Ask a Franciscan

People connecting and talking with each other.

God’s Will, Human Freedom

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 27, 2026

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.

I read somewhere a theory that after death we live our lives over again to see the sins we committed, the people we hurt, and that impact on others. At my advanced age, I am constantly recalling various times in ...

‘Where There Is Darkness, Light’

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 25, 2026

What is your take on situations where Catholics drop their faith and die without receiving the sacraments? Can you say anything to ease my mind?

Climate change | Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Is It a Sin Not to Be ‘Green’?

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 24, 2026

Is someone committing a sin by denying the moral implications of ecological choices?

John, Matthew, and Jesus’ Mission

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 23, 2026

We were discussing the Gospel (Matthew 9:36—10:8) read on the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time last year. Matthew writes about Jesus' missionary discourse.