Right Now with Ralph Martin: Recent Episodes
Renewal Ministries
Join author, speaker, and world-wide renewal leader, Dr. Ralph Martin, as he shares what the Holy Spirit is stirring up in the Church right now: words of encouragement from the Lord to strengthen you for such a time as this.
This week, Ralph explains why he wrote his recent book, The Coming Judgement: Are We Ready? and why he thinks it is very much needed right now. This newest book gets to the heart of what’s really important in life and could make an eternal difference for those who read it.
For the whole month of August, Ralph's book will be 20% off in the Renewal Ministries store. Get your copy here: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/the-coming-judgment.
Every now and then a prophecy is shared that deserves wider attention. Patti Mansfield, long-time friend of Renewal Ministries and leader in the Charismatic Renewal, recently received such a word. This week, Ralph is taking the opportunity to share it with you and offer some comments on this word from the Lord, along with an overview of what the New Testament tells us about the gift of prophecy.
Ralph clearly unpacks the fundamental message of scripture concerning the two ways. Everyone is currently on one way or another and Ralph invites us to make a change if we're on the wrong path.
Do you know someone who needs to hear this life-saving message? Send it to your friends and relatives!
We recently celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi, celebrating the profound gift of Jesus in the Eucharist. As we continue to reflect on this extraordinary grace, Ralph shares how a “chance encounter” on an airplane led to a very significant conversation centered around a prayer from the liturgy of the Eucharist.
Ralph reflects on his long relationship with Cardinal Schönborn, including some concerns he has had in recent years and a very fascinating article the Cardinal wrote featuring his pondering of the final judgment.
As we prepare for the Feast of Pentecost this Sunday, Ralph asks the question, "Is Pentecost just an historical event, the birthday of the Church, or is it something more?” He boldly asserts that the power of Pentecost is intended to be a continuing reality in the Church, as is clearly taught in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He then examines some reasons why we may not be experiencing the power of Pentecost in our own lives and prays with us to “stir up the gift” that we have been given in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Recently Pope Leo caused some controversy in responding to the German Bishops' decision to institute in a formal way the blessing of same sex and irregular unions. Many praised Pope Leo’s quick response to the effect that the Vatican doesn’t agree and that the Germans have been “spoken to”. But others registered puzzlement about what his views on sexual sins really are. While casual comments in an airplane interview can’t be fairly used to determine what anyone’s views are in a considered way, many others, besides the Pope have made statements to the effect that “sexual sins aren’t the worst sins; there are others far worse.” In this video Ralph deals with this question with an answer based on scripture and tradition. While it is certainly the case that sexual sins aren’t the worse sins, it is still very important to pay careful attention to what the Lord does say about the seriousness of sexual sins so we can make appropriate decisions.
Articles and resources in this episode:
- Ralph's new book: The Coming Judgment
- Article by Dr. Monica Miller: Sex and the Unity of the Catholic Church
- Article by Dr. Helen Alvare: Sex and Catholic Social Teaching
- Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu's letter for SECAM: No blessing for homosexual couples in all Churches in Africa
- 2024 Letter of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on Fiducia Supplicans
- EWTN Article: Vatican publishes 2024 letter prohibiting formal blessings for homosexual couples in Germany
Justice Richard Bernstein was born blind, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a marathon runner, disability rights advocate, and Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. In this week’s video, Ralph shares stories from a local event where Bernstein spoke about perseverance, suffering, and faith—raising the big question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Ralph reflects on Bernstein’s life, his campaign slogan “Life is unfair, but judges shouldn’t be,” and the perfectly just Judge we have in Jesus.
There are really only two roads we can walk in this life: one that leads to eternal life or one that leads to eternal destruction. This fundamental biblical message is depicted in one of St. Faustina’s visions, describing these very different paths: a broad and pleasurable one leading to hell, and a narrow, painful one leading to paradise. As we prepare for the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday this weekend, Ralph reflects on St. Faustina’s vision and the scriptural teaching of Jesus to help each of us to receive God’s mercy, recommit to the path of Jesus, and turn away from the path that leads to the abyss of hell.
Today we celebrate the Annunciation, the unfathomable grace of Jesus coming in the flesh. And yet when we look at the scriptures, we see something strange happened when people encountered Jesus during his earthly ministry. The One who came to heal us, love us, and give us eternal life is hated and rejected. In this video, Ralph explores what the scriptures tell us about why this is the case. May it not be so with us!
Catholic devotion to Divine Mercy is bearing wonderful fruit in the Church today, but it is also susceptible to being “hijacked,” diverted from its intended purpose. There’s a popular perception that goes something like this, “God is so merciful that very few, if any, will be lost.” This is actually a distortion of the true meaning of mercy because it engenders an attitude of presumption and indifference that seriously undermines the Christian life. This video proposes an antidote to this false perception: true knowledge of what Jesus revealed to St. Faustina, not only about his great mercy, but also the necessity to respond to the offer of mercy with faith, repentance, and obedience in order for it to have its proper effect.
This week, Ralph looks at the "big picture" of the pro-life movement and the central decision at the root of choosing life, choosing for ETERNAL life.
John 3:16 is a very well-known verse that offers a short summary of the Gospel. This week, Ralph comments on this famous verse and the verses surrounding it to expand our understanding of its meaning beyond just what is popularly considered, and of course, it is all about salvation!
The team at Renewal Ministries has an announcement for you about Right Now with Ralph Martin!
To check out our weekly interview program The Choices We Face, featuring Ralph Martin, Peter Herbeck, and Pete Burak, and their guests visit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/renewal-ministries-the-choices-we-face/id512306177.
For our weekday program Burning Hearts hosted by Rachel Herbeck in which Rachel helps listeners hearts to be set on fire with zeal for God’s Word visit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/burning-hearts-with-rachel-herbeck/id1786439466.
For our weekday program Fire on the Earth hosted by Peter Herbeck in which Peter helps listeners respond personally to what the Holy Spirit is saying in our time through inspiring teachings, interviews, and testimonies, visit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fire-on-the-earth-with-peter-herbeck/id295512989.
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In this short video Ralph shares how impacted he was by the simple but encouraging word conveyed by a Christian hymn. He thinks you will be encouraged too!
Peter Herbeck joins Ralph on the podcast this week to discuss what it means to live in the power of the Holy Spirit & under the lordship of Jesus.
In this episode: A New Pentecost by Ralph Martin.
Cardinal Pell, a very well known solidly orthodox bishop, wrote a remarkable article in the journal First Things, in the December 2020 issue entitled Last Things. In it he details his remarkable "conversion” from the belief that hardly anyone would be lost – a version of the pragmatic universalism so common in the Church today – to a return to the more biblical worldview as taught by Jesus and the Apostles and carried forward in the Tradition of the Church and taught in Vatican Council II. From such a well known Church leader this is a remarkably honest and humbling confession and something about which we all need to examine ourselves. If he had absorbed the unspoken, prevailing worldview from the deficient culture of the world and the Church, have we? Do we need to make a similar change?
Sharon Doran joins Ralph to talk about her battle with cancer and how her suffering helped her discover the life-giving power of the Scriptures.
Sharon is the teaching director of Seeking Truth Bible Study and has a podcast called Discerning Hearts Podcast.
Ralph comments on the amazingly tender words of holy Mary as she appeared to St. Juan Diego at Guadalupe in Mexico almost 500 years ago. He believes that she intends them to be personalized and received as a word from her to each one of us. Some of what she says seems like it could be described as a “hug from Mary,” our heavenly mother.
This Christmas Eve, Fr. John Riccardo returns to the podcast to discuss the profound gift of Christ's coming among us in the flesh and what it means for us as his children and disciples.
For more about this profound gift, check out The Rescue Project, offered by Fr. John's ministry Acts XXIX.
The charismatic gifts - emphasized in many of the documents of Vatican II - are a great blessing, but we can easily forget their ultimate purpose or be tempted to prize the gifts over the giver. As the Church continues to be awakened to the wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit, we must never forget that they exist to lead us to conversion, repentance, faith, and salvation.
Ralph talks about the importance of understanding and accepting the discipline of the Lord, it’s various manifestations, and its loving purpose.
Author and speaker, Immaculée Ilibagiza returns to continue her story of how God worked powerfully in her life. As a survivor of the Rwandan genocide she has an incredible testimony of faith, hope, and forgiveness.
Did you miss Part One? Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-now-with-ralph-martin/id1536626967?i=1000738547197.
Immaculée Ilibagiza - author, speaker, and survivor of the Rwandan genocide - shares her powerful testimony of faith, hope, and forgiveness.
Tune in again next week for Part Two!
This week, Ralph speaks about how disappointed Jesus' was that only one of nine lepers returned to thank him and recognize in him the power of God. Let’s be like that one leper and never forget to thank God for his blessings even in the midst of the sufferings of this life!
Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to review some powerful scriptures, emphasizing the importance of persevering until the end.
This week, Ralph notes that the concepts of heaven and hell – or even God and the devil – can seem a bit abstract. Ralph takes another look at these realities based on an exploration of the company we will keep. Life with the beautiful angels will be beautiful; life with demons will be like a perpetual horror movie. But ultimately, hell is FAR from just a movie; it is everlasting, actual horror!
Dominic Berardino, the president of Southern California Renewal Communities, joins Ralph to talk about the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory.
Two weeks ago, Ralph discussed Bishop Robert Barron’s reflections on Pope Francis’ papacy and what his legacy means for the Church moving forward. This week, Ralph offers ways to approach living in such times of uncertainty and disunity. Ralph particularly notes the profound reflections on participating more deeply in Christ’s passion, as found in Fr. Donald Haggerty’s book, "The Hour of Testing: Spiritual Depth and Insight in a Time of Ecclesial Uncertainty." Fr. Haggerty is a parochial vicar of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the Archdiocese of New York and the author of several books.
