Dominican Friars

Province of St. Albert the Great, USA

A Word of Hope

"The Kingdom of Heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force." (Matthew 11:12).

Brother Joe explores different interpretations of this verse—from the early Church Fathers who saw it as a metaphor for intense repentance, to the modern understanding of the persecution of the prophets. Ultimately, this reflection reveals a crucial truth about Advent: The Word of God is not always meant to comfort us; sometimes, it is meant to unsettle us, shake us up, and remind us that God is not made in our image.

📖 Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:11-15

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction: The Most Confusing Line in the Gospel?
00:35 - Interpretation 1: Storming Heaven through Penance
01:03 - Interpretation 2: The Violence Against Jesus and John
01:39 - Why Prophecy is Meant to Startle Us
01:52 - Jesus is Not Just "Comfortable"
02:32 - God Is Not Made in Our Image
03:14 - Preparing to Be Unsettled This Advent

Hashtags:
#Advent2024 #BibleStudy #Matthew11 #HardSayingsOfJesus #Catholic #ChristianReflection #BrotherJoeTrout #AWordOfHope #SpiritualGrowth #Theology

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A Word of Hope with dove

Every day the Chicago Dominicans offer "A Word of Hope" video to bolster our faith through these trying times. We welcome any feedback you have at hope@opcentral.org . You can see them all below, or you can see other preaching by a particular person by clicking on his name, and you can have them emailed to you each morning by signing up for our email service:

8 May • I Am the Bread of Life: Finding Eternal Nourishment

May 8, 2025 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

Delve into Jesus' profound statement from the Gospel of John: "I am the bread of life." Discover what it means to be nourished by Christ for eternal life and how we, like the indigenous communities in Chiapas, are called to share the blessings we've received.
7 May • From Persecuted Church to Global Witness

May 7, 2025 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

In this reflection, Fr. Curran draws inspiration from the Acts of the Apostles (cf. Acts 8:1b-8), highlighting the courage of St. Philip. Following the martyrdom of St. Stephen and amidst the persecution of the early Christian church, Philip boldly went to Samaria to proclaim the Good News of God's healing love, transforming lives even in the face of threats and shaming.
6 May • Trust & Charity: St. Stephen & the Bread of Life | Easter Tuesday, Week 3

May 6, 2025 by Fr. Andrew Carl Wisdom, OP

St. Stephen, approaching his martyrdom, confronts the "stiff-necked people" who resist the Holy Spirit. Despite their hostility, Stephen, filled with the Spirit, sees Jesus in glory and prays with profound trust ("Lord Jesus, receive my spirit") and charity ("Lord, do not hold this sin against them"), even as Saul (St. Paul) looks on.
05 May • Bread of Life Discourse: Believing in the One God Sent

May 5, 2025 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

This "Word of Hope" message from Fr. Greg Heille, OP, for the Monday of the Third Week of Easter, delves into the beginning of Jesus's profound Bread of Life discourse in John Chapter 6. Fr. Greg reflects on the miraculous feeding of the 5000 and Jesus walking on water, leading into Jesus's teaching about the food that endures for eternal life.
04 May • Easter Hope: Pope Francis & Finding Jesus Everywhere

May 4, 2025 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

In this "Word of Hope" message for the Third Sunday of Easter, Fr. Greg Heille, OP, reflects on the Gospel account of Jesus appearing to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias and the miraculous catch of fish. Drawing on the final preachings of Pope Francis, Fr. Greg explores how the risen Christ is present in our ordinary lives and calls the resurrection the "turning point of history."
03 May • Finding God in Relationship, Not Just Proof

May 3, 2025 by Fr. Samuel Hakeem, OP

Do you ever wish you could just see God to make faith easier? On the Feast of St. Philip and St. James (Saturday, May 3, 2025), Fr. Samuel Hakeem OP reflects on this common desire through the lens of St. Philip's request, "Show us the Father." Discover Jesus' powerful response as he points away from external proof towards the depth of their existing relationship.
02 May • Gamaliel's Wisdom: Why Our Faith Endures

May 2, 2025 by Fr. Samuel Hakeem, OP

Discover the profound wisdom offered by Gamaliel to the Sanhedrin: if this movement is merely human, it will fail like others before (Theudas, Judas the Galilean); but if it is from God, you cannot stop it! Fr. Hakeem highlights how the Church's endurance for over 2,000 years, despite immense challenges, is powerful testimony that our faith is from God.
1 May • Filled with the Spirit: Preaching Boldly in the Easter Season

May 1, 2025 by Fr. Louis Morrone, OP

In the second week of Easter, we hear from the Acts of the Apostles about the disciples' boldness in the face of opposition and from the Gospel about God's abundant gift of the Holy Spirit.
30 April • From Pope Pius V to Pope Francis: Go Out & Evangelize!

