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Irish Capuchin Franciscans

4 days ago

Seeds of Wisdom (Matt 13: 1-13)

“The reason that I talk to them in parables is that they look without seeing and listen without hearing or understanding” (Matt 13:13). Jesus knew that people would listen to stories and remember them. A parable is a story that runs parallel to life, like a mirror that travels beside you in which you can see your life.

How do we listen

Jesus compared his teaching to seeds planted in different sorts of soil. A seed is not of much use if it is left in a paper packet. It must be mixed in the earth. Scripture, the word of God, must be taken from the paper and planted in the earth of life. Only then will it be life-giving. But there are different levels of listening. Every speaker must remember that what is communicated is not necessarily what is said but what is heard. Everything that is read or heard is filtered through the mind of the reader or listener. One listener is delighted while another gets nothing out of the same sermon. There were very different reactions to the preaching of Jesus. Some people were filled with awe at his gracious words while others boiled with anger and were hardened in their prejudice. The sermon is the same but it is the listening that makes the difference. The parable of the sower and seed challenges us about how we listen.
Different soils
The first seed fell on the edge of a path, on hard soil. Birds devoured it before it got into the soil. Our minds are miles away, totally distracted and we take nothing in. Nothing has lodged in the memory. The second seed fell on shallow soil which is alright on the surface but rocky underneath. This represents the shallow person who hears in a superficial, distracted way. This listener is more likely to remember who sat in which seat, or how somebody was dressed!

Other seeds started to grow until the shoots were choked by winding weeds. Sometimes good intentions do not last long because the mind is too preoccupied by other concerns and worries. Finally, there is the good soil which produces a crop in various amounts. If one prepares the soil beforehand there is every chance that the seed will flourish. ... See MoreSee Less

Irish Capuchin Franciscans

2 weeks ago

Br. Richard Hendrick OFM Cap, Provincial Minister, blesses the newly installed memorial in remembrance of Br Kevin Crowley in the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People, Dublin. The memorial comprises of the icon of St Francis of Assisi presented to the Day Centre by Pope Francis on his visit there in 2018 as well as a black and white photo of Br. Kevin Crowley, founder of the Capuchin Day Centre who died on the 2nd of July 2025. Many congratulations to all involved and sincere thanks to the very generous donor. ... See MoreSee Less

Irish Capuchin Franciscans

2 weeks ago

This evening we remember Br Kevin Crowley OFM Cap on his first anniversary. Mass at 7.30pm in St Mary of the Angels Capuchin Church, Church Street, Dublin 7. ... See MoreSee Less

Irish Capuchin Franciscans

2 weeks ago

Tomorrow evening (02 July 2026), we remember Br Kevin Crowley OFM Cap on the occasion of his first anniversary. Mass at 7.30pm in Church Street. ... See MoreSee Less

Irish Capuchin Franciscans

2 weeks ago

Upcoming in St Francis of Assisi Parish, Priorswood on Friday 3rd of July. All are welcome. ... See MoreSee Less

Irish Capuchin Franciscans

2 weeks ago

All are welcome for a time of reflection, adoration and prayer in the Sacred Heart Hall, Capuchin Friary, Church Street Dublin 7. ... See MoreSee Less

Irish Capuchin Franciscans

2 weeks ago

Preparing the Apostles (Matt 10:37-42)

Jesus prepared his apostles to carry on his mission after his departure.  But it would be costly at times.  Sometimes great personal sacrifices would have to be made.  One might be called to leave family comforts.  He described it as taking up your cross to follow him.  He spoke of losing your life in order to find its real meaning and value.  That means breaking out of the shell of self-centeredness.  Pope Francis warned us of the temptation to have a privatized prayer-life which is insensitive to the needs of others.  So heavenly-minded that one is no earthly good!

 We live in the computer age when people have become very me-centred.  Programmes of self-development are very helpful but for many people this focus on self has done nothing to improve their awareness of others.  Years ago, I read in a criticism of Indian meditation that five thousand years of meditation did not plough a single field.  At that very time, Mother Teresa of Calcutta had begun her apostolate for the poor in India.  Her meditation was Christ-centred and this was the source of her service to the poor.  The message of today’s Gospel is that the mission of the Apostles would not be easy but it would bring a great reward.  It reminds me of the Tipperary farmer who was very generous to any special collection taken in the parish.  The Parish Priest visited him one day to thank him for his wonderful generosity.  “It’s no bother, Father.  God has a bigger shovel!”

Peter and Paul

Tomorrow, Monday, will be the Solemnity of two great apostles, Peter and Paul.  Both of them described Christian life as following Christ in his cross and resurrection.

Peter tells us, “In so far as you share in the sufferings of Christ, be glad, so that you may enjoy a much greater gladness when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter: 13).  The earthly life of Jesus did not end on the Cross but in his Resurrection.

Paul, in his Letters, tells us in many texts that Christian life is sharing in the death and resurrection of the Lord.  Paul was suffering the life of a prisoner when he wrote, “May I come to know him and the power of his resurrection, and partake of his sufferings" ... See MoreSee Less