On this podcast clip of The Inner Life, Patrick Conley speaks with Fr. John Gordon of the Archdiocese of Newark about how to manage emotions when life’s daily frustrations hit hard. You can listen to the entire episode here. 

Fr. Gordon explains that emotions themselves aren’t sinful – they’re part of being human. The problem comes when we let them lead us. Using the image of a three-car train, he describes faith as the engine, facts as the middle car, and feelings as the caboose. Our faith should drive us, grounded by truth, while our feelings follow behind.

When negative emotions rise – anger, frustration, discouragement – Fr. Gordon suggests turning them into reminders of our dependence on God: “Thank you, Lord, for showing me I can’t even get through the small stuff without You.” In this way, what the enemy intends for division can actually deepen our relationship with Christ.

He encourages you not to condemn yourself when emotions flare up, but instead to redirect those moments into prayer and trust, transforming weakness into an opportunity for grace. Be sure to listen to the entire episode here!

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.

On this podcast clip of&nbsp;The Inner Life, Patrick Conley speaks with Fr. John Gordon of the Archdiocese of Newark about how to manage emotions when life&rsquo;s daily frustrations hit hard. You can listen to the entire episode <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2025/08/keeping-the-faith-through-challenges-the-inner-life-august-20-2025/">here</a>.&nbsp;
Fr. Gordon explains that emotions themselves aren&rsquo;t sinful &ndash; they&rsquo;re part of being human. The problem comes when we let them lead us. Using the image of a three-car train, he describes faith as the engine, facts as the middle car, and feelings as the caboose. Our faith should drive us, grounded by truth, while our feelings follow behind.
When negative emotions rise &ndash; anger, frustration, discouragement &ndash; Fr. Gordon suggests turning them into reminders of our dependence on God:&nbsp;&ldquo;Thank you, Lord, for showing me I can&rsquo;t even get through the small stuff without You.&rdquo; In this way, what the enemy intends for division can actually deepen our relationship with Christ.
He encourages you not to condemn yourself when emotions flare up, but instead to redirect those moments into prayer and trust, transforming weakness into an opportunity for grace. Be sure to listen to the entire episode <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2025/08/keeping-the-faith-through-challenges-the-inner-life-august-20-2025/">here</a>!
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The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week 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.