SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

ASK A PRIEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

FATHER KEVIN BATES, SM
FATHER LAZARUS CHAWDI
PRIEST STAFF
CATHOLICVIEW STAFF


FATHER KEVIN BATES, SM

"Why was Mary Magdalene the first to see
the Resurrected Jesus?" - Patricia

Dear Father Kevin:

Could you please offer some insight into the following question:  Why was Mary Magdalene the first to see the Resurrected Jesus?  After googling this, the information given is that Pope John Paul II in a 1997 Encyclical said it was reasonable to assume that Jesus had already appeared to his mother, and listed the reasons.  This doesn’t seem enough of an answer.  Saint Luc in his gospels focuses a lot of attention on Mary.  Why would he not also do so for this key event?  Is is not also “reasonable to assume” that Jesus deliberately appeared first to Mary Magdalene for a reason?  Is there another explanation besides “...reasonable to assume”?  It will be interesting to learn more on this intriguing situation.  Thank you in advance for answering our question – it’s truly appreciated.  Sincerely, Patricia (Mrs. John) Sinclair

_____________________________________________________________ 

Hi there Patricia and thanks for your question:

I just love the idea that Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus risen.  Anything else, no matter who says it is really just speculation!   I could just as easily speculate that the encounter between Jesus and Mary was a bit more enthusiastic than is recorded in the gospel.  I can imagine her running to him and giving him a big hug!   I think it is reasonable to assume that the gospel writer probably had it right!!  All good wishes.  -  Father Kevin


"Can a couple that's married be godparents
even though the husband isn't Catholic?' -  Sonia

Father Kevin:

I have a question on baptism and choosing the godparents?  Can a couple that's married be godparents even though the husband isn't Catholic but the wife is?.  The parents of the child would really like this couple to be the godparents. - Sonia 

_____________________________________________________________

Hi Sonia and thanks for your question. 

The Church requires that at least one of the godparents be Catholic.  I usually say to people in this situation, it’s pretty important that the other person has a good idea of Who Jesus is as well!  The role of the godparent is to accompany and mentor the child as a member of our family of faith.  It makes sense then that at least one of the godparents be a member of that family too. It’s important that the person who is not Catholic understands the role of godparent and is supportive of the Church and the Church’s mission and agrees to help the child grow into an understanding and commitment to fait and mission.  Every blessing to you. - Father Kevin





PRIEST STAFF

"I take medication that can cause birth and health issues. 
My pastor does not view birth control or having my tubes
tied a sin because of health issues.  Advice?" - Amanda

Father Francisco:

I am confused.  I take medication that can cause birth defects for a serious medical condition that I have.  I have to take the medication for the rest of my life.  When I am off the medicine I usually end up in the hospital.  I have been in the hospital 3 times, for several days each time.  Because of this, my Catholic Pastor told me it would be ok for me to use birth control or get tubes tied.  He said he does not view it as a sin for me.   Is what he said true?   I am currently using NFP, but I am at risk here because if I get pregnant the baby would likely be deformed, and  have a lot of problems.  Should I trust my pastor?  He said it was also Ok because I already have 5 children, and I have given 5 children to the world.   Please reply and advise.  Thank you, Amanda 

________________________________________________________

Amanda:

I trust your pastor.  I have no problem with what your pastor has advised you to do in regards to your own personal health and the future of your family, your five children and your husband!   Let me tell you very clearly:  you have been called by God, you have been given a Divine responsibility to be a mother for your 5 children and to be a loving spouse to your husband.  God gave you these children and your husband to love, care, cherish all the days of your life.  That means that you must do all you can to protect your family because your children, by God's plan, deserve a living and healthy mother! 

You have the Divine obligation to be there for your children and husband, and by God's plan, hopefully you will be there for your grandchildren as well.  You have been open to life, yes you have.  The Church's directive to not use artificial birth control is really aimed at those who use sexual intimacy irresponsibly outside of a sacramental marriage, to those who marry and then selfishly are not open to procreation and life.  Plus, using Natural Family Planning with medical supervision involves the husband and wife in all aspects of planning responsibly one's family size.  Artificial birth control usually leaves the responsibility to the woman, and how fair is that? 

