Day: April 29, 2026

Opening Mass for the National Association of Diaconate Directors Conference

April 28, 2026
St. Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas

Acts 11:19-26
Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7
John 10:22-30

“It was winter.” These are the words we read in today’s Gospel as written by John the Evangelist. “It was winter.” It was a winter not so much of discontent but of disbelief. It was a winter of cold disbelief among those who saw the works of Jesus but refused to understand them. It was a winter of cold disbelief among those who heard the words spoken by Jesus but refused to listen to them or to recognize His voice. It was a winter of suspense and anxiety among those who waited for the Christ but would only recognize and accept Him on their own terms. “Tell us plainly.” It was winter.