Frank Friar Fridays

We - meaning priests - tend to make it complicated. It isn't. Celebrating the Trinity means celebrating hospitality.

God has given us a lot - maybe we don't notice. Do we keep them to ourselves - or share them? Easy question.

Jesus asks all of us - commissions all of us - to share what he has given each of us.

And a special Mother's Day column from Erma Bombeck (my absolute favorite!)

We are all called to do amazing things, and with the help of God, we can do them. Are you ready?

On Sunday we hear the familiar story of the good shepherd - a beautiful story that images Christ as our good shepherd. But there's more to the story. The story asks for something from each of us.

Where are you on your journey of faith?

This week we hear the story of the doubting Thomas. Do we let Jesus into our lives - or do we try to keep him out or contained to Sunday?

Yes, two episodes in one weekend - but it's Easter and I can't let that pass without a special reflection for this Easter Sunday.

I was interviewed by Our Sunday Visitor as part of the Eucharistic Revival initiative of the USCCB. The subject? Why do some women wear veils, and how are we called to respond?

I was interviewed recently by OSV as part of a project of the Eucharistic Revival that includes interviews with the preachers involved with the revival. I cannot say I am an expert on the topic, but it provided for an engaging conversation.

How do we let our afflictions and fear keep us from living out our lives fully?

Maybe we already know the whats?  What are the hows?

In the famous story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, we get a chance to reflect on what we need in our own lives to satisfy our desires.

And is it something we can explain to others?

Today, February 24, markes the one year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Kiev.  I share with you a letter written by one of my Dominican brothers in Kiev reflecting on the past 12 months there.  

Is our culture buying into the notion that lying is okay - because, well,  everyone does it.

What if no one is harmed?  What if it is to save someone from danger?  What does it even mean to be permissible?  To whom, or. to what?  What the heck is a lie anyway?  Find out the answers to these questions and so much more in our interview with moral theologian, Dr. Stewart Clem, PhD.

What's that mean, and how do we live our lives to be the salt of the earth and a light to others?

And what lessons can we learn from our children?

And if not to the world, to your neighbor, or your family?  At the very least?

What do the Magi and the response of King Herod say about us?

No telling where a New Year's resolution might lead us.

The beginning of the Gospel of John is not what we might think about at Christmas - the word of God - darkness - but it is very much how God enters into our lives.  

What do our dreams tell us about ourselves?

Are you ready for Christmas?  Rejoice, be patient, and be a messenger.  

There's a lot of bad stuff happening in the world.  How do we change our world?  "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

My almost famous story about waiting in line at Ted Drewes - and waiting for Christ to enter our lives.

We have just had elections.  There have been elections in other countries - new rulers chosen.  Who do we consider our ruler?

The choice is ours - let Jesus and his way be our guide.

We think a fair amount about heaven - not a bad thing - but why do so many of us fear getting there?

This interview with my fellow Dominican Br. Bernard Wierdak discusses his own journey of faith and gives some important insights into how we are each called to live out our faith life.  

Church Lady and the gospel reading this weekend both want us to look into our own hearts before we judge others.  A tough thing to do.  

We are told to persevere in prayer - but some times we can't seem to wait for God's response.  

It comes from an experience I had in Oaxaca.

The apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith - and his response is astounding.  

This can be a constant challenge for us.  How do we, who live in the richest country in the world, live out the gospel message to love our neighbor?

Despite the economic challenges Americans face, we are well off compared to others we encounter in our lives.  What's our response?  

Whatever you might consider yourself, we have a merciful God that is waiting for us.  

What do the Beatles and Earth Wind and Fire have to offer us on coming together in harmony and peace?

The parable that we hear on Sunday calls us to put others first - and if we do, we will find ourselves leading truly fulfilling lives.  

Don't miss the fascinating conclusion to Br. Joseph's account of his summer in Kenya.

