Surprised by Anxiety

In this reflection, Ralph shares how the song “Leaving on a Jet Plane” brings to mind the joy and heartache of the sacrifices that can come with a life of ministry, particularly frequently leaving behind the people he loves. Drawing on his life with his wife, Anne, and their family, he considers the loneliness and longing that come with separation, and the hope Christians have in Christ: that earthly pain will give way to eternal love and reunion with God. He also reflects on Catherine of Siena’s vision of how godly relationships will be perfected in heaven.

Ralph describes how important it is for people to feel assured that they are in a “safe place.” A place where they will not be dissed, insulted, or even physically or verbally attacked. Sharing insights from Psalm 27 Ralph talks about how the Father’s house is the only safe place and we can enter into it even now, preparing for the ultimate and eternal safe place of hour heavenly home.

Ralph shares the genesis of the feast day of Our lady of the Rosary and his own experience in saying the Rosary, including his doubts and confusions about whether he is saying it right.

Ralph comments on the extraordinary reality of Mary and Joseph being anxious because Jesus decided to stay in Jerusalem without telling them. Despite all the supernatural help that both Joseph and Mary received they were upset that Jesus didn’t tell them what he was doing, causing them three days of anxious searching. When he suggested that they should have understood what he was doing, they said no, they didn’t understand what he was doing. Many lessons for us as well.

Ralph's new book, The Coming Judgment: Are We Ready? Is climbing the Catholic Best Seller Lists on Amazon. Hear from Ralph what the book is about and why he wrote it.

Ralph expresses his great dismay and concern regarding the omission of portions of the daily Mass readings. He believes these sections, although occasionally seen as potentially upsetting, are vital for the salvation of souls.

In the Gospels, Jesus refers to the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Ralph brings important clarity to the reality of such a sin and how to avoid it.

Ralph discusses the recurring themes we see in a number of psalms that graphically depict utter desolation and darkness. He then illumines these passages by looking at Jesus’ descent into pain, abandonment and darkness, in order to redeem us, recalling what firm hope that gives us as a great source of strength in the midst of our own very dark nights.

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.