In today’s first reading our selection from The Letter to the Romans moves on from its prior focus on Abraham as a model of trust/belief/faith even when he has moments of doubts. Moving ahead to...
Through One Man: Sin and Death
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Friar Reflection
Trusting and Human Imperfection
Today’s first reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, one of the most challenging and complex of all the New Testament books - and addresses an equally complex character in the person of...
Fishers
There are four people in today’s Gospel with Jesus. Simon and Andrew who were fishermen. Plus, the sons of Zebedee, James and John who were also fishermen. They had spent their whole lives studying...
Key of Knowledge
Once again, we find Jesus at odds with the Pharisees, scholars and doctors of the law. Today he is particularly hard on the religious leaders and at the end of their encounter they decide to plot...
From Unmarked Graves to the Light
The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees!… You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” (Luke 11:42). Back in the day, I would often go with friends to the movie theatre. I am forever...
What is Visible
Today’s first reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, one of the most challenging and complex of all the New Testament books. After opening his epistle, Paul provides a summary of covenant...
Vocation or Call
Today we begin reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans. This letter is a very rich but also a very complex letter. Ultimately it is well worth the effort of “wrestling with Paul” as Paul reflects...
Prince of Demons
In today’s Gospel Jesus has literally been demonized by some opponents after he has just performed an exorcism. His opponents cannot deny that he has performed a healing and exorcism that was just...
Persistent Prayer
Jesus teaches about “persistence” in prayers in today’s Gospel. He gives the example of a friend who will give loaves if not because of “friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs...
God is still waiting
Today’s first reading is again from the Book of Jonah. From yesterday’s reading, we recall: “10 When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had...
“…the people of Nineveh believed God”
Today’s first reading (Jonah 3:1-10) is from the Book of Jonah. There is a large gap in the storyline from yesterday's reading and reflection. Long story short, the crew of the ship that was giving...
Love Your Enemy
Today we begin reading from the book of Jonah. In today’s first reading God commands Jonah: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh and preach against it.” Instead of heading east toward Nineveh,...