francesco

In general, God's will is for all men to accept the offered salvation through His son Jesus Christ. It is to reconnect us to that perfectly free, loving, eternal state that existed prior to the decision for sin (original) being made. As many respondents have mentioned, the key for you is in the discerning of God's will in your particular life. It's not that this will differ from the previously mentioned general will, but rather in the particular manner in which that general concept may manifest in your life in a personal way. To discern this the best way is through heartfelt prayer. Talk with God often, then be silent and learn to listen. Typically, He answers through an intuitive process evident as a peaceful clear perception. Additionally, speaking with trusted knowledgeable friends can be helpful. Rejoice in your hunger for God in your life. This is a sign that His grace is already working in you.

I believe it was commendable that you attempted to reach others with the christian message of good news. Unfortunately, I believe that many will be, if not outright hostile toward it, at least non accepting. I'm sorry that you felt more of the hostility than simple non-interest. Again, you tried. That's really all we can, or are asked, to do. It is up to God to touch those seeds with His spirit so that they may grow into something larger than ourselves. Trust in Him. He is always in control.

Dear Follower, I understand exactly what you are speaking about. I too struggle with the process of evangelization. We do live in a time and place where living a Christ centered life can be extremely challenging. What God wants from us is that we try to extend the gospel message outward into the world according to the gifts that He has given us. St Paul tells us that we all have different abilities, but that we all are parts of the same body: the body of Christ. Each of us has certain strengths, as well as, certain weaknesses. We should pray for discernment which will allow us to identify what our given abilities are, then capitalize upon those strengths in order to reach people that God puts into our lives. From the research I have done, for a person who is introverted (like myself) or is having trouble spreading the word, it is best to begin with people with whom we have some relationship. It is usually better accepted when a prior relationship exists which will foster a willing to listen to what we have to say. Also, we should practice becoming good listeners ourselves instead of doing all the talking. By listening we can learn better how to approach a particular subject with any given individual. Those are just a few ideas. Good luck to you.

Dear F-Ivan, Your question regarding the trinity actually supplies most of the formal answers within its own text. You are right. The holy trinity is composed of three persons in one God. This is clearly not a concept that we mere humans can wrap our heads around in any sense of completeness. We live in a world essentially described by the data supplied by our physical senses. The concepts of omnipresence, temporal relativism, etc. can be comprehended intellectually, but cannot be known in their fuller reality by direct observational means. For that we'll have to rely upon faith which leads to knowledge. I actually find it exciting to imagine that someday after I leave this present corporeality, I may just get to find out. Trust in God-He will provide all that we need.

Dear Captwalker, I can empathize with your situation. I too have often ruminated over various "debts" owed during my life; some monetary, others of a more ethereal nature. The key I have learned from the guidance of a number of learned christian spiritual advisors, is contained in intention. If God has allowed you to become aware of a debt of some sort, be it monetary or otherwise, then you must deal with this issue in a way that will bring you peace of mind and heart. Of course, as a christian this would require you to base your action(s) upon the teachings of Christ. For me there have been instances in which my perceived debt did not actually constitute sin, but rather a lesser infraction of justice in some way. What was required here was for me to devise a way in which that debt could be best repaid. In many cases, especially for debts which have existed for some time, the plan may not be perfect. That's okay. As long as you make a heartfelt attempt to balance the scales in some meaningful way, God will take care of the rest. The peace you will experience will far surpass any sacrifice you may make in terms of repayment. God wants us to try as best we can; not necessarily our bestest best, but our best. For He is a loving master. Remember intention counts for so much. It is the value of your heart that He will judge, not the balance sheet of some earthly list of debts. Say yes to God and He will provide all that you need. Trust in Him. I sense that you are well on your way toward your eternal reward. God bless you.

