Posts by Patrick D'Souza
Truth 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…
Read MoreThe Magnificent Seven
Today’s readings contrast the fleeting authority of mortal kings with the ethereal sovereignty of the Creator of Creation, Triune God, unsurpassed in splendor and benevolence. The courage on display from the intrepid Maccabean brothers and their indomitable mother teach us how to remain steadfast in our fidelity to God Almighty even when we find ourselves…
Read MoreRemain Faithful
Praying constantly and well is the call to action in today’s parable of the Persistent Widow. We can all get better at this most basic and profound action that keeps our relationship with the LORD vibrant and flourishing. Remain Steady The first reading narrates Joshua’s battle with the Amalekites. As long as Moses holds the…
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