The homilist was away on October 9 and 16. -- If we can offer the prayer "Be merciful to me, a sinner," and if we steel ourselves for the long haul of faithfulness, we will be properly oriented toward our God.

The homilist was not supposed to be here today: explanation is on audio. We must struggle to see that an honest day's work contributes to the entire vision.

The rich man with Lazarus at his door: was he unaware of him? The rich man convicts himself, demonstrating his acquaintance with this poor man. We likewise know that Lazarus and his fellows are at our door.

Initiative: it is applied for evil and for good. If we are dedicated to the Kingdom of God, we will exercise initiative on its behalf.

Toward the end of the Year of Mercy, we consider the golden calf, the fatted calf, butter calves, and Paul's self-description as not knowing what he was doing in his unbelief.

The homilist did not preach on August 28. -- What does the Kingdom of God demand of us? Great flexibility. We think of the slave Onesimus and the sacred character of human labor. We remember the inner struggle of St. Teresa of Kolkata.

"Enter through the narrow gate." Jesus has gone through the narrowest gate of all: the death we all must face. We therefore enter into the love which led him there.

Looking for comfort today? The Scriptures are more about struggle and perseverance.

We are called to trust that our God is eager for us to enter into his Kingdom. Faith bids us perceive that every moment of our existence is an opening into eternal joy.

We must reconsider the fantasies our minds have woven. We must affirm that God holds our life in his hands.