The Patrick Madrid Show

Mark from Honolulu called into The Patrick Madrid Show with a Lent question that you might have wondered about:   "Can I add something extra for Lent (like good deeds or ministry work) instead of giving something up?"   Sounds appealing, right? You don’t have to suffer through black coffee and no streaming services... just do extra good stuff!    Patrick’s take? Not so fast. (no pun intended)   He explains that this whole "just add something" idea actually became trendy in the ‘90s. Lent is about self-denial; just like Jesus said: "If you wish to be my disciple, deny yourself."    Giving something up is about: Mastering our bodily appetites (self-control) Learning to detach from things we like Deepening our dependence on God   So, bottom line? Adding good deeds = Good  Skipping self-denial = Not so good    You can add something extra, but don’t skip the sacrifice. Time to say goodbye to that daily coffee run (or, you know, whatever your comfort is) and embrace the Lent struggle. 

Okay, let’s get real about fasting. Patrick Madrid explains in this episode, and honestly? It’s not as scary as it sounds, especially compared to Jesus’ 40-day fast in the desert. Like, can you imagine?    So, What’s the Deal with Catholic Fasting?   First, fasting isn’t some random rule the Church made up. It’s an ancient discipline that goes all the way back to Jesus Himself. And if He did it, even though He didn’t need to... then yeah, maybe we should take notes.   Fasting is about gaining control over our appetites before they control us. Let’s be honest: we live in a world where skipping one meal feels like the end of civilization. But fasting teaches self-mastery and unites us to Christ in His suffering.   What Are the Actual Fasting Rules?   Ash Wednesday & Good Friday Fasting → One full meal, plus two smaller snacks that don’t add up to a second meal. (No, you don’t need to weigh your food like a bodybuilder.) Abstinence from meat → No steak, no chicken, no bacon.    Fridays in Lent   No meat → But you don’t have to eat fish. (Seriously, where did that myth come from?)   Wait… Can I Have That Lobster Dinner on a Friday?    Technically? Yes. Spiritually? Ehhh. The whole idea is to keep it simple, not turn abstinence into an excuse for a five-star seafood feast.    Why Does This Matter?   Because it’s a tiny sacrifice to remind ourselves that we are not slaves to our desires. It’s a way of saying, “Lord, I want to unite my small suffering with Yours.”   So yeah, fasting isn’t easy. But it’s worth it; if nothing else, it makes you appreciate that Easter ham a whole lot more.      -Fasting = 1 full meal + 2 small snacks (Ash Wed & Good Fri).   -No meat on Fridays in Lent.   -Fish is allowed but not required.   -Keep it simple; don’t turn “sacrifice” into a seafood buffet.   Now, go forth and fast… but maybe don’t plan a Costco trip on an empty stomach.   

Patrick brings attention to the health risks and addiction issues linked to vaping. Patrick shares firsthand accounts from those affected by vaping-related health problems such as collapsed lungs. He explores the appeal of vaping among young adults and highlights marketing strategies that target them.   A new study flags vaping as a bigger health hazard than cigarettes, linking it to dementia, heart disease, and organ failure (00:51) Daylight saving falls out of favor with most Americans (12:57) Karen - Vaping: I own a vape shop. I want to make the public aware that there are a lot of deaths through smoking. I think vaping is a good way to get off of cigarettes. (19:13) Elizabeth - I had a collapsed lung twice in my life, but the doctor was able to fix it both times. (32:16) Mari - I am 21 and all of my friends are addicted to vape, and they also do other drugs. (41:38) Ruben - Can a Deacon say Mass without a priest present? (46:21)