The man should share responsibility for sexual intimacy and family planning.  But your case is so different as to elicit a pastoral response.  You are PRIMARILY responsible and tasked by God to be a healthy mother for your family now.  Do not endanger your health and your motherhood.  Your pastor's advice is such a pastoral response for your situation only. 

Be at peace.  - Father Francisco  



"I suffer depression and OCD.  Is God punishing me
 for something?" - Megan

Father Francisco:

I suffer from depression and OCD. I am receiving treatment from my doctor but I am worried that my problems may have a spiritual cause. What if the devil is causing my illness? Is God punishing me for something? Please put my mind at rest (if you can). Best Wishes. - Megan

 ________________________________________________________

Megan:

Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are usually a medical problem not usually derive from a "spiritual cause," though depression and OCD do cause spiritual havoc and confusion.  God loves you dearly.  He does not hate you.  He does not punish you.  You are not being punished.  And your battle against depression and OCD is a medical one, not a devil (satanic) induced illness.  God is not punishing you for something, but you do have a cross to bear.  Your cross is heavy, painful, and confusing.  But you have overcome so much already, and you have made some progress in gaining control of your depression and OCD.  Give thanks to God for the little victories that you are having over this mental and emotional challenge.   In the bible, in the gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 16, Verses 24, Jesus said to all of us:  "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."  That means that you must not get into the habit of feeling sorry for yourself, or think that you are the only one with this life challenge.  You are not alone.  All of us have a "cross" to carry, and all of us have to struggle with some kind of life challenge.  The various life challenges given to us are a way to grow and mature in wisdom and in spiritual maturity.  You are growing into a wise and mature person and you will be able to help those who have similar life challenges as you do because you understand and are able to overcome.  So, instead of thinking that you are being punished by God (you are not), think of yourself as being blessed by God.  Here is a special prayer that you can say every day:


Lord, loving Father, through your Son Jesus Christ, you have challenged us to take up our cross and go forward without looking back.  Please send me your Holy Spirit to help me keep going forward without feeling sorry for myself and resenting the cross given to me in this life.  Help me to focus on your love for me.  Help me overcome these life challenges with a joyful victory.  Inspire me to help others who suffer as I do.  And when I have overcome these challenges through your help, help me to bring others to their victories through faith in Jesus Christ and the hope that comes from the Holy Spirit.  Father, I trust you in Jesus Name.  Amen. 

God be with you always..  -  Father Francisco 

"
I lost my mom and aunt recently.  I offer everything
up in prayer for their souls.  Will this help them to
get to heaven?" - Beverly

 Dear Father Francisco: 

I lost my mom and aunt recently both of whom I cared for.  I was their sole caregiver for approximately 6 years.  I miss them so much, we did everything together, we were best friends as well as family.  When I receive Communion, I offer that sacrifice and the sacrifice of my mass to God the Father for their souls and the all the souls in Purgatory.  I offer all my prayers for the souls in Purgatory.  Will these sacrifices help them get to heaven?  My mom and aunt were very, very religious ladies always saying their rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet.  I am taking over where they left off, I pray all the time and talk to Jesus all day.  But I offer everything up for their souls.  Please tell me if this will help them get to heaven, I love them so.  Thank you & God Bless,  Beverly

 _______________________________________________________

Beverly:

Your mother and aunt are already in the Lord's presence.  Their lives, their prayers, their love for Jesus, and their sacrifices for their families all speak of their faith in Jesus that saves.  Your mother and aunt are alive forever in the love of God.  Your prayers for them and all the souls in purgatory are being heard and God responds in their lifetime.  Your prayers are timeless because God is timeless.  This is a great mystery and it is going to be hard to understand but the prayers you say now, God will give the grace to your mother and aunt in their lifetime in the past.  For God sees everything at the same time, but we only see what we see right now, stuck in time.  Your prayers for them are being answered in the past, and the power of your prayer and the grace of your prayer goes back to them in their greatest need.  You have helped your mother and aunt through your prayers when they needed it back then!  Amazing, isn't it?  And hard to understand because it is a mystery!  So, please know that your mother and aunt are in heaven already.  Jesus said in the Gospel of John, Chapter 14, Verses 1 through 3:  "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God, have faith in me also.  In my Father's house, there are many dwelling places.  If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? I will come back again to take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be." 

