The Patrick Madrid Show

On this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick reads an email from a listener who's freaking out about her first confession. She’s new to the Catholic Church, nervous about the whole process, and weighed down by a big sin from her past (she had an abortion). She’s scared of what the priest will think and honestly just has no idea what to expect. Patrick has practical advice and some solid reassurance.   Confession Isn’t as Scary as You Think   Patrick explains:   Confession is straight-up biblical. Jesus set it up in John 20 when He gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins. This isn’t some Church-made checklist; it’s how Jesus wanted us to experience His mercy.   It’s healing. Saying your sins out loud can feel super awkward, but it’s also incredibly freeing. Patrick compares it to going to the doctor. It’s not fun to put on that paper-thin gown, but the healing is 100% worth it.   Practical Tips for Your First Time Step 1: Prepare   Examine Your Conscience. Basically, take stock of your life and be honest about where you’ve fallen short. Don’t overthink it! Apps like Relevant Radio and its Confession Helper can walk you through this step-by-step.   Stick to “Number and Kind.” All you need to do is say the sin (e.g., lying, gossiping, etc.) and how often it happened (or your best guess). No need to spill every gory detail.   Step 2: Keep It Simple in the Confessional   Start with: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession. I’m [age] and joining the Church.”   Be honest and to the point. The priest doesn’t need a dramatic backstory: just tell him what happened.   Step 3: Choose Your Priest Wisely   It's OK to go to a priest you don’t know. You can go to a different parish if that helps you feel more anonymous.   What About “Big” Sins?   Patrick gets real about sins like abortion. He’s crystal clear: God’s mercy is bigger than any sin. The priest isn’t there to judge you: He’s there to help you leave that sin at the foot of the cross and move forward in freedom.   What Happens in the Confessional?   Act of Contrition: You’ll say a short prayer of sorrow. Don’t panic if you don’t know it: the priest can help.   Penance: The priest will give you something to do to show your sorrow, like a prayer or an act of devotion.   Absolution: This is the big moment. Your sins are forgiven, gone forever.     Why You’ll Feel AMAZING Afterward   Patrick guarantees you’ll walk out feeling lighter than air. The weight of your sins? Gone. The shame? Gone. It’s all about freedom and peace, and you’ll feel that wave of relief the second the priest says the words of absolution.   Patrick’s Final Word: Don’t Overthink It   Confession might feel intimidating, but it’s worth it. God isn’t there to condemn you: He’s ready to forgive and welcome you back with open arms. Take a deep breath, trust in His mercy, and go for it. 

Who knew that the Eagles could lead someone to Catholicism? Brad, a 19-year-old college sophomore from Bowling Green, Ohio, shared how he went from atheism to preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church.  Challenged by His Atheist Brother   Brad’s faith journey took a sharp turn when his atheist brother asked a seemingly simple question about Christianity: one Brad couldn’t answer. That nudge, coupled with his brother’s advice to “learn more about religion,” planted a seed that grew into a quest for the truth. Sometimes, grace works in surprising ways, like through a skeptical sibling.  From Rock Radio to the Rosary   The Holy Spirit can be sneaky. Brad’s favorite classic hits station got replaced by Relevant Radio, and instead of jamming to The Eagles, he found himself listening to the Rosary for the first time. Confusion turned into curiosity, which led him to explore the Catholic faith. Talk about God working through unexpected channels.  Searching for the Original Church   When Brad decided to look for the "original" Christians, his research led him to two options: Catholicism and Orthodoxy. After exploring Orthodoxy for a while, something still didn’t feel right. Over the summer, Relevant Radio (especially Patrick Madrid’s show) became a spiritual lifeline during a faith crisis. Little by little, Catholicism became the clear answer.  A Eucharistic Wake-Up Call   The game-changer was hearing a talk during the National Eucharistic Congress about the profound beauty of the Eucharist. A speaker shared a story about a prisoner who, upon receiving the Eucharist, exclaimed, “I have Him, I finally have Him!” That story hit Brad like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, it became crystal clear: the Eucharist wasn’t just a concept: it was a real, tangible encounter with Christ. Cue the tears in the driveway as this realization set in.  The Road to Easter   Now officially a catechumen, Brad is on the path to receiving Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. His life has completely transformed since discovering Catholicism. Let’s not forget his shoutout to the power of Relevant Radio’s ministry: it’s proof that evangelization works in ways no one could predict.  This story is a powerful reminder that God’s grace can reach anyone, anywhere: even through unexpected twists like a converted radio station. Brad’s joy and gratitude are infectious, and his story inspires hope for anyone praying for loved ones to find their way home.  Also, sidenote: see if you can count how many Eagles song references are made by Patrick and Cyrus! 

