It can be dangerous to see oneself as “persecuted.” Such a view can lead to an “I’m right, they’re wrong” or a “They’re out to get me” attitude.

The meek may one day inherit the Earth. But only after the strong and aggressive ones have blown each other to smithereens. Worldly power, as history has taught us, does not surrender its privileges without a fight. When the meek get in the crosshairs of what is deemed advantageous to the powerful, they quickly become an endangered species.

Mark had just gotten off a commuter train when an older woman came up to him and asked for directions. She was supposed to meet a friend who was taking a particular bus to a particular spot near the train station. Her English was a little broken, and the instructions her friend had given were less than complete.

Communion had just ended at the Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The choir sang its last note and the celebrant was about to speak when loud voices rang out from the back of church.

In a spirit of repentance for our sins, we place ourselves in the hands of our merciful God.

I believe in that great love, that comes, or should come, from our heart, should start at home: with my family, my neighbors across the street, those right next door. And this love should then reach everyone.