Encountering Jesus with the Church Fathers
Theological reflections from various Fathers of the Church and other Ancient Christian Writers
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Origen’s Commentary on Matthew reflecting on Jesus’ teaching proclaimed at Mass today.
(Origen. The Commentary of Origen on the Gospel of St Matthew, Volume II. Translated, introduced and annoted by Ronald E. Heine. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN: 9780199669073.)
World Mission Sunday — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Cyril of Alexandria’s Commentary on Isaiah reflecting on the First Reading proclaimed at Mass on the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today is also World Mission Sunday and the Scriptures and Prayers may be different at Mass.
Cyril of Alexandria. Commentary on Isaiah Volume III: Chapters 40 - 50. Translated by Robert Charles Hill. Brookline, MA: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 2008. ISBN: 9781885652966
This Sunday’s blog article examines the Babylonian Captivity and the role of Cyrus the Great in restoring Jerusalem and the Temple.
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Pope Saint Gregory the Great’s Homily 38 on Matthew reflecting on the wedding garment imagery in the proclamation of God’s Word this Sunday from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew.
Gregory the Great. Forty Gospel Homiles. Translated by Dom David Hurst. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1990. ISBN: 9780879077235
This Sunday’s blog article ponders Jesus’ use of the wedding garmet imagery in His Parable proclaimed at Mass this Sunday
Twenty-seveth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Ambrose of Milan’s Hexameron (On the Six Days of Creation) reflecting on the vineyard imagery in the proclamation of God’s Word this Sunday from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah and the Gospel according to Saint Matthew.
St. Ambrose of Milan. Hexameron, Paradise, Cain and Abel. Translated by John J. Savage. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 1961. ISBN: 9780813213835
This Sunday’s blog article ponders Jesus’ use of the vineyard imagery in His Parable.
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Gregory of Nyssa’s Refutation of the Views of Apolinarius reflecting on the proclamation of God’s Word from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.
St. Gregory of Nyssa. Anti-Apollinarian Writings. Translated by Robin Orton. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2015. ISBN: 9780813228075
This Sunday’s blog article ponders Jesus’ call to on-going conversion and doing the Father’s will.
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
This Sunday’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Gregory of Nyssa’s Life of Moses, pondering the sin of envy that Jesus condemns in the Gospel’s proclamation at Mass this Sunday.
This Sunday’s article at my blog site ponders Jesus’ parable proclaimed from The Gosepl according to St Matthew concerning the significance of the vineyard: https://patrolo.gy/2026OT25A.
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Origen’s Commentary on Matthew reflecting on Jesus’ Words proclaimed at Mass today.
This Sunday’s blog article reflects on Jesus’ challenge to Peter to forgive as Jesus forgives.
(Origen. The Commentary of Origen on the Gospel of St Matthew, Volume II. Translated, introduced and annoted by Ronald E. Heine. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN: 9780199669073.)
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Peter Chrysologus’ Homily 132 reflecting on Jesus’ Words proclaimed at Mass today.
This Sunday’s blog article reflects on Jesus’ catechesis concerning Church order grounded in listening.
(Saint Peter Chrysologus. “Homily 132, The Unity of the Faithful in Prayer.” Chapter in Saint Peter Chrysologus Selected Sermons and Saint Valerian Homilies. Translated by George E. Ganss, SJ. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780813213897.)
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Origen’s Commentary on Matthew reflecting on Jesus’ Words proclaimed at Mass today.
This Sunday’s blog article reflects on Jesus’ use of parable in the Gospels to live the Kingdom of God as a conscious disciple.
(Origen. Commentary on Matthew. Translated by Ronald E. Heine. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN: 9780199669073.)
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Gregory of Nyssa’s On Perfection reflecting on the proclamation of God’s Word from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans.
St. Gregory of Nyssa. Ascetical Works. Translated by Virginia Woods Callahan. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 1967. ISBN: 9780813209661
This Sunday’s blog article ponders Eliakim and Peter trusting the Word of God.
