Fr. Josh answers questions about the Catholic view of the Virgin Mary, problems with IVF, and how to discern your vocation while experiencing same-sex attraction. 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
Why is Mary important for us? Jesus Christ chose to come to us through Mary. And if we are disciples of Jesus that means we are called to imitate Jesus in all things. So if he came to us through Mary, then what better way to go back to him than through Mary as well!
SHOWNOTES
Glory Story (2:26)
Fr. Josh let his mind wander in adoration – and the Lord took over.
Listener Feedback (9:19)
Mary (13:54)
My question is from my husband, he is a convert (grew up Methodist), however he struggles with Mary and does not understand or believe Marian apparitions. He recently asked me why Jesus would need to or even want to send Mary to relay messages, why not himself or not at all? He says, if Jesus already made the ultimate sacrifice and we know the story and His truth, than why send anyone at all after all that? He feels like it discredits what He (Jesus) already accomplished. I tried to explain that Mary tries to draw us closer to her son, she comes to remind us and He allows this. I’m not sure if that was a good response, my husband was not satisfied with that answer. So, I am hoping you could provide more help and information. God bless you and your vocation!
-Veronica
Discerning Vocation while Experiencing Same-Sex Attraction (21:13)
Hi Fr. Josh. A few episodes ago, you were answering a question about the priesthood, and how love should decide all vocations. As a young adult who suffers from same sex attraction, God asks people like me to practice celibacy and the single life. I feel no call to the priesthood, and, though I would love to have a family, that door is closed to me as well. The Catechism does not recognize the single life as a vocation, and I did not choose my predicament. If love should decide all vocations, how am I supposed to find mine?
-Will
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) (27:25)
If someone has the deep desire to bear and raise kids but isn’t able to naturally, why is in vitro fertilization (IVF) wrong if God was the one who placed that desire in that person’s heart?
-Maddie
Universal Points (34:20)
- Mary – We are all called to go out and be disciples.
- Discerning Vocation – State of life vocations (Holy Orders, Marriage, Religious Vows) are a means to an end of the greater vocation of becoming a saint.
- In Vitro Fertilization – Not the best way to conceive. Praise God for any life that has come from in vitro fertilization, but if you’ve used it, you should go to confession.
Resources
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.
