Frank Friar Fridays: Recent Episodes
Fr Patrick Baikauskas OP
On Father's Day, we reflect, in a special way, on the roles of our fathers and grandfathers in helping us grow in ways meant to build up God's Kingdom.
That saying goes back to St. Augustine. He wasn't talking about donuts either. He was talking about Jesus Christ and how our faith in him can change us - through Eucharist but also in the fact that Christ is present to us in the Word and in one another. So what does that look like?
This weekend is Trinity Sunday. We can make our understanding of the Trinity more difficult than it needs to be. It is how we come to understand our relationship with God - a relationship that builds on the love of the Father for each of us.
Maybe we first have to ask, DO we use our gifts? We all have been given particular gifts from God, and this Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, is when we recognize that reality, and we need to reflect on what gifts we have, and whether are we sharing them with others for the building up of God's kingdom?
A Terrible Kindness - Jo Browning Wroe
You Dreamed of Empires - Alvaro Enrique
Counting by 7s - Holly Goldberg Sloan
A Thousand Ships - Natalie Haynes
Migrations - Charlotte McConaghy
The Covenant of Water - Abraham Verghese
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - V.E. Schwab
Signal Fires - Dani Shapiro
Ask Again, Yes - Mary Beth Keane
Lessons in Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus
Miss Benson’s Beatle - Rachel Joyce
Middlemarch - George Eliot
Rules of Civility - Amor Towles
Whale Fall - Daniel Kraus
The Buried Giant - Kazuo Ishiguro
It's not easy for us, but it's not impossible either. And there are people in our lives to show us the way.
The short answer - no! We are all connected to one another - like a great vine, and when we recognize that reality, we can accomplish great things.
To be truthful, maybe it doesn't - but we need to figure out how to do that - and then share it. This is vital stuff. If we want to stop the exodus of people from our Church, we have got to get excited - and then share it with others - everyone - start with our families - but don't let it stop there.
Today we reflect on this question of Saint Thomas the Apostle. And we can ask the same things of ourselves - is Jesus here yet, in our own lives, and if so, can people see Jesus at work in our lives?
We have a special episode of Frank Friar Friday this week. Fr. Vincent Davila, OP, BoilerCatholic, and good friend, joins us today to explore this question that has perplexed and troubled Christians for centuries. Br. Joseph Hilliker, OP joins me as a guest host. Joseph has been on FFF twice. Vincent is writing his doctoral dissertation on this cry of Jesus and provides some fascinating insights. It's the perfect listening experience for this Triduum and Easter week.
What would that mean if someone said that to you? What would you think? I'd think it was pretty important. And it is!!!
This is maybe the best-known verse of the Bible - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Do we even think about those sorts of decisions? Or do we feel that we are battered by circumstances and things out of our control? Well, there is another way.
Well, it means we are changed, but changed in a very special way. We don't often want to change, because it can make us uncomfortable or maybe it even hurts a little, but if we trust in God, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, then that change can be something life-changing - and in a good way.
And if they are the first words, they must be important....right? It's "Repent and believe in the Gospel." And that is what we hear again on this First Sunday of Lent.
I hate to ask because I think I know the answer - but our faith certainly isn't meant to bore us - hopefully, it will excite us AND the people in our lives.
If we accept an authority figure, does that mean we have to change? What if we don't want to change? What if we think we are doing pretty well just as we are? Maybe we need to look in the mirror and answer some tough questions about ourselves.
I just returned from nine nights in Sicily - Palermo, Agrigento, Siracusa, and Taormina - with brief stops along the way. It was spectacular! Hear about the people we met, places we visited, and the food we ate.
You don't want to miss this final episode. In this last of a three-part episode, I talk to Colleen Dulle about some of the things that didn't happen at the Synod - the lack of any statements about LGBTQ Catholics or what will be the response of the Church for divorced and remarried Catholics.
In this second part of the interview with Colleen Dulle, Vatican journalist with America magazine, we hear about some of the major themes to emerge from the synod - the role of women in the Church, and the importance of changes to lay and priestly formation, and what to expect this year as the process continues.
Pope Francis began a process three years ago that has engaged the worldwide Church. That three-year process culminated in a synod this past October at the Vatican. It will continue throughout 2024.
