In today’s Gospel a sincere Jewish scribe comes to Jesus with a legitimate question. What is most important? What is the central core of our faith and our faith life? As a scribe he had...
Jewish Scribe
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Friar Reflection
Kingdom of God
Jesus declares in today’s Gospel: “But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” Jesus has gone about doing good, healing people and...
The Law Fulfilled
God gave the Law to Israel to establish a holy people who would be a sign to all other nations of God’s presence and action in history and the world. Many in Israel treated to Law with respect but...
Musing and Meaning
Today’s gospel is a familiar part of the Christmas story - the Angel Gabriel inviting Mary into the plans of God for redemption and salvation of the world. I suspect we quickly want to jump the 9...
In all circumstances…
In the first reading, we hear the end of the story of Naaman, a Syrian general, who has just been cured of his leprosy. When Naaman comes to Israel he encounters the prophet Elisha. Naaman has come...
Our Justice Based on Our Jealousy and Vengeance
The parables of Jesus usually have outcomes that are surprising or even shocking. They tend to turn our values and worldview upside down. Today the parable of the tenants follows that rule. The...
Two Neighbors: Lazarus and the Rich Man
This time of Lent is a season for conversion and deepening our commitment to our Christian life of service. Over the last week we listened to portions of the Sermon on the Mount and have heard how...
Joseph, Son of David
Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph. As we hear in today’s Gospel, Joseph was a son of David the great King of Israel. More importantly as we hear in the beginning of today’s Gospel,...
The Folly of Empty Worship
Today’s gospel (Matthew 23:1-12) seems pretty clear in its intention: the burdens laid upon the people by the Pharisees and their scribes are not pleasing to the Lord. The burdens include the...
Mercy
In today’s Gospel Jesus calls us to be Godlike: “Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.” We hear of the great mercy of God in today’s first reading from the book of Daniel: “O Lord, we...
Grace, Conversion and Anger
It is quite usual to hear someone confess the sin of anger. Afterall anger (or wrath) is one of the seven deadly sins. I might ask the person if they think their anger was justified and impacted a...
Pray: Persistence and Hope
Once again in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus speaks to his disciple about prayer and attitude of hope that is behind all Christian prayer. In this Lent of the Holy Year Pope Francis has called us all...