The Patrick Madrid Show

Patrick unravels moral complexities, explaining why a non-Catholic, unmarried couple may share a bed at their parents' house and how the natural institution of marriage carries validity outside of religious bounds. He tackles theological inquiries, including the necessity of Sacraments for salvation and the role of grace, using the example of the good thief next to Jesus.    Email – Is it okay to allow my adult son and his wife to sleep at our house, even though they were living together before they were married? Jack - How did the thief on the cross go to heaven if purgatory is real? Jorge - I am a godparent for two nieces but I found out I was not confirmed. What should I do? Patrick - When does worrying become a mortal sin? Alfred - How is Jesus made perfect? Email – Question about donating your body to science Linda - What do you need to do to receive the Divine Mercy graces from Sunday's feast day? Cathy - Why is cremation not respectful to the body? Ann - Is today a Holy Day of obligation?

This podcast episode of The Patrick Madrid Show revolves around a caller, Dave from Wisconsin, seeking clarity on interpreting biblical miracles as literal events or allegories. Dave mentions examples such as the multiplication of loaves, Jesus walking on water, and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. He recounts a conversation with a priest who proposed a non-literal interpretation for these events, attributing them to metaphors or natural occurrences.   Patrick Madrid responds by contextualizing this viewpoint within the historical criticism movement prevalent in seminaries during the 1970s. He criticizes this approach, labeling it a "hermeneutic of suspicion," which undermines the literal interpretation of miracles in Scripture. Patrick argues for the authenticity of biblical miracles, because he has seen so many people lose their faith over their failure to truly believe.   He recommends resources like "Politicizing the Bible: The Roots of Historical Criticism and the Secularization of Scripture" by Dr. Scott Hahn and Benjamin Wiker, as well as "Catholic Apologetics Today" by Fr. William Most to delve deeper into this topic.    You can hear the intensity in Patrick's voice as he urges you to guard against erroneous interpretations that diminish the reality of biblical miracles, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Church's teaching on the inerrancy of Scripture.   Someone else' faith could be on the line, and you can help them by sharing the truth in Sacred Scripture and tradition. 

Patrick explores the deep waters of human grief and resilience. Patrick hears from Joe in Staten Island who, through the loss of his beloved wife, finds solace in a prayer that strengthens his faith and provides comfort. Patrick also underscores the value of prayer with the encouraging devotion of Our Lady Undoer of Knots.   Mary – My dad is getting older and he gets upset that he doesn’t hear God’s voice anymore (02:58) Matt - A friend mentioned Chrislam which is a one world religion. Is that a thing? (13:15) Robert - What if I miss Mass because the priest feels like he is just going through the motions? Is it better to go to a bad Mass or no Mass at all? (19:23) Patrick shares a heartfelt email from Joe, who lost his wife, and shares a beautiful prayer (which has been posted on twitter) (36:19) Jeff - My wife has taken the kids away from me and I don’t know how to trust God for this to work out (43:49)

This hour shines a light on the power of faith during challenging times. Patrick delves into the enduring wisdom of St. Ignatius of Antioch, highlights his close connection with the apostles, and marvels at his fierce dedication to his faith in the face of martyrdom.   Mary - I filed a restraining order against my husband because he was abusing our kids. If he is innocent, the Lord will vindicate him. Elizabeth - Is there anything special with this solar eclipse that has to do with Catholics? (17:43) Caesar - I am a Protestant on the fence with Catholicism because of some Dogmas of the faith. Should I convert than iron out the hesitations I have with the faith? (39:02) Gloria - Could you recommend a book on the saints? (42:48) Cathy – My son married a narcissist who is not letting us see our grandkids. What should we do? (44:19)

Patrick delves deep into the significance of maintaining faith in the face of modern biblical criticism which can ultimately erode the essence of our belief. Patrick addresses the crucial aspect of Scripture's inerrancy, urges listeners to be on guard against false interpretations that dismiss these accounts as mere fables, and emphasizes the church's perennial teaching that the Bible is free from error.   Sarah - I am struggling to understand the timeline of the three days of Jesus’ resurrection. (00:53) Dave - When should you interpret the bible literally or as an allegory? I heard that Jesus didn't really multiply the loaves. (06:08) Patrick zero’s in on the dangers of a hermeneutic of suspicion that casts doubt on the miracles and teachings of Jesus Thomas - Our child is coming home with his wife whom he married outside the church. How should we do sleeping arrangements for them while they are here? (25:27) Maggie - Friend remarried without getting her first marriage annulled. How can I help her? (41:19) Patricia - I was at a Catholic Funeral Mass where the priest invited everyone to come up and receive communion. (45:41) Jessica - My sister got married very young. Now she is turning 31 and she feels like the marriage didn't count because they were forced to get married. Is it okay if she gets an annulment? (49:21)

