Today’s first reading from Romans forms the basis of the well-known hymn “Amazing Grace.” The hymn begins with the words, “Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound) That sav’d a wretch like me! I...
Amazing Grace
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Friar Reflection
True Freedom
What is true freedom? A common understanding of freedom is the right to do what I want, whenever I want with no burdens and no responsibilities. As we hear in today’s first reading this is not...
Steward = Faithful, Prudent, Responsible, and Blessed
The disciples were full of questions, especially when Jesus spoke in parables. Jesus’ answers to their questions help us to understand the Word of God more fully. Jesus starts off today with the...
Through One Man: Sin and Death
In today’s first reading our selection from The Letter to the Romans moves on from its prior focus on Abraham as a model of trust/belief/faith even when he has moments of doubts. Moving ahead to...
Trusting and Human Imperfection
Today’s first reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, one of the most challenging and complex of all the New Testament books – and addresses an equally complex character in the person...
Fishers
There are four people in today’s Gospel with Jesus. Simon and Andrew who were fishermen. Plus, the sons of Zebedee, James and John who were also fishermen. They had spent their whole lives studying...
Key of Knowledge
Once again, we find Jesus at odds with the Pharisees, scholars and doctors of the law. Today he is particularly hard on the religious leaders and at the end of their encounter they decide to plot...
From Unmarked Graves to the Light
The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees!… You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” (Luke 11:42). Back in the day, I would often go with friends to the movie theatre. I am forever...
What is Visible
Today’s first reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, one of the most challenging and complex of all the New Testament books. After opening his epistle, Paul provides a summary of covenant...
Vocation or Call
Today we begin reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans. This letter is a very rich but also a very complex letter. Ultimately it is well worth the effort of “wrestling with Paul” as Paul reflects...