Colleen Dullee is a journalist for the Jesuit magazine, America. Being a St. Louis native, I was able to interview Colleen while she was visiting family over the Christmas holidays. Colleen covered the synod for America magazine in Rome. Colleen provides an insider's account of what was happening and what we can expect in the months ahead.
Don't miss this three-part interview, beginning this week and continuing for the next two weeks.
Back by popular demand: Dorothy Sayer's play, "The Man Born to be King"
The Dominican brothers perform a radio play written by the acclaimed British mystery writer Dorothy Sayers, author of the Lord Peter Wimsey novels. Fourteen Dominican brothers participated in this effort. We perform the first two scenes in her radio play, in the court of King Herod when the kings tell of their journey to find the messiah, and in the shepherd's home when the three kings visit Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Has anyone asked you that yet? They will. There might be a lot of things on our today list, but what is the most important thing we can do on it? To prepare ourselves for the greatest gift we've ever received - Jesus Christ in our lives.
I have been reading and listening to some things the past week that got me thinking about my dad and Thanksgiving.
How do we use our talents?Fr Patrick Baikauskas OPDescription
God has given us all sorts of gifts. Valuable gifts. Sometimes we may think we don't have much in the way of talent, but God thinks otherwise, and he wants us to be generous in how we share them.
This is a tough question, but the readings for this coming Sunday, give us a difficult lesson. We might want to avoid the issue, but we can't.
For many of us, but sadly not all, our mothers and fathers are the very first - and maybe the most powerful example we receive of unconditional love. Can we imitate that?
God expects us to love God with everything we've got - AND - to love others. Simple, but it is difficult - because it means we are to love even the people who hate us and hurt us.
I am delighted to introduce my old friend and fraternity brother, Pastor Ken Behr to our FFF audience. Ken is a retired Protestant pastor and has his own podcast - Prophecy Countdown. On that podcast, the end times come up frequently, and especially so when we have harbingers of war in the Holy Land. Listen to our engaging conversation on that topic and others.
The readings for this Sunday compare heaven to the experience of sharing in a great banquet. But there is a question - an invitation - before we get into the feast. How do we respond?
There are lots of ways that are culture influences us - good and bad - maybe more bad - and so we are all called to conversion - to change - and that can hurt - but it is what will bring us our greatest joy and peace.
God has made a lot of promises to us. And he keeps them. It's important for us to do the same with the people who know us - our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers - even the stranger. Being truthful and keeping promises is something we can rightfully expect - and then people will expect the same from us.
The parable this week is about the generous landowner who pays the workers who worked only an hour the same as those who worked all day. He was generous in ways that can be difficult for us to understand, but it is supposed to be a parable that gets us thinking - how am I called to act?
In this Sunday's reading, we hear Jesus being asked by Peter, "How many times do I have to forgive, as many as seven?" Well, actually we're called to do much more, but why is it so difficult for us?
How do we confront the people we love - and the people we live with? Jesus shows us the way.
Listen to this interview with Br. Alonso Salas, OP, a second year student brother and his inspiring story of meeting and accompanying those living on the margins on the streets of Memphis.
This week we interview Br. Joseph Hilliker OP who we interviewed last year detailing his summer experience in Kenya. This summer he served as a chaplain in a Houston ER. Hear his inspiring story.
After four attempts over three years - we finally made it - thanks be to God. Hear some highlights of our pilgrimage.
Missy Sims was recently featured in a New York Times article that details her legal suit against big oil companies on behalf of several cities in Puerto Rico. She blames them for climate change and that their indifference has been the cause of the devastating storms that have plagued that island. What comes through very clearly is that she her Catholic faith has guided her in this David vs. Goliath undertaking.
Transfiguration is about an openness to being changed. I think there is some interesting theological connections to the film Oppenheimer.
This is a question we may need to ask ourselves everyday - but let's really reflect on this question this week. every day
Having just returned from a vacation in Costa Rica, I thought I would offer some of my reflections on this extraordinary place. Pura Vida is the official slogan of Costa Rica, and people say it as often as people say Ciao! in Italy. Literally it. means "pure life" but it means more in the way the Ticos use it. It mean's "Everything is great, how about you?" or "Isn't this day beautiful?" or "Gosh, it is so nice to meet you. I failed to mention that on our first night in Costa Rica we got to visit Boiler Catholic Beatriz Cisneros - what a special occasion that was!!
