4 minute read
Ask a Franciscan
By Pat McCloskey, OFM
Pat McCloskey, OFM
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Father Pat welcomes your questions!
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Ask a Franciscan 28 W. Liberty St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
Was St. Joseph a Virgin?
Eucharistic Prayer I refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as “ever virgin” but does not use the same expression for St. Joseph. Why?
Some Church fathers speculated that Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” (Mt 13:55–56) were the children of Joseph from a previous marriage instead of cousins of Jesus. The Gospels do not say that Joseph was a widower before marrying Mary. Nevertheless, some Christians have had an easier time thinking of Joseph as an older widower than as a man approximately Mary’s age. Some painters have portrayed Joseph at the birth of Jesus as significantly older than Mary. I am not saying that this interpretation is correct—only that it is somewhat common.
Pope Francis last December issued “With a Father’s Heart,” an apostolic letter on the 150th anniversary of the proclamation by Blessed Pius IX of St. Joseph as patron of the universal Church. He also proclaimed a Year of St. Joseph. The pope writes: “Even through Joseph’s fears, God’s will, his history, and his plan were at work. Joseph, then, teaches us that faith in God includes believing that he can work even through our fears, our frailties, and our weaknesses” (2). The complete text is available at vatican.va.
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Material is grouped thematically under headings such as forgiveness, Jesus, moral issues, prayer, saints, redemption, sacraments, Scripture—and many more!
What Is the Meaning of the Tau Cross?
Why do Franciscans so often wear a Tau cross or use it in their artwork? Also, compared to the crosses we usually see, why doesn’t it have a top part?
Tau is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is thought to be the symbol with which Ezekiel marked those chosen by God (Ez 9:4). Pope Innocent III opened the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 (which was very important to St. Francis) with a homily on this Scripture passage.
St. Francis of Assisi eventually signed his letters not with his name but with this symbol. Many Franciscans wear such a cross on a piece of leather, and Franciscan pilgrimage programs often begin by giving each participant such a cross. It represents a journey never completed this side of heaven. The Tau reminds us of St. Francis’ saying, “Let us begin again.”
How Can I Guarantee This Final Wish?
I would like a priest or layperson to recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy beside me as I am dying. Is this a vital preparation for one’s soul to enter heaven?
No, it is not, although it is a fine prayer. Jesus’ disciples have lived their faith and died “in the Lord” for centuries before that prayer existed. Living out the Lord’s advice to be always prepared is a more trustworthy preparation for death than hoping that someone else will pray this prayer while a friend or loved one is dying.
How can I help my 16-year-old younger sister avoid being ensnared by the lures of this world, to discern and walk in confidence about God without envy, resentment, or accepting the lies so prevalent today?
Encourage her simply to tell the truth, especially to herself—and then model that truth-telling in your own life. People most often get into trouble when they lie to themselves about what they are doing and what the likely consequences will be.
Three friends whom I have known for over 50 years now speak very negatively about life. I listen to them, but I have no idea what to say. Their anger about their lives is so great that they cannot hear me when I try to tell them I believe in God’s mercy. What can I do besides pray for them? I do not want to “write them off.”
It sounds as though they have suffered much yet do not know what to do with their pain. In the face of great suffering, people always move toward greater bitterness or greater compassion. You might ask them privately if they know anyone who ever suffered greatly and didn’t become bitter because of it. Bitterness and compassion are always choices, not the only possible response to life’s bruises.
Some of my evangelical friends are very big on the Rapture and expect Christ to return very soon. I am concerned: Who will take care of my pets?
The same God who created them and sustains them will continue to take care of them. We may or may not be alive when Jesus returns, but that return should not be allowed to keep us from the corporal works of mercy that those condemned by Jesus (Mt 25:31–46) failed to carry out. Jesus’ return does not excuse us from current responsibilities but should motivate us to carry them out calmly. St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians may help you on this issue.
St. Anthony’s intercession before God is powerful! Visit StAnthony.org to post your prayer request and pray for others.
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The Franciscan Friars, Province of St. John the Baptist 1615 Vine St, Ste 1 Cincinnati, OH 45202-6492 513-721-4700, ext. 3219
