The Inner Life

Father Bobby Blood joins Patrick to discuss the Eucharist in the Early Church

• What is the Eucharist?
• (4:46) How does the Eucharist set the Catholic Church apart?
• (10:54) What was meant by breaking of the bread?
• Rad to Emmaus explained.
• (17:21) Robert -Thing that brought me back with the Eucharist...Jesus himself with the teaching of 5000...unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood... you will have no life...
• God is saying I am telling you to eat my flesh and drink my blood...very eye opening.

(21:51) Break 1

• What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 11:29?
• (28:07) How Paul turns us to Christ

(39:12) Break 2

• (40:33) Steve - Eucharist and how it's received today. Why there might be a lot of skepticism to the true presence is because of diminished reverence by the way it's received. Doing away with communion rails, extraordinary ministers, receiving in hand, etc.
• (43:47) Email from Miguel about taking the Eucharist if you don’t fully understand that it’s Jesus?

Resources:

• Eucharistic Miracles – St. Carlo Acutis
  • https://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/liste/list.html

Check out this great show from June 5, 2025

IL – Fr. John Paul Erickson joins Patrick to discuss Leisure and the Spiritual Life

• What makes it difficult to find leisure?
• (8:40) What are things that drive us to fill up our brokenness?

(18:17) Break 1

• (24:39) Leonard do retreats count for leisure?
• How does leisure help us identify where restlessness lies?
• How do we remember our dignity as men and women?

(38:38) Break 2

• (42:51) Tim - can you speak about the restlessness we feel on Sunday night before we start work on Monday?
• (46:35) Karen - America as a culture seems addicted to work. how do we get out of that?

Father Sam Martin joins Patrick to discuss Proof of the Resurrection

• (4:01) why is the resurrection important?
• (12:36) appearance Jesus as proof of the Resurrection.
• (19:33) Bob - If Atheists want to disprove, only thing they can go on is Pilate and the guards would have been paid off and put under the rug. Only way to dispute Jesus rose from the dead.

(26:37) Break 1

• (28:28) Timothy - I'm always curious as to how we can believe something nobody saw except the disciples. Had some doubt whether it actually happened or not.
• (37:48) Nick - My favorite topic. I love this because in our faith, we believe it. No question. Greatest proof is the witness the apostles gave. Greatest we see today is the people who have changed. Give witness. There are skeptics...science. Shroud of Turin.

(43:18) Break 2

• (44:37) Cathy - I had taken a bible study. Told me women were not allowed to be witnesses at that time. When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the apostles wrote that and they would have been embarrassed to write that. The fact they would write that is proof the resurrection is true.

Father Rob Kroll joins Patrick to discuss The Meaning of Easter

• (3:11) why is Easter such a big deal for the Catholic Church?
• (13:03) Death and Resurrection in our life. How does God work in our own lives?
• (16:31) Nick - Happy Easter and the origins. I don't mean to demean it, but I think it sometimes dummies it down. When we look at the English and Germanic origins of it. We take away from the beautiful solemnity of solemnities. Trying to figure out a way to say Happy Easter so it's not so secular, but more spiritual.

(21:56) Break 1

• Email – Why is Easter less celebrated than Christmas?
• (30:07) Mike - Christmas and more emphasis...a thought occurred to me....it appeals more to the secular interests than Easter.
• (33:12) how can we feast well during Easter?

(39:42) Break 2

• What can we understand about the Resurrection?
• (48:48) Where do we see the resurrection in our earthly world?

Join Patrick Conley this Good Friday on an epic journey of the 7 Last Words of Jesus with 7 of our top-notch spiritual directors! This show combines all seven episodes on this series of the 7 Last Words into one seamless show!