Yes, we are supposed to love one another as Jesus loves us - but let's kick it up a bit.
This is a welcome statement a made a couple of times at St. Tom's, but I believe we lived it out every day. Feel free to share it - and live it.
We - meaning priests - tend to make it complicated. It isn't. Celebrating the Trinity means celebrating hospitality.
God has given us a lot - maybe we don't notice. Do we keep them to ourselves - or share them? Easy question.
We are all called to do amazing things, and with the help of God, we can do them. Are you ready?
On Sunday we hear the familiar story of the good shepherd - a beautiful story that images Christ as our good shepherd. But there's more to the story. The story asks for something from each of us.
This week we hear the story of the doubting Thomas. Do we let Jesus into our lives - or do we try to keep him out or contained to Sunday?
Yes, two episodes in one weekend - but it's Easter and I can't let that pass without a special reflection for this Easter Sunday.
I was interviewed by Our Sunday Visitor as part of the Eucharistic Revival initiative of the USCCB. The subject? Why do some women wear veils, and how are we called to respond?
I was interviewed recently by OSV as part of a project of the Eucharistic Revival that includes interviews with the preachers involved with the revival. I cannot say I am an expert on the topic, but it provided for an engaging conversation.
In the famous story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, we get a chance to reflect on what we need in our own lives to satisfy our desires.
Today, February 24, markes the one year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Kiev. I share with you a letter written by one of my Dominican brothers in Kiev reflecting on the past 12 months there.
Is our culture buying into the notion that lying is okay - because, well, everyone does it.
What if no one is harmed? What if it is to save someone from danger? What does it even mean to be permissible? To whom, or. to what? What the heck is a lie anyway? Find out the answers to these questions and so much more in our interview with moral theologian, Dr. Stewart Clem, PhD.
What's that mean, and how do we live our lives to be the salt of the earth and a light to others?
This interview with former campus minister and Catholic counselor, Grant Freeman goes into the whys, what and when on sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with our family and friends.
The beginning of the Gospel of John is not what we might think about at Christmas - the word of God - darkness - but it is very much how God enters into our lives.
There's a lot of bad stuff happening in the world. How do we change our world? "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."
My almost famous story about waiting in line at Ted Drewes - and waiting for Christ to enter our lives.
We have just had elections. There have been elections in other countries - new rulers chosen. Who do we consider our ruler?
We think a fair amount about heaven - not a bad thing - but why do so many of us fear getting there?
This interview with my fellow Dominican Br. Bernard Wierdak discusses his own journey of faith and gives some important insights into how we are each called to live out our faith life.
Church Lady and the gospel reading this weekend both want us to look into our own hearts before we judge others. A tough thing to do.
We are told to persevere in prayer - but some times we can't seem to wait for God's response.
This can be a constant challenge for us. How do we, who live in the richest country in the world, live out the gospel message to love our neighbor?
Despite the economic challenges Americans face, we are well off compared to others we encounter in our lives. What's our response?
What do the Beatles and Earth Wind and Fire have to offer us on coming together in harmony and peace?
The parable that we hear on Sunday calls us to put others first - and if we do, we will find ourselves leading truly fulfilling lives.
You won't want to miss my interview with Br. Joseph Cullen Hilliker and his insightful experiences in Kenya. Part one of two parts.
We continue our conversation with Dr. Ann Garrido. Today we hear Ann talk about how we manage conflict within our lives, with our families and friends and how and where do we find the truth and have those difficult conversations?
We often compartmentalize our lives, thinking our faith is helpful only in spiritual matters. Catholic writer and teacher Dr. Ann Garido provides some invaluable insights into what thousands of Catholics across the country have to say about the challenges of their daily lives and how our Catholic faith can guide us.
These are the books I mention in this episode - IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:
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The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
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The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
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Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
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The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
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Deception Cove by Owen Laukkanen
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Leave the Gun, Take the CAnnoli by Mark Seal
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The Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig
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The Distant Dead by Heather Young
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Evidence of Things Unseen by Marianne Wiggins
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Happy Go Lucky by David Sedaris
Maybe too often we get overwhelmed by the beauty of our churches and fail to recognize what those churches symbolize.