Parents: Please use caution. Not all material in this podcast episode may be suitable for young ears.   In a thought-provoking clip of The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick Madrid explores the reality of identity, fatherhood, and gender in light of Catholic teaching. Joshua from Ohio brings up a question: if societal roles like fatherhood can change based on actions and social functions, why can't the same logic apply to gender?    Patrick clarifies that, unlike societal roles, biological realities like being a father, or male and female, remain unchanged despite societal perceptions or actions. He likens this to the immutable nature of biological fatherhood, irrespective of the quality of the father-child relationship.    Joshua counters with scenarios where social acknowledgment supersedes biological ties, especially in cases of adoption or absence. Yet, Patrick remains firm: while social roles may evolve, biological realities stay constant, echoing Catholic teachings that a man born a man remains a man, and a woman born a woman remains a woman.   The conversation shifts to the topic of transgender individuals. Patrick argues that even if a person "passes" as the opposite gender, it doesn't alter their biological reality. He emphasizes the distinction between societal perception and biological fact, highlighting the Church's stance on the sanctity of one's birth sex. 🙏   An intriguing twist surfaces as they explore the implications of transitioning and societal roles in more personal contexts like relationships and safety in spaces like bathrooms. Patrick insists on the importance of recognizing biological sex for safety and integrity, underlining potential risks in ignoring these distinctions.   As they touch upon the complexities of transitioning and committing crimes, Patrick suggests that biological sex should guide prison placement, again underlining safety concerns and the immutable nature of biological sex.

Join Patrick as he explores Richard Dawkins' surprising remarks on cultural Christianity, his preference for it over Islam, and the reactions that followed. As an avowed atheist celebrated in secular circles, Dawkins' newfound appreciation for the aesthetics and ethical framework of Christianity comes as quite the surprise. Patrick unpacks his statements, considers the implications for interfaith dialogue, and reflects on the potential personal journey that even a staunch atheist like Dawkins might be on towards faith. Will external beauty lead to the discovery of an internal truth?   Juan - Does going to the Latin Mass fulfill the obligation to go to Mass? Where can I find out more about the Latin Mass? (00:56) Jake - I try to go to confession once a week and if I can't make it I don't go to communion. I noticed someone had dropped a host and I consumed it. Is that a sin since I didn't go to confession? (04:32) Maria - The bible says we shouldn’t call people “fool”. Is that different than the word 'Rocka'? (14:46) Ken - Chaplet of Devine Mercy: Do people in nursing homes need to follow the same rules for the plenary indulgence as other people? (25:21) Joe – What are the Dogmas of the Catholic Church? (32:32) Patrick shares and comments on Richard Dawkins saying he is a “Cultural Christian” (37:20)

Patrick holds a touching conversation with Mike, who shares the poignant story of his wife's passing during the pandemic and the complications around receiving the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. Patrick discusses the importance of priestly presence in sacramental rites and the church's provision of a plenary indulgence for those unable to receive such sacraments. He also talks about the boundless love and mercy of God, and how those grieving can find solace and support.   Patrick and Cyrus share a couple of funny and complimentary emails Christine - I was born in London and I understand what Dawkins is saying about religion. Americans would have a hard time understanding if they didn't grow up in the UK. (04:21) Gayla - My husband was in an accident and is going to court because he needs to pay for the bills. Can he still forgive the other person and go after her legally? Mike - My wife died during Covid and the priest wasn’t allowed to visit the hospital. The nurses said she did get the Anointing of the Sick but I don't know if that is true. (22:56) Patrick shares and responds to an email from Jim who is at the end of his rope and looking for a sign to lead them back to the church (34:09) George - What is the Churches teaching on making end of life decisions? Can you take out a breathing tube if someone won't get better? (45:10)

Patrick dives into the true nature of good works within the grace of God and their role in our salvation. He grapples with challenging ethical questions, offering guidance and compassion to listeners like Rebecca, struggling with moral decisions regarding health and faith. Patrick reminds us to not live in fear but instead focus on faith and prayer, encouraging everyone to live in peace rather than in despair.   Deedee - I was finally baptized and you were very inspirational to my conversion! Lou - What advice do you have for a new father? I am going to be a dad soon and we are not married. (05:19) Alfred - What are considered works from a Catholic perspective? (13:27) Rebecca (email) – My doctor is recommending that I use contraceptives to alleviate health pains. (20:29) Fred - I was in the same situation as Lou 20+ years ago. I made the right choice and now my daughter is graduated and beautiful and I couldn't imagine anyone else having raised her. Teresa - I was praying for an intention about trying to get someone a scholarship, and instantly Relevant Radio had a commercial about a college scholarship. I asked about it and the person was able to get the scholarship. This happened while listening to your show! Marie – Could the Jewish slaughtering of two red heifers bring about the 3 Days of Darkness? (36:07) Reba - How do we stay in a mindset of peace while in the midst of Nuclear War and stressful situations? (47:28)

Patrick explains the distinctions between panentheism and traditional Christian beliefs, providing ways to help a child understand God's presence in the world. Patrick then moves on to discuss the concept of indulgences and offers insights on true contrition and interior freedom.   Patrick responds to an email about a person who doesn’t go to Mass because he has a one-on-one relationship with God and asks “why does God allow children to die?” (01:39) David - How do I explain to my 6-year-old son that God is in everything? (20:45) Mike - How do you make sure you are free of venial sin? (27:32) Charlie - Do you think that the more sin you have the less effective your prayer is? (36:14) Zachary – Thank you so much! Jacinto - How do I talk with someone who says that faith alone is all you need to be saved? (45:55)