NEW MESSAGES & HOMILIES

22 Responses

Sabrina, on August 18, 2022 at 5:12 pm said:

Hi Father,

How can I speak with the holy spirit and ask him a question? How do I know he is the one speaking with me? Will he show me an actual word or image in my head or will he speak outside my head? How will I know its not the enemy telling lies? Also can I ask a question about someone else that might be affecting me?

Thanks
Sabrina

FATHER JOE: Again, what you are describing does not sound like prayer.
Sabrina, on August 18, 2022 at 4:37 pm said:

Hi Father,

A few months ago I saw a memory of a guy that I went to school with , we were friends when I was in high school but I have not seen him in over 20 years. I saw a memory of him in my head (he was older when I last saw him and we were no longer talking). I saw him in my thoughts many times after that. What does this mean? Could it mean that he died or is unwell, or having some issues. I am currently going through some spiritual attacks and I am receiving prayer from a priest. I sometimes have attacks from the enemy. I heard a voice say that he died and another day saying that he was trying to help me. Why could I be hearing or thinking about someone so far in the past who I no longer close with?

Also, I have a lot of attacks in my head, from the enemy. Could you also please pray for me to get better and for the attacks to stop.

Thanks
Sabrina

FATHER JOE: I will pray for you.
Robert Vincenzo, on July 15, 2022 at 3:57 am said:

Fr. Joe , I have prostate cancer which has left me unable to get erections meaning I cannot ejaculate . However I do experiance a dry orgasim . Is that considered masterbation ?

FATHER JOE: As long as a couple engages in the marital act without the use of contraception then the lack of natural fertility is not an issue.
Jamall goode, on April 26, 2022 at 4:22 pm said:

I attended a funeral service for my partner’s grandfather; but a lot in my life has made me to feel cursed. Towards the end of the service (at the synod), we were asked to come up for a blessing. I was the last person. They had a little white edible object placed upon their mouths. I then had my turn and shared hand gestures but did not receive the thing to eat. This had me questioning. Did the priest feel bad “energy” or demons in my presence? His family members also noticed that I was the only Caribbean member to accept the blessing but not get the full end of the blessing. Is there something about which I should be aware? Am I heavily burdened by sin? I am a believer but not 100%. As they are many religions, I believe there is a god. However, I believe there is more than one creator. For instance the disciples of god, in my eyes they are gods as they carried the messages and powers of the lord almighty. I practice many religions to see one that I feel upmost connected. Please give me a little something for I am lost.

FATHER JOE:

I do not know you so I cannot say if you are cursed or not. Further, while you say you are a believer, in truth, you may believe in the occult but you have neither a genuine natural faith (in the one true God) nor a supernatural faith (that acknowledges the revelation of the Trinity). Your partner was apparently a Catholic. The handshake is a sign of unity or peace in Jesus Christ. The white wafer was Holy Communion. We believe that the priest at Mass has the power to consecrate bread (unleavened circular host) into the body of Christ and the wine into the precious blood of Christ. The accidents or appearances remain the same but the underlying substance is changed into the risen Christ, whole and complete. Not being a Catholic, you would not be expected to take the sacrament.

The priest likely noticed that you were not Catholic. It is unlikely he discerned demons. Given my perspective as a Catholic priest, you suffer from many religious errors. There is only one God and he has revealed himself as the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. God in Jesus Christ entered the human family and payed the price of sin by his passion and death. It is currently Easter when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He extends some of his authority and power to his apostles— today the bishops and priests of the Catholic Church. However, while our Lord has divinized us by grace into his likeness we are still mortal. The early followers of Jesus were offended when the pagan Greeks assumed they were deities. The belief in multiple gods is judged by us as very offensive and false. Indeed, the early Church often judged the false deities of the Romans and Greeks as demons in disguise. Christians would have nothing to do with the pantheon of false gods or idols in Asia.

A true believer in Christianity must place saving faith in Jesus Christ and in his Church. It is here we find the forgiveness of sins. Christians are also baptized in water with the proper formula: “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
David, on December 21, 2021 at 12:32 am said:

What is possibility in covid 19 times ?
That we( I am 62 and my girlfriend 48) could adopt children after marriage in a covid 19 world ? My girlfriend going into Christmas seems to be stressed about this situation.
David

FATHER JOE: I am not sure what you are trying to say.
peeptuisku, on March 24, 2021 at 4:52 pm said:

I recently went to confession and thanks to the mask the priest didn’t hear me at first and I later I didn’t exactly repeat my sin (which was probably a grave one). Is absolution still valid?

