February 6, 2015

Paul Miki et soc.

February 6, 2015:  St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs



  • 'Hearts' suspenders:  Let brotherly love continue (1st reading)
  • 'Angel' pin:  Some have entertained angels (1st reading)
  • 'Question mark' tie pin:  King Herod was perplexed (gospel)
  • 'Silverware' tie bar:  Herod gave a banquet... (gospel)
  • 'Headless skeleton' tie pin:  ...and had John beheaded (gospel)
  • Red shirt:  Martyrdom of St. Paul Miki +25 (today's memorial), +today's martyrs (Pope's homily) 
  • 'Camera' tie pin:  remembering Tom O'Neill's 1977 Christmas ornament of St. Paul Miki wearing a made-in-Japan camera
Listen

For the psalm

    • The Lord is my Light, from I will bless the Lord at all times/ Haas (newer, related but different)

  • Dance of the Seven Veils, from Salome/ Strauss (gospel):  no link because I marked this site as free of adult content
Pope Francis homily
John the Baptist never betrayed his vocation; he always proclaimed the Messiah was at hand.  He was aware he was only a voice, because the Word was Someone Else, and he ended his life like Jesus, martyred.  When he ended up in prison at Herod's hands,  the "greatest man born of woman" became very small.  He was struck by a dark night of the soul, doubting Jesus is the One he prepared the way for, and again when he met his end.  After John's ongoing slide into nothingness and the path towards annihilation of Jesus, his life ends, under the authority of a mediocre, corrupt king, at the whim of a dancer and an adulteress's vindictive hatred.
I think of today's martyrs, persecuted, hated, driven out, tortured, massacred, meeting their end under the authority of corrupt people who hate Christ.  Today we remember Paul Miki of 1600, but think of our martyrs of 2015.  The abasement of "John the Great" makes me think we're all on this road.  I too will meet my end.  No one can "buy" their life.  All of us are travelling on the road of the annihilation of life; it  makes me pray it's as similar as possible to Jesus Christ's.
Read
  • Heb 13:1-8  Let brotherly love continue.  Don't neglect hospitality, through which some have entertained angels.  Remember prisoners and the ill-treated.  Honor marriage and be faithful.  Don't love money; be content with what you have.  Remember your leaders who spoke God's word to you; imitate their faith.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
    Wordle: Readings 2-6-15
  • Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc  "The Lord is my light and my salvation."  Whom should I fear?  You'll shelter me.  I seek You.
  • Mk 6:14-29  King Herod heard Jesus called John the Baptist raised from the dead, Elijah, or a prophet.  Herod liked to hear John but wanted to kill him because he said it wasn't lawful for him to have his brother’s wife.  At Herod's birthday banquet after his daughter's dance, he promised her anything.  She asked her mother what to ask for, then ask her dad for John's head.  Distressed though he was, he had him killed and brought her the head.  John's disciples came and buried him.
Reflect
    • Creighton:  Jesuit novice Paul Miki was crucified with 25 others, singing hymns to God on their crosses.  “The sentence of judgment says we came to Japan from the Philippines, but I didn't; I'm a true Japanese.  I'm only being killed because I taught Christ....  Ask Christ to help you become happy.  I don't hate my persecutors; I forgive them.  I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall as a fruitful rain.”
      Salome with the head of
      John the Baptist/ Caravaggio
    • One Bread One Body:  "Pure courage":  John the Baptist had the love and courage to tell Herod:  "It's wrong for you to live with your brother's wife." The writer of Hebrews had the love and courage to teach:  "Honor marriage and keep the marriage bed undefiled."  Paul proclaimed, "No lustful person—an idolater—has an inheritance in the kingdom...."  Jesus, Truth and Love, taught, "If you look lustfully at a woman, you've committed adultery with her....  If your eye is your trouble, gouge it out!"  Be pure and call others to purity.  Stand up for purity; stand up for life.
    • Passionist:  Truth mattered to John, but anger and resentment blinded Herodias from accepting it.  We can feel we're in a pressure-cooker with deadlines and responsibilities at work, in family, with friends..., pressured to conform/compromise.  Do I make decisions manipulated by pressure instead of based on the truth of Christ?  Jesus suffered and died because he stood for God's truth.  But God's forgiveness and presence is truer than any pressure.
    • DailyScripture.net:  Do I rely on God's grace to choose holiness and reject compromise?  Herod had everything he wanted but a clear conscience.  John Chrysostom re death of John the Baptist:
    "How was this just man harmed by imprisonment and violent death?  Who didn't he set back on their feet—provided they were penitent—from what he spoke, suffered, and still proclaimsmdash;the message he preached while living.  So don't say, "Why was he allowed to die?"  It wasn't a death but a crown, not an end but the beginning of greater life.  Think and live like a Christian; you won't only stay unharmed by these events but will reap the benefits."  (On the Providence of God 22.10, paraphrased)
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    February 5, 2015