To sign up for Renewal Ministries free monthly monthly newsletter visit: https://www.RenewalMinistries.net/newsletter.
Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to discuss important teachings of St. John Paul II and his impact on the work of Renewal Ministries.
In his May 12 article in First Things—Francis in Full—Bishop Robert Barron eloquently wrote of Pope Francis’ many positive accomplishments as well as some very serious problems such as a legacy of doctrinal and pastoral disunity. Bishop Barron’s evaluation of Pope Francis’ ministry provides a lens through which we can look at the serious challenges facing Pope Leo XIV and his great need for our prayer.
Fr. John Riccardo of Acts XXIX joins Ralph to discuss the only way to becoming a disciple--through true conversion & understanding the context of the greatest commandment.
Ralph talks about how much help he gets in prayer by meditating on the words in his "Magnificat," his daily aid in prayer.
After 25 years as an award-winning corporate advertising executive, Tom Peterson’s life radically changed forever through a powerful conversion experience on a Catholic men’s retreat. Soon afterward, he founded VirtueMedia and CatholicsComeHome.org. Catholics Come Home is a media apostolate that seeks to inspire, educate and evangelize inactive Catholics and others, inviting them to live a deeper faith in Jesus Christ, in accord with the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. On this week's episode, Tom joins Ralph to share about his journey of faith, his mission and ministry, and how God has been at work in marvelous ways to bring people back to the Church.
This week, Ralph comments on an important and shocking text from Luke 13 about the number of those who will be saved. Ralph recently heard several sermons on this passage and although they were good sermons, all of them skipped the most difficult part: Jesus saying that many will not be able to enter the kingdom because they don’t really listen to Him and respond. Jesus says these very difficult things to wake us up from our ignorance and wishful thinking and to bring us into reality—because He loves us!
Visit the Renewal Ministries Store for a copy of Ralph's book Will Many Be Saved?
As we look forward to celebrating St. Teresa of Calcutta's feast day this week, Patti Mansfield joins Ralph to look at her motto, “I Thirst” and what it means for us.
Ralph has recently been struck by the number of people telling him that after a long time away from living a fervent life they are returning. Using the parable of the sower and the seed Ralph invites all those who once lived a fervent life to return. Now is the time.
John Kazanjian joins Ralph to discuss his vocation as a businessman, husband, father, and lay apostle, and how each of these opens up opportunities to take little steps in faith each day that lead to deeper hope in the Christian life.
This week, Ralph shares how he has been processing his recent firing from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.
To check out Ralph's Memoir, A Life in the Spirit, visit https://www.renewalministries.net/RalphMemoir.
Lavinia Spirito joins Ralph to talk about the Bible Study she developed called the Catholic Way Bible Study.
Lavinia Spirito grew up in Rome, Italy, studied Anthropology and Spanish at the University of Michigan, obtained her J.D. from The University of Kentucky College of Law, and received a Masters in Theology from The Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado. She is an Adjunct Lecturer for the Saint Meinrad Permanent Deacon Formation Program; travels and speaks nationally and internationally giving parish retreats, priest retreats, parish missions, and days of reflection; and leads groups on pilgrimage to Rome, the Holy Land, and other interesting places.
This week, Ralph shares some recent personal experiences that made him ask the question, “Who Will Remember Us?” He recounts how people who once were well known by many of us are being forgotten, how sometimes as the generations pass children or grandchildren forget who has sacrificed for them in the generations before. As he recounts these examples, his hope and joy in Christ rises and he remembers what God has said and how true it is: “I have engraved you on the palms of my hand” (Is. 49:16) and “Even if a mother could forget her child, I will never forget you” (Is. 49:15). And how God’s “memory” is actually eternal life and love, for all of us who die in him.
🎶 Listen to "Bright as the Sun" by Roger Holtz here.
🎶 Listen to Roger Holtz's beautiful setting of the great Eucharistic hymn, O Jesus We Adore Thee here.
🙏 Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
📕 Fulfillment of All Desire
📕 A Life in the Spirit
Author Bert Ghezzi joins Ralph and Peter to discuss his book The Heart of a Saint: Ten Ways to Grow Closer to God, and how the lives of the saints help us grow closer to God.
Biological death, natural death, isn’t natural; it’s a punishment for sin. And it isn’t to be feared, for a Christian. But the “second death," is indeed something to be feared. But we can be rescued from the hell of the second death through believing in the love of Jesus Christ and becoming his disciple.
Therese Cirner joins Ralph to describe her experience as a Catholic counselor and shares about the many mental health issues facing people today.
Artificial intelligence is beginning to impact more and more of us in unexpected ways. Ralph shares about his recent experiences with it and alerts us to both the good and the evil it can do and how we need to situate ourselves in a way that reduces our chances of being deceived.
Fr. John Riccardo joins Ralph to talk about the need for and the power of forgiveness.
Fr. John's daily radio show is Christ is the Answer from Ave Maria Radio. Check it out on their website: https://avemariaradio.net/christ-is-the-answer-archives/
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. McElroy
- Radical Inclusion Requires Radical Love by Samuel J. Aquila
- Imagining a Heretical Cardinal by Thomas J. Paprocki
- I 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 Paprocki
- Paprocki: 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.
Ralph considers the important role that silence plays in our relationship with the Lord. He recommends a book called Holy Silence to help increase this virtue in our lives. This video complements another recent video, The Case for Loud, in which Ralph considered how Sacred Scripture exhorts us to full-hearted praise and worship and making a joyful noise to the Lord—and how we also should be open to this dimension in our response to God.
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!
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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 Sollom 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
This week, Ralph shares some of his hopes for the National Eucharistic Revival being led by the American bishops. He also shares his concern that important elements for authentic revival may not be incorporated into the bishops' efforts.
Dan Burke, founder of the Avila Institute, joins Ralph to discuss the path to intimacy with God.
Former NFL linebacker Eric Mahl joins Ralph to share the story of his spiritual journey and his work sharing the mercy of God with people in need.
In recent years, there have been various critiques of both Vatican II and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. These critiques have varied greatly in quality and seriousness. In this video, Dr. Ralph Martin, Dr. Mary Healy, Peter Herbeck, and Pete Burak explain why both Vatican II and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal are true works of the Holy Spirit for our time.Resources to assist in digging deeper into the history of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and/or mentioned in this video:• Fanning the Flame: What Does Baptism in the Holy Spirit Have to Do with Christian Initiation? | Kilian McDonnell, OSB and George Montague: https://a.co/d/1yIvoyo• Guidelines on Prayers for Healing | International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services Doctrinal Commission: https://www.charis.international/prodotto/guidelines-on-prayers-for-healing/• Clothed with Power from On High: A Short Catechesis on Charisms in the Life and Mission of the Church | Bishop Scott McCaig, CC: https://a.co/d/2XYMc8Q• A New Pentecost | Ralph Martin: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/a-new-pentecost/• Welcome the Spiritual Gifts | Peter Herbeck: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/welcome-the-spiritual-gifts/ • Charisms and Charismatic Renewal: A Biblical and Theological Study | Francis A. Sullivan, SJ: https://a.co/d/eBsZ6Ze• Christian Initiation and Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Evidence from the First Eight Centuries | Kilian McDonnell, OSB and George Montague: https://a.co/d/622fOdX• Baptism in the Holy Spirit | International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services Doctrinal Commission: https://a.co/d/9XWAqL4• Movements in the Church | Pontifical Council for the Laity: http://www.laici.va/content/dam/laici/documenti/pubblicazioni/english/MOVEMENTS%201998%20ENG.PDF• Then Peter Stood Up… 50 Years of Messages from the Popes to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal from Its Beginnings to the Jubilee | Compiled by Oreste • The New Pagans and the Church: A 1958 Lecture by Joseph Ratzinger: https://www.hprweb.com/2017/01/the-new-pagans-and-the-church/
Jude is one of the shortest epistles in the New Testament. It’s only one chapter and it’s written by Jude, the brother of James, who was the first bishop of the Jerusalem community and was martyred. He was also a relative of Jesus. It’s a strong epistle. Let’s read it together. It will only take about 7 minutes with a little commentary.
The whole universe, from distant galaxies to flowering tulips, is given to us as a gift of love intended to lead all human beings to a belief in their Creator and a desire to know his will for us. Everyone is given a chance. Everyone is given a summons by God to know him.
There are some startling things attributed to God in Psalm 2, a psalm that was an encouragement to the early Church when it encountered severe persecution. This week, Ralph takes a look at these realities as well as how Psalm 2 can be an encouragement to us today too!
Monica Pope sits down with Ralph to share her very moving conversion story and her love for catechesis.
In this week's episode Ralph talks about the strong concern the Holy Spirit put into his soul for the salvation of President Biden, and how important it is that those in authority in the Church love him enough to confront this dangerous and scandalous situation.A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward by Ralph Martin: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/a-church-in-crisis-pathways-forward/Priest as Prophet: Priestly Participation in the Prophetic Ministry of Jesus" by Ralph Martin: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/priest-as-prophet-priestly-participation-in-the-prophetic-ministry-of-jesus/Support the mission by becoming a Renewal Ministries Partner: https://www.renewalministries.net/partners
Cardinal Grech has been appointed by Pope Francis to lead the ongoing synodal process, and in this video, Ralph comments on Cardinal Grech's call for a “rainbow church” and the interesting and alarming turn the synodal process has taken. Ralph also looks at the recent document, "Dignitas Infinita" (Infinite Dignity), which affirms Church teaching that abortion, euthanasia, gender theory, and other violations of human dignity, are gravely wrong. BUT the document nevertheless leaves the door open to continuing mischief in the area of homosexuality.
