St. Anthony: Help Us Find Healing!
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 28, 2019
Many of us have wanted to believe that the Catholic Church had finally turned a corner in dealing with the crime of clerical sexual abuse.
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.
Quick Questions and Answers
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 23, 2019
In simple terms, how can I explain the Trinity to a non-Christian?
St. Patrick is said to have used a shamrock to illustrate unity and diversity. Believing in many rival gods and goddesses is very easy. Believing in a single God whose three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) never act out of rivalry or resentment shows us what our being made in the divine image means.
What is the “unforgivable sin ” against the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:31)? Can it, in fact, be forgiven?
I ‘ve Killed a Lot of People
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 23, 2019
In the US Navy, I served in Desert Shield/Storm/Provide Comfort and other missions. The commandment says, “Thou shall not murder. ” Well, Father, I’ve killed a lot of people.
I’m just trying to make things right with the Lord. I’ve talked to others, but none of their answers seem to work. I live with this every day and need to figure it out.
“War is hell, ” said Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman. Today’s technology makes it even worse by physically separating people even more.
Kingdom of God Term
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 23, 2019
What does kingdom represent in the Gospels that speak of the “kingdom of God ” and the “kingdom of heaven “? What about the expression “The kingdom is at hand ” (Mt 3:2 and elsewhere)?
Matthew uses “kingdom of heaven ” where other Gospels speak of the “kingdom of God. ” They mean the same thing: an acceptance as normal what God considers normal.
Where Do Prayers Go?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 29, 2019
If you are praying for someone who may have gone to hell, where do those prayers go? Should you keep praying for them even though you don’t really know where anyone goes? Only God knows for sure.
Why Pray for Grandma Jones?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 29, 2019
In your August 2018 column, you wrote that God does not have a vast, eternal plan that Grandma Jones had successful heart surgery last month. OK, why do I pray for her or anyone else?
You prayed before her surgery because this expresses Jesus’ compassion and causes you to relate to Grandma Jones in a way that God certainly approves.
Mortal or Venial Sin?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 26, 2019
Is it a sin to go to a store, go out to dinner, or attend any type of entertainment event on a Sunday? If so, is it a mortal or venial sin?
It is not a sin but neither should Sunday be treated as an ordinary day to catch up on things not done during the previous six days. The Lord rested on the sabbath, and so should we.