Patrick offers a charitable critique of the New American Bible, focusing on its approach to biblical interpretation, particularly the "hermeneutic of suspicion." Patrick explains this methodology's tendency to question miracles, like the feeding of the 5,000, and traditional views on the authorship of the Gospel of St. Matthew. He contrasts this with insights from the new Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, which supports traditional apostolic authorship and provides enriching commentary.   Robert – Could Jesus do miracles because he was God or because he was perfect? (01:48) Josh - I am a new Catholic and I am wondering how do I know how to choose a parish? (07:48) Susan (email) – I loved the NEC! (22:58) Joe - We hear that the recommendation for confession is once per year, but a lot of priests say once per month. Why do I need to go to confession if I’m not in mortal sin? (26:37) Patrick recommends the new Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (31:29) Patrick explains the expression “hermeneutic of suspicion” (26:23)

Patrick and Cyrus focus on the challenges surrounding minimum wage and the struggles faced by restaurant workers. Patrick gets Cyrus to share his personal experiences from over a decade in the industry, highlighting the difficulties of surviving on tips and low hourly wages. Patrick also discusses California's recent rejection of Proposition 32, which proposed an increase to the state's minimum wage, and examines its potential impact on small businesses and working families. Linking the conversation to biblical teachings, Patrick reflects on the moral implications of labor practices. This engaging discussion covers fairness, economic realities, and the importance of treating workers with respect.   Julieann – Who brought the wicker basket? (00:38) Prop 32 fails: Californians reject raising minimum wage to nation-high $18 per hour (07:48) Janet (email) – 3 restaurants closed because they couldn’t afford the minimum wage increase (25:40) John - Another factor in minimum wage is that large business can handle a wage increase but the small places can't and go out of business (27:00) Terri – I waited tables in the 80’s and had a wonderful time (32:27) Richard – The problem with raising minimum wage is that kids think they are entitled to more money than they are worth (46:36)

Patrick covers the importance of tipping and its role in generosity and almsgiving. He discusses how tipping can have a real impact on the lives of service workers and also talked about the effects of minimum wage laws. Personal stories about working in the restaurant industry and today's work challenges are shared.   Mike - I worked as a bartender and waiter and got a lot of value out of it. (02:41) Michelle - Cost of living has doubled in IN and now I don't make enough money to pay my bills. I feel bad for young families. (07:15) Alan - TIP was originally an acronym, 'To Insure Promptness'.  If you gave tips in advance, you would get quick service. (10:06) Richard - When I worked in the late 50s, I got $1.25 an hour, and then $1.47 in manufacturing.  (15:03) Barb - I made more money babysitting than I did at the pharmacy. (16:27) Matt - I think pushing up minimum wage will drive small farms out of business. (23:33) Carl - It made me feel good leaving a tip and a nice note saying, 'have a blessed day' (29:18) Cliff - I think that people who are working at minimum wage are working many different jobs at once. (32:44) Terry - A waitress took a bad tip (for poor service) and threw it across the room.  Friends have told me I need to give good tips, but if they're not doing well, they don't deserve it. (40:41) Sandra - When you leave a tip at a hotel room, you don't know if it's the same maid.  I leave tip after each day on the bed.  I give gift cards to the poor instead. (42:28) Diego - I work in a fast-food restaurant and that's definitely heightened my appreciation for other workers, and I tip 20% (44:33) Fran - Almsgiving; I ended up giving $10 to a single mom as a favor who was a hotel clerk.  Two days later I won a school $100 raffle. (46:40)

Patrick addresses a thought-provoking question raised by a listener regarding Mark 13:32, where Jesus states that only the Father knows the day and hour of the Second Coming. Patrick explores the mystery of Jesus' dual nature—being fully divine and fully human—and how it relates to His knowledge and understanding. Drawing from theological insights and referencing the early Church's teachings, Patrick provides a clear and accessible explanation of these complex doctrines.   The Associated Press is now maligning the Jerusalem Cross, which has been worn and carried by Christians for 1,000 years, as a “white supremacist” symbol (00:41) Robert - You suggested a book which I am really enjoying called “The Hidden Mana”. Thank you! What is the inner and outer form in regard to church authority? (10:06) Joe - What do you think about 7th day Adventist? I am talking with someone who is pretty against the Catholic Church. (22:31) Joshua - Is Sampson from the Old Testament a saint and worthy to be prayed to? (31:11) Barbara - Mark 13:32. What does it mean that the Son doesn't know the time of the coming? Since he is God, I thought he would know. (36:53) Mike - What I like about your show is how you listen to people!  (47:35)

