The Friar Podcasts - preaching prayer and spiritual reflections

In some ways, all Thomas wanted was the experience the other apostles had. He may have doubted in today's gospel, but he gave his life for Jesus. On Divine Mercy Sunday, and the day of the funeral for Pope Francis, we are reminded of mercy, love, hope. Readings for Today.

Mercy, love, hope

I have a soft spot for Thomas. And I do in particular because of this gospel. You know, we have the expression "doubting Thomas." And really, when we look at the way in which things unfolded in the gospel, we see that Thomas simply wanted what the other apostles had already received.

Proof that it was the same Jesus, the one they had followed, the one they had put their hope in. They wanted to know it was the same Jesus who was risen from the dead. And he was not settling a score. 

We might think that Jesus came back so that he could really then lay into the apostles for leaving him, abandoning him at his time of most need. But how often is it in these encounters that Jesus begins by saying, "Peace be with you." Peace. 

And Thomas believed once he had encountered Jesus, which is the same way that all of the other apostles came to believe as well. But I think this gospel is particularly important on this Divine Mercy Sunday because there are people who find it difficult, if not impossible, to believe that God loves them and that God can forgive them when they sin. 

There are people who carry around a toxic relationship with God, with themselves, and with others. But what we see in today's gospel is Jesus reminding the apostles that it is a relationship of love, that Jesus has overcome sin and death, and Jesus longs to forgive our sins, to call us into a new and more powerful relationship than we ever thought possible because of his love. 

Today, Jesus says to you, "Peace be with you." And he says to you, "I can forgive your sins. Seek my mercy. Seek my forgiveness. Know that I am not the God of the dead, but of the living, and I want you to live forever.

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

Sometimes things are not what they seem. Jesus and Nicodemus are speaking about being born. Peter is recognizing all his power comes from above. Just what is Jesus trying to teach Nicodemus about the word "from above." Readings for today. 

From Above

Today's gospel is one of those gospels that is easier to understand with a little background. Both Jesus and Nicodemus use the Greek word ἄνωθεν (anothen). And the word can have two meanings in Greek. It can be, as Jesus says, "from above", but Nicodemus could have understood its second meaning, "again."

We see this word, anothen, used in other places, where the more common, "from above" is used. In the passion accounts, Matthew and Mark used the word to describe how the curtain in the temple is torn. While there are some translations that suggest "torn in two", it is more accurate to say that the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom, or from above to below. 

But the word can also mean again. It can also mean something that starts at the beginning, or can be translated "top." So in using this word, whose meaning can be ambiguous, what is the point?

First, it was a common teaching technique for Jewish rabbis to propose something impossible to make a point and to challenge a deeper understanding of a concept. So when Nicodemus suggests as an old man going back into his mother's womb, he knows this is impossible. 

In this example, Jesus is obviously trying to get at a new type of birth. It is not simply that we need to be born physically again, which is impossible. By translating this word "from above", there is an understanding that there is something spiritual in mind. Jesus goes on to talk about "spirit" and "flesh". 

And by setting out water and spirit as a condition for entering the Kingdom of God, there is a clear and direct reference that to be born "from above" it means to be baptized and to live the life of one who is baptized. 

Being baptized means that we take seriously the need to imitate Jesus in the way we live. And there are many times where it only makes sense for us to do this because we are born "from above."

This life "from above" can be a difficult one at times, especially if we forget that to live "from above" means the constant awareness that we live out of our relationship with Jesus, and the need to be open to the Spirit.

Moreover, we do not always know where the Spirit of God will lead us. Jesus tells us "The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." This life requires us to trust in God.

And we know that to have such trust is not always easy. Peter realizes this in the first reading today. Peter's prayer is one of trust in God. "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

For in referencing a prayer of David, Peter recognizes that for many of the prophets, their lives did not end well. Often they were killed for preaching the very words that God told them to preach. But they did so because they recognized that to live "from above" meant trusting in God, who would deliver and save.

This trust in God allowed Peter and the other apostles to speak the word of God with all boldness. They did not shy away from the demands of preaching, and they lived as those who like Jesus, were raised to a new way of life. Today, recognize that you too need to be born "from above" so that you may receive new life through water and the spirit, and live as one "born in the Holy Spirit."

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

From the US Bishops: Pope Francis Novena Day 3. This novena has been prepared to help pray for the Pope during the time of mourning. The daily novena – lasting for the novendiales period from April 26 to May 4, 2025 – consists of a short reading from Scripture or some other ecclesiastical text and some brief prayers, including orations drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals.

