The Epistle and Gospel readings for today give us a couple of major challenges, both of which are at least as relevant today as when they were first uttered. In the Epistle, besides the usual admonishment to "walk the walk", we are given some specifics. In those days, fatherless children and widows were usually the poorest of the poor, and the most vulnerable. "Visiting them in their affliction" certainly means more than paying a social call.

The Gospel tells us "Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy be full", with no quibbling or qualification about any so-called "God's will". In fact, "The Father himself loveth you" should say something. And they challenge what a number of people seem to be teaching.