Catholic Answers Live: "Can Family Curses Lead to Demonic Activity? And More Questions"

Episode #12135 | April 2, 2025 | Guest: Joe Heschmeyer
Host: Sy (Psy) Kellett | Format: Ask Me Anything (AMA)

Episode Overview

This episode features Joe Heschmeyer fielding listener questions on a wide array of Catholic theological and practical topics. Subjects range from biblical questions on election and typology to doctrinal issues such as the nature of the Incarnation, the efficacy of the Eucharist, the selection of confirmation names, and the real-world impact of curses and demonic activity within families. The segment also has a lighthearted tone, especially with in-studio participation from high school students, blending rigorous apologetics with humor and relatable analogies.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Parable of the Wedding Feast and Election

Caller: Ricky (04:27)

• Question: Is Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22 a reflection of the doctrine of election as discussed by Paul?
• Joe’s Response:
  • The parable aligns with covenantal themes: initial invited guests (Israel’s unfaithful) refuse, so others (Gentiles) are invited.
  • Paul’s Romans parallels this, especially about “branches broken off” (those who fall away).
  • Both parable and Pauline letters show God initiates calling, but humans can refuse or later lose their invitation.
  • Key quote:

    "We can't invite ourselves to the wedding feast. We can say, no, we can't give ourselves an invitation. There are no wedding crashers at the wedding feast of the lamb." — Joe (07:55)

  • Minor differences: The Greek word for “called” (klētos) is used differently by Jesus and Paul, but both stress God’s initiative.

2. The Incarnation: Change in God or Not?

In-Studio Question: Avelia/Senior Class from St. Joseph’s (11:01)

• Question: “How is the Incarnation not a change in God?”
• Joe’s Response:
  • The change occurs in Christ’s humanity, not in divine nature.
  • God, in divinity, is immutable; humanity in Christ comes into being—a new relationship is established.
  • Analogy: When you view something, you change (receive light); the object itself doesn't.
  • The two natures (divine and human) remain distinct in Christ.
  • Person vs. Nature: "Who you are" is person; "what you are" is nature.
  • Emphasizes the hypostatic union’s mystery, acknowledging human limitations to understanding.
  • Notable explanation:

    "God being perfect, is complete in himself. He doesn't change. But what happens in the Incarnation isn’t a change in the divine perfection.” — Joe (16:24-17:28)

  • Scriptural reference: The Incarnation was eternally intended (Genesis 3:15).

3. Typology: John as the Eagle and Revelation 12

Caller: Cesar (17:46)

• Question: Can the eagle wings given to the woman in Revelation 12 symbolize St. John, who is entrusted with Mary, drawing a liturgical and typological connection?
• Joe’s Response:
  • Explains symbolism of the four living creatures (Revelation 4) as representing the four Gospels:
    • Mark: Lion; Luke: Ox; Matthew: Man; John: Eagle.
  • Recaps patristic support for linking Gospel authors to these symbols.
  • Draws parallel: The eagle in Revelation 12 (helping the woman) reflects both divine protection and, possibly, John’s care for Mary, entrusted at the cross.
  • Suggests viewing Revelation liturgically (Scott Hahn’s approach), strengthening this typological interpretation.
  • Key quote:

    "It can also be, and I think it's right to at least speculate, that there's probably a connection here about the role of John himself in terms of protecting the woman who gave birth to Jesus." — Joe (22:30)

4. Choosing a Confirmation Saint

Caller: Josh, OCIA Candidate (23:32; 28:40)

• Question: Are there rules for picking a confirmation saint, especially when drawn to lesser-known or pre-congregation saints (e.g., St. Wulfric the Miracle Worker)?
• Joe’s Response:
  • No strict canonical rules for choosing a confirmation name; it’s a pious tradition, not a requirement.
  • Pre-congregation saints (canonized by popular acclaim before formal Vatican processes) are perfectly permissible.
  • Council’s recognition is often enough—official canonization came later in Church history.
  • The spiritual value is in connection, not administrative details.
  • Fun exchange about obscure saints and church calendars.

