It is natural and human to seek signs. We always want assurances or proofs that God is indeed with us. In the book of Isaiah King Ahaz is instructed to seek a sign: “Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz:...
Signs
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Friar Reflection
Not without us
In today’s first reading, the epistle to the Galatians, the apostles make clear that justification does come by works of the law: “For all who depend on works of the law are under a curse.” The...
Stupid Galatians
Paul continues some of his harsh language from yesterday. Yesterday Paul confronted Cephas and other Jewish Christians and accused them of hypocrisy. Today he turns his harsh language to the...
Hypocrisy
Paul has some harsh words for Peter (Cephas) in today’s first reading. Paul states: “And when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong.” Paul accuses all of...
Lessons from Martha
In this gospel story I think poor Martha is given a bit of a hard time. After all, Jesus says that Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be denied her. And what do we then conclude about...
Action from Mercy
Our gospel is the well-known story referred to as the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The reading opens with a question posed to Jesus: “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal...
Come to Me
In today’s Gospel Jesus extends an invitation to each one of us: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi,...
Disciples
In today’s Gospel Jesus sends out “seventy-two other disciples.” Previously Jesus had picked Twelve disciples and sent them out to preach: “He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority...
Spiraling
We are in the middle of an extended conversation between Job and three friends. The basic message his friends deliver is (1) God does not make mistakes, (2) God punishes sinners, (3) you are being...
Lessons from Suffering
In the first reading, Job was nearly crushed by the pain of suffering. He tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground when he heard that his children had died (Job 1:20). He then cries...
Lead Us Not into Temptation
Today’s first reading is from the book of Job. This book is long and complicated but rich in meaning and relevance. This book is like a parable of Jesus. It tells a story not necessarily...
In Season
As a confessor you encounter all kinds of people whose perspective on sins runs the gamut from everything is sin (most mortal!) to “well… I haven’t killed anyone, so I must be good.” Of course,...