Question: What is Advent? Answer: The Modern Catholic Dictionary, by Fr. John A. Hardon, tells us that Advent is, “A period of prayer in preparation for Christmas, including four Sundays, the first nearest the feast of St. Andrew, November 30. It is the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year (Etym. Latin adventus, a coming, approach, arrival.).” Advent is a time of preparation for and anticipation … Continue reading
Question: In the Gospel reading Mk 9:2-10, we read that Peter wanted to make “booths” for Elijah, Moses, and Jesus when these three gloriously appeared at the top of the mountain. What are “booths” and why did Peter want to build them? Answer: First, the booths: these are small huts made of tree branches, the same shelters the Israelites used during the 40-year journey through … Continue reading
QuestionL What does it mean to be made “in the image and likeness of God”? Answer: We hear this all the time, right? “You are made in the image and likeness of God.” Intuitively we realize that we are supposed to derive some sense of dignity or selfworth from this fact, but do any of us really know why? What does it actually mean to … Continue reading
Question: What is “Christology”? What is “high Christology” and “low Christology”? Answer: You must have been speaking with a theology student! Most people don’t speak of these things in every day conversation. But, it is good for all of us to know at least a little something about them. After all, they have to do with our Savior … and He is very important to … Continue reading
Question: Did Jesus break the Law of Moses by not stoning the woman caught in adultery? Answer: Great question! The incident you are referring to is found in Jn 8:3-11. The Pharisees catch an adulterous woman and bring her to Jesus to see what He will do. You may want to open your bible to this passage so that you can have it on hand … Continue reading
Question: Protestants talk a lot about the “rapture” and the “tribulation.” What are these things and what is the Catholic belief about them? Answer: Let’s take the “tribulation” first. The tribulation is a time of intense suffering and persecution that will take place around the time of the Second Coming of Christ. Most Protestants from fundamentalist denominations believe that Jesus will spare his elect (or … Continue reading
Question: If it is not a requirement to be a Catholic to enter heaven then what can we say to fallen-away Catholics to bring them back to the faith if they are good, practicing Christians? What can we say to keep Catholics in the faith and not go astray? Answer: The fact that it’s not a requirement to be Catholic to enter heaven only applies … Continue reading