Dear Faithfull, I am sorry to learn of your difficulty with prayer and faith. First , let me say that many of the saints throughout human history have gone through similar trials. Yet, they attained salvation. Please do not give up hope. Unfortunately, all too often people can regard prayer as some kind of cosmic gumball machine. Insert one prayer and the prize is received. Have no doubt-God hears ALL of your prayers. He knows the depth of your heart and all yours needs far better than you. In His unlimited love for us He will never refuse to grant anything you ask IF it is in your best interest spiritually. In our limited vision, though, we don't always know what is best for us. Our thoughts are not His thoughts. Would a loving father give his child a sharp knife to play with knowing the danger even if the child implored with all of his/her zeal? Of course not. Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not intending to belittle your experience, but rather only trying to illustrate a point regarding our possible expectations concerning prayer. From the child's point of view their prayer/pleading request has not been answered. In reality the father has heard the request and in the best interest of the child has withheld the grant. Out of great love. God/Christ wants what is best for you and will, through providence, always give you that which you need. Please have as unshakeable a trust in Him as you can. Pray fervently for that ability to trust and have faith in Him and His limitless love for you. Not all prayers will be answered, but He will never forsake you. I will pray for you now that you will be blessed with an increased faith and trust in the Lord and that you will grow in His spirit and know the peace and joy of His providence and protection. God bless you.

In times of trouble and temptation I have found great strength in prayer. You know that you can do all things with God. You must believe this in true faith. The next time things get bad for you for whatever reason, take some time to just talk with Jesus. Tell Him what's troubling you (He already knows), and how difficult it is for you to persevere. Ask Him for help, for the strength to do His will. Ask Him to protect, and guide, and have mercy on you. In His unknowable way He will not abandon you. And this is important: the more you talk with Him the more peace and joy you will know. Pray always. He loves you and wants the best for you.

Where is God's will? Beyond general platitudes we must accept that God's will is a mystery. While Christians believe that our God is a just and infinitely merciful God, exactly how He manifests His justice and mercy are often cloaked in secrecy. It is not for us to know the inner workings here and now, but rather to proceed in faith and in His grace toward the beatific vision which is our promised birthright. If the issue of child abuse bothers you greatly, then work in this area may be a specific calling for you. Pray that a road may be shown to you. Perhaps you may be able to do much to alleviate pain in this world. Perhaps your background experiences of emotional neglect can be sublimated into someone else's salvation.

Jesus came to save the world. He especially came to address marginalized sinners and the common people; those forgotten or cast aside by the mainstream religion of the day. By and large these were, for the most part, populations who were not well educated. In many cases they could not read or write. Speaking in parables was an efficient way to relate to them in a manner which they could readily comprehend. These people provided for themselves and their families mostly by working the fields in agrarian related jobs or by likewise working the sea as fisherman. Most parables related the truths contained within the gospels through the imagery of these experiences. Although the imagery of tilling fields and harvesting a bountiful catch may seem anachronistic for many in today's world, the truth conveyed is eternal, and as such, as applicable today as it was almost 2000 years ago. It will stand as truth until the end of the world, diminished in no way, but simply manifested within a modern day context. Herein we can see the value of the interpretive disciplines of cultural, textual, linguistic, and temporal examination of biblical scripture. I wonder by what communicative techniques Jesus would have reached the masses in today's world? Anyone?

Good question. The most pragmatic answer I can give is that Jesus Christ can be known in the physical world in the form of "the body of Christ" comprised of all those who are counted as believers in the risen Christ and accept the freely given gift of salvation through Him. On a more personal level Christ is found within our heart. That is to say that He dwells deep within the very center of our being. We can strive to know Him through prayer ( don't forget to listen to His responses in silence), practicing denial of our lower appetites (the gold standard of which is fasting), and by performing works of charity toward our neighbor. Ultimately, to know Christ is to engage in a profound mystery. Strive to know Him. Ask Him to make Himself known to you and He will in the time and manner which He knows is best for you. Trust Him. Peace.

Good question. As I attempt to broach an answer, I feel it is vitally important to remember that our God is not only a God of perfect justice, but also one of infinite mercy. With that being said, perhaps we might examine a couple of technical points. Going to hell after death is the outcome of dying in a state of mortal sin. Mortal sin is not something we casually fall into by chance, but rather is the outcome of a definite turning away from, a complete and deliberate rejection of our loving Father. For this to occur, three component requirements must be present: 1) grave matter, 2) full knowledge of the spiritual consequences of our actions/inactions, and 3) full freedom of will regarding these. If one or more components are not present mortal sin does not exist and heaven, subsequently would not necessarily be forfeited. I believe based upon my albeit limited experiences with suicide, that the majority of individuals who unfortunately take their lives are in a state of extreme mental duress. They are desperately attempting to "make the pain stop", whether that pain be physical or emotional/psychological, by any means necessary. In this respect they are not acting with full freedom of will or possibly even without full knowledge given the their often rattled state of mind. We must always hold onto hope that our loved ones who die by suicide are given every consideration for grace and forgiveness by an infinitely loving God. We must always keep them in our prayers asking for their forgiveness and entry into heaven. The possibility for Divine love must always remain paramount in our hope. May the peace and joy of Christ be with you.