FATHER JOE: The presumption is that the priest heard it. His intention was to absolve whatever you brought to the sacrament for mercy. Such is the case even when a confessor must hear sins in a language he does not well understand.
Sab T, on December 4, 2018 at 7:03 pm said:

Hello Father Joe,

Can you explain Matthew 19:9 for me please? If a man divorces his wife and remarries, its adultery, except for the case of fornication. I dont understand what it means. Does it mean that a person can divorce and remarry if their spouse does fornication? Please explain this for me father. Thanks

FATHER JOE:

The problem you see is due to translation. The current New American Bible rendition is as follows: “I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.” He says much the same in Matthew 5:31-32: “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.’ But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

This so-called exception clause was also argued by a number of other Jewish leaders. The stand against divorce is affirmed in Mark 10:11–12 and Luke 16:18. The word “porneia” that was sometimes errantly translated as adultery and is here rendered as unlawful marriages refers to incestuous marriages forbidden by Leviticus 18:6-18. Marriages of this sort were sometimes tolerated, especially of Gentile converts to Judaism. Jesus is essentially saying that these are not true marriages. When it comes to genuine marriages, the prohibition against divorce is absolute. We find a similar prohibition against porneia in Acts 15:20,29.
Dorothy Sears, on September 25, 2017 at 4:45 pm said:

Father at our good book club meeting we are studying the Adult catechism. At our last meeting the subject of animals going to heaven came up and most of us believe that they do, not in the same way as we do, but in the fact that they are Gods creation and so why would He just discard them when they die? The leader of our group, who is very educated and is a spiritual director, e-mailed us what the catechism said about animals not going to heaven because they don’t have immortal souls. Why is it wrong to believe that heaven will be a state of existence like the Garden of Paradise, before sin was committed, where God created all things and pronounced them “good”
The fact that animals don’t have free will to me means that God created them to be as is, would make me think He loves them as He created them, why wouldn’t that be forever as time as no relevance to God.

FATHER JOE: The Scriptures speak of a new heaven and a new earth. Some take this to mean a new form of paradise. I do not know. If God wants animals to share our lot, he could certainly do so. It is true that animals do not have immortal souls. I suspect that what counts for a soul in animals is what philosophers call a substantial form. At the least they would continue to exist as paradigms in the divine mind. Given all the hamburgers I have eaten, I shudder to imagine having past meals moo at me in the kingdom. However, it would be nice to hear a little barking from a few lost dear friends. I suspect that we will be so enveloped in the beatific vision that the divine mystery will utterly satisfy us. All praise and glory will be rendered to God, forever and ever.
Ralph Romero Sr., on December 15, 2016 at 6:41 pm said:

Father Joe…..I was trying to get some info here online on the divine Mercy Chaplet…..And got on a site and called them………Most holy family Monastary……….I was hurt and shocked of what they stated…..What can you tell me about this Site….And why is there so much decit out there……..Man i got hurt…….

FATHER JOE: It is a Sede Vacantist site… really just a fake monastery of one man, not even a priest. It postures as Catholic but is really about calumny and disobedience. The site even attacks other traditionalists. Stay clear of it.
Deborsh, on December 4, 2016 at 9:15 pm said:

Fr. When my son moved home with a big dog it would attack my smaller Beagle! I would panic and scream at it to stop and would smack it to disciplin it! This went on for a good while because the large dog was very bossy! I never HURT the dog but did smack it with my hand…. I was so upset to see it go after the other so harshly! We are doing much better now the dog and I. I don’t normally get that angry but was really afraid and would panic! Was this a mortal sin on my part!

FATHER JOE: I do not think so. Animals must be disciplined.
Timothy, on November 10, 2016 at 10:05 pm said:

I really need help right now man, Maybe just advice?

FATHER JOE: About?
Maria, on July 19, 2016 at 7:20 pm said:

Please can you pray for my son he has been through hell please pray for him thanks.

FATHER JOE: Maria, while I do not know his name, I will pray for your son.
Dennis, on June 6, 2016 at 2:04 pm said:

When does eating become gluttony ? Is a little over eating ok ? Is eating dessert alright since it is not necessaruly for survual.

FATHER JOE:

G. K. Chesterton spoke about food and drink as not just essentials for survival but as natural gifts from God to cause joy. Desserts are okay.

Many of us struggle with either over-eating or eating the wrong things. There is no gauge attached to the stomach to insure no over-filling. But we should be prudent. The problem with overeating and food is that food is an essential good and is only wrong in excess. If one has a problem with alcohol, one can totally abstain. Sexual vices can similarly be brushed aside. You do not need cigarettes and drugs either. But if you stop eating altogether… you will die.

