A Time For Prophets Thoughts on the Second Reading – Joe Frankenfield Isaiah 50:4-7 Several years ago, at a parents’ gathering a mother commented that we need to do better teaching our young boys respect: that people aren’t things and that being aggressive in pursuit of a goal doesn’t excuse violence towards another. While many [...]

In The Image of God 5th Sunday in Lent – Joe Frankenfield Isaiah 43:16-21 Jesus presented a new image of God. The image he offered was not discontinuous with that given by his Jewish Tradition but he enhanced that image profoundly. His Tradition offered a God violent with his enemies; Jesus offered instead a God [...]

Knowing God – Cautiously Thoughts on the First Readings – Joe Frankenfield 4th Sunday in Lent Joshua 5:9, 10-12 What are we to make of the God of Israel? On the one hand, the God of the Hebrews extolled and commanded justice and loving care for people, including the poor and foreigners living among his [...]

Stop Praising the House and Grab a Hammer Thoughts on the First Readings – Joe Frankenfield 3rd Sunday in Lent Exodus 3:1-8,13-15 “Take off those muddy shoes before you come in! Don’t you dare track up this kitchen; I just washed the floor!” As a kid I thought my mom simply didn’t want more work. [...]