Patrick confronts an unsettling topic: abortion in the late stages of pregnancy. He shares an eye-opening, undercover call from Live Action to an abortion clinic, where a woman asks about terminating her 34-week pregnancy. The conversation reveals the graphic and grim details of late-term abortion procedures, prompting Patrick to fiercely challenge the clinic's claims about safety and ethics. This thought-provoking episode highlights ongoing misconceptions and the moral imperative to protect innocent lives.   Audio: Live Action – Woman calls to ask about an abortion at 34 weeks – abortion clinic says it’s safer to have an abortion then give birth (00:41) Matt - I saw a priest’s car with a Harris/Biden sticker saying “We're not going back”. I was taken aback. What should I do? (07:02) Ray - What does it mean that heaven and earth will pass away? I thought heaven was the end goal. (12:18) Mark - We need to confront people about things. I disagree with the advice that you gave. (15:07) Patrick shares and comments on an email stating that Voter ID shouldn’t be required (20:24) Ken - I am considering doing some stem cell therapy which is only taken from the umbilical cord. Does the Church allow this? (35:19) Audio: Daily Wire - Do Voter ID Laws Suppress the Black Vote? (39:24) Albert - ID is just to confirm that it is you. (47:13)

Patrick explores the concept of perfect contrition and explains what it truly means to love God more than fearing hell and how this profound act isn’t about emotions but a willful commitment. Even without feeling it emotionally, genuine intent and contemplation can bridge that gap. Patrick also discusses the beautiful Prayer "Before a Crucifix" to strengthen reflections. (This Prayer can be found on the Relevant Radio App)   Bill - Where does the command to die on the cross come from? (00:32) Mary - Do you really have to love God more than you fear hell for perfect contrition? (10:51) Chris - When my wife came to the USA, she was upset that we didn't have voter ID. In Brazil, you do need voter ID. (22:49) Robert - What does it mean that heaven and earth will pass away (27:31) John - For skeptics of the Old Testament and the original Jewish Religion, what would be their strongman argument on why the Old Testament was communicated in that way.  (32:25) Elias - I have dual citizenship with Mexico and the US.  In Mexico, they have a federal ID, and it's required for voting. (40:10) Pam - If God was in the Garden of Eden and he intended Adam and Eve to be there together, then did he already know they were going to sin and Jesus would have to die on the cross? (42:16) Cindy - My daughter and I are discussing 'Sola Scriptura'. Do Catholics not believe in the Word of the Bible and only believe in tradition? (48:52)

Brad, a young caller, shares with Patrick his inspiring journey from atheism to becoming a catechumen. Brad's story serves as a poignant reminder that curiosity and grace lead to profound transformations. He credits Relevant Radio and heartfelt moments, like a moving story about the Eucharist, for his newfound faith. This is a testament to the power of seeking deeper truth and staying open to unexpected paths.   Audio: Adoption Story - Chicago bakery serves up surprise of a lifetime for mother and son (01:17) Dan - I called a few weeks ago and you asked me for the meaning of Matt 23:13. (14:13) Rico - Cyrus, how did you feel about reaching out to your biological father? I just found out that our Grandson is actually not our Grandson. (24:28) Michael (email) - What does it mean by “Heaven and earth will pass away”? (36:08) Brad - I just became a Catechumen in the Church yesterday. I wanted to share how Relevant Radio has helped me on my faith journey (38:16) Patricia - Did you think the Eucharistic Congress had anything to do with the outcome of the elections? (48:19)

Patrick discusses voter ID laws and their effects, highlighting a judge's decision to support Huntington Beach’s voter ID measure against California's stance. Patrick points out the inconsistency where ID is needed for daily tasks like buying alcohol and getting jobs, but not for voting in California. Curious about the double standard, this is the show for you!   The State of California took the Southern California city of Huntington Beach to court for daring to require ID to vote (00:38) Wesley - I am in favor of showing ID to vote. I think we need to say that voting is a constitutional right. (07:33) Rich - I was paid by registered voter officials on how to commit voter fraud in CA. It told me how to commit voter fraud if people were motivated. (10:15) Lee (email) - Owning a gun is a constitutional right and you have to show ID and more Audio: Bill Clinton - as to why the Palestinians don’t have a state (18:20) Lisa - I was a pole challenger in NM and I agree with what Rich was saying in CA (23:58) Kathleen - Voter ID: I am wondering if you think people should show an ID before they receive communion. (28:00) Margaret Mary - I catechized as a young person that we would go to hell if we missed Mass (34:54) Philip - Voting procedures are different in different states. (43:43) Pamela - Voter ID: I am disabled but I never miss going to the poles. I have noticed things are much more different (48:24)