The entire Church mourns the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. In cathedrals, basilicas, parish churches, shrines, and chapels the Holy Eucharist will be offered for the repose of his soul. Communities and individuals will ask God to bestow his infinite mercy on the man who served the Church as Bishop of Rome.When it is that we are not always certain what to do, turning to the Lord in prayer is a good thing. To be reminded of God's love for us, God's care for us. At the same time, as Pope Francis said in the response to the question, "Who is Jorge Bergoglio, he said: "I am a sinner."

What this means is that an important part of who we are is our identity as believers. That we stand in need of a savior, who is able to forgive us for our sins. And so below is a novena, a prayer of nine days, or the novendiales, for Pope Francis. Each day of the novendiales we will feature a prayer, with a different theme of prayer for Pope Francis.

Pope Francis Novena Day 3: The Unity of all the Church (April 28, 2025)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A reading from a sermon by Saint Augustine

As you are aware, Jesus chose his disciples before his Passion and called them Apostles; and among these almost everywhere Peter alone deserved to represent the entire Church. And because of that role which he alone had, he merited to hear the words: To you I shall give the keys of the Kingdom of heaven. For it was not one man who received the keys, but the entire Church considered as one… Rightly then did the Lord after his Resurrection entrust Peter with the feeding of his sheep. Yet he was not the only disciple to merit the feeding of the Lord’s sheep; but Christ in speaking only to one suggests the unity of all; and so he speaks to Peter, because Peter is first among the Apostles. (Sermo 295, nos. 2, 4)

Pause for silent prayer.
Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
— And let perpetual light shine upon him.

O God, who chose your servant Pope Francis
from among your Priests
and endowed him with pontifical dignity
in the apostolic priesthood,
grant, we pray,
that he may also be admitted to their company for ever.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

From the US Bishops: Pope Francis Novena Day 2. This novena has been prepared to help pray for the Pope during the time of mourning. The daily novena – lasting for the novendiales period from April 26 to May 4, 2025 – consists of a short reading from Scripture or some other ecclesiastical text and some brief prayers, including orations drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals.

The entire Church mourns the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. In cathedrals, basilicas, parish churches, shrines, and chapels the Holy Eucharist will be offered for the repose of his soul. Communities and individuals will ask God to bestow his infinite mercy on the man who served the Church as Bishop of Rome.When it is that we are not always certain what to do, turning to the Lord in prayer is a good thing. To be reminded of God's love for us, God's care for us. At the same time, as Pope Francis said in the response to the question, "Who is Jorge Bergoglio, he said: "I am a sinner."

What this means is that an important part of who we are is our identity as believers. That we stand in need of a savior, who is able to forgive us for our sins. And so below is a novena, a prayer of nine days, or the novendiales, for Pope Francis. Each day of the novendiales we will feature a prayer, with a different theme of prayer for Pope Francis.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." He then said to Simon Peter a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." Jesus said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep." (21:15-17)

Pause for silent prayer.
Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
— And let perpetual light shine upon him.

O God, immortal shepherd of souls,
look on your people’s prayers
and grant that your servant Pope Francis,
who presided over your Church in charity,
may, with the flock entrusted to his care,
receive from your mercy
the reward of a faithful steward.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

From the US Bishops: Pope Francis Novena Day 1. This novena has been prepared to help pray for the Pope during the time of mourning. The daily novena – lasting for the novendiales period from April 26 to May 4, 2025 – consists of a short reading from Scripture or some other ecclesiastical text and some brief prayers, including orations drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals.

The entire Church mourns the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. In cathedrals, basilicas, parish churches, shrines, and chapels the Holy Eucharist will be offered for the repose of his soul. Communities and individuals will ask God to bestow his infinite mercy on the man who served the Church as Bishop of Rome.When it is that we are not always certain what to do, turning to the Lord in prayer is a good thing. To be reminded of God's love for us, God's care for us. At the same time, as Pope Francis said in the response to the question, "Who is Jorge Bergoglio, he said: "I am a sinner."

What this means is that an important part of who we are is our identity as believers. That we stand in need of a savior, who is able to forgive us for our sins. And so below is a novena, a prayer of nine days, or the novendiales, for Pope Francis. Each day of the novendiales we will feature a prayer, with a different theme of prayer for Pope Francis.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (16:13-19)

Pause for silent prayer.
Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
— And let perpetual light shine upon him.

O God, faithful rewarder of souls,
grant that your departed servant Pope Francis,
whom you made successor of Peter
and shepherd of your Church,
may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven
the mysteries of your grace and compassion,
which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Jewish leaders wrote off Peter and John because they did not seem very smart. They were, as the reading tells us, uneducated, ordinary men. There's hope for us. Readings for today.

