why is Easter such a big deal for the Catholic

Death and Resurrection in our life. How does G

Nick

Break 1

Mike

how can we feast well during Easter?

Break 2

Where do we see the resurrection in our earthl

Father Rob Kroll joins Patrick to discuss The Meaning of Easter
(3:11) why is Easter such a big deal for the Catholic Church?
(13:03) Death and Resurrection in our life. How does God work in our own lives?
(16:31) Nick - Happy Easter and the origins. I don't mean to demean it, but I think it sometimes dummies it down. When we look at the English and Germanic origins of it. We take away from the beautiful solemnity of solemnities. Trying to figure out a way to say Happy Easter so it's not so secular, but more spiritual.

(21:56) Break 1
Email – Why is Easter less celebrated than Christmas?
(30:07) Mike - Christmas and more emphasis...a thought occurred to me....it appeals more to the secular interests than Easter.
(33:12) how can we feast well during Easter?

(39:42) Break 2
What can we understand about the Resurrection?
(48:48) Where do we see the resurrection in our earthly world?

Father Rob Kroll joins Patrick to discuss The Meaning of Easter
<ul>
<li>(3:11) why is Easter such a big deal for the Catholic Church?</li>
<li>(13:03) Death and Resurrection in our life. How does God work in our own lives?</li>
<li>(16:31) Nick - Happy Easter and the origins. I don't mean to demean it, but I think it sometimes dummies it down. When we look at the English and Germanic origins of it. We take away from the beautiful solemnity of solemnities. Trying to figure out a way to say Happy Easter so it's not so secular, but more spiritual.</li>
</ul>
(21:56) Break 1
<ul>
<li>Email &ndash; Why is Easter less celebrated than Christmas?</li>
<li>(30:07) Mike - Christmas and more emphasis...a thought occurred to me....it appeals more to the secular interests than Easter.</li>
<li>(33:12) how can we feast well during Easter?</li>
</ul>
(39:42) Break 2
<ul>
<li>What can we understand about the Resurrection?</li>
<li>(48:48) Where do we see the resurrection in our earthly world?</li>
</ul>

The Inner Life® with Patrick Conley is one-on-one Spiritual Direction on the radio. Every day, a Catholic priest or religious sister joins listeners to offer spiritual advice and guidance designed to assist you along your faith journey, speaking about a variety of topics to help you overcome sin, grow in virtue, and strengthen your faith.

The Inner Life® with Patrick Conley is one-on-one Spiritual Direction on the radio. Every day, a Catholic priest or religious sister joins listeners to offer spiritual advice and guidance designed to assist you along your faith journey, speaking about a variety of topics to help you overcome sin, grow in virtue, and strengthen your faith.

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The Inner Life

The Meaning of Easter - The Inner Life - April 6, 2026

What are things that drive us to fill up our b

Leonard

Karen

Check out this great show from June 5, 2025

IL – Fr. John Paul Erickson joins Patrick to discuss Leisure and the Spiritual Life
What makes it difficult to find leisure?
(8:40) What are things that drive us to fill up our brokenness?

(18:17) Break 1
(24:39) Leonard do retreats count for leisure?
How does leisure help us identify where restlessness lies?
How do we remember our dignity as men and women?

(38:38) Break 2
(42:51) Tim - can you speak about the restlessness we feel on Sunday night before we start work on Monday?
(46:35) Karen - America as a culture seems addicted to work. how do we get out of that?

Check out this great show from June 5, 2025
IL &ndash;&nbsp;Fr. John Paul Erickson joins Patrick to discuss Leisure and the Spiritual Life
<ul>
<li>What makes it difficult to find leisure?</li>
<li>(8:40) What are things that drive us to fill up our brokenness?</li>
</ul>
(18:17) Break 1
<ul>
<li>(24:39) Leonard do retreats count for leisure?</li>
<li>How does leisure help us identify where restlessness lies?</li>
<li>How do we remember our dignity as men and women?</li>
</ul>
(38:38) Break 2
<ul>
<li>(42:51) Tim - can you speak about the restlessness we feel on Sunday night before we start work on Monday?</li>
<li>(46:35) Karen - America as a culture seems addicted to work. how do we get out of that?</li>
</ul>

Leisure and the Spiritual Life - The Inner Life - April 8, 2026

why is the resurrection important?

appearance Jesus as proof of the Resurrection.

Timothy

Cathy

Father Sam Martin joins Patrick to discuss Proof of the Resurrection
(4:01) why is the resurrection important?
(12:36) appearance Jesus as proof of the Resurrection.
(19:33) Bob - If Atheists want to disprove, only thing they can go on is Pilate and the guards would have been paid off and put under the rug. Only way to dispute Jesus rose from the dead.