Gluttony is excessive indulgence in food and drink. In general a venial sin, it can become mortal if it becomes idolatrous, as for those “whose god is their belly” (Philippians 3:19).
Angelyn, on September 1, 2015 at 1:47 am said:

Hello Father Joe,

I’m new to the Catholic religion. I grew up with it but I’ve never dedicated myself until now. I was wondering how I could be more involved in my religion or how I could be accepted into it. My fiancé is also Catholic, would marrying him help me in this situation or not?

FATHER JOE: Did you receive all the sacraments including Confirmation? Are you being married in the Church? These are essential matters. It is important to know and to live out your faith. If it has been awhile since your last Confession then see your local priest. Check in the parish bulletin and on their website for learning and ministerial opportunities. God bless!
Daniel Fairman, on May 29, 2015 at 3:28 pm said:

COMMENT DELETED BY FATHER JOE

You posted the entire message from someone else’s blog:

http://judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/59696/deut-225-women-wearing-pants-torah

Please do not do this. Thank You.
gopika s, on March 19, 2015 at 7:29 am said:

Father I am in relationship with a married person and praying god and saying novenas to give him to me.me.will ma prayers will be heard.

FATHER JOE: God hears all prayers but he will not help you in what is wrong. When it comes to adultery, God says NO!
Ronzie, on June 5, 2014 at 1:43 pm said:

What is the essential of a marriage if it were to last lifelong?

FATHER JOE: Couples end with that with which they began, a deep and loving friendship. Fidelity is the key here. Nothing and no one should get between them. Their hopes and dreams should be found in each other.
Ronzie, on June 4, 2014 at 7:05 am said:

Dear father,
I know this is a stupid question but i have no one who would give me the best advice. Is public display of affection true love? How should I react if my partner had to indulge in the same with me?

FATHER JOE: Public displays were once discouraged. Holding hands or a quick kiss on the cheek was tolerated. But that was about it. Public displays of affection are not signs of true love. You are looking for sacrifice and fidelity.
E, on March 3, 2014 at 5:58 pm said:

Father Joe

Life is truly disgusting for many people.
Even though they pray to God, the angels and saints, these
people still have miserable lives.
Isn’t it possible that this God of the Universe doesn’t give a D*%m
about most of humanity.
I believe there is a God.
But judging by how repulsive life is for most people, he doesn’t
care what happens to them.
He doesn’t care what happens to most people.
Rich and beautiful people are loved by him.
That is quite obvious.
But the rest.
Scrap of ashes.

FATHER JOE: There is more than this world. God the Father loves the Son and look what happens to him. Our Lord suffered his passion and crucifixion so that we might have forgiveness, healing and hope. Here is the measure of divine love.
Ellen, on March 2, 2014 at 4:37 am said:

I have a question about masturbation within marriage. My husband and I are in our 60’s and he’s disabled. There’s absolutely no sex but in this case, wouldn’t it be okay if I masturbated once in awhile?

FATHER JOE: The Church would say no: that genital sexual activity must always be that type of act which is open to the transmission of human life, even if the couple is no longer of child-bearing years. But also know that God is very understanding of human weakness and sin in those who try to do his will and know genuine sorrow for sin.
Ernest Turriziani, on July 9, 2013 at 1:13 pm said:

Hello Father Joe

I am considering purchasing a series of science fiction books from Easton Press. They are beautiful books made of leather with 22k gold trimming. Some of the books like The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury and
The Shrinking Man by Richard Marheson use the lord’s name in vain. Should I have these books in my library or should I remove all books that use the lord’s name in vain.

Examples: The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bardbury
The Shrinking man by Richard Matheson
etc.

Please let me know,
Ernest T.

FATHER JOE: Even the Vatican Library contains such works. The Martian Chronicles has a section that a retreat director used for my class in seminary. I would not avoid such important literary works and their cultural impact.
Anna, on July 1, 2013 at 12:06 pm said:

My son and his partner had a child outside marriage. Eventually they split up due to his partner’s drug abuse; however, my son fought for his daughter and finally got custody of her. My husband, our son and I brought her up. She went to a Catholic school, but was not baptized. When it came time for her to make her first Holy Communion, my son and I took her to see the priest after Mass. We wanted to explain the situation and make arrangements for her baptism. I was horrified by the priest’s unchristian attitude. He totally humiliated my son and told him that before he has his next one he should think of getting married first. He refused to baptize her. I should explain that we had moved to a parish two miles away; but my son wanted her baptized in the parish to which we belonged before the move. Instead of commending him for fighting to obtain custody of his daughter, he berated him. When I think of this I could cry, because he made us feel like we were dirt beneath his shoes. We went to the parish where we were living at the time, and the priest there could not have been nicer. She was baptized and everything went perfectly. In this day and age we should be trying to bring people to the fold, not sending them away. This priest was a Canon, and should know better.