    Agatha

    February 5, 2015:  St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

    • 'Angel with trumpet' pin:  You haven't approached fire, darkness, storm, trumpet blast... but the city of God and angels... (1st reading)
    • 'Blood drop' pin (oops, fell off on the way to work; watch for it either when I find it or give blood again, or look here):  ...and the sprinkled Blood (1st reading)
    • Sandals (not shown):  Wear sandals (gospel)
    • White and red shirt:  St. Agatha, virgin and martyr
    Listen

    1st reading- and psalm-inspired
    Gospel-inspired

    Pope Francis homily
    Jesus’ disciples must have no frills attached because the Gospel must be proclaimed in poverty; it's the good news of liberation:  The mission of the Church is liberation, healing, caring.   The Church is like a field hospital.  So many need their wounds healed!  Our mission is to heal, open doors, free people, and say God is our good, forgiving, tender, Father, waiting for us.  Distracting attention from this proclamation misrepresents our mission and loses sight of what matters:  bringing Christ to the poor, the blind, the prisoners.  When we forget poverty and apostolic zeal and instead hope in human means, the Church becomes an NGO, beautiful and powerful but not evangelical, lacking that spirit, that poverty, that power to heal.
    Jesus took the disciples with him to rest, but he didn't say, "You're great!"  but, "Tell yourself, 'We're useless servants.'"  The most beautiful praise for apostles is, "They were workers of the Kingdom," choosing Jesus’ path of proclamation, healing, proclaiming the good news, fostering peace, so people rediscover the Father.
    Read

    • Heb 12:18-19, 21-24  You haven't approached what could be touched, fire, darkness, storm, trumpet blast, and terrifying words; you've approached the city of God, angels in festal gathering, those enrolled in heaven, God the judge, spirits of the just, Jesus, and Blood that speaks more eloquently than Abel's.
      Wordle: Readings 2-5-15
    • Ps 48:2-4, 9-11  "O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple."  Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised in the city of God.  His mountain is the joy of the earth....
    • Mk 6:7-13  Jesus sent the Twelve out with authority, two by two.  “Take only a walking stick–no food, sack, or money.  If you're not welcomed or listened to, leave and shake the dust off your feet.”  They preached repentance, drove out demons, and anointed and cured the sick.
    Reflect
      • Creighton:  "Marching orders":  We don't wish for 'demons' but must battle them, and wounds can go deep.  Jesus tells his disciples to travel vulnerable and keep their shoes on.  Shaking the dust off your feet is fundamental to authority over demons.
      • One Bread One Body:  "Talking blood":  This is an age of martyrdom.  Martyrs' blood cries out for justice.  We live in oceans of innocent shed blood crying out for mercy for people of the culture of death....
      • Passionist:  God is an approachable, merciful mediator and will provide us all we need to do his work.  May I recognize when it's not my work to do and humbly shake the dust...
      • DailyScripture.net:  Jesus gave his apostles power and authority to act in his name and told them to travel light; poverty of spirit frees us, making room for God's provision. He wants me to depend on him so he can work through me.  Am I ready to place myself at his service?
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      February 4, 2015

      Feb. 4

      February 4, 2015:  Wednesday, 4th week, Ordinary Time

      • 'Blood drop' pin:  You haven't struggled to the point of shedding blood (1st reading)
      • 'Girl with heart' pin:  Don't lose heart when reproved (1st reading)
      • 'School' tie:  Jesus taught in the synagogue (gospel)
      • 'Owl' tie pin:  "What kind of wisdom has been given him?" (gospel)
      • 'Hammer' and 'nail' tie pins:  "Isn't he the carpenter?"  (gospel)
      • 'Hand' tie pin:  He cured a few sick people by laying hands on them. (gospel)
      • Green shirt (and socks):  Ordinary Time season
      Listen

