Right Now with Ralph Martin

Ralph shares about an experience he had at Mass recently that gave him a deeper insight into the sacrifice of Jesus made present at the Mass and how we should desire to be included in it. He also brings out how wonderful it is that Jesus wants us to be included, but we have to want it too.

Fr. George Montague joins Ralph to share a lifetime of experience as a teacher, missionary, author, and Scripture scholar and the difference the Holy Spirit makes.The Rev. George Montague, S.M., S.T.D., is professor emeritus of New Testament at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. In 1995 he began a new religious community in the Marianist family, the Brothers of the Beloved Disciple. He is the author of more than twenty books, including Understanding the Bible and a couple volumes of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture.

Ralph shares St. Peter's clear and challenging interpretation of the events of Pentecost and how all throughout the Acts of the Apostles we see the apostles' expectation that every new group of converts should experience the Holy Spirit as they did on the day of Pentecost. Ralph also speaks to how we too should be seeking and expecting the apostolic experience of Pentecost even today.

We are excited to share a hidden historical gem with you this week. In this previously unreleased conversation with Ralph and Sr. Ann Shields, Sr. Ann shares how to make a meaningful examination of conscience and how it can lead us to deeper freedom and holiness.

Great graces are available in the sacrament of Confirmation but oftentimes are not accessed. My wife offers a modest suggestion about how to contribute to increasing its fruitfulness. Pass it on!Ralph's article: The Post-Christendom Sacramental Crisis: The Wisdom of Thomas Aquinas.

Co-founder of the St. Catherine of Siena Institute, Sherry Weddell talks with Ralph about the founding of the Institute, the process of discerning charism, and her book, Forming Intentional Disciples.

Ralph comments on some surprising remarks of Pope Benedict XVI about how it isn't the Holy Spirit that chooses popes but the Cardinals.

Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to talk about God's plan of salvation through Jesus' victory over death.

When the prophet Isaiah hears the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” he quickly responds, “Here am I. Send me!”This week, Ralph talks about how each of us should emulate Isaiah's joyous offering to be sent on mission by the Lord.

Patti Mansfield joins Ralph to talk about true conversion and accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior.

Ralph looks at the memoir of Sr. Lucia, the oldest of the three children of Fatima, who was asked by her bishop to remember all she could of St. Jacinta. St. Jacinta is truly amazing and inspiring!Get a copy of Fatima in Lucia's Own Words in the Renewal Ministries Store.

Fr. Michael Gaitley joins Ralph to talk about his call to the priesthood and his book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus.

Mike Timmis joins Ralph to share about his faith journey: from being a successful businessman to meeting Jesus personally and leaving his career to work in prison ministry.For a copy of Mike's book, Between Two Worlds, visit https://a.co/d/fpAjrdV.

The Catholic Church commonly refers to St. Joseph as the foster father of Jesus. As we celebrate his feast day this week, Ralph makes the case that this designation is way too weak given the reality and depth of his fatherhood.

The angel who appeared to the children at Fatima in 1916 told them, "Make of everything you can a sacrifice, and offer it to God as an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and in supplication for the conversion of sinners. ..Above all, accept and bear with submission, the suffering which the Lord will send you." When Mary appeared to the children in 1917, she told them the same thing.This week, Ralph talks about how challenging it is to accept our sufferings and asks the questions, "Does God really send sufferings? How can we turn suffering to good?"

As we enter into the season of Lent Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to discuss Church teaching on Original Sin and how we can salve its wound.

How can someone be appointed Archbishop of Washington, DC, after expressing views contrary to the Catholic faith? This is the question being raised by many within the American Catholic Church after Cardinal Robert McElroy's recent appointment as Archbishop of Washington, DC. Appointments like this are causing many Catholics to wonder what is going on that bishops who hold objectively heretical or at least ambiguous views on basic Catholic truths are receiving these appointments. However, it is heartening to see the very direct and truthful comments that Archbishop Aquila from Denver, CO, and Bishop Paprocki from Springfield, IL, have made on the seriousness of appointing people to high positions who hold views like this. Let's pray that the Lord have mercy on our holy Catholic Church which is going through a time of trial right now.Get your copy of Peter Herbeck's new booklet, Does God Judge? Your first copy is FREE!Articles in this episode:On ‘Radical Inclusion' for LGBT People, Women and Others in the Catholic Church by Robert W. McElroyRadical Inclusion Requires Radical Love by Samuel J. AquilaImagining a Heretical Cardinal by Thomas J. PaprockiI Apologize to LGBTQ Catholics by Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory: For the Church to Live In Eucharistic Coherence, We Must Be Willing to Challenge Catholics Persisting in Grave Sin by Samuel J. Aquila USCCB Must Discuss Eucharistic Coherence at June Meeting by Bishop PaprockiPaprocki: We've ‘Passed Beyond the Point of Private Conversations' by The Pillar