Uneducated, Ordinary Men

One definition of humility is to accept oneself as they are. As humility comes from the root word for earth, we could say that being humble is about being down to earth. Keeping your feet on the ground. Knowing who you are.

And yet, there can be a real temptation to be more than. we are. To think of ourselves as better than others, smarter, more attractive, richer. And if we cannot describe ourselves in this way, we can become resentful or envious.

But what if the best definition of humility, or the best way to live it, is to simply try to see ourselves as God sees us. And when we consider how God sees us, we can see ourselves as beloved sons and daughters of God. With the gifts and talents that God has given us, to do those things that God wants us to do.

Let's consider the lives of Peter and John. It seems that they knew who they were. Likely from an early age they knew they would be fishermen. More than likely they came from a family of fishermen. Casting nets, catching fish, making a living.

And this would have been a very good life. To be hard workers, to be able to support yourself and a family was something to be proud of in life. This would have made them quite productive members of society. 

But this was not what either of them would become. Everything changed when they met Jesus. Suddenly, and over time as well, things changed. Their encounters with Jesus changed them from fishermen to fishers of men. They went from charting their own course in life to following Jesus wherever that led.

But perhaps most of all they went from ordinary to extraordinary. Despite their faults and failings, they recognized that they needed to know how Jesus saw them. And so they became humble. Think of Peter. He knew he was a sinful man. He knew only Jesus could heal him and forgive him.

Peter was compulsive, impetuous, shoot first, aim second kind of man. At his worst he could not even admit he knew Jesus. At his best, he would give his life for Jesus. And Jesus saw in Peter what Peter could not see in himself. 

And John, thought to be the beloved disciple, was amazing too. His mother thought that he and his brother James were the most important and should sit at the right and left hand of Jesus. But Jesus saw John differently. He saw John as the one who could love much. And he did.

And Jesus saw in John someone who would care for Mary, the mother of Jesus, as carefully and lovingly as Jesus cared for her. Jesus sees in John the one who gives us an example of how it is we should see Mary in our lives.

In today's first reading, we see two contrasting visions of Peter and John. The Jewish leaders saw, ordinary, uneducated men. But Peter and John knew who they really were. They were disciples of Jesus. They were followers of Jesus. And they were the ones, because of their faith and trust in Jesus, they were the ones who became extraordinary men of wisdom.

It can be the case that we reward those in school who are smart. The know a lot of facts. But in life, we tend to reward those who are wise. And wisdom is about seeing things the way that God see things. And that describes Peter and John.

Does it describe us? Is it the case that we too allow ourselves to be loved by God so that God can make us who it is we really are? Too many settle for ordinary. But the truth is that God wants to make us extraordinary. And so seek a relationship with Jesus. It will make all of the difference.

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

Both the first reading and the gospel are stories with incredible events. A healed man, and a resurrected Jesus. How wonderful is your name, O Lord. Readings for Today.

How wonderful is your name

Incredible. How often do we use this word? And how often is it that we use it without really consider the weight of the word? Often we use the word to describe something that is, in fact, credible. But difficult.

You should have heard what my boss said to me today. Incredible. Can you believe what happened? Incredible. But often these events are credible. We have no difficulty believing that they could happen, it is often that the word describes for us that something surprising happened.

But the events today, both in the first reading and in the gospel, are in fact, incredible. Hard to believe. And the implication of what is at stake through these events is hard to believe as well. Just what is at stake in the gospel and in the first reading?

In the gospel, the apostles are still coming to terms with the fact that Jesus, whose crucifixion they witnessed, whose death they saw, is now alive. Maybe it is the case that he is a ghost. Maybe they are hallucinating. There has been a lot of stress, after all.

But Jesus does things to demonstrate that in fact, he is the same Jesus they came to love and to follow. He is still fully human. He eats fish. And they realize that he is indeed truly risen! Incredible!

By the time the events of the gospel unfold, Peter and John are doing amazing things. In the power of Jesus name, a crippled man is able to walk. Yesterday we saw this. So excited was he that not only was he walking around, he was jumping! Who can blame him?

The purpose of celebrating the octave is not just to recall historical events. While they are important, and wonderful, the octave of Easter, and the entire Easter season are about the implications of this resurrection for each one of us. In fact, every aspect of our lives and of our faith are tied to this event.

