Midsummer is meant to be a carefree time, or so childhood memories recall it to be. Still, extra yardwork or home repair projects that were put off until the warmer weather can multiply chores. Celebrate pockets of leisure where you can: Independence Day (4), Parents' Day (23), World Friendship Day (30).

The woman of Shunem showed hospitality to the holy man, the prophet Elisha. How do you show hospitality in your life and ministry?

Loyalty is a quality we value highly. We want our friends to be loyal. We expect our families to be. We hope for some modicum of reliability from bosses or employees. In fact, every meaningful relationship involves loyalty to be viable.

We were all having a fun time in Washington, D.C. We picked and chose which of the monuments and memorials we wanted to see again. We ate at restaurants suggested by friends free of tourists.

Back in grammar school, when Sister Jerome was teaching us about the Hebrew prophets, I thought of my next-door neighbor Max Goldstein. The description of the prophets sounded just like Max.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

The cemetery is full of indispensable people.