Thursday, June 18, 2020086In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) there are three major characters: the father, the younger (prodigal) son and the older son. In many cases, our emphasis lies on the younger son, from which the parable derived its name. At other times we emphasize the father, who characterizes God in the story. Only occasionally do we...
Wednesday, May 6, 20200718
By Father Jacob Dankasa
Special to The Texas Catholic
Writing about “infection” at a time of a pandemic of great proportion like COVID-19 is almost a cliché because it’s in the minds of everyone. Let me pull us away from that negative type of infection to a more positive and desirable one. I am talking about an infection,...
Wednesday, April 22, 20200167The parables of the treasures in the field and the fine pearls are particularly interesting because of their reflection in our everyday real-life experience.
Friday, April 10, 20200163Doubt and fear are two strong enemies of human endeavors. So many of us are determined to walk through the waters of life but, unfortunately, our fears and doubts short-circuit our determination and thwart our efforts. A good example of the effects of fear and doubt can be seen in the Gospel story in which Peter saw Jesus walking on the...
Friday, March 20, 20200449When I was discerning my vocation to the priesthood shortly after high school, I was deeply conflicted because of my interest in the sciences. I couldn’t decide whether to proceed to the seminary or go to the university to study medicine. I finally decided to give seminary a shot. I wrote to a bishop in a diocese in Nigeria outside my...
Thursday, February 6, 20200251When I was in seminary we were always told that the formation we received in the seminary was the beginning of our learning experience, not the end, that when we became priests we needed to stay updated with new information, new theology, new learning. We were told that on-going formation as a priest is not a choice, but a necessity,...
Friday, January 10, 20200109When we hear about the greatest people in the world we immediately think about the rich and famous, the most intelligent and successful, the presidents of the world, the Bill Gates types, etc. It’s almost an instinctive activity; when we try to name the greatest people in the world we immediately go for the big names and the top shots...
Sunday, December 22, 20190185Silence and absence are two attitudes that are capable of straining a relationship. In our everyday relationships — between a man and a woman, or a husband and a wife, or among relatives, friends, work colleagues and even community members — if there is a prolonged silence or an unexplained absence, the relationship is headed for...
Monday, November 18, 20190149We are all unique individuals, which means that the factors that make us happy depend on who you ask. But, without a doubt, being grateful is one element that boosts happiness.
The ability to acknowledge a good, and to say thank you, is itself a virtue. It is a virtue because, in a world of many troubles, insatiable wants and...
Monday, October 7, 20190252By Father Jacob Dankasa
Special to The Texas Catholic
When I was growing up in Nigeria, soccer (popularly known as football in the rest of the world) was the ultimate sport. I flipped channels each time I saw American football played on ESPN because I didn’t understand it. After I came to America, it took me some time to understand...
