Growing in Patience, Discerning Third Orders, and True Crime Entertainment

Growing in Patience, Discerning Third Orders, and True Crime Entertainment

Fr. Josh Johnson

Fr. Josh answers questions about growing in the virtue of patience, discerning entering a third order as a lay person, and whether true crime entertainment can be harmful for our souls.

The virtue of patience teaches us to surrender to the reality that we are not in control of everything.

Questions


Growing in Patience


Dear Father Josh, firstly I would like to say that your podcast has been a gift to me and I truly believe God led me to it as many of your episodes have answered the numerous questions I've had in my head for years!

My question is about patience: Father I am NOT a patient person, I get so irritated over the imperfections of others (even though I am far from perfect myself). I also get irritated and impatient over very silly things like someone asking me the same questions repeatedly, being slow to order a meal at a restaurant, chewing loudly etc. I don't know why little things like that get me soooo irritated. I really dislike the feeling and I especially don't like how my impatience may be hurting those around me. I really desire to love others like Jesus loves me, but i fail every time. Do you have any advice on how to grow in patience and understanding?

I look forward to your reply, God bless!
- Anonymous

Third Orders

A few months ago, I met my spiritual director for the first time. She said she had wanted to give me a book and when looking at her shelf a book fell over about Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity. I had heard the name but didn't know much about her an thanked her for the book. The next day, I saw a quote by her pop up on my instagram. Then I heard about Abiding Together's Lent book on Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity. So that night I cracked open the book. I literally fell over when I read the first page. We share the same birthday. I kept reading. She lost her father to a heart issue at age 7. I lost mine to a heart issue at age 5. And she is the patron saint of people who have lost parents and I have been praying for a deeper spiritual connection to my dad. After diving in to her more I keep having a thought pop into my head (and into my heart) that maybe God is calling me to be a third order Carmelite. I was wondering if you could touch on the Carmelites a bit and how the "third order" of the laity came to be as well as any tips for helping me to discern this with my husband! (I did recently start wearing the brown scapular and was enrolled by my priest). I would love to hear your thoughts on the Carmelites and on lay Carmelites in particular! Thank you so much for all you are doing for our church and for Jesus Christ. And please never stop singing.


- Jenna


True Crime Entertainment


True crime (stories about real murders and other serious crimes) is getting increasingly popular in the media, including on TV and in podcasts. Is it okay for Catholics to watch or listen to true crime for entertainment, or could it be harmful to our souls?

-Diana

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