A L I C E C A M I L L E

Maybe you believe in grace. Maybe you'd just like to. It's possible you're not quite sure what grace-filled days are or how a book might presume to offer them. That's okay. Grace is one of those funny religious words that gets thrown around a lot even though what we mean by it remains deliberately vague. Whatever it is, we're pretty sure it's good to have. Or at least better than nothing.

In its Christian usage, grace is a supernatural thing. Basically, it's divine help. It comes from God and it's free and we don't deserve it. In fact, we can't deserve it or earn it, so the only way to get some is to hold out your heart and accept it as a divine gift. This book is an attempt to describe what grace looks like so you'll recognize it when it comes your way. At the very least, these pages describe some of the ways grace has shown up so far: in the tradition of the church, the lives of the saints, and my own life in particular. I can only tell you what I've learned and lived, and I'll do my best not to kid you. Unless, of course, I am kidding, and I hope you can tell the difference.

I'm a professional grace-watcher. I've been on the lookout for signs of gracious activity for a long time. Why do I do this? Because the alternatives are so discouraging. I know folks who rely on the media to dictate the signs of the times. Honestly, I'd rather read tea leaves. I believe God is so much bigger than global events, and salvation history a great deal more powerful than human history. While I don't think we can afford to ignore the political, scientific, and technical realities of our generation, I'm also keeping my eye on a parallel universe, so to speak: one full of cosmic realities that likewise should not be overlooked.

If you live within a stone's throw of a computer, television, radio, text message, or newsstand, you probably can't avoid hearing something about what's going on from a secular point of view. Some of it's garish. Often it's terrifying. Occasionally, it's edifying; but only rarely is it inspiring. If you're a grace-watcher, though, you learn to read between the lines and to see and hear the stories that are remarkably underreported. You start seeing the world from the perspective of the kingdom of God-as it must have looked to Jesus, the prophets, and the saints. Once you get into the habit of it, you develop "kingdom eyes." Current events begin to sound different. So do the stories of family and friends that we weave together to make up the fabric of our lives. You may even go back and review your own personal history in a new and illuminating way. Seen through kingdom eyes, everything is full of grace and bursts with possibility and hope.

Some folks will be skeptical about all that. They'll feel the need to point out that a book of reflections based on Scripture and the lives of the saints is no match for the forces of real, tangible human history. After all, some of that Bibleand-saint stuff never even happened, and not all of those people actually existed. So I'll be frank with you about that: I don't hold it against anyone that he or she may not have existed. I see a lot of people every day who hardly exist. And I'd wager that not everything reported in the media actually happens the way it's presented. In that sense, Scripture and the hagiography of the saints can cheerfully stand up to the history books and newsmagazines as a valid interpretation of the human story.

Personally, I believe in angels, the communion of saints, eternal life, and a whole lot of stuff that doesn't present itself to the armchair scientist for inspection. I've been a grace-watcher for so long I take these things for granted because the signs of celestial times crisscross the world every day for those with eyes to see. If the jury is still out for you on any or all of these matters, then consider reading these daily meditations as a series of stories, as a child would. There's nothing more true than a story, and nothing more potent for changing hearts and lives.

But one thing will help a lot if you're at all serious about seeking a grace-filled way. Unwrap your heart for a few moments each day, and hold it out under the shower of grace that catapults from heaven ceaselessly. You don't have to see it to get it. You don't have to deserve it or even be able to describe it. All you have to do is want it and be willing to accept it. God is happy to do the rest.

The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah.

-JEREMIAH 33:14

Promises are among the loveliest things on the earth. Lovers delight in the vows they speak to each other. Children thrive on the promises of their parents. Our sacraments are each tangible covenants between God and us. The only thing better than a promise is its fulfillment. That's why every Advent journey ends in Bethlehem.

Jeremiah 3314-16

Psalm 25

I Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

Luke 21:25-25, 34-36

Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

-ROMANS 10:18

Was Andrew the first disciple to follow Jesus? John's Gospel says Andrew started out as a follower of John the Baptist and then switched allegiances when his own teacher pointed to the Lamb of God." Andrew then went looking for his brother Peter to tell him the Good News. This was a fateful recruitment in the life of the church to come. Andrew's story reminds us to "each one, bring one." If the news is really good, it's worth sharing.

Romans 10:9-18

Psalm 19

Matthew 4:18-22

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest, the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair.

-ISAIAH 11:6-8

Nature has resolved her differences and fear is a thing of the past in Isaiah's lovely vision. Can there ever be such a world? Only when the earth is "filled with knowledge of the Lord" (verse 9), says the prophet. How do we begin this journey of understanding?

Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalm 72

Luke 1021-24

My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.

-MATTHEW 15:32

Jesus looks out on a hungry world and feels compassion. He resolves to feed all future generations on his own life.

Isaiah 25:6-10a

Psalm 23

Matthew 15:29-37

Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.

-ISAIAH 26:2-3

Some religious leaders rule by fear, using rigid rules or images of harsh punishments in the hereafter to keep people in line. Francis Xavier had other ideas, which he urged on his fellow missionaries: "Labor with all your might to gain for yourselves the love of the people. You will be far better able to help them if they love you than if they fear you." Those who win our love become our greatest teachers.

Isaiah 26:1-6

Psalm 118

Matthew 721, 24-27

On that day the deaf shall bear the words of a book, And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.

-ISAIAH 29:18

Is your secret ambition to be a doctor of the church? If so, here's some advice: write a book! Church doctors are chosen not for their powers of healing but for their facility at teaching the faith. John of Damascus, the "Doctor of Images," earned his title not from making images but by protecting them. He insisted that saints' likenesses are important because these men and women "have kept intact that image of God in which they were created." Do others see God's likeness in us?

Isaiah 29:17-24

Psalm 27

Matthew 9:27-31

Then [Jesus] said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."

-MATTHEW 9:37-38

Don't just pray for vocations this year. Embrace one! This is our annual invitation to come work in the vineyard of the Lord. God calls all of us to something. It's our responsibility to discern what that call means for us. Take your vocation seriously: go on retreat, get spiritual direction, talk to wise and holy people, think about it. If you're married, pray together and seek discernment as a couple or as a family. The abundant harvest needs you!

Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26

Psalm 147

Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

For God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low, And that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground, that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God.

-BARUCH 5:7

We're used to hearing a more familiar version of this prophecy paraphrased from Isaiah: Every valley will be exalted, and every hill be brought low. But the prophet Baruch gives the well-known ending a twist. These massive landscape alterations are not done simply to "prepare the way of the LORD" (Isaiah 40:3). They are also to prepare a level route for us to advance to God. What mountains need to come down, what gorges filled in, so that you can move forward in holiness this Advent?

Baruch 5:1-9

Psalm 126

Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

Luke 31-6

Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.

-PSALM 85:11

The happy embrace of virtues in the psalm is something we'd all like to enjoy. But it doesn't happen by magic. Ambrose became the "Pastoral Doctor" by teaching others how to acquire virtue's embrace. For this he became so beloved that he was elected bishop by popular demand, even before he was baptized! Ambrose wrote, "The first exercise in training the soul is to turn away sin, the second to implant virtue." It's not enough to stop behaving badly. We have to replace ornery behavior with good behavior.

Isaiah 35:1-10

Psalm 85

Luke 5:17-26

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.

-GENESIS 3:15

Dogma can be hard to appreciate even with some book learning. In an earlier era, when education was rare, art was the most popular teaching tool of the church. To appreciate this, check out images of the Immaculate Conception. Artists portray Mary standing on a globe and crushing a serpent underfoot. This image echoes the story of original sin entering the world through the poisonous designs of the serpent. The dastardly plan was thwarted by the one woman who could trample sin with impunity.

Genesis 39-15, 20

Psalm 98

Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

Luke 126-38

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

-MATTHEW 11:29

"Meek and humble of heart" describes Juan Diego, a poor Indian of Mexico who came to Christianity at the age of fifty. Our Lady appeared to him three times and blessed him with roses in winter and an indelible image of herself on his cloak. She also consoled Juan, an elderly widower without children: "Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection?" No one who seeks this protection will be left unaided.

Isaiah 40:25-31

Psalm 103

Matthew 11:28-30

The afflicted and the needy seek water in vain, their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

-ISAIAH 41:17

How long, 0 Lord, how long? So many are afflicted, and so many are needy. My prayer list grows heavy with cancers and depressions, troubled marriages and chemical addictions, unemployment and ravaging loneliness. Most days, it seems everybody I know is thirsty. You alone can satisfy them, which is why I make my prayer to you.

Isaiah 41:13-20

Psalm 145

Matthew 11:11-15

Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked ... But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night.

-PSALM 1:1, 2

Here's a feast day for the Bible study crowd, as well as for those who are middling faithful to their page-a-day reflections. Committing ourselves to daily contact with Scripture-even the tiny verse at the top of the page-is the spiritual equivalent of taking a multivitamin. Thank Pope Damasus for that. He commissioned the great biblical scholar Jerome to make a new and faithful translation of the Bible available to the church. Where would we be without the good word?

Isaiah 48:17-19

Psalm I

Matthew 11:16-19

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

-REVELATION 12:1

Next to the European Madonnas of my youth, Our Lady of Guadalupe seems astonishingly attired. Her robes are often portrayed in bright scarlet and green, instead of the pale Marian blues I'd grown used to. Her blazing full-body halo seems electrifying next to the thin gold circlet she otherwise demurely wears on her head. It's as if Mary went to Mexico and went native! Which is precisely the point of her apparition there. Mary our mother is native to every land, and every people.

Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, l0ab

Judith 13:t8bcde, 19

Luke 126-38 or 1:39-47

I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming.... His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.

-LUKE 3:16, 17

John the Baptist predicted that the wheat would be gathered and saved, and the chaff would be cast out and burned. No wonder he was confused when, in prison, he heard that Jesus was gathering the chaff of society and forgiving them, and casting out the righteous as unprepared and undeserving! Did John get it wrong? Or have we simply misunderstood the categories?

Zephaniah 314-18a

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:10-18

Your ways, 0 LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.

-PSALM 25:4-5

Kidnapped, imprisoned, beaten, and starved-bad treatment under any circumstances. But John of the Cross endured these things at the hands of fellow Carmelites! Thinking differently in community life can be costly. Later, this mystical doctor would write Dark Night of the Soul to illuminate the path of spiritual desolation. Bitterness would be only human, given his experience. But John preferred another response. He wrote: The only language {God} hears is the silent language of love."

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a

Psalm 25

Matthew 2123-27

Jesus said to them, 'Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you."

-MATTHEW 21:31

We can imagine throngs lined up ahead of us as we await our own spiritual evaluation on the last day. There are so many in front of us, all bearing the dispositions, opinions, and professions of people we have judged and condemned. What if God doesn't see them as we do-doesn't reject them outright as clearly undeserving? What if God offers them the same blanket amnesty we are hoping to obtain for ourselves?

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13

Psalm 34

Matthew 2128-32

Let justice descend, 0 heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down.

-ISAIAH 45:8

Tonight, the Advent novena of Posadas, or "Lodgings," begins. Many in our Latino community will go door to door as Joseph and Mary once did, seeking hospitality from friends and parishioners. The first two times they will be denied entrance, but in the end there will be welcoming, praying, and feasting. We can all participate in the spirit of Posadas by making sure that hospitality is a virtue regularly exercised toward family, friends, and strangers alikeespecially the disadvantaged in our midst.

Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25

Psalm 85

Luke 7:18b-23

Jacob called his sons and said to them: 'Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob, listen to Israel, your father."

-GENESIS 49:2

Our parents' blessing is a powerful thing. Bestowed, or withheld, it has a wide-ranging effect on our lives. When Jacob blesses his sons, he gives them what they need, not necessarily what they deserve. Judah was not the first born, not a strong leader, and certainly not Jacob's favorite. But he is given the authority to rule and a place in the genealogy that will spool out all the way to Bethlehem. Never hold onto a blessing when you can set it free to act in history!

Genesis 49:2, 8-10

Psalm 72

Matthew 11-17

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us."

-MATTHEW 1:23

One week before Christmas, and as usual I'm far from ready. My house is a wreck, the shopping's not done, there's nights of baking and wrapping ahead, and Christmas cards will have to wait until the New Yearagain. But I still have seven days to do the one thing needful: get my heart in order to receive the child of dreams. If nothing else is ready, Lord Jesus, make me ready.

Jeremiah 23:5-8

Psalm 72

Matthew 1:18-25

For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.

-JUDGES 13:7

Lots of children in the Bible were mysteriously announced, consecrated, and employed by God before they were born. Take Abraham's brood, foretold to be as numerous as the stars when the old man and Sarah were still childless. Consider Samson in today's reading from Judges, who would become the Hebrew "Superman." Or Samuel: the future prophet, priest, and judge. Don't forget Elizabeth's son, and Mary's. Is it possible you and I were likewise decreed? That we are on a mission we only dimly suspect?

Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a

Psalm 71

Luke 15-25

Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

-LUKE 1:45

The pregnant women come together; one is much older and more obviously advanced in her condition than the other. They contain a mystery the rest of us don't quite appreciate. They know that new life starts inside, unfolds from the first yes. They know this brave new life requires ongoing commitment, care, time, and the grace of God. They know they can't do it without God, nor does God choose to do it without them. They know they are God's partners in bringing hope to birth.

Micah 5:1-4a

Psalm 80

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45

My lover speaks; he says to me, 'Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!"

-SONG OF SONGS 2:10

"By charity's beautiful engagements" we are bound to each other. I think I know what Peter Canisius meant when he used this wonderful phrase. When I meet others who love what I love and seek what I seek-when I find companions who are sharing the spiritual journey-it's as if I've known them forever. We are, at once, joyfully joined at the heart. Such friendships do not leave us, even in death.

Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Psalm 33

Luke 139-45

I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.

-1 SAMUEL 1:27-28

Mothers and fathers parade through the Bible. One by one, they surrender their children to God's purposes. Wise parents today do the same thing. They know they cannot possess these little people. They cannot keep them from all harm nor orchestrate their every decision. The best they can do is make an offering of these little lives to God. Even if your children are not so small, God's still listening.

1 Samuel 1:24-28

I Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

Luke 1:46-56

Who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears?

-MALACHI 3:2

Each child conceived is a child of destiny. If we believe in life as a sacred trust, then it would be perilous to consider any person undeserving of love, respect, food, water, shelter, medical assistance, education, and a chance to become the wonder God intended.

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24

Psalm 25

Luke 157-66

I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.

-PSALM 89:4-5

Jesus comes into our world at the darkest time of the year, on the shortest day, when hope seems farthest from us. Jesus promises to be with us always in the darkest hour, "Lo, to the end of time!"

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12,14a, 16

Psalm 89

Luke 167-79

For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

-ISAIAH 9:5

They will name this child other things, too. He is justiceChampion, Rescuer of Sinners, No-More-Fear, Honor for the Shamed, Mourner's Joy, Touch of Healing, Homecoming for Outcasts, Hope of the Desperate, and the Empty Tomb. For now, he's only a baby. Just wait.

Vigil:

Isaiah 62:1-5

Psalm 89

Acts 13:16-17, 22-25

Matthew 1:1-25 or 118-25

Midnight:

Isaiah 9:1-6

Psalm 96

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14

Dawn:

Isaiah 62:11-12

Psalm 97

Titus 3:4-7

Luke 2:15-20

Day:

Isaiah 52:7-10

Psalm 98

Hebrews 1:1-6

John 1:1-18 or t:1-5, 9-14

Into your bands I commend my spirit, you will redeem me, 0 LORD, O faithful God.

-PSALM 31:6

We knew it was Dale's last Christmas. We asked what he wanted for the holiday meal. "Goose!" he shouted. So a friend cooked the goose-easier said than done. We served the ancient bottle of Russian wine saved for a special occasion. We ate too much, drank a lot, talked and laughed, and told sparkling, wonderful stories. The day after Christmas, Dale passed into unconsciousness. He left us the stories, still winking with vitality even today.

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Psalm 31

Matthew 1017-22

[Jesus] went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

-LUKE 2:51

Many mothers and fathers know quite well what Mary kept in her treasure-chest heart: The terror of losing sight of your child, even for a moment. The anxiety of watching your child take risks. The pain of watching your child hurt. The yearning to see your child attain lasting happiness. All parents have treasure-chest hearts. Holy families understand that sometimes obedience requires great sacrifice.

Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 or 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28

Psalm 128 or 84

Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24

Luke 2:41-52

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him."

-MATTHEW 2:13

The dark spirit of Herod still wanders the world, in search of children to destroy. Some will perish in the womb, others by frailty or disease, accident or abuse. Some will grow up a little, only to face the dangers of drugs and alcohol, fast cars and ill-chosen friends. St. Joseph, guardian of children, gather all of our lost, needy, and endangered sons and daughters into your special protection.

1 John 1:5-2:2

Psalm 124

Matthew 213-18

This is the way we may know we are in union with [Tesus]: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.

-1 JOHN 2:5-6

A CEO was recently quoted as saying, "The person who takes one step ahead of others is a leader. The person who takes three steps ahead is a martyr." Thomas Becket was many steps ahead of his king when he refused to allow the church to be used as a pawn of the state. Those called to leadership in families, parishes, workplaces, and government often find themselves needing to take that next prophetic step. Pray for leaders until it's your turn to exercise leadership.

I John 2:3-11

Psalm 96

Luke 2:22-35

Do not love the world or the things of the world.

-1 JOHN 2:15

How can we not love this beautiful world full of people who are dear to us? In John's community, the world had become a code word meaning "allurements that tempt us away from Christ." The actor Sidney Poitier made a similar point in his spiritual autobiography, The Measure of a Man. Poitier puzzles how we've managed in this society to trade the idea of our sacred humanity for the pitiful identity of "consumers." Don't let anyone tell you you're a consumer! You're heaven's child!

I John 2:12-17

Psalm 96

Luke 2:36-40

He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God.

-JOHN 1:11-12

My brother was a Christmas baby, annually upstaged by a bigger birthday. So I feel a little sorry for Pope Sylvester I, whose fate it is to be perennially ignored on New Year's Eve. Sylvester baptized Emperor Constantine, who made Christianity legal. That action changed the world, although many argue that the change was not for the better. What if Christianity had remained a subversive movement, a crime punishable by death? Would the church be a more passionate, dedicated, if smaller assembly? How many of us would be Christians today?

1 John 2:18-21

Psalm 96

John 1:1-18

The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

-NUMBERS 6:24-26

Start the year on a note of blessing. Thank God for the blessings you've received this past year. Create a litany of names of loved ones for whom you'd like to invoke a blessing: write their names on river rocks for a prayer garden, stitch them into fabric, or create a collage of their photos with this Priestly Blessing from Numbers at the center. Finally, be sure to ask for a blessing for yourself and your concerns. God is in the blessing business!

Numbers 622-27

Psalm 67

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.

-1 JOHN 2:24

It's only the second of the year-hang on to your New Year's resolutions! And especially, hang on to hope for a new season of grace. We lose first fervor quickly when the inevitable setbacks kick in. Maybe our faith life itself is in need of renewal. Why not schedule a weekend at a local retreat center? Or consider making this the year you seek spiritual direction. Join a small faith-sharing group at your parish. Start fresh each day.

I John 2:22-28

Psalm 98

John 1:19-28

See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; But upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory.

-ISAIAH 60:2

It's easy to get caught up in the darkness. There's a lot of it around, if you keep an eye on the news. Even among our intimate acquaintances, we hear stories of economic disaster, health crises, moral missteps, and loss. So take five minutes a day to imagine standing in the light of the Lord. God's face shines on you, and divine glory surrounds you. This, too, is the truth. It's the spirit of Epiphany, God's glorious manifestation on earth. Believe it!

Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm 72

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Matthew 2:1-12

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at band."

-MATTHEW 4:17

Conversions are unpredictable things. Elizabeth Seton became Catholic as a result of a sad sojourn in Italy caring for her dying husband among friends abroad. Later, she began her great work by accident. She only started that first boarding school to care for her own five children as a widow without means. In the long run, she became the first American-born saint and founder of the Sisters of Charity. Her words to the Italian friend who encouraged her conversion seem apt: "Amen a thousand times."

I John 3:22-4:6

Psalm 2

Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that be loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

-1 JOHN 4:10

I used to take my cues about love from love songs. From them I learned that love was an unrequited ache, a lost cause, a wound suffered because "somebody done somebody wrong." In the game of romance, true lovers couldn't win. From Christianity, too, I learned love was scarred by the reality that "somebody done wrong." It wasn't God, the primary Lover, but you and me at fault. Happily, love begins with God and finds its everlasting source there. And God the Lover always wins.

1 John 4:7-10

Psalm 72

Mark 6:34-44

They had all seen [Jesus walking on the sea] and were terrified. But at once be spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!"

-MARK 6:50

How can you fear the one who comes to rescue you? Maybe danger is enough to set off your freak mechanism. I once tried to rescue a drowning woman who kept striking at me as I got near. Finally I remembered what they said in Red Cross training: Don't approach victims, but give them something to grab. I pushed a life preserver in her direction and she clutched it. Jesus is the preserver of life. We may strike, but he remains near.

I John 4:11-18

Psalm 72

Mark 6:45-52

For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments.

-1 JOHN 5:3

Keeping the laws of God and church is normally a straightforward thing. But what do you do when the law is fuzzy? Call a lawyer! Thirteenth-century canon lawyer Raymond of Penafort was given the dreary task of harmonizing the many collections, repetitions, and contradictions in canon law in his day. (This alone made him a saint!) His results were so good they remained in force for 700 years. Type A personalities, take heart. Sainthood is within your grasp.

I John 4:19-5:4

Psalm 72

Luke 4:14-22a

So there are three that testify, the Spirit, the water, and the Blood, and the three are of one accord.

-1 JOHN 5:7-8

It's always good to have three witnesses on the same page when they tell their story. The indwelling Spirit, the waters of our baptism, and the blood of the cross create for us this special trinity of agreement. What do they agree on? That we have eternal life in Jesus. We don't have to do anything more to achieve it. Our gentle loving lives are merely our response to that reality. They don't add a cent to the value of God's grace.

I John 5:5-13

Psalm 147

Luke 5:12-16

Sing to the LORD a new song.... For the LORD loves his People.

-PSALM 149:1, 4

I'm one of those folks who work Saturdays. So I sympathize with parents who never get a day off from parenting; with people who work weekends or night shifts when everyone else is kicking back or sound asleep; with those who have to hold down multiple jobs just to survive. But whether you're on duty today or not, put on a Saturday frame of mind. Sing a new song. God delights in you. Just as you are, right now. You don't even have to comb your hair.

1 John 5:14-21

Psalm 149

John 3:22-30

Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased.

-ISAIAH 42:1

Here I am, Lord: your servant, reporting for duty! What would you have me do? Like a child, I am eager to please you. Send me on a great adventure. Let me demonstrate my saint-sized courage. Ask me something big. (But not too big.) Test my heart and find it true. And when I failwhich you know sometimes I do, Lord-lift me up like a contrite child into your warm and forgiving arms.

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm 29

Acts 10:34-38

Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Then [Jesus] called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

-MARK 1:20

Poor old man Zebedee! His sons James and John had been destined to take up the family business. He'd trained them to be fishermen since they were old enough to mend a net. He'd taught them everything they needed to know to become a man like himself. Then someone came along who could teach his sons something he had no knowledge of. He lost them both in the blink of an eye. Happy are the parents who can let their children go to pursue their dreams.

