Ask a Franciscan

How Could Jesus ‘Be Sin’?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that God made “him [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (602). What does this mean? How can the Son of God be sin?

People following the bridge and groom in black and white

Catholics and Prenuptial Agreements

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

Please clarify what the church teaches about prenuptial agreements and why.

Lenten Reflections with Friar Jim

Jim Van Vurst, OFM March 6, 2019

Friar Jim answers Lenten questions

‘I Am Consumed with Guilt and Sorrow’

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 4, 2018

Q. I am feeling very guilty. I was driving my car and accidentally hit a man with my side mirror. I never saw him, and I don’t know if he stepped in front of me or not. The only reason ...

a group of people walking on a dirt path | Photo by roya ann miller on Unsplash

How Can I Know God’s Will?

Pat McCloskey, OFM July 24, 2018

I have a very simple but important question: How can I know God's will in my life?

Two-Edged Sword?

Pat McCloskey, OFM June 25, 2018

What does Scripture mean when it uses the expression two-edged sword? How many times does it use this term?

Purgatory Seems Unnecessary

Pat McCloskey, OFM July 24, 2017

As Catholics, we believe that faith and works are needed to get to heaven. If Jesus died for our sins, why is purgatory needed? Didn't he already repair what was needed? Catholics don't regard faith and works as though they ...