Jesus’ core proclamation was simple but profound. He came proclaiming what Mark calls the “gospel of God:” “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the...
The Kingdom of God
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Friar Reflection
Courage, Wisdom and Humility
Today is Veterans Day, a day when our nation pauses to recognize the men and women who have served in the armed forces. For many of us, this is more than a date on the calendar. It is a day of...
Pride and Self-Justification or Love and Service
Our life with God, from a natural religiosity viewpoint, is based on self-justification. We think we can buy or justify our redemption through good acts and a good life. We can even feel proud of...
A House of Prayer
Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. This church or basilica was erected by the Emperor Constantine (324 AD) and is called the mother church of Christendom. The...
Imitator
In today’s first reading Paul calls upon the Philippians and us to be imitators of him. “Join with other in being imitators of me…and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the...
Rejoice with Me
Once again, we see that Jesus’ values and the those of the religious leaders of his times were diametrically opposed. Those leaders maintained their holiness by isolating themselves from any...
Cooperating with Grace
In today’s first reading from the Letter to the Philippines, we hear: “...work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire...
An intersection of interests
From time to time, my dad would remind me that “every person you meet is your better in that you can learn something from them.” Good and sage advice. I wonder if he knew he was echoing Ralph Waldo...
All Souls
“The souls of the just are in the hand of God…they are in peace.” These comforting words come from the 1st reading from the Book of Wisdom. Today we remember in a special way all of those who have...
Prayer and Hope and Trust and Confidence
Today we see a captain of the Roman army pleading with Jesus for a healing of his servant. Israel had been conquered by the Roman army which was seen as a foreign occupying force. So, we can easily...
Spiritual Warfare
Today’s first reading describes what is sometimes called spiritual warfare. Our weapons or armor are spiritual not physical. Paul calls it the “armor of God.” This armor is “truth,”...
Growth in Marriage
Today we hear Paul’s councils to married couples in Ephesus. It is one of the recommended readings for marriage ceremonies. Yet now a days it is not chosen very often. A first glance to anyone from...