CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

”Why did Jesus say that He had only come for the lost sheep of Israel?” - Ryan
 

Dear Father:

Why did Jesus say that He had only come for the lost sheep of Israel?  After doing some research, it seems that Paul was responsible for most of the missionary work amongst the Gentiles.  If Jesus was sent to all the nations, then why didn't the apostles (the men who lived with Jesus) only minister to the Jews - including the diaspora Jews?

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Dear Ryan:

Your question about Jesus' preaching to the lost sheep of Israel has its basis in these two commands from Jesus to his disciples early in his earthly ministry.  In Matthew, Chapter 10, Verses 5-6, it is written:  Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, "Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.  Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."  And again in regards to the healing of a pagan Cannanite woman in Matthew, Chapter 15, Verse 24:  "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."  Yet, Jesus healed her of her illness and was amazed how great was her faith even though she was not Jewish nor even a believer in one God (Matthew 15:28).  Why, as you asked, did Jesus and His disciples go into pagan territory later and evangelized the known world?  This has to do with the reason why Jesus came as Messiah and Savior.

Salvation was not meant solely for the Hebrew people.  From the beginning, salvation was promised by God to all of humankind.  In Genesis, Chapter 3, Verse 15 and 20, God said to Adam and Eve after they broke God's commandment in the Garden of Eden:  "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head while you strike at his heel....The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living."  Salvation, then, was promised to all the children of Eve.  Yet, God had to prepare humankind for the coming of the Messiah.  Through this original sin, humankind lost everything that was paradise in the Garden of Eden.  The task of reconciling humankind began in earnest, on God's timetable.  He decided, as we look back in earthly history, that He would chose a people who would worship Him alone, who would embody His love and compassion for all humankind.  So, he started with Abram (later to be called Abraham).  In Genesis, Chapter 3, Verse 1 and 5, God said to Abram, "Fear not, Abram!  I am your shield; I will make your reward very great...Look up at the sky and count the stars if you can.  Just so shall your descendents be."  Abram put his faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.  He promised to Abraham that a people dedicated to the Lord will come from him.  This was important.  God was building a nation dedicated just to Him so that this nation, the Hebrew people, could be the blessing for the nations that would bring salvation to all.  This was done by God making this covenant with Moses in Exodus, Chapter 6, Verse 7 (and in Leviticus 26:12, and numerous Old Testament citations):  "I will take you as my own people and you shall have me as your God."   And reaffirmed in Deuteronomy 26:19 after they received the Ten Commandments at Sinai:  "You will be a people sacred to the Lord, your God, as He promised."  Why did God chose this people from all the nations of the world?  God knows, and He wanted to prepare the world through the Hebrew people.  The goal was this, as set in Isaiah, Chapter 25, Verse 6 and 8:  "On this mountain (Jerusalem), the Lord of Hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and pure choice wines....He will destroy death forever."   So, obviously, the Jewish people's mission was to bring all people to salvation, the destruction of death and sin. 

So, when Jesus came into the world, He needed to start with His Own people, the Hebrew nation.   They were supposed to have been prepared by this time to accept the Messiah and begin the work of salvation for the world.  So, at the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry, He needed to start with those who knew His Father in heaven.  When the time was right, there would be an outreach to all humankind according to the promises of God made at the beginning of time.  There were problems with Jesus being accepted as Messiah within the Hebrew people at that time.  Jesus was crucified and He rose from the dead, and when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles and disciples at Pentecost, the words of the prophet Joel was quoted in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verse 21 (see Joel 3:1-5):  "And it shall be that everyone shall be saved who calls on the name of the Lord."  The prophecy of Joel is quite clear; everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, including the Hebrew people and the Gentiles (like us).  Saint Paul was more forceful in saying in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 13, Verse 46:  It was necessary that the Word of God be spoken to you first (Israel), but since you reject it...we now turn to the Gentiles.   For so the Lord has commanded us, "I have made you a light to the Gentiles that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth."  That opened the door for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and salvation to be preached to the world according to God's design.   This outreach was approved by the Apostles in the first church council at Jerusalem as described in Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 15, Verse 9, when Peter, as leader of the church, said, "He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith, He purified their hearts."  In the same chapter (Acts of the Apostles 15:16-18), the prophet Amos was quoted by James, the leader of the local church at Jerusalem:  So that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all Gentiles on whom My Name is invoked. (Please refer to Amos 9:11-12)  Even though Saint Paul wrote in detail about the Word of God to the Gentiles, the outreach to the Gentiles could not have happened without direction from the Lord and the approval of the Apostles in council, especially the affirmation of Peter and James. 

That is why the Word of God was proclaimed to the entire world including the Jewish people in Israel and the Jewish people who lived outside of Israel (the Diaspora).   It was time for the plan of salvation to become available to all of Eve's children.   It is amazing to look at history and see God's providential Hand guiding everything.  Yet, God's plan is not yet complete.  We Christians now have the mission of spreading the news of salvation that can be had through faith in Jesus Christ.   The future is this, as described in Colossians, Chapter 1, Verse 20:  For in Him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile ALL things for Him, making peace by the blood of His cross [through Him], whether those on earth or those in heaven. Jesus will reconcile all things in Him.  On that great day, at the end of time, there will be no more death, tears, or sadness, only joy in Jesus Christ forever!  (Revelation, Chapter 21:4) – CatholicView Staff

 ”Is it a mortal sin to make a joke concerning the
priest/pedophile problem?” - Barbara
 

CatholicView Staff:

Is it a mortal sin to make a joke concerning the priest/pedophile problem? - Barbara

 _______________________

 Barbara:

As Christians, it is not appropriate to make jokes about something that has so seriously affected our Churches nationwide.   And it is particularly not in good taste for a nonbeliever to hear a Catholic Christian jest about the sexual scandals within our church.

The priest abuse issue is not a joking matter; rather it is a sad reality that must never happen again.  And we must pray for those who were emotionally and physically abused as well as for the priests who caused their pain.

