Ask a Franciscan

Why Was Jesus Baptized?

Pat McCloskey, OFM January 12, 2026

Q. Matthew 3:13-17 describes the baptism of Jesus, including John the Baptist’s objection that Jesus should be baptizing him. Why did Jesus want to be baptized, anyway?

A. This question was raised by Christians already in the first century, which is probably the reason that it is recorded here—unlike the baptism accounts in Mark 1:9-11 and Luke 3:21-22. John the Baptist had disciples and a very well-known ministry before Jesus had disciples or a public ministry.

Celebrate or Mourn a Person’s Life?

Pat McCloskey, OFM January 9, 2026

I recently saw a death notice that read, “A Funeral Mass celebrating Ray’s life will begin....” That sounds to me like a non-Catholic notice. Aren’t we supposed to mourn when a family member, friend or acquaintance dies?

Why Is Jerusalem Called a Woman?

Pat McCloskey, OFM January 8, 2026

In Isaiah 40:2, God tells the prophet: “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated. Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her ...

Why Is Abraham So Important?

Pat McCloskey, OFM January 7, 2026

In a prayer to the Archangel Michael, we ask him at the hour of our death to carry us to the bosom of Abraham. Is Abraham more important than all the saints?

In Vitro Fertilization: Where Does the Catholic Church Stand?

Pat McCloskey, OFM January 6, 2026

Is the Catholic Church against in vitro fertilization? If so, why? Isn’t this a compassionate response for couples who want to have children, but either or both spouses have medical conditions that make this unlikely?