You won't want to miss my interview with Br. Joseph Cullen Hilliker and his insightful experiences in Kenya.  Part one of two parts.  

And would you share that gift with everyone you know?

Is it the material things we seek, or something else?

Do we need to pray? Do you feel sometimes like God isn't listening?  

Do we let the busy-ness of your day keep us from what is truly important?  

We continue our conversation with Dr. Ann Garrido.  Today we hear Ann talk about how we manage conflict within our lives, with our families and friends and how and where do we find the truth and have those difficult conversations?

We often compartmentalize our lives, thinking our faith is helpful only in spiritual matters.  Catholic writer and teacher Dr. Ann Garido provides some invaluable insights into what thousands of Catholics across the country have to say about the challenges of their daily lives and how our Catholic faith can guide us.  

The challenges of making commitments. 

Maybe today's reflection provides ONE of the answers.  

These are the books I mention in this episode - IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:

1. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

2. The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris

3. Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

4. The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

5. Deception Cove by Owen Laukkanen

6. Leave the Gun, Take the CAnnoli by Mark Seal

7. The Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig

8. The Distant Dead by Heather Young

9. Evidence of Things Unseen by Marianne Wiggins

10. Happy Go Lucky by David Sedaris 

Maybe too often we get overwhelmed by the beauty of our churches and fail to recognize what those churches symbolize.  

The Feast of the Ascension is when we experience Christ's leave-taking from his disiciples.  We experience losses in our own lives all the time - sometimes quite unexpected - like the tragedy of children being murdered.  There is no easy. way - but the way of Jesus can ease those losses?

As we approach the Feast of the Ascension next week, we may wonder like the disciples of Jesus, is Jesus still with us?

It is not easy, but it is not complicated either and yet it is what each of us is called to do, not only with those around us but with anyone we meet.  

This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday - and it is also Mother's Day.  Let's remember our moms and the sacrifices our parents have made for us.  

Jesus asks Peter three times, "do you love me?"  Why?  What does Jesus' questioning mean for us?

Fr. Vivian Boland wrote a book recently entitled The Spirit of Catholicism.  We talked about this book has to contribute to the ongoing synod of the Church, what the idea of spirituality v. religious means, and what our Church has to say to our 21st Century world.  

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?  I have a different response to that question than you might expect.

Today you can hear another dramatic presentation.  This podcast is the arrest and trial of Jesus Christ.  I am rather excited to show case this production.  The actors are alumni of Providence College (the only Dominican college in the country under the direction of the friars).  Fr. Matthew Powell, O.P., is an associate professor emeritus of theatre and is the director.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  

The message of the gospel this last week before Holy Week is that we have a loving, merciful God that forgives all our sins and wants us to focus on the gift of this day.  Every day!!

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked all people to pray this prayer today to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  As the Holy Father stated, "This Act of Consecration is meant to be a gesture of the universal Church, which in this dramatic moment lifts up to God, through his Mother and ours, the cry of pain of all those who suffer and implore and end to violence, and to entrust the future of our human family to the Queen of Peace."

I dedicate this podcast today to that prayer.

We leave today for a mission trip to Puerto Rico.  It can be a life-changing experience, but many of the things we do day-to-day can transform us - if we are open to the power of the Holy Spirit.

As we begin our Lenten journey, let's think about the temptations we experience in life, and how our loving God has equipped us to overcome them - and the models God has given us.  

As we approach Lent, what do we need to see in ourselves - how do we know what to say - how are we called to act?

This interview with Professor Christopher Beem of Penn State University looks at how the teachings of Thomas Aquinas on the theological virtues can teach us to have hope in the challenging times we face in our country.  

Does that apply to us too!!!???  What do you think?  Are you called to be holy?  Are you called to be a saint?  Is there a difference?  

It sounds easy - Jesus knew it wasn't.  His neighbors hated what he had to tell them - love your neighbor as yourself.

How do we grieve?  Do we trust in the love of God to help us in accepting our losses?

