Friday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Dear B,

I couldn’t remember the readings at Mass. This often happens to me. I shouldn’t let it worry me. The important thing is to go and let it waft over you.

But I do remember this: someone came up to me at the end and thanked me for what I had said in defence of the Church’s teaching on marriage. He said improbably that I would be lucky after my death because we are thanked by God for what we have done in life.

I have two problems with this: I am not absolutely certain there is life after death and if there is, I’m not sure if my selfish life deserves any thanks.

But I remember how the priest referred to his angel: be careful what you say to a stranger, he may be an angel.

So irrespective of what you believe, look on all strangers as potential angels.