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Hilary of Poitiers’ Commentary on Matthew reflecting on the episode of Jesus and the Canaanite woman proclaimed at Mass today.
St. Hilary of Poitiers. Commentary on Matthew. Translated by D. H. Williams. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2012. ISBN: 9780813201252
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Augustine of Hippo’s Homily 75 reflecting on the episode of Jesus walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee proclaimed at Mass today.
Saint Augustine of Hippo. “Sermon 75.” In Sermons III (51-94) on the New Testament. Translated by Edmund Hill, OP. Brooklyn, NY: New City Press, 1991. ISBN: 9780911782851
This Sunday’s blog article (https://patrolo.gy/19A2026) features a reflection on the Apostles’ reaction to seeing Jesus walk on the water of the Sea of Galilee.
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint John Chrysostom’s Homily 49 on the Gospel of Matthew reflecting on Jesus miraculous action of feeding the crowd proclaimed at Mass today.
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Origen’s Commentary on Matthew reflecting on Jesus’ Parable proclaimed at Mass today.
This Sunday’s blog article reflects on Jesus’ use of parable in the Gospels to live the Kingdom of God as a conscious disciple.
(Origen. Commentary on Matthew. Translated by Ronald E. Heine. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN: 9780199669073.)
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Origen’s Commentary on Matthew reflecting on Jesus’ Parable proclaimed at Mass today.
This Sunday’s blog article reflects on Jesus’ use of parable in the Gospels to live the Kingdom of God as a conscious disciple.
(Origen. Commentary on Matthew. Translated by Ronald E. Heine. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN: 9780199669073.)
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Jerome’s Commentary on Matthew reflecting on Jesus’ “Parable of the Sower” proclaimed at Mass today.
(Saint Jerome. Commentary on Matthew. Translated by Thomas P. Scheck. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Presss, 2002. ISBN: 9780813227207.)
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Origen of Alexandria’s Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans reflecting on Saint Paul’s words proclaimed at Mass today.
(Origen. Commentary on the Epistles to the Romans, Books 6 - 10. Translated by Thomas P. Scheck. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Presss, 2002. ISBN: 9780813220215.)
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Jerome’s Commentary on Matthew reflecting on Jesus’ words proclaimed at Mass today.
(Saint Jerome. Commentary on Matthew. Translated by Thomas Scheck. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2014. ISBN: 9780813227207.)
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Hilary of Poitiers’ Commentary on Matthew reflecting on Jesus’ words proclaimed at Mass today.
(Saint Hilary of Poitiers. Commentary on Matthew. Translated by D. H. Williams. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Presss, 2012. ISBN: 9780813201252.)
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Origen of Alexandria’s Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans reflecting on Saint Paul’s words proclaimed at Mass today.
(Origen. Commentary on the Epistles to the Romans, Books 1 - 5. Translated by Thomas P. Scheck. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Presss, 2001. ISBN: 9780813217369.)
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Augustine’s Tractate 26 reflecting on Jesus’ Words proclaimed at Mass today. (Saint Augustine of Hippo. Tractates on the Gospel of John, 11-27. Translated by John W. Retting. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Presss, 1988. ISBN: 9780813213606.)
This Sunday’s blog article offers a reflection on Jesus’ Gift of Himself in the Most Holy Eucharist based on this Sunday’s Word of God and the Eucharistic Hymn, Ave Verum Corpus.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Augustine’s Tractate 12 reflecting on Jesus’ Words proclaimed at Mass today. (Saint Augustine of Hippo. Tractates on the Gospel of John, 11-27. Translated by John W. Retting. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Presss, 1988. ISBN: 9780813213606.)
This Sunday’s blog article reflects on the theological use of the word mystery.
Pentecost 2026
For the Solemnity of Pentecost, today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Ambrose’s The Holy Spirit reflecting on Jesus’ Words proclaimed at the Vigil Mass for Pentecost.