Please, do not let your heart be troubled!  Your mother and aunt are in heaven!  Thanks to your timeless prayers! - Father Francisco

 


"What is the rationale behind canonizing angels? 
Please help me to reconcile this?"  - Bradford

Father Cervantes:

On Tuesday we celebrated the feast of three Saints, all archangels. What is the rationale behind canonizing angels?? If the answer is: because some Pope thought it would be a good idea, I'll wonder no further.  But I was always under the impression that the one thing ALL Saints shared in common was that they were formerly sinners.  And that they had lived on God's earth as a human being.  Please help me to reconcile this, and to understand this blurring of distinction.  Thank you and God bless--Bradford

______________________________________________________________

Bradford:

Yes, you are correct when you said, 'one thing all saints shared in common was that they were formerly sinners', and they were saved because of their faith in Jesus that showed so clearly in their lives!  They became models of Christian living for all of us.  The saints are our Christian heroes. 

The three biblically named Archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael, are honored on their feast day on September 29th.  These great Archangels are not "saints" in the proper sense of the word.  They are Archangels!  But people of the past attached the title "saint" to them as a way to honor them and ask for their intercessory prayers and intervention before our Lord Jesus Christ our one mediator before the Father.  The pope did not canonize them.  Nor did the Church. 

Both the Eastern and Western Church honor these three Archangels and attached the title of "saint" as an honorific.  But they are Archangels, not saints as such.  But as the Church says, everyone in heaven is a saint!  The pope didn't think it was a good idea to have a special feast day for these three Archangels, nor did the pope or the Patriarch of Constantinople canonize them or give them the honorific of "saint."  It was the regular faithful people that did this to honor these great Archangels that intervened in human history by God's Will.  - Father Cervantes  

"
My daughter died before her Baptist baptism.  My
Catholic priest gave her a Catholic funeral and burial
and said she is in heaven.  Is this true?" - Marilyn

 

Father Cervantes:

My family is Catholic.  My 1st and 2nd daughters were baptized right after birth.  My marriage was annulled.  I married again and had another daughter that I tried to get baptized but her daddy refused. I even sneaked to another church to have her baptized and was caught.  The marriage ended but he still refused. When she got older she switched from Catholic to Baptist to make her decisions.  She was saved but was killed before baptism.  Our priest was with us all the way.  Not sure what he did but he gave her a Catholic funeral in the church and burial.  I asked him if she was in heaven and he said yes.   We had a mass for her.  Is this true ? I agonize over this and pray and talk to God all the time but I don't know.  Can you help me please? Our priest is wonderful and compassionate.  My daughter prayed all the time and did such good works and loved everything and everyone and really loved Jesus more than anything.  I can't begin to tell you how she was but she was the best. Tell me something.  I pray to Jesus.  l know she is with You. It's my fault. I should have been stronger and did it anyway and feel that is my biggest sin.  Help me please I'm begging for an answer.  Thank you and God bless you. - Marilyn

__________________________________________________

Marilyn:

Your daughter, as you have said, was saved by her faith in Jesus Christ as she professed it in the Baptist congregation.  She is with the Lord that she professed by word and action.  She professed her faith in Jesus with her lips and with her life.  She is at home with the Lord.  The Church has always said that when baptism by water cannot be done, there are other forms of baptism, one called baptism by blood (being martyred for the faith before actual water baptism), and baptism by desire (accepting Jesus as Lord in faith before baptism by water is accomplished).  Your daughter was baptized not by water, but by her desire!  She died before baptism by water could be accomplished.  She is at home with the Lord.  Be confident in God's love for your daughter.  She is with the Love that continues to surround her in heaven.  God saw her heart, her profession of faith, and her love for God and others.  You have your own personal saint before the presence of God!   - Father Cervantes     

"
I was married and divorced outside the Catholic Church.
I want to return to the Church.  Can I receive communion?"
 - Bradley

Father Francisco:

I was married and divorced outside the Catholic Church. I am now wanting to return to the Catholic Church. Can I receive communion? - Bradley

______________________________________________________________

Bradley:

Yes, you can after going to confession and explaining your situation.  Welcome home! - Father Francisco 


"What is the difference between God of the
Old Testament and Jesus of the New?"  - Bonnie
 

