During the Family Rosary Across America, George from Rancho Cucamonga, California, called in with heartfelt prayer intentions for his wife, his three sons, and especially for his son Johan, who had just turned 16.

When Fr. Rocky learned Johan was listening, he smiled. “We’re going to give him a special treat,” Fr. Rocky said before inviting Maggie to sing “Happy Birthday” live on the air.

What followed was simple, warm, and unforgettable:

“Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Johan who’s 16
Happy birthday to you."

Moments like these remind us that prayer is deeply personal. The Rosary unites families not only in times of suffering or worry, but also in gratitude, joy, and celebration. Even over the radio, the Relevant Radio family becomes a place where birthdays are remembered, prayers are lifted up, and hearts are connected through faith.

For Johan and his family, this small moment became a beautiful reminder that God works through community, kindness, and the power of prayer.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

During the Family Rosary Across America, George from Rancho Cucamonga, California, called in with heartfelt prayer intentions for his wife, his three sons, and especially for his son Johan, who had just turned 16.
When Fr. Rocky learned Johan was listening, he smiled. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to give him a special treat,&rdquo; Fr. Rocky said before inviting Maggie to sing &ldquo;Happy Birthday&rdquo; live on the air.
What followed was simple, warm, and unforgettable:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday, dear Johan who&rsquo;s 16 Happy birthday to you."
</blockquote>
Moments like these remind us that prayer is deeply personal. The Rosary unites families not only in times of suffering or worry, but also in gratitude, joy, and celebration. Even over the radio, the Relevant Radio family becomes a place where birthdays are remembered, prayers are lifted up, and hearts are connected through faith.
For Johan and his family, this small moment became a beautiful reminder that God works through community, kindness, and the power of prayer.
<hr>
The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

The Best of the Week

A Birthday Blessing Over the Airwaves (Family Rosary Across America)

Marker 06

Few moments in Scripture are as personal and piercing as Jesus’ conversation with Peter after the Resurrection. On Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon reflected on John 21 and the three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love Me?”

Peter, who had denied Christ three times before the Crucifixion, now stands before the risen Lord by the sea. Fr. Simon explains that the exchange carries a deeper meaning in the original Greek. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him with agape — sacrificial, divine love. Peter responds instead with philia — brotherly affection.

Again and again, Jesus asks. Again and again, Peter admits the limits of his love.

Finally, Jesus lowers the question: “So you love Me like a brother?”

Fr. Simon calls this “the first confession of the first pope.” Peter does not pretend to love perfectly. He simply offers the love he has.

Yet Jesus still entrusts him with the mission to lead the Church.

That is the hope of the Gospel. Christ does not wait for perfect people before calling them. Instead, He teaches us to grow in holiness through trust, surrender, and perseverance.

Fr. Simon points to Jesus’ final words to Peter: “Follow Me.” Though Peter’s love was imperfect, Christ promised he would one day learn to love more deeply, even to the point of sacrifice.

The same invitation is extended to every Christian. God receives our imperfect love and patiently transforms it into something greater.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Few moments in Scripture are as personal and piercing as Jesus&rsquo; conversation with Peter after the Resurrection. On Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon reflected on John 21 and the three times Jesus asks Peter, &ldquo;Do you love Me?&rdquo;
Peter, who had denied Christ three times before the Crucifixion, now stands before the risen Lord by the sea. Fr. Simon explains that the exchange carries a deeper meaning in the original Greek. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him with agape &mdash; sacrificial, divine love. Peter responds instead with philia &mdash; brotherly affection.
Again and again, Jesus asks. Again and again, Peter admits the limits of his love.
Finally, Jesus lowers the question: &ldquo;So you love Me like a brother?&rdquo;
Fr. Simon calls this &ldquo;the first confession of the first pope.&rdquo; Peter does not pretend to love perfectly. He simply offers the love he has.
Yet Jesus still entrusts him with the mission to lead the Church.
That is the hope of the Gospel. Christ does not wait for perfect people before calling them. Instead, He teaches us to grow in holiness through trust, surrender, and perseverance.
Fr. Simon points to Jesus&rsquo; final words to Peter: &ldquo;Follow Me.&rdquo; Though Peter&rsquo;s love was imperfect, Christ promised he would one day learn to love more deeply, even to the point of sacrifice.
The same invitation is extended to every Christian. God receives our imperfect love and patiently transforms it into something greater.
<hr>
The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Learning to Love Like Christ (Father Simon Says)

Anne

What does it mean to bear the “fruits of the Spirit”? On The Inner Life, Fr. John Paul Erickson joined Patrick Conley to explain that spiritual fruit is simply the visible evidence of God at work in a person’s life. Just as a healthy tree naturally bears good fruit, a soul united to God through grace begins to reflect His love, peace, patience, and mercy.

Fr. Erickson described the Christian life as a process of growth. Trees need time, care, pruning, and nourishment before they flourish. The same is true spiritually. “When we are living in union with God,” he said, “our life will necessarily bear good fruit.”

