MARCH/APRIL 2015

ASK A PRIEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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

PRIEST STAFF

"Shouldn't "Thou shalt not rape" be in the 9th and
10th Commandments? - Patrick

 

Father Cervantes:
 

Read the 9th and 10th commandments.  Compare them with the act of rape.  Shouldn't "Thou shalt not rape" be in there somewhere? - Patrick

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Patrick:

When the 10 commandments were made by the hand of God after the exodus of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt (see Exodus 20), the concept of rape, as we define it and know it in this present time, was not understood by the people of 1100 BC (or 900 BC depending the scholar).  Instead, terms such as coveting (9th and 10th commandments) and adultery (the 6th commandment) and murder (the 5th commandment) were used to legally cover the act of sexual violence we call rape.
 

Later, Hebrew law would elaborate on the criminal sentences, such as the death penalty, for such acts of violence.  I must remind people that the Hebrew bible (the Old Testament) was written between 1100 BC and 160 BC and the terms we use today were not known to the people of that time.  The term, rape, was covered by their term, adultery.  Rape was also seen as an extreme form of coveting which was punishable by death, hence the commandment, do not covet your neighbor's wife. 
 

To truly understand the bible as we have it today, we must understand the use of language, culture (for example, the role of women in a patriarchal male-dominated society), and expressions of the people of THAT time, not our time.  Rape is an horrific violent act against a person by another.  Rape destroys.  The 5th, 6th, 9th, and 10th commandments imply such if not using the word, rape (a word that does not exist in ancient Hebrew), outright. 
 

In the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 22:28-29 in which it seems that a man who has sexual relations outside of marriage must marry her, the term rape had been used to translate the Hebrew word for "relations" that is used in more modern English translations. 
 

By the time Daniel 13 was written, forcible sexual relations was a death penalty crime (see Daniel 13:44 and then Daniel 13:62).  The Old Testament was written in a specific cultural time, with specific language, and within a specific society that is so much different from our modern times.  Once again, to understand the bible and interpret it correctly, one must understand the past and how that past influenced how the bible was written. Thank you for writing in.  God bless!   - Father Cervantes

 

"Could you please help me understand Romans 8:29?"
- Katherine

Father Francisco:.

Could you please help me understand Romans 8:29? - Katherine

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Katherine:

The verse, ROMANS 8:29 says this:  For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the first born among many brothers.  It is one of Paul's predestination ideas, predestination meaning that once we accept His Son, Jesus Christ, in faith and obey Him in all things, then God saw that faithful obedience FROM THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN TIME and ensures that we are conformed to the divine image that is in each of us so that we can be fully united with the Divine in everlasting life.
 

Now, remember, we are not predestined in the sense that everything that we do in life is already SET.  On the contrary, we are free will persons, yet since God transcends time and space, and since God is not confined to time and space, and since all things are present to God (in God, there is no past or future, only present), as soon as we are created, God sees our entire life at once.  And since God is OUT of time and space, and at the same time INFORMS all time and space, once God sees our faith and obedience decision to Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are destined for everlasting life with and in God, and ensures that we have the grace to remain faithful and obedient to Him. 


Jesus as human raised the human race to the Divine, therefore Jesus being the first born of all human beings into God's Divine Life (because of His complete obedience to His Father even unto death), and those God knows will be faith-filled, will be born again into God's eternal love.  Resurrected!  Forever!  United and embraced in love eternally.  This verse from the Letter of the Romans states so clearly that Jesus as human was raised from the dead, the first born to life eternal, free from death and corruption. 


