Fr. Josh answers questions about God’s chosen people, the development of vernacular translations of the Bible, and predictions about the second coming of Jesus.
Snippet from the Show
“Connection is more important than perfection.”
Shownotes
Nobody can predict the second coming of Jesus, for only the Father knows.
Shownotes
Questions
God’s Chosen People
Hi Fr Josh! Firstly I am so grateful for having found your podcast. It has helped me to grow in my faith and come to understand it. I pray that God sees all your good works and rewards you eternally for this. I am genuinely stuck on understanding something and I thought I would ask. Are Jews (by religion not by race) Gods chosen people after the resurrection of Jesus, if they do not accept Jesus as Messiah? My understanding is that Jesus (God made flesh) was the fulfilment of the Old covenant because He became the bread of life and Mary became the new “ark of the covenant”, but what does this mean for Jewish people who did not accept Jesus as King, and therefore do not believe in the trinity? Are Christians baptised now the new chosen people? Or are both groups, still Gods chosen people? Keeping in mind, the difference between Jews by religion, and Jews by race. This would help me sooo much. Thanks!
-Gemma
Vernacular Translations of the Bible
I was recently challenged by an Anglican friend of mine about the concept of sola scriptura. It led me to wonder why the church would not allow anyone to read scripture in their own language until Vatican II. What was the reason behind this belief, and how has the Catholic Church grown since allowing the Bible to be printed in a language other than Latin?
-Anonymous
The Second Coming of Jesus
Father Josh,
Thank you for everything you are doing and for the knowledge you are providing through your questions and and answers to difficult questions. You are truly providing Catholics with knowledge that creates for a stronger faith.
My question is regarding the return of Jesus. I have a friend that practices in the Southern Baptist faith and him and I recently had a friendly discussion on the topic of the return of Jesus and the end of times. I know this can be a difficult topic as many people have different views. My friend said that Jesus will return not only in his lifetime but went further to say that it will happen within 10 years. In his defense, he did say that this was only his opinion. His reasoning is due to all of the bad which is going on in the world such as COVID-19 and acts of violence.
Although these are very bad situations, I feel like these are situations that are comparable to others in history. I truly believe that there is still a ton of good people in this world that are out there doing great things. I have also been taught that nobody knows the time in which Jesus will return. I understand that we should always prepare ourselves and work towards being closer to God, but I don’t think we have the ability to predict when Jesus will return. Can you please weigh in on this topic. Thank you again for everything you are doing for our catholic community and please know that my family and I will be praying for you!
-Matt
Resources
- Submit your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
- Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Reconciliation by Fr. Josh Johnson & Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.
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.
