Back to school, for some. Labor Day (4) is a game changer for many who return to their labors tugged by more distractions as the academic year dominates the calendar. Every other day this month claims attention, too: Labor Day is also National Wildlife Day. Grandparents Day (10) precedes the National Day of Mourning and Remembrance (11).

Jeremiah felt “duped” by God because the people mocked him. Have you ever felt “duped” by God? Have you been able to examine that feeling more closely and come to a deeper understanding of your life’s purpose?

It’s Labor Day weekend! Who wants to work? Nobody in their right mind. Of course, plenty of people in our society will be working right through the weekend so the rest of us can relax and tend to our barbeques. They make the sacrifice; we get the benefit.

Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, “Impossible, Master! That can never be!”

Waiting in line at the funeral home to talk to the young parents who had lost their child of 11 in a tragic bicycle accident, I listened as those ahead of me offered their condolences.

We pray for the strength not to grow weary in our faith.

You want to see his altar? This altar is made of Christ’s own members, and the Lord’s body becomes an altar for you. Venerate it. It is more august than the stone altar on which you offer the holy sacrifice.