Let us not forget to be grateful that we have some very dedicated priests who give their entire lives over solely to God.    Because of them, we are the recipients of their knowledge, their time and their availability.  Keep them in your prayers.  They are worthy to be honored for all they have done to represent the goodness of our Lord. - CatholicView Staff

 
”My Parents left the Catholic Church .   I stayed but they
have disowned me.  What should I do?” - John
 

Catholicview Staff:

My Parents converted to evangelical fundamentalism and have disowned me because I wouldn't follow. What should I do? - John

____________________________________

Dear John:

I am saddened to hear that your parents have decided to express their Christian faith in another denomination.   I know that this is painful for you since you must be receiving pressure to follow them into this type of faith expression that is different from our Catholic expression of faith in Jesus as Lord.  Having “disowned” you is even more painful.  The best you can do is to always show respect for your parents.   Patience is needed when they decide that they want to talk about their association with their church.  You could also frankly tell them that you do not wish to speak about their religious viewpoints when you are together.  They should respect your faith as well.  Always pray, pray for your parents.  I pray that your parents will wake up and see that family ties are the greatest treasure that they have outside of our faith in Jesus. – CatholicView Staff

How can I justify the lifestyle of my unmarried family member
and his live-in girl friend?  GWright

CatholicView Staff:

I am torn as to where to stand on this issue. A family member and his live-in girlfriend has just had their 4th baby. They have no plans to marry. (Why should they? She can collect food stamps, insurance for the kids, and assistance). The family is treating this as if we need to understand they need a hand. I see it is a very immoral way of life. Does one distance themselves so the couple realizes they are not interested in their lifestyle, or does one become part of it and just keep their thoughts to themselves? I am torn because we are told to love one another, but we are also told to live by the 10 commandments. I guess it makes me angry that they feel they can justify this lifestyle and the rest of us are supposed to understand. Help!  Thank you for your time- GWright

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Dear GWright:

The scripture does tell us to love one another.  I don’t see where it says that I must understand someone else’s immoral decisions.  Love has as one of its effects a positive action that helps another to grow and mature into the person that God wants them to be.  Accepting another’s immoral lifestyle is not a positive action but a negative one that gives the impression that I accept this kind of behavior.  Doing nothing is a sign that I do not love them and nor acknowledge the potential that God has in mind for them.  I certainly do not have to accept immoral behavior.  Nor do I have to understand it.  Instead, the burden of love demands that I challenge them to change for their greater good.  There is a fine line between judging someone (thereby taking on the role of God in condemning them) and challenging them to change for the better.  It depends on how you present your loving challenge.  In family situations, always be respectful to all, not matter their situation.   But on a one-to-one basis, speak your mind.   Love impels you to do so. – CatholicView Staff

”Is it wrong for a Catholic to study Tao?” - Tammy
 

CatholicView Staff:

I have been a struggling Catholic for 5 years. I am wondering if it is against the Catholic Church to study Tao? - Tammy

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Dear Tammy:

The study of any religious or philosophical system is not condemned by the Church.  But in your studies, the FACT that Jesus is Lord and Messiah must not be ignored.  Anything that takes you away from your faith in Jesus would be considered unacceptable.  Anything that strengthens your faith would be considered a blessing.   Your studies of Tao hopefully will bring you to a greater appreciation of God’s work of salvation through Jesus.  If not, then your studies have led you down the wrong spiritual path that will only bring great confusion and sadness. - CatholicView Staff

”My Catholic daughter was married in the Anglican Church. 
We did not attend.   Were we wrong?” – Jim

CatholicView Staff:

Both our daughter and son-in-law were baptised and confirmed Catholic, non-practising, daughter previously married (annuled). "married" in the Anglican Church last weekend. We felt we should not to attend (culpability). Were we correct? – Jim

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Jim:

I am sorry to hear that two Catholics who were apparently Catholics in good standing in the Church decided to marry outside of the Catholic Church.  The choice to get married outside the Church is their personal spiritual responsibility.  You did your part in trying to convince them to marry in the Church.  They had their own reasons that you did not specify in your question.  With that said, family ties are the most important treasure and gift you have.  They must be maintained despite any obstacles, such as this situation, may bring.  Your daughter decided to marry and you should be right by her side as she plans and dreams of building a future with her husband and having your grandchildren.  Going to the wedding and participating in it does not incur any mortal sin.  On the contrary, your rejection of your daughter would have been the greater sin.  I pray now that they will decide to have their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church soon.  That can be done at any time.  – CatholicView Staff

I had a dream that Mary appeared before me. 
What does this mean?” - Shannon
 

CatholicView Staff:

I had a dream.   The blessed mother appeared before me.  I fell to my knees and prayed the Hail Mary.  I feel very blessed to dream this.  What do you think?  Have you ever had a dream like this?  Thank you and God Bless.  - Shannon

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Dear Shannon:

Mystical dreams and experiences like you had is a blessing.  It is just a reminder from God that you are unconditionally loved by your Father in heaven!  You must have needed this reminder.  Why do you doubt God’s love for you? – CatholicView Staff

 
 “Is it wrong for a Catholic Justice of the Peace to perform
a ceremony for all religions? - Pat

CatholicView Staff:

Is it wrong or sinful for a Catholic who is a Justice of the Peace to perform a wedding ceremony, regardless of the religion of the bride and groom? - Pat

_________________________

Dear Pat:

A “Justice of the Peace” or notary that is licensed to solemnize civil weddings is fulfilling the demands of the law in regards to civil marriages.  When a civil servant is doing his legal duty in this regard, it is not wrong or sinful to preside at a civil marriage, no matter what the participants’ religion or situation. – CatholicView Staff

”Do people who commit suicide go to hell?” – Shannon

CatholicView Staff: 

Do people who commit suicide go to hell? – Shannon

___________________________

Dear Shannon:     

In the past, the church had thought that suicide was the decision of a free act of the will and that people who killed themselves were acting with their full mental capacity. With the strides made in medical knowledge, the church now knows that most people who commit suicide do so after a long and torturous mental, physical, and emotional pain that cannot be appreciated by most people. This pain clouds the decision making process of a human being and disables the mind from making a free act of the will. To be able to overcome the built-in instinct for survival is a sign that the person is in mental distress that does not allow for free will to function. Sin happens ONLY by a free act of the will. Depending on the particular situation, the church does not see suicide as an automatic ticket to hell.  Notice that I said in my answer to you that “most” people who commit suicide do so outside of their complete free will and therefore are not culpable of sin.

