Friar Daily Reflection
Parables
In today’s Gospel Jesus speaks about the purpose of parables. Jesus often teaches using parables or stories taken from daily life such as the farmer sowing, or the story of the growth of a mustard seed. When his disciples ask him why he speaks in parables he...
Mana – God Provides
The history of the Exodus of Israel from slavery in Egypt and its journey through the desert to the promised land is not just a story of a time long ago. It is our story, our living story of salvation history. We are right in the middle of that story. Above all we see...
Apostolorum Apostola
Today is the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene and the reading is from the Gospel of John. The scene in the garden after the Resurrection is not Mary’s first appearance in Scripture. Did you know that Mary Magdalene is mentioned 12 times in the gospels, more than most of...
Whose Will?
What is the basis of your relationship with God? Are you looking for some personal benefit in life through your relationship with God? Is your relationship with God based on bending reality or even God to your expectations and desires? Are you looking to be impressed...
Obstinate
According to Merriam Webster, obstinate: “stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion.” Pharaoh is pretty stubborn. He dug his heels in even when faced with the amazing displays of divine power from the God of...
Praise God
In today’s Gospel Jesus prays and gives praise to his heavenly Father with these words: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.” Jesus stands in wonder before his Father’s ways. With childlike simplicity God reveals himself as a God of love, mercy,...
Salt and Light for Our Times
St. Bonaventure was a very intelligent, studious friar scholar and administrator. He lived for a short 53 years. The last 17 years of his life he was Minister General of the Franciscan order. He was a friar during the times after St Francis’ death when the Franciscan...
The Household of Faith
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me...” (Mt 10:37) I think there is a tendency among believers that when we hear those words, we respond with, what I call, “the holy nod.” It is our reflexive response: Jesus said it, it must be true,...
Apostles
In today’s Gospel Jesus commissions and sends out the Twelve to be his witnesses. The word “apostle” comes from the Greek verb “to send” (apostellõ). Jesus tells the Apostles: “Behold, I am sending (apostellõ) you like sheep in the midst of wolves.” Who are these...
Sent Out – Mission
Today we listen to Matthew’s version of the first sending-out of the disciples. It is the same story we heard last Sunday from Luke. Being sent out to proclaim the Good News is at the heart of what the Church is. Proclaiming our faith experience is the reason for...