Ask a Priest

5,442 Responses

ryan, on December 10, 2021 at 4:33 am said:

hi father

today i threw away a small cross from a necklace by accident is that a sin?

FATHER JOE: No, it is an accident.
Lorenz, on December 10, 2021 at 3:52 am said:

Greetings Father,

I ask this question because it is for my school Philosophy class project.
“What are your religious view on death?”
I really hope you can answer this question Father, thanks!

FATHER JOE: Death entered the world because of of original sin. Jesus suffered, died and rose again to redeem us and to give us a share in his life. When we die the soul leaves the body. The soul becomes a ghost and the body becomes a corpse. There is a particular judgment and at the consummation a general judgment. Many souls go to purgatory but at the end of the world there will only be heaven and hell. The saints will be restored body and soul and live with God forever.
Lou Rin, on December 9, 2021 at 9:07 pm said:

Father Joe,

Hopefully these aren’t dumb questions, but I am Catholic and have always wondered two things:
1) Why do we call priests “father” when Mathew 23:9 says never call anyone father? and
2) Why is it okay to pray to the Saints and Mary when the bible says there is only one God. (when i pray to them i just feel a little confused/unsure b/c of the conflicting messages).

I tried looking up the answers in other places but I could tell that everything I read was written by someone who wasn’t Catholic. I hope you have time to answer. Thanks Father, and have a very merry Christmas.

FATHER JOE:

The “call no man your father” text also says “call no man your teacher” and is an example of Hebraic hyperbole, a manner of making an emphatic statement. Remember, the Jews had no exclamation point in their language. It is on the same level as pluck out your eye or cut off your hand. Our Lord would not mean for people to damage themselves. Note that Paul states that he has been a “father” to those to whom he ministers. There are also the many Scriptural references to fathers in families. The point of the statement is that there is no true fatherhood that conflicts or fails to reflect the goodness of our heavenly Father. There is no genuine teacher who does not teach the truths of God.

All prayer is directed to almighty God. Intercessory prayer reflects the reality of the Church and the communion of the saints. Our Lord called us as a family of faith to corporate worship and relationship with him. The Protestant movement tended to move away from this to more individualistic or private relationships. However, Catholicism, as with Judaism, insists that our personal relationships with God are within the context of a believing community. Jesus establishes the Church as the great sacrament of salvation, the new People of God. We can ask others (on earth or in heaven) to pray for and with us. We are connected.
Eric Winningam, on December 8, 2021 at 4:42 am said:

I have never been religious but lately I have been thinking about Catholicism. I have two questions though. 1. What are the steps I need to take to become e Catholic? 2. Why do the Catholics still blame Jewish people for the death of Jesus when the entire basis of Catholicism is the resurrection of Jesus?

Contact a priest for instructions to become a Catholic.

FATHER JOE: No one should blame the Jews for the death of Christ. We are all responsible. The Council of Trent asserts that Jesus suffered and died due to the sins of all humanity throughout all time. The whole paschal mystery of Jesus is important: suffering death, resurrection and ascension. We are redeemed by the passion and death. The Lord promises us a share in his resurrected life.
Patricia, on December 4, 2021 at 10:33 pm said:

Is it ok to go to Mass during the week instead of Sunday?

FATHER JOE: Weekday Mass does not satisfy for the Sunday obligation.
Ken, on December 4, 2021 at 10:15 pm said:

I understand if my previous question was to risky to answer
Solomon, on December 3, 2021 at 10:48 pm said:

Dear father how are you today my name is Solomon and i need to talk to u about something.

FATHER JOE: Okay.
Lukey, on December 3, 2021 at 5:46 am said:

Peace be with you

I’m making a small cartoon for my family’s church about an Angel who is instructed to make the Birth of Christ as silent and as peaceful as possible (a Silent Night, if you will.)

I’ve several questions about this, actually.

1.) The Angel (named Adiel) is portrayed as goofy yet not unintelligent; for instance, he imagines having a battle while wondering what role his Boss (either God or an Archangel, depending on the interpretation of the viewer) will give him, making sound effects with his mouth as he’s in his own world for a tiny bit. He also tries to sing and huffs in a lot of air in preparation, but then admits that he cannot sing. Later, he also cartoonishly beats up two soldiers who are try to hunt baby Jesus to kill him, turning red with rage as steam comes out of his ears.

