by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Oct 11, 2023 | Friar Reflection
The book of Jonah is not history, nor is it a fish tale. The prophetic book is best viewed as a parable. It is a story of God’s justice but even more of God’s mercy. As we hear in today’s first reading, what “greatly displeased Jonah” was that God was showing this...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Oct 2, 2023 | Friar Reflection
In today’s Gospel Jesus’ disciples ask him this question: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” They are probably expecting or hoping that he would name them! Instead, he names a child, a “little one,” as the greatest. To be great one must be humble. ...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Sep 29, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Today is the feast of the angels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Angels function as messengers and mediators between God and humans. Sometimes they function as “accuser” or prosecuting attorney as we hear in today’s first reading from the Book of Revelation: “Now...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Sep 28, 2023 | Friar Reflection
We have all heard the saying “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” The prophet Haggai in today’s first reading challenges some of his fellow Jews who have put off the work of rebuilding the Temple. “The time has not yet come to rebuild the...
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...