Ralph discusses the need to be aware of the spiritual battle we are in, how to stand in the midst of it, and the need to accept God's generous mercy and not presume upon it.
Ralph Martin considers the challenging and exciting exhortation to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice. He explains what this means and how it can be realized in daily life. He makes a special mention of Mary’s “Yes” – not just her first yes, but her whole life of saying daily yeses to the will of God and how this can be an encouragement for us.
Fr. John Riccardo joins Ralph to look back on his decision to become a priest, and the beauty and power of encountering Jesus.
There’s a lot of controversy in the Church right now about issues concerning marriage and sexuality. Underlying these issues though is a deeper issue: Do we really believe that Sacred Scripture is the inspired, inerrant Word of God? In this video Ralph explains how the Church has always approached Sacred Scripture, including in its teachings on this in Vatican II. He explains why we’re foolish not to take the revealed Word of God with utmost seriousness. If we did, this would clarify a lot of the confusion and misguided efforts to accommodate our teachings to the corrupt contemporary culture.
- What Must I do to be Saved? by Pete Burak
- The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
- The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture
Ralph briefly updates the current state of confusion concerning same-sex blessings and shares the amazingly clear and courageous insights of Archbishop Charles Chaput on the distressing situation."Papal Power and the Obedience of the Faithful" | https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2023/10/91409/"The Cost of 'Making a Mess" | https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2023/12/the-cost-of-making-a-mess
Ralph and Peter discuss the essential topic of what is needed for each human soul to gain Heaven.
For a copy of Ralph's book Will Many Be Saved? visit https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/will-many-be-saved/.
Ralph explains why he is so inspired by the resistance of the African Bishops to the same sex blessing document. He points out that their resistance is primarily based on the authority and truthfulness of God’s Word and are not afraid to indicate what that word really is in its judgment of homosexuality.
To order a copy of Join the Resistance visit https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/join-the-resistance/.
Ralph sits down with Fr. Simon Lobo of the Companions of the Cross to hear his vocation story and some of the exciting ways God has worked in his priestly ministry to help people encounter the Holy Spirit.
While Cardinal Fernandez frequently quotes a particular text from the Catechism of the Catholic Church he ignores others that are essential for giving a balanced understanding of the moral issues he frequently addresses.
Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to discuss strategies for overcoming discouragement on our spiritual journey.
To check out The Fulfillment of All Desire, visit our website here: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/fulfillment-of-all-desire/.
Pope Francis’ recent comments about his hope for an empty hell has once again raised controversy. In this video Ralph clarifies what God has actually revealed to us about the reality of hell and the clarity of the Church’s teaching on it in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.To read What is the Occupancy of Hell by Ralph Martin for the National Catholic Register visit https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/pope-francis-hopes-heaven-is-empty-ralph-martin.For your free copy of What Must I Do to be Saved? by Pete Burak visit https://www.renewalministries.net/WMI.
Mother Maria Catherine, PVMI, joins Ralph to share about her evangelistic order of contemplative missionaries.
Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate website: https://parishvisitorsisters.org/
Fr. John Riccardo joins Ralph to reflect on grieving with hope and praying for those who have gone before us.
There is a great deal of confusion and controversy in the Church right now concerning the issue of same sex blessings. Whole bishops’ conferences have said they will not implement them. Ralph offers some thoughts on how we got here and how we can keep clear in the midst of the confusion.
Mentioned documents and articles:
- Declaration Fiducia Supplicans | On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20231218_fiducia-supplicans_en.html
- Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith Press Release Concerning the Reception of Fiducia Supplicans: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20240104_comunicato-fiducia-supplicans_en.html
- 'Fiducia supplicans' is ‘self-contradictory' by Cardinal Gerhard Müller: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/muller-fiducia-supplicans-is-self
- Declaration of the Bishops of Cameroon on Homosexuality and the Blessing of "Homosexual Couples": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ln6i9lwTCMIv5VBmBD6N1UxEUYlmP8Pn/view
- Email to parishioners from Monsignor Charles Pope: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/msgr-pope-informs-dc-parishioners-he-will-not-bless-couples-in-same-sex-or-irregular-unions/
- Papal Power and the Obedience of the Faithful by Archbishop Charles Chaput: https://whatweneednow.substack.com/p/papal-power-and-the-obedience-of
When we encounter the objectivity of Jesus' self-revelation in the Word of God, we have a decision to make: to choose whether or not to be molded in the image of Christ.
This week, we revisit a favorite episode where Ralph reflects on the encouragement, blessing, and revelation found in Psalm 16.
Ralph reflects on the parable of the wise and foolish virgins to encourage us to be attentive to the demands of Jesus, so that on judgment day, we will be on the right side when the door closes.
Fr. John joins Ralph in discussing the need for Catholic discipleship and what it takes to be a true disciple of Christ.
The Vatican recently released a document giving guidelines for all the ways transgender people and active homosexuals can participate in various sacramental situations. This is bound to cause confusion and scandal. RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:
- 'Transgender' Baptisms? Sorting Out the Vatican’s Recent Statement by John Bursch: https://bit.ly/3R7TdUz
- "Trans" Baptisms – A Pastor’s Response to the Recent Vatican Document by Monsignor Charles Pope: https://bit.ly/41dgr03
- Inside the Transgender Empire by Christopher Rufo: https://bit.ly/3Ru7xHl
- The Post-Christendom Sacramental Crisis: The Wisdom of Thomas Aquinas by Ralph Martin: https://bit.ly/3hIBjaG
Dr. Michelle Rabideau talks with Ralph about how she became a Catholic and a doctor to answer a desire to be on mission for Jesus.
Ralph discusses a recent document that called for a “paradigm shift” in how we do theology which perhaps reveals the underlying methodology of the Synod and what a synodal church might actually look like.
Ralph sits down with Fr. John Horn to hear about his call to the priesthood and the foundation of the Institute for Priestly Formation.
Ralph comments on a significant weakness of the Second Vatican Council that led to post-conciliar confusion.Get a copy of Ralph's book, "Will Many Be Saved?" here: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/will_many_be_saved
As we begin the month of November, a month traditionally dedicated to the souls in purgatory, we revisit a favorite episode where Ralph shares about the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us! Not only that, but He became our precious, holy food for the journey in the Holy Eucharist. Who do we encounter in the Eucharist? Who is the Eucharist for? Do we understand what is required of us to approach our Lord and God in the Holy Eucharist?
Journalist Linda Schaefer joins Ralph to tell the story of her career, how it took an unexpected turn, and her life-changing connection with St. Teresa of Calcutta.
Fr. Tim MacDonald joins Ralph to share his exuberance at being called to be a priest, and his love for his vocation.
Many are concerned about troubling signs in the Church today. How does the crisis of today fit into the larger scope of the Church's history? Is this the worst it has ever been? Ralph digs into these questions in this week's video.For a copy of Ralph's primary resource, "The Arians of the Fourth Century" by John Henry Newman visit https://a.co/d/9olH37N.Sign up for Renewal Ministries' FREE monthly newsletter: https://www.renewalministries.net/GetTheNewsletter. Partner with Renewal Ministries: https://www.renewalministries.net/partners.For more resources, follow us on social media: https://www.Facebook.com/catholicrenewalministrieshttps://www.instagram.com/renewalministries/Get our latest FREE booklet, "Receiving Fire," visit https://www.renewalministries.net/RFFREE.
Psychology professor Dr. Joanne Storm joins Ralph to talk about commonalities between all the Saints.
For a copy of Ralph's book, Fulfillment of All Desire, visit https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/fulfillment_of_all_desire.
Ralph discusses Abraham's extraordinary test of faith in Genesis 22: his willingness to sacrifice Isaac and encourages us to sacrifice out of love for Christ so as to experience true peace, freedom, and joy.
This week, Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to discuss some aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
For a copy of Fulfillment of All Desire visit our website: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/fulfillment_of_all_desire
Inspired by a St. Crispin's speech in Shakespeare's “Henry V,” Ralph encourages us to face battles with great courage even while facing overwhelming odds.
This week, former convict Anthony DeLuca joins Ralph to tell the story of his imprisonment and return to the Church.
This week, we revisit a favorite episode where Ralph shares some thoughts on today's momentous feast and what it can teach us. He says, “We do not fully understand the magnitude of the gift that is being offered to us, but we can take heart because we begin to see it in Mary. [In Mary] we have the Lord showing us what he is willing to do for flesh and blood creatures. Even though we have been corrupted by sin, we nevertheless have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and if we persevere to the end as a friend of Jesus, we will share in the glory that Mary is currently experiencing.”
In the episode, Ralph references his talk on Fatima. If you would like to see this compelling and important talk, it is available on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/qfoUOs3Lw2Y.
Fr. Steve Mattson joins Ralph to talk about being drawn to the Catholic Church and how he wound up a priest.
This week, Ralph talks about how remarkable it is that God clearly reveals himself to us!
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After seeing the enormous response to last week's episode, Ralph wanted to share some additional thoughts and clarifications. For a deeper dive into all these topics, a great resource is his book A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward .
Check out Part One, "It is Now Unmistakably Clear Where We Are Being Led".
"A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/eUjTj5w or on our website: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/a_church_in_crisis
The original "A Crisis of Truth" talks can be watched here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLK1vk61R6yhUx1OfrwxxIk2euZzskvV_
The book, "A Crisis of Truth" can be purchased here: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/a_crisis_of_truth_pdf
Ralph offers a sober review of recent actions of Church leaders, particularly the appointment of Archbishop Fernandez as head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Former NFL football player Kevin O'Brien joins Ralph to shares his story and challenge to men.
God's Word sometimes contains really shocking language. This week, Ralph looks at the startling language of Acts 13:46, "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles."
