In the gospel for today, I always wonder how much to make of the description of the one who questions Jesus as being “a young man.” There are a number of things one could say about this passage that...
Why a “young man”?
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Friar Reflection
God’s Intention
The pharisees and all those who relate to God and others through a rigid legal structure can only see the rigors of the Law. They become so legalistic that they lose a true relation with God and...
How Many Times
In today’s Gospel Peter asked a question that I am sure most of us have asked at one time or another: “Lord, if my brother or sister sins against me, how often must I forgive them?” At times...
Community, Correction, and Prayer
Whenever I feel offended, I think I need to justify myself and punish or correct the other person. I am the center of the process. I am the important person in the equation because I have been...
The Hard Choice
It has been six years since the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, VA. Say what you will about the intent, purpose or goal of the rally organizers or opponents - we know what unfolded then...
Fear the Lord
In today’s first reading from Deuteronomy the Israelites are commanded to fear the Lord: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord, your God, ask of you but to fear the Lord, your God, and follow his...
The Feast of St. Clare
Peter said to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of...
Follow Me
Jesus challenges us in today’s Gospel to follow him: “Whoever serves me must follow me.” We may well ask Jesus, “Follow you where?” He will give us the answer at the Last Supper as he washes the...
Constance: The Strong Faith of a Mother and The Strong Hope of Two Young People
Today we have two stories of incredible faith that challenge us and call us to bear strong witness with our own lives. In the first reading, in the time after the Exodus, Israel arrives at the...
Little Faith
In today’s Gospel Jesus upbraids Peter: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Peter, like most of the disciples in the Gospels, moves from moments of great faith to moments of little or no...
At Wit’s End
If you have been following along with the daily readings at Mass, you know that the first readings have been following the 12 tribes of Jacob as they escaped slavery in Egypt, received the Ten...
Assumptions
The gospel passage Matthew 13:54-58 offers a profound reflection on the nature of assumptions and the limitations they impose on our understanding and beliefs. In this passage, Jesus returns to his...