Though I want this to be as funny as possible, I also want to give angels like Adiel their deserved respect. Is making Adiel a little goofy or “Human” okay, as long as I don’t go overboard?

2.) What would be considered “Overboard?”

3.) The two soldiers from earlier are basically two dimwits; they call out searching for Jesus as the “King of the Juice” (implying that they misheard that they were supposed to look for the King of the Jews) and say mean things about Jesus, saying that he wouldn’t be a King if he was living in a barn or how a Nazarite would never amount to anything or how he doesn’t look like he has any juice.

I also wish to show my full respect and love towards Christ in this cartoon, and though I know the villains will say bad things about him, I still want to avoid any disrespect. Anything I should consider or anything I should omit?

4.) I made the Boss’s skin tone to look of African descent. I want to show how there’s a chance that Jesus wasn’t white and that we should all love each other despite our skin colors, but I don’t want the Boss to serve as a political device. God and His Archangels are far greater than that. Any thoughts?

*Note that Baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Joseph, the Boss, or any Biblical character in this will not be acting goofy; at most, they will react to Adiel’s goofiness with confusion and hesitation for a slight comedic effect.*

Thanks!

FATHER JOE: What is the reason for the cartoon? I really can offer no opinion about such an effort. Sorry.
Scott, on December 2, 2021 at 1:13 pm said:

What do I do when family, friends and logic tells me to go down one pathway, but my heart and soul feels like God is telling me to go the opposite path? Could everyone be so wrong?

I have always been a part-time Catholic, but lately I have been trusting God more and more to take over my life.

Could God be testing me to see if I truly have faith in Him?

FATHER JOE: I have no idea what you feel God is calling you to do. I would suggest talking with your local priest. Peace!
Ken, on November 30, 2021 at 3:56 pm said:

Father Joe,
Ive been married 42 years and have never been unfaithful to my wife with another person. I have been unfaithful to her through pornography and sex addiction my whole life though. I no longer view pornography and my sex addiction is gone as well. My question is. My wife no longer desires sex and finds it difficult physically.
Although greatly diminished I still have sexual desires occasionally and they seem to get more intense unless I masterbate to release the tension. Is that a mortal sin even though I’m doing it out of love and respect for my wife. If so, I don’t understand why a loving God would condemn a person over something like this. He did create us with these desires. She is to old for children and couldn’t anyways because of a hysterectomy so it’s not like I’m denying the chance at having a child.
I’m very confused

FATHER JOE: I cannot judge the subjective culpability of your act but the matter is serious. Spouses should make the effort to engage in the marital act, especially if the beloved longs for this union. If it becomes impossible then couples are called to share intimacy of presence and a chaste common life as husband and wife. When you fail to be chaste, as in any other kind of sin, make an act of contrition and bring it up when you go to confession. Peace!
Arvin, on November 30, 2021 at 2:47 pm said:

This is real happen to me a decade ago when me and my sister fetched water we saw the exact face of jesus in the sky.i dont know what message he given to us.even though i saw him i am not a true believer and i have a lot of question and doubt like why if he is real or god is real why people suffer?is god good only for the rich people?why we poor struggle our whole life?dont answer me if poor people die they will go to heaven bcoz for me its not true.rich people always receive blessing and dont suffer.why he let people die in vain bcoz of this covid if he is real?why rich people stay rich and we stay poor even we struggle hard?why your god is unfair from each one of us?church became rich pastor as well.i seen him..but why i always has a doubt?

