Never Too Far Gone: Returning to Confession
What is the limit on God’s mercy? How far gone must one be before God is no longer open to welcoming that person back into the fold? Trick questions: there is no limit. God is always ready and willing to receive you into the state of grace with open arms. As long as you are... Continue reading→
Extramarital Lies
NOTE: This article features some sensitive topics that may not be suitable for younger readers. Please use discretion. Often young people challenge the Church: “Why must we wait until we are married to have sex? When I hear such questions I like to ask: “Why would you want to?” The young people are taken aback... Continue reading→
What is the difference between Actual and Sanctifying Grace?
Recently on The Patrick Madrid Show listener Patrick called in to ask host Patrick what the difference is between Sanctifying Grace and regular grace, and how we can receive Sanctifying Grace. Patrick began by defining “Sanctifying Grace”. “The Church would describe it in terms like this: it’s the very life of God Himself that is... Continue reading→
What Do Catholics Believe About the Rapture?
“Rapture” is the term often used by Christian denominations to describe one of the last phases of human existence in which the believers of a particular creed will be granted salvation and entrance into paradise, while the others will be left behind. You can see it in everything from movies (The Rapture) to video games... Continue reading→
Does God hear our prayers if we aren’t in the state of grace?
“Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law; it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude, by preferring an inferior good to him… Mortal sin, by attacking the vital principle within us – that is, charity – necessitates a new initiative... Continue reading→
“I left the Catholic Church. What will happen to me?”
Does God care if you leave His Church for a Protestant denomination? What will happen to those who abandon the Eucharist and follow a community instead of the truth? As long as one lives a Christian life, does God really care about the specifics? Karen from Salem, Oregon called into Fr. Simon Says to ask... Continue reading→
Honoring Our Merciful Father
We honor our parents not because they give us what we want but because they represent our merciful God who gives us his loving and life-giving Spirit: What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will... Continue reading→
Why do we suffer?
One of the most common arguments against the existence of God, namely a benevolent and all-powerful one, is the existence of pain, suffering, tragedy, and evil in our world. Why would God allow this to happen? Why doesn’t he prevent all of the evil that is taking place? If He truly loved us, wouldn’t He... Continue reading→
Jumping Through Hoops or Following Jesus?
Recently on The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick received a call from a listener named Joseph who requested an explanation of why Catholics are required to go to confession and follow the rules of the Church to remain in the state of grace. Joseph argued that God is not limited by our shortcomings and His mercy... Continue reading→
Love Forgives
Blessed are the Merciful… and Peacemakers. Learning to forgive is key to happiness and holiness in relationships because it is key to peace. We best learn this very Christian response, which is never easy, in the family. As Pope Francis reminds us: When we have been offended or let down, forgiveness is possible and desirable,... Continue reading→