Part 1 Fr. John Eckert joins Patrick for the start of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic, Forgiveness

• • What was he scene of the Crucifixion?
  • How is trust in God the Father shown in this word?
  • (16:20) Jason - I grew up in a tough household. Joined military at 17. Mom had mental illness, dad was a military man and constantly gone. Haven't seen them for years. Fighting with forgiveness and it's a battle on a daily basis. Interested if there's specific scripture or guidance to help.
• (25:20) Break 1
  • Who put Jesus on the Cross?
  • (30:56) Linda - Why is it that a parent can forgive their children, but children are unable to forgive and hold onto things and not easily forgive us?
  • (35:33) Jim - I'm at a point where there are family members that have been disrespectful to me and children. Children are older now, but family member favors one over the other because they are the godparent. Prayed about forgiving, confession, adoration, etc. I'm at a point where I don't want anything bad to happen, but don't want to be around them. Is that holding on to a grudge?
• (40:02) Break 2
  • (41:20) How is Forgiveness something we can strive for in our lives?
  • Yolie – Is it mandatory to forgive others?

Part 2 (48:28) IL – Fr. James Kubicki joins Patrick for the second of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: Repentance

• • Who was St. Dismas?
  • (56:21) where does the word repentance come from?
  • (1:05:59) Deacon Shawn - I think the comment about conversion vs repentance is tied together. Reading a book. Repentance is a big part of it. Self-reliance on God vs. Surrender. Deeper conversion helps navigate.
• (1:09:26) Break 1
  • (1:10:21) Gene - I was in a car accident 15 years ago. Someone was killed in the accident. I was convicted of vehicular homicide. Incarcerated for it. I felt and rationalized that if they weren't in the middle of the highway, this wouldn't have happened. Last 5 years, I've been in repentance in the dark night of the soul. Mourning and not rationalizing now.
  • What is the meaning of the word “today” you will be with me in paradise?
• (1:24:31) Break 2
  • Bonnie - Repentance and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Adult children have cut me off. I'm focusing on my part. I can't fix it or fix anybody. The goodness of the holy spirit and that can bring us repentance and help us to surrender to the will of God. Accepting the consequences.
  • (1:29:19) John - My problem was I felt I couldn't be forgiven for the sins I committed. When I repented, it was very difficult. I still struggle.
  • Nicole - Question - speaking about what I've been pondering. I told my friend I don't hold on to any past sins, and I know it's a sin to not accept God's mercy. In my dream last night, I feel something was being revealed from a past sin. Had desire to go to confession. How do I go to priest about it? Wondering if I confessed it.

Part 3 (1:36:22) Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick for the third of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: Mary’s Role at the Cross

• • (1:39:48) What is the context in these words of Jesus from the Cross?
  • What Who does John represent in this scene?
  • (1:49:48) What is Mary’s role in the Passion of our Lord?
• (1:54:30) Break 1
  • What are practical ways in which we can share in the passion of Christ?
  • (2:01:40) Jim - My mother is starting to fail. My wife asked who should we pray for as a caregiver. We stopped thinking about the saints and then turned to Jesus on the cross. Jesus found a caregiver for his own mother. Found great consolation.
  • Kurt - Redemptive suffering and joining to Christ on the cross. Very rarely do I hear anyone talking about that. We not only have that opportunity, but for the redemption of the world. We are commanded to that in John 15 and John 13. I give you a new commandment...  There's no greater good than to offer suffering for them.
• (2:10:07) Break 2
  • How does the prophecy of Simeon play a role in Mary’s heart at the Cross?
  • (2:14:16) what can we expect from the love of Mary and how it helps us in our lives?
  • (2:17:01) Sharon - When my son died. I identified with Mary for release. My son was 50 and died of a rare cancer. The loss was something I knew she understood. Gave me a great deal of help during that time.
  • Michelle - Abortion and aborted children. Great sorrow. I delivered that child into Mary's hands.

Part 4 (2:24:40) Msgr. Tom Richter joins Patrick for the fourth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic, Spiritual Abandonment

• • The Allusions of Control.
  • (2:33:33) Jesus and Psalm 22.
• (2:46:04) Break 1
  • (2:46:50) Tom - I've always wondered if Jesus felt because of his humanity we as human would feel abandoned by God. Was that an expression of his human feeling because he was fully human. How can Christ feel he was abandoned? if he were fully human, he would feel that way. Can you explain that?
  • (2:50:50) How Jesus abandoned Himself to God.
  • How can we trust that God still loves us through the challenging times in our life?
• (3:03:17) Break 2
  • How can we cultivate Faith in our lives?
  • (3:08:37) Entrusting to God all of those who will be affected by my abandonment.