      Pope Francis audience
      Proverbs speaks of the joy and pride fathers feel as they see their children mature; that sums up fathers' demanding but indispensable role in the family and society.  Good fathers must discipline their hearts to deal patiently with their children; they teach them by giving a daily example of love and integrity.  Fathers must be present and engaged in family life; it's sad they're often absent.
      Jesus points to God our Father as model of fatherhood.  Like the prodigal son's father, God waits patiently for his children to return and is there to welcome them with mercy and forgiveness.  Fathers, strive like St. Joseph to protect your children and teach them wisdom, faith, and integrity.
      Read
        Wordle: Readings 2-4-15
      • Heb 12:4-7, 11-15  You've forgotten the exhortation:  Son, don't disdain the Lord's discipline or lose heart when he reproves you; he disciplines the ones he loves.  Endure your trials.  What father doesn't discipline his children?  Discipline seems a cause for pain but brings righteousness.  Strengthen your hands and knees.  Make straight paths, so what's lame may be healed.  Strive for peace and holiness, and let no one be deprived of God's grace.
      • Ps 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a  "The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him."  Bless the Lord!  Don't forget his compassion, kindness, and justice....
      • Mk 6:1-6  Jesus came to his native place and taught in the synagogue.  They said, “Where did he get all this wisdom?  What mighty deeds he works!  Isn't he Mary's son, the carpenter?  They took offense.  Jesus:  “A prophet has no honor in his native place or among his kin.”  He couldn't perform mighty deeds there, except for curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them....
      Reflect
        • Creighton:  After we endure suffering, we're changed:  God is nearer and compassion is more real; good can arise.  Suffering is evil but inseparable from existence; we must try to relieve it.  Without faith, our vision narrows, but as we open to love, isolation ebbs and we become real.
        • Passionist:  "Change and growth":  The people of Jesus' time were astonished at Jesus' teaching with authority; lacking faith in him and how he'd grown, they took offense.  We can respond to people that way too, blind to growth.  We can also be blind to our own challenges and God's blessings, fearing failure or change.  Change happens; our growth is optional.  Open your heart...
        • DailyScripture.net:  Familiarity bred contempt:  the people of Nazareth took offense at Jesus, mere worker with neither scholarly training nor distinguished lineage; he couldn't do much among them because of their closed minds and unbelief.  When we're closed, we can't love or accept others... 
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        February 3, 2015

        Blase

        February 3, 2015:  Tuesday, 4th week, Ordinary Time / St. Blase...

        Found 10 connections with today's readings and feast?
        ǝuıɯ ɹoɟ ǝƃɐd ɟo ɯoʇʇoq ǝǝs

        Listen

        Pope Francis
        Homily:  “Keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus” is the core of hope.  If we don't listen to the Lord, we won't have the hope we learn from contemplating Christ.  Contemplative prayer is important and can only be done with the Gospel in hand.  I contemplate with today’s Gospel by seeing Jesus among the people, surrounded by a crowd.  I think, most of his life was with the crowd.  Did he rest?  Once he was sleeping on the boat, but the storm came and the disciples woke him.  Jesus was constantly in the midst of the people.  That's how I look at, contemplate, imagine Jesus.  And I tell him what comes to my mind.
        Jesus realized a sick woman in the crowd touched him.  He not only understood the crowd, he felt them; he feels our heartbeat and cares for each of us, always!  Jairus' case is similar:  Jesus leaves everything to take care of it.  He arrives, women are crying because the girl is dead, he tells them to be calm, and they scorn him.  See Jesus' patience.  After her resurrection, instead of "Praise God!", he says, "Give her something to eat," thinking of the little things.
        That was a prayer of contemplation:  read and imagine a scene, imagine what happens, and talk to Jesus from the heart.  We allow hope to grow, because our gaze is fixed on Jesus.  Pray like that:  in 15 minutes, pick a small gospel passage, imagine what happened, and talk with Jesus about it.  You'll be focused on Jesus, not on gossip....  Contemplation helps us in hope to live the Gospel.  Hope comes from this prayer; our Christian life unfolds, between memory and hope:  memory of our journey, graces from the Lord, and hope, looking at him, the only one who can give hope.  Your knowledge of Jesus will be bigger and your hope will grow.
        Presentation homily focused on the virtue of obedience, keystone of religious life.  In persevering along the path of obedience, wisdom matures, and it becomes possible to adapt to the times; aggiornamento is the fruit of wisdom forged in docility and obedience.  Bring others to Jesus, but also allow him to lead you.  Be guides who are guided yourselves. 
        Read

