Lorica

Tonight the silver is counted. A friend turns betrayer. Jesus is left alone — not just deserted, but handed over, sold. Judas, who walked with Him, shared bread with Him, becomes the figure of all that isolates and breaks trust. And yet, in this abandonment, Christ takes on the full weight of our fear: that no one will stay, that even God might withdraw. He enters that silence and carries it. “There was no one to help,” says the prophet. Still, He goes — and binds us forever with cords that do not break. What was shattered, He makes whole.

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week not with sorrow, but with a proclamation of Christ’s triumph. The palms we bless and carry are not mere symbols — they are signs of His victory over death, reminders that the enemy is already defeated. We enter the week of His passion knowing the end of the story: the cross will give way to resurrection, suffering to joy. Even as we go with Him to Calvary, we do so under the banner of His already-won victory, protected and strengthened by the grace these palms proclaim.

As Passiontide begins, Jesus no longer avoids confrontation — He provokes it. In the temple, He speaks openly of His unity with the Father and the freedom found in His word, yet those who briefly believed in Him turn against Him. Their refusal to receive His teaching is bound to their love of darkness and their unwillingness to repent. Still, He offers freedom to all who turn to the light and remain in His word. In Him, the truth is not an idea but a person — and He stands before us.

We see Him take what is far too little and make it overflow. Five loaves, two fish — nothing that could feed a crowd, yet in His hands it becomes a feast. He shows us that when we give ourselves wholly, even our smallness is enough. The cross still stands ahead, but so does the promise of life beyond it. In His presence, there will always be more than we need.

The mute demon is cast out, but its silence lingers — a silence that reveals more than noise could. Christ shows us that every kingdom has a structure, even the kingdom of evil. It has ranks, roles, even strategy — but no love, no center that holds. This is not just a story of exorcism. It is a warning: if we are not gathered with Christ, we are scattered. Even neglect is a kind of fracture. The Spirit does not fill an empty house unless invited.

He does not ease into Lent — he enters the desert like a warrior, fasting, facing down the enemy, answering every temptation with the voice of the Father. His baptism and his battle, womb and tomb, all come at once. This is the shape of redemption: whole, undivided, already underway. We begin our fast not to become strong, but to remember where our strength comes from.

On Ash Wednesday, we begin our fast — not with dread, but with joy. We remember that abstinence is not deprivation, but power: a weapon against the enemy, a guard for the soul, a path toward freedom. We face our mortality, embrace penance, and enter the season together — publicly, corporately, with ashes and long prayers and hunger. Yet we are warned: without mercy, without almsgiving, without love, the fast fails. Outward acts must be matched by an inward turning. This is how the desert blooms.

On Quinquagesima Sunday, we turn to three encounters: the rich ruler, the disciples, and the blind beggar. Each is a mirror — of privilege, proximity, and poverty. We watch as the ones with sight and status remain in darkness, while the blind man sees clearly. What opens the way is not knowledge or access, but faith — a faith that cries out, won’t be silenced, and stops Jesus in his tracks. Grace, we learn, flows freely — but only fills what we are willing to open.

On Sexagesima Sunday, we turn to the Parable of the Sower. We reflect on the four kinds of soil — and the unsettling truth that most who receive the word do not endure. This isn’t meant to discourage, but to prepare us: for the real dangers of a hardened heart, shallow roots, and a life slowly crowded by the cares of the world. We consider what it means to cling with faithfulness — to show up, to endure, to finish well. Not with brilliance or speed, but with steady trust and love that lasts.

Jesus made His home in Capernaum. It was where He lived, taught, healed — a center of His ministry and the site of countless miracles. And yet, it became a place of indifference. Those closest to Him, like the people of Nazareth, did not believe. Today we reflect on the contrast between proximity and faith — between those who saw and turned away, and a Roman outsider whose belief astonished Christ. We ask what it means to live close to the holy and not be changed. Have we grown so familiar? We should be in awe.

Today in Cana, a village not far from Nazareth, the village where the disciple Nathanael grew up in a small house built into the hill, a young couple, a boy and a girl, friends or maybe relatives of Mary, are celebrating their marriage. Was the love of this boy and girl not also a sign of the day of union of Christ and his bride the Church? And furthermore is that greater union, of Christ and the Church not also a sign? A sign of the love that eternally flows between Father, Son and Spirit.

