by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Nov 15, 2023 | Friar Reflection
The simple lesson in today’s Gospel is to give thanks for our many blessings. This message is certainly appropriate as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving next week. The Gospel story begins with ten lepers imploring Jesus for mercy and healing: “Jesus, Master!...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Nov 6, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Can we trust God or is God fickle? St. Paul tells us in today’s first reading that “… the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” In this section of Romans (chapters 9-11), Paul has been reflecting on the rejection of Jesus by most of his fellow Jews. This...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Nov 2, 2023 | Friar Reflection
In today’s first reading we hear the comforting words, “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. Death is a great mystery that each of us must face. When someone close to us dies it is quite natural and human to feel emptiness...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Nov 1, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Who are the saints of God? Paul often refers to the members of the community addressed in his letters as “saints,” “holy one” or “called to be holy” (Philippians 1:1; Romans 1:6). You and I, through our baptism, have become “holy ones” or saints. This is both who...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Oct 27, 2023 | Friar Reflection
The well-known hymn, “Amazing Grace” is based on today’s first reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans. The King James Version of today’s reading is: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our...