Question: I am a cradle Catholic who has become disenchanted with the Church. What books would you recommend I read that will convince me to come back? Answer: It is very admirable of you to give Catholicism a second chance. Some people give little thought to abandoning the Church of their youth, yet I see from your words that you consider this to be a … Continue reading
Question: At the wedding feast of Cana, it seems like Jesus rebuked Mary when she told him that there was no more wine. Is that really what happened? Answer: Well, first of all, here is the passage in question: Jn 2:1-5 On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 Jesus also was invited … Continue reading
Question: What is the history of the rosary? Answer: [The following is from “A Brief History of the Rosary,” This Rock magazine, Dec. 2002. Used with permission] The Catholic Encyclopedia (vol. 13, p. 184–189) recounts that in the early centuries of the Church monks would recite the Psalms as part of their rule of life. Since learning the Psalms was necessarily restricted to those who … Continue reading
Question: What specific graces do we receive from the sacrament of Confession? Why should I go to confession when I can just pray to God and tell Him I’m sorry? Answer: The grace that comes from the sacrament of Confession is abundant and overflowing. From the sacrament we receive actual grace, which strengthens us in our daily task of doing good and avoiding evil, and … Continue reading
Question: What is the Catholic teaching on cussing? Answer: I scoured the Catechism and was unable to find anything specifically about “cussing,” or using foul language. But, there are a few articles that are related, and these might be helpful. As Christians, we must conform our words to the mind of Christ and follow His example (no. 1694). God’s presence and His truth must be … Continue reading
Question: Does the Catholic Church today view Catholic authority as infallible? If it does, how can you justify evil acts by Popes? What about the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition? Answer: Well, first of all, infallibility doesn’t mean “never sinning.” It means “protection from error when speaking authoritatively.” Jesus did not promise that the leaders of the Church would never sin. Instead, He promised that … Continue reading
Question: Do you have any words of wisdom regarding “spiritual dryness”? Answer: I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and the word that keeps coming to mind is “perseverance.” Paul tells us, “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Heb 12:7). Spiritual dryness is meant to … Continue reading