Word on Fire Reflection

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus rebukes James and John for their desire for vengeance. We are walking with Jesus and his disciples as they make their way to Jerusalem. As they pass through Samaria, they are refused hospitality, for their destination is Jerusalem, and this annoys the Samaritans. Bothersome? Stupid? Racist? Sure, … Read moreSunday, June 26, 2022

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, today’s Gospel tells the familiar story of Mary and Joseph finding twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple. When they find him, they upbraid him with understandable exasperation: “Son, why have you done this to us?” But Jesus responds, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” The story … Read moreSaturday, June 25, 2022

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, one feature of today’s Gospel passage is the craziness of the shepherd: “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?” Well, the implied answer is “No one.” Who … Read moreFriday, June 24, 2022

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. From time immemorial, God has sent messengers, prophets, and spokespersons. Think of that whole line of prophets and the patriarchs of Israel. John the Baptist sums up all of these figures. In the Gospel of John, the Baptist … Read moreThursday, June 23, 2022

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that a tree is known by its fruits. In the fifth chapter of his Letter to the Galatians, Paul makes this very specific. He tells us that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” implying … Read moreWednesday, June 22, 2022

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, today’s Gospel raises a crucial question about heaven and hell: Who will be in and who will be out? Origen argued that all people will be saved. For how could God’s love allow even one person to be damned? And St. Augustine argued that the vast majority of human beings were … Read moreTuesday, June 21, 2022

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel is one of the most psychologically and spiritually insightful remarks in the New Testament. Let’s face it: a favorite pastime of most human beings is criticism of others.  We delight in pointing out the shortcomings, moral failings, and annoying tendencies of our neighbors. This is, of … Read moreMonday, June 20, 2022

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, our Gospel today tells about the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus instructs the crowd to recline, and they do so on the grass. Taking the loaves and dried fish, Jesus makes a meal that satisfies the enormous crowd. They are hungry, tired, worn out from their exertions, and Jesus gives … Read moreSunday, June 19, 2022

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, our Gospel today calls us to entrust our lives completely to God. How often the Bible compels us to meditate on the meaning of faith! We might say that the Scriptures rest upon faith, and that they remain inspired at every turn by the spirit of faith. Paul Tillich said that … Read moreSaturday, June 18, 2022

Bishop Robert Barron Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples not to store up treasures for themselves on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven, “where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.”  St. Augustine once said that since every creature is made ex nihilo, it carries with it … Read moreFriday, June 17, 2022