Father:  

Here is the question I am struggling with.   What is the difference between God of the Old Testament and Jesus of the New?  God enabled His people to wipe out their enemies to the the point of extinction.  Which included the women, children, and livestock.  Jesus on the other hand, is about loving your neighbor and turning the other cheek.  The contrast is baffling.  I see God as angry.  My priest see’s Him as loving.  How can He not be angry when we live our lives in contrast to His laws.  I would appreciate a response that will help me to understand.  I do believe in God and the Trinity.  Many things I realize I will never understand and that’s okay.  But this one I feel I should be able to understand.  Thank you, Bonnie

 __________________________________________________________

Bonnie:

Here is something that is a mystery:  There is no difference between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament.  God is God forever.  Unchanging.  Creator.  Loving.  Merciful. And through Jesus' one sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, God reconciled Himself with all humankind, opening all who believe direct access to God through Jesus Christ.  In the Old Testament, God is described by the prophet Isaiah as a loving mother (Isaiah 66:13): " As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort." 

This reminds me of Jesus when He looked over Jerusalem and said in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 13, Verse 34:  "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, .... how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you are unwilling."  Which then reminds me of Psalm 91 in the Old Testament: With his pinions He will cover you and under His wings you shall take refuge. 

God hasn't changed at all.  But humankind's perspective has changed.  The authors of the Old Testament were writing about their experience with God in regards to their time and their call to build Israel.  In the New Testament, humankind's perspective changed because of Jesus.  Instead of building a physical place called Israel, Jesus through His apostles wanted to build the Kingdom of God based on faith and love.  And that is where we are now.  Our relationship with an unchanging God is what is changing.  As human beings grow in spiritual maturity, one's perspective changes from a fearful God to a loving God that gives us full access to Him.  The goal of the Church's evangelical mission is to bring as many to the knowledge and salvation of Jesus Christ so that humankind can be prepared to be the bride of Christ as described in Revelation 21:  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.  The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more.  I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem (the Church) coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband.   Or in another way, as Saint Paul writes in I Corinthians 15:28, "When everything is subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subjected to the One who subjected everything to Him, so that God may be all in all."  

At the end of time, all that will be left is love.  Humankind is growing in spiritual maturity through faith in Jesus to recognize this as a reality now and in the future.  God hasn't changed.  On the contrary, we are the ones that are being changed into the love of God!   - Father Cervantes



"
I am a great soccer player.  Does this natural
ability come from God as a gift or talent or
genes and genetics?"  - Adriano

 

Father Francisco:

My name is Adriano and I am very religious.   I love everything about our religion and it plays a big part in my life.  I have a question and hopefully through your knowledge you can answer this question.  Okay so I train everyday and want to go professional.  My family and I believe I had natural abilities to play soccer so my question is this:  Does this natural ability come from God as a gift or talent of different magnitudes or is it genes and genetics?  I hope you can answer this question just for clarification but as of now I believe it is God and therefore I always thank Him when I go on the soccer field, but I would like to know.   Thank you, looking forward to a reply.  -  Adriano

_________________________________________________

Adriano:

God created you as you are.  Everything you are is what God made in you.  Whether by genetic predisposition, or by God giving you inborn talent, your ability to be an athlete on the pitch of soccer is a gift from God, and by God's Plan, He will work through you for His greater glory!  So when you are playing the game you love, give thanks to God constantly and live for Jesus in all that you do.  And bring others with you to the Lord!  Through your athletic abilities, you will inspire many, and you will bring others to Jesus.  You are blest!  I hope to see you soon on television as you play, giving thanks to God, trusting in Him, and playing to the best of your God-given abilities!  You are loved by God and others around you.  Never forget that no matter what happens!   -Father Francisco


"I am disabled and elderly, and cannot always get out to
weekday Mass so I watch every weekday, on
Catholictv.com.  Is there any Church
doctrine on this subject?"  - Tudie


Dear Father:

