logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2022
22m 51s

Why Deny Yourself?

ASCENSION
About this episode

Why does Christ ask us to “deny ourselves?” Within Catholicism, there is a fair amount of emphasis on penance and giving things up. Using wisdom from St. John of the Cross, Dr. Sri explains why we must “deny ourselves” in order to gain what we truly desire.

Snippet from the Show
We are made for God, and so, he is the soul’s deepest desire.

  • For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Up next
Oct 6
Why the Rosary Can Feel So Hard
The Rosary is a beautiful prayer—but sometimes it can feel surprisingly difficult. Our minds wander, we get tired, and finding 15–20 minutes to pray can feel impossible. So what should we do when the Rosary feels more like a chore than a prayer? Dr. Sri offers encouragement and p ... Show More
21m 29s
Sep 29
The Gift of Your Guardian Angel
You have a guardian angel—but what exactly does your guardian angel do? And can you give your guardian angel a name? Dr. Sri explains what the Catholic Church teaches about guardian angels, from the moment we receive them to their role in protecting and guiding us toward heaven. ... Show More
27m 23s
Sep 22
What Is Your Freedom For?
Doing whatever you want isn’t true freedom. We often think freedom means being free from rules, expectations, or anyone telling us what to do—but God gave us free will for something much deeper: the freedom to love. For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, ... Show More
19m 46s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Take Up Your Cross
<p><b>In our meditation of the week:</b> Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on self-denial as a path to deeper faith and freedom in Christ. As we begin Lent, we are reminded that to follow Our Lord, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. Self-denial strengthens our commitmen ... Show More
22m 27s
Oct 2024
Do Christian Hedonists Deny Self-Denial?
Does God’s command to deny ourselves contradict Christian Hedonism? Pastor John clarifies the God-centered, pleasure-seeking aim of all Christian self-denial. 
12m 30s
Nov 2021
Why Is It So Hard to Forgive Yourself?
As Catholics, we believe in the forgiveness of our sins through the graces of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But often, even though we are absolved but we can struggle to forgive ourselves for our past faults and failings. Today, Fr. Mike shares the main reason why we struggle ... Show More
9m 30s
Jun 2019
Identification (9)
Derek explains today the meaning of rejection. It is the feeling of being unwanted, unworthy and not really belonging. As the sin of humanity came upon Jesus on the cross, God averted His eyes. He could not look on sin. That was for our good—that we might receive God’s total acce ... Show More
11m 58s
Jan 2021
Am I Too Hard on Myself?
God has given us a high and holy calling in Christ. But can a Christian ever be too hard on himself as he strives to live up to that calling? 
11m 45s