The conversation became especially moving when a caller named Ann shared the pain of family conflict, alcoholism, and mental illness. Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, she admitted she was struggling to respond with charity while trying to maintain healthy boundaries.

Fr. Erickson responded with compassion, encouraging her to draw close to Christ in prayer. He compared the Holy Spirit to a fire that sustains us during life’s storms. “The Lord knows your heart,” he reminded her. “He knows you’re trying the best that you can.”

His words offered hope to anyone carrying difficult relationships or hidden suffering: even painful trials, when united to God, can bear fruit known fully only to Him.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

What does it mean to bear the &ldquo;fruits of the Spirit&rdquo;? On The Inner Life, Fr. John Paul Erickson joined Patrick Conley to explain that spiritual fruit is simply the visible evidence of God at work in a person&rsquo;s life. Just as a healthy tree naturally bears good fruit, a soul united to God through grace begins to reflect His love, peace, patience, and mercy.
Fr. Erickson described the Christian life as a process of growth. Trees need time, care, pruning, and nourishment before they flourish. The same is true spiritually. &ldquo;When we are living in union with God,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;our life will necessarily bear good fruit.&rdquo;
The conversation became especially moving when a caller named Ann shared the pain of family conflict, alcoholism, and mental illness. Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, she admitted she was struggling to respond with charity while trying to maintain healthy boundaries.
Fr. Erickson responded with compassion, encouraging her to draw close to Christ in prayer. He compared the Holy Spirit to a fire that sustains us during life&rsquo;s storms. &ldquo;The Lord knows your heart,&rdquo; he reminded her. &ldquo;He knows you&rsquo;re trying the best that you can.&rdquo;
His words offered hope to anyone carrying difficult relationships or hidden suffering: even painful trials, when united to God, can bear fruit known fully only to Him.
<hr>
The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

The Fruit That Comes from Walking with God (The Inner Life)

Every marriage experiences moments of hurt. A sharp tone, a careless joke, a distracted silence after a long day — these small wounds can slowly chip away at intimacy if they are left unaddressed. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer explains why learning to apologize well is one of the most important skills a husband and wife can develop.

Doug reminds listeners that apology should be a regular part of marriage because no spouse is perfect. “We all have flaws and defects,” he says. “And those flaws and defects are like little dents in our relationship.”

A meaningful apology begins by taking responsibility. Vague statements like “mistakes were made” or “I’m sorry you feel hurt” fail to acknowledge the real offense. Instead, Doug encourages couples to be specific: “I’m sorry for my tone of voice,” or “I’m sorry I embarrassed you.”

He also warns against overexplaining. Too many explanations can sound defensive or like excuses. Often, the best apology is simple and sincere: “I am sorry. Please forgive me.”

But true repentance does not stop with words. Doug explains that good apologies include efforts to repair the damage and a genuine commitment to change.

Finally, he reminds listeners that forgiveness is just as important as apology. “If you build your marriage on ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I forgive you,’ you’re going to have a pretty good marriage.”

Marriage flourishes when mercy becomes a habit. In a world that often encourages pride and resentment, Doug’s advice is a reminder that humility, forgiveness, and love remain the foundation of lasting relationships.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Every marriage experiences moments of hurt. A sharp tone, a careless joke, a distracted silence after a long day &mdash; these small wounds can slowly chip away at intimacy if they are left unaddressed. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer explains why learning to apologize well is one of the most important skills a husband and wife can develop.
Doug reminds listeners that apology should be a regular part of marriage because no spouse is perfect. &ldquo;We all have flaws and defects,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;And those flaws and defects are like little dents in our relationship.&rdquo;
A meaningful apology begins by taking responsibility. Vague statements like &ldquo;mistakes were made&rdquo; or &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry you feel hurt&rdquo; fail to acknowledge the real offense. Instead, Doug encourages couples to be specific: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry for my tone of voice,&rdquo; or &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry I embarrassed you.&rdquo;
He also warns against overexplaining. Too many explanations can sound defensive or like excuses. Often, the best apology is simple and sincere: &ldquo;I am sorry. Please forgive me.&rdquo;
But true repentance does not stop with words. Doug explains that good apologies include efforts to repair the damage and a genuine commitment to change.
Finally, he reminds listeners that forgiveness is just as important as apology. &ldquo;If you build your marriage on &lsquo;I&rsquo;m sorry&rsquo; and &lsquo;I forgive you,&rsquo; you&rsquo;re going to have a pretty good marriage.&rdquo;
Marriage flourishes when mercy becomes a habit. In a world that often encourages pride and resentment, Doug&rsquo;s advice is a reminder that humility, forgiveness, and love remain the foundation of lasting relationships.
<hr>
The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

A Birthday Blessing Over the Airwaves (Family Rosary Across America)

The Best of the Week

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