If you are referring to a Catholic mass or Christian service such as a Lutheran or Episcopal service, then it requires only one priest or pastor. Often a deacon will assist if one is available. As stated in the given answer by Other One above, Catholics can have a modified mass in the absence of a priest within specific procedural rules. However, the consecration of bread and wine cannot be performed by anyone except an ordained priest. In the absence of a priest, holy communion may be distributed by a deacon and assistants providing consecrated hosts are already available for use. A priest can also celebrate the mass alone. I know this was done during the early stages of the pandemic this year. Whether alone, or with an assistant, or any number of participants, I'm certain that God is pleased to see His people eager to join together in offering Him worship.

I myself have wondered about this on occasion. After consideration and some research I have come to a settled interpretation concerning this question. It is my belief that when we are cautioned to exercise obedience to our governmental leaders it is under the assumption that they are acting in accordance with biblical principles of morality and ethics. To this degree they have been appointed by God to maintain a moral order consistent with God's commandments. Of course, we know that far too often government officials do not act in accordance with biblical moral/ethical standards. In these cases we must always follow our informed conscience to assure that God's directives are being met. His wisdom must rule and not man's. Keeping in mind the basic two commandments to love God and to love one's neighbor as oneself should serve as a reliable guide for determining the right course. Biblical interpretation can often be a bear to deal with. The need to consider relevant understanding of temporality, linguistics, cultural, and textual contexts makes accurate interpretation a thing not easily possessed. Scholars spend their entire professional lives trying to get it right.

Does anyone find that during these times of trouble, specifically the current coronavirus pandemic, our opportunity to more intently focus upon the sufferings and sacrifices of Christ during this passion week have been intensified. Without any intent to downplay the seriousness and anxiety we are all going through on some level, if viewed from the right perspective could our experiences possibly be a blessing in disguise?

By definition sin does separate us from God. However, this statement is incredibly broad and must be qualified for accuracy sake. As we have read, there is sin that completely separates us from God (ie-mortal sin) and sin which injures our relationship with Him but does not totally separate (ie-venial sin). The remedy for all sin is the acceptance of divine forgiveness, preceded by contrition and repentance signifying a firm resolution against repeat offense. God will always welcome us back after we have strayed. His love for us is infinite. Until we take our last breath no sin is too great to be forgiven if our repentance is sincere. So yes, God is always there for us, but through sin we may sever that free, perfectly loving, eternal relationship. However, if we accept that Christ died for our sins, was raised as a new non-corrupted being, and accept His offer of salvation by trusting in Him solely, then we will be ushered into a new relationship, imperfect while on earth, and perfectly after death. The good news is that it's never too late; until it is. So, reconcile today for we know not the hour or day.

Please do not despair. Many of the greatest saints have lived through times when they have questioned God's salvation. Every soul must pass through two "nights", one the night of the senses, the other the night of the soul. These are the final steps one takes on the path toward salvation. It is the process of giving up our very own will, that which keeps us identified as separate from God. Of course, I doubt whether you or I are at this point yet. I know I'm not. Perhaps your experience at the hospital tested your faith. Perhaps it has caused you to take more seriously what it means to have faith. Remember that faith is never blind belief in what is not known, but rather, a way by which we grow in knowledge of those truths which lie beyond the workings of our sense based intellect. So, it's okay to have doubts. We all have had them. What is vitally important is to persevere in your attempt to grow in faith through prayer, meditation, acts of self denial, and very importantly, in acts of charity toward our fellow neighbors. Don't worry about how you are feeling regarding your spiritual growth or whether you are saved. God works in strange ways; often in secret. Regarding your beliefs in Christ; read the gospels and go further by reading responsible explanations of them. Read the apologetic literature and think about the possibilities. God would not have sent His son to us making the claims He did without giving us solid proof of the truth of these messages. He knew what questions and attacks would follow. He loves us more than we can possibly imagine and will not allow you to lose your soul if you do not outwardly reject Him. Work out your salvation with diligence. I'll pray for you now. I hope that you read this message for you. God bless you.

