by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Dec 18, 2023 | Friar Reflection
In today’s Gospel the great promise or vision of Isaiah the prophet is fulfilled: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel…” (Matthew 2:23; Isaiah 7:14). Matthew gives us the meaning of this Hebrew phrase (emmanu-El),...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Dec 14, 2023 | Friar Reflection
“The Lord is gracious and merciful.” This is the proclamation in today’s Responsorial Psalm. In this Psalm we give praise and thanks to God. This psalm proclaims: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. The Lord is good to all,...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Dec 11, 2023 | Friar Reflection
“Who but God alone can forgive sins?” In today’s Gospel some scribes and some Pharisees accuse Jesus of blasphemy because he said to the paralytic, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus discerns their concern. He does not condemn them but tries to enter into...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Dec 4, 2023 | Friar Reflection
The words of the Centurion in today’s Gospel are words that are very familiar to us. While he desires Jesus to heal his servant, the Centurion objects: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” We...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Nov 27, 2023 | Friar Reflection
The poor widow in today’s Gospel is often held up as the model of generosity and church giving. But there might be more than meets the eye in today’s Gospel passage. The Gospel is more a warning to religious preachers and teachers to not manipulate and misuse the...
