Today’s first reading describes the call of the prophet Jeremiah. The Lord God tells Jeremiah that he has been predestined to be his prophet: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you...
Too Young
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Friar Reflection
Spouses, Mothers, and Brothers
Just a few Sundays ago, the gospel reading from Mark recounted a moment from early in the public ministry of Jesus. He and the disciples had been to many towns and villages in Galilee and in the...
Apostle to the Apostles
Did you know that Mary Magdalene is mentioned 12 times in the gospels, more than most of the Apostles? She was present at the crucifixion and was the first witness to the Resurrection (John 20 and...
Mercy not Sacrifice
God “desires mercy, not sacrifice.” Jesus teaches this message in today’s Gospel. In fact, he is quoting the prophet Hosea. Jesus quotes this same passage of Hosea elsewhere in this Gospel when...
Jesus’ Invitation
In today’s Gospel Jesus gives an invitation to each one of us: “Come to me…” This invitation is to all who “labor and are burdened.” What is the source of these burdens? It can be many things in...
The Wrath of God
Last week all of our first readings were from the Prophet Hosea. Any one of the reflections could have begun: “In today’s first reading the Northern Kingdom of Israel is being warned about the...
Woe to you!
When I was a year or two short of being a full-fledged teenager, I was invited to attend my first funeral. It was not a Catholic funeral - and as I came to know - nothing like a Catholic funeral. It...
Prayer and Justice
Isaiah’s words in today’s first reading are very shocking: “When you spread out your hands, I close my eyes to you; Though you pray the more, I will not listen.” Isaiah is warning the people that...
The Garden
In today’s first reading, we bring a week of Hosea to a close. The choice of readings paints an image of life with and without God. Monday: God spoke words of faithful, loyal love. “I will espouse...
Mercy of God
Today we continue to read from the prophet Hosea. This book is a love story, although sometimes it may seem like a soap opera. It is the story of a spouse who is unfaithful but is forgiven and...
Twelve Apostles
Today’s Gospel describes the first commissioning of the Twelve Apostles. Jesus actually sends his disciples twice, once in today’s reading (10:1-7) and the second time in the so-called the “Great...
Reap the Whirlwind
In today’s first reading, the Northern Kingdom of Israel is being warned about the choices they have made and are making - and the consequences of those choices should they continue. As a whole,...