Frank Friar Fridays

The gospel reading that recounts Matthew's call to follow Jesus is a call for us as we remember the gifts we have received as citizens of the United States.

Peter and Paul show us the way.

Hopefully, we recognize that our consuming the body and blood of Christ can make us like him.

We thank God for the earthly fathers who, in their imperfect but beautiful love, gave us the first language to understand our Heavenly Father, who looks upon each of us today and says, “You are the most important person in the world to me.”

It is about the receiving of a great gift.

And if we recognize that, what does it mean for us? How are we changed?

We have likely all experienced the death of someone close to us. How do we remember them?

That's what we hear this weekend, but what does it mean for us specifically?

And he is a Southsider!!! AND a White Sox fan. We also give thanks for our mother!

Jesus asked that of Peter, and he asks it of us - and expects us to do something with that awareness.

That's what we hear the apostle, Thomas, ask, but we might ask ourselves.

Here's a great response next time someone asks that question.

The readings on Palm Sunday give us the reason.

I interview one of my fellow missionaries, Fr. John Marie Devaney OP of the Eastern Province. John is also a fellow podcaster and has his own show on Sirius XM. You'll have to listen to the podcast to get the details.

This is recorded at the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome where I am attending the biannual meeting of the Missionaries of Mercy. In this broadcast I offer my reflections on my experiences and the hope that our Church and the world can see people of faith as builders of the kingdom of God in a troubled world.

It's a big responsibility, but something each of us is called to?

....if we let God.

It comes down to choices, and the choices are always are to make.

Fasting during Lent needs to be more than giving up - it is taking up - taking up the practices that can bring us closer to God.

....and then to see, speak and act as if we are all disciples of Jesus Christ.

Are these teachings of Jesus realistic? Well, you tell me!!

I think it is great when we draw on the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas in our public debate, but we need to get it right.

You betcha!!!

The answers sometimes surprise, especially among the young.

Our faith calls us to something more. To call ourselves Christians means we are to follow the example of Jesus Christ - to serve others - to seek to help the stranger and the forgotten - the sick and the lonely.

Hope you enjoy it.

What does our love look like? I am broadcasting from Italy.

The death of my friend, mentor, and hero, Bishop William Higi, has inspired me to talk about the challenges I faced in seeking ordination and the role Bishop Higi played in my calling to serve our Church.

What has the message of this Christmas been for us? What has been our experience with the Lord this year?  Have we gone home by a different route?

Here's what I read this year that I would recommend to you:

The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni

The Terror by Dan Simmons

The Orenda by Joseph Boyden

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

The One by John Marrs

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins

Landscape with Traveler: The Pillow Book of Francis Reeves

And when and how are you called to be a prophet to others?

Sometimes the demands of the season and just life can get in the way of feeling joy-filled. Then what?

There are specific things we can do. Here are some suggestions.

This reflection on the 1st Sunday of Advent tries to help us focus on what is truly important in our lives - and to prepare ourselves for the greatest gift we will ever receive.

Maybe I should say Keep Christ Great!!

... and it is not always easy, but if we trust in God, we can do it.

I suspect our first answer is—of course! But then, when we stop and think about it, we need to ask ourselves whether we trust God in all things and in all ways.

We are each called to be saints - and we are supposed to begin our task - NOW. No waiting around. Because we need saints if we are going to move forward in our troubled world.

Christ cures a blind man from physical blindness, but we may be blind in other ways.

It seems that often what we are seeking seems to be all about ourselves. We are called to something more.

What is our motivation? We make choices daily - some big and some not so big, but even the little ones can add up to big consequences. We need to reflect on what truly brings us joy in our lives.

all are welcome, in this space.

Yes! So you can skip this episode if you don't have a problem with sinning!!

I was in Greece last week, but I posted an interview that was done of me on a local podcast. If you would like to hear that it is in my podcast file.

That's what we hear in the Bible, so how does that look in our daily lives?

Yes! That's right. We are supposed to do something with it.

Some are pretty easy - whether to have gelato today or not - but many are challenging. How do we choose - who do we rely on?

I bet you know what I am going to say. But how often do we think that all the things we buy, or can acquire are the things that will ultimately satisfy us?

Are we?

We might ask, "What is my deepest hunger?" and then go from there.