Sometimes it is good to know the “big picture” in order to more deeply appreciate the details. Let me suggest that the “big picture” of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians is his hopes and prayers...
Mature Faith
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Friar Reflection
The Economy of Mercy
Today’s gospel from Luke tells of Jesus’ encounter with the scribes and Pharisees centered around what is proper action on the Sabbath. There were 913 regulations and guidelines arising from the...
Nativity
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity or birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today’s Gospel tells the story of the nativity or birth of Jesus: “This is how the birth (genesis) of Jesus Christ...
From Failure to Astonishment to New Life in Mission
This week in the Gospel we have been looking at the beginning moments of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Actually, this is the beginning of our faith community, the Church. Today we see that Peter and...
Eucharist
Today we begin reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the “holy ones and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae.” This letter begins with a Eucharist or Thanksgiving: “We always give...
Astonished and Amazed
Many people experience life as boring, a routine sameness that repeats itself season after season. This attitude can even invade our relationship with God. The life of the Jewish people in the times...
A Necessary Tuneup
In our gospel from today’s readings, we find a powerful and transformative moment in the life of Jesus. He has returned to his hometown of Nazareth, and on the Sabbath day, he enters the synagogue....
Duped
The opening words to our first reading is strong: "You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped” Wow…strong words from the prophet Jeremiah. Duped, tricked, suckered, fooled, hoodwinked. No one...
We Are Called God’s Children
NOTE: With the beginning of the school year, the weekly Friday school masses may contain readings from the lectionary for children rather than the usual daily lectionary. In the face of the argument...
The Coming of the Lord
In today’s first reading Paul talks about the “Coming of the Lord.” The Greek word he uses is Parousia which in turn is translated into Latin as Adventus. The term originally referred to the...
Hypocrisy
This is the last of seven woes that Jesus pronounces in the 23rd chapter of Matthew. All are directed at the formal religious leaders of the time. “Woe” is an exclamation of distress or sorrow. Woe...
Denouncing the Prophet
Today is the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist. The gospel reading, from Mark, is the familiar account of Herod’s step-daughter asking for the head of John the Baptist. “Herod was...