Right Now with Ralph Martin
This bi-weekly show features author, speaker, and world-wide renewal leader, Dr. Ralph Martin, as he shares what the Holy Spirit is stirring up in the Church right now: words of encouragement from the Lord to strengthen you for such a time as this.
Episodes
Am I Saying The Rosary Right?
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.
Surprised by Anxiety
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
Ralph's Book Is Rising
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.
Oh No, It's Happening Again
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.
Is There An Unforgivable Sin?
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.
Some Nights Are Very Dark
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.
Why I Wrote This Book (And Why You Should Read It)
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.r
A New Prophecy
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.
There Are Only Two Roads: The Narrow Way to Life and the Broad Way to Destruction
Ralph clearly unpacks the fundamental message of scripture concerning the two ways. Everyone is currently on one way or another and Ralph invites us to make a change if we're on the wrong path. Do you know someone who needs to hear this life-saving message? Send it to your friends and relatives!
Sin, Forgiveness, and the Eucharist
We recently celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi, celebrating the profound gift of Jesus in the Eucharist. As we continue to reflect on this extraordinary grace, Ralph shares how a “chance encounter” on an airplane led to a very significant conversation centered around a prayer from the liturgy of the Eucharist.
Cardinal Schönborn Ponders the Judgment
Ralph reflects on his long relationship with Cardinal Schönborn, including some concerns he has had in recent years and a very fascinating article the Cardinal wrote featuring his pondering of the final judgment.
Pentecost Is for YOU: Stirring Up the Gift
As we prepare for the Feast of Pentecost this Sunday, Ralph asks the question, "Is Pentecost just an historical event, the birthday of the Church, or is it something more?” He boldly asserts that the power of Pentecost is intended to be a continuing reality in the Church, as is clearly taught in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He then examines some reasons why we may not be experiencing the
The Most Serious Sins?
Recently Pope Leo caused some controversy in responding to the German Bishops' decision to institute in a formal way the blessing of same sex and irregular unions. Many praised Pope Leo’s quick response to the effect that the Vatican doesn’t agree and that the Germans have been “spoken to”. But others registered puzzlement about what his views on sexual sins really are. While casual comments in an
Life Is Unfair, But Judges Shouldn’t Be: Reflections on Justice Richard Bernstein
Justice Richard Bernstein was born blind, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a marathon runner, disability rights advocate, and Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. In this week’s video, Ralph shares stories from a local event where Bernstein spoke about perseverance, suffering, and faith—raising the big question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Ralph reflects on Bernstein’s life, h
St. Faustina: Only Two Paths
There are really only two roads we can walk in this life: one that leads to eternal life or one that leads to eternal destruction. This fundamental biblical message is depicted in one of St. Faustina’s visions, describing these very different paths: a broad and pleasurable one leading to hell, and a narrow, painful one leading to paradise. As we prepare for the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday t
It's So Strange
Today we celebrate the Annunciation, the unfathomable grace of Jesus coming in the flesh. And yet when we look at the scriptures, we see something strange happened when people encountered Jesus during his earthly ministry. The One who came to heal us, love us, and give us eternal life is hated and rejected. In this video, Ralph explores what the scriptures tell us about why this is the case. May i
Is Divine Mercy Being Hijacked?
Catholic devotion to Divine Mercy is bearing wonderful fruit in the Church today, but it is also susceptible to being “hijacked,” diverted from its intended purpose. There’s a popular perception that goes something like this, “God is so merciful that very few, if any, will be lost.” This is actually a distortion of the true meaning of mercy because it engenders an attitude of presumption and indif
Pro-Life, Pro Eternity
This week, Ralph looks at the "big picture" of the pro-life movement and the central decision at the root of choosing life, choosing for ETERNAL life.
John 3:16: Before and After
John 3:16 is a very well-known verse that offers a short summary of the Gospel. This week, Ralph comments on this famous verse and the verses surrounding it to expand our understanding of its meaning beyond just what is popularly considered, and of course, it is all about salvation!
