Questions and Answers

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Do you think martyrdom is imminent in our day? If Protestants do not believe that marriage is a sacrament, but they have been validly baptized, do they receive the sacrament of matrimony? Our Holy Father urges, “that they all may be one.” I didn’t take it to mean that […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  What is the Church’s teaching on capital punishment? —V.E.R., Texas A.  Capital punishment is part of the acknowledged tradition of the Catholic Church. This is illustrated by St. Paul’s statement: “The State is there to serve God for your benefit. If you break the law, however, you may well have fear; […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  Our Lord said that unless we eat His flesh and drink His blood we will not have eternal life. Is it possible to become holy without receiving the Holy Eucharist? —E.G.C., New Hampshire A.  This question is one of the most important in Christian spirituality. In order to answer the question […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  Mary’s Perpetual Virginity – Did Our Lady vow perpetual virginity before she was espoused to St. Joseph? —T.H., Nebraska A.  It is the common teaching of the Church that Our Lady did vow her virginity before she was espoused to St. Joseph. This is clearly implied in Mary’s response to the […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  At what point in Jesus’ life did he know that he was the Son of God? I was told at a confirmation retreat that Jesus was just like us and had to discover who He was. —D.S., Ohio A.  Jesus did not have to discover that He was the Son of […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  My question is whether sufficient grace for salvation is given to everyone? —M.P., Maine A.  Yes, it is the Church’s universal teaching that everyone receives sufficient grace forsalvation. The key word is “sufficient,” as distinct from efficacious grace. God wants everyone to reach heaven. In sheer justice, therefore, He provides adequate […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  The English translation of the Nicene Creed used at Holy Mass states: “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God eternally begotten of the Father … begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.” Please explain the terms “eternally begotten” and “begotten, not made.” —C.A.W., […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  How are we to understand St. Paul’s teaching that wives are to be submissive to their husbands (Eph. 5:22-24) and women are to keep silent in the church (I Cor 14:34)? Is it true that some of the writings attributed to St. Paul were actually not written by him? —S.K.M., […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  If the Messiah has come and fully paid for the sin of Adam, why is it that the “lamb does not lie down with the lion,” and that wars, hatred, and hunger continue? Should not have paradise been restored? —G.V.C., California A.  Paradise has been restored. But it is the paradise […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  To restore chastity in the modern world is it not necessary that first there be a return to modesty, especially among women? —J.A.W., Ohio A.  You are absolutely right. There is no chance of restoring chastity in the modern world without a return to modesty, especially among women. Immodesty in women’s […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  When we are judged by Our Lord after our death, must we account for every thought, word, or action of our lives? —M.Y., Ontario A.  Yes, we shall account for every thought, word, and action of our lives. However, the word “judgement” can be misleading. God’s judgement covers both the good […]

By Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Q.  What are the limitations on St. Paul’s admonition that wives obey their husbands, for example, if a husband would permit his children to do things that would definitely endanger their faith or morals? —C.J., New Jersey A.  The limitations on St. Paul admonitions that wives obey their husbands are the limitations […]