Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

In this special discussion, the significance of fasting during the joyful Easter season is explored, along with its connection to spiritual growth. The importance of personal reflection on fasting practices beyond Lent is emphasized. Listeners are encouraged to integrate fasting into their lives to deepen their connection with Jesus. The conversation closes with an uplifting prayer of surrender to God's love and grace.

Dr. Brian Pedraza, a theologian known for his work with the Dominus Project, joins the discussion on balancing self-care and humility. They explore how to prioritize personal growth while avoiding the pitfalls of pride and vanity. The conversation delves into how social media influences self-image and the importance of rooting self-worth in divine love rather than external validation. They also touch on the need for a community of support and authentic connections, promoting a magnanimous spirit focused on caring for others.

Dr. Brian Pedraza, Director of the Dominus Project at Fran U, joins Fr. Josh to dive into the complexities of greed and wealth from a Catholic perspective. They discuss how consumer culture fosters an irrational desire for riches and how personal comfort should be balanced with charitable responsibility. Dr. Pedraza highlights the moral implications of money and emphasizes the importance of stewardship in fulfilling individual vocations. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their attachments and prioritize faith over materialism.

Have you noticed that busyness, laziness, or procrastination often hinder your efforts to pray? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to discuss the sin of acedia or sloth, also known as the "noonday devil". Together, they answer a question about the struggle of maintaining a consistent prayer routine in the face of sloth and explain how developing the virtue of diligence helps us overcome it. Snippet From the Show Diligence, rooted in love, combats sloth. 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Do you feel discouraged trying to combat lust in your life? Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Fr. Josh to discuss the sin of lust. Together, they answer questions about strategies to avoid falling into lust and how parents can raise children with a healthy understanding of sexuality in an over-sexualized culture. Snippet From the Show "Avoiding the near occasion of sin is crucial for overcoming lust." 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

What does the sin of gluttony exactly look like in our lives? Dr. Mario Sacasa and Fr. Josh delve into the vice of gluttony, exploring its definition, manifestations, and the psychological and spiritual dimensions associated with it. They discuss the difference between gluttony and food addiction, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's behavior and seeking help when necessary. They also offer practical strategies for moderation and self-control. Snippet From the Show Gluttony is an irrational placement of gratification. 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Dr. Mario Sacasa, a licensed marriage and family therapist with two decades of experience, chats with Fr. Josh about the envy trap in our competitive world. They explore how to embrace our unique gifts within the body of Christ rather than measuring ourselves against others. Delving into how social media exacerbates feelings of envy, they offer practical strategies to counteract negativity. With insights from evolutionary psychology and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, this conversation provides a refreshing perspective on personal growth and spiritual fulfillment.

Sister Josephine Garrett, a thoughtful Catholic sister, joins Father Josh to unravel the complexities of pride and its impact on our lives. They discuss how pride can lead to a false sense of control and the importance of self-reflection. Listeners are encouraged to embrace God’s guidance, especially when expectations don't align with reality. The conversation also emphasizes the need to surrender control and trust in divine timing, enhancing personal spiritual journeys through prayer and community resilience.

Sr. Josephine Garrett, a dedicated religious sister, joins Fr. Josh to delve into the complexities of navigating attractions and lust in relationships. They discuss how our attractions reveal deeper desires and the importance of examining them to promote goodness. The conversation touches on prioritizing the dignity of others, maintaining faithfulness amidst temptations, and embracing grace in overcoming anxiety and perfectionism. Ultimately, they emphasize community support and the healing power of genuine love in the journey toward personal growth.

We all experience anger for different reasons, but how do we prevent anger from turning into wrath? Sr. Josephine Garrett joins Fr. Josh to answer questions about dealing with anger, conflict, and unforgiveness in our families and communities. Snippet From the Show To prevent anger from becoming wrath, we need to invite Jesus into our experience of anger and allow him to heal us. 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)