by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Mar 16, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Watch your language, the way you talk about others. These words could well be Jesus’ response to those criticizing and demonizing him in today’s Gospel. Jesus’ opponents quite literally demonize him: “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Mar 10, 2023 | Friar Reflection
We are God’s vineyard. Jesus uses the image of the vineyard or a building to describe the People of God. Paul uses these same two images to describe Christians and their teachers in his letter to the Corinthians. “The one who plants and the one who waters are...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Mar 6, 2023 | Friar Reflection
We have all heard the phrase “Cleanliness is Next to Godliness.” In fact, this phrase never occurs in the Bible. A phrase that does occur is the one in today’s Gospel: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Mercy not cleanliness is next to godliness...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Mar 2, 2023 | Friar Reflection
In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches us about both prayer and action. Behind these two teachings is Jesus’ image of the one true God. Jesus teaches us to approach God not in fear and trembling but with confidence and joy whenever we pray. Our heavenly Father, Jesus...
by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Mar 1, 2023 | Friar Reflection
Today’s first reading begins with the seemingly benign statement: “The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.” Jonah is commanded: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh and announce to it the message that I will tell you.” Jonah had already been given this...
