Where does the Bible call Mary the Queen of Heaven?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim explains why historical context matters when we talk about Mary’s role as Queen. In the Davidic kingdom, the queen wasn’t usually the king’s wife, it was the king’s mother. Known as the Gebirah, the queen mother held a place of honor and intercession, bringing the people’s needs before her son.
That Old Testament context helps us understand Mary. If Jesus is the King of the universe, then Mary, His mother, is the Queen Mother, the one who intercedes for us and brings our needs to her Son. Father Tim also points to Revelation, where a woman appears clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars.
Mary is not a distant figurehead. She is our mother and queen, always leading us closer to Jesus.
Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.
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How Did the Good Thief Go Straight to Heaven?
How could the “good thief” live a sinful life and still go straight to Heaven?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim answers a powerful question about St. Dismas, the thief crucified next to Jesus, and what his story reveals about repentance, mercy, and salvation.
Was there no “purgatory” for him? Was it really that simple?
The answer points to something deeper. Salvation isn’t about how long you’ve been good. It’s about the depth of your love and surrender to Jesus. In his final moments, the good thief makes a complete, humble, and public turn toward Christ, and Jesus responds with mercy. This episode is a powerful reminder that Jesus isn’t limited like we are, and His mercy is bigger than we can imagine.
It’s never too late to turn to Him. But it’s not about fear, it’s about love.
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Can You Receive Communion with Mortal Sin?
Should you receive Communion if you’re not sure you’re in mortal sin?
This question has confused a lot of people, and for good reason. In this episode, Father Tim clears up the tension between two things we often hear: “never let sin keep you from Communion” and “never receive in mortal sin.”
The Church teaches that the Eucharist is medicine for the sick—but not for the spiritually dead. Mortal sin is serious: it involves grave matter, full knowledge, and full consent, and it breaks our relationship with God. That’s why we’re invited to go to Confession before receiving Communion again.
But there’s also real encouragement here. If you’re unsure, if you’re trying to follow God, if your heart is seeking Him, Jesus meets you there. And if you’re in a place where you choose not to receive yet, that act of reverence and honesty matters more than you think.
The Eucharist is powerful. So we approach it with both hunger and honesty.
Wherever you are right now, God’s mercy is ready for you.
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Can Catholics Do Yoga?
Is yoga okay for Catholics to practice? What about the poses, breathing, and their roots in Hinduism, could that conflict with Christian faith?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim tackles a question many Catholics have wondered about. He explains that stretching, exercise, and caring for the body are good things, and that worship always involves freedom and intention. You cannot accidentally worship another god or reject Jesus simply by doing physical movements.
Father Tim also warns against falling into superstition, giving something more power than it actually has. Whether you’re stretching, playing sports, or doing yoga poses, the key is your intention: you can glorify God through your body in everything you do.
If yoga ever becomes explicitly tied to non-Christian worship or spirituality, it may be wise to step away, but simple stretching and movement themselves are not the problem. As Christians, we trust in the power of Jesus Christ and remain rooted in Him in all things.
