In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches the cost of discipleship, the cost of following him. Three people come forward wanting to follow Jesus. The first one makes the bold claim: “I will follow you...
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Friar Reflection
Magisterium
In today’s first reading, St. Paul’s words to Timothy are both tender and firm. “Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it.” (2 Timothy 3:14)...
The Son of Man
Our readings today on this Feast of the Archangels, reflect on this figure called the Son of Man. In our first reading Daniel describes his heavenly vision. He sees God, called the “Ancient One”,...
The Christ of God
Jesus’ question in today’s Gospel is pointed and personal: “But who do you say that I am?” In yesterday’s Gospel Herod the tetrarch is curious: “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear...
Who Is This?
Herod’s question in today’s Gospel becomes the defining question for the rest of the Gospel: “Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" While Herod the tetrarch asked the question, he never...
Without Superpower but with Purpose
In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out the Twelve with power and authority to cast out demons, to cure diseases, and to proclaim the Kingdom of God. It’s a dramatic moment. They are given extraordinary...
Let us go rejoicing
The year is 587 BC. The armies of Babylon have captured and destroyed the city of Jerusalem - including the Temple built by Solomon. The people are taken into the diaspora that will be known as the...
Faith That Shines
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.” (Luke 8:16) Jesus uses a simple image—a...
Love and Money
In today’s first reading, St. Paul gives us one of the most quoted lines in all of Scripture today: “The love of money is the root of all evils.” It’s important to notice that he does not say money...
Love and Forgiveness: External Piety or Action and Service
Sometimes I think the Gospel is a collection of Jesus’ shocking attitudes, actions, and comments. Today we find Jesus in a really shocking scene. He is invited to dine in the home of a pharisee....
What about this generation?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus compares His generation to children in the marketplace. No matter what song is played, they refuse to respond. So Jesus offers them a new song: a lament. John the Baptist...
The Widow
As modern-day readers of the Gospel, it is easy for us to miss the profoundness of what really happened in today’s incident from the Gospel. When a husband dies, we are accustomed to counting on...