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Ralph is joined by Peter Herbeck and Sr. Mary Rose Bratlien, T.O.R. of the Franciscan Sisters T.O.R. of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother as she shares her vocation story.
Inspired by the great Eucharistic hymn written by St. Thomas Aquinas - "Lauda Sion" - Ralph comments on the Church's teaching about what is needed for worthy reception of Holy Communion.
To become a Renewal Ministries Parter, visit: www.renewalministries.net/partners.
Author Michael O'Brien joins Ralph for a second episode where they look at the world and analyze the dangers of modern society.
If you missed the first episode with Michael, check it out here.
To Partner with Renewal Ministries to financially support our various ministries, including ministry to young people, check out www.renewalministries.net/partners.
This week, Ralph looks at Acts 2 and some shocking advice from St. Peter after Pentecost.
Become a Renewal Ministries Partner: www.renewalministries.net/partners.
Author Michael O'Brien joins Ralph to take a look at his own conversion and the ramifications of times we live in.
Today, Ralph discusses Acts 17:30-31: "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all men by raising him from the dead."
This week, popular speaker Pam Stenzel returns to continue the conversation with Ralph, sharing what she has encountered giving chastity presentations at high schools around the country. If you missed the first episode with Pam, check it out here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/e9Vn4U8hRzb.
This week Ralph looks at Acts 10:42-43: "He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name."
This week, Peter joins Ralph for a special podcast sharing about the heart of Renewal Ministries' mission and purpose, and to invite you to be a part of it.
Popular speaker Pam Stenzel shares her story and what inspired her to speak on chastity to teens with Ralph.
Ralph speaks to grave challenges facing today's young people and the fact that so few are embracing belief in the Gospel.
Catholic convert Fr. Steve Anderson joins Ralph to tell the story of how he and his family found their home in the Catholic Church.
Ralph reflects on Sirach 2:1, "My child, when you begin to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal," to help us better understand what this potentially startling verse means.
This week, Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to discuss key concepts from the Saints that leads to true freedom.
This week Ralph shares a message directed specifically to men (but of course women can listen too!). Ralph invites men to meditate on the life and witness of St. Joseph so as to imitate his strength and virtue.
This timely message offers a reflection on Deuteronomy 8:2-3 that is perfect for Lent! Ralph invites us to a personal examination of conscience that can open our hearts to deepen our commitment to faithfulness.
"Remember how for these forty years the LORD, your God, has directed all your journeying in the wilderness,b so as to test you by affliction, to know what was in your heart: to keep his commandments, or not. He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna,c a food unknown to you and your ancestors, so you might know that it is not by bread alone* that people live, but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD."
// Deuteronomy 8:2-3
In this week's episode, Ralph shares his gratitude for Archbishop Paprocki's willingness to speak clearly about the truth and beauty of the Church's teaching.
To get your copy of Peter Herbeck's booklet "Receiving Fire" visit https://www.renewalministries.net/RFFREE.
Articles mentioned in this video:
- "Imagining a Heretical Cardinal" by Bishop Paprocki: https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2023/02/imagining-a-heretical-cardinal
- "Radical Inclusion Leads to Moral Confusion" by Archbishop Naumann: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/02/10/radical-inclusion-leads-to-moral-confusion/
- "Radical Inclusion Requires Radical Love" by Archbishop Aquila: https://denvercatholic.org/radical-inclusion-requires-radical-love/
- "Paprocki: We’ve ‘passed beyond the point of private conversations’" from The Pillar: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/paprocki-weve-passed-beyond-the-point-of-private-conversations/ https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/02/01/radical-inclusion-requires-radical-love/?ref=the-pillar
Christian counselor, Therese Cirner, joins Ralph to talk about foundational elements of the spiritual journey.
This week, Ralph encourages us to treasure the gift we have been given in the Sacred Scriptures.
Bert Ghezzi talks with Ralph about the power in the most ordinary of Catholic prayers - the Sign of the Cross.
This week, Ralph talks about the necessity of readying ourselves at all times for the return of the Lord.
To get your free copy of Ralph's booklet "Join the Resistance," visit our website https://www.renewalministries.net/JTR or call 1-800-282-4789.
Al Kresta, President and CEO of Ave Maria Radio and host of Kresta in the Afternoon, and his wife Sally talk with Ralph about his near-death medical emergency with a flesh-eating bacteria and how it transformed his faith.
This week, reflecting on St. John Henry Newman's poem "Lead Kindly Light," Ralph invites us to deepen our faith, love, and trust.
Ralph speaks this week on how God's mercy manifested itself in his own life and what is possible in our own lives when we receive and give mercy.
This week, Ralph talks about the growing darkness in the world today, but also the light of hope that we have in Christ Jesus.
We also want to offer you a free gift mentioned in this episode - Ralph's newest booklet Join the Resistance - to get your free copy, visit https://www.renewalministries.net/JTR or call 1-800-282-4789.
This week, author Kimberly Hahn joins Ralph for a conversation about embracing God's beautiful design for marriage.
In anticipation of the celebration of Christmas, Ralph wanted to share this episode again that he did a couple months ago, because it focuses on the Incarnation and the baby Jesus! Christmas blessings to all!
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Dion DiMucci returns - this time with his wife Susan DiMucci! - to share more of their story of dealing with fame and fortune that almost ruined them. If you missed the first episode, listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/117-the-wanderer-returns-with-dion-dimucci/id1536626967?i=1000588058374.
Inspired by Psalm 84, Ralph offers wisdom for growing in strength as we serve the Lord this side of heaven.
"We just can't get through life facing the challenges of life on our own strength; we need to draw our strength from the Lord."
// Ralph Martin
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Dion DiMucci ("The Wanderer", "Runaround Sue", "Abraham, Martin and John") joins Ralph to share how he dealt with fame and fortune that almost ruined him, but ultimately found real happiness in Christ.
This week, Ralph tackles one of life's most often-asked questions: what is God's will for my life?
Video mentioned in this episode - Nothing Without the Lord - can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/AcaRoEhSypw.
We are excited to do something new this week; our first episode featuring a guest! Fr. Donald Calloway joins Ralph to share his remarkable testimony and the profound role the Blessed Virgin Mary played in his life.
This week, Ralph shares an inspired analogy for the Church today, to teach us how to grow spiritually and be disciplined in following Jesus.
"Ephesians 6 says the devil's shooting fiery darts all day long into our hearts and souls, and it says the thing that can protect us from the deception of the evil one is the shield of faith. But so many people don't have the shield of faith! The shield of faith is being in Jesus Christ, loving Jesus Christ, and knowing his Word—so when a lie comes to us, we say, 'That's not true. This is what the truth is, this is what the Lord is saying. This is what I must do.'"
//Ralph Martin
Ralph offers a heartfelt plea to anyone who has responsibility for preaching and teaching, inviting them to preach and teach in a way that is more faithful to Christ and brings more people to him.
Resources in this episode:
- "Paul and the Economy of Salvation": https://bit.ly/3f6rO6w
- "Priest as Prophet Booklet": https://bit.ly/3FgtIMl
- "A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward": https://bit.ly/3TzO0ol
This week, Ralph talks about the reality that you can't get in to heaven on somebody's else's relationship with the Lord. You can be inspired by their relationship, but you need to respond to God and have your own relationship with him. . . . You need to have the oil of the Holy Spirit in your soul. You need to have the living presence of God in your soul. And the way we do that is through faith, repentance, sacramental life, prayer.
On this week's episode, Ralph dicusses the difference between being proud of our Catholic faith and being prideful in a dangerous or harmful way.
Lately, we've been reflecting on some important and timely prophecies. This week, Ralph offers some wise counsel on how we can respond to the prophetic word when it comes.
While driving to Sacred Heart Major Seminary one day, Ralph was inspired by the beauty and vastness of the heavens and the realization that God, who created the vast reaches of space has his attention fixed on US!
To see images from the Webb telescope, visit https://webbtelescope.org/news/first-images/gallery.
To see the image of the child Jesus referenced by Ralph around minute 9:04, visit https://images.app.goo.gl/bVASNWXbqimJzd8X7.
This week, Ralph shares about his own personal journey and encourages us to be completely transformed by the lordship of Jesus in our daily lives.
This week, we are hitting repeat on one of our all-time favorite episodes where Ralph talks about how one of the functions of prophecy: to call us back to relationship with God, to call us back to remember his Word and to take this Word seriously. After a couple episodes on some historic prophecies, Ralph now shares about how we can respond to these prophecies and actually build our lives on a dependency on the Lord and not on the passing structures of this world—so that whatever happens in our country, whatever happens in our culture, whatever happens in our world, we will be standing on the Rock that is Jesus Christ and his Word.
This week, Ralph shares a short but powerful message rooted in John 15:9-11 that we all need to hear.
We shared some of our favorite episodes in the early days of the Right Now podcast. Since those days, listenership has TRIPLED - wow!
Those who have joined us over the past two years, may have missed some great episodes, so as we finish out the summer, we are choosing some of the best of the best to share again. This week's episode was originally a follow up to episode 2, which we reprised two weeks ago as episode #103.
Enjoy this episode where Ralph reflects on the question "What is prophecy?" He also discusses a prophecy Fr. Michael Scanlan shared in 1980 and discusses its relevance today. Our prosperity has been a tremendous blessing from the Lord, but many of us have responded to prosperity by saying, "We've got things under control. We've got what we need. We don't need God." And rather than thanking Him for these blessings, rather than thanking Him for the time of peace . . . we've taken them for granted, and many of us have drifted away into being lukewarm, into compromise with the world, just like the prophecy says here.
ou can access the text of Fr. Scanlan's 1980 prophecy on our website: https://www.renewalministries.net/wordpress/hear-my-word-fr-michael-scanlans-1980-prophecy/
Ralph comments on a crucial choice that is set before us amid so much cultural upheaval: to love, honor and serve the Lord as our king or not.
