Friar Daily Reflection
Worlds in Contrast
The first reading for today is from the Book of Wisdom (2:23-3:9), which provides a profound reflection on the contrast of world views between the foolish and the wise. The foolish people are described as those who reject wisdom and live in a manner that is contrary...
Your choice of wisdom
The first reading for today is taken from the opening of the Book of Wisdom. These simple verses set the tone for the entire book, urging readers to prioritize the search for wisdom, followed by righteousness and integrity in their actions and judgments: “Love...
The Small Things
The gospel for today is the story of the “Dishonest Steward” (Luke 16:1-8). These verses are the parable itself but it is good to note that the application of the parable continues in vv.9-13. The additional verses are: I tell you, make friends for yourselves with...
Being Temple
First a bit of history & tradition – St John Lateran, mother church of the world: “To dedicate or consecrate” a place to God is a ritual that is found in every religion. To “reserve” a place to God is an act of recognizing His glory and honor. When the Emperor...
After the Banquet
In this day and age, we receive all manner of evites: to meetings, parties, events and more. Upon receiving the evite are we excited? Were we just hoping for a day or evening off? Does this seem more obligatory than interesting? Do we have to rearrange schedules? Are...
The Kingdom of God – Today at the Table Feast
Jesus often participated in table fellowship feasts and often uses the image of a feast to describe life with God. Today one of the people who was with Jesus at a dinner celebration exclaims: Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God It is surprising to...
Glory to God
Can we trust God or is God fickle? St. Paul tells us in today’s first reading that “… the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” In this section of Romans (chapters 9-11), Paul has been reflecting on the rejection of Jesus by most of his fellow Jews. This...
Love and Law
In the Old Testament the sabbath was the Lord’s Day, a day of resting in the Lord. It was a day centered on renewing one’s relationship with God. Work was specifically not allowed. There are 39 types of activities prohibited on the sabbath by the Old Testament. The...
All Souls
In today’s first reading we hear the comforting words, “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. Death is a great mystery that each of us must face. When someone close to us dies it is quite natural and human to feel emptiness...
Blessed are you…
Who are the saints of God? Paul often refers to the members of the community addressed in his letters as “saints,” “holy one” or “called to be holy” (Philippians 1:1; Romans 1:6). You and I, through our baptism, have become “holy ones” or saints. This is both who...