The flesh of man now made the glorious apparel of Christ is glorious because it is a manifestation of His love. What shall we do in response to this love? We must follow him. We must become as little children, because he became a little child.

Third Mass of Christmas 2024

First Mass of Christmas 2024

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard? That the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not neither is weary. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

Advent III 2024

Advent II 2024

Advent I 2024

Last Sunday After Pentecost 2024

Pentecost XXI 2024

Pentecost XX 2024

Pentecost XIX 2024

Feast of Jesus Christ The King 2024

Pentecost XVII 2024

Pentecost XVI 2024

Pentecost XIII 2024

Seven Sorrows of the BVM 2024

Nativity of the BVM 2024

Pentecost IX 2024

Pentecost VIII 2024

Pentecost VII

Pentecost VI 2024

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Today Our Lord sets forth the standard of conduct for his followers. Fr. Patrick reflects on this commandment, its implications for Christian thought and action, and one of the greater temptations to threaten Christians along the way.

“Henceforth ye shall be fishers of men” These are the Lord’s words to the Apostles, and to everyone who would follow him when they are called. “Go out to the nations, and shine as a lamp on a hill; drawing men out of the darkness and depths.” And yet, we often fish the night away and greet morning empty-handed. The net tears and breaks and we are left bruised and battered with nothing to show. Often the boat feels as though it may be dragged down into the waters, leaving us to the cold, unfeeling deep. How do we see darkness if we are with the Light? How is there turmoil when the Prince of Peace sails with us? Fr. Patrick talks today about the very first commission, the call of the Lord to his chief soldiers. And how even at the beginning, we see what is to come.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Behold the great mystery - the Herdsman who will not suffer even one of his flock to be lost, but will himself go into the brambles and thorns to retrieve them. Yea, though I walk the depths of the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Fr. Patrick discusses spiritual warfare, the power of peace, and trust; and what God himself tells us is the way of Life.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life” saith the Lord of Hosts, “except ye eat my flesh, and drink my blood, yet have no life in you.” Is it not said that we are as we eat? Is it not true that the matter we consume is the same matter of which we are comprised? .…is it really so surprising that the God of body and spirit should save us with the same means by which we fell? On this Blessed Feast of Corpus Christi, Fr. Patrick reflects on the great mystery of salvation, the true presence of the Lord, and the most powerful commandment we have ever received.…

Supernatural Provision, prosperity, wealth, abundance. All of these have been promised by many in the name of our reading today. Some have even promised direct material gain from it. Riches, a new car, a full tank of gas, a pantry full of incredible delicacies. Will we really be given anything we ask for? Are there no limits to this promise? Ought we ask for anything at all? Today Fr. Patrick discusses the true abundance and provision of God. The real, supernatural blessing of The Lord. And the only true request worthy of the name of Jesus Christ.…

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! The Lord is risen from the dead, and has trampled death underfoot. How is it that we still experience sickness and sorrow? What last holdout must death have that we must pass through it to reach the Lord? Fr. Patrick talks about peace and joy reigning in the midst of sorrows. And finding Our King as he reigns among his enemies.

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! If any have toiled from the first hour, let them receive their due reward; And if any delayed until the ninth hour, let him not hesitate; but let him come too. And he who arrived only at the eleventh hour, let him not be afraid by reason of his delay. For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first. He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, as well as to him that toiled from the first. Today Fr. Patrick preaches the hope and assurance of the resurrection. And meditates on where we go and what we should do now that Our Lord is victorious.

Lo the Blessed Cross is displayed Where the Lord in the flesh was suspended And by his blood from his wounds Cleansed and redeemed his Elect.

As Christ and his followers spend the week in prayer; the Enemy gathers his men for preparations of their own. The listless wanderers of the night at last set about to a purpose. The practitioners of impiety have suffered what little they can stand, and they will have payment for it. For they have never been known to forgive even the smallest of debts. “Behold: I set before you life, and death; blessing, and curses.” No longer can the curtain of darkness shroud the secret plottings of the night. For Light is on Death’s doorstep, and its gate shall not prevail.