For Jesus comes to each one of us just as he came to the apostles. The risen Jesus wants to prove to us that he is indeed risen! He wants us to believe and to know that the new life of Jesus is possible for us to receive too.

And, Jesus wants to act through us just as he acted through Peter and John. While we might not ever find ourselves healing a cripple, like Peter and John we can find ourselves being vehicles of God's grace. The Holy Spirit can work through us as well.

Of course a question arises. Do we really believe Jesus can give us new life? How often did Jesus ask, "Do you believe I can do this?" or make the statement after a miracle that "Your faith has saved you"? I think during this Easter Octave Jesus continues to ask this question of us. 

Do we believe that Jesus can give you new life? Do you believe the power of the resurrection can be yours in faith? Do you believe the Holy Spirit can work through you, so that you can witness to others the power of Jesus in your name? Do you believe that God can do incredible and powerful things through you?

For it can be the case that the resurrection of Jesus has become so familiar to us that we take it for granted. or we relegate it to the past as an event that does not impact us today. But this misses the point. While the historical fact of Jesus' resurrection occurred in the past, the impact of this event is outside of time. This incredible event is as powerful today as ever.

So maybe today in prayer you can ask Jesus to help you to fully appreciate his resurrection and what it means in your life. Maybe you can ask Jesus to help you to be even more aware of the ways he wants to work through you. Maybe, just maybe, because of the power of the resurrection, the depth of his love, and his actions in the world, you too can do incredible things in his name.

You can listen to our homilies. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

Both readings refer to the importance of being able to recognize the role of faith. In the first reading, Peter and John do not have money, but Jesus. In the gospel the explanations of the scriptures do not make sense until the breaking of the bread. Readings for Today.

I just started to wear progressive lenses. They are bifocals, but they do not have the line that separates the lenses. While they take a little getting used to, the adjustment has not been all that much. And I appreciate being able to see things more clearly. Even though they are not that powerful, I can recognize much more now than before. 

Sometimes we use the expression "the eyes of faith" to describe a type of seeing that is not limited to the physical world. It is the case that with the "eyes of faith" we are able to see a person's dignity that may not be obvious to us with physical senses.

This is part of the challenge of the debate in our present age over immigration. Some see physically that migrants and refugees are only visible in ways that cause some to focus only on themselves. They see migrants and refugees as threats, criminals, less than human.

But with the eyes of faith, Catholics view refugees and migrants as Christ, and as such have a high view of what we should do to help them. Failing to help migrants and refugees is failing to help Christ himself.

The difference between the two ways of seeing is whether or not we can recognize Jesus. In today's gospel, the two disciples cannot recognize Jesus. They can appreciate the knowledge of the one they walk with, but they cannot see his as the preacher in whom they put their hopes.

How can it be that someone they knew well enough to follow they could not recognize when they hear him explain so much of the scriptures? How is it that their physical senses could not recognize Jesus? How is it that they could only recognize Jesus with the eyes of faith?

To truly see Jesus, they needed to encounter liturgy. They needed to be at Mass. And in this is a great and important lesson for each one of us today. Where is it we truly recognize Jesus? It is when we go to Mass and Jesus becomes present in the Eucharist.

Only then, with the eyes of our faith are we able to see Jesus clearly. In the breaking of the bread, the disciples on the road to Emmaus were able to see Jesus. Despite the burning hearts they experienced when Jesus explained the scriptures, they only recognized him in the breaking of bread.

We live in a time where some people simply cannot see with the eyes of faith. It is as if they are blind. They cannot see the action of God, the presence of Jesus, the movement of the Holy Spirit.

And yet the lesson of the gospel is that Jesus can heal this blindness, just as he did for Bartimaeus, or the man born blind, or the disciples in today's gospel. Just as Jesus does for physical sight, Jesus also does for those times when faith sight is blind and we cannot recognize Jesus.

Can you recognize Jesus in your life? Can you see Jesus in the events of your life? Do you sit with Jesus in the breaking of the bread? Can you recognize Jesus in the poor, the homeless, the migrant and the refugee?

The blindness in the eyes of faith can be healed by Jesus. He longs to do this. He wants to do this. He wants you to see that you can be forgiven of your sins, healed of your brokenness, invited into a powerful and infinite relationship with Jesus.

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

As was the case yesterday, Mary Magdalene and Peter are both featured in today's readings. Their emotions are a lot to process. But Peter is changed. Not only does he claim to know Jesus, but he says Jesus is both Lord and Christ. Readings for today.

