Right Now with Ralph Martin

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

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 at www.renewalministries.net/pentecostmission.