each episode, I'll address three to four of your questions. I’ll cover everything from Catholic teaching to moral dilemmas to relationship advice. I'm not perfect, and I can’t guarantee that my advice is going to make things easy, but I'll do my best to share what I've learned during my time as a priest, pastor, and friend. Send me your questions at ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh en-us episodic Fr. Josh helps you navigate the tricky times in life when our Catholic Faith doesn’t give you an easy, “fill-in-the blank” answer. Ascension Ask Fr. Josh is the podcast where I hear you out and do my best to help you navigate the tricky times in life when our Catholic Faith doesn’t give you an easy “fill-in-the blank” answer. On this show, we’ll listen to one another, problem solve together, and ultimately entrust everything to our Lord. If this is your first time tuning in, here’s how the show goes: Each episode, I'll address three to four of your questions. I’ll cover everything from Catholic teaching to moral dilemmas to relationship advice. I'm not perfect, and I can’t guarantee that my advice is going to make things easy, but I'll do my best to share what I've learned during my time as a priest, pastor, and friend. Send me your questions at ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh no fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, Roman Catholic, catholic podcast, catholics, christian, christianity, religion, catholic faith, catholic religion, faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Christ, relationship with Jesus, catholic beliefs, catholic priest, priest, prayer, praying, holiness, saints, catholic faith formation, ascension catholic, ascension catholic faith formation, catholic teachings, spirituality, Ascension podcasts@ascensionpress.com Dealing with Depression or Acedia in Lent, Types of Fasting, and Distractions in Prayer https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/146 ef629d3d-e57d-4909-b0d7-72dc6e1e3353 Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:30:00 -0500 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh discusses how to enter into lent if you struggle with depression or acedia, types of fasting, and how to deal with distractions in prayer. 22:36 no Fr. Josh discusses how to enter into lent if you struggle with depression or acedia, types of fasting, and how to deal with distractions in prayer. Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University (https://tinyurl.com/ya76yqhh) Snippet From the Show “When you fast and experience hunger, turn to Scripture so you can feed on the Word of God.” Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh lent, fasting, depression, acedia, penance, sacrificing, prayer, distractions in prayer, word of god, scripture, fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, Roman Catholic, catholic podcast, catholics, christian, christianity, religion, catholic faith, catholic religion, faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Christ, relationship with Jesus, catholic beliefs, catholic priest, priest, prayer, praying, holiness, saints, catholic faith formation, ascension catholic, ascension catholic faith formation, catholic teachings, spirituality, Fr. Josh discusses how to enter into lent if you struggle with depression or acedia, types of fasting, and how to deal with distractions in prayer.

Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University

Snippet From the Show

“When you fast and experience hunger, turn to Scripture so you can feed on the Word of God.”

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

]]> Fr. Josh discusses how to enter into lent if you struggle with depression or acedia, types of fasting, and how to deal with distractions in prayer.

Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University

Snippet From the Show

“When you fast and experience hunger, turn to Scripture so you can feed on the Word of God.”

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

]]> Hearing Confessions, Political Leadership, and Fighting Temptation https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/143 40fab7cd-7e09-4ed7-815a-1f83a5e10e9c Thu, 28 Jan 2021 12:00:00 -0500 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh answers questions about what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, how to talk about political leaders, and how to practically fight thoughts of temptation. This episode contains adult themes that are not suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 28:00 no Fr. Josh answers questions about what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, how to talk about political leaders, and how to practically fight thoughts of temptation. 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." To subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh politics, political leadership, biden, president biden, confession, priesthood, priest, sacrament of confession, holiness, saints, temptation, devil, praying, fasting, fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, Roman Catholic, catholic podcast, catholics, christian, christianity, religion, catholic faith, catholic religion, faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Christ, relationship with Jesus, catholic beliefs, catholic priest, priest, prayer, praying, holiness, saints, catholic faith formation, ascension catholic, ascension catholic faith formation, catholic teachings, spirituality, Fr. Josh answers questions about what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, how to talk about political leaders, and how to practically fight thoughts of temptation.

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."

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers questions about what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, how to talk about political leaders, and how to practically fight thoughts of temptation.

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."

