Frank Friar Fridays

In a world that can often feel dark, we are called to a profound transformation that goes far beyond our comfort zones. Join us as we explore how opening every part of our lives to God's grace allows the light of Christ to truly shine through us.

My parents weren't the type to take shortcuts. But if I'm being honest, it took me years to appreciate the sacrifices they made in those factories and steel mills. This Lent, we're looking at the temptation to seek out distractions and avoid the tough choices in life.

"If the Church stays silent on injustice, are we failing our mission? In this episode, we tackle the discomfort of 'political' homilies and distinguish between endorsing candidates and defending human dignity.

What do we do to shine before others so that they may see God alive in us?

This is a reflection on truth, trust, and the hunger for justice.

Do we see how Christ calls each of us to live out our lives as a light to others?

Do we live out our faith as a part-time job? We need to let the Holy Spirit in - all the time.

Would our Lord be pleased with us, as a nation?

...has it changed the path you took in life?

...and how do we relate that to our own family?

....and let it begin with each of us - today.

There's more to do than buy and wrap presents and send Christmas cards and bake cookies - much more.

and that means in every part of our lives.

"As I enter the season of Christ's birth, the man [or woman] I want to be is one who...And, "The state of heart I desire is..."And finally: "I want my family or my community to see in me..."

THIS IS A BONUS EPISODE FOR THIS WEEK.

An important question for us.

Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received… but only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage."

It's an important question for us.

but what we need to do today, for the people who groan with anxiety and hunger.

Some think our leadership in the United States might reflect the second coming. We can expect more.

A reflection on events and discussion of this week - we cannot confuse a revolution with a revival.

If we are - do we show it?

A lot - if we are people of faith.

Sorry, I forgot to post it. I recorded it on Friday, but got distracted.

I was trying to come up with a different title for this episode - but this one works.

Yes, you heard me.

...that can't be right, can it?

or just passing acquaintances?

I hope so.

That is always a good question, and maybe we are especially focusing on this time of year.

Well, what's that mean for you? What is truly important in our lives?

Let us ask, seek, and knock, not just expecting God to provide answers, but ready to be the hands and feet through which God's will is fulfilled on earth as it is in heaven. 

This is a question we all need to answer.

What concrete things can we do to truly live out the message of this parable?

The gospel reading that recounts Matthew's call to follow Jesus is a call for us as we remember the gifts we have received as citizens of the United States.

Peter and Paul show us the way.

Hopefully, we recognize that our consuming the body and blood of Christ can make us like him.

We thank God for the earthly fathers who, in their imperfect but beautiful love, gave us the first language to understand our Heavenly Father, who looks upon each of us today and says, “You are the most important person in the world to me.”

It is about the receiving of a great gift.

And if we recognize that, what does it mean for us? How are we changed?

We have likely all experienced the death of someone close to us. How do we remember them?

That's what we hear this weekend, but what does it mean for us specifically?

And he is a Southsider!!! AND a White Sox fan. We also give thanks for our mother!

Jesus asked that of Peter, and he asks it of us - and expects us to do something with that awareness.

That's what we hear the apostle, Thomas, ask, but we might ask ourselves.

Here's a great response next time someone asks that question.

The readings on Palm Sunday give us the reason.

I interview one of my fellow missionaries, Fr. John Marie Devaney OP of the Eastern Province. John is also a fellow podcaster and has his own show on Sirius XM. You'll have to listen to the podcast to get the details.

This is recorded at the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome where I am attending the biannual meeting of the Missionaries of Mercy. In this broadcast I offer my reflections on my experiences and the hope that our Church and the world can see people of faith as builders of the kingdom of God in a troubled world.

It's a big responsibility, but something each of us is called to?

....if we let God.