Forgiving Betrayal, the Universal Call to Holiness, and the Role of an RCIA Sponsor

Fr. Josh answers questions on forgiving and healing after betrayal, the universal call to holiness across all vocations, and how to guide someone entering the Catholic Church as an RCIA sponsor.

Snippet from the Show

The light of Christ shines in the darkest places.


Shownotes

“We need saints who live faithfully in the mess of a broken humanity won over ultimately by love himself”


Shownotes

The Role of an RCIA Sponsor

Dear Father Josh: I was recently blessed with the opportunity to be a sponsor for a young man who is going through RCIA this year. What do you think makes an excellent sponsor and what should be my top priorities in this role? 

– Jeff 

The Universal Call to Holiness 

Hey Father, hope you are doing well.

I recently learned that those following the priesthood and/or religious life have a “higher calling.” Does this mean that some souls will have more reward/ a higher place in heaven than those who do not choose Christ as their bride through the priesthood and/or religious life? Has God already set a place in the Kingdom for some before they are even born? Are all human souls equal in God’s kingdom?

After hearing this, and knowing we are called to be as holy as possible; saints, how can we find rest in not choosing the greater of two goods EVERY time? Why not become ascetic monks and make sure we give up our desires to never regret our decisions on Earth?

Can the humble baker ever reach the holiness of someone like St. Francis or St. Vincent DePaul? Are they both equally happy in Heaven? Thank you for you podcast and God bless!

– Nico

Forgiving Betrayal

Hi Fr. Josh,

My husband was having an affair. How do I forgive the betrayal after 35 years of marriage? He showed no remorse, just excuses and blamed me. I am so angry and hurt. (Side note- 10 months after the discovery (he continued the affair even after I found out), and my husband died of a sudden heart attack). How do I release this pain to our Lord Jesus Christ? I blame myself for my husband’s poor behavior.

Thank you,
Sarah

Meet Fr. Josh Johnson

While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. Then, one day in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest.

Now, Fr. Josh is the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. He is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body, The 99, and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, as well as the author of Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation, Pocket Guide to Adoration, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Reconciliation.

2 Comments

  1. Wow! Fr. Josh your answers are always insightful and helpful. But this time the Spirit was particularly STRONG in you. I was so moved by your words and especially your prayer for Sarah at the end. We may not be facing the same trial but Jesus is definitely the Healer we each need. Thank you!!

    Reply
  2. My marriage of 35 yrs to my Catholic husband is ending in divorce exactly like Sarah journey except my husband hasn’t had a heart attack. Blessing to hear your prayer as I journey through uncharted territory. I lean on my faith during COVID. Divorce is messy. Filed August 2019 and no end in sight. Please add me to your prayer with Sarah. Thank you. I’m having suicide ideation and getting counseling.

    Reply

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