Friar Daily Reflection
Law vs. Fruits
The change in the apostle Paul’s life was really quite dramatic. He had been a strict, zealous pharisee who dedicated his life to strict observance of the law in order to maintain a good relationship with God. As we know from his own letters, he even dedicated himself...
Grace and Freedom
As mentioned in reflection on last Friday’s first reading, the epistle to the Galatians, the apostles make clear that justification does not come by works of the law: “For all who depend on works of the law are under a curse.” The Church has, from its earliest times,...
Signs
It is natural and human to seek signs. We always want assurances or proofs that God is indeed with us. In the book of Isaiah King Ahaz is instructed to seek a sign: “Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as Sheol, or...
Not without us
In today’s first reading, the epistle to the Galatians, the apostles make clear that justification does come by works of the law: “For all who depend on works of the law are under a curse.” The Church has, from its earliest times, condemned “works of salvation” as...
Stupid Galatians
Paul continues some of his harsh language from yesterday. Yesterday Paul confronted Cephas and other Jewish Christians and accused them of hypocrisy. Today he turns his harsh language to the Galatians, the recipients of this letter: “O stupid Galatians! Who has...
Hypocrisy
Paul has some harsh words for Peter (Cephas) in today’s first reading. Paul states: “And when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong.” Paul accuses all of hypocrisy, Cephas, the rest of the Jewish-Christians, and even his...
Lessons from Martha
In this gospel story I think poor Martha is given a bit of a hard time. After all, Jesus says that Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be denied her. And what do we then conclude about the part that Martha has chosen? Another way to look at this is to put...
Action from Mercy
Our gospel is the well-known story referred to as the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The reading opens with a question posed to Jesus: “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” After recounting the parable, the reading closes with Jesus asking...
Come to Me
In today’s Gospel Jesus extends an invitation to each one of us: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of our parish. Francis also heard this invitation...
Disciples
In today’s Gospel Jesus sends out “seventy-two other disciples.” Previously Jesus had picked Twelve disciples and sent them out to preach: “He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the...