Morality: It’s About More Than The Law Thoughts on the First Readings -Joe Frankenfield 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Zephaniah 2:3,3:12-13 A professional pianist once commented to me that another pianist was technically superb but possessed little feel for the music he played and would never be great. When I asked what he meant, he [...]

The Problem’s Trust Not Stuff Thoughts on the First Readings -Joe Frankenfield 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 8:23-9:3:1 When I was a youngster, I had an aunt who, whenever I got upset about something, reminded me, “Joe, nothing in this world makes much difference. What matters is eternity: heaven or hell. That’s what’s important. [...]

Friends, Not Servants Thoughts on the First Readings -Joe Frankenfield 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 49:3,5-6 People tell us from the altar and in religious books that good Christians serve God. They issue calls to pray and take part in various ritual activities; less often they urge us to obey divine prohibitions and carry [...]

Thoughts on the First Readings -Joe Frankenfield Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 A servant of God has a big heart. That sounds trite and fluffy; it’s neither. A local radio personality characterizes folks who appreciate many different kinds of music as people with big ears. That’s the sense in which [...]

Leaving The Game of Favorites Thoughts on the First Readings -by Joe Frankenfield Feast of the Epiphany Isaiah 60:1-6 “Am I still your best little boy,” I once asked my mother? Everyone has embarrassing childhood memories: this incident, though not the only or worst, is one of mine. My parents had recently brought my second [...]