FATHER JOE: Suffering, sickness and death enter the world through original sin. It was not what God originally intended. But, in Jesus Christ he gave us one who is in solidarity with us in the dark things of life and he brings redemption and hope to a broken humanity. Rich people can suffer as well as the poor. If they forget the needs of the poor then they will face a severe judgment. Despite struggle, I grew up in a poor family and we kept the faith and had many moments of happiness. Yes, there are some rich pastors and as a Catholic priest I am probably the poorest minister in this part of town. Many of the mega-churches push a prosperity gospel where they claim that God rewards his elect with earthly riches and rewards. However, that message is a lie and it ends up as a curse against the poor. While you may not like to hear it, the Catholic Church preaches the message that faith can bring joy to the soul regardless of material possessions. Indeed, we place our treasure in Christ. No matter whether one is rich or poor, we will all die. Everything in this world is passing. We try to bring justice and charity and mercy to the society around us, all the time knowing that we are wayfarers traveling to the promised shore. Peace!
Jesus, on November 30, 2021 at 4:52 am said:

Hello Father

Today I was having some thoughts that led me to have a question about our lord and savior. I know Blasphemy is speaking sacrilegiously about sacred things, but would it be offensive to say that Jesus is conventionally hot, or in other words, that he has a big dumpy (butt)? I know that some people get offended by hearing they have a big dumpy, so I was wondering if Jesus would find this as blasphemous? Or if that’s not okay, then can I call him hot, as he is very attractively portrayed in religious media.

Thank you.

FATHER JOE: Such is disrespectful to the only name that saves.
Barbara King, on November 24, 2021 at 9:41 pm said:

Father ,RUOK ? We use this expression in Australia to ask people if they are alright .I haven’t seen any of your writing lately so just wondered
Daphne, on November 24, 2021 at 4:28 pm said:

Hello Father, I have been troubled for awhile now. I have a lot of anger towards my family. I am the youngest, often left out. My sister is the oldest by 4 years, she has 3 kids but one daughter died 3 years ago from an aortic aneurysm. She has let herself go and in turn has changed our relationship. She goes to church often and says her prayers daily, which I am happy for, but she still finds no comfort. I am angry that we no longer can get along. She does all sorts of chores for her other kids but doesn’t seem to care we exist. Am I to be punished for being angry? Let me say that I depended on her always. I am married 4 children lost my job because of downsizing and stayed home since (25 YRS)I have no other friends except my mom who isn’t well. I haven’t been to confession for a while but it is hard to say sorry and not change as much as I want to let it go it sets at me e everyday. Is it ok to not associate with her anymore because she stirs up bad feelings?

FATHER JOE: Your sister is probably busy with her ow children and life. You should not blame your unhappiness on others. Trust that your sister and and others love you but you are also an adult. Support each other in a mutual way. Make friends. God to Mass. And rediscover the joy of living.
Dennis, on November 22, 2021 at 5:49 pm said:

If I applied for a job that required me to drive acompany vehicle and a clean driving record and someone else applied for same job but had dwi and therefore denied the job. I may have in past drove above legal limit once (I’m sorry for this and do not currently do this) but never got caught does this make this wrong for me to take job since the other qualified individual was denied?

FATHER JOE: Just be thankful that you have a job!
Reed Trisler, on November 20, 2021 at 10:28 pm said:

I am a Christian. What are the odds of the rapture happening in my lifetime? I am 34 years old.

FATHER JOE: Not sure but be ready because some time during your life time you are going to die.
Diane, on November 20, 2021 at 12:40 am said:

Sister and I experienced about eight hours of intense, aggressive fight between my son, recently released from prison, and someone we couldn’t see.
He spoke in language I have not heard.
He died within two weeks.
Almost a year. I am obsessed with knowing what happened.

FATHER JOE: I cannot imagine how I can help. I was not there.
Teresa, on November 16, 2021 at 6:47 pm said:

I have gone to a certain priest for confession many times. Lately he has said things to me like do you have any real sins to confess. If I feel convinced I go to confession. I keep it short and sweet as not to take up a lot of time others may need. Mother Mary wants us to go to confession often and I am not so holy as to think I don’t need confession. Please help. I just don’t know what to think anymore.

FATHER JOE: This is between you and your confessor. The sacrament is directed to the remission of sin and the acquisition of grace.
Andrew, on November 16, 2021 at 1:59 am said:

I’m an Atheist who hates being an Atheist. I want to be able to believe in God but for me it is the same as asking me to believe in Santa Claus- They only way I can do it is to fake it and if there is a God, that doesn’t seem a prudent course of action. So how does one believe in the unbelievable?