This week, we are hitting repeat on one of our all-time favorite episodes with Ralph reflecting on a prophecy given by Fr. Michael Scanlan in 1976 and its importance and relevance today.
For a text version of Fr. Scanlan’s prophecy and Ralph’s reflections, visit the Renewal Ministries blog: https://www.renewalministries.net/wordpress/fr-michael-scanlans-amazing-prophecy-an-urgent-message-for-today/
This week, Ralph offers a short and sweet episode meditating on how the Lord is always and everywhere with us and thus we are never alone.
Pete Burak sat down with Ralph Martin for another conversation tackling some important questions like, "Why are people so angry? Is there such a thing as good division? What are some tips for navigating confusion? Are you obsessed with hell?" They also begin their conversation with reflections on the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
To submit questions for future conversations with Ralph, click https://bit.ly/3vxVygN.
There is so much confusion being manifested in the life of the Church today. This week, Ralph unfolds the warnings about confusion and deception, coming from within the Church, that are found in the Sacred Scriptures.
On this week's episode, Ralph explores the scriptural passages that use the image of fire to describe God.
This week, Ralph explores some of the personal and societal implications of the Dobbs decision and the accompanying spiritual battle.
On this week's episode, Ralph describes the five foundational decisions that have shaped and anchored his life for over 40 years. His personal reflections will help you make meaningful decisions in your own life.
In this week's episode, Ralph draws some lessons from popular culture, the very popular Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, in order to help us appreciate the Golden Ticket we are being offered.
This week, Pete Burak sat down with Ralph Martin for another round of engaging Q&A. We hope this conversation is a blessing to you and helps strengthen your faith.
If you want to propose questions for future conversations like this, visit https://bit.ly/3vxVygN.
What can happen if you yield your heart and mind to the Holy Spirit? What if the power of Pentecost could change your life?
This week, Ralph speaks about the essence of holiness and how to pursue it in anticipation of the eternal joys of heaven.
There is a lot of controversy about the value of the Second Vatican Council these days; Ralph comments on the validity of the Council, weaknesses in Council documents, and more.
What is evangelization? Why is it needed? This week, Ralph gives an in-depth lesson on the necessity of effectively spreading the Gospel.
This Friday, we will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. In this week's message, Ralph reminds us of a very important piece of her message that is incredibly necessary today.
This week, Ralph speaks about the life and work of Blessed Solanus Casey and how he can model for us the pursuit of sanctity in everyday life.
This week, Ralph reflects on the encouragement, blessing, and revelation found in Psalm 16.
During the Easter Octave, as we approach the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday this weekend, Ralph offers a short episode featuring God's abundant mercy.
From all of us here at Renewal Ministries, we wish you a blessed Holy Week. To help us enter more deeply into the mysteries of our salvation this week, we are representing an episode from earlier this year, The Price of the Promise. In this episode, Ralph discusses the necessity of the cross and the mysterious way each of us is invited to participate in the sufferings of Christ.
May God pour out his blessings on you during these holy days.
Ralph speaks on the need for openness to the Holy Spirit, reading the signs of the times and holiness of life in order to be effective in sharing the Gospel.
Ralph shares from his book Fulfillment of All Desire during this episode. To get a copy of the book, visit: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/a_church_in_crisis.
Ralph reflects on a series of talks he gave to the annual clergy convocation of an American diocese and notes the profound concern that St. Paul had that he didn’t hold back from telling his hearers “the whole counsel of God. Ralph then makes an application to all of us besieged as we are by a culture that wants to silence the Gospel.
This week, we have a twist on our typical episode. Pete Burak joins the podcast to host Ralph and to ask some questions that have been on our minds. Questions like, "What does it mean to be faithful to the Church today?" "How do we approach growing disunity in the body of Christ?" "How do we know if Pope Francis is teaching heresy?" We hope this conversation is a blessing to you and helps strengthen your faith.
If you want to propose questions for future conversations like this, visit https://www.renewalministries.net/about-us/contact-us/ (select YouTube/Social Media from the drop-down menu).
Ralph comments on a concerning reality: the bracketing of important scriptural texts within the liturgy.
Ralph comments on a favorite passage of Scripture, Romans 8:37-39: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Several times Paul urges us to run the race so as to win. Ralph asks as we begin Lent, "How can us non-runners relate to such challenging imagery? Does only the strongest runner get the prize?"
For Ralph's recommendation, The Fulfillment of All Desire, visit https://www.renewalministries.net/FAD.
In this week's episode, Ralph shares scriptural wisdom on how to properly order our finances in a way that brings peace to our lives.
Recently a very prominent Cardinal, very close to Pope Francis, flat out said he didn’t believe the Catholic teaching on homosexuality and that the Catechism should be revised. And at about the same time, the Synodal Assembly of the German Church voted overwhelmingly to advocate for blessing same sex unions. And then Pope Francis at his weekly General Audience seemed to imply that everyone is saved. What’s going on? What should we do?
Links to articles and documents referenced in this episode:
- Pope Francis' General Audience transcript from February 3, 2022: https://bit.ly/3HTdJCp
- Dogmatic Constitution on the Church - Lumen Gentium: https://bit.ly/3BoI1ul
- Articles on Cardinal Hollerich: https://reut.rs/3Br5NWx (Reuters), https://bit.ly/3HYVlrV (CNA), https://bit.ly/3LGopXE (LSN)
- On the German "Synodal Way": https://bit.ly/3sJCRVX (CNA)
- A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward by Ralph Martin: https://www.renewalministries.net/ACC
- Support Renewal Ministries: https://www.renewalministries.net/donate
For timely support this Lent, join us for our annual Lift Jesus Higher Rally: More Than Conquerors on Saturday, March 5: https://www.LJHR.ca
This week, Ralph reminds us how crucial the scriptures are as we navigate the troubling times around us.
Ralph reflects on an article in the Washington Post that reveals the depth hopelessness present in many people's lives today, a hopelessness that can lead to a reliance on superstition in the place of God, who is our true hope.
"The freedom and the joy and the love that comes from Jesus Christ... doesn't take away suffering, but gives us such a solid hope for redemption, for justice, for final peace and love."
// Ralph Martin
An episode with a bit more gravitas than usual as this week, Ralph discusses the necessity of the cross. Ralph reminds us that the gifts and graces we have access to today come at a cost, and the price is Jesus' life. In a mysterious way, each of us is invited to participate in the sufferings of Christ, and insodoing, we will be more equipped to walk in the Spirit.
Ralph shares a glimpse into the human needs and hurts of the apostles which can encourage us to expect the same help they received from the Lord in our moments of need.
Ralph offers an important teaching on mercy: what it is and what it isn't. This week's episode will show you how important it is to embrace the mission to speak to the world about the great mercy of God, to prepare the world for the second coming.
This week, Ralph shares a very personal story to illustrate how deeply God loves us. To see a beautiful image of the event, check out our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Q2yUFJ0u79.
Merry Christmas to all of you in listener land! We are back to wrap up our two-part series with Ralph preaching on how the Gospel presents a sharp and clear need to decide for or against Christ, and how frequently the message is blurred.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).
This week, Ralph draws our attention to the amazing reality that the Word didn’t just become flesh in Jesus but is becoming flesh in us. He explores the fact that the Incarnation is continuing in a very real way, in us!
St. John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, "Novo Millenio Ineunte": https://bit.ly/3EiqKTm
To support this podcast and the work of Renewal Ministries in your year end giving, visit: https://www.renewalministries.net/donate
In another two-part series, Ralph preaches on how the Gospel presents a sharp and clear need to decide for or against Christ, and how frequently the message is blurred.
Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception!
There are many occasions to reflect on the gift of our Blessed Mother in these days. Today Ralph reflects on the words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego, to remind us how deeply we are loved.
To see an infographic describing the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, visit: https://churchpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/1-5.jpg
“It is worth making every sacrifice to persevere to the end. It is worth making every sacrifice and picking up our cross every day to stay with Jesus.”
// Ralph Martin
We hope you have had a blessed beginning to Advent and treasure this time to prepare your heart for Jesus. This week, we have part two of our series where Ralph speaks of our deep need to understand the great holiness of God to properly view the rest of life. If you missed Part 1 last week, you can find it here: https://apple.co/32H0AwB.
This week, we have part one of a two-part series. Ralph speaks of our deep need to understand the great holiness of God to properly view the rest of life. Both this week and next week's episodes will be a wonderful way to prepare for and begin this Advent season, as we look forward to the coming of the newborn Lord, the light of the world.
Archbishop Gomez, President of the American Bishops Conference and Archbishop of Los Angeles, recently gave a speech which directly addressed the pressures from the politically correct “woke culture” that is increasingly hostile to Christ and the Church. Following upon Pope Benedict XVI’s warning about the demands of the culture to bow down before it and the specter of the anti-Christ and President Putin’s warning that the dominant Western culture is now thoroughly following the Marxist play book that led to such disaster in Russia, Archbishop Gomez’ strong warnings and "simple solution" are well worth paying attention to. Now, who else will step up?
Link to the Archbishop's address: https://archbishopgomez.org/blog/reflections-on-the-church-and-americas-new-religions
Link to Putin's comments here: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/66975
Ralph comments on a recent speech by Vladimir Putin warning that forms of "social progress" we see today aren’t always the good they’re perceived to be; rather, we need to be alert to the anti-Christian creed being proclaimed by society and resist the works of the devil by putting on the spiritual armor proclaimed by St. Paul.
To read the transcript of Putin's speech referenced in this episode, visit: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/66975.
Want to support the mission of Renewal Ministries?Visit our website!
