CatholicView Staff: Hello, I am a twenty six year old woman and I am concerned about the way I am living. First I want to say that when I was very young, I started having sexual experiences and I ended up doing things with over a hundred people. I am ashamed to admit this but I need answers to where I should be in my life. After all these experiences, I met a couple, and I soon moved in with them. We all did things together and I am still with them after twelve years. His wife and I have quit doing anything, but her husband and I have not, she knows that we love each other and we have an eight year old together, but I am having concerns about us still doing things and being together. I love him very much, but I am scared for my soul because of all the things that I have done. I'm scared I am just adding to my list of the things that I have done. Please tell me from the Bible, what am I supposed to do? Thanks.... Elizabeth
Elizabeth:
I am so happy to hear that you are expressing a desire to change your life, for you are realizing you cannot live in the sordid past of yesterdays anymore. This will not be easy to do as you have a young daughter in the mix of things. But with God's help you can make it, because nothing is impossible for God.
I think you already know this, for I can read this desire in your letter to CatholicView. Although you cannot undo the things you have done, you have a God Who is full of mercy and love for you and Who wants to wipe your slate clean from your sinful past. Always keep in mind, you are very special and unique in His eyes. You must take that first step in reconciling your life to Jesus Christ. He is waiting for you to come and receive the forgiveness He is holding out to you right now. Never forget you are very much loved. But you must be willing to repent and change your lifestyle, for without this change you will still be deep into the depths of the sin you have lived with these past years and this is what separates you from God.
Do not be discouraged. And we know this will not be easy for you. You have a beautiful child who came from an illicit union with someone else's husband. You will have to break those bonds and move away, however painful. You must now be strong, have faith, even if it is weak right now, and move forward into the new and bright future God has planned for you, knowing that God will give you the strength to do this. He knows your heart and will send His Holy Spirit to guide you back to where you now want to be. At first it will be hard as well as painful to break the ties of your sinful past, but always remember that Jesus Christ will be walking right alongside you and if you stumble, He will pick you up, giving you the courage to move forward in your endeavors to reach your Christian goal. God's precious mercy will be your crutch to help you overcome the obstacles.
I am reminded of what Jesus said to the woman at the well in Saint John, Chapter 14 in the bible. She had had five husbands in the past, but Christ said, "and even now, the man you are living with is not your own." Like that woman, Jesus wants you to make your way back to Him. Jesus forgave this woman and will forgive you of all sins that hang heavy on your soul. He will erase the past and make you the person you can be, and so know with confidence that you will be a brand new person. Read Psalm Chapter 103 verse 12 that tells us if we receive His forgiveness "He will remove our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west." And we will be made clean. Just as the woman at the well was vindicated, so will you.
The first step you must take is to break off the relationship with this man who is already married. You cannot and must not continue to share the marital bed with another woman. Please read Saint John Chapter 8 about a woman who was to be stoned for committing adultery but Jesus forgave her also and told her to go and sin no more. This is what you must do. You have taken the first step away from sin and you are just a hair away from your desire to be a lady of faith, courageous and backed by almighty God, the maker of the Universe, and your ticket to eternity has already been paid for by Jesus Christ Who wants to hand it to you, if you accept it.