There are those who commit suicide fully aware of what they are doing, fully aware of their options, making fully aware plans (pre-meditated action), and fully aware of their situation. People who are “fully aware and free” who commit suicide will have to answer to God for their actions.   Usually, though, suicide is an act of a person not able to make a free will decision, thereby not guilty of sin.   –CatholicViewStaff

”If two Protestants marry in a non-Catholic Ceremony
then divorce, is an annulment necessary to marry Catholic?”
- Rowan

CatholicView Staff:

Can a person who was married by a Justice of the Peace and later divorced be married in the Catholic church without an annulment of the first marriage? - Rowan

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Dear Rowan:

If two Protestants who are free to marry do so in a non-Catholic ceremony, the marriage is presumed valid, and for either party to later marry in the Catholic Church, that party would have to apply for and receive and annulment. But if one of the parties was Catholic and they were married in a non-Catholic ceremony, the Church wouldn't recognize the validity of that marriage, and the party (whether the Catholic or non-Catholic party) would only have to apply for "defect of form."  CatholicView Staff

”Can a seminarian give a Homily at Mass?” - Arturo 
 

CatholicView Staff:

Can a seminarian give a Homily at Mass?   I say no. The EMC has told me that the diocesan bishop has given him a dispensation to do this, according to the Redemptionis Sacramentum Chapt. 3 para. 64-66, this is not allowed. Am I misunderstanding something? - Arturo

_________________________

Arturo:

A seminarian or any non-ordained person cannot give the homily at Mass or any other liturgical service.  That is clearly stated in the Roman Missal liturgical norms.   That means only a deacon, priest, and bishop are the ones who can give the homily at Mass or other liturgical services.  Yet, the local bishop can give permission for anyone to speak at Mass since the bishop is the only competent canonical authority that is able to dispense from liturgical norms according to the local needs.  I must presume that your local diocesan bishop had good reason to dispense the liturgical norms in regards to your parish seminarian.  The paragraphs you are making reference and for the benefit of your readers is as follows from the liturgical norms as set in the document, REDEMPTIONIS SACRAMENTUM, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 64 and 66 (19 March 2004, from the Congregation for Divine Worship, the Vatican, approved by (Servant of God) Pope John Paul II):

Paragraph 64: The homily, which is given in the course of the celebration of Holy Mass and is a part of the Liturgy itself,[142] “should ordinarily be given by the Priest celebrant himself. He may entrust it to a concelebrating Priest or occasionally, according to circumstances, to a Deacon, but never to a layperson.[143] In particular cases and for a just cause, the homily may even be given by a Bishop or a Priest who is present at the celebration but cannot concelebrate”.[144]

Paragraph 66: The prohibition of the admission of lay persons to preach within the Mass applies also to seminarians, students of theological disciplines, and those who have assumed the function of those known as “pastoral assistants”; nor is there to be any exception for any other kind of layperson, or group, or community, or association.[146]

Thank you for your question.  I am happy to know that you are fully aware of the liturgical norms of the universal church.  It is important that all Catholics know what is expected of us as a worshiping community of faith. – CatholicView Staff 

My daughter loves the “Latin Mass”.  What do you
think of this?” - Carol
 

CatholicView Staff:

My 20-yr-old daughter has fallen "in love" with the Latin Mass.  However, now she refuses to attend the Novus Ordo Mass, even though she's been attending daily Mass since she was a baby. The Latin Mass is only offered on Sat./Sun.   in our diocese so she only attends on those days. What can I tell her to convince her that the Novus Ordo is just as effective/valid/sacred/beautiful as the Latin Mass?  I told her that the same Jesus is received at both Masses but she contends that  "the Mass matters too." She feels that the new Mass concentrates on the "celebration" while the Latin Mass focuses on the "Sacrifice." She says the Mass is supposed to be a sacrifice only. – Carol

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Dear Carol:

I am impressed that your 20 year-old daughter so loves the Mass and appreciates the sacrificial nature of the liturgy.  She is to be encouraged in her love of the Mass and her devotion to the Holy Eucharist.  But you are correct in saying that the Mass of the 1969 Missal promulgated by Pope Paul VI and directed by the Ecumenical Vatican Council II is as "effective, valid, sacred, and beautiful."  The Vatican Council gave direction for the Mass to be revised for this present time.   The Mass was to be understood in the vernacular language of the people, and the liturgical norms demanded the active participation of the congregation.  Since the Council and the Pope, the successor of Saint Peter, have been given the keys of heaven (Matthew 16:16), they can change the liturgical rituals and appearances according to the needs of the universal church.  This is what they did.  The Mass of the 1969 Missal did not do away nor hide the fact that the Mass is the one and only sacrifice of Jesus Christ made present.  The change of liturgy from the 1962 Missal to the 1969 Missal involved the use of language, the active participation of the people, the understanding of the Mass for these times, and making the ritual postures easier, accessible, and less complicated.  There is no substantial change in the Mass since the Last Supper.  The substance of the Mass is making present the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ, making present His life, death, and resurrection, and the consuming of His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist so that we can be united with Christ and be His Body on earth (see I Corinthians 12).  The appearances and rituals of the Mass have changed through the centuries according to the needs of the Church, but the substance has not.  For example, the Last Supper, the first Mass, was probably done in Aramaic and Hebrew.   The Apostles did not celebrate the Mass in Latin, but in the language of the people they were preaching to.  For the first three centuries of the Church's life, the Mass was in the vernacular language of Greek.  In the fourth century, the Mass language was changed to Latin because that was the vernacular of the time.  As I have stated before, the appearances of the Mass have changed, but the substance has not.  Once again, I rejoice that your daughter so loves the Mass and the Holy Eucharist.  Please show her this answer.  I hope she can appreciate that the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is protected and preserved by the Church throughout the ages.  As Jesus has promised, "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against the Church.  I encourage her to receive communion regularly whether the Mass is in Latin (according to the Missal of 1962) or in the language of your country (the Missal of 1969).  For Jesus is physically there in the Holy Eucharist always!  - CatholicView Staff