As we begin the month of November, a month traditionally dedicated to the souls in purgatory, Ralph shares about the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell.
Interested in more podcasts from Renewal Ministries? Check out our other programs:
- The Choices We Face (featuring different guest interviews each week): https://apple.co/3GMdlWo
- Fire on the Earth (with Peter Herbeck): https://apple.co/3lB3F94
- Food for the Journey (with Sr. Ann Shields): https://apple.co/3kkoDaT
- The Hour (with Pete Burak and guests): https://apple.co/3bynJm7
This week, Ralph concludes his inspiring two-part series on the mission of the Blessed Virgin Mary. If you missed part one, check it out here: https://apple.co/2ZppxLi.
Welcome to the 2nd season of Right Now With Ralph Martin. The team at Renewal Ministries is so grateful to have you with us as we grow in the Lord together.
We are kicking off season 2 with a two-part series on the mission of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We hope you are inspired by this episode and return next week for part 2!
It is our 60TH EPISODE!!!
It's hard to believe that the show is approaching its one-year anniversary, but it is true! Next week, we'll begin our second year and SEASON TWO. It is great to be on this journey with you and we can't wait to continue. If you can, help us spread the word about Right Now! Please subscribe to or follow this podcast, leave a rating or review, or share with a friend.
In this final episode of the season, Ralph tackles a timely question: where's the hope? Amid polarization, policization, and contradiction, it can be hard to find reasons to hope... but we have the best of reasons in Jesus Christ. Enjoy!
In this episode, Ralph shares the history of a stream of prophecy in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, to shed light on how the faithful can approach the challenges of our time.
For more on these prophecies, see our website at www.renewalministries.net/prophetic-messages.
This week, in part three of our series, Ralph looks at the “second death” in the book of Revelation and answers the questions, “How can our name be added to the Book of Life? How can we be saved from the Second Death?”
Missed part one of this series? Visit our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/9D6SM4FGHG8 or listen to the podcast here: https://apple.co/3zc8wR1.
Missed part two? Watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/sfFccbp6FmY or listen to the podcast https://apple.co/2XZmWqY.
This week, Ralph talks about the importance of remembering how profound the love of God is for each one of us personally, what wonderful things He has already given us, and the even more wonderful things He is planning to give us.
This week, in part two our series, Ralph discusses how believing the right things – whether it be about the liturgy, sexuality, or even orthodoxy in general – is not enough for the salvation of our souls and let’s us know what IS enough.
Missed part one of this series? Visit our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/9D6SM4FGHG8 or list to the podcast here: https://apple.co/3zc8wR1.
This week, Ralph speaks a powerful word of truth from the scripture, specifically to counter our temptations to fear and anxiety about our health and finances.
In this first of a three-part series on what the Spirit is saying to the Church today, Ralph draws from the book of Revelation to propose two serious questions: Will our lampstand be removed? Will the glory of God depart from our temple?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Revelation by Peter Williamson: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/revelation/314361
- Ignatius Catholic Study Bible - New Testament: https://www.ignatius.com/New-Testament-P417.aspx
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Pt 5:6-11)
On Sunday, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This week, Ralph shares some thoughts on this momentous feast and what can teach us. He says, “We do not fully understand the magnitude of the gift that is being offered to us, but we can take heart because we begin to see it in Mary. [In Mary] we have the Lord showing us what he is willing to do for flesh and blood creatures. Even though we have been corrupted by sin, we nevertheless have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and if we persevere to the end as a friend of Jesus, we will share in the glory that Mary is currently experiencing.”
In the episode, Ralph references his talk on Fatima. If you would like to see this compelling and important talk, it is available on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/qfoUOs3Lw2Y.
This week Ralph comments on the saying of St. Francis de Sales: "A slow cure is the best cure," and shows how profound our need for healing is and yet, how committed the Lord is to healing us from inside out.
Welcome to the 50th episode of Right Now! This week we are excited to share Ralph speaking on the meaning of baptism in the Spirit. Ralph gave this talk on Pentecost Sunday to kick off our Pentecost Mission. This is an important topic for the life of the Church today and for deepening our understanding of who God is and what is possible in the Christian life.
To see the other three sessions of the Pentecost Mission with talks by Pete Burak, Peter Herbeck, and Dr. Mary Healy, check them out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLK1vk61R6yhkV_dvtlSUyoh8G8ts6YKP.
This week, Ralph describes the various kinds of loneliness that are part of human life and how to respond to this with great hope for what the future will surely bring, if we just remain faithful to the end.
There is pain, suffering, disorder, and upheaval all over the world. What is a believer in Christ supposed to make of all of this? This week, Ralph walks us through the Lord's answer in this hour: "Be still."
- Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God."
- Isaiah 30:15 – “By waiting and by calm you shall be saved; in quiet and in trust your strength lies.”
- Exodus 14:14 – "The lord himself will fight for you, you only have to be still."
In World War II, when European countries were under the control of Nazi Germany, a "resistance" formed to withstand the occupation and attempt to liberate areas. Today, there is a terrible oppression hanging over the world and the Church; there is a terrible discouragement–despair even!–including temptations to suicide. Ralph shares from the Scriptures how we can learn to resist every such wicked thought and feeling.
2021 Pentecost Mission: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLK1vk61R6yhkV_dvtlSUyoh8G8ts6YKP
As by a New Pentecost: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLK1vk61R6yie9gaIr0_JLpZ6V1ZyMauu
In this week's episode, Ralph opens up the Word of God to deepen and enliven our faith, that we might know with certainty that saving Word that fulfills the deepest desires of our hearts unto eternity. Hear now and receive the gift of faith that saves!
This week, Ralph discusses a letter that St. Bruno, founder of the Carthusians, sent to his friend Ralph almost a thousand years ago. It’s a strong exhortation if we’ve fallen away from our “first love” to repent and return!
This week, Ralph discusses what the Word of God reveals to us about the purpose of the first Pentecost and how we can connect to that power today.
In this week's episode, Ralph comments on a passage of scripture that is really helpful for us to grow in humility and gratitude. This verse can serve as an orienting guide for us, as we observe growing factions and divisions in the Church. As Ralph says, "I just really feel like we all need to come together on the basis of the truth." It’s the shortest podcast he’s done yet!
This week Ralph reflects on a verse from Colossians that he has been puzzling over: "Our life is now hidden with Christ in God," so Paul says, "Set your mind on the things that are above, not the things that are on earth, because earth is passing" (Col 3:1-3). This week, we invite you to be encouraged by this word: earth is just a temporary place; our true home is heaven, but even now, we are already there in a certain kind of way! Knowing this truth, Ralph encourages us to concern ourselves with the truths of God, with the reality of Jesus, and with the rich revelation that God has given us in holy Scripture.
Join us for the final night of our Pentecost Mission featuring Dr. Mary Healy teaching on healing this Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET. Register atwww.renewalministries.net/pentecostmission.
In this week's episode, Ralph talks about our deeply rooted aversion to obedience and shows how important obedience to God is for the sake of our salvation. He identifies some of the ways in which we rationalize disobedience and names particular “exceptions” to God’s will that we are tempted to make these days.
Don't forget to join us for the third night of our Pentecost Mission this Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET. Register at www.renewalministries.net/pentecostmission.
This week, Ralph discusses teaching from St. John of the Cross on dark nights, how to discern them and how to respond to them.
Join us for the second week of the Pentecost Mission Sunday, May 30, from 8-9:15 p.m. ET with Pete Burak. More information and registration here:www.renewalministries.net/pentecostmission.
This week, Ralph comments on an excellent article on “eucharistic coherence” by Archbishop Samuel Aquila from Denver. The points the Archbishop makes are inspiring for their honest acknowledgement of bishops' failures to teach the hard truths of the faith, which have led us to the current mess. At the same time, the Archbishop shares the Lord’s warnings about approaching the Eucharist unworthily, not just because of “Church law” but because of concern for the salvation of souls and true love.
Archbishop Aquila's article: https://bit.ly/3tTIyPz
Ralph's article The Post-Christendom Sacramental Crisis: The Wisdom of Thomas Aquinas: https://bit.ly/3hIBjaG
Join us for an online Pentecost Mission starting Pentecost Sunday, May 23, from 8-9:15 p.m. ET! We'll have four sessions, over four weeks featuring Ralph Martin, Pete Burak, Peter Herbeck, and Dr. Mary Healy. More information and registration here: www.renewalministries.net/pentecostmission.
As we approach the Feast of Pentecost, Ralph reflects on the story and example of St. Stephen: “What we’re seeing is how people can harden their hearts. What we’re also seeing is how, even though Jesus has gone before us, and suffered and died for us, He’s inviting us to participate with Him in the sacrifice of our lives joined to his life so that people may receive a witness to the Gospel and have the possibility of being saved” (Ralph Martin).
Join us for an online Pentecost Mission starting Pentecost Sunday, May 23, from 8-9:15 p.m. ET! We'll have four sessions over four weeks featuring Ralph Martin, Pete Burak, Peter Herbeck, and Dr. Mary Healy. Get more information and register here: www.renewalministries.net/pentecostmission.
Ralph is often asked what he thinks about prophesies about a warning or illumination of conscience that some prophetic strands in the Catholic tradition speak about. In this week's episode, he explains what this warning or illumination is prophesied to be and what he thinks about how we should approach this particular prophetic stream.