When things get tough and you feel you cannot make it, I want to pray this simple prayer: Lord, I am weak, but You are strong and mighty. Carry me past the threshold of sin into Your loving arms, and bring me to the safety of your promises. Let me be a beacon of hope to my young child, make me an example of purity so that she can grow past my beginnings into the sunshine and protection of Your merciful love. I ask this through Your Precious Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
Psalm 55:22 says "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Elizabeth, I want you to know that I will be praying for you. Be at peace, for you are now entering a place of hope, love and mercy through Jesus Christ, our advocator. Please make an appointment to talk to a parish priest nearby. He is there to help you and will show you the way back home to God and your Church family. Never forget you are most precious in God's sight. - The Staff at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff:
I have recently come to a verse in my readings that scared me to death. It is said in Luke 12:10 that everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. I know that in my life I have thought about whether or not our Lord is the true Savior and I'm sure you have too. So, does this ultimately mean that you and I will never be forgiven for blaspheming against the Holy Spirit? I always though Jesus forgave all sins......but I guess not. - David
David: Doubts expressed vocally or in your heart is not blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the non-acceptance of God's forgiveness and love at the end of one's life. And why is this blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the personification of God's love and mercy and the Holy Spirit is always working on all of our hearts, every moment, every day. These promptings of the Holy Spirit are seen in our thoughts, our feelings, our sense of being enlightened, in fulfilling an obvious need. It is also seen as forgiveness, repentance, peace, love, and tolerance. When a person ALL his or her life closes himself to those promptings of the Spirit, to even the point of not accepting God's forgiveness and love, then that person has made a destiny choice not to accept God in his life. And without God, there is nothing, no heaven, only isolation from the harmony of the universe. And since there is no acceptance of the love of God, hell awaits for that person because that person has made a destiny choice to live in hell, separated from God because that person has chosen to live separated from God. As long as you have Jesus Christ in your life as Lord and Savior, you are destined for heaven. If you have totally turned your back on God without any kind of repentance, you are destined for hell by your choice. Heaven is my choice and always will be no matter what my doubts are. My faith is the key to the door of heaven. Without faith, I have nothing. The fact that you even asked this question means that you are in relationship with Christ and you are on the road to salvation. You could not ask this question if you have committed the only unforgiveable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can be summed up in this one little but damning line: "No thanks, God. Don't bother." - The Priests at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff: I converted to Catholicism 21 years ago, then fell and became a Wiccan. Then I came back to Christianity, but not back to Catholicism. I go to a small Episcopal church where I am loved and wanted. Catholic churches in my area are large and unfriendly. Can I confess my sins, come back to Catholicism, and still go to my Episcopal church? I'm in the choir there! - Doreen
Doreen: I am confused by your question. If you are happy with your relationship with the Episcopal Church, then you should stay there. If you want to be a practicing Catholic, then leave the Episcopal Church and get involved in your local parish. But as they say, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. You seem happy to be where you are, participating in the sacramental life of the Episcopal Church. I am just grateful to God that you are with Jesus! - The Priests at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff:
For baptism, the Bible says "immersed", but a baby has only a few drops. Jesus was our example and He was immersed. I want to be sure my baptism counts in the eyes of God. Should I be baptized again? Where in the Bible is there proof that a few drops are acceptable? Thank you. - Diane
Diane:
CatholicView Staff:
Colin: There is no requirement that you have to be an Irish citizen to be ordained a priest for Ireland. That all depends on which bishop would accept an American citizen as a candidate for priesthood. Your American citizenship is not an impediment to ordination for priesthood in another country or jurisdiction. - The Priests at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff: If a sociopath, a man who has a damaged mind that renders him incapable of feeling guilt, should convert to Catholicism and try to lead a good life, would he still get into heaven, despite his inability to feel guilty about his sins and properly confess? - Peter
Peter:
God loves us and
understand us more than we can know ourselves. When a person is
mentally disabled (or as you say, a damaged mind), God knows this.
