Posts by Ralph Patrick

“Owe nothing to another except to love one another.  For the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”  Romans 13:8 “Love seeks one thing only, the good of the beloved.  Therefore love is its own reward.”  Thomas Merton In the U.S. April 15th is traditionally tax day.  It’s been postponed a month this…

“After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias.” John 21:1 “Surprise is no more than a beginning of that fullness we call gratefulness.  But a beginning it is.”  Brother David Steindl-Rast Life is full of surprises. Some of those are little surprises that we might take for granted…

“After that He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country.”  Mark 16:12 “The Glory of God is man fully alive.”  St. Irenaeus On that first “First Day of the Week” Jesus awoke, shucked the sheets and left the sepulchre, fully alive. He spoke with the women…

“. . . That the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them, as You have loved Me.”  Jesus in John 17:23 “What does the cross mean to you?” That’s a very pertinent question as one prepares for Holy Week. Perhaps it is why that queston was asked of me recently…

“As the deer pants for water, so my soul longs for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God.” Psalm 42 “My soul will not rest until it rests in Thee.” St. Augustine “The longing for God is already the very presence of God.” John O’Donahue We spend our lives wanting,…

“When you pray do not use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do, who think that they will be heard for their many words. . . for you Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”  Jesus in Matthew 6 “Prayer is the art of presence.  Where there is no wonder there is little depth…

“Patiently (pain) turns the charred icon of your falsity into the luminous icon of real presence.”  John O’Donahue “Reach here with your finger and behold my hands; reach here with your hand and touch my side.”  Jesus to Thomas, John 20 After the resurrection the wounds remain.  Jesus invited Thomas to touch them, to see…

“And God saw that it was good . . . very good!” Genesis 1 “I see the world, and I love it.” Isla Grace, age 3 Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day Think of how different our lives would be if every day we started out that way! Think of how…

“Seek first the kingdom of God . . .”  Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew “I never saw a U-haul following a hearse” Anonymous We spend our lives pursuing happiness.  In so doing we are told we must accumulate, achieve,  and accomplish.  We pursue a degree.  Then a well-paying job.  Then a spouse.  Then a…

“There is a time for everything . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”  Ecclesiastes 3:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”  Jesus in Matt. 5:4 “Out of suffering, a lotus flower of happiness can appear.” Thich Nhat…