Posts by Patrick D'Souza
The 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…
Read MoreSounds Good
The readings today touch on subjects that are key to the serious Christian disciple: the use of resources, true religion and the surpassing wisdom of Christ that leads to eternal and even temporal happiness. The Beatitudes beget beatitude. Sound Teaching In his letter to Timothy, St. Paul has strong words for those teachers that contradict…
Read MoreWe Are the Champions
Today’s scriptures show we have a caring God who is not aloof to the travails that afflict humanity. He seeks men like Gideon to deliver His children, like the disciples to build His kingdom. And there are the familiar (and vital) reminders of the dangers of wealth, of the worth of one and all, especially…
Read MoreKeeping The Faith
Today’s readings have God’s mercy woven throughout, from the night of Passover from slavery into freedom to the Servant Song of Isaiah where God’s beloved is revealed as a servant leader who will cast such a glance into the slavery and bondage of our human lot that all obstacles are swept aside like Pharaoh’s armies…
Read MoreMy Prayer
We are in the midst of two great feasts, having just contemplated the mystery of the Trinity last Sunday and are about to delve into Corpus Christi next weekend. Faith and theology as the science of faith and wisdom are important in that they offer us a foretaste of eternal glory (St. Augustine). As we…
Read MoreTo Have and To Hold
In today’s gospel, Jesus counts the ways we can love Him. It is simultaneously easier and harder than we think. Listen to Him Jesus says: Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will keep my word. John 14:21a, 23 Which of course leads to a crucial…
Read MoreDeath Dealt With
Holy Saturday. A day of watchful waiting. The silence of the tomb. Jesus has descended Into Hell. For His mercy endures forever and wherever. For this holiest of Saturdays, I felt it would be fitting to reflect on Death, ours, and that of Jesus. A tough ask, and a tad overwhelming, so I drew on…
Read MoreSilent Knight
Today’s Saint ranks above all other saints but one, a shade below his bride, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Yet, the gospels have only the briefest of passing references to this great man, deemed worthy to be the foster father of the Son of God, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Patriarch of…
Read MoreOpening Act
In today’s Gospel, we see how sight is restored to a blind man. The healing is gradual. This is how the disciples of Christ and we their descendants in the faith learn. Gradually. Slowly. Painstakingly. With the passage of time and dint of effort, faith grows, and our spiritual vision is sharpened. But only if…
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