Special Announcement
The team at Renewal Ministries has an announcement for you about Right Now with Ralph Martin! To check out our weekly interview program The Choices We Face, featuring Ralph Martin, Peter Herbeck, and Pete Burak, and their guests visit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/renewal-ministries-the-choices-we-face/id512306177.For our weekday program Burning Hearts hosted by Rachel Herbeck in which Rac
Be Still My Soul – The Lord Is on Your Side!
In this short video Ralph shares how impacted he was by the simple but encouraging word conveyed by a Christian hymn. He thinks you will be encouraged too!
The Lordship of Jesus with Peter Herbeck
Peter Herbeck joins Ralph on the podcast this week to discuss what it means to live in the power of the Holy Spirit & under the lordship of Jesus.In this episode: A New Pentecost by Ralph Martin.
Cardinal Pell Changed His Mind – Should You?
Cardinal Pell, a very well known solidly orthodox bishop, wrote a remarkable article in the journal First Things, in the December 2020 issue entitled Last Things. In it he details his remarkable "conversion” from the belief that hardly anyone would be lost – a version of the pragmatic universalism so common in the Church today – to a return to the more biblical worldview as taught by Jesus and the
Get Into God's Word with Sharon Doran
Sharon Doran joins Ralph to talk about her battle with cancer and how her suffering helped her discover the life-giving power of the Scriptures.Sharon is the teaching director of Seeking Truth Bible Study and has a podcast called Discerning Hearts Podcast.
My Dearest Little Ones
Ralph comments on the amazingly tender words of holy Mary as she appeared to St. Juan Diego at Guadalupe in Mexico almost 500 years ago. He believes that she intends them to be personalized and received as a word from her to each one of us. Some of what she says seems like it could be described as a “hug from Mary,” our heavenly mother.
The Gift is Christ with Fr. John Riccardo
This Christmas Eve, Fr. John Riccardo returns to the podcast to discuss the profound gift of Christ's coming among us in the flesh and what it means for us as his children and disciples.For more about this profound gift, check out The Rescue Project, offered by Fr. John's ministry Acts XXIX.
Healing, Deliverance, and Salvation
The charismatic gifts - emphasized in many of the documents of Vatican II - are a great blessing, but we can easily forget their ultimate purpose or be tempted to prize the gifts over the giver. As the Church continues to be awakened to the wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit, we must never forget that they exist to lead us to conversion, repentance, faith, and salvation.
Love Discipline
Ralph talks about the importance of understanding and accepting the discipline of the Lord, it’s various manifestations, and its loving purpose.
Left to Tell, Part Two with Immaculée Ilibagiza
Author and speaker, Immaculée Ilibagiza returns to continue her story of how God worked powerfully in her life. As a survivor of the Rwandan genocide she has an incredible testimony of faith, hope, and forgiveness.Did you miss Part One? Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-now-with-ralph-martin/id1536626967?i=1000738547197.
Left to Tell, Part One with Immaculée Ilibagiza
Immaculée Ilibagiza - author, speaker, and survivor of the Rwandan genocide - shares her powerful testimony of faith, hope, and forgiveness.Tune in again next week for Part Two!
Be the Leper That Returns
This week, Ralph speaks about how disappointed Jesus' was that only one of nine lepers returned to thank him and recognize in him the power of God. Let’s be like that one leper and never forget to thank God for his blessings even in the midst of the sufferings of this life!
Perseverance with Peter Herbeck
Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to review some powerful scriptures, emphasizing the importance of persevering until the end.
Angels or Demons: Your Choice!
This week, Ralph notes that the concepts of heaven and hell – or even God and the devil – can seem a bit abstract. Ralph takes another look at these realities based on an exploration of the company we will keep. Life with the beautiful angels will be beautiful; life with demons will be like a perpetual horror movie. But ultimately, hell is FAR from just a movie; it is everlasting, actual horror!
