Do you know someone who radiates joy? You might feel better just being around them. In this episode of "The Inner Life" with Patrick Conley, the focus is on the gift of joy. Patrick welcomes Fr. Chris Walsh, who shares how we can embrace and spread joy in our lives. Catch the whole episode here. Linda, a caller from California, shares her story about her friend Gary from Madera, California, whose radiant and cheerful spirit has inspired her. Linda expresses her gratitude for Relevant Radio, which Gary introduced her to. She describes how Gary’s glowing presence has not only uplifted her but also motivates her to encourage him to share this joy with others, especially through youth ministry and the Knights of Columbus. Patrick and Fr. Chris reflect on the importance of recognizing and sharing the joy and love of God with others. Fr. Chris says that the world deeply needs to encounter Catholics who radiate joy. Joy is a precious gift from God, meant to be shared authentically, not just as a facade. Patrick adds that bringing Christ to the world inherently includes spreading joy, as it is a core part of our mission. Fr. Chris encourages you to be mindful of how God’s grace fills your life. He explains that when you go to the Apple Store or Chick-fil-A, the workers there are so friendly and hospitable, even they're having a bad day. We need to do the same! We need to let our inner joy shine through in a way that is sincere and heartfelt. You can have an incredible impact when you share God’s love and joy with those around you. Relevant Radio is always here to help. Be sure to share the gift of this radio ministry with your friends and family! 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.

Mary can help you love our Lord in the Eucharist even more! How? Get the whole episode here! Patrick Conley chats with Fr. Tim Wyciskalla. He kicks off the discussion with a historical nugget about the Middle Ages, where guilds (the precursors to modern unions) each revered a patron saint relevant to their craft. Surprisingly, it wasn't St. Joseph who was the go-to saint for carpenters, despite his known background in carpentry, but St. Anne, Mary’s mother. Why? Because St. Anne represented the pinnacle of craftsmanship in creating the finest "tabernacle" – Mary herself. This ties into how Mary is seen as the original tabernacle. She carried Jesus within her for nine months and introduced Him to the world. Fr. Tim points out that every Eucharist celebration echoes Mary's presence, standing by Jesus from His incarnation to the cross. Her role is pivotal, not as a distraction but as a profound enhancement of our Eucharistic devotion. As the Church anticipates a Eucharistic revival, Father argues that Marian devotion is intrinsically linked to our Eucharistic faith, reinforcing and intensifying our focus on Christ’s presence. The story of the carpenters guild, as told by Fr. Tim, is a reminder of how deeply Mary influences our sacramental practices, guiding and enriching our journey towards Christ. So, let’s remember to invite Mary into our hearts and prayers, especially during moments of Eucharistic adoration, allowing her to nurture our devotion to her Son, ensuring our spiritual encounters are not only deepened but truly transformed. Let’s carry Mary with us, not just in the Adoration Chapel, but in every step of our faith journey!

Patrick Conley and Fr. James Kubicki explore the gift of the resurrection and what it means in our own lives. Easter: Not Just a One-Day Wonder! Fr. Kubicki reminds us that Easter isn't just a one-off celebration with chocolate eggs and bunny hops. It's an epic saga, a 50-day event that even outlasts Lent. Each day we're invited to revel in the joy of Christ's victory over death. Resurrection Power in the Everyday Fr. Kubicki explains that it's about seeing Jesus' resurrection not just as a historical moment but as a daily, dynamic force transforming our ordinary into extraordinary.  Jesus' Resurrection Why does the resurrection matter? Imagine hitting a dead-end and finding a secret passageway that leads you to a new beginning. That's resurrection power for you! It's not just about acknowledging Jesus as a neat historical figure but realizing that His resurrection injects our lives with grace and purpose.  The Eucharist: Your Weekly (or Daily!) Dose of Resurrection Power Fr. Kubicki emphasizes the Eucharist as our direct connect to Jesus' resurrected life. We receive grace and strength to face life's battles. From Darkness to Dazzling: How the Resurrection Rebrands Our Lives The resurrection shifts our focus from doom and gloom to hope and bloom. It's about rolling away the stones of despair and letting the light of Christ's victory fill our lives. It's not just a happy ending; it's an invitation to a joyous beginning, every single day. The Big Picture: Resurrection as Our Ultimate Hope Jesus' resurrection isn't just a past event but our future hope and present reality. It's about living a new life right here, right now. So, as you sip on your morning coffee or scroll through your feed, remember: Jesus' resurrection has the power to change your life, if you'll let it. 

