In this special Easter episode, Fr. Josh answers a question about continuing the practice of fasting beyond Lent. He encourages us to reflect on our own fasting and prayer practices that can strengthen our spiritual life. Stay tuned for a new season of Ask Fr. Josh this fall!

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"Throughout the year, the Church invites us to remember Fridays as a day of penance."

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How do we practice self-care without falling into vanity or pride? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to explore the sin of pride, the deadly vice at the root of all sin. Together, they answer a question about how to care for ourselves while staying humble.

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Humility allows the light of Christ to shine through us, while pride focuses all the light on ourselves.

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How much money should Catholics have? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to discuss the vice of greed and how Catholics should understand the gift of money in relation to their individual vocations and responsibilities. Together, they answer a question about building wealth while keeping in mind God’s call to stewardship and detachment.

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"What are the things you love more than Jesus?"

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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.

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Diligence, rooted in love, combats sloth.

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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.

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"Avoiding the near occasion of sin is crucial for overcoming lust."

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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.

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Gluttony is an irrational placement of gratification.

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In today's competitive society, it's easy to fall into the comparison trap. Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Fr. Josh to explore the sin of envy through the lens of evolutionary psychology and the teachings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Together, they answer a question about how to find peace with the reality that others may be "better" than us in certain areas. They also provide practical advice on embracing our unique place within the body of Christ.

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 We all can't be the roses, but the roses don't take away from the wildflowers in the garden.

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Pride can mislead us into believing we are the center of everything and that we have complete control. Sr. Josephine Garret joins Fr. Josh to discuss the sin of pride and its various expressions in our lives. They answer a question about relinquishing control in life, particularly when things do not go as we desire.

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 We are finite, our intellect is fragile, our hearts are cloudy, and we need God's help to be purified.

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What do our attractions reveal? Sr. Josephine Garrett joins Fr. Josh to answer questions about navigating attractions we may experience outside of marriage and how to discern a relationship with someone who struggles with lust.

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Our attractions reveal the desires of our hearts, but they must always be examined to ensure they are leading us toward the good.

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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.

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To prevent anger from becoming wrath, we need to invite Jesus into our experience of anger and allow him to heal us.

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