Apr 30, 2025 by Fr. Luke Barder, OP

This homily connects the bold actions of the apostles in the first reading (Acts) and Jesus's own mission ("God so loved the world" from John) to Pope Francis's vision for a Church that reaches beyond itself.
29 April • St. Catherine of Siena & Pope Francis: Bridge-builders in Times of Division

Apr 29, 2025 by Fr. Luke Barder, OP

On the Feast Day of St. Catherine of Siena (April 29th), and during the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, this Word of Hope reflects on two powerful figures who called for unity, mercy, and charity in divided times. Just as St. Catherine was a voice for truth and a bridgebuilder 700 years ago, Pope Francis emphasized these same virtues, reminding us that we are all brothers and sisters.
28 April • Born from Above - Like the Wind

Apr 28, 2025 by Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP

Today's Gospel features the famous dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus about being "born again" or, more accurately, "born from above" (John 3). Jesus uses the analogy of the wind: "The Spirit blows where it wills... you do not know where it comes from or where it goes."
27 April • Blessed Are Those Who Believe Without Seeing

Apr 27, 2025 by Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP

While we might wish for individual, private appearances of the Risen Lord, God's design for faith is communal. We are meant to come to faith through the shared testimony and proclamation of others—like the apostles (including Thomas after his encounter) and St. John writing the Book of Revelation. Faith isn't meant to be lived "siloed."
26 April • Easter Hope & Farewell to Pope Francis: Jesus Appears to Disciples

Apr 26, 2025 by Fr. James Marchionda, OP

Join us for a Word of Hope on this significant Saturday of the Octave of Easter, as we reflect on the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and commemorate the funeral mass of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis.
25 April • A Reflection on Overcoming Fear

Apr 25, 2025 by Fr. James Marchionda, OP

This reflection touches upon the courage, kindness, and compassion shown by leaders, drawing inspiration from figures like Pope Francis.
24 April • "Peace Be With You": Christ's Easter Greeting Explained

Apr 24, 2025 by Fr. Bob Keller, OP

What is the true meaning of the Risen Christ's first words, "Peace be with you"? This isn't just a casual greeting; it's the profound gift resulting from Christ's harrowing journey through suffering and death, ultimately conquering both sin and the grave.
23 April • Finding Christ on the Road to Emmaus

Apr 23, 2025 by Fr. Bob Keller, OP

We all know what it means to be "downcast" – facing loss, disappointment, or shattered hopes, just like the two disciples leaving Jerusalem after Jesus' brutal execution. Fr. Bob explores how the Risen Christ meets them in their despair, walking alongside them even when they don't recognize Him.
22 April • Easter Hope vs. The Secular Age: Finding More

Apr 22, 2025 by Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP

The Resurrection fundamentally challenges a limited worldview. The Risen Christ embodies both the familiar and the radically new, demonstrating that reality extends far beyond what we can see and touch.
21 April • Finding Hope When God Feels Distant: Your Spiritual Galilee

Apr 21, 2025 by Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP

Christ is Risen, Alleluia! But what happens when faith feels difficult or God seems distant? In this Easter Octave Monday reflection from Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP, discover the powerful message of hope in Jesus' command to the disciples: "Go to Galilee."
20 April • Bees, Frogs & Alleluias: An Easter Homily Celebrating All Creation

Apr 20, 2025 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! In this expansive Easter homily, Fr. Greg connects the liturgical celebrations of Easter with the joyful response of all creation. From the Easter Vigil candle wax ("work of bees") praised in the Exultet, to a personal memory of frogs singing at the Easter fire.
19 April • Holy Saturday Reflection: Waiting, with a Sliver of Hope

Apr 19, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

Drawing parallels with the stillness of off-season Alaska, Fr. Scott reflects on Mary Magdalene's experience: her hope shattered, unable to even anoint Jesus' body due to the Sabbath. Yet, even in devastation, a "sliver of hope" remained, motivating her plan to perform that one last act of love.
18 April • Good Friday Reflection: Finding Hope in Christ's Passion & Our Mortality

Apr 18, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

Join Father Charles Bouchard, OP, for a powerful and insightful reflection on the readings for Good Friday. He explores the significance of Christ's passion and death, and how it connects with our own mortality, offering a message of hope and the promise of eternal life.
18 April • The Cross: A Symbol Transformed from Death to Life

Apr 18, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

On this Good Friday, Fr. Scott Steinkerchner OP delivers a moving "Word of Hope" reflection exploring the dual nature of the Cross. Originally a brutal tool of Roman power meant to crush the human spirit, the Cross was radically transformed by Christ's sacrifice. By embracing suffering with love and forgiveness, Jesus turned this "cross of death" into the life-giving "cross of life"—a symbol of redemption, humanity's triumph, and God's boundless mercy.
17 April • Encountering Jesus in Eucharist, Priesthood & the Poor

Apr 17, 2025 by Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP

It's Holy Thursday! Fr. Dominic addresses why priests are specifically asked to preach on the Institution of the Eucharist, the Priesthood, and the Command of Fraternal Charity today.
16 April • Hope Beyond Failure - Lessons from Judas & Peter

Apr 16, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

While Judas repented of betraying Jesus, he ultimately despaired, unable to believe in forgiveness. Peter, after denying Christ three times, remained open to God's mercy, eventually experiencing restoration through Jesus's love after the Resurrection (John 21). Both apostles failed, but only one held onto the possibility of hope.

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