Friar Daily Reflection
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...
Spiraling
We are in the middle of an extended conversation between Job and three friends. The basic message his friends deliver is (1) God does not make mistakes, (2) God punishes sinners, (3) you are being punished, (4) admit your sin, ask forgiveness, and be restored. Job has...
Lessons from Suffering
In the first reading, Job was nearly crushed by the pain of suffering. He tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground when he heard that his children had died (Job 1:20). He then cries out in despair: “Job opened his mouth and cursed his day. Job spoke out...
Lead Us Not into Temptation
Today’s first reading is from the book of Job. This book is long and complicated but rich in meaning and relevance. This book is like a parable of Jesus. It tells a story not necessarily historical to teach us about God and the ways of God. In this inspired book...
In Season
As a confessor you encounter all kinds of people whose perspective on sins runs the gamut from everything is sin (most mortal!) to “well… I haven’t killed anyone, so I must be good.” Of course, there are very few who inhabit the extremes. Most folks are somewhere in...
Vanity
In today’s first reading Qoheleth declares: “Vanity of vanities...All things are vanity!” The Hebrew word Qoheleth means “speaker” or “preacher.” His message seems to be very pessimistic: “Vanity of vanities...vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” “What...