”My fiancé and I  cuddled in his hotel room.  Did we
commit a mortal sin?”  JoJo
 

Dear CatholicView Staff:

When my fiancé was here from out of town, we spent the weekend just hanging out. We cuddled on the beach and in his hotel room, we laid down next to each other in his hotel room.  We never had sex (we are waiting for marriage for that). But I was wondering though, have we committed mortal sin considering we cuddled and he kept like rubbing my hip . That's all we did but I dont know. Have I done something grave? - JoJo

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Jojo:

Thank you for writing to CatholicView.   No, you have not committed a grievous sin yet but you are playing with temptation by your actions.  If you place yourself in harm’s way, such as being in a hotel room alone with your fiancé, you are inviting mortal sin.  Why not avoid the occasion of sin by staying away from situations that will lead you into sin??  - CatholicView Staff 

 
”If you take your own life, do you go to hell or heaven?”
- Bizzy  

CatholicView Staff:

Please,  please I need to know if you take your own life like my kid’s dad did, do you go to hell or heaven?   I loved him, I can’t sleep.   Please I need to know.    Bizzy

 _____________________

Dear Bizzy:

In the past, the church had thought that suicide was the decision of a free act of the will and that people who killed themselves were acting with their full mental capacity. With the strides made in medical knowledge, the church now knows that most people who commit suicide do so after a long and torturous mental, physical, and emotional pain that cannot be appreciated by most people. This pain clouds the decision making process of a human being and disables the mind from making a free act of the will. To be able to overcome the built-in instinct for survival is a sign that the person is in mental distress that does not allow for free will to function. Sin happens ONLY by a free act of the will. Depending on the particular situation, the church does not see suicide as an automatic ticket to hell.  Notice that I said in my answer to you that “most” people who commit suicide do so outside of their complete free will and therefore are not culpable of sin.

There are those who commit suicide fully aware of what they are doing, fully aware of their options, making fully aware plans (pre-meditated action), and fully aware of their situation. People who are “fully aware and free” who commit suicide will have to answer to God for their actions.   Usually, though, suicide is an act of a person not able to make a free will decision, thereby not guilty of sin.

Please remember that we cannot judge.   We know that God could read the heart of your child’s dad and did so with great compassion.  Leave it in God’s capable hands and be at peace.   – CatholicView Staff

 
”My husband had a vasectomy over 35 years ago. 
Are we excommunicated?”  - Donna
 

CatholicView Staff:

My husband had a vasectomy over 35 years ago.   At the time, we had been married 3 years, and already had 3 children. We tried Natural Family Planning; it did not work for us, and we had 2 children while using that method. With the delivery of our second child, I had major complications, and almost died.   My Dr. felt that another pregnancy would be life threatening, so he recommended the Pill.   Because of complications with the Pill, I then had an IUD.    Even with that, I became pregnant with a 3rd child.  We then decided on the vasectomy.   We truly believed that financially and emotionally, we could not adequately care for more than the 3 we already had.   We did not consider our decision sinful, and neither one of us confessed it.

In some of the reading I have done recently, I am becoming worried about our situation. We have continued to receive Communion, and have felt that we were in good standing with the Church.

My question is this: Have we been excommunicated? Are we adding sin upon sin each time we receive the sacraments, without confessing this as sin?

Early in our marriage, I read in a book about marriage by a Christian author, that anything in the marriage bed was lawful, as long as both parties agreed. Recently, I learned that oral sex is a serious sin, because it does not leave open the possibility of procreation.  Now I am worried about that, also.

If any sex is sinful if it does not allow the possibility of procreation, this creates more questions:
1. Have we committed serious sin with every act of sex since the vasectomy?
2. Are we guilty of sin for every act of oral sex?
3. Now that I have reached menopause, is every act of sex a sin?

What shall we do about our situation?  Please answer on our email.   Sincerely, A Catholic Wife - Donna

 _________________________

Donna:

I rejoice in the Lord that you have a beautiful family and that you have given life to your family through your marital love.  You are truly living symbols of Christ's love for His Church (see Ephesians 5:31-32).  Thank you for your commitment to the sacrament of marriage.  I also want to confirm and affirm the following sentence that you wrote:   "we have continued to receive communion and have felt that we were in good standing in the Church."  You are in good standing with the Church.  As I have written before in this web site concerning these issues of sexual expression within the context of the sacrament of marriage, if your medical doctor made a direction for your continuing health, then do it.  It is better for your children to have a healthy set of parents than not to have their parents at all.  You followed your doctor's orders because you were obligated to maintain your health for your family.  I am saddened that certain Catholic authors have so focused their energies on the prohibition of sexual intimacy instead of affirming the beauty of intimate marital love.  Even though the Church has always taught that the ends (goals) of sexual union is both unitive (uniting two into one flesh)   and procreative (the generation of children), the Church also acknowledges that not all sexual acts between married couples end with procreation.  That is because the human body is only fertile during certain times of the month.  Hence, the use of natural family planning implies the using of human life cycles as a form of birth control.   The Church is obviously not adverse to birth control as long as it is done naturally and that both parties are equally responsible for family planning.   Artificial means of birth control takes away the responsibility of family planning from one party of the marriage and places undue and unjust responsibility solely on one person, usually the woman. 