1 Samuel 1:1-8

Psalm 116

Mark 1:14-20

Jesus rebuked [tbe man] and said, "Quiet! Come out of bim!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

-MARK 1:25-26

What unclean spirit inhabits me at this time? Is it the unwholesome love of money and possessions? Is it getting my own way-"my will be done"? Is it the need to be right and to prove others wrong? Is it the spirit of unforgiveness that will not allow the old injury to heal or the old relationship to be restored? Rebuke me today, Lord, and shout this evil spirit out of me.

I Samuel 1:9-20

I Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8

Mark 1:21-28

I have waited, waited for the LORD, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.

-PSALM 40:2

Waiting is no one's favorite occupation. But the best things take time to mature: the child in the womb, the idea in the brain, or love in the heart. So we wait, wait for the Lord to act even when we think it's time our concerns are addressed. We may take God's silence for inactivity or indifference. But who knows what seed of rescue has already been planted and is on its way pushing through to the surface?

1 Samuel 31-10, 19-20

Psalm 40

Mark 1:29-39

Let us fetch the ark of the LORD from Sbilob that it may go into battle among us and save us from the grasp of our enemies.

-1 SAMUEL 4:3

God is not a talisman to be used to ward off woe. Still, some folks wear religious medals or pray novena prayers the way storybook characters rubbed lamps to conjure genies bearing special favors. Homebuyers and sellers even bury St. Joseph statues upside down to make a deal! Piety and prayer are wonderful; superstition is useless. Israelites once counted on the ark of God to save them from the Philistines. The Philistines won the battle and captured the ark. God will not be bribed.

I Samuel 4:1-11

Psalm 44

Mark t:40-45

Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and [Jesus] preached the word to them.

-MARK 2:2

The time seems past when the word of God went out to packed houses. These days, nobody is breaking down the door-much less busting through the roof!-to get into the presence of the Lord. But that's a First World perception: in impoverished places around the globe, the gospel is still gathering eager multitudes. This is why every dollar sent to the missions enables the church to fulfill her great charge-to bring Good News to those hungry to hear it.

I Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a

Psalm 89

Mark 2:1-12

As [Jesus] passed by, be saw Levi, son of Alpbaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, "Follow me."

-MARK 2:14

Was it an impulse on the part of Jesus, or a carefully thought-out game plan? Either way, recruiting Levi, aka Matthew, for the famous band of twelve disciples was an inspired choice. Levi's livelihood-on Rome's payroll as a tax collector-made him ritually unclean and roundly hated. Obviously, Jesus wasn't looking for perfect disciples, or even candidates with the correct skill set. Maybe the capacity to be grateful was the thing Jesus wanted most. Do we qualify for the position?

1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1

Psalm 21

Mark 213-17

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord.

-1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-5

Looking around the room at a recent Bible study, I saw Barney, the tech-savvy guy who keeps us in sound. And Mary, who always has a hug for me. There's Joe, who finds the citations before I do. And faithful Kris and Barb, who never missed a meeting. Betty's there, with her outrageous humor that makes me laugh every time. What would the church do without any of them-or us? A good thing to remember, next time you think you won't be missed.

Isaiah 62:1-5

Psalm 96

I Corinthians 12:4-11

John 2:1-11

When you do these, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself?

-PSALM 50:21

God created us in the divine image. Too often we dubiously return the favor and try to create God in our image. This is a big no-no in the Ten Commandments: images of God are too limited to be accurate. Yet we're tempted to think God shares our opinions, upholds our priorities, and supports our notions of who the enemies are. If we really want to know God's mind, first we have to banish all dearly held prejudices. Unconditional love is

God's preferred approach.

I Samuel 15:16-23

Psalm 50

Mark 2:18-22

Then {Jesus] said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath."

-MARK 2:27

Of all laws to resist, who'd have thought we'd fight the Sabbath so hard? Sabbath is a gift from God. We're invited into the divine rest. Being tired, overworked, and burdened every hour is obviously not good for us. God says relax, put your feet up. So the floor is dirty and the laundry's not done; the world won't come to an end for that.

I Samuel 16:1-13

Psalm 89

Mark 223-28

David continued: "The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine."

-1 SAMUEL 17:37

Every David meets his Philistine Goliath. So Pope Fabian in the third century encountered Emperor Decius. Fabian was the rare pope who reigned during a period of peace and tolerance almost unknown to the early church. Then Decius came to power, declaring that he'd rather face a usurper to his throne than another Christian bishop. That an emperor perceived a pope as a threat proves the church was gaining political influence. Pray that the church always shows courage in facing down the lion!

I Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51

Psalm 144

Mark 31-6

I am bourn, 0 God, by vows to you, your thank offerings I will fulfill.

-PSALM 56:13

How do you give "thank offerings" for God's many blessings? A wise woman told me, "When I celebrate, I give someone else a reason to celebrate too." When she buys a pair of shoes, she also sends the price of the shoes to an organization that clothes the needy. When she paid off her student loans, she sent the cost of the last payment to support a school on a Native American reservation. Such "matching-grant gratitude" is a great way to show and share thanks.

1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7

Psalm 56

Mark 3:7-12

I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life. The LORD will judge between me and you.

-1 SAMUEL 24:12-13

Now many innocents have been hunted down and killed by the greedy or the fearful? Although some popes, bishops, and noble folk gave their lives for the faith, the vast majority of the church's martyrs are regular people. Most of their names are unknown. Or, like fourth-century Vincent of Saragossa, we know his name and vocation and no more. Behind the scenes in every age, people laid down their lives for what they believe. What are you and I willing to surrender?

I Samuel 24:3-21

Psalm 57

Mark 3:13-19

When [Jesus'] relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

-MARK 3:21

So no one understands us, appreciates our efforts, or sees the big picture like we do? Hold the violins, please. Jesus didn't exactly have the unqualified support of family and friends, either. According to Scripture, the larger the crowds around Jesus, the more certain his relatives were that he was crazy. And we know how badly his friends behaved later, when he needed them most. Gaining support and approval is not our vocation. It is following God's will.

2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27

Psalm 80

Mark 320-21

Now the body is not a single part, but many.... If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.

-1 CORINTHIANS 12:14, 26

I used to be an eye. I could see things other people overlooked. I fumed at their ignorance! Then I became a hand, a doer of what must be done. I worked hard, convinced that the eyes were elitist and lazy. Then I was a heart, feeling the anguish of those judged and condemned. Then I became a shoulder for those who needed someone to lean on. Finally, I am an ear, listening to the stories and learning humility.

Nehemiah 82-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Psalm 19

I Corinthians 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27

Luke 1a-4, 4:14-21

Ifell to the ground and beard a voice saying to me, "Saul, Saul, wby are you persecuting me?" I replied, "Who are you, sir?" And be said to me, "I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting." I asked, "What shall I do, sir?"

-ACTS 22:7-8, 10

Franciscan Richard Rohr points out that Jesus asks Paul a curious question: "Why are you persecuting me?" Paul was under the impression that he was persecuting the movement behind Jesus-not Jesus himself. But through his encounter with the risen Lord, Paul learns there is no distinction between Jesus and his church. Once Paul embraced this mystical reality, his next question was clear: "What shall I do?"

Acts 22:3-16, or Acts 9:1-22

Psalm 117

Mark 16:15-18

I yearn to see you again ... as I recall your sincere faith that first lived in yourgrandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you.

-2 TIMOTHY 1:4, 5

Faith is a family affair. A stalwart grandmother leads to a sterling mother and a faithful son, who one day becomes Paul's trusted friend and a bishop of the church. The stories of disciples like Timothy and Titus are not at all unusual. Whose faith bequeathed yours?

2 Timothy 1:1-8, or Titus 1:1-5

Psalm 24

Mark 3:31-35

And [Jesus] taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, "Hear this! A sower went out to sow."

-MARK 4:2-3

Ever been bothered by a parable? This one kills me. The sower is the worst ever excuse for a farmer. He appears so disorganized, just throwing his yield away. Scattering good seed on a footpath, among rocks, and in thorns seems so thoughtless. Didn't he know better, or didn't he care? Answer: God the farmer cares a whole lot more than we do. That's why God makes the same generous offering of life to those who will produce a harvest-and those who won't.

2 Samuel 7:4-17

Psalm 89

Mark 4:1-20

Do, then, bless the house of your servant that it may be before you forever.

-2 SAMUEL 7:29

David wasn't the first person to seek a house blessing, nor would he be the last. This ritual doesn't focus on brick and mortar. It isn't an insurance policy against fire and flood, tornado and burglar. See an Allstate agent for that. The house blessing focuses on those who inhabit the house and the life they make together. In David's case, he prayed for a long lineage. Others may prefer quality to longevity. Share the blessing wherever you go: Peace to this house!

2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29

Psalm 132

Mark 4:21-25

Have mercy on me, 0 God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from myguilt and of my sin cleanse me.

-PSALM 51:3-4

For sins of lovelessness and indifference, Lord, forgive me. From the spirit of judgment, irritation, and selfrighteousness, relieve me. From the willingness to hurt another person with my words or my silence, deliver me. Dry my tears, heal my heart, and receive me as your child again.

2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17

Psalm 51

Mark 4:26-34

[Jesus] woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!"

-MARK 4:39

Quiet, you winds of woe! I know you want me to turn back, discouraged. But Jesus is in my boat. Be still, sea of fear! You think you can drown my hopes, but your Master and mine is near. He is only sleeping. However, if you continue to make this commotion in my heart, by God, I will wake him.

2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17

Psalm 51

Mark 435-41

Love never fails.

-1 CORINTHIANS 13:8

Need I say more? If you've tried everything else, try love. If you haven't tried anything else yet, you won't have to.

Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19

Psalm 71

I Corinthians 12:31-13:13 or 13:4-13

Luke 4:21-30

[Jesus asked the man with the unclean spirit]: "What is your name?" He replied, "Legion is my name. There are many of us."

-MARK 5:9

Unfortunately, you can't get rid of an unclean spirit by taking a long shower. Uncleanness in the biblical tradition is another word for unholiness. The measure of our holiness is our capacity to reflect the likeness of God in which we are made. The unclean spirits we harbor are those attitudes and habits that deny God's likeness in us. For many of us, such spirits are indeed legion. Don't waste time counting them; ask Jesus to evict them!

2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13

Psalm 3

Mark 51-20

Surely [Jesus] did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham.

-HEBREWS 2:16

Jesus didn't come into this world for the sake of the angels. The Incarnation wasn't for the purpose of hobnobbing with perfect creatures but to break bread with sinners, outcasts, the demon-possessed, and all who suffer. In other words, Jesus came for you and me-unless I am much mistaken about you. I know only too well about me. Praise God for the gift of divine mercy!

Malachi 31-4

Psalm 24

Hebrews 2:14-18

Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

For this shall every faithful man pray to you in time of stress. Though deep waters overflow, they shall not reach him.

-PSALM 32:6

Who ya gonna call?" The film Ghostbusters made it clear that there was only one number to try when you suffer from a bad case of poltergeists. In the church, centuries of believers were convinced that the Fourteen Holy Helpers were the go-to men and women in tough times. St. Blaise-through whose intercession your throat may be blessed today-is one. Another, St. Christopher, watched over travelers. St. Barbara protected those in danger of dying without the sacraments. Ask and you will receive!

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17

Psalm 32

Mark 6:1-6

When the time of David's death drew near, be gave these instructions to his son Solomon: "I am going the way of all flesh. Take courage and be a man."

-1 KINGS 2:1-2

What does it mean to be a Christian man or woman in this generation? David and Solomon had it easy: gender roles in the ancient world were defined so squarely that David's advice to "be a man" was unambiguous. These days, the popularity of men's retreats and feminist re-imaging of God and church highlight that many perceive a need for new definitions. St. Paul offered an unusual one: "There is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12

I Chronicles 29

Mark 6:7-13

Herod feared Jobn, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he beard him speak be was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.

-MARK 6:20

Herod is a pitiful character. A puppet whose throne rested on the good graces of Roman occupiers, despised by his people, henpecked by his queen, and ruled by his lust, the fellow didn't have a leadership bone in his body. When he listened to the Baptist, Herod heard what real authority sounds like. Cowardice kept him from responding. As a result, John lost his head; Herod lost all hope of redemption. God grant us true leaders!

Sirach 47:2-11

Psalm 18

Mark 6:14-29

So God said to [Solomon]: "Because you have asked for this-not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right-I do as you requested."

-1 KINGS 3:11-12

Ask for wisdom. God loves to answer this prayer, particularly because it is so rarely prayed. The wise lack for nothing. The foolish, meanwhile, cannot make good use of anything.

1 Kings 3:4-13

Psalm 119

Mark 630-34

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.

-1 CORINTHIANS 15:10

Trace the story of God's grace operating in your life. Which gifts were passed to you in the DNA of your parents? What were you taught that imparted a blessing? Who loved you into being more than you thought possible? Challenged you to reach higher? Modeled for you a holy way? What events in your life set you on the path you walk now? Which passage from Scripture-or a book, story, movie, idea-has been most formative to how you understand your calling?

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

Psalm 138

I Corinthians 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11

Luke 5:1-11

I have truly built you a princely house, a dwelling where you may abide forever.

-1 KINGS 8:13

Can our humanity be a dwelling for God as the Jerusalem temple once was? St. Josephine from Sudan claimed this reality. Bakhita means "the lucky one"-a strange nickname for a nine-year-old sold into slavery and spirited off to Italy. Her owner sent her to a convent to be educated. When Josephine refused to leave, declaring her vocation, church and state ruled in her favor. Pope John Paul II noted that she is given to us as "a universal sister." Josephine, share with us your boldness!

I Kings 8:1-7,9-13

Psalm 132

Mark 653-56

Blessed they those who dwell in your house! continually they praise you.

-PSALM 84:5

Praise is an orphan spirituality. It's often neglected, even by folks who pray regularly. We remember the prayer of intercession: the needs of our loved ones and our world compel us. Many of us are also pretty good with lamentation-a holy whine by any other name frequently modeled in the Bible. Some of us even practice the prayer of thanksgiving for blessings received. Look for a daily reason to shout Alleluia too. Praise is good for the soul.

I Kings 8:22-23, 27-30

Psalm 84

Mark 7:1-13

Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.

-MARK 7:15

Some people believed sin was something you caught from unclean things or people. You didn't have to touch them. You could be infected just from eating with them or entering their homes. With one sentence, Jesus challenges the legitimacy of this popular perspective. Jesus insists that the real threat to our integrity is what we produce all by ourselves: malicious thoughts, greed, and arrogance. That's why confessing what's inside is the only cure for what ails us.

I Kings 10:1-10

Psalm 37

Mark 7:14-23

[Tbe Syropboenician woman said to Jesus]: "Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps."

-MARK 7:28

Maybe you wouldn't talk back to Jesus like this Greek woman did. Or maybe, if you are the parent of a child in danger, you would. Because of this mother's fearless spirit, I'm willing to ask for scraps now, even to insist on them, when my prayers seem to go unaddressed. Thanks to this unnamed woman, I have learned that Jesus doesn't mind if my prayers get a little edgy.

1 Kings 11:4-13

Psalm 106

Mark 724-30

There shall be no strange god among you nor shall you worship any alien god.

-PSALM 81:10

"No foreign god" means just that. This commandment, repeated often in the Bible, is achingly clear. So then why are there minishrines to idols all over my life? Money has an altar in one corner. The promise of esteem also invites my allegiance. My own righteousness demands at least one genuflection a day. I want to clean house of these alien gods, but they are persistent. The only way to get them out is to give my loyalty, hour by hour, to God alone.

1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19

Psalm 81

Mark 7:31-37

My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.

-MARK 8:2

The hunger of the world still moves the heart of Christ with pity. And there remains the same simple solution that Jesus demonstrated: feed the hungry. Organizations, both local and global, stand by ready to take our contributions. We can wring our hands about whether or not this is an efficient use of our dollars. Or we can do as Jesus didfeed the hungry.

1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34

Psalm 106

Mark 8:1-10

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

-1 CORINTHIANS 15:20

The list of those who have fallen asleep grows longer. How many family members, friends, and heroes are added each year? Years ago, I had enough time at Mass to pray for each one. Now I can scarcely name them all. But Lord, you hold every one of us in holy memory and no one escapes your notice. Receive our loved ones after they leave us, and may they rise to joy without end.

Jeremiah 17:5-8

Psalm I

I Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

Luke 6:17, 20-26

The brother in lowly circumstances should take pride in high standing, and the rich one in his lowliness, for he will pass away "like the flower of the field."

-JAMES 1:9-10

Our present circumstances are mere illusions. We have a lot or we have a little, but what does it matter? God is not keeping score with our bank accounts, our trophies, or what people are saying about us. The only thing that matters is how we spend our love. The rest is a plucked flower, already fading and losing its beauty.

James 1:1-11

Psalm 119

Mark 8:11-13

"When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, bow many full baskets of fragments did you pickup?" They answered [Jesus], "Seven." He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"

-MARK 8:20-21

Seven is the biblical number of fullness. Jesus assures us there will always be enough for us at his table. Still, we worry about shortages: money, natural resources, health, strength, patience, time. In you alone, Lord, there is enough!

James 1:12-18

Psalm 94

Mark 8:14-21

A clean heart create for me, 0 God, and a steadfast spirit renew withing me.

-PSALM 51:12

Today is a day of fasting and abstinence. The usual Lenten debate begins: should I give something up, or do something more? Why not both? Recently I heard from an indignant churchgoer: "How can you go on teaching sacrifice? This is America; we get what we want!" This is a dangerous idea for followers of the rabbi who hung on a cross. It's precisely what makes sacrifice the most appropriate Lenten observance. By all means do more-but also, take less.

Joel 2:12-18

Psalm 51

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?

-LUKE 9:25

The material world is good. God declares it so seven times in the first chapter of Genesis. This sevenfold proclamation of goodness reminds us that nothing is lacking in the perfection of creation. So why not get all we can? Alas, sin entered the once-perfect picture. Now greed, one of the "seven deadlies," prompts us to acquire and hoard at the expense of others. To restore the common good, we must practice generosity and self-denial as a corrective.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Psalm I

Luke 922-25

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish ... Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless.

-ISAIAH 58:6, 7

The church asks us to abstain from meat on Fridays. With all the fine alternatives on the menu, this modest observance serves merely to remind us it's Lent. Many eat less meat now for health reasons anyway; to skip a day means nothing. To "beef up" your Friday abstinence, remember the prophetic second half of the bargain: not only giving up, but also giving back.

Isaiah 58:1-9a

Psalm 51

Matthew 9:14-15

For you, 0 Lord, you are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call upon you.

-PSALM 86:5

Along with fasting and almsgiving, the third traditional Lenten observance is prayer. It's not that we don't pray the rest of the year, or that we pray "better" during these forty days. But the mindful correlation between prayer, fasting, and charity during Lent deepens the practice of each. We begin to make the connections between how we pray and how we live; what we take in and what we share. Suddenly, random acts of Catholicism take on an integrity we may have missed.

Isaiah 58:9b-14

Psalm 86

Luke 5:27-32

The devil said to [Jesus], "I shall give to you all this power and glory.... All this will be yours, if you worship me."

-LUKE 4:6, 7

Tempted by power? Some of us think we're humble, unfazed by the devil's offer of world dominion. But then we get behind the wheel of a car, in charge of the TV remote, or in control of the Netflix queue, and watch the demon of power rise up! Some of us can't even be trusted to surrender the conversation or to withhold an opinion. Power tempts us all. The more we kid ourselves that it doesn't, the tighter its grip on us.

Deuteronomy 26:4-10

Psalm 91

Romans 10:8-13

Luke 4:1-13

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

-MATTHEW 16:18

Every parochial school child knows these words by heart. Is it any wonder that Matthew's Gospel-the only one in which they appear-was the church fathers' favorite? Roman Catholic Christianity rests on the Chair of Peter, which is rooted in this verse. By many names and in many generations, Peter has remained the rock of the church. Whether or not you're a fan of a particular papacy (and especially when you're not), pray for the man who sits in that weighty chair.

I Peter 5:1-4

Psalm 23

Matthew 1613-19

[My word] shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.

-ISAIAH 55:11

God's word is alive. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us (see 4:12) that it's not a static thing on a page. Isaiah here makes clear that it's an effective word that does just what God wants it to do. It's a word made flesh, according to the first chapter of John's Gospel. Altogether, we get the idea: God's word is too good to miss. Consider Scripture a daily supplement healthier than any vitamin, more restorative than any medication.

Isaiah 55:10-11

Psalm 34

Matthew 67-15

The people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.

-JONAH 3:5

I don't have any sackcloth handy in my closet. But like most women, I have some pretty uncomfortable outfits. Who designs these things, and how do they make their way into my possession? Anyway, I do know how to repent, with or without a costume of contrition. Dressing for remorse is not the point. Changing the interior person is more like it.

Jonah 3:1-10

Psalm 51

Luke 11:29-32

Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish?

-MATTHEW 7:9-10

I'm willing to bet a lot of parents are stricken by this verse. Because they know they handed their children criticism when they needed support; the easy way out when they required a challenge; a babysitter when they could have used a parent; or a wound where the love should have been. But parents or not, all of us have handed out stones instead of bread to those we love. May God, and they, forgive us our trespasses!

Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25

Psalm 138

Matthew 7:7-12

Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord GOD. Do Inot rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?

-EZEKIEL 18:23

Once when I was a very disobedient kid, Mom made me hold out my hand and slapped my palm to curb my willfulness. The distress in her reddened face caused me more pain than the sting in my hand. I knew she suffered when she had to discipline her children. Doesn't it make sense that God would mourn our sinfulness even more? And that God would heartily prefer that we turn from what kills us to what saves us?

Ezekiel 18:21-28

Psalm 130

Matthew 5:20-26

But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father.

-MATTHEW 5:44-45

I've tried hating my enemies. That doesn't work: hatred doesn't make them go away. Nor does it assist me in forgetting them, healing the injury, or getting past the damage they caused. So finally I gave loving my enemies a shot. How bad could it be to offer up a prayer or two on their behalf? Doesn't Jesus know better how to deal with enemies-he had plenty-than I do?

Deuteronomy 26:16-19

Psalm 119

Matthew 5:43-48

[Jesus Christ] will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself.

-PHILIPPIANS 3:21

Transfiguration is an event that translates worldly reality into heavenly reality without ever leaving the ground. It lifts the cloak of sin from the world so that we can glimpse, for an instant, what the truth is. The truth about Jesus is that he is God's Son. The truth about us is that we're glory bound. As Thomas Merton once observed on the streets of Louisville, every one of us walks around all the time shining like the sun. If only we knew!

Genesis 155-12, 17-18

Psalm 27

Philippians 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1

Luke 9:28b-36

We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land.

-DANIEL 9:6

Who are today's prophets, and how well are we listening to them? In our media-drenched age, so much information and misinformation comes our way that it can be hard to sort the chaff from the grain. This is where the gift of discernment comes in-a spiritual quality that enables us to separate truth from falsehood, authority from bullying. It's wise to cultivate this gift through spiritual direction.

Daniel 9:46-t0

Psalm 79

Luke 636-38

Whoever exalts himself will be bumbled; but whoever bumbles himself will be exalted.