And what happened to Jesus will also happen to us because of our faith covenant with Him, our Savior, and the first born of the resurrected ones.  Many thanks for writing to us.  God bless you. -
Father Francisco

 

"Is it possible for a non-priest like me to help a priest in
an exorcism or a spirit liberation?" - Estuardo
 

Father Francisco:

Is it possible for a non-priest like me to help a priest in an exorcism or a spirit liberation?  I'm a really Catholic person and I want to help with what I have, I'm a really sensitive and strong person and I think I can help with those topics. - Estuardo

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Estuardo:

Yes, anyone can assist in an exorcism if they truly believe (and in obedience) in Jesus as Lord and Savior, have fasted and actually prayed before the actual rite of exorcism, and is trained in the whole aspect of deliverance and liberation from an evil entity.  Usually, a person, who is called by the Church (through the official delegation from the diocesan bishop) to participate in the rite of exorcism and deliverance, is usually trained to deal with supernatural evil spirits.  For example, there is an annual seminar about this topic of exorcism, deliverance, and liberation that is sponsored by a pontifical college in Rome.  This is a very serious seminar and only for those who are interested in such topics.  To participate in such a seminar, a letter of introduction and recommendation would be required from your pastor and your diocese.  Here is the link:  http://www.sacerdos.org/english/articulos/articulo.phtml?id=14126

Hope this helps.  God bless you. - Father Cervantes

 
"My mother told my daughter who sometimes says "Oh my G-d"
that she must go to confession before Easter so she could
take communion .  Is she correct?" - Melissa

Father Francisco:
 

My mother just told my 12 year old daughter that if she didn't go to confession before Easter mass then she could not get the sacraments at mass.  My daughter is such a good girl, goes to mass every week and said the only thing she could even think about confessing would be saying "Oh my G.." sometimes.  Is this the view of the Catholic Church with confessions and minors? Thank you for your reply. - Melissa

 _________________________________________________

Melissa:

All minors commit sin, feel guilt, and should accept responsibility for any sinful action.  With that said, your mother is not exactly correct in saying that your 12 year old daughter has to go to confession before Easter.  But ALL CATHOLICS who have made their first confession must go to confession at least once a year, and that means during the Lenten season (beginning on Ash Wednesday) or the Easter season (ends at Pentecost Sunday), a full 12 week opportunity to receive the sanctifying graces of the Sacrament of Penance. 

Your mother is probably thinking of that church discipline that requires all Catholics to go to confession at least during the Lenten/Easter season.  So, she was probably reminding you of your Catholic spiritual discipline and obligation to go to confession during this special time of year.  I am happy to know that your daughter is spiritually mature for her age.  I praise God for her faith and your parenting of your daughter. 

At the same time, I must tell you through my confessional experience that "minors" do sin, they know that they sin, and they sin in various degrees of seriousness (some minors truly have sinned gravely and know it).  All children should learn to be responsible and always be aware of the consequences of their actions and how their sinful acts could negatively affect others around them.  Minors need the forgiveness and spiritual healing of Christ and His Church that is so freely given in the Sacrament of Penance.  Everyone sins, and all are in need of the forgiveness and healing of Jesus.  Age doesn't matter. 

I have seen God's healing power in children who have sinned greatly and have found in the Sacrament of Penance a way to be held accountable for their actions to the people affected by their sin knowing that they can always learn from their mistakes and move forward to be the person that God made them to be.  Please, thank God for your wonderful daughter.  You are very blest!  And thank God for your mother who reminds you of your own Catholic spiritual discipline to go to confession at least once a year during the Lenten or Easter season. -  Father Francisco

 
"What is the historic chronology of Palm Sunday as
it relates to Lent?" - Mary

Father Francisco:

I thought Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, occurred right after His 40-day sabbatical in the desert, which I believe we commemorate during Lent. Is this true? What is the historic chronology of Palm Sunday as it relates to Lent? - Mar

 ____________________________________________________

Mary:

Even though the 40 day Lenten discipline and spiritual preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus at Easter is based on Jesus' 40 days in the desert (see Mark 1:12-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13), these 40 days in the desert did not immediately precede Palm Sunday.  I cited the biblical verses so that you can read it for yourself.  The 40 days in the desert marked the beginning of Jesus' three year ministry of preaching the gospel throughout Israel.  Palm Sunday (see Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19) marked the end of Jesus' earthly ministry and the beginning of the events that led to His death and His resurrection from the dead.  So, between the 40 day event of Jesus in the desert and Palm Sunday, three years had passed. 