(26:37) Break 1
(28:28) Timothy - I'm always curious as to how we can believe something nobody saw except the disciples. Had some doubt whether it actually happened or not.
(37:48) Nick - My favorite topic. I love this because in our faith, we believe it. No question. Greatest proof is the witness the apostles gave. Greatest we see today is the people who have changed. Give witness. There are skeptics...science. Shroud of Turin.

(43:18) Break 2
(44:37) Cathy - I had taken a bible study. Told me women were not allowed to be witnesses at that time. When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the apostles wrote that and they would have been embarrassed to write that. The fact they would write that is proof the resurrection is true.

Father Sam Martin joins Patrick to discuss Proof of the Resurrection
<ul>
<li>(4:01) why is the resurrection important?</li>
<li>(12:36) appearance Jesus as proof of the Resurrection.</li>
<li>(19:33) Bob - If Atheists want to disprove, only thing they can go on is Pilate and the guards would have been paid off and put under the rug. Only way to dispute Jesus rose from the dead.</li>
</ul>
(26:37) Break 1
<ul>
<li>(28:28) Timothy - I'm always curious as to how we can believe something nobody saw except the disciples. Had some doubt whether it actually happened or not.</li>
<li>(37:48) Nick - My favorite topic. I love this because in our faith, we believe it. No question. Greatest proof is the witness the apostles gave. Greatest we see today is the people who have changed. Give witness. There are skeptics...science. Shroud of Turin.</li>
</ul>
(43:18) Break 2
<ul>
<li>(44:37) Cathy - I had taken a bible study. Told me women were not allowed to be witnesses at that time. When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the apostles wrote that and they would have been embarrassed to write that. The fact they would write that is proof the resurrection is true.</li>
</ul>

Proof of the Resurrection - The Inner Life - April 7, 2026

Jason

Linda

How is Forgiveness something we can strive for

Part 2 where does the word repentance come from?

Deacon Shawn

Gene

John

Part 3 What is the context in these words of Jesus fr

What is Maryâs role in the Passion of our Lo

what can we expect from the love of Mary and h

Sharon

Part 4 Jesus and Psalm 22.

How Jesus abandoned Himself to God.

Entrusting to God all of those who will be aff

Part 5 how can we satisfied Jesus thirst for us?

Madeline

Part 6 What is the deeper meaning of this message.

Robert

The enduring wounds of Jesus even after it is 

Part 7 What is the connection to the Psalms and this 

what holds us back from surrendering entirely 

How do you answer the question of does God rea

Carol

Laurie

If we are to experience suffering why should w

Join Patrick Conley this Good Friday on an epic journey of the 7 Last Words of Jesus with 7 of our top-notch spiritual directors! This show combines all seven episodes on this series of the 7 Last Words into one seamless show!

Part 1 Fr. John Eckert joins Patrick for the start of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic, Forgiveness

What was he scene of the Crucifixion?
How is trust in God the Father shown in this word?
(16:20) Jason - I grew up in a tough household. Joined military at 17. Mom had mental illness, dad was a military man and constantly gone. Haven't seen them for years. Fighting with forgiveness and it's a battle on a daily basis. Interested if there's specific scripture or guidance to help.
(25:20) Break 1
Who put Jesus on the Cross?
(30:56) Linda - Why is it that a parent can forgive their children, but children are unable to forgive and hold onto things and not easily forgive us?
(35:33) Jim - I'm at a point where there are family members that have been disrespectful to me and children. Children are older now, but family member favors one over the other because they are the godparent. Prayed about forgiving, confession, adoration, etc. I'm at a point where I don't want anything bad to happen, but don't want to be around them. Is that holding on to a grudge?
(40:02) Break 2
(41:20) How is Forgiveness something we can strive for in our lives?
Yolie – Is it mandatory to forgive others?