“As was his custom” These are the words used by St. Luke the Evangelist to describe the prayer life of Christ. Yesterday we were given an example in Mary, sister of Lazarus, of piety, devotion, and sacrifice. But what of the Lord himself? Today Fr. Patrick discusses the piety and devotion of the Son of God. The perfect manifestation of the Law of God, who lacks nothing in his love for the Father and Spirit. In his lived experience, and shining Gospel we find every answer to our lives. For his righteousness is everlasting, and his Law is truth.

“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” The age in which we live seeks to divorce Religion and Spirit. To put a rift between a heartfelt, genuine faith - and any real, tangible acts or expressions of that faith. “Be spiritual, not religious” is a maxim found on many street corners and rear windshields. But who can actually separate these two? Can love be true and genuine if it is devoid of action and expression? Fr. Patrick takes on piety and devotion this week as we enter the final days before Pascha. And reflects on a living icon scripture gives us of just such a piety, to guide us on our way to the object of our true desires.

“Let the proud be confounded, for they go wickedly about to destroy me; but I will be occupied in thy commandments. I am small and of no reputation; yet do I not forget thy commandments.” Behold: the Humble and Holy Man. He who fills the hungry with good things, but sends the rich away empty. Who puts down the mighty from their seat, and exalts the humble, and the meek. Fr. Patrick today reflects on the greatness of humility; and the God who loves it - and is perfect in its practice.

Our Lord is on the battlefield, sword in hand; and is making his way to the place of his ultimate victory. Met with the propaganda of his enemies today, he proclaims the certainty of their doom, and sets the terms for those who would ally with him in the great battle. Fr. Patrick discusses faith, unity, and the call to action today. It is not enough to not be evil. It will not do simply not to hurt someone. The bare minimum has fallen away, and it is time to choose a side.

As we march the long and winding road to Jerusalem and Good Friday, surrounded by penitent reminders of what is to come. We are given a curious detour up Mt. Tabor. And though it is not given full celebration until later in the year, we witness the Transfiguration of Our Lord. One last brilliant revelation before the darkest moment that will ever come to pass. Fr. Patrick talks about faith and hope in the midst of this Lenten journey. And reflects on the power of knowing who it is we really serve.

“The Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength” Lo, the time for battle has come! Into the wilderness our Great Champion has gone before us, and we are to follow. For who is God beside the Lord? Who teaches our hands to make war, and makes bronze bows of our arms. He has set out to destroy all those who would harm his creation. “I shall pursue and overtake them, and will not turn until they have fallen. They shall cry out, even to the Lord, but none shall hear them; and I shall grind them to powder” Fr. Patrick speaks on spiritual warfare, its nature, and how to conduct ourselves amidst the battle. A Blessed Lent to you, as we struggle on to Pascha!

“Cursed is the ground in your labors. In toil you shall eat from it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field.” The seed of the Gospel has been scattered in every direction, and it shall land on every heart. But it is up to us to till the ground and prepare to receive it. We must drag away the heavy rocks, and break the hardened shell of a well-trodden path. And then we shall spend our days tending to weeds and thorns, lest they spring up and take what we have from us. With Lent almost upon us, Fr. Patrick sets out with this meditation to prepare us all for the hard work of tilling and toil ahead.

Fairness. Equality. Justice. We call out for these things ceaselessly. We constantly seek after and await the prize we have decided is our due reward. But what happens when the scales are really balanced? When every person is given an equal share of the perfect, loving, overwhelming, generosity of God are we really satisfied? When our brother is restored to a new inheritance, having already squandered what he had, are we glad he is home? Today Fr. Patrick prepares to enter the Lenten season with a meditation on one of the greatest dangers in the Christian life, one so poisonous it can cause us to attempt to judge God himself.…

To whom is salvation promised? In whom do the Saints find joy and rest? What does a faithful community look like? “I thank God upon my every remembrance of you.” These are the words which begin St. Paul’s address to the Church at Phillipi. And they are followed by all manner of confident and joyful proclamations from the Great Apostle concerning both their conduct, and their trajectory. Today Fr. Patrick discusses salvation, and direction. And the proper context for trusting in God’s promises. ~ Whence an arrow is pointed, there it shall fly.