I'm perplexed about a question I'm asking about.  You see....I am disabled and elderly, and many times cannot get out to WEEKDAY Mass, so I watch it in full participation, every weekday, on Catholictv.com.  I then go to Holy Mass physically every Saturday evening.  My question is this: Do I gain any blessings or mini indulgences for watching and actively participating in Weekday Mass?  I would love to attend Mass every day PHYSICALLY, but am unable to do this, since it is almost 30 miles away, and I am Disabled, with so much pain of a morning (they don't have any evening weekday Mass, or I would attend it), that I'm physically unable to move around enough to get myself ready for and attend Holy Mass on weekday mornings, because it is at 6:30 am.  Is there any Church doctrine on this subject?  I love my God so very much, and serve Jesus every Saturday as a Extraordinary Minister of The Holy Eucharist.  I want to earn as many blessings from Him as I can for my poor, wretched soul that He Saved, in His dying on the cross for me.  I certainly appreciate your response Father, and pray many blessings for your most Holy Priesthood.   Sincerely, Tudie

_______________________________________________________________ 

Tudie:

I wish I had more people like you in my parish!  Yes, you receive the blessings and graces you would receive from Mass when you watch it on television because of your disabilities through the CATHOLICTV.COM web site or on EWTN on your cable television lineup.  Yes, you are blest by participating in the Eucharist through media sources because you are unable to attend Mass in person.  Thank you for your faith, and thank you for your love of the Eucharist!   - Father Cervantes

 
”I have endured and emotional abuse during my marriage. 
If I divorce my husband, would his being unbaptized
when first married qualify as invalid?" - SP

Father Francisco:

My question is, of course, complicated, and involves marriage. My husband and I were not Catholic (either of us) at the time that we married in the Protestant church I was raised in. I, however, was baptized, and he was not (but was baptized in the same church 3 years later). Fast forward 15 years and 3 children later, and I converted to Catholicism; a year later he followed. It’s now been 2 years since my conversion, and I have finally be able to admit to myself and our priest that I have endured (and continue to endure) years of physical and emotional abuse. I’m doing all that I can to keep hope that we will heal, but it’s waning. My question is, if it were come to the point of divorce and subsequent annulment, would his being unbaptized at the time we were married qualify the marriage as invalid? - SP

_______________________________________________ 

SP:

I am so sorry to hear of your pain that you have had to endure in your abusive marriage.  I pray that God will heal you through your faith and trust in Him who loves you no matter what.  As to your question about the sacramental validity of your marriage, your marriage is recognized by the Church as a valid sacramental marriage even though it was contracted when you were outside of the communion of the Catholic Church.  So, I doubt that you can prove that your marriage was invalid because of one party not being baptized when you married in a "Protestant church."  But you will be able to obtain an annulment of your marriage because of the physical and emotional abuse that existed in your marriage from the beginning.  Your husband has major emotional, spiritual and even mental issues that would invalidate a marriage in the Church.  Once again, I am saddened that you are suffering so.  To start the annulment process, you must first acquire a civil divorce.  When that divorce is final, then you can go forward and enter the annulment process.  I will pray for you and your marriage now.  I pray for healing and wisdom on your part.  Keep in contact with your parish priest and others who can pray with you and support you in your faith.   - Father Francisco

 


"My Catholic daughter  wants a designation wedding and
take wedding classes blessed by the Church but no
Church wedding.  What does the Church say?" Ronda

Father Cervantes:

My daughter will be getting in engaged soon.  She is Catholic.  Her boyfriend is not Catholic.  They are wanting a designation wedding, but plan on taking the wedding classes and having their wedding blessed by the Church.  My husband is upset because they will not be having a Church wedding.  I think it is ok as along as they have their wedding blessed.  How does the Church feel about this? - Ronda

______________________________________________________ 

Ronda:

The Church wishes all its members, such as your daughter, to solemnize their marriages in the Church.  The sacrament of marriage represents the love of Christ (the husband) for His Church (the wife), please see Ephesians 5:31-32 and Revelation 21:1-2.  The sacrament of marriage is also the foundation for society at large and the Church at large.  Marriage is the hope of all humankind.  But the Church also recognizes that Catholic members sometimes fall in love and are called to marriage to someone who is not Catholic.  And sometimes, that other non-Catholic spouse may not want to marry in the Church for various reasons.  So, your parish priest has obviously accepted that your daughter's fiance does not want to marry in the Church, but they both want to contract a sacramental marriage.  Your parish priest and the couple has asked for a dispensation from a Church wedding called LACK OF FORM.  The bishop of the diocese usually grants such a dispensation unless there is a major reason not to grant a Lack of Form dispensation.  This will enable your daughter to have a recognized sacramental marriage no matter where they get married.  I am sure that since they are taking their marriage preparation classes and having their marriage solemnized in the Church, all is well!  Congratulations and enjoy your daughter's wedding.  I rejoice with you!
   - Father Cervantes 