-MATTHEW 23:12

Who's wearing the humble pin today? Whoever it is, you know one thing for sure: that person is already exalted and not really humble at all. Humility doesn't win prizes or announce itself. It renders its service behind the scenes, seeks no praise, and garners no attention. Try exercising the virtue of humility before sundown today. The trick is to get away with it unnoticed.

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20

Psalm 50

Matthew 23:1-12

And so, let us destroy [Jeremiah] by his own tongue; let us carefully note his every word.

-JEREMIAH 18:18

The more things change, the more they stay the same. When his adversaries plotted against Jeremiah, they employed the time-honored technique still used by ideological rivals today. They twisted the prophet's good words to make them sound bad. "Spin" still rules the popular imagination. When seeking understanding on church teaching, skip the blog sites and newsstand headlines. There's nothing more illuminating than finding out what church leaders are actually saying-not what the press says they said.

Jeremiah 18:18-20

Psalm 31

Matthew 20:17-28

He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season.

-PSALM 1:3

Barbara Walters never really asked Katharine Hepburn that infamous question for which she is often lampooned: "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?" Hepburn initiated the remark that she'd like to be a tree, and Walters asked, "What kind?" The psalmist also recommends that we consider what sort of tree we might be: the kind planted successfully near water, or mere chaff driven away by the wind. Our proximity to God's will, says the psalmist, makes all the difference.

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Psalm I

Luke 16:19-31

Here comes that master dreamer! Come on, let us kill him.... We shall then see what comes of his dreams.

- GENESIs 3 7:19, 20

Kill the dreamer, end the dream. That seemed like a reasonable strategy to Jacob's sons when it came to their favored brother, Joseph. Eventually, they decided to sell him rather than commit fratricide, but the intention remained. Remove the dreamer! Destroy that dream!

Fifteen centuries later, another dreamer came along, proclaiming a kingdom where the last would be first. Those close to him made the same mistake, confident that dreams end when the dreamer is stopped. But some dreams only begin with the dreamer.

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a

Psalm 105

Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you nevergave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.

-LUKE 15:29

The story known as the Prodigal Son could have as easily been called the Angry Brother. The older son is the focal point of the parable, not his harum-scarum baby brother. Big brother can't even bring himself to enter the house. He can't bear the thought that his selfish, immoral bum of a brother is getting off the hook after squandering a fortune. It's not fair! And he's right. The father's forgiveness has nothing to do with fairness. Love is just his way.

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20

Psalm 103

Luke 151-3, 11-32

God said [to Moses], "Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, forthe place where you stand is holyground."

-EXODUS 3:5

My siblings and I agree that one of the holiest patches of ground in the world is Knoebels Grove, a small amusement park in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. There, we laughed and shrieked and rode the merry-go-round summer after summer. There, we knew the sheer joy of being alive and being kids. There, we played under the benevolent smile of our Grandmam, who financed all the fun year after year. Holy ground is anywhere that you know, absolutely and for sure, that you are loved.

Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 or Exodus 17:3-7

Psalm 103 or Psalm 95

I Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 or Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

Luke 13:1-9 or John 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19-26, 39, 40-42

As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, 0 God.

-PSALM 42:2

Here's hope for every parent worried that the kids don't go to church-and for every grown-up estranged from early religious roots. John of God grew up in a pious family, but he later rejected religion. He was first a soldier, then a shepherd, and finally a bookseller. It wasn't till age fortydemographically, in the range when the unchurched often start their spiritual quest-that he rediscovered faith and turned toward sainthood. The soul always yearns till it finds the source of life.

2 Kings 5:1-15b

Psalm 42

Luke 4:24-30

Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, 0 Lord.

-DANIEL 3:43

Too often we relegate "wonders" to the realm of the miraculous. In Daniel's story of the three brave men who withstood the fiery furnace, deliverance from death seems quite wonderful. By contrast, the story of Frances of Rome is remarkably ordinary. Her biographers record that she was an exemplary wife and mother. Is that all? we're tempted to say, but only if we've never been or known an exemplary wife and mother. Frances also cared for the poor and prayed. Ordinary practices, wonderful results.

Daniel 3:25, 34-43

Psalm 25

Matthew 18:21-35

Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.

-MATTHEW 5:17

Jesus was a liberal! So the liberals declare. He broke the Sabbath and questioned authority and forgave sinners and established a new world order in his kingdom. Jesus was a conservative! the conservatives reply. He not only upheld the law, he also made it stronger, adding prohibitions against hating as well as killing, and lusting as well as adultery. Meanwhile Jesus, observing the debate, is aghast at how quickly politics replaces discipleship.

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9

Psalm 147

Matthew 5:17-19

Say to them: This is the nation that does not listen to the voice of the LORD, its God, or take correction.

-JEREMIAH 7:28

Which nation is it, Lord, that does not listen or take correction? Pick a nation, any nation. Jeremiah was pointing to his own country, yet it's safe to say that anyone hearing the prophecy today should presume his or her own nation is the guilty party. What is it about earthly powers that make them so resistant to heavenly ones? It's in the nature of power to dominate and maintain control. Only divine power lays itself down willingly. Imitators are most welcome.

Jeremiah 7:23-28

Psalm 95

Luke 11:14-23

And when Jesus saw that [the scribe] answered with understanding, be said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."

-MARK 12:34

Lord, some days I feel so close to "getting it." Understanding seems within reach. My life is coming together and virtue is almost easy. Love, joy, peace, patience-those fruits of the Holy Spirit just seem to gush from me. Then, of course, there are those other days when I couldn't even point out which direction leads to your kingdom. Love, joy, peace, patience? What are those? When I'm farthest from you, Lord, please stay close to me.

Hosea 14:2-10

Psalm 81

Mark 1228-34

[Tbe LORD] will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.

-Hosea 6:3

Desert rains are a godsend. Like Hosea, I've lived in the desert and run outside when the clouds swell and darken just to enjoy those first refreshing drops. Maybe there will be just a few touching my face; maybe it will rain all day and all night. But oh, only in the desert can you fully appreciate Sister Miriam Therese Winter's little song of praise, "Joy Is Like the Rain."

Hosea 6:1-6

Psalm 51

Luke 18:9-14

Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.

-2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

Throughout the meeting, the stern young man on the other side of the table gave the older woman brooding looks. He and she were at odds on every issue. When they broke for lunch, he asked her, "Do you always smile? Is that joy for real?" Which made her smile again. "Yes, it is. But I didn't always have joy. Until I was thirty-five or so, I never felt a reason to smile. How old are you?" she asked. "Thirty-five," he admitted. And smiled, at last.

Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 or I Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13

Psalm 34 or Psalm 23

2 Corinthians 517-21 or Ephesians 5:8-14

Luke 151-3, 11-32 or John 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38

Jesus said to [tbe royal official], "You may go; your son will live." The man believed what Jesus said to him and left.

-JOHN 4:50

The doctor said his son wouldn't make it. There was nothing left to do but seek out the Jewish healer. As a foreigner, the official didn't go in for the religious crazes of Galilee. But when your child is sick, you do anything, everything. So this helpless father stood before Jesus and begged him to come heal his son. Jesus dismissed him, not with a miracle, but with a promise. Something told this father that Jesus' promises were better than a doctor's prognosis. He was right.

Isaiah 65:17-21

Psalm 30

John 4:43-54

Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail.

-EZEKIEL 47:12

When trapped in miserable situations, our thoughts often return to better hours we once knew. For the prophet Ezekiel, exiled in a foreign land, the opposite was true. His vision moved forward in anticipation of God's promised deliverance. An angel reveals to him a wonderful stream flowing from the house of God that brings abundant food and healing medicines. In a world full of hunger and sickness, our almsgiving this Lent can be a stream of angelic deliverance to someone in need.

Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12

Psalm 46

John 5:1-16

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes.

-JOHN 5:21

Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, according to legend. This may seem like a tough act to follow. But he's also known as the patron of souls needing liberation from purgatory, which is probably a more delicate operation. What is purgatory, exactly? It is nothing but the sum of our unfinished business. If we're destined for eternal love, we have to prepare our hearts to bear it. Do the job now-or see Patrick later.

Isaiah 49:8-15

Psalm 145

John 5:17-30

The [God] spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, his chosen one, Withstood him in the breach to turn back his destructive wrath.

-PSALM 106:23

The wrath of God gets top billing in some churches. Sometimes this message surpasses the news of God's love and mercy. This has more to do with the story of Moses than the gospel of Jesus, frankly. A lot of destroying anger is on display in Exodus and Numbers. But don't blame Moses for this. He's the fellow poised in the breach between the righteousness of God and the stupidity of mortals. Jesus, so we believe, heals that breach.

Exodus 32:7-14

Psalm 106

John 5:31-47

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called Christ.

-MATTHEW 1:16

Forty years ago I came across a children's book, the name of which I no longer recall. It told the story of St. Joseph the carpenter, who took his tools with him to heaven. When he arrived there, he promptly built a door behind the throne of God. It is the back door of heaven. And many who can't get in through the front door might well make friends with Joseph, who can open the back door to admit them.

2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16

Psalm 89

Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a, or Luke 2:41-51a

Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but sustain the just, 0 searcher of heart and soul, O just God.

-PSALM 7:10

Do stop the malice of the wicked, Lord! Especially the malice that lives in me. Uphold the innocent, even though I am not among their number. And most of all, 0 God of justice, when you try hearts and minds, be merciful to me and mine.

Jeremiah 11:18-20

Psalm 7

John 7:40-53

Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.

-JOHN 8:7

When people gather, it's natural for the conversation to turn toward mutual friends and acquaintances who are not in the room. At first, the inquiries and reports are well-intentioned. But soon the temptation to share the "dish" about the people not in attendance presents itself. LArche Community founder jean Vanier once wrote, "The tongue is one of the smallest parts of our body, but it can sow death." Lord, don't let me be the one to throw a stone!

Isaiah 43:16-21 or Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm 126 or Psalm 130

Philippians 3:8-14 or Romans 8:8-11

John 8:1-11 or 11:1-45 or 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33-45

O eternal God, you know what is bidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: you know that they have testified falsely against me.

-DANIEL 13:42-43

All too often, we're misjudged and misunderstood by those whose love and esteem matter. In the same way, our prejudices and assumptions blind us to the truth about those around us. In the book of Daniel, Susanna stood accused of misconduct simply because she was a beautiful woman. We commit our first mistake when we assign people to a "type" based on gender, age, race, nationality, religion, class, sexual orientation, or ability.

Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62

Psalm 23

John 8:12-20

The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is Pleasing to him.

-JOHN 8:29

One must imagine that the saints, like the rest of us, appreciate the constancy and closeness of God in every episode of their lives. Toribio was a layman in Spain when he was named archbishop of Peru. His ordination to the priesthood was hastily undertaken to cover the glitch. Once in Lima, he threw himself into his new role, assisting the native peoples and resisting the conquistadorseffectively reforming missionary activity in the New World. St. Toribio, guide us in thinking outside the box!

Numbers 21:4-9

Psalm 102

John 8:21-30

Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made, whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments.

-DANIEL 3:15

It's a funny image, repeated frequently just for laughs. Here's old King Nebuchadnezzar insisting everybody in his kingdom fall down in front of his new golden statue every time his orchestra starts playing the statue's theme song. Hilarious, except for one thing: don't we do the same thing when someone starts playing our song? The melody may be different, but the misaligned homage is the same.

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95

Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

John 8:31-42

Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and beara son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

-ISAIAH 7:14

Immanuel means "God is with us." Remembering this truth makes wherever you are a better place to be, and whatever route you're traveling a safer one. Praise God for the sign of the child! Thank God for the comfort of divine companionship.

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10

Psalm 40

Hebrews 10:4-10

Luke 1:26-38

We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.

-JOHN 10:33

Jesus is perhaps the only person who ever lived about whom this statement could not be made. The rest of us, however, might be regularly accused of making ourselves little divinities. We imagine ourselves the center of the universe; pretend that everything depends on us; and believe in our own goodness with a surprisingly unshakable faith. It's a cozy, domestic sort of blasphemy with which most of us are very much at home.

Jeremiah 20:10-13

Psalm 18

John 10:31-42

I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.

-JEREMIAH 31:1 3

Those who put their faith in this great mystery of God's consolation carry their joy in the midst of their sorrows. Those who don't, struggle with emptiness and pain even when things are going just fine.

Ezekiel 37:21-28

Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12, 13

John 11:45-56

They divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots. But you, 0 LORD, be not far from me; 0 my help, hasten to aid me.

-PSALM 22:19-20

Christ's passion and the suffering of the world are one and the same. If we stand at the foot of the cross, we must also be ready to stand with those in need.

Luke 1928-40

Isaiah 504-7

Psalm 22

Philippians 2:6-11

Luke 2214-2356 or 23:1-49

Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair.

-JOHN 12:3

Other noble things to do with hair: cut it off and donate it to an organization that makes wigs for chemotherapy patients. Shave your head in solidarity with a friend who has cancer. Forego a trip to the salon and donate the savings to the missions. Stop coloring, curling, straightening, spiking, or doing comb-overs to create an image, and praise God with authenticity.

Isaiah 42:1-7

Psalm 27

John 12:1-11

And I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength!

-ISAIAH 49:5

Amid the sobering realities and gathering danger of Holy Week, can we find room for glory and confidence? Jesus knew at the beginning of the week what would happen at the end. Despite that knowledge, he kept moving forward in the strength of God.

Isaiah 49:1-6

Psalm 71

John 13:21-33, 36-38

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?"

-MATTHEW 26:14-15

Judas got thirty pieces of silver for his betrayal. What do we get for ours? A word of flattery as a result of our self-promotion? A new ally in return for our gossip? The approval of the gang for not challenging the racist remark? A comfortable life in exchange for our silence and compliance with injustices that don't affect us?

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 69

Matthew 26:14-25

So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God ... [Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet.

-JOHN 13:2-3, 5

Jesus knew the majestic source of his being and his destiny. Despite that-no, because of that-he was able to kneel before his friends and wash their feet. God is also the source of our life and our grand destiny. This makes it possible to carry our service lightly and with joy.

Chrism Mass:

Isaiah 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9

Psalm 89

Revelation 1:5-8

Luke 4:16-21

Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper:

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14

Psalm 116

1 Corinthians 1123-26

John 131-15

Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny?

-ISAIAH 53:8

A condemned criminal hanging on a cross was not a person with a future: only a shameful past and a wretched final hour. Jesus didn't focus on time-past, present, or future. He wagered everything on eternity. Which hour gets most of our attention?

Isaiah 5213-5312

Psalm 31

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

John 18:1-19:42

Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw bow good the light was.

-GENESIS 1:3-4

Clergyman Thomas Fuller named light "God's eldest daughter," in admiration of the beauty she creates and illuminates. The light of the world manifested itself in a new way in the birth of Jesus. On this holy night, we celebrate "Christ our light" once more with the Easter fire the world over. Not to mention the radiance of our newly baptized sisters and brothers! God's eldest daughter has many siblings tonight.

Genesis 1:1-2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a

Psalm 104 or 33

Genesis 221-18 or 22:1-2, 9a,

10-13, 15-18

Psalm 16

Exodus 14:15-15:1

Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18

Isaiah 545-14

Psalm 30

Isaiah 55:1-11

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4

Psalm 19

Ezekiel 36:16-17a 18-28

Psalm 42 or 51 or Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Romans 6:3-11

Psalm 118

Luke 24:1-12

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.

-PSALM 118:24

Spiritual writers speak of joy and hope "eastering up within us." Easter is truly a verb, a dynamic event pushing upward from the darkness into the light. Easter breaks open the grave like a shell as glorified new life emerges with the dawn. We are promised today that no tomb can hold us. No death we might suffer, spiritual or physical, can have the final say over us.

Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Psalm 118

Colossians 3:1-4, or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

John 20:1-9 or Luke 24:1-12 or , at an afternoon or evening Mass, Luke 24:13-35

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce [the angel's message] to his disciples.

-MATTHEW 28:8

How often our joy is mixed with fear! When good news follows bad, as Easter followed Good Friday, it's hard to grasp hope for fear it will disintegrate. Our hearts are not as elastic as we'd like them to be. We often laugh through our tears because we can't change emotional lanes at the pace of life's events. Yet these limitations did not impede the two Marys as they raced to bring the news to their brothers in faith. Good news just won't wait.

Acts 2:14, 22-33

Psalm 16

Matthew 28:8-15

Those who accepted [Peter's] message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.

-ACTS 2:41

Mass baptisms are impressive affairs. Most of us have not seen three thousand at once, but we may have seen dozens of new members come forward at the Easter Vigil. Still, baptism is never a numbers game. One soul added to the Body of Christ makes the angels dance.

Acts 2:36-41

Psalm 33

John 20:11-18

Peter said [to the beggar at the Beautiful Gate], "I have neither silver norgold, but what I do have Igive you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk."

-ACTS 3:6

Perhaps you know a privileged person with the charismatic gift of healing, as Peter exercised it at the Beautiful Gate. You may know a handful more folks with an abundance of silver and gold to apply to the world's great need. The vital thing is not what we give; rather, it's our willingness to give whatever we have when want comes asking.

Acts 3:1-10

Psalm 105

Luke 24:13-35

Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.

-LUKE 24:39

When his friends are incredulous at the sight of Jesus, he offers his wounds as evidence of his identity. The woundedness of the world still gives testimony to the presence of Christ. If we are the friends of Jesus, we should recognize him wherever there is suffering.

Acts 3:11-26

Psalm 8

Luke 2435-48

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.

-PSALM 118:26

Who comes in the Lord's name? The one who claims to be a Christian? If only it were that easy. The one who wears a cross around his neck or sports Scripture on her bumper sticker? Not necessarily. Is going to church enough? We know that it's not. What, then? The key is in knowing the name of the Lord. God's name is Love.

Acts 4:1-12

Psalm 118

John 21:1-14

[Jesus] said to them, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."

-MARK 16:15

Francis of Assisi took Jesus at his word and preached the gospel to birds, wolves, and other creatures. In his "Canticle of the Sun," he called the moon our sister and the wind our brother. Green long before it was fashionable, Francis claimed the earth as our mother. He reserved the name Father for God alone, however-as Jesus didreturning even his clothes to his biological father. Francis, the rare saint truly comfortable in the world, recognized death as a sister, and not the enemy.

Acts 4:13-21

Psalm 118

Mark 169-15

"Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives."

-REVELATION 1:17-18

The first and the last. These words literally translate as alpha and omega, the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. To speak of God's nature in terms of letters suggests that all that has been written into time is contained within God. In Judaism, God is symbolized using the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the ale ph. God delivers the first utterance into eternity, and creation begins. All things have their origin with God, just as language proceeds from the letter A.

Acts 512-16

Psalm 118

Revelation 1:9-lla, 12-13, 17-19

John 20:19-31

As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

-ACTS 4:31

Rarely has my prayer been known to shake an assembly. Usually, I'm the one who's doing the shaking, timid of spirit as I am. Gracious God, send your poor servant the Spirit of boldness, that I may speak and live your word powerfully enough to make the demons in my path tremble.

Acts 4:23-31

Psalm 2

John 3:1-8

The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

-JOHN 3:8

A good dose of mysticism helps to untangle the Gospel of John. The bottom line here is that God moves in mysterious ways. If the Spirit lives in you, this idea does not need much parsing. Your life is the privileged punch line as the Spirit "blows where it wills." The seventhcentury Pope Martin I is honored as the last pope to be declared a martyr. His ascent and destruction are two reminders of where the Spirit has been known to go.

Acts 4:32-37

Psalm 93

John 3:7b-15

The angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, "Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life."

-ACTS 5:19-20

The liberating angel gives the apostles a wild commission: "Go and tell the people everything about this life." Now would you fulfill this responsibility? I might begin with something like this: The price of discipleship is incredibly high. The hours are long and the earthly pay can be hilarious. There are no assurances (and often no insurance, either). And if you miss out on this, I'm telling you, you're kissing off the greatest opportunity of your life. Everything you're looking for is here.

Acts 5:17-26

Psalm 34

John 3:16-21

[The high priest said,] "We gave you strict orders did we not, to stop teaching in that name...." But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, "We must obey God rather than men."

-ACTS 5:28, 29

It sounds so easy when Peter says it. Obey what comes from God, not what issues from human beings. Yet most of our lives, we've practiced obeying all sorts of established authorities: parents, teachers, coaches, clergy, police officers, right down to the ads telling us what to buy and want. Not all of this is bad. But none of this is God. What separates apostles from the silent majority is the ability to make that distinction.

Acts 5:27-33

Psalm 34

John 3:31-36

[Andrew said to Jesus,] "There is a boy here who bas five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?"

-JOHN 6:9

Mighty deeds often start with small acts that seem unimportant at the time. When Jesus asks his disciples how the crowds following him are to be fed, Philip replies sourly that it would take a lot of money to do such a thing. Andrew's answer-a boy carrying a small basket of food-conveys his skepticism, but it cracks open a window of possibility. And that tiny bit of room is all Jesus needs to make a miracle. Keep a window open for grace.

Acts 5:34-42

Psalm 27

John 6:1-15

Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task.

-ACTS 6:3

Diaconate goes back a long way. Where would the modern church be without our deacons and their wives? More and more parishes rely on the generosity of these good couples to dedicate themselves to service. Of the original seven, two went on to achieve great things: Stephen, to his martyrdom, and Philip, to much success in Samaria. But the other five names belong to folks we've never heard of, who doubtless ministered quietly and faithfully. Remember to express gratitude to all who serve.

Acts 6:1-7

Psalm 33

John 6:16-21

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.

-REVELATION 5:12

Symbols convey worlds of meaning. As with a nation's flag, there's a lot more in these emblems than meets the eye. In the book of Revelation, symbolic numbers tell us more than "how many." Seven represents fullness: the seven-fold affirmation of the Lamb's worthiness (power, riches, wisdom, etc.) tells us his integrity is perfect. Biblical blessings often come in sevens as well: "May you have peace, long life, many children . . ." Why not create a personal, seven-fold blessing together with your family?

Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

Psalm 30

Revelation 5:11-14

John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14

Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law.

-PSALM 119:29

Pope John Paul II spoke often of the "culture of death" that engulfs us. This fatal culture isn't just seen in abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and other national failures to value and defend life. It's also in the way the quality of our air, water, and land is bought and sold. It's in inadequate medical coverage and racist attitudes, in our willingness to permit hunger and consider war a ready alternative. From inside the culture of death, it's hard to see out. Pray for clear sight!

Acts 6:8-15

Psalm 119

John 6:22-29

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

-JOHN 6:35

The obesity epidemic, addictive behaviors, the rise in pornography, and everything about our consumer culture just screams, "Feed me!" This society is starving for something that won't disappear the moment we swallow it. But many are looking in the wrong places. Jesus alone is the bread that satisfies.

Acts 7:51-8:ta

Psalm 31

John 6:30-35

Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the Church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment.

-ACTS 8:3

We've all met folks we wrote off after the first encounter. Life is short, the world is full, and some people just don't seem worth the trouble. Saul was one of those who made a pretty bad first impression. A religious fanatic with a zeal for persecution and violence, he wasn't a guy you'd invite to your house for dinner. And then, he changed. Boy, did he change! Would you or I have given him a second chance?

Acts 8:1b-8

Psalm 66

John 6:35-40

Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me.

-PSALM 66:16

Pull up a chair. I hope you have some time on your hands. Because if I attempt to tell you what God has done for me, we're going to be here for a while. Yet how often do I squander my time-and the kind attention of friends and family-bewailing my woes and difficulties, instead of offering a litany of praise and thanksgiving for blessings received!

