Faith

Q) I’ve been to confession, and I know that God has forgiven my sins. But I still feel badly about them. What should I do?

Jesus said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” While Jesus had in mind all Ten Commandments, perhaps it is the word, “if” that captures most of my heart and attention.

The prayers offered during the celebration of the sacrament of marriage reveal the Church’s theology and understanding of the sacrament. It is wise to read or listen to the words carefully and reflect on the spiritual messages they convey. This column focuses on the opening prayer.

When I was asked to write this column for The Catholic Spirit, I agreed without paying attention to the date for which I was asked to provide a reflection for the Sunday readings. Alas, had I known I was going to be writing for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, I think I may have passed on the invitation, as there are so many other priests far more deserving of writing on the topic of being a shepherd.

Q) I am writing because I keep coming back to the same question, “Am I a good person?” I am taking care of my husband who suffers from Alzheimer’s, as well as my parents who need a lot of attention. I can’t always find the time to pray the rosary every day (like St. John Paul II or St. Mother Teresa did), and I just can’t escape the Catholic guilt that I feel all the time.

“What are we waiting for? And what are we going to do about it in the meantime?”

There are many beautiful and meaningful symbols for the sacrament of marriage.

During the Sacred Triduum -- the days of Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday -- the strangest thing will occur. Millions of Christians throughout the world will gather to honor the humiliation, torture and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.