He works with what He has and God has a relationship with this
person deeper than anything you or I are able to comprehend. In
your hypothetical question, you state that the person converted to
Catholicism. If that person could do that, then he does have a
sense of right and wrong and understands on some level what moral
behavior is. So, God judges us according to our individual ability
to comprehend His love and commandments. I am reminded of this New
Testament verse from Romans Chapter 2, Verse 12: "All who sin
outside of the law will also perish without it, and all who sin
under the law will be judged in accordance with it." Simply
put, we are judged according to conscience. As long as the person
lives as best as he can in Jesus Christ, heaven is his, even if he
is unable to feel guilt. - The Priests at
CatholicView
CatholicView Staff:
Frank: God judges us differently than we judge people. God judges the heart and not by appearance. The Gospel of John, Chapter 7, Verse 24 states: "Stop judging by appearance, but judge justly." Also, see John 8:15, "You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone." Following the rules isn't necessarily the key to salvation. Your faith in Jesus Christ is. And Oscar's faith saved many people from death at great cost to him and his family. Even though he had his own sinful inclinations and problems, his faith was far greater than his sins. The qualification for heaven is simple, yet a life-long struggle, to know, love and serve God through Jesus Christ. The fruits of his life's labor lives on. His sins....gone, by the blood of Christ, Alleluia! And ultimately, that is the measure of a person, the legacy that Oscar leaves behind, not a legacy of sin, but of life! I can't wait to meet him in heaven! - The Priests at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff:
There are times that I am amazed (and distressed) at how we as human beings obsess on the bad and not on the good. I am also distressed how easily we human beings can brush aside God's love, mercy, and forgiveness. You have sinned. You have asked for forgiveness. God forgives so that you can move on and learn from your mistakes. You are forgiven by God and Church. Stop punishing yourself. Alas, the consequences of your sin will live on, but it can be easily managed with the help of your doctor. You mentioned HPV, Human Papilloma Virus, a virus that is transmitted by sexual contact and through other close contact means. This virus is usually harmless but it can be the cause of cervix cancer and penis cancer in rare cases, and other things such as genital warts. Interestingly, many people in the world are carriers of this virus. Having the virus is NOT a sin. There was no need to confess it other than to explain that one of the consequences of your sin was that you contracted this virus. As long as you love Jesus and follow His path, heaven is yours! Please stop beating yourself about your sin. Learn from it and get up and go forward. I am reminded of the story of the adulterous woman in the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, Verse 10-11: "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one, sir." Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more." With that gospel verse in mind, you are not condemned to hell. You are destined for heaven. So, stop the obsessing on the past. Obsess instead on the mercy of God who gave you your life and your place in heaven with Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior who has already suffered and died for your sins, ALL YOUR SINS. Accept the free gift of forgiveness and be grateful! As a side for our readers, there is a vaccination for HPV available for everyone, especially for young people. For more information about his vaccine, please seek your medical professional's help! - The Priests at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff: I have been married for 6 years but because I suffer from impotence I have not consummated my marriage yet. I am seeking medical help on this. My wife prefers to continue living like this than an annulment. Could you please advice if we are doing anything unholy? - Steve
Steve: There is nothing "unholy" in your relationship except your own doubts whether your wife could truly love you without the sexual intimacy that you both desire but do not have as of yet. I give thanks to God that you have a loving wife who accepts you as you are. Your wife loves you totally. That's why she married you. You have a valid sacramental marriage. Soon, with medical help and the Lord's healing, your desire for sexual intimacy will be fulfilled. You are so blessed to have a spouse to stand by you no matter what! Praise God! What's the problem? You've got it all. May I recommend to you the following little prayer to say all day: "Father, thank you for my life. Thank you for my wife. Thank you for love. Thank you, Father, for everything through Jesus Christ our Lord!" And then let God work through your marriage and love. - The Priests at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff: Is it possible to born without a soul and/or heart I am 23 years old just married and have a baby due in November. I have wondered for some time now about this. I have a gorgeous wife and I know I care about her and everyone else in my life but just can't feel it. Sometimes I wonder if I just have lost my soul or heart some way. Is that even possible? - Sam Sam: I am pleased that you are hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit that God uses to prompt you in the right direction. Through this letter sent, it is clear that you want to not only recognize the blessings that God has given to you but to be able to thank God for His kindness shown in your life. We are His children and when He created us He gave each of us a soul. Your soul may lie dormant but it is there within you, waiting for you to recognize it and