Rainbow Flags, Forgiving without an Apology, and Anger at God

Meet Fr. Josh Johnson

While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. Then, one day in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest.

Now, Fr. Josh is the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. He is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body, The 99, and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, as well as the author of Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation, Pocket Guide to Adoration, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Reconciliation.


Shownotes



Questions

Anger at God

Hi Father,

I lost someone who was a father figure to me, he had cancer and I’m happy that he isn’t in pain anymore. However, because of the pandemic, I wasn’t able to see him in over a year because it was too risky as I live in a dorm. I have been really angry and upset at God and I don’t want to be. How do we understand all this to where I am not angry at God? I know from taking theology classes for my degree, that God doesn’t create suffering without a purpose, however, I’m just so mad. Any advice would be great, thanks for everything you do.

-Emma


Rainbow Flags

Dear Father Josh,

First I want to start off by thanking you for all you do. Your podcast is a great light for me in a world that can otherwise feel dark at times. Thank you for helping me and countless others grow in our relationship with Christ.

Now onto my question. The board for Catholic schools in my city has recently decided to fly pride flags at every single one of our Catholic schools and to participate in celebrating pride month. There seems to be mixed emotions between the members of our Catholic community.

Do you think this decision helps to unite all members of the Body of Christ or do you think it brings us further away from His teachings and message?

Thank you again and God bless,
Melissa

Forgiving without an Apology 

First off I want to thank you for your podcast and your ministry. I never felt that I could ever be a saint until I started listening to you, and now I not only think I can be a saint but it is a goal, and even if I fall short, I am enjoying the journey walking with Christ while listening to you.

My question is about forgiveness, in particular forgiving. A few years back I had an altercation with my sister where she said some extremely hurtful things towards me and my wife and how we choose to parent our child (we were new parents at the time, our son is now 3 years old and he is a true miracle, after being told we may be unable to have children). I always had a good relationship with my sister, but since then I have stepped away and we really don’t have a relationship, except for the small talk for the sake of our parents. I just can’t seem to be able to unsee the darkness in her heart. I have prayed and meditated and spoken to God, Jesus, Mary and so many of our loving saints about this, and I truly do want to forgive her but I don’t know how. How do we forgive someone one who not only doesn’t ask for it, but truly feels that they did not do anything to need it?

Thank you for taking the time to read this and praying on this. I will always continue to pray for you.

-Kevin

Resources




Meet Fr. Josh Johnson

While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. Then, one day in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest.

Now, Fr. Josh is the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. He is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body, The 99, and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, as well as the author of Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation, Pocket Guide to Adoration, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Reconciliation.

1 Comment

  1. With due respect, the ORIGINAL flag had a pink stripe which meant sex. There is NOTHING sexual or promoting sex on the current flag so I question strongly your condemnation of using it.

    Reply

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