 


"After ten years I returned to the Catholic Church and
confessed all sins I remembered but later remembered
more sins.  Do I need to confess these?" - DK


 

Father Francisco:

Here is my question:  I returned to the Catholic Church a little less than a year ago after being away for about ten years.  One of the first things I did upon returning was go to confession.  At that time, I confessed to all sins that I could remember committing during that 10 year span.  However, as time has passed, I have remembered some additional sins, which I have not confessed yet.  Do I need to go confess each of these past sins every time I remember a new one from those ten years I was away?  Or since I made a good faith effort to recall all sins in my first confession back, are these already forgiven?
I appreciate your guidance with this. - DK

____________________________________________________________

DK:

Let me say, welcome back to the Church!  I rejoice with God and you!  Welcome back!  May the Lord bless you with even greater abundance.  Your confession was done in good faith and the Lord Knows that you did.  The sins you forgot to mention are covered by the absolution given to you by your confessor.  But if you do remember a "missed sin" and you are burdened by it, please mention it at your next confession.  Once again, welcome home! May your faith in Jesus through the discipline of the Catholic Church grow and mature so that you can reflect the love of Christ in all that you do!  -Father Francisco



"I’ve been married and divorced twice civilly and
have not gone to confession for many years.
Do I need to get an annulment twice?" - Greg

 

Father Cervantes:

I haven’t been to confession or Mass for at least 30 years. But I’ve been thinking of coming back to the Church.  But if that isn’t a possibility, I'll consider alternatives.  Here is my situation.  I’ve been married and divorced twice.  But both marriages were civil ceremonies with a Judge.  I don’t know all the rules associated with Church doctrine, but do these count?  Would I have to get an annulment for each marriage (one of my ex-wives is now deceased - just to add an additional layer of complexity)? I’d appreciate any advice you can provide. Thanks.  - Greg

 __________________________________________________________________________

Greg:

Please, go to confession!  Your civil marriages were not considered valid sacramental marriages because these marriages took place outside the Church.  But if you wish to marry in the Church in the future, you will have to seek an annulment of sorts called a Lack of Canonical Form. 

It is a simple document to prove that your previous marriages did not happen in the Church, therefore not considered sacramental marriages.  All you need is your baptismal, first communion, confirmation certificates, the marriage certificates and final decrees of divorce documents and two witnesses that can say that you were never married in the Church.  So, please go to confession and welcome back to the life of the Catholic Church.  Welcome home!  - Father Cervantes





"My co-worker does not believe Noah's Ark
as an actual event. The Bible says it is. 
Was it an actual event?" - Thomas

Father Cervantes:

I am having a debate with a co-worker regarding Noah’s Ark.  My co-worker (who is Catholic) believes in the idea of Noah’s Ark, but doesn’t believe it actually happened.  But according to the bible (at least as far as I know, but this is why I am referring to an expert) Noah’s Ark was an actual event.  Can you help us out please?  Thanks so much. -   Thomas

____________________________________________________________

Thomas:

The bible is not a science book, and is not a scientifically historical book as we define history today.  The bible is the Word of God.  The bible transcends all science and history books.  God speaks to us in human terms and through human experiences.  So, some biblical experts can argue all they want about whether Noah's Ark story is a parable or a true fact or a mix of both. 

But biblical archeologists do know this about the Noah's Ark and Flood stories:  there was a big flood.  Even before the Noah stories were written, other cultures had their own flood stories in their own cultural remembrances.  Their stories of a great flood must have had some truth to it otherwise, it wouldn't have been mentioned.  So, outside of the bible, we know this (books have been written from an archeological evidence of this):  there was a great flood.  There was a man and his family that survived this flood with their animals. 

