Posts by Patrick D'Souza
The Gift of Self
Today’s liturgical offerings present the Parable of the Sower and St. Paul’s epistle underscoring how we pin all our hopes on the Resurrection of the Dead. And of course, we do this in memory of Him: Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Unless It Dies “What you sow is not brought to life…
Read MoreIn His Majesty’s Service
Today’s readings contrast the selfishness of rich shepherds with evil bent, who grow sleek at the expense of their flock, with the Good Shepherd who seeks the strays and heals the sick, tending them with compassion and care. As His sheep, we must bear careful attention to every word uttered by the Lord and strive…
Read MoreTruth Be Told
Following on the heels of last Sunday’s Parable of the Sower, we hear Christ proposing not one nor a couple but three parables! These timeless treasure troves contain divine truths, the depths of which our human minds can never plumb, no matter how many times we apply our minds to these gifts from the Divine…
Read MoreLead, Kindly Light
Today’s Gospel presents a fragment of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and verily, not a word spoken by the Word Made Flesh is without telling impact. We are quite literally plumb spang bang in the midst of the Great Sermon on the Mount. The successful revolt led by Jehoiada ushers in a destruction of the…
Read MoreSpread The Word
Today’s readings present us not one, but two farewell speeches. The apostle Paul is concerned with finishing his course faithfully with the remaining time he has on earth. In the Gospel of John, we tune into God the Son praying to God the Father. This is Jesus’ high priestly prayer right before He undergoes His…
Read MoreThe Sermon on the Jaunt
On the Third Sunday of Easter, we draw close to the duo of the dejected disciples and witness their transformation from despair to rejuvenated hope. Without Jesus, we are lost and groping for meaning – but with Him, we are ensured of our ultimate destiny. Let us quicken our steps and join them on their…
Read MoreIn The Workshop of St. Joseph
Today, amidst Lent – the season of immersion into the Paschal mystery – the Church has us reflect on the Nativity of Jesus. It is fitting that Joy and Suffering be intertwined, for such is our lot: we never experience unending joy or suffering; rather, we have an admixture of both. We can find numerous…
Read MoreLove And Do What You Will
Today’s title has been blithely borrowed from a favorite saint; it is one of St. Augustine’s more famous quotes. The theme of choosing life over death is highlighted in all of the readings on tap for today. If we reduce the Commandments to the Golden Rule, we are left with Love. Truly, God is Love,…
Read MoreOngoing Conversion
The Alleluia verse before today’s Gospel reads thus: The word of God is living and effective, able to discern the thoughts and reflections of the heart. Why do we do the things we do? It’s good to pause and re-examine our motivations. Saul’s rejection and the question of fasting are good mirrors to hold up…
Read MoreGod Sized Goals
In today’s readings, we encounter similar storylines – angels deliver God’s messages that answer prayers and realize dreams that seemingly lay in tatters. There are contrasting reactions, belief and unbelief and in the end, God’s promises are fulfilled at the proper time. As for us, how do we treat God’s promises? Like Zechariah, if initial…
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