The gospel reading for the Wednesday of Holy week is always about Judas and his betrayal of Jesus. The Gospel of Mark, for example, gives no motivation for Judas’s sudden betrayal. Matthew, writing...
In the shadows
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Friar Reflection
Betrayal and Denial
In today’s Gospel we hear the final words that Jesus speaks to his followers as they recline at table for the Last Supper. Jesus tells his disciples that one of them will betray him: “Amen, amen, I...
Thanksgiving and Faith
The closeness and the smell of death is overcome by the perfume of humility, profound thanksgiving, service and love. Today we begin Holy Week reflecting on the actions of Mary – not Mary the mother...
Faith and Hope in the Midst of this Wide and Alien World
As Holy Week draws closer, Jeremiah speaks about being surrounded by violence, vengeance and traitorous friends and neighbors. Certainly, it would be difficult and disheartening to have to live in...
Living the Covenant
And “what keeps you from the best.” Of course, the “best” is Jesus, right? Well… if that was just the “easy” or “expected” answer, it is a good answer, but not the best. I would suggest that a clue...
Praying in the Fiery Furnace
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego lived in the time of Israel’s exile and captivity in Babylon where all citizens were required to accept the religion imposed by the king. The three young men...
I AM
In today’s Gospel Jesus speaks the surprising and even scandalous words, “I AM.” This phrase is a phrase that God uses in the Old Testament to describe himself: “God replied to Moses: I am who I...
The Light of the World
In today’s Gospel Jesus reveals himself as the light of the world: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In John’s Gospel...
Being Aware of the Presence of Christ
It is never a comfortable experience visiting someone who is very ill. We aren't sure what to do or say. We worry that we might say the wrong thing. Rabbi Harold Kushner writes: “At some of the...
Are we free?
The ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday challenge us with a difficult question, Am I free? Am I making my life all that I want it to be for myself and those I love? What’s keeping me from realizing...
Signs
“Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.” In today’s Gospel Jesus performs a second sign. Jesus’ first sign was the changing of water into wine at Cana (John...
The Annunciation
You and I received an invitation and a challenge on Ash Wednesday: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These words of Jesus can also be translated: “Turn to God and put all your trust in God.” ...