Today is the only Sunday on which we have two gospel readings – the first to remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; the second to remember his Passion. I have often wondered about the two gospel readings in the same liturgy. Why is it the Church decides to tell these two stories? Continue reading
As we come to the end of our Lenten journey we begin to hear the echoes of Holy Week and the Passion of the Christ: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” It is hard to hear those words and not think of the coming passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The One who came that we might have life and have it to the fullest. The One who even now, just like on the cross, has arms wide open to welcome and embrace us. The One whose heart is filled with love for us. The One who is love itself. Continue reading
I think it is fair to say that I am a card-carrying, fully committed Bible nerd. If you are a regular reader of friarmusings.com then you have probably realized I write biblical commentaries for fun. I even know Bible dad-jokes! When God created Adam from the clay of the earth, what time of day was it? ….just a little before Eve. [groan…] Anyway… I have been at this for a while and it is only recently that I spent time with the Book of Chronicles. I remember when I first encountered it my reaction was, “This is a repeat of the Book of Kings” … turn the page. My bad. Chronicles is a great book to read during the season of Lent. Continue reading
During Lent, as you might expect, we have more and more folks coming to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many folks carried with them one of the various Examinations of Conscience, most are based on the 10 Commandments – something we heard about in the first reading today. I wonder if our gospel might be a better model for examining our lives especially in this Lenten season. Continue reading
It is a bit of an understatement to say there is a lot going on in the account of the Transfiguration. There are tons of things to dig into and so uncover a wealth of meaning: Father, Son and Holy Spirit together on the mountain top; Moses and Elijah representing the Law and Prophets; Peter wanting to build some tents right then and there; and of course, “And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white.” What is the meaning of this transfiguration? In short, it is the revealing to the disciples of the true nature of Jesus – truly man and truly God. Continue reading
The very first liturgical action in the Rite of Baptism isn’t pouring water – it is marking the one to recieve baptism with the sign of the cross – traced on the forehead. At the same time speaking the words, “I claim you for Christ…” They are powerful words, words of life and death. Words that mark a new beginning. “I claim you for Christ…” This is who you are and whose you are. Similar words mark the public ministry of the Messiah, “This is my beloved Son…”
Then off all go into the world, into the wilderness that can be this life.
“He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp” – frightening and dreadful words. Spoken to a people in the wilderness, a people on the Exodus betwixt and between the slavery of Egypt and the promised land of Palestine. Words that ban, isolate, shun, and place someone beyond the connection to the community. These are words spoken to family and friends that pushed them from the routine of life into the wilderness. In modern life, we have our own words, instances, texts, and posts that push others into a more modern wilderness. Continue reading
This weekend our pastor is preaching at all the Masses for the Bishop’s annual Lenten appeal – so I have a homiletic homily (so to speak). I thought it might be good to provide some context for this very somber and sobering first reading from the Book of Job. Take a moment and read the first two chapters of Job. It should only take you a few minutes. Continue reading
This week, in our second reading, Paul simply writes: “I should like you to be free of anxieties.” (1 Cor 7:32). Seriously, can I get an “Amen” to that? Wouldn’t that be awesome, to have a life without anxieties? In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to have anxiety about food, clothing, money and such things. God takes care of the birds in the sky and we are much more loved by our heavenly Father, so don’t worry. And yet we do. In 1 Peter 5, we are told to give all of our anxieties and worries over to God. And yet we hang onto them. Jesus tells Martha that she is anxious about many things and points out to her the better part that her sister Mary has chosen (Luke 10:41-42). And yet… Continue reading
Today the Church Universal celebrates Sunday of the Word of God, a celebration established by Pope Francis in 2019. It is a celebration that is close to my heart. I have taught Bible Studies in parishes since 1986 and have more that 2,500 posts on my blog FriarMusings that have something to do with the Word of God. I just think the Bible is awesome, amazing, and from the Old Testament to the end of the New Testament is filled with things you need to know – and more importantly you need to be able to share. Continue reading
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