Do you struggle with an exaggerated sense of guilt where you constantly feel like you could be in mortal sin? This could have you torn up inside and feeling very fearful and distant from God. It may be worth looking into the problem of scrupulosity. Fr. Patrick Hyde, OP is here to explain and give you guidance. .🔍 Scrupulosity Explained: Fr. Hyde distinguishes between healthy guilt over sin and the more complex state of scrupulosity. This condition combines both spiritual and psychological elements, leading to excessive guilt, anxiety, and misinterpreting venial sins as mortal sins or even non-sins as mortal sins. It's a barrier to flourishing in faith. 🌱 God does not want you to live this way and you don't have to!  🤔 Roots of Scrupulosity: Fr. Hyde touches on causes like intellectual and spiritual immaturity during conversion or awakening in faith. This is common among young Catholics discovering their faith. He also highlights other sources like traumatic experiences or mental health issues such as OCD or depression. 🧠 🚨 Signs of Scrupulosity: The symptoms? Overthinking potential sins as worse than they are, feeling unworthy of prayer or engaging in extreme prayer practices, and distorted attitudes towards sacraments, especially confession and communion.  🙏 The Solution Path: Father emphasizes the importance of intellectual and spiritual formation. Understanding the nature of mortal sin is key. He also encourages seeking regular, but not excessive, confession with a familiar priest, potentially coupled with professional mental health support.  💡 Spiritual Insight: A critical point made is about understanding God's nature and our relationship with Him. Fr. Patrick Hyde warns against the extremes of presumption and despair, advocating for a balanced virtue of hope. 🌟 Trust that God truly wants your salvation and will give you the grace to get there.  📖 Recommended Resources: A caller named Barbara recommends "The Mindful Catholic" by Dr. Gregory Bottaro for exercises in Catholic mindfulness.  Fr. Hyde mentions the book "Scrupulosity" by Dr. Kevin Vost for practical steps, combining both spiritual and psychological approaches. 📚

Do you have a worldview that is shaped by the Eucharist? In a recent episode of "The Inner Life," host Patrick Conley, alongside Bishop Andrew Cozzens, delves into a profound exploration of the Eucharist and Scriptures. This episode is nothing short of a spiritual feast, my friends! The Eucharistic Revival: Bishop Cozzens, the dynamic leader of the National Eucharistic Congress, shares exciting updates.   Day passes, discounts, and free access for children under 12 were highlighted, making this a "come one, come all" event!  Accommodations like campgrounds and schools are being opened for attendees.  You can learn more here!  Diving into the Scriptures:  The Bishop eloquently discusses the significance of the Eucharistic words in Luke's Gospel, emphasizing how they represent the process of being taken, blessed, broken, and given by God. Personal and Universal Implications: The phrase "for you" in the Eucharistic prayer is mentioned as a profound declaration of Jesus' personal and universal love for you. He knows you and calls you into His heart.  The Eucharist and Our Identity:  The Eucharist reveals our true identity as part of Christ's body, calling us to live out this union in our daily lives. Through the Eucharist, we are invited to participate in Christ's work in the world, embodying His love and sacrifice. Suffering Transformed: Bishop Cozzens discusses how the Eucharist gives meaning to our sufferings, turning them into powerful acts of love and sacrifice.  This perspective offers hope and purpose, even in the midst of life's trials. If you are struggling with a difficult cross, you can lift up this suffering at the Offertory during Mass. Then ask that it be used to help someone else who is also going through a hard time. This makes the cross meaningful. It's a stirring call to embrace the mystery and grace of the Eucharist in our everyday lives. You can listen to the whole hour here! 

Father John LoCoco discusses why humility is so important for gratitude! 

When you wrap up your day, do you do an Examination of Conscience? How do you prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation? One helpful way to review your daily life is to "take the quest." Father Michael Hurley, OP explains this 5-part process of examining your sins. (QUEST is broken down into... quiet, unburden, examination, supplication, & thanksgiving.) Fr. Hurley will go into detail what each step entails in this clip!  Hear the entire hour! Examination of Conscience - August 16, 2023 - Relevant Radio

How long has it been since your last confession? If it's been a while and you are holding on to sin and shame, God wants to free you! Patrick Conley is joined by Fr. Patrick Hyde, OP to talk about how to make a great confession. They walk through the steps and how to properly mention a mortal sin. Fr. Hyde is asked about what to do if you've forgotten how many times you committed a mortal sin, and what to remind yourself if you've become discouraged about confessing the same sins over and over again. 