to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, which is also alive in you. Your soul is intact. Even those who destroy and hurt others have souls, but they chose not to listen to it, going their own way using their "free will". I suggest that you pray and thank the Lord for giving you a beautiful wife, thank Him for your own life, your good health and all the blessings He has bestowed on you. In a few months, you will have a precious new life that God will give to you both. Without God your life is empty and devoid of the real joy only God can give. Please pray a simple prayer asking that He touch your heart and open your mind to His Presence and His goodness. Spend time with the Lord. Open your heart to all the experiences He has so generously given to you, knowing that even now, He is calling you to Him. Listen and pray often. Say a simple prayer asking the Lord to help you realize that all the good things that has happened to you came from Him and that He is alive within your heart and your soul. Congratulations on the gift of your new son or daughter. God bless you. - CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: Can you still get baptized if you have lied to God? Trish Dear Trish: Thank you for your letter. Baptism brings forgiveness. It is a cleansing of all sin. At that moment your sins will be cleansed. All sins are forgiven and that person is reborn again. They are brand new. Please remember that our God is a God of forgiveness and mercy. Pray right now and ask God for forgiveness and to give you peace, promising that you will avoid all sin in the future. Welcome to our Church. You will soon avail yourself for the sacrament of confession and the precious sacrament of the Eucharist (communion). May God bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Is getting a vasectomy an act that would result in excommunication or condemnation? Or is it a mortal sin that can be forgiven and/or absolved through an act of penance or contrition? - Matthew Matthew: You state that you are not Catholic. In the Catholic Church, the person who gets or has had a vasectomy will not be excommunicated but he must ask for God's forgiveness and express sorrow and repentance for his actions. Having a vasectomy constitutes a grave matter. Together with full knowledge of the gravity of this sin and your free consent, a mortal sin is committed. The remedy is the same as for any mortal sin: the sacrament of reconciliation, through which a person is restored to a state of grace and may again receive the sacrament of communion in the Church. Hope this helps. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: My wife has been seeking spiritual direction from my parish priest for some time and our relationship has steadily declined since that time. She is infatuated with him and has stated to me that I can leave before she would end the relationship. What do I do? Sean Sean: CatholicView is very sorry to hear of your wife's behavior. This is not an uncommon pattern in which the priest will somehow become a hero. If you can, make an appointment to speak with the priest for he may not be aware of your wife's infatuation with him. If you find that he has been improper with your wife, he should be reported to the diocese in where you live. As to your wife's continued infatuation, please try to get marital counseling through another priest and try to have your wife attend with you. I hope this helps a bit. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I attend catechism classes but will be through next year. I have sinned greatly in my past. Can I go to a priest now for confession before I am allowed to receive the Eucharist? I want to clear my conscience. - Wynn Wynn: Welcome to our Church. We are very happy that you are going to catechism classes. As to going to confession, I suggest you make an appointment immediately to explain your situation to a priest. Tell him of your urgency. In the meantime, find a quiet place and pray tonight, asking God to forgive your sins. Tell Him of your sorrow for the sins you have committed and ask for His forgiveness. You must make an appointment to see your parish priest. Please tell him of what you are going through. He will guide and encourage you in the way you must go. Don't delay. May God bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: 25 Yrs ago I was in a civil marriage as a lapsed Catholic with a Mormon Woman. She became pregnant, but the baby's head did not develop so she had an abortion by induced labor, baby still had a heartbeat. The baby was still born. In her religion the abortion was not sinful. My US Army Benefits paid for the abortion. I accepted her decision to have the abortion, but did try to talk her out of it. Am I automatically excommunicated because she had the abortion? - Keith
Keith: Abortion is prohibited by God and Church. If a child has a heartbeat and is aborted, it is a mortal sin. Did your wife's doctor advise that the child could not live with an ill formed head? If this procedure was an option to save your wife's life or the child could not be born alive, then this is a matter you both should have discussed with your priest. The good thing is that you did try to talk your wife out of having your child aborted. Sadly because you allowed this to happen, you need to be reconciled with the Church through confession. Please make an appointment to see your priest. Tonight I ask you to pray to our heavenly Father and ask for His forgiveness, expressing your sorrow for this long ago sin. God will forgive if you are sorrowful but He waits for you to come to Him, asking for His forgiveness. May you find peace. - CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: It is my understanding that it is a sin against the 7th and 8th commandments to waste time at work because you're stealing your company's time/pay for work not done and you're lying about how many