David Brooks has an op-ed piece in today's New York Times that talks about America coming apart at the seams.  That essay and this weekend's readings spoke to me about how we can be the source of what can provide a stitch or two to prevent our country from splitting apart - it begins with us.  Here's a link to that essay:  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/13/opinion/america-falling-apart.html#commentsContainer

I got to do more reading than ever in this year of challenges.  Here are some suggestions that came from me by way of my listeners.  

Can we look back on the year and see any changes?  Have there been any epiphanies - moments when we have come to understand something that is very important to us?

The Dominican brothers perform a radio play written by the acclaimed British mystery writer Dorothy Sayers, author of the Lord Peter Wimsey novels.  Fourteen Dominican brothers participated in this effort.  We perform the first two scenes in her radio play, in the court of King Herod when the kings tell of their journey to find the messiah, and in the shepherd's home when the three kings visit Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Back in 1997, I met Senator Bob Dole for the first time, and it impressed me in ways that stick with me to this day - and yes, it has something to do with Advent.

This is an interview for everyone who preaches and cares about good preaching.  

Former Master of the Dominicans, Fr. Timothy Radcliffe says of Fr. Whitfield's book, "He pulls no punches.  This book offers just the challenge that we need to hear.  It is beautifully written and full of wisdom."  Whether you are a preacher or sitting in the pews, you will want to listen to this podcast.  

I share memories of previous Thanksgiving days in my life.  

Which kingdom will we choose?   

This reflection on the readings for this Sunday - the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - can inspire us to examine how are we doing in recognizing that we have this moment to live life to the fullest!  

The readings this Sunday and the past two Sundays can be very challenging to us.  What keeps us from truly loving our neighbor as ourselves?

This interview with Fr. Nick Monco, OP, now a chaplain at the Benedict Institute of Hope College, reflects on a TED Talk that Fr. Nick gave that aired this week on mental health issues and specifically what do our Catholic faith traditions have to offer in dealing with mental health challenges.  (NB -IT LOOKS ON THE SPOTIFY LINKS THAT THIS PODCAST IS OVER 40 MINUTES LONG - IT IS NOT - IT IS ABOUT 23 MINUTES LONG)

Dr. Ellen Lawson is an emergency room physician who began her career as a religious sister working in Congo.  Dr. Lawson and I both serve on the board of the St Dominique Foundation that administers an orphanage in Titanyen, Haiti founded by a Dominican priest.  Dr. Lawson provides her first-person account of the difficult conditions of serving in Haiti - now!  

Best-selling novelist Sue Monk Kidd provides a creative setting for the life of Jesus - as a married man.  

Sort of a little break from the normal program to remember a devoted parishioner and friend of St. Tom's.  

September 30 was the birthday of my mother AND father.  Today's podcast is a reflection on them.  

I offer some reflections on the events of September 11, 2001 and the challenges they present.  Here's a link to another podcast I mention in the broadcast.  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-bit-of-optimism/id1515385282?i=1000527216316

Remembering events on the occasion of my 50th high school reunion.  

I'm out of quarantine and ready to finish my account of my trip to Africa.  

I've test positive.  No episode this week.

Hear about my trip to Kenya - my first to Africa - and my safari experiences.  

Prayer simply must be a part of our life if we hope to grow spiritually.  There are many forms.  Jim and I talk about that need we all have to take care of ourselves and how prayer is a vital way to do that.  

Jim McElroy talks about his own experience with centering prayer as an acolyte of Fr. Thomas Keating.  If you're interested in centering prayer or know someone in recovery that might be helped by this ancient form of prayer of the Catholic Church, you won't want to miss this fascinating conversation with Jim McElroy.  

The last segment of our three-part interview with nationally syndicated speaker and best-selling author Dr. Walt Larimore.  

Part two of this amazing interview with Dr. Walt Larimore who gives us valuable insights on what it means to be truly, totally healthy.  