Purgatory with Dominic Berardino
Dominic Berardino, the president of Southern California Renewal Communities, joins Ralph to talk about the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory.
Has the Hour of the Church Arrived?
Two weeks ago, Ralph discussed Bishop Robert Barron’s reflections on Pope Francis’ papacy and what his legacy means for the Church moving forward. This week, Ralph offers ways to approach living in such times of uncertainty and disunity. Ralph particularly notes the profound reflections on participating more deeply in Christ’s passion, as found in Fr. Donald Haggerty’s book, "The Hour of Testing:
Pope St. John Paul II with Peter Herbeck
Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to discuss important teachings of St. John Paul II and his impact on the work of Renewal Ministries.
Bishop Barron, Francis’ Legacy, and Challenges Facing Pope Leo
In his May 12 article in First Things—Francis in Full—Bishop Robert Barron eloquently wrote of Pope Francis’ many positive accomplishments as well as some very serious problems such as a legacy of doctrinal and pastoral disunity. Bishop Barron’s evaluation of Pope Francis’ ministry provides a lens through which we can look at the serious challenges facing Pope Leo XIV and his great need for our pr
Discovering the Commandments with Fr. John Riccardo
Fr. John Riccardo of Acts XXIX joins Ralph to discuss the only way to becoming a disciple--through true conversion & understanding the context of the greatest commandment.
I Get Help in Praying!
Ralph talks about how much help he gets in prayer by meditating on the words in his "Magnificat," his daily aid in prayer.
Helping Catholics Come Home with Tom Peterson
After 25 years as an award-winning corporate advertising executive, Tom Peterson’s life radically changed forever through a powerful conversion experience on a Catholic men’s retreat. Soon afterward, he founded VirtueMedia and CatholicsComeHome.org. Catholics Come Home is a media apostolate that seeks to inspire, educate and evangelize inactive Catholics and others, inviting them to live a de
Don't Skip the Hard Parts!
This week, Ralph comments on an important and shocking text from Luke 13 about the number of those who will be saved. Ralph recently heard several sermons on this passage and although they were good sermons, all of them skipped the most difficult part: Jesus saying that many will not be able to enter the kingdom because they don’t really listen to Him and respond. Jesus says these very difficult t
I Thirst with Patti Mansfield
As we look forward to celebrating St. Teresa of Calcutta's feast day this week, Patti Mansfield joins Ralph to look at her motto, “I Thirst” and what it means for us.
Were You Once Fervent?
Ralph has recently been struck by the number of people telling him that after a long time away from living a fervent life they are returning. Using the parable of the sower and the seed Ralph invites all those who once lived a fervent life to return. Now is the time.
Take a Step in Faith with John Kazanjian
John Kazanjian joins Ralph to discuss his vocation as a businessman, husband, father, and lay apostle, and how each of these opens up opportunities to take little steps in faith each day that lead to deeper hope in the Christian life.
Fired. Again.
This week, Ralph shares how he has been processing his recent firing from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.To check out Ralph's Memoir, A Life in the Spirit, visit https://www.renewalministries.net/RalphMemoir.
A Lawyer and the Bible with Lavinia Spirito
Lavinia Spirito joins Ralph to talk about the Bible Study she developed called the Catholic Way Bible Study.Lavinia Spirito grew up in Rome, Italy, studied Anthropology and Spanish at the University of Michigan, obtained her J.D. from The University of Kentucky College of Law, and received a Masters in Theology from The Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado. She is an Adjunct Lecturer for t
Who Will Remember Us?
This week, Ralph shares some recent personal experiences that made him ask the question, “Who Will Remember Us?” He recounts how people who once were well known by many of us are being forgotten, how sometimes as the generations pass children or grandchildren forget who has sacrificed for them in the generations before. As he recounts these examples, his hope and joy in Christ rises and he remembe
The Heart of a Saint with Bert Ghezzi and Peter Herbeck
Author Bert Ghezzi joins Ralph and Peter to discuss his book The Heart of a Saint: Ten Ways to Grow Closer to God, and how the lives of the saints help us grow closer to God.