The Feast of the Ascension is when we experience Christ's leave-taking from his disiciples. We experience losses in our own lives all the time - sometimes quite unexpected - like the tragedy of children being murdered. There is no easy. way - but the way of Jesus can ease those losses?
As we approach the Feast of the Ascension next week, we may wonder like the disciples of Jesus, is Jesus still with us?
It is not easy, but it is not complicated either and yet it is what each of us is called to do, not only with those around us but with anyone we meet.
This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday - and it is also Mother's Day. Let's remember our moms and the sacrifices our parents have made for us.
Jesus asks Peter three times, "do you love me?" Why? What does Jesus' questioning mean for us?
Fr. Vivian Boland wrote a book recently entitled The Spirit of Catholicism. We talked about this book has to contribute to the ongoing synod of the Church, what the idea of spirituality v. religious means, and what our Church has to say to our 21st Century world.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? I have a different response to that question than you might expect.
Today you can hear another dramatic presentation. This podcast is the arrest and trial of Jesus Christ. I am rather excited to show case this production. The actors are alumni of Providence College (the only Dominican college in the country under the direction of the friars). Fr. Matthew Powell, O.P., is an associate professor emeritus of theatre and is the director. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The message of the gospel this last week before Holy Week is that we have a loving, merciful God that forgives all our sins and wants us to focus on the gift of this day. Every day!!
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked all people to pray this prayer today to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Blessed Virgin Mary. As the Holy Father stated, "This Act of Consecration is meant to be a gesture of the universal Church, which in this dramatic moment lifts up to God, through his Mother and ours, the cry of pain of all those who suffer and implore and end to violence, and to entrust the future of our human family to the Queen of Peace."
I dedicate this podcast today to that prayer.
We leave today for a mission trip to Puerto Rico. It can be a life-changing experience, but many of the things we do day-to-day can transform us - if we are open to the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we begin our Lenten journey, let's think about the temptations we experience in life, and how our loving God has equipped us to overcome them - and the models God has given us.
As we approach Lent, what do we need to see in ourselves - how do we know what to say - how are we called to act?
I’m take a few days off. Relaxing in Key Largo at the home of Jennie Block, a great friend of the Order.
This interview with Professor Christopher Beem of Penn State University looks at how the teachings of Thomas Aquinas on the theological virtues can teach us to have hope in the challenging times we face in our country.
Does that apply to us too!!!??? What do you think? Are you called to be holy? Are you called to be a saint? Is there a difference?
It sounds easy - Jesus knew it wasn't. His neighbors hated what he had to tell them - love your neighbor as yourself.
David Brooks has an op-ed piece in today's New York Times that talks about America coming apart at the seams. That essay and this weekend's readings spoke to me about how we can be the source of what can provide a stitch or two to prevent our country from splitting apart - it begins with us. Here's a link to that essay: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/13/opinion/america-falling-apart.html#commentsContainer
I got to do more reading than ever in this year of challenges. Here are some suggestions that came from me by way of my listeners.
Can we look back on the year and see any changes? Have there been any epiphanies - moments when we have come to understand something that is very important to us?
The Dominican brothers perform a radio play written by the acclaimed British mystery writer Dorothy Sayers, author of the Lord Peter Wimsey novels. Fourteen Dominican brothers participated in this effort. We perform the first two scenes in her radio play, in the court of King Herod when the kings tell of their journey to find the messiah, and in the shepherd's home when the three kings visit Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Back in 1997, I met Senator Bob Dole for the first time, and it impressed me in ways that stick with me to this day - and yes, it has something to do with Advent.
Former Master of the Dominicans, Fr. Timothy Radcliffe says of Fr. Whitfield's book, "He pulls no punches. This book offers just the challenge that we need to hear. It is beautifully written and full of wisdom." Whether you are a preacher or sitting in the pews, you will want to listen to this podcast.
This reflection on the readings for this Sunday - the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - can inspire us to examine how are we doing in recognizing that we have this moment to live life to the fullest!
The readings this Sunday and the past two Sundays can be very challenging to us. What keeps us from truly loving our neighbor as ourselves?
