The thought of taking up a cross is daunting and I was very much helped by something I read as a young man. Hugo Rahner, the less famous but equally erudite brother of Karl, wrote: “The disciples of Jesus need never seek the Cross, it comes to us from every side and, in part, we are our own Crosses.”

“Return to me with your whole heart… rend your hearts, not your garments.” (Joel 2) - Today we are experiencing a change of season in the Church—the season of Lent.  I suggest that we take a reminder from my mother.  Instead of “house cleaning,” let us do some “heart cleaning.”

INVITATION? - "We Have Given Up Everything to Follow You.” - These words of Peter to Jesus conclude the section of Mark’s gospel (10:28-31) that deals with Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man. Peter and his companions are a bit unnerved by what they have just witnessed and wonder about their own fate.