Finding Meaning in Life, Christmas Presents, and Helping Children Discern their Vocation
Fr. Josh answers questions about finding meaning in life while suffering, meaningful Christmas gift suggestions, and how to help your children discern their vocations. 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
You are a necessary member of the Body of Christ. God places us in a specific place of that body...You have a very special and necessary role to play in the Church’s sanctification.
SHOWNOTES
Glory Story (2:19)
Fr. Josh shares how grateful he is for his parish team, all their unique God given gifts, and the fun day of adventure they all experienced.
Listener Feedback (5:19)
Christmas Presents (6:35)
Thank you for your podcast! I look forward to the notification each week that a new podcast is on my app!
Here is my question: With Christmas fast approaching, do you have any gift suggestions for a 15-year-old boy seeking to grow in his faith? My son has a very strong faith and a special friendship with Jesus, and I want to do all I can to help him in his journey toward becoming a saint. No need to suggest your newest book… I am already planning to purchase it for my son and daughter!
I look forward to your suggestions, and I am praying for you!
-Brandy
Finding Meaning in Life (11:38)
Firstly, I would like to say how much I enjoy your podcast. You explain things in a way I can understand, and I have a much better knowledge of many issues now thanks to you. I’m in the process of converting from Anglicanism to Catholicism, and I feel much clearer on the Church’s teachings now on lots of different topics because of your podcast. Thank you so much.
I am 25 years old and I am disabled by several conditions including a connective tissue disorder (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) and M.E. The M.E causes me awful fatigue and the EDS causes me a lot of pain, and my joints move out of place. I am able to walk a little using my leg braces (AFOs) and crutches, but I am starting to rely more on a wheelchair and I cannot work because of my condition. It affects my mood, and I struggle a lot with depression. I often feel very useless and need assistance from others to complete daily tasks. My question is: how can I discern what God wants for me and what he wants me to do with my life? How can I figure out what I am meant for when I feel like I have nothing to offer?
-Victoria
Helping Children Discern their Vocation (21:53)
I absolutely love your podcasts. I loved hearing about the adventures of Fr. Josh and Fr. Rueben (especially since Fr. Rueben is my priest). I recently read your book Broken and Blessed. I have been in spiritual advisement for many many years, and I still took so much away from your book to help me on my walk towards God. Thank you...your book was truly a blessing to me.
I have a sixteen year old son who has told me on more than one occasion he feels as though God is calling him to become a priest. He has even had dreams about it. I have had many people tell me that they think he has a calling as well...but I am very reluctant to tell him this, as I do not want my son to feel pressured or even worse...step on God's toes in my son's discernment. My son is very unsure of himself when it comes to defending our faith, and I find that he becomes very discouraged at times because of this. As a mother, how can I foster a vocation to the priesthood without my son feeling pressured?
-Christy
Universal Points (26:32)
- Helping Children Discern their Vocation - We don’t ever want to violate others’ vocations and tell them what they are called to do. But we certainly want to encourage and invite them to pray well to hear Jesus Christ speak to them.
- Finding Meaning in Life - Not everyone is called to a state of life vocation, but we all have a present life vocation. Discern what is your present way of growing closer to Jesus.
- Christmas Presents - Sometimes the best presents are time and words of encouragement.
Resources
Meet Your Host:
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 and author of Broken and Blessed.