We Are All Living on Death Row
Biological death, natural death, isn’t natural; it’s a punishment for sin. And it isn’t to be feared, for a Christian. But the “second death," is indeed something to be feared. But we can be rescued from the hell of the second death through believing in the love of Jesus Christ and becoming his disciple.
A Faith Perspective on Counseling with Therese Cirner, LPC
Therese Cirner joins Ralph to describe her experience as a Catholic counselor and shares about the many mental health issues facing people today.
AI: Ai, Yai, Yai
Artificial intelligence is beginning to impact more and more of us in unexpected ways. Ralph shares about his recent experiences with it and alerts us to both the good and the evil it can do and how we need to situate ourselves in a way that reduces our chances of being deceived.
The Power of Forgiveness with Fr. John Riccardo
Fr. John Riccardo joins Ralph to talk about the need for and the power of forgiveness.Fr. John's daily radio show is Christ is the Answer from Ave Maria Radio. Check it out on their website: https://avemariaradio.net/christ-is-the-answer-archives/
Include Me!
Ralph shares about an experience he had at Mass recently that gave him a deeper insight into the sacrifice of Jesus made present at the Mass and how we should desire to be included in it. He also brings out how wonderful it is that Jesus wants us to be included, but we have to want it too.
Holy Spirit, Make Your Home in Me with Fr. George Montague
Fr. George Montague joins Ralph to share a lifetime of experience as a teacher, missionary, author, and Scripture scholar and the difference the Holy Spirit makes.The Rev. George Montague, S.M., S.T.D., is professor emeritus of New Testament at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. In 1995 he began a new religious community in the Marianist family, the Brothers of the Beloved Disciple. He i
The First Pope and Pentecost: Its Meaning for Us Today
Ralph shares St. Peter's clear and challenging interpretation of the events of Pentecost and how all throughout the Acts of the Apostles we see the apostles' expectation that every new group of converts should experience the Holy Spirit as they did on the day of Pentecost. Ralph also speaks to how we too should be seeking and expecting the apostolic experience of Pentecost even today.
My Life in the Light with Sr. Ann Shields
We are excited to share a hidden historical gem with you this week. In this previously unreleased conversation with Ralph and Sr. Ann Shields, Sr. Ann shares how to make a meaningful examination of conscience and how it can lead us to deeper freedom and holiness.
A Suggestion for Confirmation
Great graces are available in the sacrament of Confirmation but oftentimes are not accessed. My wife offers a modest suggestion about how to contribute to increasing its fruitfulness. Pass it on!Ralph's article: The Post-Christendom Sacramental Crisis: The Wisdom of Thomas Aquinas.
Forming Intentional Disciples with Sherry Weddell
Co-founder of the St. Catherine of Siena Institute, Sherry Weddell talks with Ralph about the founding of the Institute, the process of discerning charism, and her book, Forming Intentional Disciples.
Thoughts on the Conclave
Ralph comments on some surprising remarks of Pope Benedict XVI about how it isn’t the Holy Spirit that chooses popes but the Cardinals.
I Am the Resurrection with Peter Herbeck
Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to talk about God’s plan of salvation through Jesus’ victory over death.
Here I Am, Send Me!
When the prophet Isaiah hears the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” he quickly responds, “Here am I. Send me!”This week, Ralph talks about how each of us should emulate Isaiah's joyous offering to be sent on mission by the Lord.
Do You Want to Go to Heaven? with Patti Mansfield
Patti Mansfield joins Ralph to talk about true conversion and accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior.
What Did St. Jacinta Say?
