11/1/2019

Q: If Adam and Eve didn’t eat the fruit, would we be able to see God?
 
Caden Richardson
St. Clairsville
 
            A: This question is what we call in the church a “speculative theological question.” We know for a fact that Adam and Eve did sin and we thus, as fellow human beings, inherited original sin. As soon as Adam and Eve sinned, we were aware that God already prepared for our salvation in the sending of his Son for our salvation.
            It seems to me had Adam and Eve not sinned, then we human beings would enjoy the grace that they had prior to original sin. Would we not too have opportunity to see God as they did? It seems to me we would.  To put it another way, if it did, then obviously our friendship with God would have remained the same. Following the transgression of our first parents, we did not enjoy that friendship with God anymore, and thus we warranted the incarnation, namely Jesus Christ, to redeem the world.  As we read in sacred Scripture, God’s love for us is unchanging and how fortunate we are, and how blessed we are, to be called his sons and daughters!
 
            Q: If you are drafted into the army, is killing still a sin?
 
Benjamin Shields
St. Clairsville
 
            A: Our faith teaches us that “thou shalt not kill.” The Fifth Commandment from the Decalogue, namely the Ten Commandments, is quite clear that each human life is precious in God’s eyes. While this is not the substance of your question, we recognize as fellow human beings that human life is treasured by God; that is from conception to natural death.
            Your question, however, is directed at those who are in military service, especially those who have been drafted. While we have not had the military draft in the United States for decades, I will answer your question with respect to our brothers and sisters who serve in the military. When a life is to be taken in military conflict, the motive is defense of self and country.
            Furthermore, the higher goal of military service is the defense for preservation of the “common good.” The understanding then is that preservation of the dignity of each human being is of the greatest value while defending one’s country from the aggressor. How grateful we are to the military chaplains who provide pastoral and spiritual services to our friends in the armed forces.
 
            Q: Why should I become Catholic when the church seems to have so many people who are not even following the teaching or who teach one thing, but live their lives contrary to the Catholic faith?
 
Emma McFarland
Martins Ferry
 
            A: This is a very good question, for your question touches upon a quote attributed to St. Teresa of Calcutta. When St. Teresa was asked a question, “What’s wrong with the church?” her response was, “What’s wrong with the church? We are what’s wrong with the church.” St. Teresa’s words ring true each and every day of our church’s existence, for church is a church of sinners, people in need of redemption and forgiveness. The church is necessary for humanity’s salvation.
            Why become a Catholic?  For one, Jesus Christ, himself, established the Catholic Church and gave us all seven sacraments.  Furthermore, Jesus also gave us leadership in the church in the Twelve Apostles, the first bishops. The Holy Spirit has remained with the Catholic Church since his descent upon the Apostles at Pentecost. If you spend time with church history these past two millennia, you will recognize there were a number of times when leadership in the church and many of its members did not act in accordance to the very teachings of Jesus. Yet, God himself, never let us out of his loving embrace. We let God down.  But, God will never let us down!
            Why be a member of the Catholic Church? Because the Catholic Church is the very body of Christ, of which Jesus himself is the Head. Think about it. Even the saints who live for all eternity in heaven never left the “membership” of the Catholic Church. As we celebrate All Saints’ Day, I am grateful to call the saints my fellow brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church.
 
            As we embark well into the autumn season, may God bless you and your family.