Patrick shares a heartfelt email from a listener grappling with the moral implications of in vitro fertilization and seeking hope and forgiveness within the Catholic faith. This hour also features an engaging discussion with Alicia from Chicago, who faces challenges in a mixed-faith relationship and is contemplating the future of her marriage. Patrick offers fatherly advice, providing insights into the potential hurdles and heartaches of such unions while encouraging listeners to consider the long-term impacts on family and faith.   Susie (email) – I had children using In Vitro Fertilization (IFV) before I knew it was a sin. I love my kids, but I feel guilty over what I did. (00:39) Alicia - I am 24 and in a relationship with a non-Catholic. I asked him if he would come to church with me. He said that he didn't want to be part of my religion. (07:48) Ada (email) - Would the advice you gave to Alicia also apply for a non-practicing Catholic? (21:32) Richard - My wife was a practicing Catholic, and she told me that I need to be a strong Catholic if we were to marry. I would say she should give him that ultimatum. (26:36) Anonymous email - Why did God design it so that we fall in love based mainly on hormones when in the long run our hormones have nothing to do with marital success? (29:11) Michael - My stepdaughter married an atheist man, and they have issues in the marriage and neither go to church anymore. (36:16) Marie - I have been married for 30 years to a non-Catholic, and it is the loneliest I have ever been (43:31)

Patrick explores the challenges and complexities of mixed marriages, highlighting poignant stories from callers who share their personal experiences. From feelings of loneliness and longing for spiritual unity to inspiring conversions into Catholicism, Patrick examines the profound impacts of sharing or not sharing faith within a marriage. By listening to heartfelt advice and powerful lessons from those who have lived through these situations, Patrick shows the role faith has in fostering strong, united families.   Veronica (email) - So lonely. Being married to a non-Catholic. If only someone had told me (00:42) Karen (email) - My husband was Catholic but never went to mass. I found out the hard way, if the father doesn’t go to mass, more than likely neither will the children. (01:54) Jared - I converted to Catholicism for my marriage (08:18) Mike – Mixed marriages are very difficult, and it’s gets lonely (13:55) Ally - Being married to someone of another faith was very lonely and now my kids don't follow the faith. (19:24) Allyn (email) – Sometimes your show makes me sad. I can’t go back and change what I’ve done, but I’m not sure I can listen anymore. (23:46) Mike (email) - It seems you are foreclosing on a chance to save the soul of the non-practicing spouse. (27:24) Eileen – I married an agnostic. I feel like I became more Catholic having a spouse of another faith because of prayer. (31:18) Rita - My understanding of Serbian Orthodox is that there was a split, but they were still in Sacramental communion with the Catholic Church. Why is something wrong with those Churches? (35:57) Linda - Picking the right person in the same faith is really important to the success of that relationship and overall happiness. God should be in the marriage (40:49) Deanne – The Salt and Light Book that helped me. It’s about a Saint who converted her husband after death through her diary. (43:59) Dave - I was a Jehovah's Witnesses, and I converted. I will be married in a couple months! (46:10)

Patrick explores the traditions and disciplines of Ash Wednesday, and he highlights the significance of the day and its connection to ancient practices rooted in the time of the apostles. With engaging insights and relatable anecdotes, Patrick discusses the biblical basis for fasting, drawing parallels between Jesus' 40 days in the desert and his listeners' own Lenten journeys. He highlights the importance of mastering bodily appetites and embracing the spirit of mortification through abstinence. Patrick also addresses various inquiries from listeners, including questions about Communion, fasting while sick, and the tradition of giving something up for Lent.   Today is Ash Wednesday. Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return. (00:33) What does Fasting mean for Catholics? (04:46) Thomas - I can't go to confession on a regular basis. Can I make an act of contrition and take communion if I resolve to go to confession when I can? (06:02) Sebastian (email) – Is it okay to have protein powder during days of abstinence? (19:37) Michael - Does someone who is sick still need fast today? (30:28) Richard - I stopped going to Communion because I got married to someone else after divorcing a woman. How can I get back to communion? (34:39) Mark (email) – Can I add things, instead of abstaining from something, during Lent? (46:26)

Beginning with enlightening listeners about the traditions and flexibility related to fasting on Ash Wednesday, Patrick addresses common misconceptions and encourages personal devotion. The conversation shifts towards a debate surrounding the relaxing of Lenten disciplines on Sundays, offering clarity and dispelling misunderstandings tied to the observance of Lent. Patrick then discusses social media commentary from a religious individual who expresses divisive views on Catholicism and nationalism, offering a measured response and providing understanding on misconceptions about Catholic traditions. Additionally, the episode explores a recent initiative by evangelical Protestants to create a counter-strategy in response to a rise in conversions to Catholicism, where Patrick shares his thoughts on the effectiveness of Catholic apologetics and emphasizes the natural draw of Protestant seekers to the rich theological depth within the Catholic Church.   Don - What does fasting entail for today? Do I need to go the whole day without food? (01:13) Melody - Can you relax your penances on Sundays in Lent? (02:29) Patrick responds to a viral X post that states: “America is a Protestant nation… If you don’t like this, leave our country.” (07:08) Evangelicals call for strategy to counter rising Protestant conversions to Catholicism (20:48) Ben - Should I remove the ashes I received this morning if I go to another Mass on later today? (36:47) Felipe - Where do we get the ashes for Ash Wednesday? Why do we have the dating system that we have? (38:49) Mary – Is it okay for a lay person to administer the Ashes? (47:00)