        • Heb 12:1-4  We're surrounded by a cloud of witnesses; rid yourself of sin and run the race, keeping eyes fixed on Jesus who endured the cross and took his seat at God's right.  He endured opposition so you wouldn't lose heart.  You haven't struggled to the point of shedding blood.

          'Cloud of witnesses' word cloud
          (animate)
        • Ps 22:26b-28, 30-32  "They will praise you, Lord, who long for you."  I'll fulfill my vows.  The lowly shall eat their fill.  All shall turn to the Lord and bow.

        • Mk 5:21-43  Synagogue official Jairus asked Jesus to lay hands on his daughter to heal her; they went off.  A woman with hemorrhages touched Jesus' cloak and was cured.  "Who touched my clothes?"  She told him everything.  "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."  To Jairus:  "Your daughter has died."  Jesus, hearing the wailing:  "She's asleep."  He took her by the hand:  "Arise!"  She rose; all were astounded....
        Reflect
          • Creighton:  Faith and the life-giving power of God in Christ:  Mk 4:  4 episodes in succession re Lord's life-giving power:   over nature (calming of storm), demons (Gerasene demoniac), illness (hemorrhagic woman), and death (daughter of Jairus).
            Both of today's episodes are about women in life/death situations, called daughter, needing rescue, before skeptical onlookers who become dumbfounded.  Faith unleashes the Lord’s power.  The stories anticipate the Resurrection...
          • One Bread One Body:  "The touch":  The hemorrhaging woman's touch made Jesus ritually unclean but healed her.  Jesus' touching the dead girl also made him ritually unclean, but it revided her.  Jesus can touch you through members of his body, the Church, or in the sacraments; be in touch with life, love, hope, peace, freedom, joy, purity, and victory, healing, resurrection, and God.
            St. Blase
          • Passionist:  "Jesus despised the shame of the cross," enduring it to conquer sin and death and opening the door for us to do likewise.  This gives hope to all struggling with shame one through and He has felt the shame that we feel. We can learn to stop the negative thoughts and tame the shame. Get counseling if you need help but don't let your past keep you from living life to the fullest today. 
          • DailyScripture.net:  Ephrem the Syrian re woman healed from hemorrhage:  "Glory to you, Son of God; your healing power is proclaimed through her suffering.  Through her they could see the divinity that couldn't be seen. Through his healing power his divinity became known.  Through her healing her faith was made manifest.  She caused him to be proclaimed, and was honored with him.  For truth was proclaimed together with its heralds.  She was a witness to his divinity; he was a witness to her faith... He saw through to her hidden faith, and gave her a visible healing."
          Jesus gave hope to Jairus who had the courage to go to him openly, inviting scorn.  People had no hope, but Jesus took his daughter by the hand and delivered her from death.  Peter Chrysologus:  "The man was a ruler of the synagogue, and versed in the law. He'd surely read that man had been created by God's hand.  He trusted his daughter would be recreated and restored by that same hand...."
          Today's Saints, thanks to Universalis
          Bring your throat to Mass...
          • Blase (Blaise), bishop, missionary, martyr; see Catholic Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.  “Through the intercession of St. Blase, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil.”
          • Dunstan of Canterbury, abbot, bishop, restored churches, judged suits, defended the weak, reformed institutions; see Catholic Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
          • Werburg, religious
          • Anne Line (Heigham), convert, martyr
          Clothing legend
          • Red and white shirt:  red for today's martyrs, white for Christ Light of the World (Presentation gospel)
          • Tie with clouds:  "We're surrounded by a cloud of witnesses" (1st reading)
          • 'Runner' tie pin:  Persevere in running the race... (1st reading)
          • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  ...keeping eyes fixed on Jesus (1st reading)
          • 'Cross' tie pin:  Jesus endured the cross (1st reading)
          • 'Blood drop' pin:  You haven't struggled to the point of shedding blood (1st reading); woman with hemorrhage (gospel); today's martyr-saints
          • 'Kneeling person' tie bar:  All shall bow before him (psalm)
          • 'Hand' tie pin:  "Lay your hands on my daughter"; Jesus took her by the hand (gospel)
          • 'Girl with heart' pin:  Daughter of Jairus (gospel); don't lose heart (1st reading); may your hearts be merry (psalm)
          • Clothes (:-):  "If I just touch his clothes, I'll be cured"/"Who touched my clothes?" (gospel)
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          February 2, 2015

