In the first reading, the voice of God warns not to oppress the alien and the widow and take advantage of the needy. How do you promote the just treatment of the vulnerable?

The message of God's love is the most thrilling news people can hear in their lifetimes. Remind your hearers today that it is because of that tremendous, bountiful, totally underserving love poured out for us that we are asked to love God, self, and neighbor in return.

Life is complicated, but religion doesn’t have to be. If you can’t recite the Ten Commandments, list the nine Choirs of Angels, explain the reason we have Octaves, name the seven Capital Sins—or the six Precepts of the Church, five books of the Pentateuch, four gospel Evangelists, three major prophets, what was made on the second day of Creation, or know why there’s a partridge in the doggone pear tree at Christmastime, it’s OK!

The greatest commandment: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind doesn't really need a second commandment to follow it. But Jesus offers one about loving your neighbor as yourself. Why?

Mr. Cardinale was rehearsing his lines in his mind. His daughter had missed curfew once again, and she'd already been warned. How often had he told her about curfew-rule number one? Now, he was going to lower the boom.

I met a community organizer at a number of meetings in the neighborhood. I liked her style, so one day I asked her how she had gotten into her profession. She spoke of her idealism in college, but that it was mostly talk and little action.

A major hotel chain was doing extensive testing of its customers' satisfaction with the hotel. Repeatedly, one particular hotel in the chain scored highest.

We turn to our God who responds to those who cry out in prayer.

I will surely hear their cry. The reading from Exodus describes how God wants the helpless to be treated, and why. How?

We should strive to keep our hearts open to the sufferings and wretchedness of other people, and pray continually that God may grant us that spirit of compassion which is truly the spirit of God. --Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)