Acts 8:26-40

Psalm 66

John 6:44-51

Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him.

-JOHN 6:56

Quick, now: Who's the Apostle of Prussia? It's okay if you didn't guess tenth-century St. Adalbert of Prague. He came to faith after being healed and taught by Archbishop Adalbert, who also became a saint. Our new convert took his sponsor's name in baptism; originally he was Voytech, so this may have been an upgrade. Unfortunately, Adalbert was not very successful in Prussia-or Russia, Poland, or Hungary either. But he did inspire Boniface, another future saint. Who knows whom you'll inspire?

Acts 9:1-20

Psalm 117

John 6:52-59

Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed."

-ACTS 9:34

Along with the glorious comes the mundane. Aeneas was confined to bed for eight long years with paralysis. Then Peter came to town and restored him, whole and entire. But he still had to make his bed. Scripture is full of delightful little details that humanize these stories and bring them close to home for us. Celebrate the daily miracles! But don't forget to do your chores.

Acts 9.31-42

Psalm 116

John 6:60-69

These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

-REVELATION 7:14

I can see them standing in their white robes: so many friends who endured great suffering in their lives, yet remained faithful to God's promises and never lost hope. Some suffered illness and injury. Others knew mental or emotional anguish, and still others survived the pain of society's rejection of them. Someday, with God's grace, you and I will be washed clean of all the wounds we presently bear. Then we might take our place in that grand assembly.

Acts 1314, 43-52

Psalm 100

Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

John 10:27-30

So Jesus said again, Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep."

-JOHN 10:7

Sheep pens of the Near East had no actual gate. At night when the sheep returned to the fold, the shepherd would lie down at the opening of the pen to complete the enclosure with his body. In this way he literally guarded the entrance and exit of his flock. Jesus provides the same access to the reign of God with his body. For whom do we stand as guardian-or obstacle-with our very being?

Acts 11:1-18

Psalm 42

John 10:1-10

For a whole year [Barnabas and Paul] met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

-ACTS 11:26

The name Christian has been around for twenty centuries. It has come to mean so many things. It defines membership in a church, or acceptance of a set of beliefs. It can imply a certain political position, and it's even misused horribly by a racist movement calling itself "Christian Identity." Yet the original Christians, like Barnabas and Paul, didn't adopt that name. They described themselves as "people of the Way." Following the way of Jesus remains the desire of real Christians.

Acts 11:19-26

Psalm 87

John 10:22-30

May God have pitu on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us.

-PSALM 67:2

The radiance of God is literally what is meant by the term holiness. It's the shine artists attempt to capture with the symbolic halo crowning a saint. It's also how we represent divine glory, depicted as a cloud illuminated with rays of light. When God's face shines on you, wonderful things are bound to follow. To be surrounded by this radiance regularly, all we have to do is live in the light habitually, as the saints did.

Acts 12:24-13:5a

Psalm 67

John 12:44-50

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

-JOHN 13:20

Accepting God's messenger is tough, especially when it's someone you've been taught to overlook. Catherine of Siena received visions from an early age, yet her family mistrusted them until her father had one of his own, seeing a dove hovering over her in prayer. Admitted at last into religious life, Catherine developed a following among priests, and her authority grew until popes in succession sought her consultation. How many "unlikely messengers" like Catherine are routinely ignored today?

Acts 13:13-25

Psalm 89

John 13:16-20

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.

-JOHN 14:1

It's hard to be placid when there's lots to be troubled about. Sixteenth-century Pope Pius V was plenty burdened as the church fractured over the Protestant Reformation and the heretical actions of the English queen. Pius responded by promoting the Council of Trent and excommunicating the unyielding queen. Many are similarly burdened today in promoting Vatican Council II and seeking dialogue with our long-separated Protestant sisters and brothers. The same solution applies: faith in Jesus the Lord.

Acts 13:26-33

Psalm 2

John 141-6

Philip said to Jesus, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."

-JOHN 14:8

My friend had a father who, unhappily, was not so reliable. When she became a Catholic later in life, she asked St. Joseph to be her adoptive dad. Joseph is used to parenting kids who aren't his own, as the story goes. No doubt he's been the protector and guide in plenty of fatherless homes throughout the centuries. Even those of us in need of a little re-parenting in later years might seek his strength and steadfastness.

Acts 13:44-52

Psalm 98

John 14:7-14

I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

-REVELATION 21:2

It's wedding season. Invitations went out ages ago, and most of us know someone-a son or daughter, niece, nephew, or grandchild, a coworker or perhaps even you-who's getting married in the next few months. The bride will probably steal the show because, rightly or not, she's become the symbol of everything lovely, happy, and hopeful about this day. The most beautiful bride of all, of course, is one who delivers on the promise. Holy city, come and satisfy a world of longing!

Acts 14:21-27

Psalm 145

Revelation 21:1-5a

John 13:31-33a, 34-35

Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?"

-JOHN 14:9

We think of them as having a decided advantage over the rest of us: those fortunate Twelve handpicked by Jesus. Yet as late as the Last Supper, Jesus was forced to conclude that his closest associates from the beginning scarcely gleaned his identity. This is the comforting thing about the first dozen apostles: they were no better than we are. More disturbing to us, perhaps, is that their ordinariness did not deter Jesus from sending them forth anyway.

I Corinthians 15:1-8

Psalm 19

John 14:6-14

They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

-ACTS 14:19

Killing the enemy often seems like the most expedient way to dispose of a problematic element. But as we know from the story, Paul is a hard man to eliminate. Beatings, stonings, shipwreck, and jail weren't enough to wipe him out or stop his message. Eventually, Rome did see to his beheading in the midsixties, but it hardly put an end to Paul's influence or his power to persuade. Those who prefer violent solutions might take note.

Acts 14:19-28

Psalm 145

John 14:27-31a

[My Father] takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.

-JOHN 15:2

Pruning is tough love for plants. When first shorn, the average bush or tree looks mighty sad. For this reason, my neighbor won't take the shears to anything in her yard. The plants grow leggy. The blooms they bear are patchy. Those same varieties grow all over this neighborhood, but most are trimmed routinely, encouraging new growth and profuse blooms. The pruning process seems mean, but it brings forth life and beauty. God will prune us if we accept this activity as a kindness.

Acts 15:1-6

Psalm 122

John 15:1-8

Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity.

-PSALM 96:10

We live on a spinning globe ever in motion. Time, too, is racing from the present into the future. World news changes at an unbelievable pace: if you keep an eye on the reports every hour, you can scarcely keep current. So why does the psalmist claim that while the Lord is king, the world doesn't move? It's God's justice that is steadfast, not the transient details of space and time. Hang on to the one sure thing in the universe!

Acts 15:7-21

Psalm 96

John 159-11

I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

-JOHN 15:15

Beverly was totally my best childhood friend. We told each other everything; no confidence was too sacred to be withheld. Every whispered secret was a confirmation of the enormous trust between us. Jesus treats his disciples the same way, sharing every confidence given him by his heavenly Father. He calls us friends-which, if you remember your childhood, is an honor not to be taken lightly.

Acts 15:22-31

Psalm 57

John 15:12-17

Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are, his people, the flock he tends.

-PSALM 100:3

Which of us doesn't seek the warmth and security of belonging? It's the quality that makes commitment most attractive. We pursue belonging through marriage and family structures, or within religious life. We express it in parish groups, book clubs, political affiliations, community organizations, and lately, on Facebook and MySpace. But when it comes down to ultimate affinity, we belong to the One who made us in the beginning-and waits for us beyond the final hour.

Acts 16:1-10

Psalm 100

John 15:18-21

Peace I leave with you, my peace Igive to you.

-JOHN 14:27

Mother's Day has several founders in this country. Originally, Julia Ward Howe declared it as an antiwar observance during the Civil War. Later, Anna Jarvis, who honored her mother's work in sanitation and public health, moved the date from June to May by organizing "Mother's Day Work Clubs." When the card companies got hold of the event, it was reduced from a day of activism to a sentimental celebration. But as every mother knows, motherhood requires fierce civic engagement to succeed.

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

Psalm 67

Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

John 14:23-29

One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying.

-ACTS 16:14

Why was Lydia attracted to Paul? The answer lies between the lines of her story. Lydia wasn't a proper name, but the district around Thyatira. Slaves were known dismissively by their origins, as in "that Lydian." Ex-slaves often went into the purple-dye business. Lydia is a "God-worshipper," codename for Gentiles attracted to Judaism. Only a woman, former slave, and Gentile can know what it means to hear someone say: "In Christ there's no male or female, no Jew or Gentile, no slave or free person."

Acts 16:11-15

Psalm 149

John 15:26-16:4a

The LORD will complete what be has done for me; your kindness, 0 LORD, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands.

-PSALM 138:8

Our only hope in this world is not to be forsaken by God. Our only task in this world is never to forsake our God.

Acts 16:22-34

Psalm 138

John 16:5-11

The Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands.... Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.

-ACTS 17:24, 25

God gives us "life and breath and everything," in the enthusiastic words of St. Paul. If you and I were to start listing the contents of God's many gifts to us, we'd be at it awhile. Yet it's a vital part of the life of faith to thank God daily for a few items on that list. The habit of thanksgiving encourages grateful, appreciative living.

Acts 17:15, 22-18:1

Psalm 148

John 16:12-15

And [God] put all things beneath his feet and gave him as bead over all things to the church, which is his body.

-EPHESIANS 1:22-23

Jesus returns to his Father in heaven. But his mystical Body remains here in the identity of the church. This can be a hard identification to make, when individual representatives of this church do things that in no way resemble the gracious example of Jesus. But the most personal identity to consider is this: you and I are the Body of Christ in the world. How will we offer Christ's gracious example to others this day?

Acts 1:1-11

Psalm 47

Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23

Luke 24:46-53

Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.

-ACTS 1:26

Question: How do you attain membership in one of the most exclusive clubs in the Bible? Answer: By lottery! Strange as it seems, Matthias got his apostleship on a gamble. But it was no ordinary gamble of the sort played in Las Vegas. This one was prayerfully discerned and Spiritled. In the same way, many of the decisions we make in adulthood can feel like a crapshoot from our perspective. Add prayer, discernment, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit for best results.

Acts 115-17, 20-26

Psalm 113

John 159-17

Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

-JOHN 16:23

Most of the time, we pray the "asking" prayer, also known as the prayer of intercession. Asking God for help seems natural. After all, we need so much, and God can do anything. Jesus invites us to pray with confidence for the things we need and to ask for them in his name. This is name-dropping of the highest sort, and the church regularly puts it into practice by ending each prayer "through Christ our Lord."

Acts 18:23-28

Psalm 47

John 16:236-28

The one who gives this testimony says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-REVELATION 22:20

No life is without its share of suffering. But there are few days so bad that we pray for the world to end. Even the most apocalyptic-minded Christians probably aren't entreating for the universal lights to go out when they say, "Come, Lord Jesus!" Our hope for the triumphant return of the Lord is not about destruction, but for a new creation without all the flaws of the old. A "world without end," with no failure or broken edges: that's a world worth praying for.

Acts 755-60

Psalm 97

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20

John 17:20-26

[Paul said to the Ephesians,] "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" They answered him, "We have never even beard that there is a Holy Spirit."

-ACTS 19:2

Sometimes the practice of religion is reduced to this: Don't do bad stuff. But religion, as Jesus himself once warned, is not simply about sweeping the demons out of our lives. We also have to replace the spirit of evil with the spirit of goodness. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in. It's no use to embrace the "Thou shalt nots" unless we're also ready to say, "We shall." Come, Holy Spirit, and kindle in us the fire of your love!

Acts 19:1-8

Psalm 68

John 16:29-33

Blessed day by day be the Lord, who bears our burdens;God, who is our salvation.

-PSALM 68:20

A child recently told me that when he grows up, he wants to be pope. I imagine most actual popes never dreamed of occupying that chair. Men like John I, for example, who was only a deacon when chosen for the papacy. Very old at his election, he lasted three years and had but one memorable (and unsuccessful) commission. He died before his enemies got to him, which makes even his martyr status an umpire call. God often carries those free to travel in mysterious ways.

Acts 20:17-27

Psalm 68

John 17:1-11a

Keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

-ACTS 20:35

Jesus said a lot of things during his ministry that no one wrote down, we can be sure. The ending of John's Gospel notes that the whole world could not contain the books that would have to be written to tell the story exhaustively. Here, Paul quotes a Jesus saying not known in the Gospels. But it's similar to a teaching found in the Old Testament book of Sirach: "Let not your hand be open to receive and clenched when it is time to give."

Acts 2028-38

Psalm 68

John 17:116-19

And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one.

-JOHN 17:22-23

The church's unity is a great treasure. It's one of four special marks that testify to the church's authenticity: she is "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic." History tests our oneness, including the schism between Roman and Orthodox leadership, as well as the fragmentation of the Protestant Reformation. The late Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago identified a new threat to unity: the lack of common ground between Catholics who identify as "traditional" or "progressive." Ideology cannot divide what our Eucharist unites.

Acts 22:30; 236-11

Psalm 16

John 17:20-26

Bless the LORD, all you his angels, you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.

-PSALM 103:20

Angels have a reputation for utter obedience to God's will. Human beings are less reliable, leading to a world of hurt. Father Christopher Magallanes of Mexico and twenty-one of his brother priests were killed in the last century for withstanding pressure to surrender the church to government control. Along with three laymen, these twenty-five members of the Catholic Action Movement refused to allow secular forces to corrupt the gospel. They sided with the angels. Would you or I, given the same consequences?

Acts 25:13b-21

Psalm 103

John 21:15-19

Paul] remained for two full years in his lodgings ... and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

-ACTS 28:30, 31

The end of the Acts of the Apostles used to disappoint me. St. Paul, with whom we've traveled since chapter eight, is abandoned at the finale. We leave him under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. Writing thirty years after Paul's martyrdom, Luke knew the rest of the story. Why not finish it? The abrupt ending implies that Paul's fate was never the point of his story. It's the Gospel that concerned Paul. Luke assures us that the Apostle to the Gentiles has never stopped teaching.

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

Psalm 11

John 21:20-25

The whole world spoke the same language, using the same words.

-GENESIS 11:1

Imagine a world united by a common language. I don't mean that everyone would speak English-or Mandarin, for that matter, which has the largest number of native speakers of any tongue. No, the common language suggested by the feast of Pentecost and echoed in the Genesis story of Babel is love. What if we were all on the same side? What if we were rooting for everyone to be fulfilled and to know joy?

Vigil:

Genesis 11:1-9 or Exodus 19:3-8a, 16-20b

or Ezekiel 37:1-14 or Joel 3:1-5

Psalm 104

Romans 8:22-27

John 7:37-39

Day:

Acts 2:1-11

Psalm 104

1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 or

Romans 8:8-17

John 20:19-23 or 14:15-16, 23-26

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."

-MARK 10:21

Normally, I shrink from the awful challenge of complying with Jesus' invitation in this passage. So few of us will walk away from our possessions in this radical way! But today I noticed something I tend to overlook: the considerable tenderness with which Jesus offers this advice. He speaks these words not to push us toward heroic social justice but out of deep love for us. Surrendering worldly attachments really will bring us happiness. Holding on to what we possess never will.

I Peter 1:3-9

Psalm 111

Mark 1017-27

Be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, "Be holy because I am holy."

-1 PETER 1:15-16

There's no cookie-cutter formula to a life of holiness. Most of us default to an example like Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi, a Carmelite sister who lived a hidden existence of prayer and self-denial. But holiness is also found in highvisibility occupations, like the force-of-nature papacy of Gregory VII, or within the careful scholarship of Bede the Venerable. Within the humble particulars of our own stories and circumstances, each of us may find that there's room on the church calendar for saints like us.

1 Peter 1:10-16

Psalm 98

Mark 10:28-31

The grass withers, and the flower wilts; but the word of the Lord remains forever.

-1 PETER 1:24-25

The face in the mirror this morning reminds me that I am more like the grass and the flower than I care to admit. Youth, beauty, and strength are passing faster with each ensuing year. So I cling to the word of the Lord like a life preserver. It's the only thing that can keep my soul from rushing downstream in the way of all flesh.

I Peter 1:18-25

Psalm 147

Mark 10:32-45

The LORD is good: his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.

-PSALM 100:5

God remains faithful no matter what. Maybe this thought sustained sixth-century Augustine, who reluctantly left Rome with his fellow monks on a "Mission Impossible" to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons. Given a ruined church at Canterbury for his base of operations, he established the cathedral seat there and became its first archbishop. Augustine's preaching converted thousands, including the English king. And he did it all in the seven years before his death. God's faithfulness waits only on ours.

I Peter 2:2-5, 9-12

Psalm 100

Mark 1046-52

[Jesus] overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area.

-MARK 11:15-16

What's permissible in the house of God? Some people say only prayer and worship. These same people are often disturbed when politics creeps into the sacred arena of religion. Yet how can the church not speak of matters that engage life and death and justice and truth, all of which are under God's authority? Jesus objected only to those who tried to make a buck in the temple. He never said politics had no place there.

I Peter 4:7-13

Psalm 96

Mark 1111-26

On those who waver, have mercy; save others by snatching them out of the fire.

-JUDE 17:22-23

Once every two years, the Letter of Jude is read in church. Today's the day. Consider reading this odd little document, which may be the last thing written in what became the New Testament. It reflects an era of persecution, when many had to choose between losing their faith or their lives. Christians clung to their faith by fervent prayer, mindful of God's love and the mercy of Jesus. Most of all, they looked out for each other. This is still a good way to be church.

Jude 17:20b-25

Psalm 63

Mark 11:27-33

What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?

-PSALM 8:5

From the prayer of St. Catherine of Siena to the Trinity: "You are a mystery as deep as the sea; the more I search, the more I find, and the more I find, the more I search for you. But I can never be satisfied; what I receive will ever leave me desiring more.... I have tasted and seen the depth of your mystery ... I have clothed myself with your likeness and have seen what I shall be."

Proverbs 822-31

Psalm 8

Romans 5:1-5

John 16:12-15

Do notgrow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

-ROMANS 12:11

Paul could have used Mary of Nazareth as "exhibit A" in his advice to the Romans. No one surrendered body and soul to the service of God as she did. How she remained faithful right to the foot of the cross is a mystery worthy of the rosary. A young girl from an insignificant town managed to incorporate zeal, fervor, and service in her response to the Annunciation. Then she raced to the household of another pregnant woman in need. Holy Mary, pray for us sinners!

Zephaniah 3:14-18, or Romans 12:9-16

Isaiah 12

Luke 1:39-56

Seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty, if we are strong; And most of them are fruitless toil, for they pass quickly and we drift away.

-PSALM 90:10

Life is short, the psalmist says. We have to decide what we mean to do with it. The second-century saint known as Justin Martyr felt the vocation to teach early in his life. He started out as a disciple of philosophy, spreading the ideas of Plato and Aristotle. Later, witnessing the courage of the martyrs, he declared Christianity "the only safe and worthy philosophy." He became a teacher of Christian thought until his own martyr's death. Like Justin, give yourself to what you love.

2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18

Psalm 90

Mark 12:13-17

So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord ... but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.

-2 TIMOTHY 1:8

I like the saints who failed as often as they succeeded. I find this hopeful-and also familiar. Marcellinus died a martyr in 304. But before that, there's evidence this pope surrendered the Scriptures to the pagan emperor and even offered incense to the gods to appease him. Because of this, his name was removed from the list of popes for a while. Yet in the end, Marcellinus found the courage to surrender his life. Isn't our last decision the most important one?

2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12

Psalm 123

Mark 12:18-27

And when Jesus saw that (the scribe] answered with understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."

-MARK 12:34

Jesus my Lord, give me the grace of understanding! Help me to see beyond my prejudices and personal opinions, past the blinders of race and class and nationalism and politics. Bring me one step closer to God's kingdom, where clear sight is available in your eternal light.

2 Timothy 2:8-15

Psalm 25

Mark 1228-34

Those who love your law have great peace, and forthem there is no stumbling block.

-PSALM 119:165

Who says psalmists don't have fun? Psalm 119 is an alphabet poem, or more precisely an aleph-beth poem, which reflects the first two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza begins with a Hebrew letter, and the whole psalm concerns the dedication of the believer to the word of God. It pays homage to the divine word letter by letter, so to speak. May our lives demonstrate the same fondness, playfulness, and attentiveness to the beauty and richness of Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

Psalm 119

Mark 1235-37

Many rich people [came to the temple treasury and] put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.

-MARK 12:41-42

This woman goes to our church. She lives in the worst part of town. She scarcely heats her home in the winter and can't afford air-conditioning in the summer. But whenever a work of charity arises, she always finds something to give. She makes me-with my tidy check made out in an amount I'll never miss-weep for shame.

2 Timothy 4:1-8

Psalm 71

Mark 12:38-44

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

-1 CORINTHIANS 1 1:26

Our faith gives us a share in life without end. It also makes us participants in the death of Jesus, whose body and blood unites with ours in the Eucharist. This is the dark side of the Paschal Mystery that we scarcely dare contemplate. When we gaze at Christ on the cross, we might wonder: are we to share in his anguish? Yet the opposite is true. When we see Christ on the cross, we know that Jesus already shares the anguish that is ours.

Genesis 1418-20

Psalm 110

I Corinthians 11:23-26

Luke 9:116-17

Ravens brought [Elijah] bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the stream.

-1 KINGS 17:6

When we look at portraits of John the Baptist, we say, 'Ah, prophets had it tough! Sleeping on the desert floor, a hairshirt uniform, locusts for breakfast!" Then we read about Elijah's wilderness experience. Ravens bring takeout twice daily. Poolside living by the stream. I'd say John should have held out for a better contract. He gets beheaded in the end; meanwhile Elijah ascends to heaven on a fiery chariot. Prophets definitely serve on a sliding scale.

I Kings 17:1-6

Psalm 121

Matthew 51-12

A city set on a mountain cannot be bidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket.

-MATTHEW 5:14-15

A man in our parish described himself as a practitioner of "bushel basket" Christianity. I think a lot of us can relate. We take our gifts, resources, and possibilities, and crawl under the nearest affordable shelter before someone notices and calls us on it. Honestly, sometimes I don't want to serve on another committee, teach another class, listen to another story of woe, or eat another potluck dinner. But "this little light of mine" wasn't doled out to me to watch TV.

I Kings 17:7-16

Psalm 4

Matthew 5:13-16

The LORD's fire came down and consumed the burnt offering, wood, stones, and dust, and it lapped up the water in the trench. Seeing this, all the people fell prostrate and said, "The LORD is God! The LORD is God!"

-1 KINGS 18:38-39

Why does it take an "act of God" for some people to turn to God? God tries to get our attention with a little patter of rain or a tree full of blossoms, yet no one jumps up and down saying, "The LORD is God!" just because a branch is blooming.

I Kings 18:20-39

Psalm 16

Matthew 5:17-19

Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.

-MATTHEW 5:25

Jesus obviously wasn't an American. He doesn't understand that litigation is a way of life here. You don't like the deal you got? Then sue. You think somebody owes you something or did you wrong? Sue 'em! Jesus isn't against the legal system, of course, and he is the ultimate champion of genuine justice. He just thinks we ought to save our outrage for the real conflict between good and evil. Anger with a brother or sister is better resolved in the spirit of reconciliation.

