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...
“…the people of Nineveh believed God”
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Friar Reflection
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,...
Courage and Urgency
“To the Lord our God belongs justice; to us, people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, to be shamefaced, as on this day” (Baruch 1:15) These words from the prophet Baruch are not just a...
Word of God
In today’s first reading from Nehemiah, we have a solemn reading of the Word of God. It is the first day of the seventh month which is perhaps the day of the solemn renewal of the covenant. Ezra,...
Follow Me
In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches the cost of discipleship, the cost of following him. Three people come forward wanting to follow Jesus. The first one makes the bold claim: “I will follow you...
Magisterium
In today’s first reading, St. Paul’s words to Timothy are both tender and firm. “Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it.” (2 Timothy 3:14)...
The Son of Man
Our readings today on this Feast of the Archangels, reflect on this figure called the Son of Man. In our first reading Daniel describes his heavenly vision. He sees God, called the “Ancient One”,...
The Christ of God
Jesus’ question in today’s Gospel is pointed and personal: “But who do you say that I am?” In yesterday’s Gospel Herod the tetrarch is curious: “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear...
Who Is This?
Herod’s question in today’s Gospel becomes the defining question for the rest of the Gospel: “Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" While Herod the tetrarch asked the question, he never...
Without Superpower but with Purpose
In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out the Twelve with power and authority to cast out demons, to cure diseases, and to proclaim the Kingdom of God. It’s a dramatic moment. They are given extraordinary...
Let us go rejoicing
The year is 587 BC. The armies of Babylon have captured and destroyed the city of Jerusalem - including the Temple built by Solomon. The people are taken into the diaspora that will be known as the...
Faith That Shines
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.” (Luke 8:16) Jesus uses a simple image—a...