Ask a Franciscan
Is Suicide a Sin?
I once read in a Catholic newspaper that suicide may not be a sin if a person is depressed or mentally ill or does not appreciate that what he or she is doing is wrong. What does the Catholic Church teach about this?
Did Jesus Condemn Slavery?
I cannot find any passage in the Gospels where Jesus condemns slavery. Have I missed something?
Read More →
‘Son of Man’ or ‘Son of God’?
Why does Jesus refer to himself much more often as the “Son of Man” than as the “Son of God”? You are right about his preferred self-description. Using the Concordance of the New American Bible, I count in the Gospel ...
Read More →
Is There a ‘Hierarchy of Love’?
In January, Vice President JD Vance was in the news regarding his interpretation of St. Augustine of Hippo’s expression ordo amoris (order of love or hierarchy of love).
Read More →
Why Was Christ Executed?
Knowing that God is all-powerful, why did he allow Christ to be executed?
Read More →
How Is the Date of Easter Determined?
This year, Easter is very late but can be even later. It can, however, come as early as March 21. Who approved this wide variance?
Read More →