Ask a Franciscan
What Did Jesus Mean by ‘Poor in Spirit’?
In Matthew 5:3, Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In Luke 6:20b, he says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” Is he talking about two different groups of people? If not, what does “poor in spirit” mean? How can being “poor in spirit” make you blessed?
Was St. Joseph a Virgin?
Eucharistic Prayer I refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as “ever virgin” but does not use the same expression for St. Joseph. Why?
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Pilate’s Role in Jesus’ Death
How are Christians to accept two completely different versions of Christ’s trial before Pilate?
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Are Catholics Allowed to Own Guns?
In light of the chaos in the United States and around the world, are Catholics allowed to own guns or support the National Rifle Association?
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Seeking the Purpose of My Life
What has been the purpose of my life? Why was I ever born? What is the purpose of life for an average person such as myself?
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Are We Unconsciously Always Sinning?
The US bishops say racism can be either conscious or unconscious. My older teenage son argues that we can never be forgiven because of our unconscious mind’s nature. How can I answer him?
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Facing Up to Systemic Racism
What do I tell the students in my CCD class when they ask me what the Catholic Church says about systemic racism?
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