The Nudge – Have you ever felt a quiet restlessness, a gentle push to stop and pay attention? Sometimes, God speaks in whispers, in moments we almost ignore. Today’s reflection explores how the interruptions in our day—like helping a stranger—might be invitations to step onto holy ground. Drawing on the wisdom of Bonaventure, we’ll consider how every encounter, even the most ordinary, can be a step on the ladder to God. Where might God be nudging you? friars.us Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15.

We all know the story—the son who runs away, squanders everything, and comes home expecting rejection. But what if this parable isn’t really about his failure at all? What if it’s about a love that refuses to keep score?

Today, we dive into one of Jesus’ most radical messages: God’slove isn’t something we earn. It’s already running toward us—before we even turn back. But if that’s true, why do so many of us still live like we have toprove ourselves? And what about those moments when, deep down, we don’t want grace to be that easy for someone else?

Join me as we unpack this scandalous mercy—and what it means for us this Lent.

God has entrusted us with a vineyard—creation itself. But have we cared for it as faithful tenants, or have we acted as if it were ours to exploit? In today’s reflection, we explore Jesus’ parable of the vineyard, the wisdom of St. Francis, and the urgent call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’. From climate justice to local action in Hartford, we ask: What must we change—today—to honor the gift of creation before it is too late? Join us as we move from reflection to action this Lent. friars.us. Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

A man lay at the gate. The one who could help walked past—without even seeing him. Today’s Gospel challenges us with a truth that’s easy to overlook: what separates the rich man from Lazarus isn’t wealth—it’s attention.

I learned this lesson the hard way, as a young chaplain in Bolivia, when I stepped over a man to get to Mass. St. Francis learned it when he finally saw Christ in the leper. Where is Christ waiting for you to see him? Join me as we reflect on what it means to wake up, to notice, and to bridge the chasm we so often ignore. friars.us

Luke 16:19-31

Joseph never spoke a word in Scripture, yet his life speaks louder than words ever could. Today, we pause in the middle of Lent to reflect on the quiet trust of St. Joseph—the man who surrendered his plans to embrace God's call. Like Joseph, St. Francis faced a moment of interruption, a choice between clinging to his dreams or stepping into the unknown. And like them, we, too, are invited to trust. Where is God asking you to let go? Where might surrender lead you into something deeper? Join us as we explore faith, trust, and the courage to say yes—before we know where it will lead. friars.us. Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Lent is a season for weeding—not to destroy, but to make space for what truly matters. Today’s reflection invites us to confront the hidden "weeds" in our lives—the habits, routines, and blind spots that choke out justice, mercy, and love. Drawing from Isaiah’s bold call to action, Jesus’ warning against empty faith, and the wisdom of Duns Scotus, we ask: What needs to be uprooted in us so that new life can grow? friars.us

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20

Mercy stretches us. It asks us to let go, lean in, and love beyond whatfeels possible. "Ashes to Alleluia" is a Franciscan Lentenjourney into the mercy that transforms—not just what we receive, but what wegive. Through scripture, real-life struggles, and the wisdom of Francis, eachshort episode invites you to step into grace, even when it’s hard. friars.us Luke 6:36-38.

Suffering touches every life, whether through illness, loss, or the quiet struggles we carry unseen. In this episode, we journey from Abraham’s long night of doubt to the disciples’ glimpse of glory at the Transfiguration, and finally to Francis of Assisi at La Verna, where suffering became a doorway to grace. What does this mean for those facing cancer or any deep trial? How can pain transform us rather than diminish us? Through scripture, story, and reflection, we explore how God is not absent in suffering but profoundly present, shaping us into people of deeper compassion and love. friars.us.

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 Luke 9:28b-36

Lent invites us to tend the garden of our souls—to notice what is thriving, what is withering, and what is crowding out new growth. My nana’s wisdom about gardening—pay attention to what’s growing, prune what no longer gives life, and make space for new things—mirrors the spiritual work we are called to. Drawing from Bonaventure’s insight on shedding the false self, we reflect on how pruning distractions and old patterns allows us to flourish in the freedom of who God created us to be. Deuteronomy 26:16-19 friars.us

In a world that pushes us to take sides, what if truth is less about winning debates and more about seeing the person in front of us? Through the lens of John Duns Scotus, St. Francis, and a modern-day debate over book bans, this episode explores how truth is encountered in real people, real moments, and real struggles—not just in abstract ideas. Join Br. Mike as he unpacks what it means to listen, seek common ground, and engage with others through a Franciscan way of seeing. Matthew 5:20-26 friars.us