Weekly Readings

Editor’s Note: Fr. Peter shares insights from a variety of voices on the Sunday readings.

Leaving Room for the Unexpected

The Father is the reckless Sower. He sows not only in the good soil, where a harvest might be anticipated, but also in the difficult soil, where nothing seems to take root. He sows with abandon, seemingly wasting good seed, for no other reason than to experience the joy of creation and the endless possibilities of expecting to be surprised.

There is nothing wrong with well-laid-out plans and careful, methodical use of the resources available. However, planning should not exclude the possibility of the creative manifestation of the power of God in an unanticipated manner. Our planning should not restrict and constrict but rather enable and encourage. We have all experienced the unexpected flower that somehow lives surrounded by pavement. Or the hardy tree that clings to the side of the mountain. They should not be there. It should not be possible. Nothing can grow there. Yet, there they are, doing the impossible and proclaiming the improbable.

Thankfully, we serve a God who sees more than we are ever able to see. Who imagines for us more than we have ever dreamed possible. Who not only sows but also tends and waters, enabling stupendous growth, until it is time for the abundant harvest.

~ Fr. Thomas M. Santa, CSSR

Reflect

Have you ever been surprised by grace? Could you have missed it?

Authors

MIGUEL DULICK: Michael Dulick earned post-graduate degrees in English, Spanish, and Philosophy, as well as a Master of Divinity. During his studies, he discovered Honduras, where he has lived since 2003 as “Hermano Miguel,” to live and pray with the poor in the village of Las Vegas. His donation-supported work is to keep families together rather than risking their lives to migrate to the United States. In 2007, Miguel adopted Anselmo, a 13-year-old orphan, so he could sign the forms that allowed Anselmo to receive life-saving open-heart surgery. And now he is Abuelo Miguel with a granddaughter, three-year-old Alicia!

ANN M. GARRIDO: Ann Garrido is the oldest of eight siblings in a large Catholic family from St. Louis, Missouri.  Her childhood dream of sharing the faith as a teacher and preacher has taken her to all 50 states and 20 countries. Ann is Associate Professor of Homiletics at Aquinas Institute of Theology and a longtime formation leader in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd movement. She currently lives in Georgia with Mike, her husband of more than thirty years. For more on Ann and her writing, see anngarrido.com.

 
FR. BYRON MILLER, CSsR: Fr. Byron Miller, CSsR, was director of the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in New Orleans from 2000 to 2015, before serving as president and publisher of Liguori Publications until 2023. In 2021, he authored Daybreaks: Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter for pilgrims on the perennial Lenten journey to Easter.

 
FR. THOMAS M. SANTA, CSsR: Fr. Thomas M. Santa, CSsR, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was professed as a Redemptorist in 1973 and ordained a priest in June of 1978. He is a graduate of Holy Redeemer College (Waterford, Wisconsin) and the State University of New York (Mount Saint Alphonsus). His work has included teaching theology, directing retreats, Scrupulous Anonymous ministry, and he is the author of numerous books and articles. Fr. Santa is currently serving his second assignment as the President/Publisher of Liguori Publications.