Friar Daily Reflection
Adoption into Glory
For more than a week we have been reading from The Letter to the Romans. We transitioned from hearing about Abraham as an example of faith working its way through human imperfection to the source of that imperfection: sin. “Through one man sin entered the world, and...
Amazing Grace
Today’s first reading from Romans forms the basis of the well-known hymn “Amazing Grace.” The hymn begins with the words, “Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound) That sav'd a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.” These words are...
True Freedom
What is true freedom? A common understanding of freedom is the right to do what I want, whenever I want with no burdens and no responsibilities. As we hear in today’s first reading this is not what Christian freedom is. Paul tells us true freedom means being a...
Steward = Faithful, Prudent, Responsible, and Blessed
The disciples were full of questions, especially when Jesus spoke in parables. Jesus’ answers to their questions help us to understand the Word of God more fully. Jesus starts off today with the image of always being prepared, just as a homeowner must be prepared for...
Through One Man: Sin and Death
In today’s first reading our selection from The Letter to the Romans moves on from its prior focus on Abraham as a model of trust/belief/faith even when he has moments of doubts. Moving ahead to Chapter 5, St. Paul now takes on the matter of sin and death. Paul’s...
Trusting and Human Imperfection
Today’s first reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, one of the most challenging and complex of all the New Testament books - and addresses an equally complex character in the person of Abraham. Known for his unwavering faith in God he is a person who is not...
Fishers
There are four people in today’s Gospel with Jesus. Simon and Andrew who were fishermen. Plus, the sons of Zebedee, James and John who were also fishermen. They had spent their whole lives studying and practicing the fishing business. They knew about fishing: when to...
Key of Knowledge
Once again, we find Jesus at odds with the Pharisees, scholars and doctors of the law. Today he is particularly hard on the religious leaders and at the end of their encounter they decide to plot against him. The key to the Law in the Old Testament was to draw the...
From Unmarked Graves to the Light
The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees!… You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” (Luke 11:42). Back in the day, I would often go with friends to the movie theatre. I am forever fascinated by the movie previews they select. I always think that the...
What is Visible
Today’s first reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, one of the most challenging and complex of all the New Testament books. After opening his epistle, Paul provides a summary of covenant history in just a few verses. For what can be known about God is...