In today’s gospel, on the sabbath day Jesus attended the synagogue and was given the opportunity to speak about the reading from the sacred scrolls. The entire congregation was astonished at his...
Dismissed
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Friar Reflection
Preparing the Heart for Lent
Back in the day when I was working in the world and spending way too much time on airplanes accumulating way too many frequent-flyer miles, it seemed to me business travelers did three things on...
All Are Welcome
“Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek.” Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation. Mary and Joseph,...
Paying Attention
The second, longest, and most complex of this Gospel’s narrated exorcisms, Mark 5:1-20 is a tale of terror. Jesus encounters a demoniac who horrifies his neighbors by howling among tombs...
Nature’s Lesson
“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God…” In today’s Gospel Jesus continues teaching about the Kingdom or Reign of God where God’s will is done. Jesus uses examples from everyday life, planting...
Under A Bushel Basket
Jesus is the light of the world who brings light to our life: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). As we hear in...
Generosity and Persistence
In the traditional understanding of the parable of “The Sower and Seed,” the focus is often on the soil as a description of our hearts, of our openness to the word of God being sown into our lives....
Who are my mother and brothers?
The reading from today's gospel (with a few extra verses) and St. Francis of Assisi's answer to the question. 20 Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it...
True Conversion
This past year has challenged us to see our lives in new ways. To appreciate what is most important to us, our families, our friends, our colleagues, to realize the work and dedication of so many...
Abide In My Love
This has been a week where we have remembered different aspects and values of our life. Monday, we honored the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. his belief in God made him work for social justice...
Here Am I
“Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will” (Psalm 40). The words of today’s Responsorial Psalm are not only our words but also Jesus’ words as we will hear later in Hebrews (10:7-8). The obedience...
Service to Others
The Gospel passage today demonstrates two very different ideas of Religion. To the Pharisees religion was all about rituals. It was about obeying certain rules and regulations. It is to suggest...