by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Sep 25, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Today we begin reading from the Book of Ezra. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah describe the return of Israel from the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple or the House of God in Jerusalem. The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Sep 21, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthew, the evangelist. As we hear in today’s first reading each of us has been given a “measure of Christ’s gifts.” These gifts are given for the common good and for building up the Body of Christ: “And he gave some as Apostles,...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Sep 20, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Jesus likes to use the example of children in his teaching. When his disciples tried to prevent people from bringing their children to him Jesus rebuked his disciples: “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these....
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Sep 14, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. We hear in today’s second reading that Jesus “humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” The Romans used crucifixion not only as an instrument of torture but also of...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Sep 8, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity or birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today’s Gospel tells the story of the nativity or birth of Jesus: “This is how the birth (genesis) of Jesus Christ came about.” Matthew connects the birth of Jesus with the first book...