I want to make clear that artificial means of birth control, such as vasectomy, is an immoral choice for Christians.  But there are situations in which the choice of using such methods may be medically necessary for the health and life of the person.  In this kind of situation, the value of maintaining the health and life of either parent is the greater good than following the dictates of church teaching concerning artificial means of birth control.  I always trust the judgement of medical professionals when it comes to such questions.  But a person cannot arbitrarily make such a decision simply  based on their own selfish motives.  All morally acceptable decisions are based on the greater good for all involved, not just for the individual making the decision.

So, let's stop obsessing on the prohibition of sexual intimacy between married couples.   Instead, let us rejoice when the sexual union enhances the unitive nature of marital love!  So to answer the three questions for you:  the answer for your situation is NO.  You have not committed serious sin, nor are you guilty of sin in other acts of sexual intimacy, nor are you guilty of sin if you have sexual intimacy after menopause in fulfilling the call for unitive love in marriage.  I rejoice in your love and commitment for one another and for your family.  Now, for the benefit of our readers, just in case if there is any confusion, sexual expression and intimacy OUTSIDE of the sacrament of marriage is prohibited and sinful for a Christian.   Within the sacrament of marriage, sexual intimacy has two ends, unitive and procreative.  But neither end should negate the value of the other end, in other words, because of the cycles of the human body, the sexual act may not fulfill the end of procreation but nonetheless does fulfill the end of unitive love.  In that case, God's will is wonderfully fulfilled in your marital love for one another.   – CatholicView Staff

”Can you give guidelines so we can understand the boundaries
of gluttonly and sloth?”  CJ
 

CatholicView Staff:

Can you please tell us or give us a guideline on when we are crossing the boundaries of gluttony and sloth in layman's terms please and that which is applicable/ realistic to the present time.   I've also read that these 2 are part of the 7 deadly sins, does deadly here means mortal sin?  Should we not receive communion then if we think we over ate during the holidays or have been couch potatoes until after confession or and I being too scrupulous???   Because I read somewhere that according to some saints that eating before the appropriate time or something to that effect like snacking is already gluttony or being picky and kinda enjoying your food etc,  I sometimes try to finish food on my plate because I don't want to waste/throw it - you know granma's rule...is it okay to dispose of left over instead?  Please enlighten us....Thank You!!!

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Cj:

Yours is a good question.  Thank you for asking it. 

The seven deadly sins are pride, covetousness (also known as avarice or greed), lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth.  These seven deadly sins, more properly called the seven capital sins, are the sins to which we are most susceptible because of our fallen human nature. They are the tendencies that cause us to commit all other sins. They are called "deadly" because, if we engage in them willingly, they deprive us of sanctifying grace, the life of God in our souls.

The sin of “gluttony is the desire or pleasure we get from over indulging in food or drink to an extreme excess.  All of us at one point may have that extra piece of cake or candy, etc.  This is not a sin.   It become a mortal sin when I continue to deliberately misuse my body God gave me for safekeeping that makes it a sinful action.

In a case such as over-indulging in alcoholic beverages, for example, can lead to the impairment of the mental faculties and losing control of one’s reasoning powers.  Overeating, if it is a habitual thing can be a detriment to good health, sometimes leading to things like high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol and other ills which may become a medical issue. 

Sloth is aversion to work or exertion; laziness; indolence. Proverbs 15:19 tells: The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.  And again in Proverbs 18:9:  “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”  See also Romans 12:11 which says “Be not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” 

There are many other verses which point to slothfulness as a sin of laziness and filth.  We must all be aware of these dangers as the Lord warns us of this sin. But through it all, God can read our hearts and knows why we do everything.  Depend on Him to guide you in the right direction.    – CatholicView Staff

”Should I send a holiday card with pictures of my child to
my estranged father of 12 years?   - Andrea
 

CatholicView Staff:

I became Catholic in '05 and was then blessed with a daughter with my baptized, Protestant husband of 17 years. Should I send a Christmas card with my daughter's birth announcement and pictures to my estranged father after no contact with him in 12 years? I'm torn...please advise. Thank You, Father. Andrea

____________________________

Dear Andrea:

We are  sorry to hear that you have been estranged from your father for so many years.   However, unless he has done terrible and irreparable things to you that are absolutely despicable, you must abide by God’s Commandment to “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” - Exodus 20:12. 

Twelve years is a long time and none of us know how long we have left in this life, so we do not want to feel we did not forgive while we had the chance to do so.  Remember God knows everything and will bless you abundantly whether your dad acknowledges your show of love and respect or not.  Send your dad the card and pictures of his precious grandchild and the rest will be on his shoulders.  Pray that your dad will open his heart and want to talk matters out with you.  God sees everything we do and you will be in His grace for your offering of peace and the joy of your father's new grandchild.  May the Lord guide you in all things.

From all of us, the CatholicView View Staff and its priests, we wish you a blessed New Year and may the Lord keep you always in the palm of His mighty Hand. – CatholicView Staff

 
”What is the theologic significance to the number 40?” - Manuele

CatholicView Staff

The number 40 appears in many places in the Bible. What is the theologic significance to the number 40? - Manuele

 ______________________________

 Manuele:

You are correct in saying that The number "40" has always had special spiritual significance regarding preparation. Exodus34:28  tells us, “On Mount Sinai, preparing to receive the Ten Commandments, “Moses stayed there with the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights, without eating any food or drinking any water".  In Kings 19:8 “Elijah walked ‘40 days and 40 nights’ to the mountain of the Lord, Mount Horeb (Sinai)".   Most importantly, in Matthew 4:2 we read,  “Jesus fasted and prayed for ‘40 days and 40 nights’ in the desert before He began His public ministry”. 

In a compilation “The Symbolism of Numbers in the Bible”  Felix Just, S.J., PhD. writes, “In many ancient cultures, including Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity, numbers were not used as precisely as we might presuppose today. Thus, numbers in the Old Testament and New Testament books are often meant symbolically, not literally. For example: When the Israelites wanted to say 'a long time,' they would say '40 days' or '40 years.' Not concerned with meticulous precision as much as we are today, saying "forty" did not mean that they counted carefully, and the result was exactly between 39 and 41, no more and no less. Similarly, to say "a short time," the Scriptures often say "on the third day" or "in three days," but without meaning exactly 72 hours!"  