This Sunday’s blog article (https://patrolo.gy/Pentecost26) reflects on the creative power and work of forgiving.
Seventh Sunday of Easter — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Tertullian’s On Prayer reflecting on Jesus’ Words proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
Sixth Sunday of Easter — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Ambrose’s The Holy Spirit reflecting on Jesus’ Words proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
A reflection on Jesus’ action of breathing onto the Apostles appears my blog (https://patrolo.gy/6Easter26)
Fifth Sunday of Easter — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Augustine of Hippo’s Tractate 72 reflecting on Jesus’ Word recorded by the Evangelist Saint John and proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
Fourth Sunday of Easter — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Augustine of Hippo’s Tractate 45 reflecting on Jesus’ Word recorded by the Evangelist Saint John and proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
This Sunday’s blog article (https://patrolo.gy/4Easter26) features a reflection on the distinction between hearing and listening.
Third Sunday of Easter — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Ambrose’s Isaac or the Soul reflecting on the power of Jesus’ Word from the perspective of the ‘Emmaus episdoe’ as proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
Second Sunday of Easter — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Pope Saint Leo the Great’s Homily 73 reflecting on Jesus’ Resurrection from the perspective of the Evangelist Saint John as proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
A reflection on Jesus’ action of breathing onto the Apostles appears my blog (https://patrolo.gy/2Easter26)
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Pope Saint Gregory the Great’s Homily 22 reflecting on Jesus’ Resurrection from the perspective of the Evangelist, Saint John proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
A reflection on Jesus’ Words, “Go to Galilee” appears my blog (https://patrolo.gy/1Easter26)
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Origen’s Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew reflecting on the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ as proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
Fifth Sunday of Lent — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Origen’s Commentary on the Gospel of John reflecting on the episode of Jesus calling Lazarus from death as proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
Fourth Sunday of Lent — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Ephrem of Syria (Edessa)’s Commentary on Tatian’s Diatesseron reflecting on Jesus healing the man born blind as proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
A reflection on the Second Scrutiny appears on my blog reflecting on this Rite from the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. (https://patrolo.gy/4ALent26).
Third Sunday of Lent — 2026 — Lectionary Year A — First Scrutiny
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Maximus of Turin’s Homily 22 reflecting on Jesus encountering the Woman of Samaria as proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
A reflection on Gospel metanoia (repenting), appears on my blog reflecting on Jesus’ encounter with the Woman of Samaria that led to her conversion. (https://patrolo.gy/3Lent26).
Second Sunday of Lent — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Clement of Alexandria’s Stromata as a preparation for the Word of God proclaimed on Sunday.
An excerpt from Fr. Jean Corbon OP’s book, Wellspring of Worship, appears on my blog reflecting on Jesus’ Transfiguration as proclaimed at Mass this Sunday (https://patrolo.gy/2Lent26).
First Sunday of Lent — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Maximus of Turin’s Homily 51 pondering Jesus’ testing in the desert by Satan as recorded by the Evangelist, Saint Matthew.
A reflection on the biblical experience of the desert appears on my blog (https://patrolo.gy/1Lent26).
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Jerome’s Commentary on Matthew pondering Jesus’ catechesis in His Sermon on the Mount as recorded by the Evangelist, Saint Matthew.
A reflection on biblical righteousness appears on my blog (https://patrolo.gy/6OT26).
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - 2026 - Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint John Chrysostom’s Homily 8 on Genesis pondering God's Word sounded by the Prophet Isaiah on the vital, graced-work of fasting.
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time — 2026 — Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Saint Augustine’s Homily 53 pondering Jesus’ Words proclaimed at Mass this Sunday.
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - 2026 - Lectionary Year A
Today’s podcast features an excerpt from Pope Saint Leo the Great’s Homily 25 pondering this Sunday’s Gospel proclamation from the Evangelist, Saint Matthew.
A reflection on Jesus' announcing and living the Kingdom of God can be in this Sunday's blog article - https://patrolo.gy/OT3A2026