FATHER JOE: Faith is a gift. However, we can help it along . . . even if there is a crack that it might all be true. I would recommend a book by Peter Kreeft entitled Letters to an Atheist: Wrestling with Faith.

https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Atheist-Wrestling-Faith-Sheed/dp/1442232714/ref=sr_1_1?
Jeff, on November 14, 2021 at 7:58 pm said:

Please help with some clarity. The Aglo-Catholic rite of the Episcopal church believes in the real presence in the eucharist. Simply, is Christ present in their Eucharist?

FATHER JOE: Probably not if the ordination was done by an Episcopalian bishop. Apostolic succession was lost under Cranmer. The uncertainty comes with renegade Catholic priests and the involvement of Orthodox bishops.
Brett Berra, on November 14, 2021 at 5:03 am said:

I have a cross on my necklace that my grandmother gave me when I was a child. I have worn the cross my entire life because she had it blessed by the pope in Vatican City. The stainless steel has faded and I was thinking of sending the cross to a jeweler to be plated with gold or silver, so that the shine will return. Is this wrong of me? Would this remove the blessing? I am hesitant to wear browned out steel on my necklace.

FATHER JOE: Have it fixed. If you want, it can be blessed again.
blossoms426, on November 12, 2021 at 10:02 pm said:

Hello. I am a practicing Catholic and have a question. My niece, who is unbaptized but goes to a Catholic high school has been allowed (she says) by the priest to receive the Eucharist there so whenever she visits my parish she goes up to receive the Eucharist, too. My mother, who disagrees with a lot of the Church’s teachings defends her when I explain that she should not be doing this. If she believes in the Real Presence, shouldn’t she be receiving instruction so that she can then receive the sacraments of baptism and confirmation and she could receive the Eucharist licitly? My niece does know the rule about non-Catholics not receiving but does it anyway. It seem disrespectful to me. What do you advise?

FATHER JOE: Do not believe everything kids say. It is likely the priest does not know that she is unbaptized. She should not receive as she is ill-disposed to receive any graces. If she is experiencing a true conversion then she should enter formation and receive baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist in the proper way.
Ernie, on November 12, 2021 at 5:13 pm said:

I view myself as a catholic & I have completed my First Holy communion although I haven’t done my confirmation. I haven’t been present within the church for a couple of years now but I always kept believing, perhaps I thought I knew enough in terms of catholic law. Turns out I didn’t. I met a wonderful young lady who is not catholic & we got married (Similar ages, never been married before) unfortunately outside of the catholic church. Recently we have welcomed our precious little girl who is now 4 months old. Fr Please tell me how do we fix this in terms of The Lord. My wife has a great interest in becoming a catholic herself. We have decided to start our catechism course in January & get confirmed so we can be active catholics. Fr Please advise me on our options because I’m lost.

FATHER JOE: Sounds like you are moving in the right direction. Contact the local parish. You can prepare for confirmation and she can prepare for full reception into the Catholic Church. I would not delay getting the child baptized by the priest either. Since there are no prior bonds, he can also easily help the two of you to con-validate your marriage. I will pray for you.
Lara, on November 11, 2021 at 11:37 pm said:

Hi Father,
I don’t know what to do I have developed an attraction to this Priest at my parish and started to have lustful thoughts about him I don’t know how get rid of this feeling I think I’m crazy because I think I’m in love with him..Not sure If I should go to a different parish I feel evil for having this attraction and thoughts..could you please give me advice on what to do?

FATHER JOE: If the thoughts are very strong and there is another parish nearby that might be a good solution. If you remain, I would suggest keeping your distance from him. You cannot help the movement of the heart and physical attraction can also be more instinctual than consensual. Such is the problem with our wounded humanity. Say your prayers. Ask for strength. Be prudent. Peace!
Maria cortes, on November 9, 2021 at 9:39 pm said:

Are you supposed to follow the new or Old Testament and why are there two testament’s

FATHER JOE: Christians inherited the Hebrew Scriptures and later combined their own inspired writings for the New Testament. The complete canon of the Bible was formed by Catholic bishops in Hippo back in the fourth century.