Part 2 (48:28) IL – Fr. James Kubicki joins Patrick for the second of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: Repentance

Who was St. Dismas?
(56:21) where does the word repentance come from?
(1:05:59) Deacon Shawn - I think the comment about conversion vs repentance is tied together. Reading a book. Repentance is a big part of it. Self-reliance on God vs. Surrender. Deeper conversion helps navigate.
(1:09:26) Break 1
(1:10:21) Gene - I was in a car accident 15 years ago. Someone was killed in the accident. I was convicted of vehicular homicide. Incarcerated for it. I felt and rationalized that if they weren't in the middle of the highway, this wouldn't have happened. Last 5 years, I've been in repentance in the dark night of the soul. Mourning and not rationalizing now.
What is the meaning of the word “today” you will be with me in paradise?
(1:24:31) Break 2
Bonnie - Repentance and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Adult children have cut me off. I'm focusing on my part. I can't fix it or fix anybody. The goodness of the holy spirit and that can bring us repentance and help us to surrender to the will of God. Accepting the consequences.
(1:29:19) John - My problem was I felt I couldn't be forgiven for the sins I committed. When I repented, it was very difficult. I still struggle.
Nicole - Question - speaking about what I've been pondering. I told my friend I don't hold on to any past sins, and I know it's a sin to not accept God's mercy. In my dream last night, I feel something was being revealed from a past sin. Had desire to go to confession. How do I go to priest about it? Wondering if I confessed it.

Part 3 (1:36:22) Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick for the third of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: Mary’s Role at the Cross

(1:39:48) What is the context in these words of Jesus from the Cross?
What Who does John represent in this scene?
(1:49:48) What is Mary’s role in the Passion of our Lord?
(1:54:30) Break 1
What are practical ways in which we can share in the passion of Christ?
(2:01:40) Jim - My mother is starting to fail. My wife asked who should we pray for as a caregiver. We stopped thinking about the saints and then turned to Jesus on the cross. Jesus found a caregiver for his own mother. Found great consolation.
Kurt - Redemptive suffering and joining to Christ on the cross. Very rarely do I hear anyone talking about that. We not only have that opportunity, but for the redemption of the world. We are commanded to that in John 15 and John 13. I give you a new commandment...  There's no greater good than to offer suffering for them.
(2:10:07) Break 2
How does the prophecy of Simeon play a role in Mary’s heart at the Cross?
(2:14:16) what can we expect from the love of Mary and how it helps us in our lives?
(2:17:01) Sharon - When my son died. I identified with Mary for release. My son was 50 and died of a rare cancer. The loss was something I knew she understood. Gave me a great deal of help during that time.
Michelle - Abortion and aborted children. Great sorrow. I delivered that child into Mary's hands.

Part 4 (2:24:40) Msgr. Tom Richter joins Patrick for the fourth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic, Spiritual Abandonment

The Allusions of Control.
(2:33:33) Jesus and Psalm 22.
(2:46:04) Break 1
(2:46:50) Tom - I've always wondered if Jesus felt because of his humanity we as human would feel abandoned by God. Was that an expression of his human feeling because he was fully human. How can Christ feel he was abandoned? if he were fully human, he would feel that way. Can you explain that?
(2:50:50) How Jesus abandoned Himself to God.
How can we trust that God still loves us through the challenging times in our life?
(3:03:17) Break 2
How can we cultivate Faith in our lives?
(3:08:37) Entrusting to God all of those who will be affected by my abandonment.

Part 5 (3:12:30) Fr. Dave Heney joins Patrick for the fifth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: “I Thirst”

How does this word of thirst relate with the Old Testament?
Biblical meaning of water.
What is the significance of the Passover cup?
(3:32:40) Break 1
What is the importance of the Woman at the Well with Jesus’ words of “I Thirst”
(3:38:18) how can we satisfied Jesus' thirst for us?
(3:48:43) Break 2
Beatitudes I thirst and drink for riotousness
(3:54:42) Madeline - I love this discussion. Years ago, I read the 4th Cup. The new covenant is complete. This really has changed how I look at the Triduum.
Richard – Did Jesus say Carry your cross before or after he died on the cross?

Part 6 (4:00:20) Fr. Michael Hurley joins Patrick for the sixth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: “It is Finished”

What would have the people heard from these words of Jesus who were there?
(4:10:04) What is the deeper meaning of this message.
(4:13:16) Robert - I don't understand the debate. it was about his mission on earth. I don't understand the bewilderment. That is what the father had him do.
(4:18:40) Break 1
Susan - The Latin being consumatem est...more literally translated to it is consummated. As in he's married to his church.
(4:24:06) Timothy -You mentioned Came to save sinners...don't know what that exactly means.
How does this connect with the Old Testament and the fourth cup?
(4:38:33) Break 2
(4:40:45) The enduring wounds of Jesus even after it is finished.
Jesus Shouts, it is Finished!

