In today’s Gospel Jesus sends his apostles out on a mission. The Greek word apostolos means one who is sent. Jesus sends out these apostles to continue and expand his mission. To become an...
Shrewd as Serpents, Simple as Doves
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Friar Reflection
The Heart of Christian Life
This week in the reading from the Old Testament, we have been listening to the message of Hosea. Israel had entered a time of relative prosperity and forgot its covenant relationship with God. They...
Mercy and Justice
Recently, the first readings in daily Mass have been from the prophets; last week was Amos and this week we hear from the prophet Hosea. If you would like to read a short introduction to Hosea, you...
In Need of More Shepherds
This passage tells us about the things that moved Jesus the most. He was moved by compassion by the worlds pain. He was moved by compassion for the worlds sick, for those who are blind, for those...
Kind and Merciful
In today’s Responsorial Psalm we proclaim: “The Lord is gracious and merciful.” As this psalm brings out clearly, Jesus was not the first to proclaim a God of mercy and compassion, since it is...
Mercy not Sacrifice
In today’s Gospel Jesus calls us to go and study the Scripture: “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” Jesus is asking us to read, to study, and to pray over...
The Power of Forgiveness
Patching the wall does not fix the broken pipe causing the leak. Keeping up with interest payments alone is not sound financial planning. There is a difference between feeling better and being...
Saints Together
Most of the apostles and lots of saints have their own feast day, but how about the two most famous saints of the early church? There is February 22nd in which the Church celebrates the “Chair of...
Trust – A Brand Plucked from the Fire
Life is full of surprises – happy, sad, or terrifying. Some of the surprises are the result of how we have organized our own lives, like the sad socio-political situation in Israel in the prophet...
Deaf to the Word of God
The refrain from the psalm response of today’s readings is well paired with the first reading from the Book of Amos: “Remember this, you who never think of God.” In the first reading the prophet...
Would You Go After the One Lost Sheep?
We all like a bargain in life, getting the most for our money or investment. If I give this much, how much will I get in return? What’s the safest bet? “What man among you having a hundred sheep...
Joy – The Fulfilment of God’s Promises and Plan
Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. It is a day of great joy throughout all the Church. In Peru, John the Baptist is the patron saint in the jungle areas and until recently this feast...