"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." In the darkness of our modern world, we cling to the hope and promise of Jesus Christ.

"This poor widow, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood." Our Lord is present in the poor, so we too must become poor - to live in a spirit of hope, and with a generosity of heart.

"They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out: Salvation comes from our God." We celebrate our unity in Christ with the Communion of Saints, and we look to them as models of faith and perseverance for these troubled times.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength . . . You shall love your neighbor as yourself." How do we love the God whom we cannot see? Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor, whom we see every day!

"Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Bartimaeus teaches us to seek Jesus confidently and follow him on his way of the Cross.

"Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant... For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."   Our discipleship in Christ turns us not inward but outward in service to others.

"Go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven."   Jesus challenges us to renounce the values of the world. That is how we will find the Kingdom of God.

"So they are no longer two but one flesh. What God has joined together, no human being must separate."   In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us his teaching on marriage and divorce.

"Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets!"  As disciples in service to others, Jesus calls us to a life of holiness.

"If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all."  Jesus calls us to be disciples who are rooted in humble service to those in need.