          Presentation

          February 2, 2015:  Presentation of the Lord

          What connections with today's readings can you make
          before looking at mine at the bottom?
          Listen

          • Thus saith the Lord/But who may abide the day of his coming?, from Messiah/ Handel:  traditional, "soulful" (1st reading)

          Pope Francis homily:  it's here [added 2-3-15]

          Read
            Turtle doves (gospel)
          • Mal 3:1-4  My messenger will prepare the way.  The Lord will come to the temple, but who will endure that day?  He, like the refiner’s fire, will purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer sacrifice pleasing to God.
          • Ps 24:7-10  "Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!"  Open up that the king of glory, strong and mighty, may enter!
          • Heb 2:14-18  Jesus shared in our flesh to free those subject to slavery.  He had to become like us to expiate sin.  Because he was tested through suffering, he can help those being tested.
            Two young pigeons (gospel)
          • Lk 2:22-40  Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to God.  Simeon prayed to their amazement:  “Master, you may let me go in peace; I've seen your salvation, a light to Gentiles and glory for Israel.” To Mary: “This child will be a sign to be contradicted, and a sword will pierce you.”  Prophetess Anna thanked God and spoke about the child.  Jesus grew and became strong and wise, and God's favor was on him.  They returned to Nazareth.
          Reflect
            • Creighton:  Imagine taking your child to church and having a someone hold your son and say he'd seen salvation!
            • One Bread One Body:  "Die and shine":  Jesus is the Light to the nations, but people loved darkness.  If we accept Jesus as our Light, we'll become lights, giving forth light by being consumed, like candles.  But we're hesitant to lose our life to give our light.
              Presentation of Christ
              in the Temple (Holbein)
            • Passionist:  As we read today about elderly Simeon and Anna who longed for the fulfillment of their hopes, look at the elderly around us who, living through sorrows, continue with hope and faith.  May we always welcome and treasure their witness.
            • DailyScripture.net:  The Holy Spirit reveals to the Savior's presence, as he did to Simeon, and renews our hope in God's promise.  Jesus, "the new temple," make your home in me.  Mary receives a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow.  What's holding me back from unqualified trust and submission to God today?
            Outfit legend
            • Clock tie bar:  who shall endure the day of his coming? (1st reading)
            • 'Christmas lights' tie:  Christ is a light to the nations (gospel); Christmas season used to extend through today
            • White shirt and (yes but not shown) socks:  color of Presentation (feast of the Lord)
            • Gold- and silver-colored accessories:  The Lord will refine Levi like gold or silver (1st reading)
            • 'Angel' pin:  Jesus helped Abraham's descendents, not angels (2nd reading)
            • 'Kentucky/Unbridled spirit sign' pin:  The Spirit was upon Simeon (gospel); Jesus will be 'sign' to be contradicted (gospel)
            • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  "My eyes have seen your salvation" (gospel)
            • 'Sword' tie pin:  Simeon:  "Mary, a sword will pierce you..." (gospel)
            • 'Girl with heart' pin:  "...so the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (gospel)
            • 'Owl' tie pin: Jesus grew in wisdom (gospel)
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            February 1, 2015

