Questions: How should I respond to someone who says that baptism is just a ritual, or merely symbolic? Answer: There are many Protestants who say this. According to them, salvation comes when you profess faith in Jesus Christ and hand your life over to Him. Baptism is simply a symbolic gesture that shows the faith community that you have repented and committed yourself to Christ. … Continue reading
Questions: What are the seven deadly sins? Are there seven virtues to counteract them? Answer: As the Catechism tells us, “Vices can be classified according to the virtues they oppose, or also be linked to the capital sins which Christian experience has distinguished, following St. John Cassian and St. Gregory the Great. They are called ‘capital’ because they engender other sins, other vices.” (no. 1866) … Continue reading
Question: Are the Jews still God’s chosen people? Answer: Yes, “for the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29) and He said of the Jewish people: “Now therefore, if you will obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my own possession among all peoples; for all the earth is mine, and you shall be to me a kingdom of … Continue reading
Question: What is Eucharistic Adoration? Why is it important? Answer: Eucharistic adoration is when we spend time worshipping, adoring, and/or praying to our Lord as He is present in the Eucharist. During the Mass, we have the opportunity to worship our Lord, veiled as it were, under the species of bread and wine. You may have noticed that, after the priest consecrates the bread, transforming … Continue reading
Question: If Mary was sinless, doesn’t that make her like another god? I thought only God was sinless. Answer: On the surface it would appear that way. But, we have to keep in mind that Mary and God are sinless for different reasons. The three Persons of the Trinity are sinless — and Jesus, being one of Them, is sinless — by their very nature, … Continue reading
Question: Why is the Blessed Virgin Mary sometimes seen standing on a snake? Answer: Mary is often depicted in this way because her entire life has been one of victory over the devil. In the very beginning of the Bible, in Gen 3:15, God says to the serpent: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he … Continue reading
Question: What did Jesus mean when he said that a couple could not get a divorce, “except in the case of unchastity” (Mt 5:32; 19:9)? Answer: This is a difficult passage at first, considering that the Church has always taught that a marriage entered into lawfully is indissoluble, or cannot be broken. But, we should not let difficult passages in Scripture sow doubt within us … Continue reading