Ralph looks at the memoir of Sr. Lucia, the oldest of the three children of Fatima, who was asked by her bishop to remember all she could of St. Jacinta. St. Jacinta is truly amazing and inspiring!Get a copy of Fatima in Lucia's Own Words in the Renewal Ministries Store.
Consoling the Heart of Jesus with Fr. Michael Gaitley
Fr. Michael Gaitley joins Ralph to talk about his call to the priesthood and his book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus.
Between Two Worlds with Mike Timmis
Mike Timmis joins Ralph to share about his faith journey: from being a successful businessman to meeting Jesus personally and leaving his career to work in prison ministry.For a copy of Mike's book, Between Two Worlds, visit https://a.co/d/fpAjrdV.
St. Joseph: Way More Than a Foster Father
The Catholic Church commonly refers to St. Joseph as the foster father of Jesus. As we celebrate his feast day this week, Ralph makes the case that this designation is way too weak given the reality and depth of his fatherhood.
Above All, Accept Your Suffering!?
The angel who appeared to the children at Fatima in 1916 told them, "Make of everything you can a sacrifice, and offer it to God as an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and in supplication for the conversion of sinners. ..Above all, accept and bear with submission, the suffering which the Lord will send you." When Mary appeared to the children in 1917, she told them the same
The Original Wound with Peter Herbeck
As we enter into the season of Lent Peter Herbeck joins Ralph to discuss Church teaching on Original Sin and how we can salve its wound.
Heresy in High Places
How can someone be appointed Archbishop of Washington, DC, after expressing views contrary to the Catholic faith? This is the question being raised by many within the American Catholic Church after Cardinal Robert McElroy’s recent appointment as Archbishop of Washington, DC. Appointments like this are causing many Catholics to wonder what is going on that bishops who hold objectively heretical or
Sacred Scripture with Dr. Peter Williamson
Dr. Peter Williamson joins Ralph to share about his conversion to Catholicism and the role of sacred scripture in his daily life.
The Case for Quiet
Ralph considers the important role that silence plays in our relationship with the Lord. He recommends a book called Holy Silence to help increase this virtue in our lives. This video complements another recent video, The Case for Loud, in which Ralph considered how Sacred Scripture exhorts us to full-hearted praise and worship and making a joyful noise to the Lord—and how we also should be open t
What is the Spirit Saying? With Fr. John Riccardo
Popular speaker Fr. John Riccardo returns to the show to share what has been on his heart about the state of the Church. For Fr. John's book, Heaven Starts Now: Becoming a Saint Day by Day, visit https://a.co/d/fF9FuIk.
Rest!?
Ralph reflects on how it is possible to find true rest for our souls, even amid our many responsibilities and heavy burdens.
A Surprising Catholic with Barbara Heil
The founder of From His Heart Ministries relates how she came into the Catholic Church after being a Pentecostal evangelist for years – without losing her ministry.
Continuous Glory, Continuous Conflict
This week, Ralph discusses how the continuous conflict we should expect to face in this life will store up a weight of glory for us, both now and in heaven.
Where is That in the Bible? with Tim Staples
Catholic Answers apologist Tim Staples talks with Ralph about his conversion to Catholicism.
How Amazing is This!?
Ralph talks about the striking words of Jesus in Matthew 12 when he declares that those who do his will are his family.
The Word Became Flesh with Peter Herbeck
Peter Herbeck joins Ralph for a special Christmas episode to encourage us to behold the incredible mystery of the Incarnation, inviting us to respond to the loving gift of God in Jesus.
Emotions of Jesus and Our Emotions
From time to time we note in the Gospels that Jesus is expressing a strong emotion about a situation he is encountering. This week, Ralph looks at the range of emotions that Jesus shows and offers some guidance he (and John of the Cross) give us about how to rightly order our emotions.
Love is Stronger than Death with Roger & Lorrie Anderberg
The Anderbergs share about the tragic of death their son in 2004 and how the Lord has brought them through these difficult times.
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