Good question. I believe that God speaks to us in many ways. He reaches us through the gospel, through the teachings of competent and true religious leaders, through the charity of those we meet in life. But, the best, and I believe the most direct way to listen to God is in silence. Each day communicate with God in prayerful contemplation, then just sit and be quiet. We cannot hear God if we are always talking. As someone previously pointed out, there may be the question of whether you are hearing God or your own voice. God's message will always be one based on salvation through the grace of Christ. This is a learned practice. So practice often, daily if able. After a while you should become comfortable in the silence of God who exists beyond the world of created things.

A truly interesting metaphysical inquiry! As many have indicated, a comprehensive answer to this question cannot be rendered. In our present state of perception we simply do not have the ability to "see" with the degree of accuracy necessary. I like the comments of Alive given recently regarding this aspect of creation being hinted at by our investigations within the discipline of quantum mechanics. I believe if taken to their logical ends all disciplines of inquiry into our universe will ultimately coalesce into a cohesive vision of truth; into the embodiment of the beatific vision. I hope. So, pray deeply that you may merge with the mystery. It is our birthright. It is our destiny as children of God. We exist in the eternal love of a beneficent Lord who wants us not only to have the answers, but also to live eternally in His awesome grace.

Paul tells us to be angry but do not sin. I'm certain that we all experience the temptation to allow our anger to lead to sin quite frequently. For the average person this battle is one which can be won with prayer, God's grace, and patient practice. However, there are those individuals for whom the conquest of this temptation exists as a seemingly impossible task. For those individuals afflicted by trauma from experiences had during childhood or adolescence, whether they be growing up in an alcoholic family, or sexual abuse, etc., the ability to maintain control over one's emotional state can be often beyond ones perceived resources. For those individuals so afflicted, do not give up hope. God knows your struggle. He knows the insults that have brought you to your present state. He loves you and will provide. During these times the feeling of being alone can be overwhelming and it may be difficult to maintain hope. Very often a well founded well organized church can offer a wealth of resources. With appropriate care by those trained in dealing with these types of cases, which are unfortunately all too common, relief and spiritual growth can be experienced within a Christ centered approach. I would strongly suggest to anyone struggling with these issues to seek help. You are not alone. God will never allow you to lose your soul.

Sometimes, when I ponder the harsh realities of our various sufferings in this world, which at times throughout human history, both communal and personal, have been horrific, and in light of my belief in an infinitely loving and merciful Lord, I find myself awestruck with the promise of the unimaginable eternal life that God has planned for us. Why? For, these sufferings, as incomprehensible and horrible as they seem to us now, are but the gentle corrections of a caring parent, with best intentions striving to offer us what we need. To the child suffering correction it may seem that the very world is coming to an end. Questions of truth, loyalty, and caring concern of the First Principle must of necessity be experienced. It is at this moment when an act of faith has the power to break through the darkness of human perception. To experience the joy of eternal life, as Christ has told us, we must truly die to ourselves. Let's face it, that has to hurt. And it will. If we can perhaps view suffering, in general, and our own personal pains, in particular, in this context, we may, with God's freely given grace, summon the strength to persevere through turmoil knowing that it is a temporary state leading ultimately to a place where pain and tears are no more. We grope in blindness as we search within our present corrupted state. Our faith, hope, and love of our neighbor will sustain us. He will not allow us to be eternally lost.

I believe you are truly blessed to have such a positive guiding light in your life in your father. He seems to have put the words of Christ into action. In my experience this is almost always easier said than done. By forgiving in this way we not only work to sustain the integrity of our social community, but also allow ourselves to live unburdened by the weight of carried animosity toward those who would insult us by their words and/or actions. In this case it becomes a win win situation. This degree of forgiveness allows us to truly love as Christ implores. And, where love exists there can be no fear. Obedience to the teachings of Christ will always lead ultimately to the joy of human freedom, which is our ultimate true state as children of God. God bless you.

