On Friday nights, I finally have time to breathe and think. I can’t help but think about Minnesota. The people there are truly amazing, never giving up and never backing down, loving and honoring their community members in the midst of a scary group of people coming down with such harshness and brutality. I pray for peace and comfort for the faithful in MN. How terrifyingly and horrifically awful to see the attack on law-abiding and peaceful people wanting an end to the suffering of immigrants across this country. It is tempting to think that the attackers are truly evil in their brutality, but history teaches that anyone can give in to their passions. It is truly by the grace of God and personal sanctification that we are able to do anything good at all. I confess falling completely short and ask for God’s mercy. Just like I have to say that I hate the sin and not the sinner, I truly hate what these people are doing, but I also pray for their souls.

I am watching a program talking about how Pope Leo has declared this year a Franciscan jubilee year. And what did Francis teach? Faith, hope, and love 💗. Simple living and peaceful living. Out of sheer necessity, we are living simply. But are we really living peacefully?

God, help us be holy as you are holy. The priest I am watching just said that Francis would say that “we can build a world of peace.” May we grow in peace and love through surrendering to God and asking for His wisdom in this busy and difficult time. Our kids are watching.