Power is a tricky business. Many will try to win it, buy it, or obtain it by whatever means necessary. Yet power remains elusive even to those who seek and desire it.

Most of us can produce a list of consequences we'd dearly love to escape. We'd like to go to the all-you-can-eat buffet and really eat all we can—and walk away svelte. We'd like to spend money like fools and not sink into debt.

What's the value of two grapefruits? If you've been to the supermarket lately, you might be able to come up with the cost in a dollar or two.

The old parlor game asks: If you knew you were going to die tonight, what would you do today?

Bartimaeus is that rare recipient of a miracle who immediately becomes a disciple of Jesus. Immediately, of course, is a favorite Marcan word. Things happen at once in this gospel or not at all.

No one likes the suggestion that suffering can be useful. If “no pain, no gain” is the rule, some of us would prefer the no gain, thanks!

Parents can’t help being proud of their children and the futures they imagine for them. “My daughter is in pre-med.” “My son will take over the family business one day.” Bumper stickers announce each child making the honor roll.

Family life is a sign of God’s blessing, the psalmist tells us. Then he paints a quaint illustration of what that means. The wife is a fruitful vine in the protective quarters of the home.

God is not complicated. At least that's what we're told in "The Simple Song" included in Leonard Bernstein's Mass. Love is simple to understand, and God is the simplest of all, the lyrics and music conspire to persuade us.

Jesus’ disciples wanted to succeed. Well, don’t we all? I don’t like to lose at solitaire, much less at the great game of life.