God of My Joy - Weekday Homily Video

Reflecting on the profound words from Psalm 43:3, "Then will I go in to the altar of God, the God of my gladness and joy; Then will I give you thanks upon the harp, O God, my God!" I am reminded of the journey that led me to where I am today—a journey filled with dreams, aspirations, and the guiding hand of God.

Vessels of God's Love and Hope

From a young age, nestled in the lush landscapes of Kerala, India, the calling to serve God and humanity as a missionary priest was a flame that burned brightly within me. This dream wasn't just about wearing the vestments or performing the sacred rituals; it was about being a vessel of God's love and hope to the world, particularly in the mission lands where His light was yearned for the most. When I was 15, the visit of a vocation promoter from the Congregation of Holy Cross to my school was not just a meeting; it was the nudge from God I needed to embark on this sacred journey to His altar.

My path to priesthood within the Congregation of Holy Cross was fueled by a desire to live out the Gospel in the missions, to be an embodiment of Jesus's love and hope. The missions have been a source of ineffable joy, a testament to God's miraculous ways of molding and using us, often in ways we least expect. From a shy farm boy in a rural village, one of nine siblings, to who I am today, is a journey of divine grace and transformation.

God has indeed surprised me, taking me places and introducing me to people and experiences beyond my wildest dreams. This journey has been a continuous song of thanksgiving; a life lived in awe of the "Tremendous Lover" who never ceases to fill my heart with gladness and joy.

Blinded by Preconceptions

Yet, the spiritual path isn't always a sunlit meadow. Like Naaman, who almost missed his healing, or the people of Nazareth, who failed to recognize Jesus, we can be blinded by preconceptions. We may face moments of doubt when God feels distant, and our souls thirst for His presence.

This Lent, let us challenge ourselves to see beyond the "No, God, this can't be right" moments. Let's open our hearts to the unexpected ways He works in our lives, even when they don't align with our expectations. By surrendering our desires and embracing the unknown, we allow God to quench our spiritual thirst with His love.

May this season be a time of profound reflection and openness to the infinite possibilities of God's grace. May we all find our souls singing a joyful song of thanksgiving, resonating with the words of Psalm 43:3, not just at the altar but in every aspect of our lives.

• Today’s Readings

• Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

• To view the Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)