Part 5 (3:12:30) Fr. Dave Heney joins Patrick for the fifth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: “I Thirst”

• • How does this word of thirst relate with the Old Testament?
  • Biblical meaning of water.
  • What is the significance of the Passover cup?
• (3:32:40) Break 1
  • What is the importance of the Woman at the Well with Jesus’ words of “I Thirst”
  • (3:38:18) how can we satisfied Jesus' thirst for us?
• (3:48:43) Break 2
  • Beatitudes I thirst and drink for riotousness
  • (3:54:42) Madeline - I love this discussion. Years ago, I read the 4th Cup. The new covenant is complete. This really has changed how I look at the Triduum.
  • Richard – Did Jesus say Carry your cross before or after he died on the cross?

Part 6 (4:00:20) Fr. Michael Hurley joins Patrick for the sixth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: “It is Finished”

• • What would have the people heard from these words of Jesus who were there?
  • (4:10:04) What is the deeper meaning of this message.
  • (4:13:16) Robert - I don't understand the debate. it was about his mission on earth. I don't understand the bewilderment. That is what the father had him do.
• (4:18:40) Break 1
  • Susan - The Latin being consumatem est...more literally translated to it is consummated. As in he's married to his church.
  • (4:24:06) Timothy -You mentioned Came to save sinners...don't know what that exactly means.
  • How does this connect with the Old Testament and the fourth cup?
• (4:38:33) Break 2
  • (4:40:45) The enduring wounds of Jesus even after it is finished.
  • Jesus Shouts, it is Finished!

Part 7 (4:48:14) IL – Fr. John Paul Erickson joins Patrick for the last chapter of our special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: “Total Surrender to God”

• • (4:54:32) What is the connection to the Psalms and this last word of Jesus?
  • (5:03:43) what holds us back from surrendering entirely to the will of the Father?
• (5:08:04) Break 1
  • (5:08:51) How do you answer the question of does God really care about me and can I trust Him?
  • (5:16:49) Carol - I'm an associate for an order. I serve worldwide for the sisters from home. I suffer from terminal illness. It's that surrender to God we're all trying to get to.
  • Why does God allow suffering?
• (5:24:17) Break 2
  • (5:25:31) Laurie - Husband and I suffered 2 miscarriages. Another born and survived only days. Knowing God had a greater purpose. I figured we'd have 5-6 kids. I worked at a daycare. We adopted two children. God places these things before us and uses us as an instrument.
  • (5:30:20) If we are to experience suffering why should we be faithful Christians?
  • Serenity Prayer

Check out this great show from January 15, 2026

(11:03) Fr. Ryan Brady joins Patrick to talk about Reliance on God.

• (11:08) God works at a completely different schedule than we do.

• (12:08) Car shopping is a great example and also very biblical.

• (15:40) Patty - I am waiting and discovering God's way to help me with weight loss. 

• (19:17) Email: Leanne - Relying on God as a young adult, cancer survivor.

• Break 1

• (23:58) Email: Gloria – I’m afraid of trusting the Lord.

• (27:43) Patrick - Relevant Radio brought me back to the church 5 years ago. Also, I've overcome addictions and now am faced with a new challenge of leukemia. It's a new opportunity to evangelize.

• Break 2

• (40:23) God’s mercy will endure far longer than our desire to ask for it. Jesus relied on his friends and disciples to support his ministry. He was not alone. In your struggle talk to your priests and other faithful friends. Jesus humbled himself and relied on His Father in heaven and His friends on earth and the world was never the same.

Check out this Show from March 27, 2025

Father Ramil Fajardo joins Patrick to discuss Relationship with Jesus

• (3:20) What is a relationship in general?
• How do we presume on relationships with Jesus?
• (11:48) what is required for a relationship with Jesus?