<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/the-inner-life/giving-up-everything-for-jesus-the-joy-of-religiou/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Giving Up Everything for Jesus: The Joy of Religious Life (Special Podcast Highlight)"></iframe> Do you know someone who would make a great nun or sister? Have you told them that? Sister Maris Stella, O.P., joined Patrick to share her beautiful vocation story. As a teenager she felt the draw to explore religious life but began to shelve it away. God, however, kept calling... Find out what gave her the grace and courage to say yes.  Listen to the full hour here. The Joy of Religious Life - June 29, 2023 - Relevant Radio

When standing for life, have you ever gotten pushback? Has the pro-abortion crowd ever ridiculed you for your beliefs? Mary went to pray in front of an abortion clinic and met a group of pro-choice people there. She was prepared to go into full defensive mode, but the Holy Spirit invited her to respond with love and compassion. Find out what happened after that.  Hear the whole conversation about forgiveness and "turning the other cheek" with Fr. Rob Groll, SJ here - Turn the Other Cheek - June 19, 2023 - Relevant Radio

- When suffering happens, it can often feel overwhelming, and you may not know how to handle it. Bad things happen to everyone, so how can you prepare yourself to face it when it comes? Learn how you can unite your sufferings with Christ and embrace the closeness He wants to give you through it. Fr. Marcel Taillon joins for discussion. 

Father Carter Griffin explains what Euthanasia is and what the Catholic Church teaches about it. 

Sister Joseph Andrew, OP recounts a story about how a couple deepened their prayer life by praying the rosary. 

Father Chris Walsh discusses the importance of forgiveness with Patrick Conley.  

Happy Month of Mary! Fr. Peter Armenio explains why Catholics are devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Father John Paul Erickson discussed what the goals of Catholic education are. 

Caller shares a story of Gloria who does her work with quiet love. 

Father Mike Martin, OFM Conv. discusses how the Widow from Mark 12 teaches us to be ridiculously generous. 

Rebecca called into The Inner Life to discuss her Baptism 30 years ago! 

Caller Chris from Arizona shared how he evangelizes while driving!  Clip taken from IL 4/11/23 with Father Brian O'Brien. 

Father Taillon joins Patrick to discuss the reality of Redemptive suffering. 

Fr. Ramil discusses the steps of Confession. 

Father John LoCoco joined Josh for a conversation about Christian vocations. 

Father Matthew Spencer, OSJ talks with Josh about the leadership qualities of St. Joseph. 

Father Michael Hurley, OP explains when we should receive this sacrament of healing. 

Father Walsh discusses praying as a family.  

Father Walsh describes the connection between sin and indulgences

Father Brian O'Brien discusses practical strategies for Catholic couples where one spouse wants to contracept. 

Fr. Bobby Blood joined IL to discuss how we can imitate the obedience of Jesus. 

Father Hurley, OP discusses helping Catholics make decisions. 

Fr. Mike Martin, OFM joined Josh for a conversation about the power of the Beatitudes. 

Sister Faustina Maria Pia, SV joined Josh for a conversation about faith and trust.

Father Brian O'Brien explains what temptation is and how it differs from sin. 

Fr. Michael Hurley, OP discusses the spiritual physics of forgiveness.  

Fr. Heney talks with Josh about how we answer our kids' questions about the faith.

Fr. Illo describes the importance of silence for Moses, the saints, Jesus, and us! 

Father Joseph Johnson joined Josh for a conversation about the Four Last Things

Father Chris Walsh joined Josh for a discussion about the Spiritual Works of Mercy. 

Fr. Johnson joined Josh for a lively conversation about the human need for leisure. 

Fr. Tom Wilson joined Josh for a discussion about what true work is. 

Fr. Illo discusses how St. Maria Goretti can teach us forgiveness. 

How does the Golden Rule help us to know God better? 

Fr. Walsh joined Josh to discuss when God says no. 

Fr. Mike Martin, OFM joined Josh to discuss praying for kids who left the faith.

Fr. Joseph Johnson joined IL to discuss overcoming jealousy and envy. 

Fr. Dave shares a story of what a real servant leader looks like. 

Fr. Tom Wilson explains what virtue is and why it's important. 

Fr. James Kubicki, SJ explains the history of the Sacred Heart devotion.

Father Matthew Spencer, OSJ discusses the power and significance of the Fourth Commandment. 

Josh and Fr. Tom Wilson welcomed Kathy who shared how the Rachel's Vineyard retreat helped her after an abortion.