OCTOBER 22, 2026 FATHER ROSHAN LOY D’SOUZA
In 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, an African American woman named Rosa Parks was traveling home on a city bus. At that time, racial segregation was enforced by law, and Black passengers were expected to give up their seats when asked. One day, Rosa Parks was told to give up her seat. She quietly refused.
Her decision was simple, but it was not easy. She knew that refusing could bring serious consequences. Her arrest became one of the events that helped spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott and strengthened the American civil rights movement.
Rosa Parks later explained that she was not simply tired from the day’s work. She was tired of injustice.
Her story reminds us that sometimes doing what is right requires courage, especially when it is unpopular or difficult.
This connects beautifully with today’s Gospel. Jesus says, “I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”
The fire Jesus speaks about is the fire of God’s love and truth. It is a fire that changes hearts and gives us courage to stand for what is right.
St. Paul tells the Ephesians not to lose heart because of his sufferings. Instead, he prays that God may strengthen them “with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”
Paul knows that Christian life is not always easy. There will be suffering, disappointment, uncertainty, and moments when we feel weak.
But Paul reminds us that our strength does not come only from ourselves. Christ dwells in our hearts through faith.
When you feel weak, remember where your strength comes from.
God can strengthen us from within. He can give us patience when we are frustrated, courage when we are afraid, forgiveness when we have been hurt, and hope when we cannot see the way forward.
Paul concludes with a beautiful truth: God “is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine.”
Never underestimate what God can do through a faithful heart.
Our response today is: “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
We often notice what is wrong in the world, but the Psalm invites us to notice what is good.
Every act of kindness, every person who forgives, every family member who sacrifices, every volunteer who serves, every person who reaches out to someone who is lonely—these are signs of God’s goodness.
Look for God’s goodness, and become an instrument of that goodness.
We are not merely called to recognize God’s goodness; we are called to bring it into the lives of others.
Jesus says: “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”
At first, these words can sound strange. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Why would He speak about division?
Jesus is not asking His followers to create conflict. Rather, He warns us that choosing truth can sometimes create division.
When we decide to forgive instead of taking revenge, to speak honestly instead of telling a lie, to defend someone who is treated unfairly, or to stand for Christian values when others disagree, our choices may not always be welcomed.
Following Jesus requires conviction.
The fire of Christ burns away selfishness, hatred, pride, indifference, and fear. It gives us the courage to live according to the Gospel even when it is difficult.
Today, let us ask ourselves: What is God asking me to change? Where do I need greater courage? Is there some situation where I know what is right, but I am afraid to stand for it?
May the prayer of St. Paul become our prayer: that Christ may dwell deeply in our hearts and strengthen us through His Spirit.
And may we remember the words of the Psalm:
“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
May God’s goodness fill our hearts, Christ’s fire strengthen our faith, and our lives become a courageous witness to His truth and love. Amen.
