Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins with Father Josh Johnson

After her son unintentionally pointed out her tendencies toward sloth, Kathryn Pasker Ineck resolved to study the root cause of that sin. 

Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins

by Father Josh Johnson
Publisher: Ascension Press

My 15-year-old keeps telling me to “quit doom scrolling.”  

I keep arguing with him that I am not doom scrolling, just flipping from one doodle drawing tutorial to another — clearly not doom videos. But maybe not the best use of my time, either, especially when my son is pointing out that I am not actively engaged in other and more useful tasks — perhaps that I am avoiding my responsibilities … like writing an article.

Sloth, perhaps? Yikes. 

An Invitation to Discovery 

As I was … not doom scrolling … yesterday, I came across an Ascension Press video of Father Josh Johnson. I took notice because he is the author of Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins, a book I recently received in the mail. When I realized that the video was an invitation to join his Lenten video series covering — you guessing it — overcoming the seven deadly sins, I realized that the Holy Spirit was speaking directly to me. 

An Invitation to Go Deeper 

Picking up the book that has been patiently waiting for me to read it, I chuckled through the prologue: Father Josh describes an experience in Confession when his confessor challenged him to go deeper into the why behind his sin and see whether the Holy Spirit had anything to say about it. He wonders: “Why am I listening to and believing the words of Satan more than I am listening to and believing in the words of God that are available to me in the Sacred Scriptures?” 

I was hooked. 

Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins is definitely pocket-sized and has a lovely purple leather cover giving Lenten vibes from the get-go. It is meant to offer a week-long study for each of the seven deadly sins and includes commentary from the saints, a lectio divina-style discovery of scripture, and meditation prompts. Understanding that the deadly, or capital, sins are so called because they are foundational, it is helpful for us to recognize that all other sin grows from these seven. This study is a quick read from one day to the next, and each day offers an invitation to Resolve, Renounce the Lies, and Remember God’s Love. 

This is different than a lot of devotionals I have read in the past: Father Josh uses his personal experience in discovering the root of his own sin tendencies to help guide the reader to a deeper understanding of him or herself. Although the daily readings are short, they are decidedly not shallow and provide a lot of “food for thought” without being too philosophical. This is a guide meant to be an instructional roadmap toward growth, not a historical treatise on sin. 

An Invitation to Begin 

I have been struggling with focus lately and my prayer reflects that: Rosaries and Divine Mercy chaplets have been my go-tos while my beloved Night Prayer has been neglected. I am excited to begin praying through the seven deadly sins and join Father Josh Johnson in the Ascension App this Lent. Join me and let’s see what we learn! 

Ask for Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Ascension Press.

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Kathryn Pasker Ineck
Images: Canva