Our Lenten season is a call to repent, change our hearts, renew our commitment and faith in Jesus as Lord, and work on our obedience to the Lord.  Even though Lent is inspired by Jesus' time in the desert, Lent is NOT a chronological event based on a real time line.  Jesus' ministry began with His baptism by John the Baptizer, and Palm Sunday marked the beginning of the end of His earthly ministry that was completed by His unique and one time sacrifice on the cross for all who believe in Him, and His resurrection from the dead. 
- Father Francisco


"My husband did not support that I was pregnant and
forced me to get an abortion.  I got an divorce
but want
  an annulment.   Would I be excommunicated?  - Ann

Father Francisco:
 

After I had been married for four years, I became pregnant. My husband did not support this happy surprise and essentially forced me to have an abortion. We are now legally divorced, and I would like to get an annulment, but I am afraid of being excommunicated myself. Would I be excommunicated?  - Ann

 ____________________________________________________

Ann:

I must say this now:  you are already excommunicated by the fact you had an abortion.  This kind of excommunication is called an automatic (latae sententiae) excommunication.  This is one of the examples in canon (church) law where an excommunication is automatically incurred by one's actions.  This particular excommunication can be lifted by the bishop of your diocese when you repent and confess this sin to the bishop in the sacrament of Penance (confession). 

In our diocese, our bishop delegated this lifting of this excommunication to parish priests.  This is usually the case in the dioceses of the United States of America.  So, I must tell you this with the greatest of urgency:  go to confession now and heal this broken relationship with the church and with God. 

Your ex-husband was also automatically excommunicated as well as any one else who helped you procure this abortion.  But this sin can be forgiven by your repentance and your confession (the sacrament of Penance).  Go now.  Make an appointment with your parish priest or go to the appointed time for confessions in your parish church or another parish church which is not your parish.  Just go. 

As for the annulment, after you go to confession, you can begin the process for the ecclesiastical annulment of your sacramental marriage.   One of the first things that your diocesan marriage tribunal will ask is if you have reconciled to the church through the sacrament of Penance because of the act of abortion.  Once you have lifted your excommunication through the sacrament of Penance, you will be free to proceed with the marriage annulment in the church. 

Remember, no matter how great the sin, Jesus is always ready to forgive the repentant heart.  God loves you no matter what.  Go forward, heal this excommunication, and start the marriage annulment process.  Jesus awaits your response with anticipation!  Jesus waits because He loves you so much that He shed His blood on the cross to cleanse you of your sins.  You are loved.  Don't you forget that. - Father Francisco   

 "
How can a Catholic to decide if a political issue is more or
less important than an economic justice issue in the
perspective of the common good? - Adrian

Dear Father Cervantes:

We know that a political platform is based on moral principles.  Also that moral principles have a different level of importance. Is there any way for a catholic to decide if a "pelvic" issue is more or less important than an economic justice issue in the perspective of the common good? (For example between contraceptives and living wage.) Thanks - Adrian

_____________________________________________________ 

Adrian:

In the realm of politics and governance, it is expected that our Catholic faith and the gospel of Christ inform our every action, every decision, and every vote.  The common good is primarily the reason why I vote and be involved politically.  Economic justice is just as important as life issues.  The poor are just as important as the need for a healthy economy.  This balancing act calls for the guidance of the Spirit of God.  That's why each time you vote, or take on a political issue, pray first for guidance and meditate on the gospel of Christ to know which you are called to do for the greater glory of God and for the common good of all. 