hours you actually worked. My very specific (and possibly stupid) question is this- if you have wasted time at work and you confess that, is it then another mortal sin if you turn in your time sheet after confessing without taking out the time you wasted (even if you don't know how much time you really wasted)? Does that make sense? I want to confess wasting time at work (I let myself get distracted on the internet), but I also don't want to lose my job. Please give me any advice you can. Thank you so much and God bless! - Paige Paige: Yours is a very interesting question. This is where your personal integrity comes in. God sees all things that we do and we must answer to Him for the wrong doings that most of us are guilty of. What I would suggest is that you might want to make the time up that you feel you squandered by perhaps cutting the lunch hour a minute or two each day or giving an extra few minutes if you can by coming in early. You will feel better about yourself. In the future be careful of the time you spend on personal things. None of us are robots but we can try to be as honest as we can with the time we are getting paid for. God bless you for trying your best to be a good employee. - CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: I have severe bipolar depression and medication has not, so far, helped. I know that God does not always take away our pain, but I thought that He would always help us through it. I have prayed until I can't pray anymore because it hurts too much to think that He has abandoned me. Why would He choose not to give me the strength to get through this? Gayle Dear Gayle: I am so sorry to hear that your bipolar depression has not been helped by medication. Have you checked with your doctor for an alternate medication? Sometimes it takes a few tries before you might find one that works well for you. God has not abandoned you. He loves you and He wants you to have the strength to overcome your condition. Here is a prayer for you: Dear God,
You have invited all who are suffering and struggling to come to You
for the strength and courage to face the burdens life has given.
Gayle is suffering, Lord, and comes prayerfully asking that You will
bolster her spirits in the struggle she is facing because of her
bipolar illness. Give her the courage to move forward in faith,
knowing that You will always be there for her. Strengthen her with
Your powerful mercy. Bring healing to her. Touch her soul with Your
compassion; touch her heart with Your infinite Love; touch her mind
with Your promises of strength to carry her through this illness.
Gayle, keep
praying. I will do the same for you. You are loved and you are
special. Please remember that you do not walk alone in your
suffering. God walks with you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I was married in a Lutheran church by a Lutheran minister, and a Catholic priest did a blessing. I am now divorced - was I ever married in the eyes of the Catholic Church? Do I need an annulment? - Michael
Michael:
CatholicView Staff: My husband and myself separated because I could not accept my husband continually watching porn and masturbating to it. He said he would stop so we could work on our marriage. I found out he never stopped while we got back together. Is it wrong or should I learn to accept this since he is my husband. - Veronica
Veronica: I am sorry to hear that your husband is addicted to porn and masturbating to it. This is against Church teaching and violates the purpose of marriage because it opens the way to sinful behavior. Obviously you love him, but if you accept his actions knowing it is gravely sinful he will continue to behave in this fashion. God has created men and women in marriage to be together. Sex is a wonderful gift with the security of a loving, committed relationship. What could be more wonderful than that? This is what marriage is all about; being faithful to each other exclusively, without the desire for the addiction of porn . When a husband seeks excitement other than with his wife, it leaves her feeling inadequate. I would suggest that you and your husband make an appointment to see your parish priest to discuss this. In the meantime, he must go to confession before taking communion. - Hope this helps. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I pray daily and nightly or you could say regularly, but I don't always go to mass, I know the commandments say keep holy the Lord's Day, but is it still a sin not to go to church even though you regularly speak to the Lord through prayer? - John Dear John: I am happy to hear that you pray regularly. This is very important. But, as a Christian, you are still required to attend Church on Sunday, which God has commanded us to do. It is a day He has set aside for us to worship Him in His church with others of faith. It is the Holy Sabbath. Going to mass is the foundation of our Christian practice and if you willfully fail to attend mass on Sunday, then it is a sin and requires confession. If you are ill or do not have transportation, have sick children to care for, then it is not a grave matter. Under some circumstances such as illness or travelling and one cannot get to a church, then that person must spend at least an hour in prayer, reading the holy scriptures, and quietly talking to the Lord. This shows honor and love. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Jesus said to turn the other cheek, shouldn't we have done that with Osama Bin-Laden to be a true Christian? - Larry
Larry: Thank you for your question. As Christian Catholics, we cannot celebrate the killing of anyone. Note the word celebrate for this means a loveless, joyful happiness. But, those who are evil must be punished. It is in the gleeful joy of that death that is wrong for we must love even those who have done harm to our country, our family and to us personally. God demands it.