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

]]> The Year of St. Joseph, the Incarnation, and Fasting before Communion https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/137 7a272f81-a6e2-4558-9e00-8d5139bc3f9a Thu, 17 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0500 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh answers questions on the year of St. Joseph announced by Pope Francis, the mystery of the Incarnation, and the details of fasting before receiving Holy Communion. 29:27 no Fr. Josh answers questions on the year of St. Joseph announced by Pope Francis, the mystery of the Incarnation, and the details of fasting before receiving Holy Communion. Snippet From the Show "For the Son of God became man so that we might become God."- St. Athanasius Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh eucharist, incarnation, holy communion, pope francis, the year of st.joseph, st.,joseph, joseph, st, athanasius, christmas, god became man, fasting, worship, mass, fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, Roman Catholic, catholic podcast, catholics, christian, christianity, religion, catholic faith, catholic religion, faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Christ, relationship with Jesus, catholic beliefs, catholic priest, priest, prayer, praying, holiness, saints, catholic faith formation, ascension catholic, ascension catholic faith formation, catholic teachings, spirituality, Fr. Josh answers questions on the year of St. Joseph announced by Pope Francis, the mystery of the Incarnation, and the details of fasting before receiving Holy Communion.

Snippet From the Show

"For the Son of God became man so that we might become God."- St. Athanasius

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers questions on the year of St. Joseph announced by Pope Francis, the mystery of the Incarnation, and the details of fasting before receiving Holy Communion.

Snippet From the Show

"For the Son of God became man so that we might become God."- St. Athanasius

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

]]> Fr. Josh Asks YOU Questions https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/125 08d6a472-c92b-4df7-a326-e2352c6bff7b Thu, 24 Sep 2020 12:00:00 -0400 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh switches things up today and asks you questions! Sit back and hear Fr. Josh ask you questions about prayer, politics, forgiveness, and your relationship with Jesus. 13:30 no Fr. Josh switches things up today and asks you questions! Sit back and hear Fr. Josh ask you questions about prayer, politics, forgiveness, and your relationship with Jesus. Snippet From the Show In the garden of Gethsemane, the disciples were in the presence of Jesus Christ but they were not present to him. How often are you in the presence of God but not present to him? Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh Text ASKFATHERJOSH to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s weekly email list. fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, catholic podcast, christianity, christian podcast, relationship with jesus, sin, grace, sainthood, holiness, saints, politics, politics 2020, election 2020, politics and religion, catholic faith and religion, prayer, fasting, penance, conversion, forgiveness, scripture, tradition, Fr. Josh switches things up today and asks you questions! Sit back and hear Fr. Josh ask you questions about prayer, politics, forgiveness, and your relationship with Jesus.

Snippet From the Show

In the garden of Gethsemane, the disciples were in the presence of Jesus Christ but they were not present to him. How often are you in the presence of God but not present to him?

  • Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
  • Text ASKFATHERJOSH to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s weekly email list.

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

]]> Fr. Josh switches things up today and asks you questions! Sit back and hear Fr. Josh ask you questions about prayer, politics, forgiveness, and your relationship with Jesus.

Snippet From the Show

In the garden of Gethsemane, the disciples were in the presence of Jesus Christ but they were not present to him. How often are you in the presence of God but not present to him?

  • Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
  • Text ASKFATHERJOSH to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s weekly email list.

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

]]> Mortification, Converting, and Hearing God’s Voice https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/117 192d7348-791a-4fc4-8349-a5b48c0b82b0 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 12:00:00 -0400 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh answers questions on mortification practices, converting to the Catholic Church and hearing God’s voice. 31:43 no Fr. Josh answers questions on mortification practices, converting to the Catholic Church and hearing God’s voice. Snippet From the Show “Stop focusing so much on the response of your desires and your questions and focus more of your prayer on the face of Jesus.” Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/AskFrJosh. Email your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, hearing God's voice, mortification, prayer, relationship with Jesus, converting, conversion, catholic faith, praying, God's voice, penance, fasting, saints, holiness, catholic community, Fr. Josh answers questions on mortification practices, converting to the Catholic Church and hearing God’s voice.

Snippet From the Show

“Stop focusing so much on the response of your desires and your questions and focus more of your prayer on the face of Jesus.”

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers questions on mortification practices, converting to the Catholic Church and hearing God’s voice.

Snippet From the Show

“Stop focusing so much on the response of your desires and your questions and focus more of your prayer on the face of Jesus.”

