Have you ever looked at your past and wondered, “Could God still use someone like me?”
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim answers one of the most human questions of faith: what if my past is too messy for God? Looking at figures like David, Moses, Abraham, Peter, and Mary Magdalene, he reminds us that God has always worked through flawed people, not because of their sins, but because they had faith and let God be God.
Your past doesn’t scare Jesus. Your weakness doesn’t disqualify you. God only has flawed instruments to work with, and He can still use your life to build something holy.
You are not too far gone.
You are not too broken.
You are still called to be a saint.
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Why Do Catholics Use Incense?
Why does the Catholic Church use incense and is it more than just smoke?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim explains the meaning behind incense at Mass and why it has been part of worship from the Old Testament to Revelation. Incense is not just a smell or a visual effect, it is a sign of prayer, reverence, and the living worship of God.
From the thurible and charcoal to the resin of trees, incense reminds us that Catholic worship is earthy, physical, and alive. At Mass, it prepares us to hear the Gospel, honors the altar, and points us toward the King who is coming.
Father Tim also reflects on the beauty of incense itself: hard, closed-off resin becomes alive when placed on burning coals. In the same way, our hearts become alive when they are united with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and set on fire by the Holy Spirit.
Next time you see incense at Mass, remember: that smoke rising toward heaven is an image of what your heart is called to become.
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Why Are Catholics So Obsessed With Sin?
Do Catholics talk too much about sin or are we actually talking about what gets in the way of love?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim explains why Catholics are not obsessed with sin, we’re obsessed with Jesus. Sin matters because it creates a roadblock in our relationship with Him. Just like climbers warn each other about a loose rock, or a doctor names what’s making someone sick, the Church talks about sin because it wants us to be safe, healthy, and close to God.
The heart of sin is not just breaking a rule. It’s the breaking down of a relationship. Jesus takes sin seriously because He wants a personal and particular relationship with you, and anything that pulls you away from Him matters.
Catholics aren’t obsessed with shame. We’re obsessed with love and sin is what gets in the way.
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Why Do We Pray For The Dead?
When we whisper a prayer —”Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord” —we’re doing more than remembering; we’re loving. Even when someone has already reached eternal life, our prayers still echo, increasing their joy in God’s presence and deepening our own hope in the life to come. In this Ask A Priest episode, Fr. Edward reflects on…