I cannot tell you how to vote according to your conscience.  But when I vote, I look at the BIG PICTURE, and how each issue set before me has a consequence both good and evil.  In the big picture, I try to make the best decision in the voting booth and in my advocacy for a political issue.  God will lead you.  I have my personal political priorities.  I believe that those priorities are from my mediation on the gospel of Christ.  I suggest that you do the same, pray and meditate on Christ, and chose your own political priorities.  I hope this helps.  -  Father Cervantes 

   
"My fiancé and I are both Catholics but I feel he is not self-motivated
enough.  Isn't being driven and hardworking part of being a good
Catholic?" - Naomi

   

Father Francisco:

I have been in a stable relationship with a Catholic young man for 5 years. We want to marry, but I feel he is not self-motivated enough. Isn't being driven and hardworking part of being a good Catholic? How can I help him to realize the importance of at least some ambition? Is this a deal breaker? - Naomi

____________________________________________________ 

Naomi:

I would agree with you that your "future husband" should be self-motivated and should be able to work to keep you and your future family secured, fed, supported, and housed.  You CANNOT, and I want to emphasize this greatly, you CANNOT change an adult.  Your "boyfriend" is the ONLY one who can change himself. 

If he isn't self-motivated already, he is not going to be self-motivated for you.  THIS IS A DEAL BREAKER.  Run from this relationship.  It is toxic to you and cannot be counted to support you and any future family you may have.  Find a hard-working man who will love you and support you and feed you and build a home for you.  Do not marry this man.  Thank you for writing in.  - Father Francisco
 


"I feel like I'm being forced by God to become a
 priest.  What if I don't want to? " - Alan

 

Father Cervantes:

I feel like I'm being forced by God to become a priest.  What if I don't want to?  I want to start a family (I could have as a kid.)  My whole life's primary dream and work has been to get a girlfriend and I have not been able to get one.   It's too much pain.   I have no desire to live.   I've been a good Catholic most of my life.   But I feel that God is forcing me to become a priest.  All my life has been suffering, as if He's doing this to hurt me.   I lost all my desire to live.   I cannot take this.   Am I doing wrong?   What if I don't want to be a priest? - Alan

 __________________________________________________

Alan:

If you do not want to become a priest, then you have correctly discerned God's Will for your life. God is NOT calling you to be a celibate priest. When a person receives the call or vocation to the ordained ministries of deacon, priest, or bishop, there is an inner joy that comes from the realization that God is calling that person to ordained ministry.  Since you have no such inner joy, you are NOT being called to ordained ministry in the Church.  Instead, what is so clear in your letter.

Instead, what is so clear in your letter is that God is
DEFINITELY calling you to the sacrament of marriage and family life.  You stated that you have not been able so far to have a girlfriend who would marry you and share a family with you.  In God's Plan, timing is everything.  So far, in God's timing for your particular destiny, your marriage partner has not been manifested to you yet.  But since God is clearly calling you to marriage, God will show you that person in His time, not yours.

God knows what you need at all times, and He knows you need a marital partner to complete your destiny.  Instead of hurrying God's Plan, be patient and wait on the Lord.  God may want you to do some work on your own personality and your self-confidence.  I would like to suggest to you that you seek counsel from your parish priest, or someone like a professional counselor to help you look at things that you can do to make yourself more confident and secure in your search for a marital partner. 

But one thing I can say with confidence:  God does not want you to be a celibate priest.  He wants you to be married.  The suffering you have is really your frustration and impatience with God's Plan for you.  Remember, God knows your needs.  He knows that He wants you to be a married man with a family.  He also wants you to work on yourself so that you can be that loving and confident husband for a loving and confident wife. 

Please, talk with someone to help you on your journey to be the man and husband you need to be for that special someone God has already chosen for you.  And just one more thing:  God NEVER forces anyone to do anything.  We are free will persons always.  God will always respect and guard our free will.  But He does call people to certain vocations for His greater glory and for the good of the person God calls to a specific life.  God is calling you to marriage and family life.  Be patient and work on yourself.  I know with confidence that your future wife will be made manifest to you in God's time.  Go in peace, knowing that God has great plans for your future.  - Father Cervantes

 


CatholicView Staff

"How does God communicate with us?" - Ryan

 

CatholicView Staff:
 

How does God communicate with us?  In word, in action, in a dream?   I think I have been contacted directly.  - Ryan

 _____________________________________________________


Ryan:

 

You do not say how you have been contacted by God.  There are many ways that God speaks to us.  God can communicate to us through scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, visions, and even people that we meet.  Hebrews 13:2  tells us "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels without knowing it".