Please visit this link: http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Numbers.htm 

The number 40 is recognized as an important number, both because of the frequency of its occurrence and with the uniformity of its association both as a time of consecration and as a period of trial.  Hope this helps you a bit.  – CatholicView Staff

”How can I explain going to Saturday Mass instead of Sunday Mass
to my boyfriend?”  - Annmarie

CatholicView:

My boyfriend of 1 1/2 yrs is not a Catholic and constantly asks about my beliefs. He asked why Catholics are allowed to go to church on Saturday evening rather than Sunday, the Sabbath. Even after 12 yrs of Catholic Schooling I still don't know. Please Help! - Annmarie 

 ______________________

Annmarie:

Peter J. Howard, S.T.L. gives the following answer:  Canon 1248 §1 of the Code of Canon Law states: "A person who assists at a Mass celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the feast day itself or in the evening of the preceding day satisfies the obligation of participating in the Mass." Therefore, if one is attending the Saturday "Anticipatory" (Vigil) Mass for Sunday, then he has fulfilled his Sunday Mass obligation. Attending "daily" Mass on Saturday (with the Mass readings for that particular Saturday), obviously, does NOT fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation, but is a worthy devotion because the Mass of Saturday is traditionally celebrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  According to the Church's liturgical tradition, the feast day always begins the evening immediately prior to the feast when the Church prays its First Vespers.   Read more at  http://www.diocs.org/Q&A/answers.cfm?question=9massonsaturday  - CatholicView Staff

“Is wearing make-up or coloring your hair sinful?”   - Jane

 CatholicView Staff::

Is wearing make-up or coloring your hair sinful?  How about wearing spaghetti straps or tube blouses/dresses or fashionable clothes without really intending to arouse lust from men? How do we know if we crossed the line of the sin of vanity?  I just wanna know now rather than pay for it with flames or am I just being too scrupulous after reading several lives of saints....I know a lot of women would like to know.....Catholicview-you are truly a gift from God,  I try to make it a point to include you guys in my prayers together with Mel Gibson for letting us visualize the pains endured by our Lord....unknowingly you bring souls to Christ! Thank you!!!  - Jane

 _______________________

Hello Jane:

Thank you for writing to CatholicView.   I am happy you are a frequent visitor to the site.  There is nothing sinful with wearing makeup or coloring your hair if you keep certain standards for your clothes, carefully avoiding those that are too revealing.

Do all things in moderation.    When you shop, look critically at what you buy to determine how others will view your choice.

We are happy that you are striving to love our Lord in all things.  Keep moving forward in the faith.  – CatholicView Staff

 
 ”I made a vow to God I would give to a food bank but
now prefer to give to another charity.  Is this okay?” - Matt

 

CatholicView Staff:

My firm was going through layoffs and I made a vow that if I kept my job I would make a contribution to a local food bank. I did keep my job. I have subsequently come across a charity called Heifer International and have thought about doing this instead. Would this "count" as keeping my vow or do I have to do the original foodbank donation? Obviously I can do both, I am more curious about the idea of a "substitute" in keeping a vow.

 ______________________

Dear Matt:

We are happy that you want to contribute food for the poor.  To choose a charity called Heifer International which facilitates donations of livestock to poor countries is still in keeping with feeding the poor, whether in this country or not, is your choice.   If this a viable place that promises to send help to people who are hungry, I am sure God would approve.  We are all His people, whether here in the United States or elsewhere.   I see no harm in this. 

May God bless you for your generous heart.  – CatholicView Staff 

 
”Who is the Prophet they talk about in John 1.6” - Colette
 

CatholicView Staff:

I was wondering , who is the Prophet they talk about in John 1.6 when John the Baptist is asked if he is the Messiah? Elijah? or the Prophet? Thank you.  God Bless your work. - Colette

 __________________________

Dear Colette:

Many who waited for the Messiah to come thought John the Baptist was He.  But John the Baptist was foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ Who came to earth as the Messiah to take all man’s sins and offer salvation to anyone who believed in Him.  Numerous scriptures in the Old Testament also foretold the coming of Jesus Christ .  See Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 53:1-3, 2 Samuel 7:16, Micah 5:1-2, Jeremiah 23:5, Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 9:24-26.

Thank you for your question.  Keep moving forward in the Lord.  May God bless you always. – CatholicView Staff

”What is the difference between dogma and doctrine?”  - Lou
 

CatholicView Staff:

What is the difference between dogma and doctrine? Would you list the dogmas of the Church? Is there a list of dogma somewhere?
Thanks. -  Lou

_______________________

Lou:

The words DOGMA and DOCTRINE seem to mean the same thing, but there is a difference in what these words mean.  DOCTRINE generally means teaching.  Any teaching of the Church is considered doctrine.  But DOGMA is a more serious word.  DOGMA is a specific teaching in which Christians MUST believe to be Christian.  Dogma is a doctrine that is accepted and defined as truth by a Church Council and by the authority of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, as successor of Saint Peter and Universal Pastor of the Church.  For example, Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior and His Divinity is considered a DOGMA and MUST BE BELIEVED and ACCEPTED to be considered a Christian.   The CREED, the statement of faith written during the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, is considered a DOGMA.  Jesus risen from the dead is considered DOGMA.  The regular teachings that come scripture, such as how to "love your neighbor," is considered a DOCTRINE because the Church cannot define human actions as DOGMA.  Here is a simple list of dogmas of the Catholic Church (acceptance is a must and not open to negotiation, vote, or discussion of dissent of any kind):  Please copy and paste into your Internet Browser:http://www.catholicfirst.com/thefaith/churchdocuments/dogmas.cfm 

I believe that you will find everything you asked for in this list.  - CatholicView Staff

”I confessed to taking items from work which I still have and
did not confess.  Do I need to make restitution?” - John
 

Catholicview Staff:

I recently confessed taking small amounts of material from jobs for home use over the years. Now have a reasonable amount still in possession during retirement. Did not confess this part about still having leftover amount. Any need to make restitution ? – John

