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...
Cooperating with Grace
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Friar Reflection
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...
Keep Holy the Sabbath
In today’s Gospel Jesus debates with some Jewish teaches about what is Lawful on the Sabbath. What does it mean to keep holy the Sabbath? “Remember the sabbath day—keep it holy. Six days you may...
Signs of the Times
In today’s Gospel Jesus speaks about discerning the “signs of the times” be it the signs of the weather or the signs of God at work in the present time: “Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see...
Fire and Conversion
What a disturbing saying from Jesus today! This is especially so if we are tied to that false concept that Christianity is about peace in the sense of doing nothing. Jesus himself directly rebukes...
How Far
It has been my experience that people just beginning serious study of Sacred Scriptures follow a pattern: the Gospels/Acts, selected Old Testament books, and then the letters of St. Paul. One of the...
Strangers No Longer
When visiting someone’s home, we are often invited in, offered a place to sit, a refreshment, and when the purpose of the visit is complete, we are thanked and escorted to the door. There is...
Rich in Mercy
What is your image of God? Is God Santa Claus or the Bogeyman? While the true God is neither he is more the giver of good gifts than someone out to scare us. In today’s first reading Paul...