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

]]> Police Reform, Removing Statues, and Catholic Speakers https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/112 7b44b4df-871c-45ce-94bb-79f61679eab5 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:00:00 -0400 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh answers questions on police reform, removing certain statues from our churches, and when Catholic speakers talk about difficult topics. 42:31 no Fr. Josh answers questions on police reform, removing certain statues from our churches, and when Catholic speakers talk about difficult topics. Snippet From the Show “Let us therefore discover anew the humility and the courage to pray and fast so that power from on high will break down the walls of lies and deceit.” -Pope St. John Paul II Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/AskFrJosh. Email your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com police reform, reform, personal reform, removing statues, removing catholic statues, racism, catholic speakers, fasting, prayer, fake news, fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, Fr. Josh answers questions on police reform, removing certain statues from our churches, and when Catholic speakers talk about difficult topics.

Snippet From the Show
“Let us therefore discover anew the humility and the courage to pray and fast so that power from on high will break down the walls of lies and deceit.”
-Pope St. John Paul II

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers questions on police reform, removing certain statues from our churches, and when Catholic speakers talk about difficult topics.

Snippet From the Show
“Let us therefore discover anew the humility and the courage to pray and fast so that power from on high will break down the walls of lies and deceit.”
-Pope St. John Paul II

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

]]> All About Christian Fasting: Eating Disorders, Spiritual Effects, and Challenges https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/95 4445cb33-333c-48a3-8e2c-67e4364c096a Tue, 03 Mar 2020 12:00:00 -0500 Ascension full Ascension 35:41 no Fr. Josh answers questions all about Christian fasting. Learn about fasting before Mass, fasting if you have an eating disorder, and the spiritual benefits of fasting. For full episode shownotes, text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777. fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic, faith, catholic theology, theology, Fr. Josh answers questions all about Christian fasting. Learn about fasting before Mass, fasting if you have an eating disorder, and the spiritual benefits of fasting.

For full episode shownotes, text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777.

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers questions all about Christian fasting. Learn about fasting before Mass, fasting if you have an eating disorder, and the spiritual benefits of fasting.

For full episode shownotes, text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777.

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

]]> Ministering to Coworkers, Ember Days, and Revering Saint Relics https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/73 f925d8e5-842b-4fc6-9c3c-66733180eab3 Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:00:00 -0400 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh answers questions about how to minister to a coworker who looks at horoscopes and practices “white” witchcraft, what’s the deal with ember days (periods of fasting for vocations throughout the year), and why Catholics venerate saint relics and images. 29:59 no Fr. Josh answers questions about how to minister to a coworker who looks at horoscopes and practices “white” witchcraft, what’s the deal with ember days (periods of fasting for vocations throughout the year), and why Catholics venerate saint relics and images. Snippet from the Show “Vatican II invites lay people to go out into the work environment (a place where clergy can’t go) and be the image of the body of Jesus Christ.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:14) Listener Feedback (6:00) Ministering to Coworkers (8:15) Hi Fr. Josh, I‘ve been wondering whether I should keep up a friendship with a coworker whose lifestyle and beliefs are pretty opposite of mine. This coworker puts a lot of faith in horoscopes and said something about how people would be surprised if they knew that a big part of witchcraft is about natural remedies like herbs and essential oils. We don’t agree about sex or that marriage should be between a man and woman. I just listen when she talks about all of this because I don’t know if it’s my place to correct her — and honestly I‘m scared to. I don’t want to condemn her or make her think she wouldn’t be welcome in the Church. Plus, I think of Jesus eating with tax collectors. She grew up Christian and stopped practicing at some point. She says she prays, and she actually expressed an interest in joining a nondenominational church, which I think may be the result of her spending time with me and a Christian coworker. So part of me wants to be that influence who points her closer to Christ. But I really have a problem with her openness to witchcraft and horoscopes. It makes me uncomfortable and I don’t want to subject myself to any kind of occult influence. And I want friends who are pursuing holiness. So, part of me wants to distance myself, at least outside of work. We are both pretty new to our jobs and our city, and both of our social lives are mostly with coworkers. And maybe my reluctance to correct her or defend what I believe comes from a fear that it would make work awkward. Or a fear that she’d turn other coworkers against me. Besides these differences, we really do click and have bonded over a couple of interests. Plus, I know she could use a friend and use Jesus even more. I’m just struggling with knowing whether I should be that friend. Any advice is very welcome. Praying for you! - Mary Ember Days (16:04) Hi Father Josh, I am seeing on social media people talking about something in the Catholic Church called ember days. From what I can tell, ember days are a penitential season that take place 4 times a year (Lent, June, September and December) and these are a time of fasting for vocations and for good and holy priests. Will you explain in more detail how this tradition got started, and why it’s not commonly practiced? Thank you so much for your wonderful podcast and for the work you are doing for the Catholic Church. - Elaine Revering Saint Relics (20:55) Hello Father Josh. Thank you for all your podcasts. I have just started listening to them last weekend but I’ve been watching Ascension Presents for a year now. I have a question about my Catholic faith. I love it with a passion. I love the Eucharist and I love God, my goal every day is to make Him the center of my everything. I have a devotion to Mother Mary and Saint Francis of Assisi (my patron saint). I’ve been considering and discerning priesthood since 2016. I’m in college right now (I’m a freshman). I’ll wait for God to take His time. However, my question is: Why do we look at relics, images, and statues of saints with so much reverence? - Humberto Resources * Be Satisfied with Me (https://gnm.org/prayers/be-satisfied-with-me/) prayer attributed to St. Anthony of Padua * Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation (https://ascensionpress.com/products/broken-and-blessed-an-invitation-to-my-generation?utm_source=website&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=brokenandblessed&utm_content=afj) by Fr. Josh * The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living (https://www.amazon.com/Discernment-Spirits-Ignatian-Everyday-Living/dp/0824522915) by Fr. Timothy Gallagher catholic, faith at work, minister to coworkers, horoscopes, witchcraft, saint relics, ember days, fasting, vocations, catholic church, priest, catholicism Fr. Josh answers questions about how to minister to a coworker who looks at horoscopes and practices “white” witchcraft, what’s the deal with ember days (periods of fasting for vocations throughout the year), and why Catholics venerate saint relics and images.