God does not want us to rejoice in the death of our enemies but in the case of an evil man who was responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent human beings he must be brought to justice. More from Father Robert Barron concerning Osama Bin Laden at this link: http://www.wordonfire.org/Written-Word/articles-commentaries/May-2011/Celebrating-the-Death-of-Bin-Laden.aspx Larry, I hope this clarifies the situation for you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Is getting a tattoo a sin? - Adolfo
Adolfo: A tattoo is not sinful in itself. It is only in the message that they send to others which may be sinful. Remember that you are a Christian Catholic and therefore I urge you to be very careful with the image you portray on your body. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: If it is a cause of great inner turmoil to continue having contact with a friend who, despite your best efforts to help and love with all your heart, is using and manipulating you, albeit unconsciously, is it wrong to cut off contact with them?
Dear Drew: Thank you for writing to CatholicView. It sounds like you have done your best to help your friend. You have offered loving help to your friend and he has not showed appreciation for your effort. My suggestion is that you talk to your friend, let him know that you are distressed by his behavior. You say he does not realize that he is using you without realizing he is doing so. I believe it is time for you to nicely explain what you are feeling. But give your friend a chance to see what he is doing to you, and be allowed to change. If this does not work, then you cut off this friendship and move on. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff My father is in a lot of
pain due to cancer and he is on dialysis. Two doctors strongly
recommended that he stop dialysis and
Dear Lisa: We are so sorry to hear that your father is suffering such pain. You ask if it is a sin to stop dialysis for your father. Usually, the term, "extraordinary means" of life support, of which the Church teaches is something that can be stopped, means that a person is brain dead or something irreversible. Unfortunately your short question does not describe an irreversible medical situation as such. Now, what can be done is to stop all medications for the cancer and allow "nature to take its course," just giving the basic medication for pain. But to unplug the dialysis machine would be considered premature and immoral. The dialysis machine is necessary for his continued life, and turning it off while he is still conscious and aware would be "something that we would have to answer God for." The Church would consider it a sin to do so. We will keep your father in prayer. May God bless and strengthen you during this sad time. - The Priests At CatholicView
CatholicView Staff: My daughter is 22 years old and has told me she is going to move out with her x boyfriend. I have given her my opinion of how I believe that is not the right decision but she is choosing to go whether I approve or not. I am considering talking to her x boyfriend but I don't know if that would be overstepping my boundaries as her mother. My husband says he will not talk to her if she leaves. I love her but I think she is making a mistake and I feel caught in the middle. What should I do? - Celia
Dear Celia: You are right in telling your daughter she is making a very bad moral sin by moving in with her boyfriend. However, she is a grownup and can decide for herself. Sadly, she is not realizing the consequences of her behavior. The only thing you can do is continue to pray fervently for your daughter, asking God to intervene through the Holy Spirit. Keep in mind that you have laid a Christian foundation for your child that will always remain. One day she will remember all that you and her father taught, and hopefully soon she will see that the choice she made is wrong in the eyes of the Lord. I will pray for her. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I worry about getting HIV even though I am at low risk for this. The other day my arm may have made contact with some blood but I am not sure. I wanted to ask a psychic if there was blood there. Just a yes or no answer to relieve my mind. I am so worried. What is wrong to ask a psychic just for a yes or no response? - Sandra Dear Sandra: I am assuming that you work in a place where you come in contact with blood or other samples which may be contagious. Many people, especially in situations that are uncomfortable or frightening would like to know what lies ahead for them. But going to psychics, using tarot cards, fortune tellers, 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 lives 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". Going to a psychic is wrong and God forbids it. We must avoid the things that are forbidden to us as Christian Catholics and let the Lord, our God take care of all things This is where your faith in God comes in. Depend on the Him in all things for He promises to take care of us. Pray with confidence and ask Him to protect you from harm. May you find peace. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I currently work in a pub. I feel so guilty for taking these people's money to basically destroy their lives through alcohol and gambling. Upon quitting for this reason, my boss is trying to convince me to stay. The money has enabled me to give to 3 different charities. I'm trying to do what is right with the sinful money I earn. If I arranged 1 day a week to do charity work would God forgive for staying? - Kristie Kristie: God is well pleased with your generosity in helping three charitable organizations for this is what He asks us to do. As Jesus Christ said, "Whatever you do for the least of these, you are doing it for me." (Matthew 25:40 Let me commend you for looking beyond your present job to care about the actions of others who frequent the pub. But if you should leave your job, however, these people will still drink and gamble. You cannot change this. I would suggest that you try to find something else, if time allows, from your present work. God reads the heart and sees the good you do. I think He would be pleased if you could use that one-day a week in finding new employment where you could help others if possible. This would put your mind at peace. Please know that I will keep you in prayer. May the Lord bless you always. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Once you are in Heaven, does your mind stay the same as it was on earth? I know the Church says once you are in Heaven you are in complete paradise, and will forever be with God. But does this mean that once you die and are accepted into Heaven, do you become an "all-knowing" divine entity or do you feel like your at peace is on a very long blissful vacation? I'm not trying to act casual, I'm just not sure how to ask this question. Thank you and God Bless. - Trevor
Dear Trevor: You ask whether we will be an "all-knowing" divine entity" in heaven. If you mean will we be like God, then the answer is no. We are not gods. He promises paradise. We are His creations who had faith and followed the teachings He set for us. We will be at peace, with joy and well being. We will see our family and friends and most of all, we will never tire of worshiping our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Who paid for our entry into His Father's eternal kingdom. We will see them face-to-face at last and we will never tire of their majesty. There will be no more pain or suffering and we will never die. God promises complete happiness and eternal life. God keeps His promises. Hope this helps. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: There is a gay politician here in CA and they have done great work for our city. They are seeking higher office and have asked for my support. While I absolutely agree with their facial views my concern is that if I were to support them and donate money they may work against Prop 8 (Defense of marriage). What should I do..? Would it be a sin to support them?
Erick: Great question. In this case, I suggest you look at your conscience. It is true that many homosexual have much to offer and most times are kind and generous, with great political insight. I suggest you pray hard about this, knowing what God decrees and decide this matter for yourself. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I have several chronic illnesses and chronic fatigue syndrome, I use marijuana for cfs it has a reverse effect on me. I have talked to my Doctor about this, and although in our state it cannot be prescribed it has had beneficial effects for me. I am very involved in my church. But I have been a Eucharistic Minister for 3 yrs, now. I have been celibate for 10 yrs, I don't date and am faithful to Our Lord. What should I do now? Is this a mortal sin? Gods Blessings be with you. - Lois
Lois: Praise God that you are so faithful to God and the Church. You say your doctor is not allowed to prescribe Marijuana. How will you obtain marijuana if it is not allowed in your state? In your case you have a legitimate need for relief from your chronic illness and chronic fatigue syndrome. If you can find a doctor who legitimately prescribes it because you need it, and you religiously follow the dosage prescribed, then this would not be a mortal sin. To obtain it illegally may cause serious problems for you and I would not recommend you do this. Sadly many people are using marijuana for the wrong reasons such as getting a physical high or for the way it makes them feel. In some states there are those who use it and have become addicted to this drug. In this case it is sinful as it does alter the mind. Keep up the good work for the Lord Who knows your heart and your needs. God bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I remember reading a story at school and was wondering if you could help me out. The story went a bit like this: There was a slave who owed the king money and the king approached him for it and the slave got down on his knees begging for more time and the king gave him another chance. Then this slave went to another slave who owed him money and demanded that he paid immediately. I can't remember rightly if he beats him or something like that and the king sees this and says, "I gave you a chance and this is how you treat the next person?" I think he throws him in jail. please could you help me out with this? Thank you. - Billy
Billy: You are referring to Matt 18:23-35 where Jesus relates this parable: “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be
patient with me, and I will pay it all. Then his master was filled
with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. Jesus said, “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Billy, I hope this helps you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff:
I was baptized a Catholic and attended a Catholic Church when I was young. I now attend a Christian Church with my fiancé. We are getting married in April and have a really beautiful Catholic Church booked for our wedding, does it matter that we do not attend a Catholic Church? We believe in God and do not have anything against Catholics. We are just really happy at the church we are at. I really do not see a big difference with Catholics and Christians.
