Br. Joseph Trout, OP

Brother Joe Trout reflects on the challenging message from 1 Timothy that "the love of money is the root of all evil." He clarifies that this isn't about rejecting God's gifts, but about our relationship with them. Discover how the love of money can lead to greed and self-reliance, and how we can instead use our wealth to build up the Kingdom of Heaven, which is a great thing.

In this reflection, Brother Joe Trout discusses Saint Juan Macias and his extraordinary love and care for the poor. Drawing parallels with the Gospel story of Jesus and the sinful woman, Brother Joe encourages viewers to see others as Christ sees them—especially the poor and outcast—recognizing their needs and offering help and compassion. Discover how Saint Juan Macias's example inspires us to go beyond material assistance and truly see, know, and walk with those in need.

Today we celebrate the Feast of our Holy Father Dominic, the joyful and sociable friar who was always talking about God or with God. One might think that a man of constant prayer might not be so sociable, but for Dominic, God was at his side in everything he did, and this brought joy into every encounter he has with others. You and I could also live our days in the presence of Christ, and so infuse everything we do with divine and holy joy. Try it today!

In today's Gospel, Peter saying to Jesus, "God forbid that you should suffer" earns him a harsh rebuke, that he is thinking as human beings do, not as God does. It is difficult for us to see the people we love suffer and trust that God is at work in the midst of this suffering, and has already prepared a resurrection to redeem it. So today, try to put on the mind of God when accompanying people who suffer, trusting that God indeed has a plan to save this person.

In the Old Testament story of Joseph, son of Jacob, he is faithful to God no matter what. But when famine hits the land there is only so much he can do to help people. Like Joseph, Jesus is faithful to God no matter what, but Jesus is able to multiple loaves and fish when people are hungry, or turn bread into his body for us when we are in need. Let us trust Jesus who is not only faithful, but able to give us what we need, and even more than we hope for.

In today's Gospel, Jesus sees the needs of the world and is not discouraged or overwhelmed. Jesus responds by noting to his disciples that the great needs bode a great harvest if they would be willing to be sent into the vineyard. You and I are not simply called to be God's friends, but to be the rightful inheritors of God's work in saving the world. The only question is will we join in?