Dr. Peter Williamson joins Ralph to share about his conversion to Catholicism and the role of sacred scripture in his daily life.

A few months ago Ralph published a video, The Case for Loud, where he considered how frequently in Sacred Scripture we are exhorted to full-hearted praise and worship, making a joyful noise to the Lord, playing loudly on our instruments, and how we should be open to this dimension of our response to God. This week, Ralph considers the equally important role that quiet and silence play in our relationship with the Lord. He recommends a book called Holy Silence that is a great resource for growing in silence in our life.For a copy of "Fulfillment of All Desire" visit https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/fulfillment-of-all-desire/.

Popular speaker Fr. John Riccardo returns to the show to share what has been on his heart about the state of the Church. For Fr. John's book, Heaven Starts Now: Becoming a Saint Day by Day, visit https://a.co/d/fF9FuIk.

Ralph reflects on how it is possible to find true rest for our souls, even amid our many responsibilities and heavy burdens.

The founder of From His Heart Ministries relates how she came into the Catholic Church after being a Pentecostal evangelist for years – without losing her ministry.

This week, Ralph discusses how the continuous conflict we should expect to face in this life will store up a weight of glory for us, both now and in heaven.

Catholic Answers apologist Tim Staples talks with Ralph about his conversion to Catholicism.

Ralph talks about the striking words of Jesus in Matthew 12 when he declares that those who do his will are his family.

Peter Herbeck joins Ralph for a special Christmas episode to encourage us to behold the incredible mystery of the Incarnation, inviting us to respond to the loving gift of God in Jesus.

From time to time we note in the Gospels that Jesus is expressing a strong emotion about a situation he is encountering. This week, Ralph looks at the range of emotions that Jesus shows and offers some guidance he (and John of the Cross) give us about how to rightly order our emotions.

The Anderbergs share about the tragic of death their son in 2004 and how the Lord has brought them through these difficult times.

This week, Ralph speaks about how the angels have been given very significant roles in God's plan to save us. Our guardian angels care for us daily, and if we are alive when he comes again, the angels will come to escort us into the kingdom of heaven!

Deacon Jim and Ralph discuss the integration of prayer, relationship with the Lord and knowledge of Him for growth in intimacy with Christ.

We see many forms of prayer throughout the scriptures: profound silence, quiet nights of prayer, lamentation, crying out to the Father, and even loud song, dance, and thunderous praise. Loud prayer or worship isn't a virtue in itself, but in certain circumstances or seasons of life it can be a way of relating whole-heartedly to the Lord.

Ralph sits down with Deacon Steve Thomashefski to hear his powerful testimony of God's mercy and his work as a deacon and missionary.

It is an amazing gift that God himself speaks to us, and it is so important that we really pay attention to His voice. This week Ralph speaks about the amazing, life-saving gift of the Word of God. Share this inspiring episode with friends and family! Partner with the work of Renewal Ministries by visiting https://www.renewalministries.net/partners. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCamEooO2x92YRiL-UNWiONQ/.

Missionary Nancy Greenhaw joins Ralph to share a compelling account of her personal conversion and life in the mission field.

Ralph offers a meditation, based on Psalm 27, about what a privilege it is to be invited into the intimacy of the Lord's tent, where there is room enough for everyone.

Craig Pohl joins Ralph to share his moving testimony of finding Jesus in the midst of despair and confusion.

Jesus joyfully tells us that the “merest of children” can understand the most fundamental truths we need to know for our salvation. Not only that, but God's Word is incredibly clear about what we must do to be saved.

Scott Sollum joins Ralph to share his faith journey and his role in training young people to effectively teach the Catholic faith.