Snippet from the Show
“Vatican II invites lay people to go out into the work environment (a place where clergy can’t go) and be the image of the body of Jesus Christ.”

SHOWNOTES

Glory Story (2:14)

Listener Feedback (6:00)

Ministering to Coworkers (8:15)
Hi Fr. Josh, I‘ve been wondering whether I should keep up a friendship with a coworker whose lifestyle and beliefs are pretty opposite of mine. This coworker puts a lot of faith in horoscopes and said something about how people would be surprised if they knew that a big part of witchcraft is about natural remedies like herbs and essential oils. We don’t agree about sex or that marriage should be between a man and woman. I just listen when she talks about all of this because I don’t know if it’s my place to correct her — and honestly I‘m scared to.

I don’t want to condemn her or make her think she wouldn’t be welcome in the Church. Plus, I think of Jesus eating with tax collectors. She grew up Christian and stopped practicing at some point. She says she prays, and she actually expressed an interest in joining a nondenominational church, which I think may be the result of her spending time with me and a Christian coworker. So part of me wants to be that influence who points her closer to Christ.

But I really have a problem with her openness to witchcraft and horoscopes. It makes me uncomfortable and I don’t want to subject myself to any kind of occult influence. And I want friends who are pursuing holiness. So, part of me wants to distance myself, at least outside of work.

We are both pretty new to our jobs and our city, and both of our social lives are mostly with coworkers. And maybe my reluctance to correct her or defend what I believe comes from a fear that it would make work awkward. Or a fear that she’d turn other coworkers against me. Besides these differences, we really do click and have bonded over a couple of interests. Plus, I know she could use a friend and use Jesus even more. I’m just struggling with knowing whether I should be that friend. Any advice is very welcome. Praying for you!

  • Mary

Ember Days (16:04)
Hi Father Josh, I am seeing on social media people talking about something in the Catholic Church called ember days. From what I can tell, ember days are a penitential season that take place 4 times a year (Lent, June, September and December) and these are a time of fasting for vocations and for good and holy priests. Will you explain in more detail how this tradition got started, and why it’s not commonly practiced? Thank you so much for your wonderful podcast and for the work you are doing for the Catholic Church.

  • Elaine

Revering Saint Relics (20:55)
Hello Father Josh. Thank you for all your podcasts. I have just started listening to them last weekend but I’ve been watching Ascension Presents for a year now. I have a question about my Catholic faith. I love it with a passion. I love the Eucharist and I love God, my goal every day is to make Him the center of my everything. I have a devotion to Mother Mary and Saint Francis of Assisi (my patron saint). I’ve been considering and discerning priesthood since 2016. I’m in college right now (I’m a freshman). I’ll wait for God to take His time. However, my question is: Why do we look at relics, images, and statues of saints with so much reverence?

  • Humberto

Resources

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers questions about how to minister to a coworker who looks at horoscopes and practices “white” witchcraft, what’s the deal with ember days (periods of fasting for vocations throughout the year), and why Catholics venerate saint relics and images.

