The tone of our readings takes a major shift this month as we move toward an ending and a new beginning.

The image shows up in countless love songs and stories. It’s a symbol of hope against hope, and heartache that hasn’t yet become heartbreak. The porch light left on, long after midnight, tells us that someone’s missing and someone’s waiting.

After decades of regular Mass attendance, I usually know what to expect. Sure, some things change from week to week in terms of songs, readings, prayers, and decorations.

At an adventure camp for teens, the campers were divided into teams to test their camping skills. When the earnest instructor tried to demonstrate safety practices, one group of guys mimicked him and spent their time laughing and joking.

Our God is our help, and we call upon God by name.

God is not found in the soul by adding anything, but by a process of subtraction.