This week in a Christmas special, Father Josh encourages us to pray with the Scriptures read during the Christmas Masses. As we listen to the genealogy of Jesus on Christmas Eve, he reminds us that Jesus came from a family of sinners and that Christ came to save all, no matter how great or how little the sinner.

Snippet from the Show

"Each and every one of us has a past and we shouldn't let our past mistakes dictate our future, our destiny, our calling to become saints in our walk towards eternity... God is bigger than our mess."


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Christ Entered Into Our Mess

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

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Self-Improvement

Hello Father Josh! 

Let me start out by saying you are such an incredible blessing to so many! God has truly sent you to help those in need. You are so relatable, and it is wonderful and very encouraging. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

My question or concern is this. A number of years ago, in my 20’s, I was at a very low point. I was depressed and searching for what I hoped would be real love. I found myself continuing to make the same mistake repeatedly, by sleeping with these men I’d date sometimes only briefly. I am so incredibly ashamed and disappointed in myself. Though I have confessed these sins on multiple occasions during Confession, I can’t ever forgive myself. I do believe God most likely forgives me, but am also deeply afraid of the recourse I will have to pay for these mistakes. I am frightened of the suffering in purgatory, though I know I deserve the consequences and to be made clean before entering Heaven. It was such a sad time in my life, and I shied away from what was right. I am just wondering, does it offend God that I don’t forgive myself? Will I suffer immensely for these sins? Can I do anything to earn penance while on Earth? I know we must pay for our sins and that He died for ours. But I can’t help but to feel scared of dying because of this. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! 

God Bless you.


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How to Deal with Shame

Welcome to Ask Fr. Josh - Summer Snippets! During the next few months, some of the most popular questions from the archives will be released as short snippets. Enjoy!

Question:

I have had 3 cervical spine fusions over 5 years and due to the amount of medication I’ve been taking I have begun to do a small amount of damage to my liver. 2 of my specialists have recommended medicinal marijuana but I feel so guilty doing it. My family is supportive but I feel ashamed. I have taken Percocet but do not like the side effect and again it’s another pill that can lead to damage to my liver. I’ve also begun to drink beer and wine to alleviate the pain. My question is should I use my medicinal marijuana for pain or is this a sin? I feel as though I’m running out of options.

-Anonymous 


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What the Church Says About Medical Marijuana

What do you do if your spouse isn’t praying, going to Mass, or living the faith at all? Many people find themselves in the position where their spouse is non-Catholic or not practicing the faith. This can be incredibly difficult both as a spouse and as a parent. Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Deacon Michael Parker to discuss what to do in this kind of situation. They share how you can work to evangelize your spouse without nagging or creating animosity in the relationship.

Snippet From the Show

It is essential that we share the goodness of the Lord through our words and our actions.


Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh
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When Your Spouse Doesn’t Share Your Faith

Just as we would prioritize a vacation with our family or our husband or our wife, we ought to also prioritize a getaway with God. In today’s episode, Fr. Josh Johnson encourages us to get away, break our routines, and listen to the voice of God. He unfolds how important retreats are for him in his walk with God, and how life-changing different types of retreats can be for us, no matter what state of life we find ourselves in. 

Snippet From the Show

If God is important to us, then God deserves to be on our calendar.


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
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Retreats: Essential or Indulgent?

It is essential for every spouse to learn how best to love their husband or wife. To discuss how husbands want to be loved, Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Deacon Michael Parker. Together, they talk through some of the ways that men tend to feel most loved. They also touch on the importance of communication and vulnerability when it comes to spouses learning how to best love one another.

Snippet From the Show

Receive your spouse as the gift they are.


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
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Christ Entered Into Our Mess

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