The Friar Podcasts - preaching prayer and spiritual reflections

This morning's homily discusses the first reading, a prime example of God's providence. Going Behind the Word explores the story of Queen Esther.

The challenge for these meditations is that for a long time they were not widely circulated or known, even though they were read to the brothers on their yearly retreat. But in recent times, they have come to be seen as more important to Lasallian spirituality than originally thought.

Lent is a time of year to focus on Repentance, Reflection, Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. I believe that if you really strive to work on all five of those things, you will get a lot out of Lent and feel a lot better about your spiritual life. Repentance is a big one, you repent every time you receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. From my own personal experience, I can tell you with full honesty that going to confession is like taking the best hot shower of your life. You are washed away of all sin with six words, "I absolve you from your sins."

In today’s Gospel, Jesus educates his Disciples on how they are to pray. Jesus says that when praying “…Do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your father knows what you need before you ask Him”. Let’s break that down.

To understand the French School of Spirituality it is necessary to remember that life was more than a little chaotic for France, and for the Church. Still digesting the teachings of the Council of Trent, and responding to the secular threats posed by the Enlightenment, it is easy to see why the French School of Spirituality could be harsh in its understandings between the human person and God.

Today's Going Behind the Word is an extension of the homily which talked about the important value of temptation in our lives. The homily discusses how Jesus provides a model for each of us to overcome our temptations.

Every one of us is the result of a collection of relationships. Saint John Baptist de la Salle is no exception. From his good fortune of being born in a wealthy family which allowed him to be well educated, to is connection with people of faith and his study for a doctorate, Saint John Baptist de la Salle had a collection of influencers.

In the Gospel today Jesus talks about the importance of remaining faithful. He says that the sinners strive for righteousness. If someone feels they are making bad decisions, they have the free will to start making good decisions. Jesus is the ultimate sign for repentance and forgiveness.

In the Gospel today Jesus talks about the importance of remaining faithful. He says that the sinners strive for righteousness. If someone feels they are making bad decisions, they have the free will to start making good decisions. Jesus is the ultimate sign for repentance and forgiveness.

Don't Be Sad. For example, if you decide you get coffee too much and you are going to give that up for Lent, you are saving money for yourself. With that money you planned on spending, anyway, why don’t you take that money and save it as a donation for a charity?