I Kings 18:41-46

Psalm 65

Matthew 5:20-26

I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GoD.

-EZEKIEL 34:15

There's nothing sadder than a life without love. But even in those seasons when we feel most alone and uncherished, how dearly beloved we are! When in doubt, look to that blazing Sacred Heart on fire with yearning for your joy and fulfillment. Every good thing under heaven is offered to you in the benevolent gaze of Jesus Christ. Trust this.

Ezekiel 3411-16

Psalm 23

Romans 5:5b-11

Luke 15:3-7

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices; my body, too, abides in confidence.

-PSALM 16:9

As a child roaming in the attic, I came across two yellowing devotional images on opposite walls. One was the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the other the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I stood in the crossbeams of two astonishing loves and felt penetrated for a moment by the idea of such generosity. Even now, I can see those beautiful faces looking tenderly at each other, and at me.

I Kings 19:19-21

Psalm 16

Luke 241-51

I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.

-GALATIANS 2:19-20

You know Christ lives in you when you find yourself making a choice not because it's good for you, but because it's how Jesus would have done it.

2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13

Psalm 32

Galatians 2:16, 19-21

Luke 7:36-8:3 or 7:36-50

You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.

-MATTHEW 5:38-39

If we took a survey of the least popular teaching in the New Testament, this one might be up there with "Wives be submissive to your husbands." Turning the other cheek, as it's often summarized, is an unattractive idea. It makes you seem like a patsy to the nearest bully. It's a lesson we're reluctant to instill in our children. Yet Jesus insists that his followers refrain from assuming the tactics of the enemies of the Spirit. When violence flares, our response must be peace and gentleness.

1 Kings 21:1-16

Psalm 5

Matthew 538-42

But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father.

-MATTHEW 5:44-45

Add this to the Top Ten Least Loved Biblical Teachings. We don't love our enemies; by definition, we hate them, as they hate us. To pretend that we're all great pals would be ludicrous. Jesus doesn't decree that we have them to dinner-at least, not right away. But he does command that we intercede for them. This gives us the victory in two ways: one, we prove that we're God's children. And two, we call on God's grace to work in their hearts-and in ours.

I Kings 2117-29

Psalm 51

Matthew 5:43-48

As Elijah and Elisba walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

-2 Kinks 2:11

Never was power so dramatically ceded as the day Elijah turned over his authority to Elisha. These two prophets are often confused, since their names are similar and their deeds equally miraculous. You can hardly tell them apart! This is all part of the storyteller's intent: to show how seamlessly the prophets served God's purposes. In today's cult of personality, each of these guys would insist their agents give them distinctive contracts, and one of them would change his name to Brad or Sydney.

2 Kings 2:1, 6-14

Psalm 31

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

And forgive us our tresspasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

-MATTHEW 6:12

Actually, Lord, if you could forgive me just a little bit faster and more completely than I'm inclined to forgive others, I'd be in pretty good shape. The way it stands now, either you have to forgive less, or I have to forgive more, for things to come out even. I know which way you'd prefer to have it, so I'm going to need your help in transforming my heart.

Sirach 48:1-14

Psalm 97

Matthew 6:7-15

For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

-MATTHEW 6:21

My friend Dale stored all of his treasure in heaven. On earth, he didn't have much to tie him down. He preferred not to own more than he could toss in a car and drive away with. He made enough money to care for himself, tending toward living situations that bartered shelter in exchange for labor. He gave his love away at every opportunity, so his heart was always free to receive more. When he died, he didn't owe so much as an apology.

2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20

Psalm 132

Matthew 619-23

Yet my mercy I will not take from bim, not will I belie my faithfulness.

-PSALM 89:34

Someone asked me, "When you write this stuff, are you trying to make us feel guilty?" Is guilt an inappropriate response for those times when we are guilty? I'm no therapist; I'm a catechist. I don't believe healthy guilt is a bad thing. In the tenth century, Romuald became a monk because his father killed a relative in a duel and he felt driven to atone for the crime. Out of his guilt came the founding of the Camaldolese Benedictines. Guilt can take us in some pretty positive directions.

2 Chronicles 24:17-25

Psalm 89

Matthew 6:24-34

If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

-LUKE 9:23

Self-denial describes what a good father does every day. The Father's Day celebration was instituted within fifty years after Mother's Day. Inspired by a mining explosion in which 361 men were lost, Grace Golden Clayton honored those breadwinners in a local observance. Sonora Smart Dodd, raised with five siblings by her single-parent dad, pushed for a national celebration. Although many presidents supported the day, Richard Nixon made it an official holiday. Is a tie really enough to say thanks to Dad?

Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1

Psalm 63

Galatians 3:26-29

Luke 9:18-24

Give us aid against the foe, for worthless is the help of men.

-PSALM 60:13

A patron saint of youth (there's more than one, and this world could use a bushel), Aloysius died young at twentythree. He also lived fast in terms of piety: vowing virginity at the tender age of seven and at thirteen practicing five hours of mental prayer each day. He renounced his considerable inheritance, joined the Jesuits, was a student of three other future saints, and cared for plague victims until he succumbed himself. From the age of reason, Aloysius preferred God's power to that of the world's.

2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18

Psalm 60

Matthew 71-5

You have beard what the kings of Assyria have done to all other countries: they doomed them! Will you, then, be saved?

-2 KINGS 19:11

Every generation seems to choose one great enemy to fight or fear. In my lifetime it was first Communism, then terrorism. Climate change could be next on the list of monsters to be faced down. In biblical times, Assyria was the mother of all threats. Just mention Assyria and knees knocked together. Fifth-century bishop Paulinus of Nola advised fidelity to God when "the foolish voices of worldly men from time to time bark around us." Evil may bark, but God alone can save.

2 Kings 19:96-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36

Psalm 48

Matthew 76, 12-14

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.... So by their fruits you will know them.

-MATTHEW 7:18, 20

The offer was too good to refuse! The new job promised salary, benefits, and career opportunities the likes of which I'd never seen. So I left the city I loved, a warm community, and a great apartment, and ran after the money. I was never so lonely or unhappy. Within a year, I quit and went back to where I came from, taking a decidedly humbler position. Every day was a pleasure.

2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3

Psalm 119

Matthew 7:15-20

[Jobn said,] "What do you suppose that lam? I am not be. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet."

-ACTS 13:25

John the Baptist was often mistaken for Jesus-that is, for the savior of Israel. He, too, had a spectacular birth story, a compelling preaching style, and an authority in his voice that seemed to come from God. When he spoke, people paid attention. But John regularly deflected all claims to fame or importance. He knew who he was, and who he was not. This kind of respectful self-assessment is an aspect of true holiness.

Isaiah 491-6

Psalm 139

Acts 13:22-26

Luke 1:57-66, 80

If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand be forgotten!

-PSALM 137:5

It's easy to get caught up in the present hour, with its distractions and concerns, and forget the sacred context of our lives. It may help to take a tip from the psalmist and identify your own Jerusalem-that meeting ground between you and God. Many of us have had more than one encounter with divine grace that revealed the bigger celestial picture. The birth of a child, aid from an unexpected source, forgiveness that wasn't earned, peace that passed understanding: this, too, is Jerusalem.

2 Kings 25:1-12

Psalm 137

Matthew 8:1-4

Lift up your hands to [God] for the lives of your little ones Who faint from hunger at the corner of every street.

-LAMENTATIONS 2:19

You don't have to live in a refugee camp to know that makeshift tents cannot contain the suffering. You don't have to visit Haiti to be convinced that poverty cries to God for a solution. You don't have to view pictures from the latest natural disaster to imagine that folks around the world wait for our response. We begin by lifting our hands to God for the little ones without voice or choice. Then we ask, "What more can we do?"

Lamentations 22, 10-14, 18-19

Psalm 74

Matthew 8:5-17

No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.

-LUKE 9:62

My neighbor moved away months ago. But he still drives by his old house and the lawn he tended so faithfully. More's the pity. The new owners are trashing everything. That backward glance is heartrending in the Bible, too. Lot's wife looked back for a final glimpse of the home in which she'd loved her husband and raised their daughters. The sight immobilized her and her future was forfeit. Jesus says we can't cling to the past and work for the future. We have to choose.

I Kings 19:166, 19-21

Psalm 16

Galatians 5:1, 13-18

Luke 9:51-62

A scribe approached and said to [Jesus], "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."

-MATTHEW 8:19

His name means "lover of peace." But called to instruct the second-century church, Irenaeus didn't know much peace himself. Heresies sprang up everywhere in the scattered Christian communities, and Irenaeus fought fire with fire. To be fair, some heresy was the result of ignorance. Orthodoxy was still being hammered out doctrine by doctrine. Church-going Catholics even today regularly spout heresies of which they are mostly unaware. Religious education remains a lifelong commitment.

Amos 2:6-10, 13-16

Psalm 50

Matthew 8:18-22

[Jesus said to his disciples,] "But who do you say that I am?"

-MATTHEW 16:15

If one question is the most important question of our lives, it's this one: Who do we say Jesus is? Peter answered it one way, and became the foundational rock of the church. Paul answered it another, and found himself the Apostle to the Gentiles. Consider your answer carefully. It will make all the difference.

Acts 12:1-11

Psalm 34

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

Matthew 16:13-19

Two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met [Jesus]. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road.

-MATTHEW 8:28

The road ahead often seems barred by madmen who make us fearful of crossing. But the one who has the courage to face them down and speak to them with authority may rid us all of the insanity that keeps the future in bondage.

Amos 5:14-15, 21-24

Psalm 50

Matthew 8:28-34

To Amos, Amaziab said: "Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, but never again prophesy in Bethel."

-Amos 7:12-13

The prophet Amos is a hothead. It's clear why King Amaziah wants him to go home. Amos is a southern seer working the northern kingdom beat. It's rather like a U.S. citizen heading to Toronto to tell Canadians their business-or like a Mexican telling the U.S. president to shape up. Amos is from out of town; he says nasty things about your spouse and kids. He's not nice. Still, he could use a friend. Anybody want to adopt a prophet?

Amos 7:10-17

Psalm 19

Matthew 9:1-8

I will cover the loins of all with sackcloth and make every head bald.

-Amos 8:10

Amos, weren't you told to stop prophesying in chapter seven? I guess we can add "poor listening skills" to his list of shortcomings. Here, Amos is not saying that baldness is a punishment from God-he doesn't need the bald lobby after him, too. He's describing the traditional outward signs of repentance: sackcloth and a shaved head. This is part of a longer proclamation against greed, which Amos defines as a form of injustice. If you're greedy and you know it, shave your head.

Amos 8:4-6, 9-12

Psalm 119

Matthew 99-13

Through [Christ Jesus] the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord.

-EPHESIANS 2:21

One thing the apostles were all clear about: without Jesus, they had nothing. That's why the death of Jesus caused them to hide like frightened children. On the far side of the Resurrection, they still understood that Jesus held the church together and made it holy. But they didn't need to see him to believe in him anymore. Like Thomas, they learned that the Body of Christ was more than flesh and blood.

Ephesians 2:19-22

Psalm 117

John 20:24-29

From now on, let no one make troubles forme; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.

-GALATIANS 6:17

Many Americans insist we live in a "Christian" nation. This translates into a nation of folks who believe certain things. Yet some balk at the idea of the suffering that goes along with those beliefs. "We're beyond the idea that suffering is a Christian thing, aren't we?" a churchgoer reproved me recently, like I was missing something obvious. To earn the title Christian, as St. Paul knew, requires the willingness to bear the marks of that name.

Isaiah 66:10-14c

Psalm 66

Galatians 614-18

Luke t0:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9

I will allure berg I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart.

-Hosea 2:16

People said angels were sighted at his first Mass. Anthony Zaccaria began his professional life as a doctor, but his desire spread to the care of the spirit as well as the body. He taught catechism on the side and eventually entered the priesthood. He hoped to speak to the hearts of people by attracting them to the teachings of St. Paul and devotion to the Eucharist. His own era, the sixteenth century, was decadent. He believed we all crave something better, higher.

Hosea 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22

Psalm 145

Matthew 9:18-26

But the Pharisees said, "He drives out demons by the prince of demons."

-MATTHEW 9:34

Some people seem hell-bent on finding the darkness in every situation. Jesus heals the sick and frees the demon bound-and all the Pharisees see is wickedness! If they were around today, they'd team up with the folks at a parish I've heard about who anonymously leaflet the parking lot during Mass. They're always sore about something, and they point the finger at everyone but themselves. Those who are obsessed with evil might benefit from a little demon release of their own.

Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13

Psalm 115

Matthew 9:32-38

Recall the wondrous deeds that [the LORD] has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.

-PSALM 105:5

For the Wondrous Deeds Department: Yesterday, a fragile and tiny plant survived a brutal summer storm. It sat among the wreckage of the yard like a beacon of hope. Also, two neighbors who have disputed their boundary line for months finally buried the hatchet. If that weren't enough, the blueberry season is upon us again. For more wonders, just look around.

Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12

Psalm 105

Matthew 101-7

I drew them with human cords, with bands of love.

-HOSEA 11:4

Nothing in the world has the attractive power of love. When we fall in love, we surrender the barriers that normally hold us aloof and seek to become one with the beloved. Sometimes we even do foolish things in our eagerness to express our feelings. But mature love is equally compelling, fostering commitment, sacrifice, and a lot of hard work every day. It's not as glamorous as first love-ask any harried mother or budget-balancing dad. Yet its bands hold us together stronger than death.

Hosea 11 1-4, 8e-9

Psalm 80

Matthew 107-15

Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.

-MATTHEW 10:16

The serpent-to-dove ratio can be hard to maintain. Some of us are more naturally serpents, able to analyze a situation, insinuate ourselves to best advantage, and then strike. Others make better doves, sweet natured, nonpredatory, just building our nests and rearing our young. Jesus warns us that his followers have to be both in order to survive the realities of discipleship. We can't become too hard or remain too soft for the work that awaits us.

Hosea 14:2-10

Psalm 51

Matthew 10:16-23

Then I beard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" "Here I am," I said, "send me!"

-ISAIAH 6:8

Lord, I know your call to service is an equal opportunity invitation. It's not just prophets and heroes who respond to the sound of your voice, but fruit pickers and office workers and baggers at the supermarket. I know when you say, "Whom shall I send?" you're also waiting for my response. Some days I say, "Send me!" Other times I reply, "What about that nice lady over there?"

Isaiah 6:1-8

Psalm 93

Matthew 10:24-33

[Christ] is the bead of the body, the church.

-COLOSSIANS 1:18

Some Catholics say they are fans of this pope or that one: John Paul II or Benedict XVI, John XXIII or Pius X. Others identify with one of the great Councils: Vatican II of the 1960's or Trent in the 1500's. A particular teaching might have become your spiritual manifesto: liberation theology, Humanae Vitae, or our own bishops' The Challenge of Peace. Beyond our special allegiances, St. Paul reminds us that the church has only one guiding light and one supreme authority.

Deuteronomy 30:10-14

Psalm 69 or 19

Colossians 1:15-20

Luke 10:25-37

Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword.

-MATTHEW 10:34

A local priest tells me he attempts to bring the sword to his assembly in every homily. Other preachers prefer to take a safer approach by entertaining, soothing, and affirming the popular opinion of the community. Bringing "the moment of decision" to the people of God, as theologian Rudolph Bultmann called it, means offering would-be disciples a clear choice: to follow or return home. It's a scary business, but sooner or later, we do have to decide if we're for Jesus or against him.

Isaiah 1:10-17

Psalm 50

Matthew 10:34-11:1

God is with [Mount Zion's] castles, renowned is he as a stronghold.

-PSALM 48:4

What makes a country strong? Having liberty at its center helps. But as biblical history records again and again, a society without God as its strength cannot long endure. In the tenth century, Germany had two future saints on the throne: King Henry II and Queen Kunigunde, his wife. I like to think these spiritual power couples assist each other in the work of grace. When I meet such couples, even today, they seem to radiate generosity and joy.

Isaiah 7:1-9

Psalm 48

Matthew 1120-24

My band has seized like a nest the riches of nations; As one takes eggs left alone, so I took in all the earth; No one fluttered a wing, or opened a mouth, or chirped!

-ISAIAH 10:14

Is God the plunderer of nations? Isaiah isn't calling the Lord a crook, since the world belongs to God. This warning to rich and powerful nations is disturbing-as it's meant to be. Strong nations think they're in charge. Cosmically speaking, that is a great overstatement.

Isaiah 10:5-7, 13b-16

Psalm 94

Matthew 11:25-27

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

-MATTHEW 11:28

Today I bring to you the usual assortment of cares and troubles, Lord. Family members are sick and need healing. Friends are jobless, struggling with addictions or depression, are worried about their children. The arthritis is pestering me. My friend's grand scheme to help the poor is in need of some help itself. Upon these and many other concerns, shower your grace and mercy!

Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19

Psalm 102

Matthew 1128-30

See, I will make the shadow cast by the sun on the stairway to the terrace of Ahaz go back the ten steps it has advanced.

-ISAIAH 38:8

Fun in the sun, Scripture-style: time moves backwards as the shadows move in opposition to their normal route. Isaiah pronounces this sign for King Hezekiah, who despairs of his life during a serious illness. It's not the only example of biblical time tricks: Joshua prays for the sun to stand still for a whole day while he battles his enemies (see Joshua 10:12-14). These strange signs point to a cosmic rather than historic truth: that God is the Lord of time and space.

Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8

Isaiah 38

Matthew 121-8

Why, 0 LORD, do you stand aloof? Why hide in times of distress? Proudly the wicked harass the afflicted, who are caught in the devices the wicked have contrived.

-PSALM 10:1-2

Lord, I know you pose the psalmist's question back at us: Why don't you do something to stop the scoundrels and to rescue the poor? You're right there! That's why I put you there!

Micah 2:1-5

Psalm 10

Matthew 1214-21

The LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebintb of Mamre, as be sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot.

-GENESIS 18:1

If ever a tree was a symbol of welcome and hospitality, it's that huge terebinth in the desert of Mamre. Abraham set up his tent there in order to enjoy its shade. When God arrived in the form of three strangers, even the Lord shared its cool comfort. In today's gospel, Martha's magnificent dinner party imitates the feast Sarah and Abraham once prepared for their Lord. Her hospitality became the terebinth that sheltered Jesus.

Genesis 18:1-10a

Psalm 15

Colossians 1:24-28

Luke 10:38-42

Shall I give my first-born for my crime, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

-MICAH 6:7

I hope it's clear that the answer to the prophet's question is an unqualified "no." In ancient Israel, child sacrifice was still being practiced at the fringes of society under Canaanite influence. Canaanite became a code word in Israel for "really awful people." Yet sometimes we do sacrifice the next generation on the altar of greed: exploiting natural resources, cutting programs for education, offering an example of indifference to the young. "Canaanites" are hardly an extinct species.

Micah 6:1-4, 6-8

Psalm 50

Matthew 1238-42

And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, [Jesus] said, "Here are my mother and my brothers."

-MATTHEW 12:49

Blood is thicker than water. Yet faith is often more obliging than genes, as Jesus points out when informed that his family is waiting outside. The family of Christ is not recognized by facial features. The resemblance is under the skin, more noticeable in words and deeds. According to tradition, first-century Bishop Apollinarius received his commission to ministry from St. Peter himself. His kinship to Peter-and to Jesus-was seen in his gifts of healing and ultimate self-surrender.

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20

Psalm 85

Matthew 12:46-50

'Ab, Lord GoD!" I said, "I know not how to speak; I am too young."

-JEREMIAH 1:6

Don't try to hide behind your age, whatever it may be. God dismisses that excuse three times before breakfast. Lawrence of Brindisi understood that youth was no exemption: he entered the Capuchin Franciscans at sixteen. Later, he attempted retirement several times, but was called back into service by kings who valued his peacemaking skills. For this he earned the title "Doctor of Conversions and Missions." There's no retirement from the service of love.

Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10

Psalm 71

Matthew 13:1-9

O God, you are my God whom Iseek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.

-PSALM 63:2

Mary Magdalene suffered from demon possession during a terrible chapter of her life before she met Jesus. He threw them out (all seven of them, according to Luke 8:2) and she was free. Now that she could choose, she chose Jesus. Body and soul, she belonged to him.

Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13

Psalm 63

John 20:1-2, 11-18

They will in those days no longer say, "The ark of the covenant of the LORDI" They will no longer think of it, or remember it, or miss it, or make another.

-JEREMIAH 3:16

The Ark of the Covenant is a big deal in the Old Testament. God gives the blueprints for the ark to Moses at Sinai, and the ark becomes the holiest object in the world. It's the seat where God sits on earth. Yet Jeremiah foretells a day when no one will even miss it. God has an even greater intimacy in mind for those who are faithful.

Jeremiah 3:14-17

Jeremiah 31

Matthew 13:18-23

Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you.

-PSALM 84:5

If your happiness lies in God, you will always be happy. The boy who became the hermit Sharbel was the son of a Lebanese mule driver and was raised by an uncle who didn't share his nephew's enthusiasm for all things religious. So he sneaked away to join a monastery and eventually retreated further to become a hermit. His joy was so great, he levitated when he prayed. When in need of a spiritual lift, try praise.

Jeremiah 7:1-11

Psalm 84

Matthew 1324-30

And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

-LUKE 11:9

I'm forced by the testimony of my own life to admit this advice is true, every word of it. When I ask God for help, I get it. When I seek God, I find God. When I knock on the door in front of me, it opens. The trouble arises when I don't ask, don't seek, don't knock. What is it, cowardice or laziness, that keeps me from doing the one thing that works?

Genesis 1820-32

Psalm 138

Colossians 2:12-14

Luke 11:1-13

The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in afield.

-MATTHEW 13:31

In Matthew's Gospel, Joseph gets the word about the birth of Jesus from an angel. In Luke, Mary does. But in an early, nonbiblical story called The Birth of Mary, Joachim and Anne have simultaneous visitations foretelling their daughter's arrival. He leaves the shepherding fields and she runs from the house, meeting under Jerusalem's Golden Gate. There, they exchange a kiss of joy because the kingdom of heaven is often like a baby that has no chance of being conceived-and yet it is.

Jeremiah 13:1-11

Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21

Matthew 13:31-35

We wait for Peace, to no avail; for a time of healing, but terror comes instead.

-JEREMIAH 14:19

I'm a world-class worrier. When the Olympic Committee comes up with an Anxiety Competition, I'm out to take the gold. In the meantime, worry is a waste of energy. It does nothing but distract our attention and wear us down. Its health consequences are legion. The only constructive uses believers can make of their anxious cares are first to pray, then to act.

Jeremiah 14:17-22

Psalm 79

Matthew 13:36-43

The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in afield, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

-MATTHEW 13:44

In war-prone lands like Israel, people often buried their wealth during the siege and occupation, hoping to dig it up again in better times. Some didn't last to see those better times, however, nor did their heirs. So the treasure lay buried, a joyful secret waiting to be discovered. The good news of the gospel is like that, hidden in plain sight awaiting our discovery.

Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21

Psalm 59

Matthew 13:44-46

Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

-JEREMIAH 18:6

Watch a potter at the wheel. Sometimes the clay is well formed from the start and just gets better, taking on a shape both lovely and useful. At other times, it develops a glitch that just worsens with time and effort. Eventually, a wise potter will discard that lump and start again. In the gospel, Martha was a good pot, serviceable from the beginning. In time, through continued contact with Jesus, she became the lovely vessel she was always meant to be.

