Open Forum

The callers choose the topics during Open Forum, peppering our guests with questions on every aspect of Catholic life and faith, the moral life, and even philosophical topics that touch on general religious belief.

Questions Covered:

• 12:04 -  In the Eucharistic Prayer, “…with Blessed Joseph, her spouse” is the word “blessed” meant to convey the same as when we say “Blessed Mother”? In the appendix of a sacramentary they have two Latin Masses listed. I am curious if one of these can be performed by the priest on his own if he wishes?
• 17:25 - While praying the Rosary, I realized Jesus’ first miracle was changing water to wine, and his last miracle was changing wine into his blood. How do these relate to each other in the gospels?
• 22:16 - In reference to your commentary on Judas, when Jesus says “I have lost none that were given to me except…” it’s made very clear that Judas was condemned. I’d like to further ask about your interpretation of this passage.
• 29:55 - In John 8: 32-47 Jesus clearly talks about why we are the way we are; God is His Father but not our father, but the Church doesn’t seem to correctly interpret this passage the way it’s written in the Bible. Can you explain to me how the Catholics read this passage?
• 34:50 - What exactly is usury, and would gambling be considered usurious?
• 42:45 - I have a child and live with the father, as brother and sister. I became Catholic 4 years ago, and I’ve been living a chaste life for 5 years. I feel left out from the Church. No one lives like I do. I’m looking for any advice you might have for discernment.
• 48:43 - Is it appropriate to pay a priest for receipt of a sacrament?