Part 7 (4:48:14) IL – Fr. John Paul Erickson joins Patrick for the last chapter of our special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: “Total Surrender to God”

(4:54:32) What is the connection to the Psalms and this last word of Jesus?
(5:03:43) what holds us back from surrendering entirely to the will of the Father?
(5:08:04) Break 1
(5:08:51) How do you answer the question of does God really care about me and can I trust Him?
(5:16:49) Carol - I'm an associate for an order. I serve worldwide for the sisters from home. I suffer from terminal illness. It's that surrender to God we're all trying to get to.
Why does God allow suffering?
(5:24:17) Break 2
(5:25:31) Laurie - Husband and I suffered 2 miscarriages. Another born and survived only days. Knowing God had a greater purpose. I figured we'd have 5-6 kids. I worked at a daycare. We adopted two children. God places these things before us and uses us as an instrument.
(5:30:20) If we are to experience suffering why should we be faithful Christians?
Serenity Prayer

Join Patrick Conley this Good Friday on an epic journey of the 7 Last Words of Jesus with 7 of our top-notch spiritual directors! This show combines all seven episodes on this series of the 7 Last Words into one seamless show!
Part 1 Fr. John Eckert joins Patrick for the start of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus &ndash; today&rsquo;s topic, Forgiveness
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>What was he scene of the Crucifixion?</li>
<li>How is trust in God the Father shown in this word?</li>
<li>(16:20) Jason - I grew up in a tough household. Joined military at 17. Mom had mental illness, dad was a military man and constantly gone. Haven't seen them for years. Fighting with forgiveness and it's a battle on a daily basis. Interested if there's specific scripture or guidance to help.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(25:20) Break 1
<ul>
<li>Who put Jesus on the Cross?</li>
<li>(30:56) Linda - Why is it that a parent can forgive their children, but children are unable to forgive and hold onto things and not easily forgive us?</li>
<li>(35:33) Jim - I'm at a point where there are family members that have been disrespectful to me and children. Children are older now, but family member favors one over the other because they are the godparent. Prayed about forgiving, confession, adoration, etc. I'm at a point where I don't want anything bad to happen, but don't want to be around them. Is that holding on to a grudge?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(40:02) Break 2
<ul>
<li>(41:20) How is Forgiveness something we can strive for in our lives?</li>
<li>Yolie &ndash; Is it mandatory to forgive others?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 Part 2 (48:28) IL &ndash; Fr. James Kubicki joins Patrick for the second of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus &ndash; today&rsquo;s topic: Repentance
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>Who was St. Dismas?</li>
<li>(56:21) where does the word repentance come from?</li>
<li>(1:05:59) Deacon Shawn - I think the comment about conversion vs repentance is tied together. Reading a book. Repentance is a big part of it. Self-reliance on God vs. Surrender. Deeper conversion helps navigate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(1:09:26) Break 1
<ul>
<li>(1:10:21) Gene - I was in a car accident 15 years ago. Someone was killed in the accident. I was convicted of vehicular homicide. Incarcerated for it. I felt and rationalized that if they weren't in the middle of the highway, this wouldn't have happened. Last 5 years, I've been in repentance in the dark night of the soul. Mourning and not rationalizing now.</li>
<li>What is the meaning of the word &ldquo;today&rdquo; you will be with me in paradise?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(1:24:31) Break 2
<ul>
<li>Bonnie - Repentance and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Adult children have cut me off. I'm focusing on my part. I can't fix it or fix anybody. The goodness of the holy spirit and that can bring us repentance and help us to surrender to the will of God. Accepting the consequences.</li>
<li>(1:29:19) John - My problem was I felt I couldn't be forgiven for the sins I committed. When I repented, it was very difficult. I still struggle.</li>
<li>Nicole - Question - speaking about what I've been pondering. I told my friend I don't hold on to any past sins, and I know it's a sin to not accept God's mercy. In my dream last night, I feel something was being revealed from a past sin. Had desire to go to confession. How do I go to priest about it? Wondering if I confessed it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Part 3 (1:36:22) Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick for the third of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus &ndash; today&rsquo;s topic: Mary&rsquo;s Role at the Cross
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>(1:39:48) What is the context in these words of Jesus from the Cross?</li>
<li>What Who does John represent in this scene?</li>
<li>(1:49:48) What is Mary&rsquo;s role in the Passion of our Lord?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(1:54:30) Break 1
<ul>
<li>What are practical ways in which we can share in the passion of Christ?</li>
<li>(2:01:40) Jim - My mother is starting to fail. My wife asked who should we pray for as a caregiver. We stopped thinking about the saints and then turned to Jesus on the cross. Jesus found a caregiver for his own mother. Found great consolation.</li>