Jeremiah 18:1-6

Psalm 146

John 11:19-27, or Luke 10:38-42

A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.

-MATTHEW 13:57

No one knows if Peter Chrysologus was dismissed by his original neighbors. He's honored now, having gained the dream of every writer: his life has been forgotten, while his writings survive. He is named the "Doctor of Homilies" for his wordplay and memorable images. He once noted it's better to make the soul into a gold mine than to bury one's soul in a goldmine. If your preacher needs a homily doctor, page Dr. Peter.

Jeremiah 26:1-9

Psalm 69

Matthew 1354-58

Rescue me from the mire; may I not sink!

-PSALM 69:15

This is my all-purpose prayer for the average workweek: don't let me sink and drown! Ignatius of Loyola had a better one, which he penned at the bottom of many of his letters: "May it please the supreme and divine Goodness to give us the abundant grace ever to know his most holy will and perfectly to fulfill it." If we follow the good and holy will of God, drowning is not an option.

Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24

Psalm 69

Matthew 14:1-12

Vanity of vanities, says Qobeletb, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!

-ECCLESIASTES 1:2

Rarely is the same word used five times in a single verse of Scripture. Clearly the "vanity"-or futility-of this world is troubling to our friend Qoheleth. His name means "Assembler." Perhaps he brings the assembly together, as teacher and presider; or else he's the assembler of ideas popular in his generation. Writing just before the time of Jesus, Qoheleth reflects the disappointment people felt pursuing material goals. Many in our age are world-weary, too. What lasting hope do we offer them?

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

Psalm 95

Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Luke 12:13-21

From your ordinances I turn not away, for you have instructed me.

-PSALM 119:102

With God as our guide, how can we stumble? This is the hopeful attitude that propelled folks like Peter Eymard. It's hard to be a saint and a pessimist. Growing up in the antiCatholic aftermath of the French Revolution, Peter hoped to become a priest. His health was poor, though, and finishing seminary took awhile. He initiated many projects, but money was always a problem. Still, his vision of an empowered laity anticipated many renewals of the two Vatican Councils yet to come. Dream big!

Jeremiah 28:1-17

Psalm 119

Matthew 14:13-21

But when [Peter] saw bow strong the wind was be became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

-MATTHEW 14:30

The storm at sea is raging. Yet Peter, at a word from Jesus ("Come") gets out of the boat and attempts to defy gravity and logic. We love him for this, our Peter. He is so eager to do as Jesus asks. But he forgets that he does not have the faith Jesus has, and so he begins to sink. Even as he goes under, Peter remembers whom he follows. "Lord, save me!" he cries. It's the right response.

Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22

Psalm 102

Matthew 14:22-36, or 15:1-2, 10-14

With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you.

-JEREMIAH 31:3

Ever notice how old couples love each other? "Sit on his other side," a lady whispers to me in regard to her husband, "He can hear you better." It's heartwarming to watch how they look out for one another in tender, long-practiced ways. She chuckles when he repeats a story he likes to tell. He beams with pride when she mentions an honor she once received. Their love is instinctive, their support for each other absolute. God, too, is an age-old lover of humanity.

Jeremiah 31:1-7

Jeremiah 31

Matthew 1521-28

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

-MATTHEW 16:18

The foundation of the church is not a cement floor, but a flesh-and-blood friend of Jesus. And the church itself is not a building, but a community of friends who gather to share some wonderful news. When we celebrate a basilica, as we do several times a year, it's not really about the place, but what goes on inside that space and has gone on through history. Generations of believers have met and celebrated, just as we still do. Together, we are the church!

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm 51

Matthew 16:13-23

"This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain.

-2 PETER 1:17-18

At the time of the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John were sworn to secrecy about what they saw and heard up there on the mountain. Later, the story became something they were delighted to share far and wide. What stories are we eager to tell, and how helpful are they to those who hear them?

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Psalm 97

2 Peter 1:16-19

Luke 9:28b-36

I will stand at my guard post, and station myself upon the rampart, And keep watch to see what [the LORD] will say to me, and what answer he will give to my complaint.

-HABAKKUK 2:1

To be a prophet, you must be fearless. That may include boldly protesting before God the conditions of your generation. Habakkuk registered his complaint and stood back, awaiting the divine response. Saints like Cajetan were likewise prophetic in working within the conditions of their generation. Cajetan opened pawnshops for the poor-to help folks, not to exploit them. The times we live in supply the tools of regeneration.

Habakkuk 1:12-2:4

Psalm 9

Matthew 17:14-20

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.

-HEBREWS 11:1

Back in college, my roommate hung one of those Argus posters on the wall bearing this verse from Hebrews. It was illustrated by a simple loaf of bread and a glass of wine. We students read these words every day without really understanding them. Yet young people are always hoping for what is yet to be and pinning their hopes on an unseen future. Now clear it seems to me now that all we put our faith in then has come to pass!

Wisdom 18:6-9

Psalm 33

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12

Luke 12:32-48 or 12:35-40

Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day was the splendor that surrounded [the LORD].

-EZEKIEL 1:28

Prophets hear what no one else can hear, or see things no one else can see. This makes them seem crazy. Maybe they are mad for God. Ezekiel was among the prophets who saw a vision of heaven. It makes for hair-raising literature. Edith Stein, later Sr. Teresa Benedicta, also sought a vision of ultimate truth. She tried philosophy, but found truth at last in the story of Teresa of Avila. Converting to Christianity, she died at Auschwitz, a martyr to two faiths.

Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c

Psalm 148

Matthew 17:22-27

Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

-2 CORINTHIANS 9:7

I've had spiritual leaders who are brilliant, brooding, long-suffering, and authentic holy women and men. I've also known plenty who had fewer gifts but were more buoyant in their witness. And doggone it, the Good News of Jesus Christ just sounds better coming from someone who's happy about it.

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

Psalm 112

John 12:24-26

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

-MATTHEW 18:20

Friends celebrate the arrival of a new child with a baby shower. The book club agrees to read a challenging work about climate change and discuss possible actions to take. The grief committee brings covered dishes to a recently bereaved man. Two strangers at the bus stop exchange stories about the lessons they learned from their mothers. The local food pantry has volunteers bag groceries for neighbors in need. On Sundays, the community of faith gathers to share the Body and Blood of Christ.

Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22

Psalm 113

Matthew 18:15-20

Now, son of man, during the day while they are looking on, prepare your baggage as though for exile, and again while they are looking on, migrate from where you live to another place.

-EZEKIEL 12:3

Performance artists are in a peculiar racket. Rather than hanging their masterpiece on a wall or sculpting it for a courtyard, they-for a brief time-embody the art they seek to express. Some prophets also used the performance technique, acting out the message they sought to convey. So Ezekiel packed his bags and left home, demonstrating the exile to come. What if your preacher showed up in the sanctuary this Sunday, bags in hand?

Ezekiel 12:1-12

Psalm 78

Matthew 18:21-19:1

Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.

-MATTHEW 19:6

My friends who come from homes of divorce often speak of the absent parent more than the one who stuck around. Even when we think a family is separated once and for all, those phantom limbs still feel the pain.

Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63, or 16:59-63

Isaiah 12

Matthew 193-12

A clean heart create for me, 0 God; and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

-PSALM 51:12

We take care with our daily personal hygiene. Plus, we do our laundry, wash our cars, and fill the dishwasher night after night. Once in a while, we even get around to cleaning the bathroom and doing the floors. So why do we overlook the vital purifying regimen of the heart? The sacrament of reconciliation awaits all comers.

Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32

Psalm 51

Matthew 1913-15

Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth.

-REVELATION 12:4

Mary our Mother is often depicted standing on a serpent, effectively crushing the authority of the sin that burdens the world. Today, we read about how that monster, grown to full dragon size by the legacy of sin, attempts to thwart the divine plan of salvation by swallowing her child. It cannot succeed. Life conquers death, saving beats destroying, love enjoys the victory over hatred-every time. So the Child overwhelms the dragon.

Vigil:

1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2

Psalm 132

I Corinthians 15:54b-57

Luke 1127-28

Day:

Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ah

Psalm 45

I Corinthians 15:20-27

Luke 1:39-56

A young man approached Jesus and said, "Teacher, wbat good must I do to gain eternal life?"

-MATTHEW 19:16

Gospel questions are frequently aimed at all of us. What must you and I do to gain eternal life? Stephen of Hungary doubtless asked this question of himself. A ten-year-old convert to the faith, he became his country's first Catholic king, gaining recognition from the pope for his widespread evangelizing efforts. The death of his son left him distraught that he would have no Catholic heir to leave his country, but his true legacy is that he remains Hungary's patron saint. What will our legacy be?

Ezekiel 24:15-23

Deuteronomy 32

Matthew 19:16-22

And yet you are [mortal], and not a god, however you may think yourself like a god.

-EZEKIEL 28:2

Three Ways We Behave Like Gods:

1. We believe everything depends on us and our actions.

2. We think our way is the right way, no matter what anyone else has to offer.

3. We want to be in control of the future.

One Important Way to Confirm Our Mortality: Bow to a higher authority daily.

Ezekiel 28:1-10

Deuteronomy 32

Matthew 19:23-30

[The vineyard owner] said to one of them in reply, "My friend, I am not cheating you.... Are you envious because I am generous? 11

-MATTHEW 20:13, 15

Jealousy makes our spirits bitter. The envious entertain dark questions: Why is she better loved or be more attractive than I am? Why do their kind reap all the riches and advantages? How do those folks get away with what they do? Without realizing it, we're accusing God, designer of the universe, of cheating us. Meanwhile, we neither recognize nor cultivate the gifts that God, with abundant generosity, has heaped on us.

Ezekiel 34:1-11

Psalm 23

Matthew 201-16

I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts.

-EZEKIEL 36:26

A stony heart is a dead weight in the chest. It refuses to forgive the parent who failed, to let the disappointing spouse closer, to open itself to compassion when the unwelcome folk come into view. It fortifies itself against the religious impulse because twenty centuries of Christianity don't seem to have much improved the human race. Stony hearts are of no use when love is near. They must be abandoned like a shell so that we may be vulnerable to love's entry.

Ezekiel 36:23-28

Psalm 51

Matthew 221-14

The second [commandment] is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

-MATTHEW 22:39

From twin and slender threads hang all of divine revelation: love God, and love your neighbor. These two commandments spawned the whole law of Israel and centuries of prophecy. Love of God overwhelmed Moses at the burning bush. Love of Israel burdened Jeremiah like a yoke. These two loves are so inseparable, it makes no sense to speak of one without the other. The scholar before Jesus asked for one great commandment. He was forced to take two.

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Psalm 107

Matthew 2234-40

Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.

-PSALM 85:11

Many long for the day when love and truth will finally embrace. Much of the time, proponents of one warily encircle the other. Too often an adherent of truth becomes the judge of love; meanwhile, the champion of love scoffs at the demands of truth. Pope Pius X stood at the crossroads of such controversy. He encouraged spiritual renewal in areas of liturgy and church law. Yet he opposed contemporary scholars advocating engagement with the modern world. Love and truth remain at arm's length.

Ezekiel 43:1-7b

Psalm 85

Matthew 23:1-12

[The master of the house] will say to you in reply, "I do not know where you are from."

-LUKE 13:25

To knock at the door of heaven and be unrecognized! This would be the greatest disaster of all. Yet how do we become the familiar friends of God? It's not enough to come to the table. It's not enough to say "Lord, Lord." It's not enough to listen to Christian teaching. Personal righteousness sounds good, until we hear that some who are last will be first. Sinners can only be known as the friends of God when they enter through the narrow door of repentance.

Isaiah 6618-21

Psalm 117

Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

Luke 13:22-30

We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling.

-2 THESSALONIANS 1:11

Sometimes, to answer the call you receive requires ingenuity. Rose of Lima, the first saint of the Americas, took the Dominican habit in a town without convents. So she lived in a cell in her garden, using the family home as an infirmary for poor children and the infirm elderly. There are as many ways to express the Christian vocation as there are Christians. Be creative!

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12

Psalm 96

Matthew 23:13-22

But Nathanael said to [Philip], "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see."

-JOHN 1:46

Two names denote the same apostle in different Gospels. Bar means "son of," so Bartholomew identifies Nathanael as the "son of Tolmai" in Aramaic. What became of St. Bartholomew after his acceptance into the band of brothers? Tradition says he preached in India and was martyred in Armenia. What we know for sure is that he took Philip up on the offer to "come and see." What he saw changed his life forever.

Revelation 21:9b-14

Psalm 145

John 1:45-51

We wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.

-2 THESSALONIANS 3:9

Learning is a lifelong process. The church has a comprehensive commitment to the education of its members, from parochial schools to universities, and from sacramental preparation of our young to adult faith formation of our eldest seniors. Many saints, like Joseph Calasanz, set out to make educational opportunities broader and more inclusive of those most in need of them: the poor and the homeless. Education is not an add-on mission of the church. As we learn, so we live.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18

Psalm 128

Matthew 2327-32

Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.

-MATTHEW 24:42

Into every hour of the day, the Lord slips silently and often unnoticed. I failed to see the exhaustion in the face of the woman at the supermarket before I set my cart in an inconvenient location. She labored around it, wincing at the extra effort. I also wasn't paying attention to the child's innocent pleasure when I yelled at him to mind my flowers. Each hour is filled with tiny chances to offer a smile, a kind word, or a cookie.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Psalm 145

Matthew 24:42-51

Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?

-1 CORINTHIANS 1:20

I turn off the TV. I put down the newsmagazine. I am so weary of following the debates of world leaders and the talking heads of analysis. Is it that no one gets it, or that those who get it can't personally afford to say so? I pray for courageous and visionary leaders and uncompromised sages.

I Corinthians 1:17-25

Psalm 33

Matthew 25:1-13

The servant said], "Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more."

-MATTHEW 25:20

I, too, received five talents. One I put in the bank to hedge my bets. Another I invested and doubled. A third I gambled and lost. A fourth I gave to an influential person, hoping to court favor in the future. The fifth I spent on a good time, figuring I've earned it. What will the Lord say to me when my spotty stewardship is revealed?

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Psalm 33

Matthew 25:14-30

The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.

-PSALM 68:6-7

What happens, I wonder, to prisoners of prosperity? Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta noted the spiritual poverty of affluent nations. She hardly knew how to touch the suffering of First-World peoples, who don't know how desperate their situation is. Sometimes I feel my own material security closing in on me, narrowing my sight lines on reality and eclipsing my compassion.

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Psalm 68

Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a

Luke 14:1, 7-14

[The citizens of Nazareth] rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill ... to hurl him down headlong.

-LUKE 4:29

Why did the good people of Jesus' hometown want to kill him? For suggesting that God might not prefer them over their enemies? For noting that God often assisted people they personally despised? Jesus presumed to say that God did not share their nationalist point of view. It was a shocking idea then, as it is now.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Psalm 119

Luke 416-30

What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God!

-LUKE 4:34

The evil spirits have no problem identifying the Holy One. Why do those who follow a religious path often find recognizing Jesus such a challenge?

1 Corinthians 2:106-16

Psalm 145

Luke 4:31-37

What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? ... I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth.

-1 CORINTHIANS 3:5, 6

Our parish has just received its third pastor in four years. It's hard on a faith community when the leadership changes hands like a banana republic. We've gone from Paul's steady teaching to the bold charisma of Apollos, and now on to a fellow who remains as yet unknown to us. What keeps the community together is recalling regularly that it's not about the pastor; it's about what God is doing in our midst.

I Corinthians 3:1-9

Psalm 33

Luke 438-44

Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked bard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets."

-LUKE 5:5

Peter's a realist. He works with his hands, trusting the feel of the rope, the ship's motion, what he sees developing on the horizon. It's hard to deceive a down-to-earth fisherman. So what prompted him to follow the dream of a new kingdom coming? Something Peter heard from this preacher while he stood washing his nets at the shore made him trust in the unseen and untouchable. For the first time, Peter trusted in another man's authority. So he lowered his nets one more time.

1 Corinthians 3:18-23

Psalm 24

Luke 51-11

It does not concern mein the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself.... The one who judges me is the Lord.

-1 CORINTHIANS 4:3, 4

How quickly we puff up with a gust of flattery-or wilt under criticism! How completely have we sold our selfesteem to others, in whose eyes we seek to read our worth. The only one we need to please is God.

I Corinthians 4:1-5

Psalm 37

Luke 5:33-39

Jesus] said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath."

-LUKE 6:5

How do I demonstrate that I believe in the Lord of the Sabbath? Gathering with the community of faith on Sunday is a good start. Some folks observe a day of rest; others work to support their families. I know people who won't transact business on a Sunday, not even so much as ordering a pizza, since someone else has to make it and deliver it. Others feel the pizzamaker needs the money and offer a bigger tip to the Sunday worker.

I Corinthians 4:6b-15

Psalm 145

Luke 61-5

For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns.

-WISDOM 9:15

The body weighs heavily on the soul. A simple cold can derail us for a week. How much more can mortality affect our plans? My sister's mother-in-law, Lyn, died before the birth of her first grandchild. She would have been the best kind of grandmother, but she never even got to babysit. Still, my sister reflects that Lyn has sponsored every birthday party her kids now enjoy. "She left us the money to give our kids the life they know." The good we do exceeds our earthen vessels.

Wisdom 9:13-18b

Psalm 90

Philemon 1:9-10, 12-17

Luke 14:25-33

[Jesus said to the man with the withered band], "Stretch out your band." He did so and his band was restored. But they became enraged.

-LUKE 6:10-11

What's wrong with this picture? A miraculous healing restores a man's hand. The response of the religious leaders is outrage. The case seems to hinge on a technicality: the fellow was healed on the Sabbath. But honestly, no matter what Jesus did or when he did it, somebody took offense. If divine love and compassion is not your motivation, God's will is bound to offend you.

I Corinthians 5:1-8

Psalm 5

Luke 6:6-11

Let them praise [God's] name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

-PSALM 149:3

All through the Bible, dancing is a religious activity. Prophets did it to warm up for the mystical communion with God's Word. People danced in thanksgiving for what God had done for them, as at the Red Sea victory; or to praise God, as this psalmist does. Yet some modern religious leaders condemn dancing as an invitation to the devil. Its appropriateness in the liturgy is hotly debated. Will the tambourine and lyre be banished, too?

I Corinthians 6:1-11

Psalm 149

Luke 6:12-19

The Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

-MATTHEW 1:1

Where do you come from? Our roots are important to understanding who we are-a fact that some celebrate with pride and others hide for shame. If we follow the genealogy of Jesus, we find people in his past both famous and a little notorious. Most were simply obscure. Some of Jesus' own neighbors found scandal in the rumors of his more immediate lineage, implying that Jesus was not his father's son. In every way that mattered, he most certainly was.

Micah 5:1-4a, or Romans 8:28-30

Psalm 13

Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23

Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I may not cause my brother to sin.

-1 CORINTHIANS 8:13

The eating-meat-sacrificed-to-idols issue doesn't come up much these days. But there are other ways we help build up or tear down our neighbors by our choices. A rehab counselor was challenged by a client, "If you stop drinking, I will." The counselor agreed to share the struggle. An overweight husband begged his wife not to simply feed him carrot sticks, but to join him in a healthier lifestyle. Friends stop smoking together. Whole offices give up swearing. Help me be better by your example!

I Corinthians 8:tb-7, 11-13

Psalm 139

Luke 6:27-38

Wby do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?

-LUKE 6:41

It's easy to criticize. We tend to point out the faults of others before their virtues. One night at a dinner party, however, two couples got into what appeared to be a praise-fest. One husband extolled the virtues of his wife; the other husband raised the bar bragging about his. Eventually, even the wives were amazed. Now often do couples insist on building each other up in public rather than making their spouses the punch line of every joke?

I Corinthians 9:16-19, 22b-27

Psalm 84

Luke 6:39-42

Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

-1 CORINTHIANS 10:17

Consider participating in an experiment: See how long you can go without being a source of division. Don't speak a divisive word. Offer reconciliation and a peaceful spirit to all. Promote unity and harmony where you live, work, and travel. If you begin soon, there may be time to win the Nobel Peace Prize before you die. Better still, you win the Christian discipleship award, which has eternal benefits.

I Corinthians 1014-22

Psalm 116

Luke 643-49

"I see bow stiff-necked this people is," continued the LORD to Moses. "Let me alone, then, that my wrath may blaze up against them to consume them. Then I will make of you a great nation."

-EXODUS 32:9-10

It was a turning point in salvation history-as indeed, every moment is. God was sick of Israel and Moses didn't blame the Lord one bit. These were an unmanageable lot! But destroying the nation was far from the original goal of saving them. Change lanes now, and history would move off in a whole new direction. So Moses chose, fatefully, to stand in the breech.

Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14

Psalm 51

I Timothy 1:12-17

Luke 15:1-32 or 15:1-10

Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.... but say the word and let my servant be healed.

-LUKE 7:6, 7

The centurion who approached Jesus for his servant's sake understood how authority works. Those who take orders do not give them; therefore, he came to Jesus to ask, not to demand. John Chrysostom lamented that his generation did not grasp that they enjoyed no authority over their wealth; greed made them servants to it. "Haven't I said to you constantly that wealth is a runaway slave?" he lamented. The slave had a previous owner-and will escape you just the same.

I Corinthians 11:17-26, 33

Psalm 40

Luke 7:1-10

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

-JOHN 3:17

I think when we experience the exaltation in this statement, we will be Christians at last. And until we embrace the joy of this message, we may be a lot of things, but they won't be Christian.

Numbers 214b-9

Psalm 78

Philippians 2:6-11

John 3:13-17

Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

-1 CORINTHIANS 13:7

The Southwest Spanish missions are rarely without an image of Our Lady of Sorrows. Pierced at her side by a single sword, or with bared heart encircled by seven daggers, the suffering Mother made sense to early converts among the indigenous peoples. They knew how mothers suffer in childbirth and long years of child rearing. They had faith in the maternal capacity to forgive offenses and to welcome the offender back home. Love's ability to believe, hope, and endure hasn't changed.

I Corinthians 12:31-13:13

Psalm 31

John 19:25-27, or Luke 2:33-35

Then he turned to the woman [who had washed his feet] and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman?"

-LUKE 7:44

The problem with Simon the Pharisee is that he could not see the woman. Oh, he saw a sinner touching Jesus. And he saw a holy man allowing himself to be rendered unclean. He saw his own dinner party tainted by this dismaying action. What he could not see was the loving, tender, humble, and repentant heart of this woman. Nor could he see the mercy of God at work in forgiving and saving her. Often, we see just what we're looking for.

I Corinthians 15:1-1I

Psalm 118

Luke 7:36-50

Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

-PSALM 17:8

This morning I'm going to hide in God's protective shadow. The cares of the world are just too much for me today. The needs of those I love seem too big to bear. Though I must soon step into the fast lane of the day, I remain under cover of divine security. The force field of grace surrounds me and I am safe.

I Corinthians 15:12-20

Psalm 17

Luke 8:1-3

Someone may say, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come back?"

-1 CORINTHIANS 15:35

When it comes to life after death, Paul offers metaphysics but very few specifics. Even Jesus noted merely that after death, we are "like angels"-without supplying what angels are like. So the term "glorified bodies" is what we are stuck with. Certainly every airbrushed celebrity you've ever seen on a magazine cover pales in comparison. The glorified body will be as good on the inside as it looks on the surface.

I Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49

Psalm 56

Luke 8.4-15

First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.

-1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2

Praying for those who lead, whether we like them or not, is a Christian obligation. It's probably more important to pray for people we didn't hope to elect but got anyway. That goes for clergy appointed to serve us, bosses whose decisions affect us, professors who teach the unavoidable course, parents (whom nobody gets to pick), and all in authority. God knows they need our prayers!

Amos 84-7

Psalm 113

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Luke 16:1-13 or 16:10-13

Say not to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give," when you can give at once.

-PROVERBS 3:28

The truly generous are enthusiastic when faced with the opportunity to give. My grandmother was like that. Her face became radiant when someone had a need to which she could respond. At age fifteen, Andrew Kim Taegon was also overwhelmed by the chance to give. He left his home in Korea to study for ordination in China, returning in secret as Korea's first native priest. He and layman Paul Chong Hasang and 101 others freely gave everything they had to give.

Proverbs 3:27-34

Psalm 15

Luke 8:16-18

Through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.

-PSALM 19:5

Gospel writers had one of the finest jobs in salvation history. They got to share the Good News-unlike the classic prophets, who dealt in bad news much of the time. In the elite quartet of evangelists, Matthew was first among equals: the church fathers favored his Gospel as a handbook for leadership. St. Augustine insisted that Matthew's account head up the New Testament, even though Mark's version was written earlier. Matthew's Beatitudes remain among the best-loved passages in literature.

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Psalm 19

Matthew 9:9-13

[Jesus] said to them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic."

-LUKE 9:3

Life begins in poverty. We own nothing, and we're dependent on others for our very survival. But after a few short years, most of us have a pretty full sack and more than a few tunics to our name. I've met plenty of toddlers with bedrooms larger than my first apartment! How do we unlearn the way of acquisition? How do we teach children that things are not what make the journey worthwhile?

Proverbs 305-9

Psalm 119

Luke 9:1-6

What profit has man from all the labor which be toils at under the sun?

-ECCLESIASTES 1:3

Surely there are happier folks in the world than the wistful and disappointed writer of Ecclesiastes. My sister Diane, who died at forty-two, shrugged it off when I asked urgently about her fatal diagnosis. "I always did what I wanted to do. I married the man I loved, had my children, lived the life I wanted. What's left undone?" Those who live without regrets also die without them.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11

Psalm 90

Luke 97-9

God] has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts.

-ECCLESIASTES 3:11

The cycles of human history encircle us: birthing and dying, planting and harvesting, killing and healing, weeping and laughing. We want to pick and choose among these experiences, lingering with some and forestalling others. Sometimes our will is all that's needed, but at other times we have no choice in what unfolds. Still, something timeless in our hearts suggests that we were made for eternity, where peace has no counterpoint, and love has no end.

Ecclesiastes 31-11

Psalm 144

Luke 9:18-22

[Jesus said to his disciples,] "Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men."

-LUKE 9:44

Did the disciples understand what Jesus was saying? Of course not. Nor do we. It's not the way of the world that ultimate power surrenders itself to weakness. Even in the movies, good guys win and bad guys pay. What Jesus was proposing was simply ridiculous. Why should the Son of Man, who preached with authority, healed the sick, and walked on water, hand himself over to a measly bunch like the Sanhedrin? The first should never be last, kingdom or no kingdom.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8

Psalm 90

Luke 9:43b-45

They drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best oils, yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph!

-ANlos 6:6

Joseph, the youngest of Jacob's sons, is ever on the verge of collapsing. He's the metaphor for the weaker brother we should be looking out for. My friend received an appeal from a foreign mission, asking for aid. She wrote a little check and felt good about it. Then she went to the mall and promptly spent twice as much on nonsense. Ashamed, she returned home and wrote five more checks to catch a few more Josephs before they fall.

Amos 6:la, 4-7

Psalm 146

I Timothy 6:11-16

Luke 16:19-31

For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.

-LUKE 9:48

Vincent de Paul enjoys the happy privilege of having his name be synonymous with works of charity. Early in his priesthood, he was captured by pirates and enslaved. This experience shaped his later desire to work among slaves and convicts. He also helped the sick, poor, and orphaned, and gathered others to do to the same. When asked near the end of his life what else he could possibly hope to accomplish, his answer was simple: "More." Through his Society, he does.

Job 1:6-22

Psalm 17

Luke 9:46-50

Why did I not perish at birth, come forth from the womb and expire?

-JOB 3:11

Why do we live, only to die? This question is at the heart of the great philosophical traditions. Christianity answers it by affirming eternal life in a world as yet unseen. Such belief is the only way to explain the actions of the great missionaries to whom Christianity owes its global presence. Lawrence Ruiz, a married Filipino sailor, agreed to navigate a ship bearing Dominicans to missionary-hostile Japan. His faith made the voyage necessary. It also made bartering his life a reasonable proposition.

Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23

Psalm 88

Luke 951-56

Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

-JOHN 1:51

Michael is the one who battles the forces of evil, casting Satan into hell. Gabriel is the messenger who brings good tidings of great joy. Raphael is the faithful guardian, keeping a boy out of trouble on his first trip away from home. These and many other nameless angels appear in the pages of the Bible and, we believe, in the rest of human history. If we haven't seen an angel lately, perhaps we're not looking in the right places.

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, or Revelation 12:7-12a

Psalm 138

John 1:47-51

Ob, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever!

-JOB 19:23-24

Jerome, the fourth-century "Doctor of Biblical Science," forged the sacred Testaments through his own fierce nature. He studied the ancient languages to make the first great Bible translation. This lifelong occupation led the monk to view himself through its text, as in his reading of John, chapter 11: "I lie in the tomb of my sins, bound in the chains of iniquity, and wait for the Lord's gospel cry: Jerome, come forth."

Job 19:21-27

Psalm 27

Luke 10:1-12

I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works.

-PSALM 139:14

Each of us is composed of wonder. The old lady huddled on the bus, the young guy lounging on the corner-all of us are fearfully, wonderfully made in God's image. Therese of Lisieux, who died a few miles from where she was born and never did anything remarkable in her lifetime, tapped into this great mystery in uncovering her true purpose: "My vocation is love! Yes I have found my place in the Church ... in the heart of the Church, my Mother, I shall be love."

Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5

Psalm 139

Luke 10:13-16

For to his angels he has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways.

-PSALM 91:11

The church has officially celebrated guardian angels since Pope Paul V put this feast on the calendar in 1615. But these guardians were acknowledged since biblical times in books like Genesis, Tobit, and the Gospel of Matthew. The understanding is that from birth to death you are accompanied by a guardian. This angel's sole duty is to protect, advise, and intercede for you. How busy do you keep your angel?

Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17

Psalm 91

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

-2 TIMOTHY 1:7

Fear has no place in the life of the believer. Yet every day we suffer hesitation, anxiety, second-guessing, and outright yellow-bellied behavior. Catherine Doherty's prayer reminds us how to live: "Lord, give me the heart of a child, and the awesome courage to live it out as an adult."

Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4

Psalm 95

2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

Luke 17:5-10

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test [Jesus] and said, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

-LUKE 10:25

A young man of Assisi knelt down to ask Jesus a far different question than that of the proud scholar: "My Jesus, I am all yours. You know I have nothing besides my tunic, cord, and underpants. And even these three things are yours. So what can I give you?" (from Third Consideration on the Sacred Stigmata by Francis of Assisi.)

Galatians 1:6-12

Psalm 111

Luke 10:25-37

They only kept bearing that ""the one who once was persecuting us is now preaching the faith be once tried to destroy."

-GALATIANS 1:23

The kingdom of heaven is an upside-down place. There, the last are first, virgins become mothers, the poor get the Good News, and the dead come back to life. Along the road to Damascus one day, Jesus met Paul and stood that zealous Pharisee on his head. Paul got to see the world from the kingdom perspective. After that, he preached the faith he had tried to destroy. A good headstand once a day might keep our values straight and our vision true.

Galatians 1:13-24

Psalm 139

Luke 1038-42

[Jesus] said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come."

-LUKE 11:2

Your name is holy, Lord. Your reign is coming. I believe these things. Yet I still need food every day, and mercy for my deep ignorance. I need to be challenged to show mercy to those who hurt me, even through my pain. Most of all, I need protection from the great evil that covers the world and threatens, sometimes, to shake my faith in good people and holy things.

Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14

Psalm 117

Luke 111-4

Through his holy prophets [God] promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.

-LUKE 1:70-71

The most amazing rosary I've ever seen is preserved under glass at St. Alphonsus Church in Baltimore. It was handmade by a prisoner in Siberia who saved breadcrumbs from her meals and moistened them to fashion the beads and the cross. She used strands of her hair to string them together. Praying this rosary enabled her to maintain the will to live and hope for the future. This story may seem fantastic, but I know many people whose lives have been held together with rosary beads.

Galatians 3:1-5

Luke I

Luke 115-13

[God] foretold the good news to Abraham, saying, "Through you shall all the nations be blessed."

-GALATIANS 3:8

People can be portals of blessing in the world. In the story of salvation history, Abraham was such a portal, as was Mary of Nazareth. How can you and I become conduits of blessing? We might start by choosing not to be gateways of "cursing forces," as the Bible defines them. Let's not allow the negative energy of hate, resentment, envy, prejudice, blame, or greed to enter the world through us.

Galatians 3:7-14

Psalm 111

Luke 11:15-26

For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.

-GALATIANS 3:26

For the children of God, even thinking small achieves big things. John Leonardi was falsely accused of having a large ego. Exiled from his hometown for most of his life, he was forced to take up residence with another saint-inthe-making, Philip Neri. Philip gave John a place to stay and (a tiny kindness) his pet cat. Meanwhile, John started a religious order bound through history not to grow beyond fifteen communities. It remains today a small seed of goodness in the world. Little graces, big effects!

Galatians 3:22-29

Psalm 105

Luke 11:27-28

"Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then [Jesus] said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

-LUKE 17:18-19

Whose prayers get God's attention better? The Christian more than the Jew? The Muslim before the Buddhist? The person who offers petitions in a church above the one who mumbles them in a bar? It doesn't seem that prayers-or their pray-ers-have their ID checked at the door. What matters most is the right prayer at the right time.

2 Kings 514-17

Psalm 98

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Luke 17:11-19

He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up th poor.

-PSALM 113:7

These words from the psalmist remind me of the poet Emma Lazarus, whose poem, "The New Colossus," is quoted at the base of the Statue of Liberty:

Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1

Psalm 113

Luke 11:29-32

You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.

-LUKE 11:40-41

Is Jesus saying we can buy our way out of our sins? Even if he were, most of us don't have a bank account big enough to cover the check. What he is saying is that our inner world must be on speaking terms with the outer one. We can't neaten up the exterior self and expect that the rot inside will be suitably masked. One way to bring the whole person together is sacrificial giving. Exercising compassion does bring the heart into alignment with grace.

Galatians 5:1-6

Psalm 119

Luke 11:37-41

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

-GALATIANS 5:22-23

Here's a blueprint for what our lives should look like. How many of Paul's nine fruits are blooming in you? If you discover all nine, Paul says, you don't have to worry about the book being thrown at you in the end. You pass the entrance exam into the reign of God! On the other hand, if you're missing a few-or many-consider posting this checklist on the bathroom mirror. Remind yourself daily what a Spirit-filled person should possess.

Galatians 5:18-25

Psalm I

Luke 1142-46

God] has made known to us the mystery of his will ... to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.

-EPHESIANS 1:9, 10

Whatever I do with my days, it better add up to Christ in the end. God doesn't mind if I'm a mason or a magician, a salesclerk or a scientist. I can be worth a lot or a little in the eyes of the world. Throngs may show up at my funeral, or just the guy who throws the dirt in the hole. These things are not the measure of me. Only the harmony of my life with the beauty of Christ counts.

Ephesians 1:1-10

Psalm 98

Luke 1147-54

Do not be afraid.

-LUKE 12:7

Tee shirts have a great advantage over books. For one thing, more people read them. Also, anything that needs to be said is best said in brevity. Consider these four words, repeated often in the Gospels: Do not be afraid. What more does a faithful disciple need to know? Teresa of Avila made a life of sanctity out of bold moves and fearless leadership. She became the first woman doctor of the church. What would you be, if you stopped being afraid?

Ephesians 1:11-14

Psalm 33

Luke 12:1-7

May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened.

-EPHESIANS 1:18

Enlightened hearts often come paired with afflicted bodies. Margaret Mary Alacoque suffered paralytic seizures, yet through a lifetime of pain enjoyed a vision of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that would become one of the most popular devotions in history. Through unity with the Sacred Heart, her own heart expanded: In order to make good use of time we must love ardently and constantly; we must surrender ourselves entirely to love, leaving it to act for us." Those who see through the heart, see rightly.

Ephesians 1:15-23

Psalm 8

Luke 128-12

Moses' hands, however, grew tired.... Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset.

-EXODUS 17:12

This image stays fresh and comforting in my mind. Three old men-eighty and upwards!-carry the battle over Amalek. Too frail to engage the enemy as soldiers, they fight the spiritual battle on the hill above the conflict. One prays; the others hold up his weary arms. Many elders in the church today continue to fulfill this vital role as prayer warriors over our conflicted world. If your own prayer starts to flag, enlist a friend!

Exodus 17:8-13

Psalm 121

2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Luke 18:1-8

Demas, enamored of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Luke is the only one with me.

-2 TIMOTHY 4:10-11

Little is known of the Gospel evangelists. But this letter fragment preserves the tradition that Luke was faithful during Paul's long imprisonment. This fits with the Luke we meet in Acts of the Apostles, who shares part of the mission trail with Paul. Luke remains a faithful friend to the whole church by offering us one of the best written, and most demanding, Gospel accounts. Luke, thanks for giving up the allure of the present world for our sake.

2 Timothy 4:10-17b

Psalm 145

Luke t0a-9

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the Blood of Christ.

-EPHESIANS 2:1 3

Missionaries! What drives them to leave home, go far away, enter radically different cultures, to bring the gospel where it isn't? I have friends who are modern-day missionaries. They live in Africa, Russia, Bosnia. They had to learn new languages and now endure difficult climates, both political and natural. They bring food, medicine, and Jesus to places that rarely see these three. Daily, they put themselves in harm's way, as did Isaac Jogues and his companions in martyrdom. And they'd rather die than quit.

Ephesians 212-22

Psalm 85

Luke 1235-38

God indeed is my savior; lam confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.

-ISAIAH 12:2

If missionaries astound, founders equally bewilder. How can you be sure you're called to create something new in the church? Paul of the Cross, founder of the Passionists, was certain of his calling even when all of the original members of his community walked out. His anchor was the cross, as he wrote: "It is very good and holy to consider the passion of our Lord, and to meditate on it, for by this sacred path we reach union with God."

Ephesians 3:2-12

Isaiah 12

Luke 12:39-48

I have come to set the earth on fire, and bow I wish it were already blazing!

-LUKE 12:49

What does it mean to set the world on fire? Usually, it means that we aim to do things to gain ourselves some attention. When Jesus sets the world on fire, however, it's for the purpose of turning all eyes to the One he knows as his Father. We might wish that this were a uniting blaze, but no; it will divide families, communities, and individual hearts. It's a clarifying fire that makes us choose sides and take a stand. There can be no bystanders to this conflagration.

Ephesians 3:14-21

Psalm 33

Luke 1249-53

[Strive] to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace .. . one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

-EPHESIANS 4:3, 5-6

The blazing fire set by Jesus divides. What unites? The Spirit, which brings the bond of peace. Those of us who profess faith in one Lord and one baptism get a foretaste of this peace. But just a taste: the church remains rattled with disharmony through the centuries as its members tug this way and that to achieve a cleaner incarnation of the gospel message. How do you hold a body together whose parts work in opposition?

Ephesians 4:1-6

Psalm 24

Luke 12:54-59

For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. [So] cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?

-LUKE 13:7

Sitting in prison for the crime of brokering peace during a politically motivated war, lawyer John Capistrano might have wondered if he was exhausting the soil of his current profession. When finally released, he switched professions, becoming a Franciscan priest renowned for his preaching. At times we find ourselves stagnant and unproductive in our present affairs. Time to make a change?

Ephesians 4:7-16

Psalm 122

Luke 13:1-9

The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal.

-SIRACH 35:17

Whose prayer is reaching you at the moment, Lord? Is it the young mother worried about how to feed her children today, as yesterday? Is it the farmer looking at his parched fields and another failed harvest? Is it the elderly woman facing encroaching blindness? Is it the teenager descending into despair, or the businessman falling headlong into alcoholism? May I add my own petition: that weakness and self-interest not keep me from caring for those who cross my path today?

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

Psalm 34

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Luke 18:9-14

And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.

-LUKE 13:11

Eighteen years in an abusive environment was enough to cripple her spirit. This young woman was broken and withdrawn, passive to any command. She had no dreams for herself. She did as she was told. No one had ever listened to her, asked her what she wanted or needed. Then Jesus came and put his hands on her, drawing her up straight and looking her right in the eyes. He saw her. Holy, holy, holy! For this unimaginable gift, she glorified God.

Ephesians 4:32-5:8

Psalm I

Luke 13:10-17

Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.

-EPHESIANS 5:21

Everybody wants to be in charge. No one wants to be under the thumb. Subordination sounds one step away from servitude-a heartbeat up from slavery. Yet love serves the beloved with boundless joy, at any cost. If love makes our hearts captive, then we say, "Bring on the chains." Paul tried to say something, smothered in gender roles and strangled by history's prejudices. If we listen carefully, we can hear the true thing beneath all the lies told about it.

Ephesians 5:21-33

Psalm 128

Luke 13:18-21

Someone asked bim, "Lord, will only a few People be saved?"

-LUKE 13:23

Religion remains a numbers game for many who play it. How many will be saved? What's the top commandment? Whose wife will the oft-married woman be in heaven? How many angels dance on the head of a pin? Jesus doesn't like to play the numbers. You ask for one commandment, you get two. You ask if salvation is for the few, he says to use the narrow gate. When it comes to eternity, how high can you count?

Ephesians 6:1-9

Psalm 145

Luke 13:22-30

When day came, [Jesus] called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles.

-LUKE 6:13

Who would Jesus have picked if he were looking for efficient associates who could get things done? John the Baptist was a firebrand of zeal and charism. Mary Magdalene had passionate fidelity. Nicodemus asked good questions, was a willing student, and had Sanhedrin connections. Joseph of Arimathea had money and social position. Martha was a born leader with a bold spirit. His own mother knew how to listen to God and to respond without reservation. In prayer, Jesus was led to twelve surprising others.

Ephesians 2:19-22

Psalm 19

Luke 6:12-16

I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel.

-PHILIPPIANS 1:3-5

Paul's unrestrained words reveal that he gave his heart to the Philippians more than most. They got the message. Friendships in faith are different than other alliances we make. I chat with neighbors warmly over the hedge. I meet some couples for a show and dinner. But those with whom I share my faith, I give myself on a deeper level. A mystical bond shapes our values and motivates our choices. We hold a common love and feel a common outrage. We are one.

Philippians 1:1-11

Psalm 111

Luke 141-6

As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, 0 God.

-PSALM 42:2

The native-woven rug hung in a shop window. A petroglyph deer ran across the expanse of deep blue. I asked the shop owner, "How much?" He told me. Too much. I came many times to visit the deer and each time whispered, "Like the deer yearns for running streams, so my soul is thirsting for you, my God," an older translation of Psalm 42. Finally, on the last day, the owner pulled down the rug and gave it to me. For free! "You know what it is," he said.

Philippians 1:18b-26

Psalm 42

Luke 14:1, 7-11

Now a man there named Zaccbaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was, but be could not see him because of the crowd, for be was short in stature.

-LUKE 19:2-3

Sandy Allen was seven feet, seven inches tall. She was also very lonely. "Perhaps the publicity from your book may brighten my life," she wrote to the folks at Guinness World Records in 1974. Fame made her visible in a way her height never did. She went on to teach children all over that beauty comes in all sizes.

Wisdom 11:22-12:2

Psalm 145

2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2

Luke 19:1-10

These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.

-REVELATION 7:14

"We are all called to be saints. Every one of us has heard, and still hears, ringing in his conscience, the command: "Climb higher"; higher, ever higher, until while we are on this earth we can reach up to grasp the heavens, until we can join our saints, whether they be the venerable saints of old or the wonderful saints of modern times." -Cardinal Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, today known as Blessed Pope John XXIII

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

Psalm 24

I John 3:1-3

Matthew 5:1-12a

Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts.

-ROMANS 5:5

Are you a hopeful person? With all the reasons to give in to cynicism, hope often seems a naive proposal. Yet it's listed among the three theological virtues in I Corinthians 13:13 (along with faith and love) as things that are lasting. These virtues lead to union with God and come as blessings from God. Despair and presumption are the opposites of hope: despair says we are unsalvageable, and presumption says we can save ourselves. Hope rightly places the work of salvation in God's trustworthy hands.

Wisdom 31-9

Psalm 27

Romans 5:5-11

John 6:37-40

or readings from the Masses for the Dead

Do everything witbout grumbling or questioning, that you maybe blameless ... in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights.

-PHILIPPIANS 2:14-15

Martin de Porres was one such light. A Dominican lay brother of mixed race, "Brother Broom" had a special affection for lives unvalued by his crooked generation. He cared for slaves and the sick, established an orphanage, even ran a hospice for dogs and cats from his sister's house. He was said to have gifts of levitation and bilocation, yet his humility was far more remarkable for those with eyes to see.

Philippians 2:12-18

Psalm 27

Luke 14:25-33

Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all [God's] wondrous deeds!

-PSALM 105:2

Perhaps because of his speech impediment, Charles Borromeo was sensitive to how things sound. He oversaw revisions to the missal and breviary, and reformed church music. He also valued silence: "Would you like me to teach you how to grow from virtue to virtue ... 7 Listen, and I will tell you. If a tiny spark of God's love already burns within you, do not expose it to the wind, for it may get blown out.... Stay quiet with God. Do not spend your time in useless chatter."

Philippians 3:3-8a

Psalm 105

Luke 15:1-10

[The rich man] summoned him and said, "What is this I bear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward."

-LUKE 16:2

What if I had to give a full account of my stewardship for this day? I've done little to deserve blame so far. I haven't yelled my head off or cheated anyone. Nor have I done anything to deserve praise. I haven't helped anyone, offered kindness, shown generosity. A day without merit is as good as a day of shame. Think of all the chances to love that I've missed!

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Psalm 122

Luke 161-8

No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

-LUKE 16:13

I keep looking for the loophole. Perhaps I might serve two masters without cheating my allegiance to either one. What if I served God outwardly and loved wealth inwardly? What if I used a fraction of my wealth to serve God? What if I obeyed God religiously, except when my wealth was overtly threatened? Try as I might to get around them, the words of Jesus ring true. Sooner or later, I will have to choose my ultimate loyalty.

Philippians 4:10-19

Psalm 112

Luke 169-15

It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured . . . to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law.

-2 MACCABEES 7:1

It seems like such a tiny thing: eat the pork, save your life. Many who became martyrs were similarly tempted. Offer incense to the emperor god. Spit on the cross. Step on the communion host. Wouldn't God understand if we acted out of self-preservation, or to stay alive for the sake of our families? Moments like these define us. Those who ate the pork had to live with a new identity: as citizens of compromise.

