September 20-27, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Our upcoming Scripture texts are Ezekiel 18: 25-28; Psalm 25; Philippians 2: 1-11; and Matthew 21: 28-32. You will like these readings. They are so informative and personal. In the account from Ezekiel, God says 'How can you say I am unfair when I extend forgiveness?' It then highlights that God is always ready to forgive if we turn from wickedness and evil, but if we do not, then expect trouble from God who is just and merciful.
The Philippians reading is the well known kenotic (self-emptying) passage where St Paul emphasizes the attitude of Jesus Christ in pouring out Himself to take up even the shameful death on the cross. Because of this, the Father has raised Him up and exalted Him as Lord of heaven and earth.
The gospel is 'the other gospel story of 2 sons' which is less famous than St. Luke's Prodigal Son account. In Matthew, Jesus tells of 2 sons: one says he will do what his father asks, but doesn't do it actually. And the other son says 'no', I will not. But then repents and actually does what the father has asked.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (September 22), Fr. John presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (September 24), Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (September 26), Fr. John presiding
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"We must not wish anything other than what happens from moment to moment, all the while, however, exercising ourselves in goodness." St. Catherine of Genoa
"Do not let anything sleep in your coffers which could be profitable to the poor." St. Cyprian
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." AND "My dear brothers and sisters, we are already one. But we imagine that we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are." (These are two quotes from the Trappist monk Thomas Merton that I recently came upon.)
Have a blessed week serving the Lord and announcing by your life the wonderful Kingdom of God.
Love,
Fr. John, OFP
Pontifications by Fr. Jim McNeely