5. Family Curses and Demonic Activity

In-Studio Question: Scarlet (33:46)

• Question: Can someone actually experience demonic activity because of a family curse?
• Joe’s Response:
  • Church hasn’t definitively declared on the mechanics of “generational curses.”
  • Baptism is believed to break the power of all sin and darkness—no one is punished for ancestors’ sins in a juridical sense (Jeremiah 31:29-30; John 9).
  • However, spiritual and physical consequences of parents' actions can still affect children (e.g., upbringing, exposure to evil).
  • Immediate family involvement in the occult can cause harm by “opening doors.”
  • More remote ancestral “curses” requiring special prayers (as in some Protestant circles) are not supported by Catholic theology.
  • Curses themselves have no power unless there’s demonic cooperation or the victim “opens the door” (e.g., by sin).
  • Reassurance:

    “A lot of the worry about it, I think, is more superstitious than rooted in sound Catholic theology.” — Joe (38:54)

6. Martyrdom: Who Qualifies?

Caller: Steven (42:24)

• Question: What are the criteria for being recognized as a martyr for Christ?
• Joe’s Response:
  • Martyr = witness of the faith; classic example is death in hatred of the faith (odium fidei).
  • Some cases are clear (e.g., killed for professing Christ); others are by association (Holy Innocents, or those killed for living Christian virtues like chastity).
  • Recent church practice: Pope Francis recognized Coptic Christians killed by ISIS as martyrs despite not being Catholic, due to their clear witness to Christ.
  • Gray areas exist if person is not Catholic—Church may not formally recognize, but acknowledges possible martyrdom.

7. The Efficacy of the Eucharist: Why Don’t All Grow in Grace?

In-Studio Question: Grace (47:11)

• Question: Why do some receive the Eucharist for years with no visible spiritual benefit?
• Joe’s Response:
  • Sacraments work “ex opere operato” (by the work done) but are received “according to the mode of the receiver.”
  • Disposition matters; like water flowing to a house, but the homeowner controls the faucet.
  • Historical example: Judas receives the Last Supper but still betrays Jesus.
  • St. Paul warns of unworthy reception causing harm.
  • Personal openness, desire, and cooperation with grace are vital.
  • Analogy:

    "It's like having the tap on your sink or the light switch...you can block the working of divine grace." — Joe (48:16)

8. Salvation Outside Full Visible Church Membership

Caller: Scott (50:24)

• Question: What is the Catholic stance on salvation for those in other Christian communities who confess the Nicene Creed?
• Joe’s Response:
  • Catholic teaching: all baptized are incorporated into the Body of Christ, not just Catholics.
  • Salvation isn’t a theology quiz—it’s about real communion, openness, and not refusing grace knowingly.
  • The Church distinguishes between those who willfully reject its claims and those who are honestly mistaken.
  • Purgatory is not an “eternal destination”; some non-Catholics may be saved, passing through purgatory or directly to heaven, per God’s mercy.
  • Encourages continued inquiry and discernment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Election:

  “We can't invite ourselves to the wedding feast ... There are no wedding crashers at the wedding feast of the lamb.” — Joe (07:55)

• On the Incarnation:

  "God being perfect, is complete in himself. He doesn't change. But what happens in the Incarnation isn’t a change in the divine perfection." — Joe (16:24-17:28)

• On Curses:

  "Curses can have a negative effect in one context, but a lot of the worry about it, I think, is more superstitious than rooted in sound Catholic theology." — Joe (38:54)

• On the Efficacy of the Eucharist:

  "You can block the working of divine grace ... those graces are still right there on offer for us, just to tune in and say yes." — Joe (48:16)

• On Martyrdom:

  "All of that properly understood, is martyrdom, because all of that involves a hatred of the faith, sometimes more overtly and sometimes just they hate the things the faith stands for." — Joe (44:03)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Parable of the Wedding Feast and Election: 04:26 – 08:47
• The Incarnation & Change in God: 11:01 – 17:28
• Typology: John as the Eagle: 17:46 – 22:46
• Confirmation Saints Discussion: 23:32 – 31:39
• Family Curses & Demonic Activity: 33:46 – 39:56
• Martyrdom Criteria: 42:24 – 46:56
• Eucharist and Disposition: 47:11 – 49:47
• Salvation and Non-Catholic Christians: 50:24 – 54:32

Tone & Style Notes

• The show blends serious apologetics with light, engaging banter, especially with high school students present.
• Joe Heschmeyer offers analogies, scriptural citations, and distinctions between theological concepts.
• The mood lightens especially in discussions about obscure saints and Wikipedia.
• Care is taken to clarify distinctions for non-specialist listeners, maintaining respect for inquirers of all backgrounds.

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode provides thoughtful, balanced explanations of challenging Catholic doctrines and practices, dispelling misconceptions around family curses, the Incarnation, and the limits of the sacraments. Listeners are encouraged to embrace God’s mercy, appreciate the Church’s rich tradition, and pursue their faith with both seriousness and joy. The inclusion of student questions adds educational depth and a sense of community to the broadcast.