Rachel:
To get married in the Church you mentioned, did you tell the priest you are now a member of another Christian Church? I ask this because the Church will marry a Catholic and a Protestant but will not marry two Protestants in the Catholic Church. Catholic marriages are sacramental (One of the Seven Sacraments) and one of the two parties has to be an active Catholic.
CatholicView Staff: Can I talk to a priest online and if yes were my son Connor died 6 years ago and I cant stop thinking about it. - Ronald
We are so sorry that you lost your son Connor. It is never in the natural order of things for a child to die before his or her parents. Someone once wrote "When a parent dies, you lose your past; when a child dies, you lose your future. And this is very true. You write that your son Connor has been gone for six years. Most of us know that there is no timetable for grief's duration; there are no rules, boundaries, or protocols in grieving for your child. When your son died, the bond did not break, for he will always be with you in memory and love. But we can remember the joys and the sharing, the loving and being loved for it will always be precious. With time, these memories will linger but you will continue on. We can only pray that the grief will lessen knowing as a Christian, that one day you will see your son alive and well again. CatholicView will pray that you will find peace and solace, that there will come a joyful day when you will stand rejoicing as you see your son again. May the Lord comfort you in your grief. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I am being treated for depression and anxiety. One of my biggest fears is dying and going to hell. I've heard so many times that my condition is due to my lack of faith, and that needs to be corrected before I can be accepted into heaven. I'm afraid, and I'm tired of living like this. I want to know how to get to heaven. Thanks! Dear Kevin: I am so sorry that you are the victim of depression and anxiety. Please know if you are obedient to God's teachings, you WILL get into heaven. Through prayer, He will strengthen your faith and give you the hope He wants us all to have and that is eternal life. Always remember you are so loved by God that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die in order that you might live in the Kingdom of God almighty. Whenever you sin, you must repent and get forgiveness right away. He wants you to know that He loves you and He wants you to be with Him someday. And always remember that He sees everything you are going through. All the depression as well as the anxiety. What He asks is that you avoid sin. If you do sin, get forgiveness promising not to repeat the sin, and start over again with a clean slate. Do not despair. Through His grace you will grow strong in the Lord. You have nothing to fear for the price has already been paid by Jesus Christ. One day we will see you in heaven where there will be no more depression or anxiety. God bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I swore to God that if my husband looked at impure things on the computer again I would leave him and a few months later this event occurred again. I don't want to leave him but I am worried that since I swore to God that I have to... What can I do? - Kara Dear Kara: Although we should always be careful when swearing to God, I think in the case of your husband viewing porn on the computer, God understands the situation and your emotional hurt. But you must be very careful in the future before swearing or making promises you may not keep to God. Please do not worry but ask God's forgiveness for a promise made in the heat of upset and anger. I am saddened to learn that your husband broke his promise to stop viewing porn on the computer. Such offerings are addictive and your husband needs to talk to someone about his actions. To continue with this is hurtful to the wife as she is made to feel inadequate to his needs. I would suggest that you and your husband seek counsel from your parish priest. Your priest can help you by giving you and your husband advice as well as referring you both to a marriage counselor. What your husband is doing is contrary to God and Church and opens the door to further sinful action. It must stop. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I have attended the mass this past Sunday, received communion and after about an hour or so my throat and my mouth was so itchy and felt like something weird was going on in my mouth! Is it possible that I could have gotten something virus, bacterial in drinking from same cup? - Zenaida Zenaida: I am so sorry you had a problem after taking communion from the cup at mass. I don't quite understand how a virus or bacteria would infect a person within an hour, particularly since wine is alcoholic. I would think this would kill any foreign substances. Did others experience the same feeling? Or perhaps the wine itself was at fault. In any case, please report your discomfort to the church. I hope all is well now with you. - CatholicView Staff
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