Friar Daily Reflection
Kingdom of God
Jesus declares in today’s Gospel: “But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” Jesus has gone about doing good, healing people and performing exorcisms. Those who oppose Jesus cannot deny that these healings...
The Law Fulfilled
God gave the Law to Israel to establish a holy people who would be a sign to all other nations of God’s presence and action in history and the world. Many in Israel treated to Law with respect but they had a minimalistic view – living only the letter of the Law. In...
Musing and Meaning
Today’s gospel is a familiar part of the Christmas story - the Angel Gabriel inviting Mary into the plans of God for redemption and salvation of the world. I suspect we quickly want to jump the 9 months and have our thoughts move quickly to the Nativity of Jesus. But...
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...