SUNDAY

I was in the Cathedral listening to today’s Gospel, the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Of course the demanding part of the story is that the rich man actually did nothing wrong. He did not abuse or maltreat the poor man. He just ignored him or perhaps was not even aware of him. We are told not to give money to beggars. They will spend it on drink. I was careful to give money to the next person begging!

MONDAY

Today’s reading is the familiar one from the book of Job.

What would be our reaction to these terrible disasters? Dumb shock, misery, and despair, I suspect; certainly not Job’s words.

“The Lord gave, the Lord has taken back. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

This after he has heard the terrifying news of the loss of all his property and those dearest to him.

TUESDAY

St Therese of the Child Jesus

I was in Strasbourg Cathedral and as usual the priest gave a most beautiful mass and sermon.

Just six exercise books of notes was all Therese left at her death age 24 after a wholly uneventful life, but what glory followed and how simple is her concept of spirituality: a love of little things.

WEDNESDAY

I nearly couldn’t get up for the 7.30 Mass at the Nunciature but it is always worth going. Not least because the downstairs room is so small and intimate.

They are going to add a sixth panel to the saints of Europe in their small stained glass window in their basement chapel: dedicated to St John Paul II.