Friar Daily Reflection
The heavy lifting
The first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah is a companion piece with yesterday’s first reading from Ezekiel. Both readings speak to a people in exile and both offer visions of restoration to the covenant people of God. Yesterday, Ezekiel offered a vision of...
The Lord is here
In today’s first reading we hear from the Prophet Ezekiel. It is from the end of his prophetic writings and there is a lot of “water under bridge” that has led to this amazing vision of a new temple being the source of restorative and living water, water that is so...
Signs
Today’s Gospel is the story of the “second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.” Jesus heals the son of a royal official in the town of Capernaum. In John’s Gospel signs are healings or miracles that Jesus performs. The Evangelist seems to have an...
Jewish Scribe
In today’s Gospel a sincere Jewish scribe comes to Jesus with a legitimate question. What is most important? What is the central core of our faith and our faith life? As a scribe he had prayerfully studied the Sacred Scripture. Perhaps he even felt a bit...
Kingdom of God
Jesus declares in today’s Gospel: “But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” Jesus has gone about doing good, healing people and performing exorcisms. Those who oppose Jesus cannot deny that these healings...
The Law Fulfilled
God gave the Law to Israel to establish a holy people who would be a sign to all other nations of God’s presence and action in history and the world. Many in Israel treated to Law with respect but they had a minimalistic view – living only the letter of the Law. In...
Musing and Meaning
Today’s gospel is a familiar part of the Christmas story - the Angel Gabriel inviting Mary into the plans of God for redemption and salvation of the world. I suspect we quickly want to jump the 9 months and have our thoughts move quickly to the Nativity of Jesus. But...
In all circumstances…
In the first reading, we hear the end of the story of Naaman, a Syrian general, who has just been cured of his leprosy. When Naaman comes to Israel he encounters the prophet Elisha. Naaman has come bearing all manner of riches and gifts, but Elisha wants none of it....
Our Justice Based on Our Jealousy and Vengeance
The parables of Jesus usually have outcomes that are surprising or even shocking. They tend to turn our values and worldview upside down. Today the parable of the tenants follows that rule. The owner took time to carefully set up a vineyard with everything that was...
Two Neighbors: Lazarus and the Rich Man
This time of Lent is a season for conversion and deepening our commitment to our Christian life of service. Over the last week we listened to portions of the Sermon on the Mount and have heard how Jesus taught his first disciple to pray. Christian prayer leads us to a...