Ask a Franciscan
God’s Will, Human Freedom
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 27, 2025
I believe that from all eternity God has planned our world and knew exactly what would occur. When I was created, God knew what I would do, when, where and how.
What Is the Kingdom of God?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 26, 2025
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.
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Coping With a Mother’s Death
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 25, 2025
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
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 23, 2025
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
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 22, 2025
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?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 21, 2025
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
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 20, 2025
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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