Ask a Franciscan
What Is the Kingdom of God?
Please explain in simple language the concept of the kingdom of God.
What Jesus means by the expression the kingdom of God is accepting God’s values as trustworthy and enough, not needing any “improvements,” as we often describe them.
Coping With a Mother’s Death
Does God have a specific minute for us to die—known to God before each of us is born?
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Fearing God the Father
I find the infant Jesus and the adult Jesus very approachable. When I think of God the Father, however, I am very afraid.
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Avoiding Public Prayer
My 49-year-old daughter left the Catholic Church several years ago. She loves praying by herself to God the Father but avoids public prayer. How can she not recognize Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament?
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Why Is God’s Name So Important?
I don’t understand why the name of God was so important to the Israelites. I thought God’s name was simply “God.”
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Forgiveness from One’s Spouse
If a person commits adultery and then goes to confession, does that person have to ask forgiveness from his or her spouse?
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Excommunicated for an Abortion?
Our diocese distributed a pamphlet on examining your conscience. It states that having an abortion or encouraging a woman to do so would mean automatic excommunication from the Catholic Church. If I do that, is this so?
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