Fr. Josh answers questions about overcoming addictions to social media and phones, helping the homeless, and whether receiving Communion on the tongue or hand is better. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!
Snippet from the Show
Receiving Holy Communion is a huge moment of intimacy with our Lord. This gift should never be taken lightly. When in line for Communion, focus on receiving him and pray about becoming one with the Bridegroom.
SHOWNOTES
Glory Story (2:28)
Fr. Josh shares how a meal with his brothers allowed him to recognize areas in his life where God was calling him to grow. As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, be open to God speaking to you through family.
Listener Feedback (6:41)
Helping the Homeless (10:00)
G’day Father Josh,
My name is Barbara from Sydney Australia. Today I was asked from a begger on the street to give her money as she says she was “hungry”. In my neighbourhood there are beggers who make out that they have no money for food and then they go and gamble it. I didn’t lend her money because I wasn’t sure if she was being honest, but I felt bad at the same time as we are taught as Catholics to help others and to see the face of Jesus especially in the poor. So my question is did I do the right thing? And if you also can advise me on how to approach this again in the future?
-Barbara
Communion on the Tongue (15:55)
My name is Taylor and I have a question about taking Communion. Some people take the Eucharist by tongue and others take it by placing it on the hand and then picking it up and taking it. I grew up taking it by the eucharistic minister putting it on my hand and picking it up. My grandma said when she was little only the priest can touch the Eucharist and place it on your tongue. Lately I have tried taking it by tongue and I feel that some of the eucharistic ministers feel uncomfortable with that. I just want to know what the correct way to do this is. Thank you in advance!
-Taylor
Addicted to Social Media (22:02)
Hi Father Josh! New listener here, but I have a feeling that this will become one of my favorite podcasts. I don’t think this question has been asked before. Basically I’ve been struggling a lot with an addiction to my phone/internet/social media and I feel like it’s been distracting from my vocation as a wife and mother, as well as hindering my relationship with Jesus. I feel like I’m wasting so much time to the point where it’s making me depressed, but I’m having so much trouble controlling it. Is there any way that I can draw closer to Jesus and the Church to help me break this bad habit? Any wisdom you can offer in regards to this? Thank you so much, Father Josh, for being an example of the excellent priests this world truly needs!!
-Diana
Universal Points (30:17)
- Helping the Homeless – They are the body of Jesus Christ among us and we are called to reverence them. The best thing to do is pray and provide resources for community and transformation.
- Communion on the Tongue – Communion is not just a symbol, it is really Jesus, so do, with the most reverence, whatever will help you develop a deep intimacy with him.
- Addicted to Social Media – Start by taking simple steps to avoid the near occasion.
Meet Your Host, Fr. Josh Johnson:
While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. One day, in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest. Now, Fr. Josh is the pastor for Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Louisiana, and he is a presenter in two of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, and YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body and author of Broken and Blessed.