 ______________________

John:

Honesty demands restitution.   I am thankful that you have taken personal responsibility for your actions, though, I wish you had taken responsibility when you were working at your occupation.  Being repentant of your sin of stealing demands that you try to fix something that is wrong in your life.  If you cannot return the materials to your work for some reason, then I suggest that you honestly attach some monetary amount and worth to the materials and return that amount to the charity of your choice.  In that way, you can show to the Lord and to yourself your change of heart that comes with repentance.  May the Lord guide you in all that you do.  Keep your eyes on the Lord! – CatholicView Staff

”My friend said being single is a vocation.  Is this true” - Bruce

 

CatholicView Staff:

A friend of mine said her vocation is to be single because even as a child she has not desired children. Does this mean her vocation is to be single? Another friend of mind said she is taking that the wrong way? Any opinions? - Bruce

______________________________

Dear Bruce:

God calls each of us to give glory to him as we are, individually, according to the God-given gifts and talents we have received from our conception.  Some people are called to the vocation of marriage and family.  Others are called to the single life for His greater glory (please read Saint Paul's advice in I Corinthians 7:32-35).  We all discern God's Will for our lives in our own particular way.  So who are you to judge how your friend has discerned God's Will and Plan for her life?  If she feels called to the vocation of the single life, God bless her.  That is her destiny.   Rejoice in the Lord for her single-mindedness to God.  Support her in her faith.  Do not distract her with your lack of understanding. - CatholicView Staff

”Was Mary born without sin?” - Dottie

CatholicView Staff:

My husband (Catholic) says Mary (Jesus' mother)  was born without sin. I can find no authority in the Gospels that reflect this. In fact, I(a Christian) am of the idea that Jesus was the only man/person that was without sin (from birth)  I say God chose Mary an ordinary woman like God today chooses ordinary people for special tasks. - Dottie

__________________________

Dottie:

The teaching of the Immaculate Conception was taught in the early Church, from the beginning of our Christian faith.  The dogma of the Immaculate Conception is simply described as such:   that Mary was conceived not in sin and without sin so that she could be a suitable temple for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, and second person of the Trinity (the Godhead).  Mary had to be sinless, without sin, to carry the God-man Savior, Jesus Christ.  It started with the gospel verse from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, Chapter 1, Verse 28:  "The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.  And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace (highly favored one), the Lord is with you....don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." This particular verse is considered the biblical authority for this teaching.  Mary was a human being, yes, but she was different from us as she was prepared for Jesus.  In the Catholic mind frame, Mary had to be a perfect temple since God could not enter the world through a sinful person.  This is the appropriate time to define what sin is.  To Christians in general, sin is not considered a breaking of a commandment or rule or teaching.  Sin is not considered to be a legal term.  Sin is defined, as Thomas Aquinas would say, as a breaking of a relationship with God.  When Jesus came into the world, He fulfilled the Old Law and established a New Covenant in which sin is not the product of breaking a legal commandment or law.  Sin is anything that breaks my friendship with Jesus the Lord. That is why Christians hold that salvation comes not from fulfilling of law or commandment, but with a salvific relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior.  I am saved because of my faith in Jesus, not in following rules.  So, when I hurt someone, or do some action that has negative consequences, my relationship with Jesus is weakened and that is sin.  For Catholics, sin can be placed in two categories, mortal sin (any action or non-action that destroys my relationship with Jesus and His Church, the body of believers), and venial sin (any action or non-action that weakens my faith and my relationship with Jesus but does not destroy my love for God).  Mary was in FULL RELATIONSHIP (hence the words, "full of grace") with God and therefore was sinless.  Since she was "highly favored," it is obvious that she was in FULL relationship with God.  If she was a sinful person, the angel Gabriel could not have said that (1) she was full of grace, and (2) "you have found favor with God."  Since we cannot on our own find favor with God without Jesus, it is amazing that Mary was highly favored, full of grace, and was found in favor with God without any specific and public acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.   Yet when the angel Gabriel asked Mary for her assent to accept Jesus physically into her body, she said yes and at that time she became ONE with Jesus in her womb.  Mary's blood became Jesus' blood and Jesus' blood became one with Mary's blood.  Mary's flesh became one with Jesus' flesh and Jesus' flesh became one with Mary's flesh.  For nine months, Jesus and Mary were one.  Mary was a walking temple of God.  The teaching of the Immaculate Conception was taught from the beginning and was defined as dogma in 1950 by the Church in the person of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Pius XII, speaking on behalf of the worldwide Church.   Mary was a human being but she was different from the rest of us in that she was born and lived her whole life in FULL relationship with God.  That's why the Church honors her as the prime example of what faith in Jesus can do for us.  My faith in Jesus will in time transform my entire life and bring me to salvation. – CatholicView Staff

”Do only Catholics go to heaven?” - Sally

 

CatholicView Staff:

Do only Catholics go to heaven? - Sally

________________________

Dear Sally:

Thank you for your question.  Any one who believes and accepts the salvation that Jesus Christ died to give us will go to heaven.   If they follow the teachings that Jesus Christ taught, they are assured heaven the same way as Catholics.   Please read the following verses from our Catholic Bible(Fireside Family Edition):  Hope this helps.

Romans 10:12
”Here there is no difference between Jew and Greek; all have the Lord, rich in mercy toward all who call upon Him.    All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” John 6:40 ”And this is the will of my Father that sent me: that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth in Him, may have life everlasting, and I will raise him up in the last day.”   John 3:15 ”For God so loved the world, as to give His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting. ”John 5:24 ”Amen, amen I say unto you, that He who heareth my word, and believeth Him that sent Me, hath life everlasting; and cometh not into judgment, but is passed from death to life.” John 12:46 ”I am come a light into the world; that whosoever believeth in Me, may not remain in darkness.” Romans 9:33 ”As it is written: Behold I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and a rock of scandal; and whosoever believeth in Him shall not be confounded.” 1John 5:12 ”Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:5 ”Who is He that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” - CatholicView Staff

”If the punishment of sin is death, then why do we die?”
- Jason

CatholicView Staff:

if you forgive some one for their sins and the punishment of sinning is death, then why do we still die? - Jason

 ______________________

Dear Jason:

Thank you for your question.