            4th Sun., Ordinary Time

            February 1, 2015:  4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

            Thanks, Sid
            • 'Hearts' suspenders:  If you hear God's voice, don't harden your hearts (psalm)
            • 'Rock' tie pin:  Acclaim the rock of our salvation (psalm)
            • 'Kneeling person' tie bar:  Kneel before the Lord (psalm)
            • 'Sheep' tie bar:  We're the flock the Lord guides (psalm)
            • 'Abacus' tie pin:  A married man is divided (2nd reading)
            • Guest dresser Sid's green shirt:  Ordinary Time season.  (I'm wearing a green windbreaker and socks, but his shirt trumps it all.)
            Listen


            "The people were amazed at Jesus' teaching, because he taught with authority."  Listen to God's Word, receive its teaching, and announce it to others.  In the words of a ‘human’ Jesus there was God's authority; his every word is truth.  The Gospel frees those enslaved by evil:  vanity, attachments, pride, sensuality…; it changes our hearts, transforming evil inclinations into good.  It can change people!  Have daily contact with the Gospel:  read and meditate on it; let that source of salvation nurture you.

            • Dt 18:15-20  Moses:  “God will raise up a prophet like me from among your kin, as you requested at Horeb; listen to him.  God:  'If a prophet speaks in my name an oracle I didn't command him to speak, he'll die.'”
            Wordle: Readings 2-1-15
            • Ps 95:1-2, 6-9  "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."  Sing joyfully to the Lord, rock of our salvation.  Come with thanksgiving; bow in worship before the Lord our God who made us.  We're the flock he guides.  "Don't harden your hearts as in the desert where your fathers tested me though they'd seen my works."
            • 1 Cor 7:32-35  Be free of anxieties.  An unmarried man is anxious about how he may please the Lord, but a married man is divided, anxious about things of the world and how he may please his wife.  An unmarried woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, but a married woman is anxious about things of the world and how she may please her husband.  I tell you not to restrain you but so you may adhere to the Lord undistracted.
            • Mk 1:21-28  The Capernaum people were astonished at Jesus' teaching with authority.  Jesus rebuked a man with an unclean spirit; it convulsed him and came out.  “What?  Even unclean spirits obey him.”  His fame spread.
            Reflect
              • Creighton:  "I know who you are":  The crowd recognizes Jesus' teaching as with authority, but only the demon recognizes its source:  “You're God's Holy One!”  In Mk the "who is he?" question lingers till he dies and the soldier declares, "He was God's son!"  If we grasp that, how would that change our lives?  As Merton gazed on a mosaic of Christ in glory, he realized Jesus was no mere historical figure but the living Lord.  Have I encountered Jesus as alive and in relationship with me?  Pope Francis quoted Benedict XVI:  “Being a Christian is not an ethical choice or lofty idea, but encounter with a Person that gives life a new horizon and direction.”  Jesus, draw us to know you as God's Holy One and our Savior, alive and with us!
              • One Bread One Body:  "Rated 'R'":  We must accept restrictions to be committed to the Lord:  poverty, chastity, family, fidelity, and service all restrict us, as any decision/commitment would; ask an athlete, business person, or celebrity.  When Jesus became a man, he took the form of a slave and was crucified; nothing is more restricting.  But he's free, rising and ascending.  We too can be restricted and resurrected.
              • Passionist:  Each evangelist chooses a different scene to begin their account of Jesus' ministry.  Mt:  Jesus ascends mountain, proclaims Sermon on the Mount; Lk:   Jesus reads Is 61 in Nazareth synagogue; Jn:  Jesus changes water to wine at Cana wedding feast.  Mk (today):  at Capernaum synagogue, Jesus teaches with authority, expels demon.  The Spirit drove Jesus to the desert to overcome evil, bring life, heal, reconcile, restore justice.  Mk reminds us God brings life; the Spirit that animates Jesus came to us in baptism.  Live expressing that lifegiving Spirit.
              • DailyScripture.net:  God’s word has power to set us free and transform us; when he commanded, even demons obeyed.  St. Augustine: "Faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing.  Devils confessed Christ (Mk 1:24) but lacked charity."  Faith works through love (Gal 5:6) and abounds in hope (Rom 15:13).  Love orients us to God and to the good of others created in God's image.  Hope anchors our faith and purifies our desires.  Faith must be nourished with God's Word....
              • Today's saints (if not trumped by Sunday), both converts; see Universalis 
                • Henry Morse, Jesuit priest, martyr 
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