2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14

Psalm 17

2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5

Luke 20:27-38 or 20:27, 34-38

And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, "I am sorry," you should forgive him.

-LUKE 17:4

Forgiveness is the most frequently reported problem to pastors, spiritual directors, confessors, chaplains, and therapists. It's also the primary answer to most of what ails us. We feel we can't forgive, and yet we know we must forgive. Jesus talks about the necessity of forgiveness so often, it can't be a throwaway suggestion. The desperate need for forgiveness is why he hung there on that cross. Once we get forgiveness right, we get everything right.

Titus 1:1-9

Psalm 24

Luke 171-6

Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace.

-JOHN 2:16

Some folks insist that a bingo game in the church hall or a bake sale in the vestibule is a violation of holy ground. Any money that doesn't go into the collection basket shouldn't come out of your wallet near the sanctuary! But much else appears to be bought and sold on church grounds. The impression that we're purchasing God's favor with Masses attended, novenas prayed, or candles lit is a far greater danger. We honor holy places best when we respect God's freedom.

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

Psalm 46

I Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17

John 2:13-22

[Tbe lepers] stood at a distance from bim and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"

-LUKE 17:12-13

Joseph Merrick, more widely known as "the Elephant Man," transcended his disfigurement with a noble spirit, quoting hymnist Isaac Watts:

"Tis true my form is something odd, But blaming me is blaming God. Could I create myself anew, I would not fail in pleasing you. If I could reach from pole to pole, or grasp the ocean with a span, I would be measured by the soul, The mind's the standard of the man."

Titus 3:1-7

Psalm 23

Luke 17:11-19

The LORD sets captives free; the LORD gives sight to the blind. The LORD raises up those who were bowed down; the LORD loves the just.

-PSALM 146:7-8

I wait fiercely for the day when God's wonderful promises will be fulfilled: freedom for those not at liberty, new eyes for those who cannot see, dignity restored to the crushed and fallen. I hunger for this day. I also know I must work toward it.

Philemon 1:7-20

Psalm 146

Luke 17:20-25

But now, Lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing a new commandment but the one we have had from the beginning: let us love one another.

-2 JOHN 1:5

Some of us got the wrong message when we were growing up. "Don't sin" is what we may have heard-but who, short of Mary Immaculate, can hope to accomplish that? "Don't get angry" is another common central commandment we may have absorbed. "Don't do-or think-anything sexual" is also pretty widespread. But there's only one ultimate commandment, which has been with us from the beginning: Love one another.

2 John 1:4-9

Psalm 119

Luke 17:26-37

And a widow in that town used to come to [tbe judge] and say, "Render a just decision for me against my adversary."

-LUKE 18:3

She used to throw rocks through my window at night-the judge later complained to his legal friends, who wondered at his strange softening of heart. She stormed around the property shouting the particulars of her case. She wrote an endless stream of letters and criticized me at the city gate openly. But in the end, what really frightened me was that she was right.

3 John 1:5-8

Psalm 112

Luke 18:1-8

Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven.

-MALACHI 3:19

Out of love for antique words, I counted how often "lo" appears in the Old Testament. Thirty-eight times. It can signal good news, as in "Lo, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud!" But generally, what we're invited to behold is more terrifying. "Lo" is most often followed by a description of apocalypse, either local or total. That day blazes like an oven. Yet the flip side remains true: "Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth!" (Isaiah 65:17)

Malachi 3:19-20a

Psalm 98a

2 Thessalonians 3:7-t2

Luke 21:5-19

They told [tbe blind man], "Tesus of Nazareth is passing by. "

-LUKE 18:37

If Albertus Magnus were here, perhaps he might convince this generation that science is not the enemy of faith. This "Doctor of Science" was considered on a par with Aristotle in his knowledge of the natural world, excelling in botany, physics, geography, astronomy, chemistry, mineralogy, and biology. He also turned his keen analytical mind to Scripture, noting that "Do this in memory of me" was a commandment to do something, to "use this sacrament." Jesus passes by most purposefully. What will we do?

Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5

Psalm I

Luke 1835-43

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone bears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and be with me.

-REVELATION 3:20

The image of Christ knocking at the door is a familiar one. Faithfully, expectantly, he announces his arrival at our threshold. Sometimes we simply ignore the rapping sound, hoping he'll go away. Other times, we hold our breath for fear he'll sense that we're inside. Sometimes, maybe rarely, we peer through the keyhole to see if it's really him. What would happen if we took the fateful step of actually letting him in?

Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22

Psalm 15

Luke 191-10

I, Jobn, had a vision of an open door to heaven, and I beard the trumpetlike voice ... saying, "Come up here and I will show you what must happen afterwards."

-REVELATION 4:1

Visionaries see what is hidden to most of us around the bend of time. Cowards do better with a shorter view, in my opinion. When my friend grew ill, I agreed to care for him. If I had known what signing those power of attorney papers would bring, I'd never have dared to write my name! Yet in hindsight, I know my best hours were spent at that bedside of suffering. A visionary might have seen it, but I wouldn't have believed it.

Revelation 4:1-11

Psalm 150

Luke 19:11-28

Sing to the LORD a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful.

-PSALM 149:1

Does it matter where you are when you "sing to the Lord?" Not all religious structures are created equal. A basilica, or "king's hall," is no ordinary church. It originally described an official building of the Roman Empire. Catholic basilicas host rich liturgical celebrations and are places of pilgrimage to the faithful. Four major patriarchal basilicas are in Rome, including the one dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul. At least sixty minor basilicas can be found in the U.S. Plan a pilgrimage to one and sing a new song!

Revelation 5:1-10

Psalm 149

Luke 19:41-44

In my mouth [the scroll] was like sweet honey, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.

-REVELATION 10:10

Even the sweetest deal can turn sour once fully understood. Religious teachings sound so pleasing when recited in catechism classes or proclaimed from the pulpit. But once you've swallowed the gospel hook, line, and sinker, it can have a sobering aftermath in life consequences.

Revelation 10:8-11

Psalm 119

Luke 1945-48

All the seven [brothers] died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?

-LUKE 20:31-33

Whenever I hear about this hypothetical woman married in turn to seven brothers, my first thought is: of course she finally died. She must have been exhausted! Jesus spares her the marital tug-of-war in eternity by declaring that marriage and family, like other worldly institutions, will not transcend this life. We have to let go of all earthly notions of what the reign of God will be. It won't be about ownership, possessiveness, or property rights. The very definition of freedom awaits us.

Revelation 11:4-12

Psalm 144

Luke 2027-40

Then [the crucified man] said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

-LUKE 23:42

It's the most startling confession of faith in history. A criminal in the throes of his own execution, looks across at another sharing the same fate, and puts his trust in him. He believes in the kingship of Jesus and in the possibility of a late pardon in those crucified hands. Jesus hardly seems like a man who could save himself, hanging there. Yet this stranger shows more faith than the chosen disciples who had seen countless miracles. What did this fellow see, to compel such faith?

2 Samuel 51-3

Psalm 122

Colossians 1:12-20

Luke 23:35-43

The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne.

-REVELATION 14:2-3

It could be the best patronage in heaven. Cecilia is the special saint for musicians, a Christian muse for whom many wrote lyrics of praise. She is most often portrayed playing the organ; it was once claimed that this secondcentury saint invented the organ. Actually, all we know is that Cecilia "sang in her heart to the Lord" while an organ played at her unwelcome nuptials. To honor Cecilia on her feast, make a joyful noise!

Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5

Psalm 24

Luke 21:1-4

All that you see here-the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.

-LUKE 21:6

This world is not for keeps. Sixth-century Abbot Columban advised his monks to remember how everything returns to dust, including ourselves: "Since we are travelers and pilgrims in the world, let us ever ponder on the end of the road, that is of our life, for the end of our roadway is our home." We live in time with an eye on eternity.

Revelation 14:14-19

Psalm 96

Luke 215-11

Let the rivers clap their bands, the mountains shout with them for joy.

-PSALM 98:8

Ever hear a river clap with enthusiasm for its happy course, or a mountain shout for the sheer joy of being a mountain? If not, you haven't been paying attention. Time to get out of the city and listen to nature sing God's praises.

Revelation 15:1-4

Psalm 98

Luke 21:12-19

Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb."

-REVELATION 19:9

The heavenly banquet will doubtless be a marvelous feast. Today we celebrate with another festive meal-the only flaws being that it has calories and will end, though the leftovers may linger awhile. I had a friend who used to make up plates of Thanksgiving leftovers, and later in the day walk them around the part of town where the homeless gathered. "It's the other half of giving thanks," she explained.

Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a

Psalm 100

Luke 2120-28

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

-LUKE 21:33

The trees are bare. The earth is cold. Sunset comes earlier each day. It is not hard to imagine that the world itself might be passing away, as the ancients once feared in wintertime. The church year itself is rapidly coming to a close. Yet in the darkest hours of the year, we believe, a Word will take flesh and come to live with us. The season of hope is nearly here.

Revelation 20:1-4, 11-21:2

Psalm 84

Luke 21:29-33

Behold, I am coming soon.

-REVELATION 22:7

How much joy did the early Christians feel when these five words were first proclaimed in their persecuted gathering! The thought of Christ's return kept them going most days. That happy arrival meant the end of suffering, loss, and grief. It signaled the start of a new life, hope, and freedom almost too wonderful to bear in oft-broken hearts. Even in more tranquil times, our hearts are too fragile to hold the wonder of the arrival from ahead of us," as theologian Jurgen Moltmann called it. Come, Lord Jesus!

Revelation 22:1-7

Psalm 95

Luke 21:34-36

Today is the last Saturday of ordinary time, marking the close of this liturgical year. The new liturgical year begins tomorrow with the first Sunday of Advent. The transition from one year to the next also marks the beginning of the Year A Scripture readings that will continue through November 26, 2011.

While the reflections in this book will continue through the end of the calendar year, you can switch at any point to the 2011 edition which starts on the first Sunday of Advent. To order the special 10th Anniversary edition, 2011: A Book of Grace-Filled Days, by Margaret Silf, visit us online at www.loyolapress.com/store.

In days to come, The mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established as the highest mountain. . All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say: "Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain . . That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths."

-ISAIAH 2:2-3

What if we followers of God were so clearly wise and good that others came to us for help? We wouldn't need to "sell" faith; its benefits would be obvious. The prophet looked forward to such a time, and so should we. If we are faithful, God will draw others to see the grace behind our lives.

Isaiah 21-5

Psalm 122

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:37-44

The centurion said in reply, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof only say the word and my servant will be healed."

-MATTHEW 8:8

The church has incorporated the centurion's words in the Mass, just before we partake of the Eucharist: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, only say the word and I shall be healed." This is our confidence in God. No matter our struggle, our sin, or even our doubt, we can cling to thisthat it only takes a word from God to heal us. This hope keeps us looking forward.

Isaiah 4:2-6

Psalm 122

Matthew 8:5-11

But bow can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And bow can they bear without someone to preach?

-ROMANS 10:14

Andrew, one of the first people to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, introduced Jesus to his brother, Simon Peter. As one of the twelve apostles, Andrew was an important participant in Jesus' ministry and, later, in that of the early church. We can participate in God's work simply by following Andrew's example, introducing Jesus to those in our natural circles of influence. People meet Jesus through people like us, who keep telling the story.

Romans 10:9-18

Psalm 19

Matthew 418-22

Then be took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over-seven baskets full.

-MATTHEW 15:36-37

The crowds Jesus fed were surprised, and for good reason: he had multiplied bread and fish before their eyes. Should we, who have known this story for so long, be surprised at what happens when Christ comes to us? During this Advent season, do we truly anticipate that God will work in us-even though we're just hungry people, as those crowds were? What do we expect, from the abundance of God's love?

Isaiah 25:6-10a

Psalm 23

Matthew 15:29-37

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.

-MATTHEW 7:24

Carrying out one act of kindness or justice really is like laying a stone upon which others can be placed. We act, and then experience spiritual satisfaction or the positive response of others; thus, we are compelled to act that way again. Jesus provided a way to live that continually strengthens our lives and builds within us habits for the good of ourselves and of those around us.

Isaiah 26:1-6

Psalm 118

Matthew 721, 24-27

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living.

-PSALM 27:13

Francis Xavier was a Jesuit who truly expected to see God's goodness everywhere. As a pioneer missionary, he carried the Christian faith to India and Japan. He planned to go to China, but before he could make the journey, he fell ill and died in 1552. Like Francis, our confidence in God enables us to venture far and accomplish what others might see as impossible.

Isaiah 29:17-24

Psalm 27

Matthew 9:27-31

No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: "This is the way; walk in it," when you would turn to the right or to the left.

-ISAIAH 30:20-21

In this passage of Isaiah we see the promise of Jesus, who would walk among us, visibly and publicly. We also see hints of the Holy Spirit's presence, guiding us like a voice in our ear. Jesus' coming to earth began a whole new era in humanity's relationship with God of the universe. Ever after, our contact would be palpable, and personal.

Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26

Psalm 147

Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.

-ROMANS 15:7

Soon we will gather with loved ones for the holiday. We look forward to opening the door to guests, and also being welcomed into others' homes. We will probably spend time with people we don't see very often, and so these times are precious to us. Could we extend this love and anticipation to the ordinary meetings and greetings in the year to come? Do we understand that fellowship is always a miracle, a grace from God?

Isaiah 111-10

Psalm 72

Romans 15:4-9

Matthew 3:1-12

I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD for he proclaims peace to his people.

-PSALM 85:9

We consider Advent a time of waiting, and often we think of waiting as passive. But when we wait as the palmist did, this season fills with movement and attention. What does it take to listen for God? Perhaps an uncluttered place and a set time when other concerns are put aside. Listening requires an alert posture and an open mind. To wait for a word from God is itself an act of faith.

Isaiah 35:1-10

Psalm 85

Luke 517-26

Let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful... . Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice. The shall exult before the LORD, for he comes ... to rule the earth.

-PSALM 96:11-13

The psalmist is speaking poetically, yet we know that the landscape does sometimes rejoice: when the surf roars or a breeze ruffles prairie grasses, when a mountain glows at sunset, or when a forest fills with snow. Why not walk through our winter days-whatever the weather-and let our spirits join in the praise?

Isaiah 40:1-11

Psalm 96

Matthew 1812-14

The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the Power of the Most Higb will overshadow you.

-LUKE 1:35

Mary inhabits a special place in the kingdom of God. The church recognizes her spirit of humility and service in accepting her call to be the mother of Jesus. Likewise, the Holy Spirit waits to come upon each one of us, every day. The Most High longs to overshadow us, to carry us to our callings, to lift each and every one of us to a place in this kingdom only we can inhabit.

Genesis 39-15, 20

Psalm 98

Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

Luke 1:26-38

Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations.

-PSALM 145:13

Philosophies come and go. Trends in theology and religion wax and wane. But God's power and love overshadow it all. When our words and ideas fall away, and our ideologies rise and then crumble, God's eternal communication to his creation will stand, and whatever the Holy Spirit accomplishes in this world will truly last.

Isaiah 41:13-20

Psalm 145

Matthew 11:11-15

To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who ... call to one another, "We Played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn."

-MATTHEW 11:16-17

With these words, Jesus points out that human beings are impossible to please. We might also compare ourselves to children on Christmas morning who focus on the gifts they didn't get, or who grow tired of their pile of new toys by afternoon. No matter what God offers, we have the capacity for dissatisfaction. This is why we need to be reborn, to have our hearts converted; otherwise, we cannot enjoy the gifts of God.

Isaiah 48:17-19

Psalm I

Matthew 1116-19

"But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their bands." Then the disciples understood that be was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

-MATTHEW 17:12-13

Although history continues to move forward, parallels exist between past, present, and future. Jesus pointed out the connections between the Old Testament prophet Elijah, John the Baptist, and himself. Whatever our mission today, we can gain encouragement from those who served before us and prepare for those who will come after us. This is but one beauty of the communion of saints.

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

Psalm 80

Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of Christ, he sent his disciples to him with this question, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"

-MATTHEW 11:2-3

If we are to recognize the presence and activity of God, spiritual insight is required. John the Baptist was the first to recognize Jesus for who he was, yet in the heat of tribulation John was plagued by doubt and conflict. Jesus sent reassurance to John; and he deals with us patiently, as well. May we have the courage to ask the hard questions, as John did.

Isaiah 351-6a, 10

Psalm 146

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

The utterance of one who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows, Of one who sees what the Almighty sees, enraptured, and with eyes unveiled.

-NUMBERS 24:4

These were the words of the prophet Balaam, but they offer a perfect description of Jesus, who would become the ultimate prophet of all time. When Jesus arrived as one of us, the world knew a person who understood God intimately and represented God perfectly. In befriending Jesus, we befriend God of the universe.

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a

Psalm 25

Matthew 2123-27

For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, That they all may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one accord.

-ZEPHANIAH 3:9

We usually live as though it were up to us to purify ourselves for God's service. But the ability to be changed and purified is itself a gift from God. God always takes the initiative with us. The greatest proof of this is Jesus' coming to be born, grow up, and live among us. In fact, Jesus' presence makes way for our spiritual transformation.

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13

Psalm 34

Matthew 2128-32

Truth shall spring out of the earth; and justice shall look down from heaven.

-PSALM 85:12

The universe is God's. Our earthly home, though damaged by sin, continues to give evidence of God's very nature. The child Jesus grew up on the earth; the star shone down from heaven. It is our privilege every day to look all around us for divine life.

Isaiah 456b-8, 18, 21b-25

Psalm 85

Luke 7:18b-23

Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you nor my covenant of Peace be shaken, says the LORD, who has mercy on you.

-ISAIAH 54:10

This was a powerful promise from God to the people of Israel, long before Jesus was born. Holy love was the bond between God and creation. But with Jesus' arrival, that love went even further and came to reside with us. We are not merely objects of God's love but true participants in the relationship between God the Father and God the Son.

Isaiah 541-10

Psalm 30

Luke 7:24-30

Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob, listen to Israel, your father.

-GENESIS 49:2

We owe much of the richness of the Christian faith to the storytelling of the Jewish people. Through the generations, they remembered that they were the people of God. They passed down the accounts of God's actions in their midst. As a boy, Jesus learned this history, memorized the stories, and recited the Scriptures. When we follow the liturgies of this season, we receive ancient gifts and pass them on again.

Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Psalm 72

Matthew 1:1-17

Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land.

-JEREMIAH 23:5

The mission of the Messiah was always understood to be centered upon justice. We cannot separate Jesus from this mission, even all these centuries after his time upon earth. To receive Jesus' life is to carry out, in our own lives, the mission for a just and loving world.

Jeremiah 23:5-8

Psalm 72

Matthew 1:18-25

The LORD spoke to Abaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, "I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!". . . Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin conceive.

-ISAIAH 7:10-12, 14

Sometimes we are too shy with God. We don't ask for anything. We don't go out on a limb. We don't dare to have questions. In other words, we hesitate to truly engage with God. Yet God continues to say, "Ask!"

Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalm 24

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-24

But [Mary] was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."

-LUKE 1:29-30

Do we really notice that Mary went through some very uncomfortable and frightening moments? The nativity story has become so familiar that we see it as a smooth, grace-filled sequence of events, rather than the true-to-life, disconcerting journey it really was. When we struggle to go where God leads us, we are in very good company.

Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalm 24

Luke 126-38

The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.

-ZEPHANIAH 3:17-18

It is God's great desire that we be renewed by divine love. May Christmastide bring us fresh joy and a rejuvenated sense of God's purposes for us. Our first purpose: to be loved, and to love. The warmth we might experience in the midst of family and friends this season merely hints at the passion by which the Lord comes to us.

Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Psalm 33

Luke 1:39-45

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich be has sent away empty.

-LUKE 1:52-53

What a daring message to come from a young girl of an oppressed population! Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed a world turned upside down. What was taking place inside her-the coming of the Messiah-would cause a radical shift in the world as she knew it. These prophetic words belong to us still.

1 Samuel 1:24-28

I Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8

Luke 1:46-56

Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way.

-PSALM 25:8-9

St. John Cantius, who lived during the fifteenth century, was known above all for his great humility. Humility is an openness to God that is not hampered by ego or personal grasping. When we are free to be so open, we become teachable and much easier to guide and help. God longs to guide each person, but each person has the capacity to get in the way.

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24

Psalm 25

Luke 157-66

In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

-LUKE 1:78-79

This description of God's love merits some time for meditation. Each phrase can stand alone as a prayer of thanksgiving and also a plea for help.

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

Psalm 89

Luke 1:67-79

The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age.

-TIT Lis 2:11-12

Jesus is here! We now have a way to follow. We have a loving and patient teacher to help us live the destiny for which we were created. We have the spiritual means to live joyously and justly. Our wisdom is deepened and our gifts liberated to create the kingdom of God, here and now.

Vigil:

Isaiah 621-5

Psalm 89

Acts 13:16-17, 22-25

Matthew 1:1-25 or 118-25

Midnight:

Isaiah 9:1-6

Psalm 96

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14

Dawn:

Isaiah 6211-12

Psalm 97

Titus 3:4-7

Luke 215-20

Day:

Isaiah 52:7-10

Psalm 98

Hebrews 1:1-6

John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another,, as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

-COLOSSIANS 3:12-13

All Christians are now part of the holy family of God. Even as we venerate the original holy family, we grow in the qualities that perfected their love. And, like Mary and Joseph, we are chosen to accompany Jesus in every place and thus introduce to the world God's presence and grace.

Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14

Psalm 128

Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Wbat was from the beginning, ... we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to uswhat we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you.

-1 JOHN 1:1-3

The calling of the apostles was to proclaim to others the Christ they had seen, heard, and touched. All that is required of any of us is to testify to what we know. You and I have experienced God's presence in specific ways and situations, and when we tell our stories, the Holy Spirit uses that testimony to speak to people's lives and hearts.

I John 1:1-4

Psalm 97

John 20:1a, 2-8

Had not the LORD been with uswhen men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive, When their fury was inflamed against us.

-PSALM 124:2-3

The people of Israel had suffered much through the generations-warfare, famine, slavery, and exile-but as a people God had sustained them. When we hear of genocide, natural disasters, widespread famine and disease, we can pray for God's providence in the midst of apparent chaos and destruction. There is always another story going on behind the story that we see. God is at work in every situation, no matter how grim.

I John 1:5-2:2

Psalm 124

Matthew 213-18

Whoever bates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where be is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

-1 JOHN 2:11

The holiday season is filled with tradition, rituals, and family gatherings. Surely darkness could not dwell in the midst of all that! But we know better. Traditions can clash with the desires of a younger generation. Our love of ritual can cause us to exclude others. And family gatherings are sometimes riddled with resentments, grudges, and old hurts. Lord, please heal our many forms of hatred.

I John 2:3-11

Psalm 96

Luke 2:22-35

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

-LUKE 2:40

Jesus' life was a process of growth. He walked into his destiny one day at a time. May we receive each day as an opportunity to imitate Christ, whether in growing strong, building good spiritual habits, acquiring wisdom, or enjoying God's great favor.

I John 2:12-17

Psalm 96

Luke 2:36-40

Sing to the LORD a new song, sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name, announce his salvation, day after day.

-PSALM 96:1-2

What an appropriate passage for starting the New Year! Through our words and deeds, we will create new verses to this eternal song of the Lord. And we will sing it far and wide, for all to hear.

1 John 2:18-21

Psalm 96

John 1:1-18