Friar Daily Reflection
Evangelization
In today’s first reading from Acts we meet a very interesting couple, a Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla. They were Jewish Christians originally from Pontus but had moved to Rome to ply their trade and evangelize. Luke tells us they had recently arrived at...
Proclaiming God in the Local Culture
It is very surprising to see how focused the first disciples were on proclaiming their faith, that experience of the risen Christ in their lives. First, we see that they were so bursting with joy and desires to share their faith that many took off on missionary trips....
Faith that Frees
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten, and thrown into prison. Their only “crime” was setting a slave girl free from possession by a spirit - and interfering with the men who profited by her oracles. But what...
The Advocate
In today’s Gospel Jesus continues his Last Supper Farewell Discourse. Jesus begins this chapter by describing himself as the vine: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower…Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own...
Love: the obedience of Faith
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you…You are my friends if you do what I command you." (John 15:12,14) I have to admit the words “if you do what I command you” have always struck me as somewhat “off.” These words come in the middle of a long talk...
Crisis
In today’s first reading from Acts the early church confronts its first big crisis: who can belong to the church and what is required to become a member. Luke begins this chapter by laying out the issue: “Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the...
Pruning
The vineyard does not just happen by itself. There is a complex dance between the vine, the branches and the vine grower. For example, did you know that a single grape-vine can produce as much as 13 feet of new branch growth in one growing season. What happens if all...
Peace
What kind of peace do you seek? Merriam-Webster defines “peace” as tranquility, quiet, freedom from disturbance, harmony and similar expressions. Today, let us take a look at what Jesus might mean when he says, “my peace I give to you.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks...
Teach and Remind
In today’s Gospel Jesus promises his disciples to never leave them alone. God’s presence will continue to be with them in the person of the Holy Spirit: “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate (paraklētos), the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send...
The Way
Jesus says goodbye! Today’s Gospel is part of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse in John’s Gospel. As part of his “Last Will and Testament” Jesus tells his disciples and us what is central or most important. He calls them and us to have courage: “Do not let your hearts be...