(19:26) Break 1

• Nick - We experienced a miscarriage. Daughter experienced it. Don't presume. Do we get down on our knees and express it?  Order on down...everything we get from Him.  Don't dwell on the failures.
• (26:01) Patrick shares an email from someone who is praying too much, according to his wife.
• Nate - I've been a practicing Catholic for a year and a half. Lector. Want to talk about how my relationship is so much stronger with Jesus now.
• (35:29) Charles - I start my day with thank you Jesus for another day. Help me to do it your way.

(38:36) Break 2

• How does a relationship with Jesus play out in our everyday lives?
• (42:29) what is the life of piety?
• How does our relationship with Mary and the Saint enhance our relationship with Jesus?

Check out this great show from April 2, 2025

Father Michael Hurley joins Patrick to discuss Intellect and faith

• When it comes to Jesus, we must care and we must mind (2:53)

• What does the intellect teach us about the life of faith? The intellect is a human faculty that is a direct reflection of God. (4:04)

• Faith should be accessible to us all (11:27)

• Our capacity to love is finite. Do you want to grow in love? The only way to expand your love is to expand your mind? (14:48)

• Break 1 (22:28)

• The difference between the intellect, the will, and the passions? (23:51)

• Dean - As we talk about reason and faith, we need to think about how can we make it accessible to all people? The illumination of God is so important. (27:35)

• Email – Bob – Is supernatural faith necessary for salvation and are people who lack faith culpable for that lack of faith? (31:10)

• Glen - There is a difference about learning about Jesus, and knowing Jesus. (33:43)

• Break 2 (36:45)

• Addressing the objection, “I just believe” or “I kind of know the faith already and you can’t teach me anything new about the Church”. (37:38)

• Regina - What does Jesus mean when he says: 'unless you become like little children, you cannot enter into the kingdom'. (41:33)

• Resources: 
  • Angelic Warfare Confraternity

Check out this Encore show from April 8, 2025

Father Bobby Blood joins Patrick to discuss Charitable Chastisement

• How do you discern when to offer correction to someone?
• (14:14) Judy - I wish somebody had loved me enough to chastise me. I walked away from faith, husband, etc. Nobody said Judy...you can't do this. I think it's important that we love enough to do that. I've come back to God and I know how much he loves me. It took a long time to accept the fact that he forgave me.
• (17:57) Thomas - I do sales for a living. When you have the truth and a way to convey it...chastisement, etc. tonality and all are everything. One of the ways to chastise is to site another source. Another way is the tonality...like... raising the voice. Coming from a place of love.

(22:16) Break 1

• What are things we can say to help build a relationship?
• (25:11) Mary - My sister was seriously ill. Didn't realize it was terminal. I told her she had to get it together because she was very ill. I talked to a priest and he went to see her and everything was taken care of.
• Patty – I have been wanting to control my husband who is living in sin and the Lord told me what to do in talking with him and it worked out great!

(37:36) Break 2

• Isabelle - My dad wasn't a Catholic. He was sick...92...and I used to go to church every day. I asked a lady from church if she could take a priest to see him. He went to confession and received the Eucharist. 9 days later...he died.
•  (41:36) Candy - How do I talk to a 3 and 8-year-old about accepting correction or even correct them? I'm a mother of 3. I don't know how to better handle it.

IL – Fr. John Paul Erickson joins Patrick for the last chapter of our special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: “Total Surrender to God”

• (6:17) What is the connection to the Psalms and this last word of Jesus?
• (15:29) what holds us back from surrendering entirely to the will of the Father?

(19:50) Break 1

• (20:57) How do you answer the question of does God really care about me and can I trust Him?
• (28:54) Carol - I'm an associate for an order. I serve worldwide for the sisters from home. I suffer from terminal illness. It's that surrender to God we're all trying to get to.
• Why does God allow suffering?

(36:23) Break 2

• (38:33) Laurie - Husband and I suffered 2 miscarriages. Another born and survived only days. Knowing God had a greater purpose. I figured we'd have 5-6 kids. I worked at a daycare. We adopted two children. God places these things before us and uses us as an instrument.
• (43:23) If we are to experience suffering why should we be faithful Christians?
• Serenity Prayer