Both Lord and Christ

In many ways, this week is a series of persons. Peter. John. Mary Magdalene. The disciples on the road to Emmaus. And others. So many types of persons are featured. The beauty is that we see so many different reactions to Jesus. And it helps us to consider our own reaction to Jesus.

Today we get the experience of Mary Magdalene before the encounters of the Risen Christ. The gospels provide a description of Mary Magdalene that seems to suggest, that in her life she does everything wholeheartedly. Nothing is done halfway.

So consider her devastation. Jesus was the one that freed her from demons, from an awful way of life, and turned everything right side up for her. She was lost but was found by Jesus. And now, this Jesus in whom she believed so deeply, is dead. Hopes are dashed. How will she go on?

And yet she does go on. She peers into the tomb. Maybe she looked to make sure that Jesus was really gone. It seems like a situation where a person would not really believe that a body had been stolen. First Jesus is dead, and now his body is stolen. How could things get any worse?

But like everything else this week, there is a surprise. When she looks into the tomb this time, she sees two angels. Angels. She simply asks for the body of Jesus. Where have they taken him? 

Behind her is the risen Jesus. He must have looked different, for she does not recognize him right away. But of course. She knew Jesus had died. She witnessed his crucifixion. There is no way that she could expect to see Jesus. After all, she was not crazy.

And yet, there is Jesus. How does Mary Magdalene come to recognize him? The same way we all come to recognize Jesus. Mary knows him when Jesus calls her by name. And this is an important part of the encounters with the resurrected Jesus. Encounter.

Because these stories are not just about a resuscitated Jesus. Nor are they seen as some type of scientific freak occurrence. These stories are about an encounter. How the encounter with Jesus changes the lives of those who see him.

And that is what Jesus wants for us too. It is not just that Jesus wants us to know about him. Jesus wants us to know him. All of him. Jesus wants us to see the encounters that are possible because of faith. 

We can come to know Jesus in his life. He wants us to see ourselves as like those in the gospels that see the events, hear the teachings, experience him. He wants us to see ourselves in the encounter of the passion. And he wants us to experience the depths of his love for us.

And in the resurrection, Jesus longs for us to see how he can bring new life to us. How it is that Jesus can change us. How it is that when we encounter him, we can see what we could be. And when Jesus give us the grace to see what we could be, we see it is pretty wonderful indeed.

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

There is a lot going on when we feel two conflicting emotions at the same time. We can cry and laugh at the same time. Be fearful yet overjoyed. The resurrection of Jesus produces many feelings. Readings for Today.

Fearful, yet overjoyed

It really is hard to imagine what types of feelings are present in the two readings we hear today. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary knew Jesus had died. They witnessed his crucifixion. They prepared his body for burial. How could they have seen him now alive?

Peter was so afraid at the death of Jesus he denied even knowing him. And yet in today's first reading he is proclaiming not only that he knows him, but more than that. "God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses." How can this be?

It can often be the case that we find ourselves in a world that does not believe in the truly miraculous. Sure, we use the term miracle. But referencing a miraculous comeback in sports, or calling something a miracle only because it turned out so well, these things are not miracles.

But someone rising from the dead? How can that be? As the prophet Isaiah asks, "Who would believe what we have heard?" And for Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, the question is this: "Who would believe what we have seen?"

The accounts of the resurrection of Jesus were seen as nonsense by the apostles. And who could blame them? Who of us, mourning the loss of a loved one, would accept easily an account by someone who loved the deceased that they have now seen him? Would we not think that perhaps this was a psychological problem?

But the women know what they have experienced. They do what the Risen Christ tells them to do. And the others have similar experiences of the Risen Christ and come to believe that he is truly risen.

And consider Peter. He couldn't admit to even knowing Jesus. Even after encountering the Risen Christ, Peter hides with the other apostles in fear. And yet, Jesus fulfills his promises. He sends the promised Advocate, and Peter is so changed he can now preached boldly before others. 

Does the resurrection change you? Have you thought about the question? Have you considered how your faith impacts your life? Do you live any differently because of what Jesus has done for you? How the Holy Spirit has come into your life?

We live in a world it can be difficult to see the presence of God. And yet we have been celebrating these past few days, the Easter Triduum and Easter, the outstanding truth that God cares so much for us. God forgives sins. Heals brokenness. Does the miraculous.

And God does this for you. God wants to do more for you. God wants you to know how much it is that he loves you. How much it is that he wants to do miraculous things in your life, just as he did for the apostles. 

Look for God. Seek God. Search for those ways to discover that God is active in your life. Ask God for the grace that you too might feel fearful yet overjoyed.

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update. And we have restarted our podcasts after a hiatus. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.