Ask a Franciscan
Confession Helps in Many Ways
Confession has been a really sore spot for me but, having been raised a Catholic, I do love the Church and all the other sacraments. I am sure there are priests I could go to for confession, but I feel so uncomfortable and always feel that God already knows my sins and what I am sorry for.
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 ...
Read More →
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?
Read More →
Pilate’s Role in Jesus’ Death
How are Christians to accept two completely different versions of Christ’s trial before Pilate?
Read More →
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?
Read More →
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?
Read More →
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?
Read More →