August is summer's end for those tied to the academic calendar. But it's also Water Quality Month: a time to consider the centrality of a limited and precious substance, fresh water. Learn more about what you can do to conserve and protect our water supply. It's a good way to prepare for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (September 1) and the Season of Creation that follows until the memorial of Francis of Assisi (October 4).

Scripture may offer no better definition of faith than Hebrews does: the realization of what is hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It’s something of a paradox that what we hold most dear is at the same time “invisible.”

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts share a motto: “Be prepared.” The Red Cross employs the same slogan, and shares the idea with the Department of Homeland Security (next month, September, is National Preparedness Month), as well as the refrain to a popular song from The Lion King.

A few years ago, I received a birthday gift, a DNA test that would trace my roots with a simple swab of saliva. I knew a little about my family history from my parents and their anecdotal stories about growing up in Puglia located in Southern Italy. Clearly there were generations of poverty and oppression as well as deep and sustaining faith.

The whole day, even before sunup, his son was chattering away. They were on their first fishing trip together and his son was excited. It soon became clear that the boy hadn't had much experience being quiet.

Growing up in California “earthquake country,” there was a certain level of preparedness I came to know as a child. We stored jugs of water and canned food in earthquake kits that were to be kept away from the house in case the foundation was damaged. The occasional earthquake drill at school helped our classroom feel as if we were prepared.

As the people of God, we ask for God's loving mercy.

The people follow the example of those above them.