Pat McCloskey, OFM

What does kingdom represent in the Gospels that speak of the “kingdom of God ” and the “kingdom of heaven “? What about the expression “The kingdom is at hand ” (Mt 3:2 and elsewhere)?

Matthew uses “kingdom of heaven ” where other Gospels speak of the “kingdom of God. ” They mean the same thing: an acceptance as normal what God considers normal.

If you are praying for someone who may have gone to hell, where do those prayers go? Should you keep praying for them even though you don’t really know where anyone goes? Only God knows for sure.

In your August 2018 column, you wrote that God does not have a vast, eternal plan that Grandma Jones had successful heart surgery last month. OK, why do I pray for her or anyone else?

You prayed before her surgery because this expresses Jesus’ compassion and causes you to relate to Grandma Jones in a way that God certainly approves.

Is it a sin to go to a store, go out to dinner, or attend any type of entertainment event on a Sunday? If so, is it a mortal or venial sin?

It is not a sin but neither should Sunday be treated as an ordinary day to catch up on things not done during the previous six days. The Lord rested on the sabbath, and so should we.

The Letter to the Hebrews states that God no longer dwells in temples made of stone (9:11, 24). Yet we Catholics have a Church that has magnificent buildings including tabernacles where we believe Jesus dwells. How can I respond to a Protestant acquaintance who questions me on this? The Bible points out that now we are the temple of God (2 Cor 6:16) and that Jesus Christ dwells in us.

How can I encourage my young children to go back to church?

Have you been willing to share your reasons for going to church beyond “It’s the law “? Although many people are afraid of being suckered in on the subject of religion, they can be terribly gullible about what they read online much to the delight of scammers.

A person’s prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain needed for weighing options and consequences, is not fully formed for most people much before the age of 30.