Hi Alex, Hopefully I'm not too late to get on the bandwagon of opinion. My view is that money, in and of itself, it neither good nor evil. It is a tool which may be utilized for either end. Using it to increase your love of the bible would seem to lead to a positive end spiritually. The two most elementary commandments we are given are to love God completely and to treat our neighbor as we would have him treat us. If we can use money to increase our love of the bible, I would assume that the increased love would lead to increased knowledge of how to live a life intended for us by God. That would encompass placing the welfare of others ahead of our own self centered needs. In this case money would have been used to a positive spiritual end. So, be generous with what money you have, always considering the needs of others, especially those lacking in the basics of life. Be a good steward of your wealth and you'll never have to worry. Our material possessions and our money, although not sinful in themselves, are only on loan. They are not our permanent property. Build up your treasure in heaven. I believe that living in this way will cause Christ to smile upon us as His precious children whom He will never forsake.

Dear Neighbor, Very interesting question. By my understanding, God who is all good and can do no evil, has endowed us with free will. All evil proceeds from that which has fallen away or has fallen short of His divine will. I do not believe that our Lord ever attempts to trick us or deceive us into sinning. He does, however, allow the presentation of certain temptations to occur in our lives. Why would He allow this? I believe for the betterment of our souls. This is often difficult to see with our human eyes, with the minds of men. Each of us has a specific disposition toward specific types of sin. Some of us will be tempted in certain ways, while others of us will be tempted in different ways. I would like to include an except from the writings of the seventeenth century Benedictine monk Augustine Baker which may shed some light upon the topic of temptations in general: "...being sent us by God, they (temptations) are meant for our good, and to give us occasion to merit by them. And those which God sends us are the most proper for us; for if they were in our own choice we should choose least and last of all those that are most fit to humble us, and to withdraw our affections from ourselves and creatures; so that the more displeasing to us and afflicting that any temptations are the more profitable are they. Let none, therefore, be dismayed at the approach of temptations, but since self-love cannot be cured but by application of things contrary thereto, let us accept of them as a special gift of God, assuring ourselves that it would be perilous to be long without them. And if we cannot clearly see how our present temptation can turn to our profit we ought to content ourselves that God sees it; and otherwise He who is infinite wisdom and goodness would never have permitted them to befall us; therefore let faith supply knowledge or curiosity." Temptations are seen here as blessings bestowed upon us allowing us the opportunity to draw closer to our ultimate eternal existence with God in the beatific vision of salvation. For me, this allows me see the unpleasantness of temptation within a new light; a perspective which permits me to "make sense" of these distressful experiences. Christ is always with us, fully aware of our needs and difficulties. He will not allow us to become lost as long as we direct our will toward His mercy and guidance.

Hello Mike, I feel that in forgiving those who injure us in some way we satisfy the command given by our Father. For me, having sincerely extended forgiveness for what ever insult is perceived leaves me with a sense of peace and freedom. An apology would be the proverbial cherry on the cake, however, simply knowing that I have done what is expected of me regarding forgiveness sustains me. Why an apology offered by the offender would be desirable I think would relate to our need for a sense of closure on the matter. I find that after truly forgiving someone, the memory and subsequent emotional attachments to the insult still remain. Of course, this in no way affects our sincerely directed will. For me prayer seems to quell any left over emotions which proceed from memories. Unfortunately, we can forgive but we often cannot always forget. Our corrupted nature is tenacious in these matters. But, our sincerely directed will along with God's grace will suffice.

Commenting from the point of view of a catholic, there exists no prohibition to my knowledge against purchasing goods/services from a Muslim individual. Perhaps surprisingly, the official position of the church recognizes the commonality with the Mohammedans in that they recognize Abraham. In general, Catholicism (meaning universal) seeks to reach out to all people worldwide as commanded by Jesus Christ. Of course, exercise of prudence is always advised. If an individual or a business is known to have ties to extremist organizations, then the potential for funneling of money to these nefarious ends must be taken into consideration and all due diligence must be exercised. A little common sense should go a long way in these matters.