PAX ET BONUM: Fr david Berger

We reflect on the wisdom of St Gregory the Great, pope of the 7th century. How can Pope Gregory help us live out the instruction of St. PAul about the the day of the Lord coming like a thief in the night. We also look at the unclean spirit JEsus cast out and how it relates to recovery and sanity.

Jesus speaks in graphic images to grab us and pull us close so that the message comes through loud and clear. SUch is the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.

We celebrate the feast and memorial of St. Augustine. HE was man who was not born a christian but became a christian by way of conversion. He sought hungrily for truth and refused to settle for less, for superficiality, for mediocrity.HE was never afraid of the truth.

WE reflect on the life of St. Monica. She was prayerful, tearful, and persistent.We also reflect on the reality of loving only what we know.

IS there such a thing as insignificant moments? We travel back in town on the sands of Moab and look into a relationship and discover the power of small moments.

we reflect on the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The ones hired last get paid the same as the one hired early. Is this fair and just?Do we live by our standard or by the standard of God's goodness.

We continue to reflect on the "OUR FATHER" the prayer Jesus gives to the disciples to pray. We zero our focus on the last part of the prayer, "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil..."

We reflect a bit on the life of St. Stephen of Hungary, who was known for his charity and attention to beggars. Do we toss people charity or do we touch them with the love of Christ? We also reflect on the book of Joshua and wonder do we recognize the good things God has done for us.

We celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the blessed Mother into heaven, body and soul. Untouched by decay she enter into Glory. Mary's surrender, Mary's yes shows us that our yes and surrender to God is not in vain. God is fascinating. What he does always surpasses the impossible.

Mose bids the people of ISrael farewell. He leaves his legacy behind as he invites the people to be brave and steadfast. How are we brave?

We continue to reflect on the gift of prayer in particular the "Our Father" the pray of the disciple. Why do we pray?

We enter into the book of Deuteronomy.  Moses gives his farewell address before he hands on the reigns to Joshua.  Moses simply invites the people to remember the mighty hand of God working in their lives.  He ask them to hit the pause button and replay the life they have lived so that they can grow in gratitude. We look at what motivates God to do what he has done

There are two reprimands in the readings: Moses gets reprimanded by God for failing to manifest his sanctity and Peter gets reprimanded for just being dull. How do we grow in sanctity and sanity ourselves

There is a consistent reality to the people of Israel; they often forget, reject and rebel against God's plan. No matter how he cares for them there is always something wrong. Perhaps you can relate.

The feast of the transfiguration is upon us. We listen to St. Peter's account of that event and we reflect on the necessity of trusting the witness of another as we grow in faith. Also we pray for the gift to be attentive to our unique role in the plan of salvation asking God to keep us attentive with eyes wide open.