Patrick addresses a range of topics and heartfelt stories from callers around the country. The episode kicks off with Stuart from Bakersfield sharing his transformative journey from Protestantism to Catholicism, encouraged by influential Catholic literature and figures like Patrick Madrid himself. Later, a perplexed godfather, David, seeks Patrick's advice about his godson's planned wedding in a non-Catholic church. This conversation leads to a discussion about the significance of maintaining Catholic traditions and understanding invalid marriage. Amid these spiritually enriching stories, Patrick also answers listeners' questions about the meaning of Ash Wednesday, the differences between sacraments and sacramentals, and resources for teaching young children about Lent.   Stuart - Thank you Patrick for helping me come into the Catholic Church! (00:36) David - My godson is getting married in an Episcopal Church by a Presbyterian minister. How can I convince him to get his marriage blessed by a priest? (08:52) Leeann – The Scott Hahn video converted me and I read Surprised By Truth. I'm Catholic now! (20:38) Patrick answers a bunch of emails questions, including Bridget’s question: Can I throw away last years’ palms? (25:03) Marissa (email) – How should I explain to my 9-year-old about how babies are born? (36:21) Michael – Shroud of Turin Jessica - What book or website would be good for my 5-year-old about Lent? (42:01) Will - What do you know about the two prophets in Canada?

Patrick engages with a variety of fascinating topics, starting with his responses to listener emails, where he discusses the implications of Christian nationalism and the allure of communism, particularly among young students. Patrick addresses the false promises of communism and shines a light on the pervasive influence of media messaging, with a focus on historical context and current social media trends. The episode also features discussions on ideologies, media manipulation, and dynamics within the Church.   Mary (Email) - Do you think The Communist Manifesto is appropriate for a 13-year-old to read? (00:40) Audio: KGB defector Yuri Bezmenov's warning to America (1984) (11:16) Audio: This is Dangerous to our Democracy (17:29) Audio: Brought to you by Pfizer (24:01) Greg - What is a good book about Confession? I bring Communion to nursing homes and one of the residents is a fallen away Catholic. (27:42) Carmen - I worked for mainstream media and left it about 4 months ago. It is funny because everything is scripted by the producer. We HAVE to follow the script. (36:32) Margaret – I disagree with you. I think the priest should have given her communion. Why does Biden get communion if women in nursing homes don’t get to receive Jesus? (42:59) Kim - If you have been annulled in the Catholic Church 4 times, can you be a Eucharistic minister? (49:02)

Patrick shares the heartfelt journeys and challenges faced by callers who are seeking guidance and wisdom from the Catholic faith. Listen as Patrick addresses Hannah's family's decision to join a more traditional parish and their quest to find a godparent for their son. Meanwhile, David explores the responsibilities that come with being a godfather to a catechumen in a challenging situation. This episode also covers various inquiries about spiritual struggles, vocations, and the impact of curses.   Hanna - Should we continue with OCIA where we are at? We don't want our child to be assigned a godparent from that Church. (00:35) David - Can I be the godfather for a Catechumen who is living with his girlfriend? (08:57) Michelle - My daughter can't eat meat so what should she give up on Fridays in Lent? She has depression and gets depressed during lent. How can she look at it with more joy than sorrow? (17:40) Kip - I think that the person who is inviting people to Mass to take communion should tell them what will happen and why it will happen. (27:24) Mary (email) - I am a widow and am dating a widower. He has invited me to travel with him. All accommodations would be separate. Would we be committing a sin of scandal to travel together? (32:22) John - I was recently asked to be a lector for Mass in the morning. If I am not in the state of Grace, can I still be a lector? (38:27)