Pope Francis recently claimed that all religions are paths to God which has occasioned the usual firestorm of controversy, dismay, and efforts to explain what he really meant. Ralph attempts to cut through the confusion and state clearly what the truth upon which our salvations depends. Archbishop Chaput, The Pope and Other Religions: https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2024/09/the-pope-and-other-religions Dr. Jeff Mirus, Love proclaims that all “faiths” do NOT lead to God: https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/love-proclaims-that-all-faiths-do-not-lead-to-god/ Anthony R. Lusvardi, Baptism of Desire and Christian Salvation: https://www.cuapress.org/9780813237985/baptism-of-desire-and-christian-salvation/ The Pillar, Pope Francis stirs controversy with interreligious remarks: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/pope-francis-stirs-controversy-with Ralph Martin, Will Many Be Saved?: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/will-many-be-saved/ Ralph Martin, A Church in Crisis: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/a-church-in-crisis-pathways-forward/ Ralph Martin, A Life in the Spirit: https://www.renewalministries.net/ralphmemoir/

This week, Pete Burak joined the show to turn the tables and interview Ralph! In this interview, they look at just a few of the incredible things that God has done in and through Ralph's life and journey of faith. For a deeper dive into the story, get a copy of Ralph's memoir, A Life in the Spirit anywhere books are sold.

This week, Ralph comments on a short sermon of St. John Chrysostom, a doctor of the Church from the 4th century. The sermon could have been written today as it speaks to our modern circumstances as surely as it did to his first hearers.

As you may have heard, this past year Ralph wrote a memoir called A Life in the Spirit which shares his inspiring journey with Jesus. We're pleased to share that this book is now available! In honor of this book release, we are sharing a special podcast this week: an inspiring up-close-and-personal interview that focuses on Ralph's conversion story—from the roots of his faith in Ireland and his Catholic upbringing in New Jersey, to his search for truth and meaning in the turbulent 1960s. This interview expresses the life-changing power of God's mercy and love for all who call out to Him and it is just a taste of the full story! To get your copy of A Life in the Spirit, visit www.renewalministries.net/RalphMemoir.

This week, Ralph explains how to understand what Jesus says about never being hungry or thirsty again if we come to Him as the Bread of Life.

Stephanie Giba joins Ralph to share her faith journey and the ministry she has done to help engaged couples prepare for the sacrament of marriage.

Drawing on the inspired insights of St. Catherine of Siena, Ralph discusses what we can know about our knowledge and love of each other in heaven.

Sherry Weddell joins Ralph to talk about helping the laity discover their gifts and become effective apostles.

This week, Ralph discusses the trend of "accentuating the positive" when preaching the Gospel, something which often ends up distorting the Gospel. The Gospel is immensely positive - it offers us salvation! - but it also inspires awe when we contemplate the consequences for those who reject it. As St. Paul says in the Epistle to the Romans: we must "consider both the kindness and the severity of God" if we wish to preach the "full Gospel". Videos mentioned: "It is Now Unmistakably Clear Where We Are Being Led": https://youtu.be/oCUWWS2poEo "Same Sex Blessings: Clarity in the Confusion": https://youtu.be/O6WEHwphXMQ "Cardinal Fernandez' Unbalanced Pastoral Strategy": https://youtu.be/fClMqf9oMn0 "Thank God for the African Bishops": https://youtu.be/xXZIzwDbBZY

Debbie Herbeck joins Ralph to share the story of her conversion from Judaism. She shares about a profound and personal encounter with Jesus the Messiah as a young, Jewish college student and how she ultimately entered the Catholic Church.

In a special BONUS episode this week, Ralph announces his latest book: a memoir entitled A Life in the Spirit, and pre-sales begin today! Orders placed through Renewal Ministries before September 1 will receive a SIGNED copy and special pre-sale bonuses! To reserve your copy, visit www.renewalministries.net/RalphMemoir. This book chronicles Ralph's journey from the beginning of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to becoming one of the most courageous voices defending the truth of the Gospel during an age of dissension and disbelief. It recounts Ralph's first radical commitment to Christ, obstacles and opposition he faced, remarkable experiences with St. John Paul II and others, and more.

Fr. Gallagher returns for a second week to discuss the Ignatian Rules for Discernment and how their insights are invaluable for spiritual growth.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher joins Ralph to discuss practical wisdom for using the Ignatian method of prayer to pray with the Scriptures. Resources: An Ignatian Introduction to Prayer: Scriptural Reflections According to the Spiritual Exercises Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Praying with Scripture