Brothers and Sisters, because of the importance of the subject matter we thought we should share a special message in this week's podcast. Bishop Robert Barron recently gave a sermon that has occasioned a lot of interest and some controversy. Fr. Mark Goring responded to some of what Bishop Barron said, but since part of what he said is an area that I have a deep concern about and also some expertise in, I thought I should offer some friendly comments. I hope you find them useful. // Ralph Martin
- Bishop Barron's video: https://youtu.be/PqnxgwRrmv0
- Father Mark Goring's video: https://youtu.be/HSyY3kqpOeg
- Will Many Be Saved: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/will_many_be_saved
- The Ugency of the New Evangelization: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/the_urgency_of_the_new_evangelization_answering_the_call
- A Church in Crisis: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/a_church_in_crisis
- Free monthly Renewal Ministries Newsletter: https://www.renewalministries.net/newsletter
"We have to get really serious about what we are supposed to fear. Jesus says, 'Don't fear those who can kill the body.' Fear the death of the soul in hell, fear sin, fear the devil. Fear God—have respect for God, have awe for God, have an ever-so-strong desire to listen to his Word and respond to it."
//Ralph Martin
This week, Ralph shares a message of hope, in light of the truth that evil is living on borrowed time! Evil will not prevail; Jesus has definitively won the victory.
"All we have to do is to hang on to Jesus. All we have to do is reach out and and cling to Jesus. That's all we have to do. We have to... keep clinging to Jesus for the rest of our life, no matter what evil continues to unfold, because it's days are numbered. And we will be definitively and finally rescued from all evil at the moment of our death, when we pass into the loving hands of the Lord."
// Ralph Martin
Please join us this weekend for our annual Renewal MInistries Gathering! This year's theme is "Seek First the Kingdom" and we'd love to see you there. Sign up today at www.renewalministries.net/gathering.
There is such a depth of meaning and such a wondrous promise made to us in the resurrection of Jesus that the most insightful of us is still only on the outskirts of the wonder. In this week's episode Ralph attempts to share a few insights into the amazing deeds of Christ and their relevance to our life now, to our future, and to everyone else’s lives and futures as well.
Happy Holy Week!
After our four-week Lenten Mission (which was chuck full of content!), this week we are having a short and sweet episode.
As we approach the holiest days of the year, Ralph offers a reminder to seek first the Kingdom, particularly where finances are concerned: "It's really not a matter how much money you have or how little money you have, it's a matter of where your heart is. Is your heart fixed on the kingdom? Is your treasure in the kingdom? Is your desire to rely on the Father for your provision, is that where your heart is?"
From all of us at Renewal Ministries, have a blessed Triduum!
In this week's episode, we have the final night of the Lenten Mission. Ralph focused on Chapter 14 of The Fulfillment of All Desire, "A Deeper Purification," seeking to answer the question: what are dark nights and how do we navigate them?
One aspect of the answer? As Ralph says, "This is customized love, this is personal love. This is God the Father knowing perfectly well who we are and LOVING us, knowing completely what our imperfections are and LOVING us. So much so that he wants to really remove these things that separate us from him."
For the booklet offer in this week's episode, visit www.renewalministries.net/STF and use the code STFLENT. This offer is available until midnight Saturday, March 27.
In Sunday's Lenten Mission, Ralph focused on Chapter 10 of The Fulfillment of All Desire: “Growing in Freedom". He shared wisdom from Sts. Francis de Sales, Augustine, and Bernard of Clairvaux on the glorious freedom that comes from detachment, particularly detachment from an inordinate affection for wealth, possessions, health, reputation, and sensual pleasure. Growing in detachment from these things frees us for something much greater: the love and mercy of God, who delights to care for our every need, and the proper place all the above are intended by God to have in our life.
For Peter Herbeck's new booklet, Fear God and Give Him Glory (first copy is FREE!) visit www.renewalministries.net/FGG.
For any Fulfullment of All Desire Products: www.renewalministries.net/FAD - use the code FADLENT at checkout for 20% off.
In this week's episode, Ralph continues his four-weekLenten Missionon The Fulfillment of All Desire focusing on Chapter 5: "The Transformation of Thought, Desire and Action." He introduces more of Therese of Lisieux’s writing and shows how her narrative of how the various channels of grace worked to transform her can give us an insight into how the same channels of grace can transform us.
The icon mentioned at 52:12 is Christ Pantocrator and is this week's episode art.
For more information on Ralph's new book, to sign up for emails, or to support the work of Renewal Ministries, visit our website, www.renewalministries.net.
CCLI Streaming License #: 20994070
In this week's episode, Ralph begins a four-week Lenten Mission on Fulfillment of All Desire with an exposition of the "biblical world view" that all the saints shared, which included an acute awareness of the shortness of life and the "one thing necessary" – repenting, believing and growing in union with Jesus. He described John of the Cross’ and Catherine of Siena’s particular way of expressing these realities, and set the stage for next week’s talk which will examine how Therese of Lisieux’s life and writings can help us deepen our relationship with the Lord and grow in holiness.
A few of the things mentioned in this episode:
- Fulfillment of All Desire – 20% discount code: FADLENT
- The Dialogue of St. Catherine of Siena
- The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross
- The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila – Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3
- Charles Borromeo: Selected Orations, Homilies and Writings
- New Testament: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
- The Lift Jesus Higher Rally
- 2020 Fulfillment of All Desire Advent Mission - The Purgative Way
- The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
On this week's podcast, Ralph offers timeless wisdom from the Word of God, so we won't be gripped by fear or anxiety, especially regarding our health and finances. This word is one that brings new freedom, peace, and reliance on the Father in troubled times.
For more details about the Lift Jesus Higher Rally: Consuming Fire, check out the event website: www.ljhr.com. The event is free and open to all (no registration required) - just join us Saturday, February 27 at 1:00 p.m. ET on the Renewal Ministries' YouTube Channel.
We would love to see you at The Fulfillment of All Desire Lenten Mission! Register today and we will see you at 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 28 to go deep into the heart of the Lord.
This week, Ralph comments on Isaiah 11’s promise that out of a broken down, dead looking stump, new life arises in the Messiah, and how we participate in the Spirit’s gift which is the source of new life for the Church today. He also shares a remarkable prophetic word from Fr. Joseph Ratzinger before he was elected Pope that is so applicable to what we are experiencing today.
For more details about the Lift Jesus Higher Rally: Consuming Fire, check out the event website: www.ljhr.com. The event is free and open to all (no registration required) - just join us Saturday, February 27 at 1:00 p.m. ET on the Renewal Ministries' YouTube Channel.
We would love to see you at The Fulfillment of All Desire Lenten Mission! Register today and we will see you at 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 28 to go deep into the heart of the Lord.
This week, Ralph talks about the challenges of being an evangelist and sharing the good news with others, particularly those close to us. He comments on a remarkable passage in Philippians where Paul talks about how he weeps for those who are conducting themselves as enemies of Christ; and how we too must have tears in our hearts if not in our eyes as we reach out to those who are on the way to “destruction.”
Scripture references:
- Eph 4:15
- 1 Pet 3:15
- Philippians 3:17-4:1
- Psalm 73
“There’s nothing more important than knowing and loving Jesus. There’s nothing more important than staying loyal to him and faithful to him, no matter how difficult it is.”
// Ralph Martin
In this episode, Ralph speaks to us about the comfort and consolation the Lord wants us to have because of His presence with us and promises to us through a meditation on Psalm 16.
Ralph's "cloud of witnesses" referenced in the episode:
- Saint Dominic Adoring the Crucifixion
- Christ Pantocrator
- Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto
- Our Lady of Medjugorje
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help
- St. John the Evangelist
- St. George
- Holy Family
In this episode, Ralph discusses what has been happening in this country after the election, linked as it is to global forces trying to gain dominance for a technological elite. He also discusses how we can process the various emotions we may be experiencing, and the hope that we truly have because Jesus really is the Lord.
Scriptures mentioned in this episode: 1 John 5:4, Matthew 5:30, Luke 12:11-12, Isaiah 55:8-9, Isaiah 53:2-6
Videos mention in this episode:
- The Activity of the Antichrist
- The American Election and its Global Consequences
- Fr. Michael Scanlan's Amazing Prophecy: An Urgent Message for Today
- Another Prophecy from Fr. Scanlan
Join us for the Lenten Mission starting Sunday, February 28: www.renewalministries.net/lentmission.
Sign up for our Newsletter: www.renewalministries.net/newsletter.
Ralph speaks of an icon of Christ on which he has been meditating lately (19:32). The icon is Christ Pantocrator from Saint Catherine's Monastery in Sinai and it is the cover art for this episode.
In this episode, Ralph points out that high ranking leaders in the Church are beginning to speak about the antichrist and are acknowledging the fears beginning to grow among God’s people, as they see what is happening in society and in the Church. Ralph looks at what these leaders are saying, what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about the antichrist, and how we can live confident in the power of God’s love and free of fear in challenging times such as these.
Some items referenced in this episode:
- CCC 675-677
- Rev 19:1-9
- 2 Thessalonians 2
- That Hideous Strength, C.S. Lewis
- Ralph's video Two Events That Will Precede the Lord's Return: Are We Seeing Them Now?
- Venerable Fulton Sheen’s 1947 radio address, Signs of Our Times
- Ralph's video Struggling With Prayer
This week, Ralph reminds us of some of the great wisdom of St. Francis de Sales concerning suffering, and some of the amazing revelations of the power of suffering to bring about conversion contained in the messages of the angel and Mary at Fatima, and the powerful words of Jesus not to fear those who can kill the body, and the confidence we should have in the Father’s personal, detailed, love of us.
"Meditate on the shortness of life and learn wisdom of heart."
This week Ralph comments on a few scriptures that urge young people to choose the Lord while they are still young and not be allured by what may be a false hope that there will be an opportunity later.
Scriptures in this episode:
- Ps 90:12
- Ecclesiastes 11:9 - 12:8
- Ps 119:9
In this episode, Ralph speaks on the startling messages of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three young children at Fatima, Portugal in 1917, and how relevant and important it is for us today.