We begin a three-part series with Dr. Walt Larimore, physician and author of more than 40 books, including the best seller Fit Over 50.  Dr. Walt has appeared on many 360 with Anderson Cooper, Good Morning America, and many other news broadcasts based on his medical expertise and engaging conversation.  

The conclusion to our interview with award-winning novelist and teacher Gary Schmidt.

Listen to author Gary Schmidt provide some fascinating insights to his writing, inspiration and motivation.

Award-winning author - (National Book Award finalist and Newberry prize winner) - former Yankees (now Mets fan) - teacher - medievalist - UofI grad - what more can I say?  A great storyteller.  Listen to the first of our three-part interview with this fascinating man.

Listen to part two of our conversation with author, composer, singer, spiritual director, Steve Givens, as he discusses his personal experience with chemotherapy and a usually fatal disease.  

I talk with Steve Givens who has written widely on spiritual direction and his own battle with a rare disease.  

Stories of best friends.  

"We are what we eat." - St. Augustine.  Oh my goodness!!  Do I look like gelato and no one has mentioned it??

An interview from Houston where Dominican friar Br. Greg Dunn will profess his solemn vows on May 28.  Hear how this young man, who once aspired to be a shortstop in the major leagues, journeyed to become a vowed religious.  

Part two of our conversation with seminarian Mark Hellinger

We begin a break from our format and have an interview with seminarian Mark Hellinger

More memorable moments from my time at St. Tom's and Purdue.

Some of my most memorable moments at St. Tom's - Part I

How we began St. Tom's mission trips to Titanyen, Haiti.

Mission trips and pilgrimages - unique encounters with our faith.  

How do we keep our young people engaged?  The St. Tom's way!!!

My first years at St. Tom's and a little of the inspiration.

I begin my time at St Tom's with my ordination and then my installation as the pastor.  What a whirlwind experience!  And a blessed one!!

The episode that was difficult to get to:  after a lifetime of waiting to answer God's call, my ordination, but not without some bumps in getting there.

I have my first experience of ministry at St. Tom's and Purdue (Boiler Up!) and finish up my time and studies in St. Louis.  

I begin my studies in Saint Louis and as an outcome of the Boston scandals, we are visited by representatives from the Vatican.

My life as a Dominican friar begins in earnest - my first year as a novice in Denver.

Chicago - an end to one journey and the beginning of a new one.  

My time in Springfield Illinois posed some unique challenges and new opportunities.

The beginning of a new journey. 

"I'm going to Charleston where there's still some grace and charm."  -Rhett Butler

My years working for Big Jim Thompson - and the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan - and my last days in DC - at least for a little while.

My days working for Big Jim Thompson - the second Reagan inauguration - and my last years in DC - at least for a little while.

Further reflections on the events in the U.S. Capitol and I begin my time with working for the State of Illinois in Washington and Governor Jim Thompson.

Reflections on this week and my experiences of working in the Capitol and on the Hill.

So where were you on January 1, 2000?  It was a big night for me!!

The voice of Christmas past and present.  

So now you get to hear what the rest of my first trip to Italy was like.

Patrick goes to Italy for the first time.  Mamma mia!!

Hear about my first full years in Washington DC.  

My first full year in Washington DC - a year of many changes - great highs and lows.  

When Fr. Patrick makes his podcast singing debut.

Some thoughts about the election which provides a nice segue to the beginning of my career in Washington DC.  

College comes to an end - and I begin the journey in the "real world"

So we continue with my college experiences and a variety of firsts for me.  

Another weekly reflection from Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP.

I talk about the end of my high school life and move on to college.  

Further reflections of Fr. Patrick on his early life.

As I begin my podcast journey, I decided to speak about something in which I have some expertise - me.  I will spend the first few podcasts giving you a brief biography so that the future reflections will have some context.  How exactly did I get to the place where I am now - a Dominican friar?