Friar Daily Reflection
Forgiveness
“Who but God alone can forgive sins?” In today’s Gospel some scribes and some Pharisees accuse Jesus of blasphemy because he said to the paralytic, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus discerns their concern. He does not condemn them but tries to enter into...
The Banquet
The first reading today again comes from the Prophet Isaiah. In yesterday’s post what has been, in times past, promised and announced, comes to fruition as the Promise One is depicted as ruling. In place of the kings from the line of David which proved to be faithless...
Responsible not Privileged
The first reading today again comes from the Prophet Isaiah. At the end of this reflection, there is some background on the prophet and his writings which might prove insightful in this first week of Advent readings. But in today’s reading the messianic hope which...
Lord, I Am Not Worthy!
The words of the Centurion in today’s Gospel are words that are very familiar to us. While he desires Jesus to heal his servant, the Centurion objects: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” We...
The Kingdom of God is Among You
Where is the kingdom of God? Where is God’s reign? Where is heaven? When will God’s kingdom start? What will be the signs? Most people respond to those questions with answers that refer to something outside of themselves, something spectacular, a long time in the...
Evangelizer
According to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus called Peter and Andrew when they were together mending their fishing nets. The Gospel of John has a slight variation. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God and sends two of his disciples to...
Giving Testimony
The gospel readings so far this week have been from Luke 21, a chapter that is prophetic, apocalyptic, and sometimes seen as Wisdom literature. The context is in the middle of the last week of Jesus’ life. As the disciples are admiring the Jerusalem Temple, Jesus...
Constancy and Hope
This last week of the liturgical year we continue to reflect on the end times. Our concerns about the end times center around when, how, what the end will happen. Just the thought of the end of the world or our own personal life tends to produce very emotional...
A Poor Widow
The poor widow in today’s Gospel is often held up as the model of generosity and church giving. But there might be more than meets the eye in today’s Gospel passage. The Gospel is more a warning to religious preachers and teachers to not manipulate and misuse the...
Faith to Action
Today when Jesus enters the temple, he encounters the marketplace for selling authorized animals for thanksgiving and penance sacrifices. The marketplace was located just inside the main entrance. Within the business mindset that had invaded their worship style, it...