I am a bit troubled by today’s readings. The gospel is this uncomfortable sequence in which Jesus, for the third time, has told his disciples “Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and...
Disturbed
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Friar Reflection
When Worship and Life Drift Apart
Both readings today speak with a sharpness that may unsettle us but it is the sharpness of a physician’s scalpel, not a weapon. God is not condemning for the sake of condemning. He is calling His...
Be Merciful
In today’s Gospel Jesus calls us to act like or imitate God. “Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.” Jesus goes on to teach that we need to “stop judging…and stop condemning.” We...
About anger
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. “But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to...
Persistence in Prayer Leads To A New Lifestyle
We continue to listen to Jesus’ comments about prayer in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has a deep confidence in the action of God the Father in his life and invites us to live in that same...
The Sign of Jonah
Our readings today focus on the prophet Jonah and the Sign of Jonah. In today’s first reading Jonah is called to announce God’s message to the great city of Nineveh. So, we hear that “Jonah set...
Prayer
The ancient practices of penance or conversion are fasting, alms giving, and prayer. We move into the first week of Lent, renewing our dedication to each. Matthew remembers how Jesus taught his...
The Last Judgement
In today’s Gospel we hear the story of the Last Judgment. This judgment is described as a separation, like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Matthew describes this judgement with...
Fasting
We begin the season of Lent by reflecting on the importance and the purpose of fasting. There are three important practices to help us with our conversion in this time of Lent and throughout the...
New Land – New Life
Deuteronomy is a very long book in the Old Testament. It is a bit difficult for meditation, and one could say even just reading it is a bit difficult. Moses is preparing the people to enter a new...
Repent
Today is Ash Wednesday the beginning of the Season of Lent. During this season we are called to repent. When we receive ashes on our forehead the minister proclaims: “Repent and believe in the...
The Lure of Temptation
St. James speaks today about temptation in a way that is both honest and disarming. He does not begin with dramatic sins or shocking failures. Instead, he speaks about desire; how temptation works...