Praying in Tongues, Holy Water, and Fasting in Advent

Praying in Tongues, Holy Water, and Fasting in Advent

Fr. Josh Johnson

Fr. Josh answers questions about praying in tongues, the purpose of holy water, and why we should fast during Advent.

“From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again. They also flee from the Cross, but return; so holy water must have great virtue. For my own part, whenever I take it, my soul feels a particular and most notable consolation.” - St. Teresa of Avila

Holy Water

Hi Fr. Josh

What's the purpose of holy water? Why do we use it (in baptisms, but also to make the sign of the cross)? Why not just use normal water? How is holy water "made"? Holy water has always just there when we enter the church, and I've never given it much thought until we didn't have it anymore (due to COVID)

-Mark

Praying in Tongues

Hi Father Josh, I love your podcast. I have a question about praying in tongues. I live in a Catholic community that is quite on fire, with a small flair for the charismatic. While I have come around to many practices which some would consider charismatic, like laying of hands, prophecy, prayers for healing (When these things are done with humility and prudence), but praying of tongues still freaks me out a bit. While I acknowledge its Biblical precedent, I oftentimes think that it's crowd mentality as opposed to the Holy Spirit that driving it. I also think that it seems very strange and can be a barrier for people looking to enter the Church. Is this an uncharitable position? Should I be praying tongues? Does it happen when the Holy Spirit overfills you, or does it happen when you decide, or both?

-Michael

Fasting During Advent

Hi Fr. Josh,

I was wondering how we could fast during Advent?

-Mary

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