<li>Kurt - Redemptive suffering and joining to Christ on the cross. Very rarely do I hear anyone talking about that. We not only have that opportunity, but for the redemption of the world. We are commanded to that in John 15 and John 13. I give you a new commandment...&nbsp; There's no greater good than to offer suffering for them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(2:10:07) Break 2
<ul>
<li>How does the prophecy of Simeon play a role in Mary&rsquo;s heart at the Cross?</li>
<li>(2:14:16) what can we expect from the love of Mary and how it helps us in our lives?</li>
<li>(2:17:01) Sharon - When my son died. I identified with Mary for release. My son was 50 and died of a rare cancer. The loss was something I knew she understood. Gave me a great deal of help during that time.</li>
<li>Michelle - Abortion and aborted children. Great sorrow. I delivered that child into Mary's hands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Part 4 (2:24:40) Msgr. Tom Richter joins Patrick for the fourth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus &ndash; today&rsquo;s topic, Spiritual Abandonment
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>The Allusions of Control.</li>
<li>(2:33:33) Jesus and Psalm 22.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(2:46:04) Break 1
<ul>
<li>(2:46:50) Tom - I've always wondered if Jesus felt because of his humanity we as human would feel abandoned by God. Was that an expression of his human feeling because he was fully human. How can Christ feel he was abandoned? if he were fully human, he would feel that way. Can you explain that?</li>
<li>(2:50:50) How Jesus abandoned Himself to God.</li>
<li>How can we trust that God still loves us through the challenging times in our life?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(3:03:17) Break 2
<ul>
<li>How can we cultivate Faith in our lives?</li>
<li>(3:08:37) Entrusting to God all of those who will be affected by my abandonment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Part 5 (3:12:30) Fr. Dave Heney joins Patrick for the fifth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus &ndash; today&rsquo;s topic: &ldquo;I Thirst&rdquo;
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>How does this word of thirst relate with the Old Testament?</li>
<li>Biblical meaning of water.</li>
<li>What is the significance of the Passover cup?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(3:32:40) Break 1
<ul>
<li>What is the importance of the Woman at the Well with Jesus&rsquo; words of &ldquo;I Thirst&rdquo;</li>
<li>(3:38:18) how can we satisfied Jesus' thirst for us?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(3:48:43) Break 2
<ul>
<li>Beatitudes I thirst and drink for riotousness</li>
<li>(3:54:42) Madeline - I love this discussion. Years ago, I read the 4th Cup. The new covenant is complete. This really has changed how I look at the Triduum.</li>
<li>Richard &ndash; Did Jesus say Carry your cross before or after he died on the cross?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Part 6 (4:00:20) Fr. Michael Hurley joins Patrick for the sixth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus &ndash; today&rsquo;s topic: &ldquo;It is Finished&rdquo;
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>What would have the people heard from these words of Jesus who were there?</li>
<li>(4:10:04) What is the deeper meaning of this message.</li>
<li>(4:13:16) Robert - I don't understand the debate. it was about his mission on earth. I don't understand the bewilderment. That is what the father had him do.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(4:18:40) Break 1
<ul>
<li>Susan - The Latin being consumatem est...more literally translated to it is consummated. As in he's married to his church.</li>
<li>(4:24:06) Timothy -You mentioned Came to save sinners...don't know what that exactly means.</li>
<li>How does this connect with the Old Testament and the fourth cup?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(4:38:33) Break 2
<ul>
<li>(4:40:45) The enduring wounds of Jesus even after it is finished.</li>
<li>Jesus Shouts, it is Finished!</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Part 7 (4:48:14) IL &ndash; Fr. John Paul Erickson joins Patrick for the last chapter of our special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus &ndash; today&rsquo;s topic: &ldquo;Total Surrender to God&rdquo;
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>(4:54:32) What is the connection to the Psalms and this last word of Jesus?</li>
<li>(5:03:43) what holds us back from surrendering entirely to the will of the Father?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(5:08:04) Break 1
<ul>
<li>(5:08:51) How do you answer the question of does God really care about me and can I trust Him?</li>
<li>(5:16:49) Carol - I'm an associate for an order. I serve worldwide for the sisters from home. I suffer from terminal illness. It's that surrender to God we're all trying to get to.</li>
<li>Why does God allow suffering?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>(5:24:17) Break 2
<ul>
<li>(5:25:31) Laurie - Husband and I suffered 2 miscarriages. Another born and survived only days. Knowing God had a greater purpose. I figured we'd have 5-6 kids. I worked at a daycare. We adopted two children. God places these things before us and uses us as an instrument.</li>
<li>(5:30:20) If we are to experience suffering why should we be faithful Christians?</li>
<li>Serenity Prayer</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

EPIC: 7 Priests, 7 Last Words of Jesus - Good Friday

The Meaning of Easter - The Inner Life - April 6, 2026

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