Just a very brief note of history to better understand today’s readings. In the second century before Christ, Israel was a small country sandwiched between Egypt and Syria. Alexander the Great had...
Discernment
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Friar Reflection
Tyrants
In today’s readings we hear about two violent tyrants. In the first reading the Greek King or Tyrant Antiochus uses violence and torture to try to force the Jews to violate God’s law. In the...
Mercy Alive!
This encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus is a key point to understand our life as Christians. Jericho is a good-sized city located about 40 miles east and north of Jerusalem. According to Google,...
Spiritual Integrity Under Pressure
The first reading for today is from the First Book of Maccabees. It is an account of the time of persecution of the people of Jerusalem during the time they were ruled by Antiochus IV of the...
The Beauty of Wisdom
The first reading for today is from the Book of Wisdom (13:1-9). It is an amazing passage the speaks to the natural human inclination to be drawn to beauty – and at the same time our inability...
False Messiahs
It is right in front of you! You just need to know where to look. This is Jesus’ teaching in today’s Gospel. People search high and low for a new messiah, claiming some emperor, some king, or...
Authority and Humility
The first reading for today is from the Book of Wisdom (6:1-11), which at first blush you might think does not apply to you: “Hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you magistrates of the...
Service and More Service!
One point in the Gospel is very clear from beginning to end: Christian life is service, service to others, service to God. Life is nonstop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service. God’s son Jesus...
Sin and Forgiveness
In today’s Gospel Jesus warns his disciples against causing scandal: “Things that cause sin (skandala) will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur.” Jesus calls for both...
Waiting at the Subway Station: Be Attentive; Be Prepared
During the COVID19 pandemic I lived in the northern part of the Bronx and among other activities, I worked in Harlem giving out food to people on the street and those living outdoors in Marcus...