Prov 21, 1-6; 10-13: The lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares….Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Ernescliff College and invites us to read these words of Solomon slowly. We sense words about the poisonous nature of pride, addressed to us. And how we need to build humility. One way is through what Pope Francis has called the theology of the encounter:  "Thanks solely to this encounter – or renewed encounter – with God’s love, which blossoms into an enriching friendship, we are liberated from our narrowness and self-absorption." (Evangelii Gaudium 8)

Music: Handel, Lascia ch'io pianga, played beautifully on the guitar by Bert Alink.

Thumbnail painting: Piero della Francesca, Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, circa 1465. Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence. He is seen presiding proudly over his lands in a double portrait with his wife the Duchesse Battista Sforza.