This interview with Fr. Nick Monco, OP, now a chaplain at the Benedict Institute of Hope College, reflects on a TED Talk that Fr. Nick gave that aired this week on mental health issues and specifically what do our Catholic faith traditions have to offer in dealing with mental health challenges. (NB -IT LOOKS ON THE SPOTIFY LINKS THAT THIS PODCAST IS OVER 40 MINUTES LONG - IT IS NOT - IT IS ABOUT 23 MINUTES LONG)
Dr. Ellen Lawson is an emergency room physician who began her career as a religious sister working in Congo. Dr. Lawson and I both serve on the board of the St Dominique Foundation that administers an orphanage in Titanyen, Haiti founded by a Dominican priest. Dr. Lawson provides her first-person account of the difficult conditions of serving in Haiti - now!
Best-selling novelist Sue Monk Kidd provides a creative setting for the life of Jesus - as a married man.
Sort of a little break from the normal program to remember a devoted parishioner and friend of St. Tom's.
September 30 was the birthday of my mother AND father. Today's podcast is a reflection on them.
I offer some reflections on the events of September 11, 2001 and the challenges they present. Here's a link to another podcast I mention in the broadcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-bit-of-optimism/id1515385282?i=1000527216316
Prayer simply must be a part of our life if we hope to grow spiritually. There are many forms. Jim and I talk about that need we all have to take care of ourselves and how prayer is a vital way to do that.
Jim McElroy talks about his own experience with centering prayer as an acolyte of Fr. Thomas Keating. If you're interested in centering prayer or know someone in recovery that might be helped by this ancient form of prayer of the Catholic Church, you won't want to miss this fascinating conversation with Jim McElroy.
The last segment of our three-part interview with nationally syndicated speaker and best-selling author Dr. Walt Larimore.
Part two of this amazing interview with Dr. Walt Larimore who gives us valuable insights on what it means to be truly, totally healthy.
We begin a three-part series with Dr. Walt Larimore, physician and author of more than 40 books, including the best seller Fit Over 50. Dr. Walt has appeared on many 360 with Anderson Cooper, Good Morning America, and many other news broadcasts based on his medical expertise and engaging conversation.
Listen to author Gary Schmidt provide some fascinating insights to his writing, inspiration and motivation.
Award-winning author - (National Book Award finalist and Newberry prize winner) - former Yankees (now Mets fan) - teacher - medievalist - UofI grad - what more can I say? A great storyteller. Listen to the first of our three-part interview with this fascinating man.
Listen to part two of our conversation with author, composer, singer, spiritual director, Steve Givens, as he discusses his personal experience with chemotherapy and a usually fatal disease.
I talk with Steve Givens who has written widely on spiritual direction and his own battle with a rare disease.
"We are what we eat." - St. Augustine. Oh my goodness!! Do I look like gelato and no one has mentioned it??
An interview from Houston where Dominican friar Br. Greg Dunn will profess his solemn vows on May 28. Hear how this young man, who once aspired to be a shortstop in the major leagues, journeyed to become a vowed religious.
I begin my time at St Tom's with my ordination and then my installation as the pastor. What a whirlwind experience! And a blessed one!!
The episode that was difficult to get to: after a lifetime of waiting to answer God's call, my ordination, but not without some bumps in getting there.
I have my first experience of ministry at St. Tom's and Purdue (Boiler Up!) and finish up my time and studies in St. Louis.
I begin my studies in Saint Louis and as an outcome of the Boston scandals, we are visited by representatives from the Vatican.
My years working for Big Jim Thompson - and the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan - and my last days in DC - at least for a little while.
My days working for Big Jim Thompson - the second Reagan inauguration - and my last years in DC - at least for a little while.
Further reflections on the events in the U.S. Capitol and I begin my time with working for the State of Illinois in Washington and Governor Jim Thompson.
I gave this homily on December 8, 2020 at the WashU Medical School. It touches on some current issues.
Some thoughts about the election which provides a nice segue to the beginning of my career in Washington DC.
The Frank Friar has his first experience of being called to the priesthood in junior high school.
As I begin my podcast journey, I decided to speak about something in which I have some expertise - me. I will spend the first few podcasts giving you a brief biography so that the future reflections will have some context. How exactly did I get to the place where I am now - a Dominican friar?