October gives some of us a reason to dust off our rosaries and move those beads! We pray through church observances like Respect Life Sunday (1), the Blessing of the Animals on the memorial of Saint Francis (4), World Mission Sunday (22), Pastoral Care Week (22-28), All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1), and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2).

Do you at times feel so overwhelmed by your workload that you feel like responding “I will not”—like the first son in today’s parable—to a request for assistance or a pastoral task?

Native american writer Sherman Alexie wrote a compelling book of short stories arguing against the absurdity of racial stereotypes: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. The title suggests irreconcilable forces that carry their grievances all the way to eternity.

He was quiet and unassuming, sitting in the same pew faithfully every Sunday. He’d pause to tip his fedora and thank me for the Mass.

I worked as a counselor for a childcare agency years ago. The kids were orphans and/or wards of the state. One boy, Ray, was a good kid—friendly, helpful, even cheerful. Yet just below the surface, there seemed to be a slow-burning anger in him.

We ask for the mercy of God and do what is right and just.

Things may not be logical or fair, but when God is directing the events of our lives, they are right.