Frank Friar Fridays

The message of the gospel this last week before Holy Week is that we have a loving, merciful God that forgives all our sins and wants us to focus on the gift of this day.  Every day!!

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked all people to pray this prayer today to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  As the Holy Father stated, "This Act of Consecration is meant to be a gesture of the universal Church, which in this dramatic moment lifts up to God, through his Mother and ours, the cry of pain of all those who suffer and implore and end to violence, and...

I talk with Br. Peter Lewitzke about our mission trip in Puerto Rico.

We leave today for a mission trip to Puerto Rico.  It can be a life-changing experience, but many of the things we do day-to-day can transform us - if we are open to the power of the Holy Spirit.

As we begin our Lenten journey, let's think about the temptations we experience in life, and how our loving God has equipped us to overcome them - and the models God has given us.  

As we approach Lent, what do we need to see in ourselves - how do we know what to say - how are we called to act?

I’m take a few days off. Relaxing in Key Largo at the home of Jennie Block, a great friend of the Order.

This interview with Professor Christopher Beem of Penn State University looks at how the teachings of Thomas Aquinas on the theological virtues can teach us to have hope in the challenging times we face in our country.  

Does that apply to us too!!!???  What do you think?  Are you called to be holy?  Are you called to be a saint?  Is there a difference?  

It sounds easy - Jesus knew it wasn't.  His neighbors hated what he had to tell them - love your neighbor as yourself.

How do we grieve?  Do we trust in the love of God to help us in accepting our losses?

David Brooks has an op-ed piece in today's New York Times that talks about America coming apart at the seams.  That essay and this weekend's readings spoke to me about how we can be the source of what can provide a stitch or two to prevent our country from splitting apart - it begins with us.  Here's a link to that essay:  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/13/opinion/america-falling-a...

I got to do more reading than ever in this year of challenges.  Here are some suggestions that came from me by way of my listeners.  

Can we look back on the year and see any changes?  Have there been any epiphanies - moments when we have come to understand something that is very important to us?

The Dominican brothers perform a radio play written by the acclaimed British mystery writer Dorothy Sayers, author of the Lord Peter Wimsey novels.  Fourteen Dominican brothers participated in this effort.  We perform the first two scenes in her radio play, in the court of King Herod when the kings tell of their journey to find the messiah, and in the shepherd's home when the three kings...

Back in 1997, I met Senator Bob Dole for the first time, and it impressed me in ways that stick with me to this day - and yes, it has something to do with Advent.

This is an interview for everyone who preaches and cares about good preaching.  

Former Master of the Dominicans, Fr. Timothy Radcliffe says of Fr. Whitfield's book, "He pulls no punches.  This book offers just the challenge that we need to hear.  It is beautifully written and full of wisdom."  Whether you are a preacher or sitting in the pews, you will want to listen to this podcast.  

I share memories of previous Thanksgiving days in my life.  

Which kingdom will we choose?   

This reflection on the readings for this Sunday - the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - can inspire us to examine how are we doing in recognizing that we have this moment to live life to the fullest!  

The readings this Sunday and the past two Sundays can be very challenging to us.  What keeps us from truly loving our neighbor as ourselves?

This interview with Fr. Nick Monco, OP, now a chaplain at the Benedict Institute of Hope College, reflects on a TED Talk that Fr. Nick gave that aired this week on mental health issues and specifically what do our Catholic faith traditions have to offer in dealing with mental health challenges.  (NB -IT LOOKS ON THE SPOTIFY LINKS THAT THIS PODCAST IS OVER 40 MINUTES LONG - IT IS NOT - IT IS A...

Dr. Ellen Lawson is an emergency room physician who began her career as a religious sister working in Congo.  Dr. Lawson and I both serve on the board of the St Dominique Foundation that administers an orphanage in Titanyen, Haiti founded by a Dominican priest.  Dr. Lawson provides her first-person account of the difficult conditions of serving in Haiti - now!  

Best-selling novelist Sue Monk Kidd provides a creative setting for the life of Jesus - as a married man.