Gulf Pine Catholic • March 27, 2026 5 MORE THAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS We are Professional Remembrance Planners Explore the many unique ways to honor and celebrate lives. Call or visit Bradford O’Keefe today. BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOMES Professional. Compassionate. Digni ed. 228-374-5650 • Bradfordokeefe.com Transformed By a Dare -- Story: The Archbishop of Paris told the story of three young men who visited Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. On a dare, one of them entered the confessional and made a false confession to the priest. Not fooled by the arrogant atheist, the priest gave him an unusual penance: “Stand in front of the crucifix in the sanctuary, look into the eyes of Jesus, and say three times, ‘All this you did for me, and I don’t give a damn.’” The young man and his friends entered the sanctuary. “Might as well carry the dare through,” he told the others. However, as he looked into Jesus’ eyes, he struggled to find his voice. He announced, “All this you did for me, and I don’t give a damn.” The second time, his voice faltered as he repeated the phrase. But the third time, overwhelmed with sorrow, his voice failed him completely. He returned to the priest and made a sincere confession. Later, that same young man became a priest and then became the Archbishop of Paris. Whether driven by a dare, love, desperate need, or the desire to experience the fullness of life that only God can provide, only a fool would refuse the offer of new life given through the Church Jesus founded (Matthew 16:13-20). Fools say in their heart, “There is no God” -- Psalms 14:1 and 53:1. Rouse the Weary: “The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue that I might speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” (Isaiah 50:4). Today’s first reading from Isaiah is the third of four “Servant of the Lord” oracles. The “Suffering Servant,” despised and mistreated by his persecutors, experienced the Lord’s mercy and victory. Although we may experience physical suffering, emotional stress, or hurt from those we love, we do not carry these burdens alone. Jesus knows every tear, heartache, loss, or pain we have ever felt, and walks with us through our trials, transforming despair into hope. Therefore, we can speak to those in despair with the courage of the Lord’s prophetic voice. My God, My God, Why? Psalm 22 is a lament of someone in dire distress. Jesus prayed this Psalm just before He died on the cross. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” From pain and suffering, the Psalm shifts to thanksgiving, praise, and action. “I will proclaim your name in the assembly; I will praise you.” Some may think it disrespectful to rail at God when in distress, but the Psalms contain laments from faithful believers in need of God’s help. Here are a few in case you need them. Psalms 3, 27, 31, 62, 70, 91, 124. Jesus chose: InGethsemane’s Garden, Jesus said, “My soul is sorrowful even to death,” then cried out in prayer, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will.” When soldiers came to arrest Him, Jesus stopped Peter from using a sword and refused to call down legions of angels for His defense. Instead, motivated by love and the desire to fulfill the Father’s will, He chose to endure suffering and death (Matthew 26:5154). Sincere sacrificial love, when exercised by anyone, transforms the world. Our Model: In our second reading, Paul presents Jesus as the model of Christian behavior, in contrast to worldly values. Jesus was worthy of exaltation but became poor, humbled Himself, and was obedient to the Father. Jesus prayed this model prayer: “Not my will, but your will be done.” If our desire to please God follows Jesus’ example, we will always surrender our will to the Lord. Accordingly, we can then love the Lord and love others unconditionally. Love Conquers: Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, riding a donkey amid shouts of, “Hosanna to the son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Knowing that the same crowd would soon shout, “Crucify Him.” He did this to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets (Isaiah, Zechariah) (Matthew 21:1-11). What an excellent solution for those of us who struggle with decisions about morality, faith, forgiveness, and other life issues. Put simply, learn what is the will of the Father through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, apostolic tradition, the teaching magisterium, and the Scriptures, and act accordingly. Even when the crowds turned against Him, Jesus responded with love. On the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34). We should always strive to be like Jesus. Therefore, pray for your persecutors, act mercifully, and forgive without holding grudges. We can be transformed and influence others when our love surpasses all other emotions and actions. Deacon Ralph Torrelli is retired and lives in Tennessee. Visit his website: www.homilypearls. com. 1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 Responsorial Psalm: 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 2nd Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66 Palm Sunday Passionate love Deacon Torrelli Sunday Scripture Commentaries Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, to the diaconate, and to the religious life, especially in the Diocese of Biloxi
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