Friar Daily Reflection
Personal Qualities
Bartholomew is the Nathaniel that we see in today’s Gospel. When Philip comes to Bartholomew with the news that he had found the savior, Bartholomew makes the famous statement: Can anything good come from Nazareth? So, it seems that Bartholomew was a straightforward...
A Parable of Ambition
The first reading today is from the Book of Judges and is a marvelous parable for its time in Israel’s history. Please take a moment to read the verses known as the Parable of the Trees. The Book of Judges is set in a period of Israel's history after the conquest of...
Prayer and Service
One week after our celebration of the Assumption of Mary we have today’s celebration for the Queenship of Mary which closes a whole week of celebration for Mary. Our modern society does not favor the image of kings and queen. In fact, our democracies reject the place...
Why a “young man”?
In the gospel for today, I always wonder how much to make of the description of the one who questions Jesus as being “a young man.” There are a number of things one could say about this passage that having nothing to do with the questioner’s age. The question reveals...
God’s Intention
The pharisees and all those who relate to God and others through a rigid legal structure can only see the rigors of the Law. They become so legalistic that they lose a true relation with God and neighbor. The pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about the...
How Many Times
In today’s Gospel Peter asked a question that I am sure most of us have asked at one time or another: “Lord, if my brother or sister sins against me, how often must I forgive them?” At times forgiveness is easy but at times it may seem difficult if not impossible to...
Community, Correction, and Prayer
Whenever I feel offended, I think I need to justify myself and punish or correct the other person. I am the center of the process. I am the important person in the equation because I have been offended. Most people, even those who call themselves Christians, tend to...
The Hard Choice
It has been six years since the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, VA. Say what you will about the intent, purpose or goal of the rally organizers or opponents - we know what unfolded then and all that has unfolded since. It just seems like there is a lot...
Fear the Lord
In today’s first reading from Deuteronomy the Israelites are commanded to fear the Lord: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord, your God, ask of you but to fear the Lord, your God, and follow his ways exactly, to love and serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart...
The Feast of St. Clare
Peter said to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve...