Friar Daily Reflection
Faith that Frees
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten, and thrown into prison. Their only “crime” was setting a slave girl free from possession by a spirit - and interfering with the men who profited by her oracles. But what...
The Advocate
In today’s Gospel Jesus continues his Last Supper Farewell Discourse. Jesus begins this chapter by describing himself as the vine: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower…Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own...
Love: the obedience of Faith
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you…You are my friends if you do what I command you." (John 15:12,14) I have to admit the words “if you do what I command you” have always struck me as somewhat “off.” These words come in the middle of a long talk...
Crisis
In today’s first reading from Acts the early church confronts its first big crisis: who can belong to the church and what is required to become a member. Luke begins this chapter by laying out the issue: “Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the...
Pruning
The vineyard does not just happen by itself. There is a complex dance between the vine, the branches and the vine grower. For example, did you know that a single grape-vine can produce as much as 13 feet of new branch growth in one growing season. What happens if all...
Peace
What kind of peace do you seek? Merriam-Webster defines “peace” as tranquility, quiet, freedom from disturbance, harmony and similar expressions. Today, let us take a look at what Jesus might mean when he says, “my peace I give to you.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks...
Teach and Remind
In today’s Gospel Jesus promises his disciples to never leave them alone. God’s presence will continue to be with them in the person of the Holy Spirit: “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate (paraklētos), the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send...
The Way
Jesus says goodbye! Today’s Gospel is part of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse in John’s Gospel. As part of his “Last Will and Testament” Jesus tells his disciples and us what is central or most important. He calls them and us to have courage: “Do not let your hearts be...
The Courage to Share Faith
The first disciples were transformed by the experience of the risen Christ in their lives. These ordinary neighbors – young adults or older adults, men, women, tax collectors, fisherman, day laborers, temple officials, wives, tent makers – suddenly became joyful...
Remain in His Love
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” (John 15:9-10) But have you noticed the nature of “love” that is the focus?...