The Rift between Jews and Samaritans
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 16, 2020
I have been perplexed by the rift between Jews and Samaritans and their hatred mentioned in the New Testament.
Posts from:
Pat McCloskey, OFM
Pat McCloskey, OFM, is the Franciscan advisor for St. Anthony Messenger and the writer of its "Ask a Franciscan" column.
Eucharist: Jesus Always With Us
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 15, 2020
When Vatican II described the Eucharist as the “source and summit of the Church’s life” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, #10), Catholics began to participate more actively at Mass, now celebrated in their mother tongue.
Is Scrupulosity a Sin?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 14, 2020
Q. I’m having a difference of opinion with a friend who says that scrupulosity is a sin. I say it is not. What does the Catholic Church teach on this?
Why Did John the Baptist Baptize?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 14, 2020
Q. During Advent we hear Gospel readings about John the Baptist and his ministry. This month we celebrate Jesus’ Baptism by John. This, however, was not a Jewish practice, was it? Why was John baptizing in the first place?
Casual Sex on TV Programs
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 13, 2020
Q: Many TV shows include sexual remarks or people sleeping with people to whom they are not married. I don’t watch much television, but I do enjoy several hospital-based programs that have good plots but frequently include these situations, which are becoming more and more common.
Is it a serious sin for me to watch such programs? Do I need to confess such viewing?
Receiving Holy Communion in a Protestant Church
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 13, 2020
I recently attended the wedding of a friend’s son who was married in a Protestant ceremony. This wedding included a communion service. In order to show respect for my friend and his son, I received communion but afterwards questioned if I should have. How does the Catholic Church view this situation?
Has Anyone Seen God Face-to-Face?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 13, 2020
From the description in Genesis 3:8-24, it does not sound as though Adam and Eve saw God face-to-face. When Moses encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-22), he heard God speak but did not see God.