The Noah's Ark and Great Flood stories are based in actual historical fact.  For Christians, we see God's Hand in this story:  the Great Flood represents baptism.  Noah, family, and animals represent the world.  Noah, family, and animals passed through the waters of the great flood and was saved.  Christians, through their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are baptized, pass through the waters of baptism, and are saved by the amazing grace of the Father through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.  God wrote that story (by inspiring the author of this story) knowing that it foretold the future to those who had lost hope:  through Jesus Christ, in the sacrament of baptism, we will be saved from the flood of sin that surrounds us all.  Praise be God!  - Father Cervantes 



CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

 Some say they have proof that Jesus was not
born in Bethlehem but in Nazareth.  What does
the Catholic Church say?" - Marianne

CatholicView:

I am hearing about recent archeological finds in Israel that say that they have proof that Jesus was not born in Bethlehem, but in Nazareth.  What does the Catholic Church say about this? - Marianne

 ___________________________________________________________

Marianne:

Jesus' birth was in the City of Bethlehem.  Please read the Gospels of Matthew 2:1, also Luke 2:4 and John 7:42.  They tell us that this is where Jesus was born.  Luke 1-7 describes Joseph and Mary as residents of Nazareth in the Galilee. They probably traveled for about a week to cover the approximate 90 miles from Nazareth in the Galilee south to Bethlehem in Judea.  Luke states that they had to do this in order to take part in the Roman census and taxation. Jesus was born while they were in Bethlehem.

 Luke 2:4 tells:   "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, the Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”   When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.  When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.  “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.

John 7:42 states the following:  " Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” and in Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, the Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

I hope this helps.  - CatholicView Staff



My sister's daughter told me she saw a light and
heard a man's voice coming out of a closet. 
Please advise?"  - Linda


CatholicView Staff:

My six-year old grand daughter Anne told me that her eight year old sister Elizabeth told her that as she was watching TV one evening in a bedroom, she experienced a strange light and a man's voice coming out of a closet. When I asked Elizabeth about this she was very reluctant to speak about it but confirmed that it did happen and said she didn't tell her mother because she  thought she wouldn't believe her. She also told me that when this happened she got immediately dizzy  There was no one in the house but the two little girls and her parents who were in the kitchen.  This experience occurred in a very old rural farmhouse that her father recently bought for a hunting camp-----they are there only on occasion.  I have  been hesitant to tell my daughter partially because this happened in the bedroom where she and her husband sleep and I don't want to make her unnecessarily uneasy.  However I am concerned that this could be some sort of neurological problem that should be addressed----she has never displayed any sort of odd behavior.  She is a well-adjusted, sweet, and happy child, and I've never known her to create drama.  My daughter and her family are loving and peaceful practicing Catholics as am I  Elizabeth made her First Communion a year ago in her Catholic school. Of course, I am even more concerned that she experienced some sort of demonic activity, and if so how should this be handled?  When I did a little research I  found that Elizabeth's experience had some very common earmarks of paranormal activities: strange lights, voices, closets, dizziness.  I did tell Elizabeth that she should make the sign of the cross out loud if she experiences anything like this again, and I have been praying for her protection   Please advise.  Linda

_______________________________________________________________

Linda:

I am sorry to hear that your family is experiencing such activity in their household and I can certainly appreciate your concerns about this.

There are some things that you can do: Pray to God and ask Him to intervene.  Have your daughter talk to her parish priest and have him come to her home to bless it through prayer and Holy Water.  Keep a bible at the bedside in the room where these things are happening. 

I pray that your daughter and family find consolation and
tranquility in their home.  May the Lord of Lords give you solace and peace. - CatholicView Staff


I’m a Catholic, a widower.  Will I be married
to my wife in Heaven? What if I remarry?" - Curt

CatholicView:

I’m a Catholic, a widower and will I be married to her in Heaven? What if I remarry? - Curt

 _________________________________________________________________

Curt:

The Bible makes it explicit that in Heaven we are not related to each other in the same way we are here.  Read Matthew 22:23-30"That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him.   Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother.    The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh.   Finally, the woman died.  Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?”   Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.  At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven."

