Friar Daily Reflection
The Invitation
Jesus issues a personal invitation to each of us today. We hear this invitation in the words of today’s Gospel: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and...
Advent Landscaping
Isaiah certainly has away with words. In the first reading for today’s Mass, Isaiah describes mountains being leveled, valleys being filled, and rough places being made smooth. It is a complete revision to the topography of the wilderness. Even in its earth-bound...
The Chosen
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This feast is a celebration of Mary who was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus and therefore the mother of God. This message is announced to Mary by the angel Gabriel: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you...
Still in Need of Conversion
In today’s reading from Isaiah, we hear a beautiful vision: “The deaf shall hear… the eyes of the blind shall see… the lowly will find joy in the Lord.” These words are full of hope, and we rightly cherish them during Advent. They promise renewal, justice, and a...
Hearing and Doing
In today’s Gospel Jesus is coming to the end of his Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:28). In this Sermon Jesus teaches us God’s Will and the Way to God’s Kingdom (“Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done…”): “When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat...
Living in the Vision and Fulfillment
In difficult times just before the Exile, Isaiah writes about conversion and of new times of consolation. His vision and message are based in profound hope. He is the prophet par excellence for this time of Advent – hope and confidence. In today’s reading, Isaiah...
From his roots
Our first reading gives us one of the most hope-filled visions in all of Scripture: “A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom” (Is 11:1). Why hope-filled? Because Isaiah is speaking to a people who have watched their nation...
“Lord, I am not worthy”
The words of the centurion in today’s Gospel are very familiar to us since we pronounce these words right before we receive communion: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” This centurion comes...
Standing in Hope
Over the last several weeks as we near the end of the liturgical year, the Church has chosen readings that are quite apocalyptic. The readings from the Book of Daniel and the gospels - are they meant to scare us into fearful compliance with the demands of God? The...
Thanksgiving
Today we gather to give thanks for many things, for our family, our friends and parishioners and for our country. The most important thing that we give thanks for is the gift of God’s grace incarnated or made concrete or real in our Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s...