 

Does God speak to us today?  Yes, He does. This is one of the most amazing characteristics of God.  Consider that for He sent angels to speak with Daniel, Joshua, Mary, and Joseph. He also sent angels to Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses, and others.  Jonah learned about God’s will through the experiences of a storm, a great fish, and a withering plant.  These are just a few instances of our heavenly Father communicating with us.

I strongly suggest that you make an appointment to speak to your parish priest.  Tell him what you are experiencing.    May God's peace shine upon you always.  - CatholicView Staff

 


I am a non-Catholic.  I attended Good Friday's services
on Good Friday, took communion and then discovered
I should not have taken it.  Please help?"  - Steve

 

CatholicView Staff:


I am a non-catholic in turmoil, who has committed several mortal sins.  I attended the liturgy today (Good Friday) to try and pray and ask for help.  I found myself in a line, queuing for the Eucharist, which I took.  I am now in even greater turmoil, having discovered I should not have done so...please help...    - Steve

 ______________________________________________________

Steve:

I am happy to hear that you attended services at the Catholic Church.  And I hope that you found some solace there.  As you now know, non-Catholics are NOT allowed to take the sacred Eucharist.  However in your case, you did not know this beforehand.  The good thing is, God understood that you didn't know you were not allowed to partake of this Sacrament on Good Friday or at any other mass.

Now you must move forward in the Lord.  Make a clean start, Steve.  Pray and ask God to forgive all your past sins and if you do, know that you past will be wiped away and you will be able to find peace and joy in your life, for God will remember your sins no more. 

If you want to become a member of the Catholic Church, please talk to a parish priest for guidance in this matter as soon as possible.  God bless you.  Please be at peace.  - CatholicView Staff

 


"I have been married to an alcoholic for ten years.  6 months ago
I took my daughters and left him and an old boyfriend says he
still loves me.  Is this a sign from God?" - Niki 

 

CatholicView Staff:

I have been married to an alcoholic for 10 years, 6 months ago I decided to pack up my daughters and separate from him. I have been praying and asking God to please give me a sign if I should give my husband another chance or if I should move on.  I ask God if there is anyone who could truly love and respect me (something my current marriage lacks).   Last week I was contacted by an ex boyfriend who says for 15 years he has missed me and loves me. Is this a sign from God or is God testing me? Niki

 ________________________________________________________

Niki:

First things first.  Has your husband sought help for his addiction? 

Living with an alcoholic is a terrible situation.  That you were able to keep going through all this and care for your daughters as well shows your strength and courage during this difficult time.  You have tried to maintain your marriage as long as possible but it is time to move ahead to a peaceful existence where you as well as your children can find solace.  I admire your fortitude on trying to remain within your sacred marriage, but after ten years, if your husband refuses to seek help, you must move on. 

As to your ex-boyfriend who says he still loves you after 15 years, know that you are still married in the eyes of God and Church.  Until you are free from this union, you cannot enter into a relationship with someone else.   Sadly, I can understand that a more reliable relationship is very tempting at this time, but get things straightened out before you make this move to see someone else.


Please talk to your parish priest and explain what is happening with your marriage of ten years.   If you plan to leave permanently and enter a new relationship, ask your priest also about an annulment.  He will advise and suggest what you should do.  Pray about your situation, and ask the Lord to show you the path you must take.  I will keep you in prayer.  May the God comfort you during this time. - CatholicView Staff 
 


"My recent engagement broke off.  Does it mean my
vocation is not marriage?" - Val


CatholicView Staff:

If my vocation is marriage, but recent engagement broke off,  does it mean my vocation is not marriage?  If vocation is marriage, will there be somebody out there waiting for me? - Val

 _____________________________________________________

Val:

Because your recent engagement was broken, it does not mean marriage is NOT your vocation.  Perhaps God is telling you that this is not the right person you should marry.  Pray about this, knowing that if it is God's will, He will place someone special in your path just for you.  Be patient Val, God has His own plans.  In His own time, He will make things right.  Depend solely on the Lord, and keep in mind that YOU are loved.  - CatholicView Staff

   

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