Curt, be at peace. -  CatholicView Staff


"My friend has been asking dark spirits
to come into her.  Will you pray for
her?" - Matt
 

I am using a friend's email to send this. She needs your prayer . She is a good person that got led down a bad path.  She is pagan.  Her friends and her have been asking dark spirits to come into them.  Something is wrong with her.....I think she is possessed.  The things I have seen tonight.....   All I'm asking is that you pray for her. -   Matt

______________________________________________________________

Matt:

It is sad that your friend is asking dark spirits to invade her.  Of course CatholicView will pray for her.  Here is a prayer that you might pray for her also.

"I ask you, Heavenly Father to destroy the power of all rulers of darkness that try to invade my friend.  Take away the wicked spirits that are surrounding her.  Let every work of Satan be destroyed in the name of Your Son, Jesus, and I plead the blood of Jesus Christ over my friend who does not see that these spirits of darkness are trying to steal her soul. 

Open her eyes that she might see that these minions have no authority with her for she is a child of the most high, Jesus Christ.  I command all evil to leave her body and set her free through the authority of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Dear Heavenly Father, I ask all this through the name of Your Precious Son, Jesus Christ."

Matt, through prayer, God will give you the wisdom to help your friend.  - CatholicView Staff
 


People see me as weak, powerless and useless. 
Please help me." - Saidee


CatholicView:

I hated the world.  People around me see that I am weak, powerless and useless.  Please help me. - Saidee

________________________________________________________
Saidee:

Know that you are a child of God.  You are indeed very special.  Hold your head up and stand tall for God made you one of His unique children.  Do not let others tear you down.  God does not make trash.  We are all loved in the eyes of the Most High.  He cares for you.  Again, walk proud, knowing that you are very special in the eyes of God.

Pray and ask the Lord to strengthen you.  Ask Him to give you courage.  And remember, each of us who believe in Jesus Christ know that we do not walk alone; we have the mighty power of our Heavenly Father and our Savior at our side.  I will pray for you. - CatholicView Staff



"My husband got a vasectomy to avoid having children.
 Is our marriage invalid?"  - Catherine

 

CatholicView:

I am recently returned to the Church and learning catechism.  This one part of the catechism on marriage deals with sex within marriage, that it is good etc. but that if the couple is not open to new life then it is no longer within the nature of love.  So does that mean it is a sin to have sexual relations if the marriage is not open to children?   My spouse had a vasectomy and does not want to try a reversal. I've asked him to consider it but he is not open to any children at this time. Is the marriage still valid?  Thank you.  - Catherine

 _____________________________________________________________

Catherine:

The purpose of marriage is when a man and a woman coming together in love and procreating children.  When you married, you made a vow to willingly accept children as the Lord sees fit to bless you with.  That is why God created a man and a woman.     

However, your husband got a vasectomy, knowing fully that this is a sin and yet he refuses to try a reversal of his vasectomy to totally avoid ever having children.  Because of this action, your sacramental marriage may be considered invalid.  But the finding of nullity can only be declared by your diocesan marriage tribunal.

I would suggest that you and your husband talk to your parish priest about this matter.  -  CatholicView Staff

 


"Prior to our marriage in 1973 we decided not to
have children but did not disclose this to our
priest.  What should we do?" - Corrine and John

 

CatholicView: 

My wife and I decided prior to marrying back in 1973 not to have children.  We have confessed the sin of not having children but neither of us told the priest that we made that decision before marriage.   We are both practicing Catholics and it haunts me to no end the four conditions as statement, “the Sacrament of Matrimony does not take place?   What should we both do at this point as we enter into our 70’s to be right with God???  Pax et Bonnum, SFO members.  -  Corrine and John

 ______________________________________________________________

Corrine and John:

I am sure that this non-disclosure to your priest before entering your marriage must weigh heavily on both your hearts.  You fully knew that God brought both of you together to procreate. 

Marriage is a beautiful and special bond that God designed for the creation of children.  BUT it is not too late to make amends to God.  Through the beautiful love He has for us, He gives us second chances to make amends.  Now is the time to set things straight with our Heavenly Father.  Do not wait.  Life is not promised to us. 

Go talk with your priest and honestly tell him what you and your wife held secret before marriage.  Be free of this weight by praying to God and asking Him for forgiveness.  Do not wait to do this.  And DO NOT take the Holy Eucharist (communion) until you clear this matter up. 

Once you have God's forgiveness you and your wife will then be able to move forward with your lives, knowing that all is forgiven.  - CatholicView Staff

 




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