How could the “good thief” live a sinful life and still go straight to Heaven?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim answers a powerful question about St. Dismas, the thief crucified next to Jesus, and what his story reveals about repentance, mercy, and salvation.
Was there no “purgatory” for him? Was it really that simple?
The answer points to something deeper. Salvation isn’t about how long you’ve been good. It’s about the depth of your love and surrender to Jesus. In his final moments, the good thief makes a complete, humble, and public turn toward Christ, and Jesus responds with mercy. This episode is a powerful reminder that Jesus isn’t limited like we are, and His mercy is bigger than we can imagine. It’s never too late to turn to Him. But it’s not about fear, it’s about love.
Ask a Priest is free to watch, but it’s not free to produce! Generous donors make it possible for us to continue creating this content. If you enjoy Ask a Priest, please consider making a monthly tax-deductible gift. Spirit Juice Entertainment Group (SJEG) is the non-profit arm of Spirit Juice Studios. It is a 501(c)3 organization that relies on your support to continue creating original, authentically Catholic content that reaches thousands of people each week through our website and social media channels.
Start a new monthly donation and receive an array of Spirit Juice swag in gratitude for your generosity. For more information, please visit our Ask a Priest Support page.
To qualify, you must donate a minimum of $10 per month. All gifts in between will be rounded down to the nearest package amount. Please allow 6-8 weeks for your package to be shipped. Questions? Contact us at [email protected]. Your donation is tax-deductible within the United States, and we will provide a tax receipt for your records.
-
Easter Sunday (Holy Week Retreat)
On this Easter reflection, Father Tim shares why the Resurrection isn’t just meaningful, it’s everything. From the Greek phrase “Christos Anesti” (“Christ is risen”) to a personal story about discovering the meaning behind his own name, this episode points to one powerful truth: the Resurrection proves that Jesus is real and that He keeps His promises.
Standing at the empty tomb in the Holy Land, the reality becomes clear. Everything we believe, everything we hope for, rests on this moment. If Jesus rose from the dead, then death is defeated, and new life is possible for all of us.
The Resurrection isn’t symbolic. It’s the foundation of everything. This Easter, don’t just celebrate it, live like it’s true.
-
Can Priests Be Rich?
Can priests own fancy cars or expensive things? Do some priests make money? It’s a question people ask often, and the answer reveals something deeper about what it means to follow Jesus. From vows of poverty to promises of prayer and obedience, discover how the priesthood isn’t about possessions… It’s about purpose. In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Edward Looney explains the difference between diocesan priests and religious order priests and why both are called to live lives of simplicity and service, not wealth.
-
Can Catholics Eat Meat Byproducts During Lent?
Does abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent include things like chicken broth or beef stock?
But the deeper question isn’t just “Is it allowed?”, it’s “Is it helping you grow closer to Jesus?” Lent is about more than following rules; it’s about forming the heart through sacrifice, simplicity, and intention.
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim answers a practical and surprisingly common question about Lenten fasting. Looking at the Church’s teaching, he explains that abstinence refers specifically to the flesh meat of animals, not necessarily byproducts like broth.
