The Friar Podcasts - preaching prayer and spiritual reflections

At the beginning of Augustine's Confessions is a reference to Pelagius, who shares a belief that is probably common to many even though it is heresy. Namely, Pelagius believed that we were able to achieve our salvation by our own efforts, that we were not wounded by Adam's sin. On some level it can be seen as a popular image of God holding a scale, our good works on one side of the scale and our evil deeds on the other. Then, whichever weighs more gets us into even. Namely, we earn our salvation because of what we do.

The Christian view of salvation is quite different. We are saved by God's free and undeserved gift. In no way can we earn our salvation, since the fall and sin of Adam has so damaged us. It is only this free and unmerited gift that enables us to be saved. Even our desire to know God is the result of the free movement of God's grace that wants us to do so.

And so at the start of the Confessions we read the very famous quote from Augustine: our hearts are restless, O God, until they rest in you. While we have a natural inclination to want to know God, we can only do so because of God's powerful will and gift of grace that enables us to do so.

Today, in the Gospel, Jesus healed a paralyzed man. However, the Pharisees and Scribes that are watching said Jesus spoke blasphemies but were in awe after the paralyzed man rose and walked away carrying his stretcher.

This Gospel teaches a very important lesson for this Advent season. Jesus healed this man simply by forgiving him of his sins. Jesus knows our thoughts and feelings, and He saw the deep faith the man had. On the other hand, Jesus knew that the Pharisees and the Scribes did not believe, but He made them believe through healing the paralyzed man.

During this season of hope, we need to be on the right path to God. This means that we must seek forgiveness to fully prepare ourselves for the birth of the Lord. Our sins and problems should drive us to God, but for that to happen, we must seek forgiveness.

-- Andrew Purcell, Class of 2022

Saint John the Baptist was, to put it bluntly, an odd duck. Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, indicated that he was a classic example of a borderline personality. But it is important to see and understand the ways in which he was a part of the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. He ate locusts and wild honey (think Exodus -- plagues and promised land). And he serves as an important intercessor and model for us today. How is God calling you to prepare the way for Jesus?

Readings for today

The prophet Isaiah tells us in the first reading about how God heals the wounds of his people. God expresses that in all the difficulties everyone is having, he will provide anything and everything to help meet their needs. An example I really liked was, “The light of the moon will be like that of the sun and the light of the sun will be seven times greater like the light of seven days.” I like this because it will bring brightness to everyone such as joy and kindness. Overall, I really liked this reading because it shows me that God is good and cares about others and is willing to help and lift spirits up.

--Riley Reynoso, Class of 2021

In today’s gospel, there are blind men who wish to be healed. Jesus asks, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him.”

When I read this quote from today’s gospel, this quote stood out to me the most. How were the 2 blind people able to trust in Jesus? They had only heard stories of Jesus and what he had done yet were able to completely trust and believe in him. This shows me that no matter how much of a stranger I am to Jesus, he will always be there for me and care for me as long as I am truthful when I say I believe. I believe the same is true for you.

--Spencer Keith, Class of 2022

In today's readings the theme is centered around trust. The prophet Isaiah says, “A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.” I have grown an immense amount in my trust this year, especially in my relationship with God. Through prayer asking God to help me everyday to put my faith and trust in his plan for me.

In the Gospel the theme of trust connects directly within the passage. Jesus says, “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock." Putting trust in God is hard because moving rocks is not easy, but when you allow God to establish himself in you, the reward will be eternal life.

-- Johnny Wagner, Class of 2022

A temptation of mine is to think that if a pray a little bit (intentions) and am basically a good person, meaning I don't murder anyone, then I will be saved. But today's gospel is a stark reminder that what I am tempted by is not enough for salvation. Not only do I need to call on God's name, more than that, I need to commit to actually doing what he tells me to do. I need not only to ask God to strengthen my faith, but to actually doing what his grace compels me to do in my actions, in the way I treat others, and what I do in prayer. Even in prayer our words are not enough -- they need to be built on the power of our actions inspired by God's grace.

Readings for Today

There are only three stories that appear in all four gospels. Resurrection? Not really, Mark’s original ending concludes with the empty tomb and fearful disciples. The Last Supper? John omits the meal and tells the story where Jesus washes his friends’ feet. Good Samaritan? Only Luke. Jesus’ birth? Only Matthew and Luke, and they have different versions. No, there are only three: the Passion, the Baptism, and the one where he multiplies food to meet a crowd’s needs.

That last story is today’s gospel. One standard interpretation emphasizes Jesus’ ability to perform extraordinary things. Another is that those gathered reached into their own stashes of food and shared with those who had not. Each has its place. But briefly I want to take on that first interpretation, where Jesus can do extraordinary things. Because I don’t think they’re extraordinary by nature; rather they’re exceedingly ordinary and simple, but we just don’t want to do them.

Right before the crowd’s hunger becomes the focal point, Matthew mentions how busy Jesus is healing all sorts of people. He’s sitting, presumably teaching, and “they placed them at his feet, and he cured them.” Matthew doesn’t describe anything Jesus says. Maybe he didn’t say anything new. Maybe no one remembered it. I like to imagine he kept getting interrupted, and eventually he just threw his plans to teach out the window (when I imagine this, Jesus is chuckling to himself about the futility of making plans). He’s compassionate, and that’s the teaching. Be compassionate.

There’s a bunch of clichés that could be used here. Put your money where your mouth is. Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words. And there are some good saint quotes too. St. Francis of Assisi’s “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary,” comes to mind. And that’s just it. The gospel is simple: be compassionate. To this person. Right now. Right here. Yes, this will probably disrupt my plans. And not be beneficial to me. And cost. And take time I’d rather spend doing something else.

The gospel is simple. Am I willing do it?

-- Michael Finucane, Religion Teacher

Most of what Saint Paul wrote was really dictated. And there are times, when you realize that, where you can see Paul getting really excited. Today is one such example. In talking about the tremendous life that one can receive by believing in Jesus, he says this: But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? Will you let God send you?

Readings for Today

Today’s reading is from Romans 10:9-18 and in it, Saint Paul tells us to put all our faith in God. He says this: “Brothers and sisters: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

God always has our back. When things are going great it is so easy to thank God but when adversity hits that’s when it gets tough to understand the blessings in negative situations.

But there is always a blessing in every situation. Often, we never see or appreciate the bad lessons. We should learn how to thank God and believe in God no matter our circumstances.

-- Ayden Robinson Wayne, Class of 2021