Frank Friar Fridays

The parable this week is about the generous landowner who pays the workers who worked only an hour the same as those who worked all day. He was generous in ways that can be difficult for us to understand, but it is supposed to be a parable that gets us thinking - how am I called to act?

In this Sunday's reading, we hear Jesus being asked by Peter, "How many times do I have to forgive, as many as seven?" Well, actually we're called to do much more, but why is it so difficult for us?

How do we confront the people we love - and the people we live with? Jesus shows us the way.

Listen to this interview with Br. Alonso Salas, OP, a second year student brother and his inspiring story of meeting and accompanying those living on the margins on the streets of Memphis.

This week we interview Br. Joseph Hilliker OP who we interviewed last year detailing his summer experience in Kenya. This summer he served as a chaplain in a Houston ER. Hear his inspiring story.

After four attempts over three years - we finally made it - thanks be to God. Hear some highlights of our pilgrimage.

Missy Sims was recently featured in a New York Times article that details her legal suit against big oil companies on behalf of several cities in Puerto Rico. She blames them for climate change and that their indifference has been the cause of the devastating storms that have plagued that island. What comes through very clearly is that she her Catholic faith has guided her in this David vs. Goliath undertaking.

Transfiguration is about an openness to being changed. I think there is some interesting theological connections to the film Oppenheimer.

This is a question we may need to ask ourselves everyday - but let's really reflect on this question this week. every day

Having just returned from a vacation in Costa Rica, I thought I would offer some of my reflections on this extraordinary place. Pura Vida is the official slogan of Costa Rica, and people say it as often as people say Ciao! in Italy. Literally it. means "pure life" but it means more in the way the Ticos use it. It mean's "Everything is great, how about you?" or "Isn't this day beautiful?" or "Gosh, it is so nice to meet you. I failed to mention that on our first night in Costa Rica we got to visit Boiler Catholic Beatriz Cisneros - what a special occasion that was!!

We can let ourselves get weighed down. That's a choice. There's another one too.

Does the answer surprise you?

and so what are we called to do about it?

Yes, we are supposed to love one another as Jesus loves us - but let's kick it up a bit.

This is a welcome statement a made a couple of times at St. Tom's, but I believe we lived it out every day. Feel free to share it - and live it.

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.