Friar Daily Reflection
In all circumstances…
In the first reading, we hear the end of the story of Naaman, a Syrian general, who has just been cured of his leprosy. When Naaman comes to Israel he encounters the prophet Elisha. Naaman has come bearing all manner of riches and gifts, but Elisha wants none of it....
Our Justice Based on Our Jealousy and Vengeance
The parables of Jesus usually have outcomes that are surprising or even shocking. They tend to turn our values and worldview upside down. Today the parable of the tenants follows that rule. The owner took time to carefully set up a vineyard with everything that was...
Two Neighbors: Lazarus and the Rich Man
This time of Lent is a season for conversion and deepening our commitment to our Christian life of service. Over the last week we listened to portions of the Sermon on the Mount and have heard how Jesus taught his first disciple to pray. Christian prayer leads us to a...
Joseph, Son of David
Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph. As we hear in today’s Gospel, Joseph was a son of David the great King of Israel. More importantly as we hear in the beginning of today’s Gospel, Joseph was “the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the...
The Folly of Empty Worship
Today’s gospel (Matthew 23:1-12) seems pretty clear in its intention: the burdens laid upon the people by the Pharisees and their scribes are not pleasing to the Lord. The burdens include the Pharisaic interpretations of the Law (You have heard it said….but I say to...
Mercy
In today’s Gospel Jesus calls us to be Godlike: “Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.” We hear of the great mercy of God in today’s first reading from the book of Daniel: “O Lord, we are ashamed, like our kings, our princes, and our ancestors, for...
Grace, Conversion and Anger
It is quite usual to hear someone confess the sin of anger. Afterall anger (or wrath) is one of the seven deadly sins. I might ask the person if they think their anger was justified and impacted a righteous cause. For example, someone cuts you off in traffic in a...
Pray: Persistence and Hope
Once again in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus speaks to his disciple about prayer and attitude of hope that is behind all Christian prayer. In this Lent of the Holy Year Pope Francis has called us all to journey together in hope. Christian prayer is rooted in hope. It...
The Word Unleashed
We are here in the first week of Lent and the collection of first readings so far this week have emphasized the Word of God. On Monday, the Word comes from God through his prophet Moses where he instructs the people about the meaning of God’s intentions couched in the...
Daddy
Prayer is one of the three ancient ways of penance which are important in this time of Lent to renew our Christian life: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In the Sermon on the Monte, Jesus proposes a prayer that comes from his heart for his followers. It is known as...