 It is true that we all die.  The difference between death for the sinner and the death for a Christian is that the sinner cannot experience the eternal life that the Christian does after death.  Read Matthew 25:46 which tells us "And these (who sin) shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. " – CatholicView Staff

 
”Isn’t it against our religion to visit a fortune teller?”
- Jennifer
 

CatholicView Staff:

My cousin wants to go see someone who can tell her what her future will be, and she says she thinks he uses cards.  Isn't this against our religion?  Even though she says by seeing this person it will not change her faith or her belief in God. – Jennifer

 ____________________________

Dear Jennifer:

Many people, especially in situations that are uncomfortable or painful would like to know what lies ahead for them. What they may sometimes fail to see is that the use of tarot cards, fortunetellers, witchcraft, Ouija boards, palm readers, etc. are tools of evil. As Catholic Christians, it is considered sinful to try to foresee the future or to try to control our future by using sorcery, witchcraft, or black magic because it violates the first commandment “"I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have any gods before me".  Any such activity that is practiced is wrong and God forbids it.

The bible tells us in Leviticus 20: 27, "A man or a woman who acts as a medium or fortune-teller shall be put to death by stoning: they have no one but themselves to blame for their death".

Read Deuteronomy 18:47: “The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the Lord your God forbids you to do such things.” Then again, In Jeremiah 27:9,“Do not listen to your false prophets, fortune-tellers, interpreters of dreams, mediums, and sorcerers…” In Acts 13: 8; Paul rebukes Simon Magus, a magician, who wanted to buy the powers of the Holy Spirit to make himself more powerful.

We must avoid the things that are forbidden to us as Catholic Christians. Let the Lord, your God take care of your friend’s future for only He knows what lies ahead. She must depend on the Lord. To use Tarot Cards or any other means or sources such as fortune telling is wrong. To indulge in such practices would be to associate herself with witchcraft and the occult. This is an abomination to God and I would advise your friend to keep away from such evil practices.

I am including a link to a page written by Father William Saunders “The History of Tarot Cards”. I encourage you and your friend to read this very informative page. http://catholiceducation.org/articles/apologetics/ap0109.html. God bless you for caring enough to help your friend. –   CatholicView Staff

 
”Should I report to the IRS the full amount my
daughter pays me for babysitting?” - Peggy?

CatholicView Staff:

My daughter pays me to baby-sit her sons.   An accountant said I should put $6,000 as income and $10,000 to $15,000 as a gift and not put down as income on my taxes.   He says it is legal but is it right morally. Would it be a sin?   - Peggy

 __________________________

Dear Peggy:

I think you know the answer to this matter of conscience that you face.  You must report your income honestly.  Sometimes it is hard to do the right thing when money is involved or you need that extra income but once done, you can move on with your life without sin and be proud that once again you were tempted but said “no”. 

The bible tells us to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s when the Pharisees put this question to Jesus.  See Matthew 22:17-22  in which they ask “Now tell us what you think about this:  Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  But Jesus knew their evil motives. ’You hypocrites!’ He said.  ’Why are you trying to trap me?  Here, show me the coin used for the tax’ When they handed him a Roman coin, He asked, ‘Whose picture and title are stamped on it’  ‘Caesar’s’ they replied. ‘Well, then’ He said, ‘give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God’ His reply amazed them, and they went away.”

Please choose to make a Christian decision in this matter. – CatholicView Staff

 
”In a dream a bible was given to me and when I opened it,
it was to Rev. 2:5.  What does this mean? - Timothy

 CatholicView Staff:

 I had a dream last night in which a Crucifix and a Bible were handed to me. And when I opened the bible it was to Rev. 2:5.    I don't own a bible and has been years since I have gone to mass.   Can you give me your take on this or an interpretation of the verse?   Thank you

 ______________________________

Dear Timothy:

You are blessed to receive God’s reminder of His love and concern for your soul.  The scripture from Revelation 2:5 (Douay) reads “Be mindful therefore from whence thou art fallen: and do penance, and do the first works. Or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou do penance.”   This is something we must all take note of and remember.

CatholicView does not or is qualified to interpret dreams.  We can only surmise what seems to be God’s way of telling you to change your life to include Him.   And through the verse, this passage gives you a gentle reminder that our souls are always in jeopardy of losing eternal life because of sin.  The candlestick represents Jesus Who is the light of the world.  Without Him, we live in darkness.   

I would suggest you start going to mass and re-instate yourself with the church community by going to the sacrament of reconciliation.  Again I feel you are blessed mightily through your dream.  Now move forward in your faith.   – CatholicView Staff

 
”I exhibited products of a medical nature at a gay exposition. 
Did I do the wrong thing?” - Laura

CatholicView Staff:

I bought a table to exhibit my company's products at a gay exposition. The products that I sell are of a medical nature and important to every single person. I feel guilty. I love the sinner (the homosexual) but not the sin (the acting out of). I stand to earn income from this expo. Was I wrong to attend? How can I go back and tell my company that I can't take any commissions from the sales due to the expo. Yet, who am I to deny gays a product that will improve the quality of their life?

 __________________________________

Dear Laura:

Your question does not give CatholicView enough information.  You say you bought a table to sell your company’s products at a gay exposition.  Was this your idea to do this?  

You also do not specify if the medical products you sell are such that would entice single people, whether homosexual or heterosexual, to indulge in sexual activity outside of marriage.  Sex outside of marriage is always wrong.  This would apply to all, whether homosexual or heterosexual.  If this is the case, you must make a decision whether to continue to sell products that entice others into sin.

Please see your priest and give him details.  I cannot make a judgment in this case.  May the Lord guide you always to do the right thing. – CatholicView Staff 

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