In our final night of the Advent Mission, we continued to delve into the wisdom of the saints, who are great spiritual masters of the interior life. We will pick up our study of The Fulfillment of All Desire again in Lent; we hope you will join us!
Among many rich topics, in night four Ralph looks at a principle of the Christian life rooted in Acts 14:22 - “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” No one escapes suffering; we are all called to take up our cross and follow Christ. We all have to choose between the cross of Christ and the cross of Satan.
Last night was night three of the Advent Mission. It was a joy to continue our Advent journey and to look closely at the challenges we can face on the path to holiness, particularly the dangers of sin.
Join us for the final night on Sunday, December 20th at 8 p.m. ET. Register for free today: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/111/zyklza03.
Ralph mentions a few YouTube videos in this episode. You can see those here:
- The Choices We Face - Fatima's Urgent Message
- Financial Anxiety
- What Are We Supposed to Fear?
He also mentions last week's extra episode on the wrath of God. Haven't listened yet? Check it out.
Interested in going deeper into The Fulfillment of All Desire? Purchase a copy at our website and enjoy a 20% discount until the end of the year (apply coupon FADADVENT at checkout).
The wrath of God is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament but also in the Gospels, Epistles and Book of Revelation. What is the wrath of God? How can we flee it? Why is it urgent that we understand this important biblical concept for our lives today?
During Advent, Renewal Ministries is hosting a free digital Advent Mission each Sunday at 8 p.m. ET based on Ralph's best-selling book "The Fulfillment of All Desire." This week's podcast features Ralph's talk from the second session of the mission, entitled "Important Practices." Ralph spoke about some of the most important practices in our spiritual lives, including total dependence on God's grace, daily prayer and faithfully showing up to be with Jesus.
To see the video of night two of the Advent Mission, including Q&A with Ralph, visit our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/7BA3LFP5pFA.
We would love to have you join us live for night 3 on Sunday, December 13th at 8 p.m. ET. Register for free today: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/111/zyklza03.
During the mission, we are offering 20% off "The Fulfillment of All Desire" products on our website. Enter the code FADADVENT with the "apply coupon" button during checkout.
For the first time ever, Renewal Ministries is hosting a free digital Advent Mission each Sunday in Advent at 8 p.m. ET based on Ralph's best-selling book "The Fulfillment of All Desire." This week's podcast features Ralph's talk from the first session of the mission, entitled "Basic Decisions." Ralph shares about the foundations of the spiritual journey and invites us to make two basic, but essential decisions that pave the way for our pursuit of holiness.
To see the video of night one of the Advent Mission, including Q&A with Ralph, visit our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/I_mYiaeKFlc.
We would love to have you join us live for night 2 on Sunday, December 6th at 8 p.m. ET. Register for free today: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/111/zyklza03.
During the mission, we are offering 20% off The Fulfillment of All Desire products on our website. Enter the code FADADVENT with the "apply coupon" button during checkout.
Happy Thanksgiving brothers and sisters! This week Ralph has an extra Thanksgiving episode where he shares about the scriptural exhortations to always give thanks and explains how and why this is both possible and good; and how we owe it to God.
“Paul says, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always.' How we can do that? Because no matter what our sufferings are, no matter what our disappointments are, no matter what our isolation may be at times, no matter what the rejection may be, no matter what the failures may be, no matter what things we may be ashamed of, no matter what the circumstances are, there is reason to rejoice. And why is that the case? Because we are loved. We are loved profoundly, steadfastly, in a way that will never end.”
//Ralph Martin
This week, in part two on avoiding deception, Ralph unfolds the Catechism’s teaching on serious sin and the many scriptural warnings against deceiving ourselves. We are encouraged to cling to the Word of God as our lifeline in order to be protected against the tidal wave of deception that is sweeping over the world today.
"If we are now addicted to serious sin… we need to ask God to have mercy on us, to help us to get clear that it is serious, that we DO need to turn away from it. We need to begin the battle against sin, we need to begin doing those things that are necessary to get free from sin..." so that we can "live in the glorious freedom of the sons and daughters of God." //Ralph Martin
This week, in part one of a two-part series, Ralph talks about the numerous warnings in scripture to not be deceived, and focuses on the huge deceptions in our culture, and even in the Church, concerning the area of sexual morality.
"The Word of God is our lifeline. The words of Jesus are the only way that we can really know who he is and what his will is. It’s the only way that we can know the truth and be actually protected against this incredible tidal wave of deception that is sweeping over the world today and sweeping over the Church.”
//Ralph Martin
This week Ralph describes the two signs that the apostle Paul declares will precede the return of the Lord and considers whether we are seeing these signs fulfilled today or not. In any case, he describes what our response needs to be to pass the test of the last days.
Scripture in today's episode: 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-12.
Ralph shares how the New Testament itself doubles down on shocking warnings and actual historical manifestations of the consequences of ignoring them. He also offers some powerful encouragement that provide us great hope and confidence.
In a special bonus episode, this week Ralph shares his shock at reading page after page of severe punishments and warnings in the prophet Jeremiah and how the New Testament guides us in understanding these warnings.
This week, Ralph meditates on a meditation of St. John Henry Newman about how God alone is our happiness – and our most intimate friend.
“Let’s make our souls a welcoming home for God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Let’s prepare a dwelling place for the Lord in our own soul. Let’s turn away from sin. Let’s turn away from inordinate, disordered attachment to the things of this world, because they are passing away.” - Ralph Martin
In this episode, Ralph references a YouTube video on struggling with prayer. Check out that video message here: https://youtu.be/ceOin4LKTk0!
He also mentions a favorite resource for prayer and meditating on the Word of God, Magnificat. Learn more about Magnificat here: https://us.magnificat.net/.
Lastly, he talks about two messages on the shocking warnings of Jeremiah. Check out those messages in Bonus Episodes 2 and 3.
Welcome to Right Now's first bonus episode! This special episode marks the arrival of Ralph's new book, A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward, his first major book in 7 years. This week, Ralph shares an in depth summary of what is in the new book, presented to Renewal Ministries' country coordinators all over the world in a zoom conference.
Get your copy of the book here: https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/a_church_in_crisis.
This week Ralph shares that no matter what the outcome of the election is, we still have our work cut out for us, and we still have great reason to hope and rejoice.
“It’s election day… whatever we see, we need to remember that Jesus is the Lord and there is nothing that is going to happen today, or in the days following, that are outside of his control.” -Ralph Martin
One of the functions of prophecy is to call us back to relationship with God. . . . to call us back to remember his Word and to take this Word seriously. For the next few episodes, Ralph will talk about how we can respond to these prophecies and actually build our lives on a dependency on the Lord and not on the passing structures of this world—so that whatever happens in our country, whatever happens in our culture, whatever happens in our world, we will be standing on the Rock that is Jesus Christ and his Word.
We don't want to be in a situation where the Lord says, "You maybe came to church occasionally . . . but you didn't pay attention to how I was asking you to make Me the very center of your life. You didn't pay attention to how I told you to put yourself into this wholeheartedly in order to get connected with Me in the right way. And you didn't pay attention to Me when I told you at a certain point the door is going to close. And when the door close, that's it, your choice has been made. You were familiar with Me, you were familiar with my teaching, but you didn't enter into relationship with Me."
You can't get in to heaven on somebody's else's relationship with the Lord. You can be inspired by their relationship, you can be called by their relationship, but you need to respond and have the relationship yourself. . . . You need to have the oil of the Holy Spirit in your soul. You need to have the living presence of God in your soul. And the way we do that is through faith, repentance, sacramental life, prayer.
Ephesians 6 says the devil is shooting fiery darts all day long into our hearts and souls, and it says the thing that can protect us from the deception of the evil one is the shield of faith. But so many people don't have the shield of faith! The shield of faith is being in Jesus Christ, loving Jesus Christ, and knowing his Word. So when a lie comes to us, we say, "That's not true. This is what the truth is, this is what the Lord is saying. This is what I must do."
Ralph Martin reflects on a question he has been receiving a lot lately: "What is prophecy?" He also discusses a prophecy Fr. Michael Scanlan shared in 1980 and discusses its relevance today.
Our prosperity has been a tremendous blessing from the Lord, but many of us have responded to prosperity by saying, "We've got things under control. We've got what we need. We don't need God." And rather than thanking Him for these blessings, rather than thanking Him for the time of peace . . . we've taken them for granted, and many of us have drifted away into being lukewarm, into compromise with the world, just like the prophecy says here.
You can access the text of Fr. Scanlan's 1980 prophecy on our website: https://www.renewalministries.net/wordpress/hear-my-word-fr-michael-scanlans-1980-prophecy/
Ralph Martin reflects on a prophecy given by Fr. Michael Scanlan in 1976 and its importance and relevance today. When Ralph recently came across this prophecy, it left him “almost breathless” due to the amazing accuracy with which it describes so much that is occurring now:
“Do you see those churches which you can go to so easily now? Are you ready to see them with bars across their doors, with doors nailed shut? . . . Are you ready to depend only on me and not on all the institutions of schools and parishes that you are working so hard to foster? . . . When you see it all shut down, when you see everything removed which has been taken for granted, and when you are prepared to live without these things, then you will know what I am making ready.”
You also can access a text version of Fr. Scanlan’s prophecy and Ralph’s reflections on the Renewal Ministries blog: https://www.renewalministries.net/wordpress/fr-michael-scanlans-amazing-prophecy-an-urgent-message-for-today/
“War broke out in heaven” (and is now being waged on earth).
Ralph talks about the issues at stake in the upcoming American election – and it’s not just abortion, as important as that issue is – but also the future of the family, sexuality, and the freedom of Catholics to believe and profess their faith. He also shows why this is more broadly connected to the same issues at work throughout the world in a move towards a secular elite control of government, education, media and entertainment.