Snippet from the Show
“Vatican II invites lay people to go out into the work environment (a place where clergy can’t go) and be the image of the body of Jesus Christ.”

SHOWNOTES

Glory Story (2:14)

Listener Feedback (6:00)

Ministering to Coworkers (8:15)
Hi Fr. Josh, I‘ve been wondering whether I should keep up a friendship with a coworker whose lifestyle and beliefs are pretty opposite of mine. This coworker puts a lot of faith in horoscopes and said something about how people would be surprised if they knew that a big part of witchcraft is about natural remedies like herbs and essential oils. We don’t agree about sex or that marriage should be between a man and woman. I just listen when she talks about all of this because I don’t know if it’s my place to correct her — and honestly I‘m scared to.

I don’t want to condemn her or make her think she wouldn’t be welcome in the Church. Plus, I think of Jesus eating with tax collectors. She grew up Christian and stopped practicing at some point. She says she prays, and she actually expressed an interest in joining a nondenominational church, which I think may be the result of her spending time with me and a Christian coworker. So part of me wants to be that influence who points her closer to Christ.

But I really have a problem with her openness to witchcraft and horoscopes. It makes me uncomfortable and I don’t want to subject myself to any kind of occult influence. And I want friends who are pursuing holiness. So, part of me wants to distance myself, at least outside of work.

We are both pretty new to our jobs and our city, and both of our social lives are mostly with coworkers. And maybe my reluctance to correct her or defend what I believe comes from a fear that it would make work awkward. Or a fear that she’d turn other coworkers against me. Besides these differences, we really do click and have bonded over a couple of interests. Plus, I know she could use a friend and use Jesus even more. I’m just struggling with knowing whether I should be that friend. Any advice is very welcome. Praying for you!

  • Mary

Ember Days (16:04)
Hi Father Josh, I am seeing on social media people talking about something in the Catholic Church called ember days. From what I can tell, ember days are a penitential season that take place 4 times a year (Lent, June, September and December) and these are a time of fasting for vocations and for good and holy priests. Will you explain in more detail how this tradition got started, and why it’s not commonly practiced? Thank you so much for your wonderful podcast and for the work you are doing for the Catholic Church.

  • Elaine

Revering Saint Relics (20:55)
Hello Father Josh. Thank you for all your podcasts. I have just started listening to them last weekend but I’ve been watching Ascension Presents for a year now. I have a question about my Catholic faith. I love it with a passion. I love the Eucharist and I love God, my goal every day is to make Him the center of my everything. I have a devotion to Mother Mary and Saint Francis of Assisi (my patron saint). I’ve been considering and discerning priesthood since 2016. I’m in college right now (I’m a freshman). I’ll wait for God to take His time. However, my question is: Why do we look at relics, images, and statues of saints with so much reverence?

  • Humberto

Resources

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

]]> Voting, Spiritual Direction, and Fasting https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/26 336eb51e-17dc-4ec8-9387-7916ce7d723f Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:00:00 -0500 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh answers questions about voting when not one candidate’s platform aligns totally with Catholic teaching, how to discern finding a spiritual director, and the correct way to approach fasting. 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! 41:39 no Fr. Josh answers questions about voting when not one candidate’s platform aligns totally with Catholic teaching, how to discern finding a spiritual director, and the correct way to approach fasting. 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 When we fast from things that bring us pleasure, we feel what we are missing. That feeling should remind us how much we ought to be longing for Jesus. Turn to Jesus instead of turning toward passing pleasure to fill your desires. For full shownotes, text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777 or visit AscensionPress.com (ascensionpress.com) voting, election, spiritual direction, fasting Fr. Josh answers questions about voting when not one candidate’s platform aligns totally with Catholic teaching, how to discern finding a spiritual director, and the correct way to approach fasting. 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
When we fast from things that bring us pleasure, we feel what we are missing. That feeling should remind us how much we ought to be longing for Jesus. Turn to Jesus instead of turning toward passing pleasure to fill your desires.

For full shownotes, text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777 or visit [AscensionPress.com](ascensionpress.com)

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers questions about voting when not one candidate’s platform aligns totally with Catholic teaching, how to discern finding a spiritual director, and the correct way to approach fasting. 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
When we fast from things that bring us pleasure, we feel what we are missing. That feeling should remind us how much we ought to be longing for Jesus. Turn to Jesus instead of turning toward passing pleasure to fill your desires.

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

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