There's something sobering about September. Summer ends, school is in full swing, and as we honor our labor (2), we're aware it's time to pick up the pace all around.

Is there anyone whose heart is not frightened at some time or another? Thus, the Lord’s message in Isaiah is directed to all of us. When we encounter Jesus we will experience vindication and recompense.

Don’t discriminate in your hearts, the great New Testament essayist James warns us. Yet by the time we hear these words most of us have been doing just that for a lifetime.

The story of Jesus healing of the man who could not hear or speak used to gross me out. Spitting and touching the guy’s tongue?

Some years ago I was on a team that was running a men’s retreat weekend, and I was on kitchen duty. The setting was rustic and the kitchen primitive. We made meals using a few available utensils and a couple of propane rings to cook on.

In prayer we call upon God to strengthen us as we call to mind our sins and so prepare ourselves for the sacred mysteries.

What does it cost us to say, "My God help me! Have mercy on me!" Is there anything easier than this? And this little will suffice to save us if we be diligent in doing it.

Browse our library for additional Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B material.

Click here to view the Take Five weekly for September 08, 2024.