From the talking heads of news programs to the endless strings of mindless “comments” online, the quality of conversation in our numerous forms of media seems to have hit a new low. The point these days is not to reach a common understanding but to sway others to your opinion—no matter how underinformed and superficial it may be—or at least knock down the opinion of another.

Once when I was giving a parish mission in a wealthy suburb, the pastor arranged lodgings for me with a humble family on the outskirts of town. While glad to meet this remarkable family, I was intrigued by the context in a very well-heeled community.

One time when Jesus went for a Sabbath meal with one of the top leaders of the Pharisees, all the guests had their eyes on him, watching his every move.

THEY WERE of two generations and worlds apart—one a U.S. army colonel during World War II who had fought in the Battle of the Bulge, another an immigrant to the United States who had been a colonel in the Croatian army during the Balkan Wars of the 1990s.

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

When you have pity on the poor, you lend to God; and whoever gives to the least, gives to God.