God knows no favorites, Sirach tells us. He judges justly and affirms the right. Is that true for you?

Be faithful, steadfast, and patient is the message behind all of the day’s readings.

If you refuse to accept a gift you have nothing for which to be grateful.

Patience, self-control, and steadfast love are the themes of today’s readings.

A priest showed one of his friends his newly remodeled offices. The friend looked around at the rich oak paneling, leather chairs, and well-stocked bookshelves, and exclaimed, “If this is the poverty, bring on the chastity!”

Exploitation, cheating, and trickery all have negative connotations but imply varying degrees of depravity or sinfulness.

You’re in the forgiveness business. How good are you at it?

None of us serve as God’s counsel, yet through wisdom, witness, and the teachings of God’s own Son, divine plans are revealed to us.

How do I maintain a sense of healthy humility? Who helps me keep my head on straight? What do I do to avoid the twin pitfalls of self-aggrandizement or self-deprecation? Can I accept that I am a “good-enough” human being?

Trials can be rich opportunities on our spiritual path if we see them as “discipline,” that is, training in new ways of seeing and living. Can I name a recent trial that helped me be a better disciple?