November 15, St. Albert the Great 

Blessed the man who fears the Lord.-- Psalm 112

Mass readings: 3 John 5-8 / Luke 18:1-8

Phrases of Life

A friend of mine was talking about his first wife. ''When Betty and I were married, we always went for coffee at Starbucks on Sundays after Mass.'' He went on speaking, even as I was struck with how casually parts of our lives become mere phrases. A great love lost. A promising career ended. A friendship ruined. All the heartache and grief wrapped up in such seasons of our lives -- just evaporate as we retell our stories.

So, too, in a history of St. Albert the Great (c. 1206-1280), we are told that ''despite family objections'' he became a priest. Think of all the grief and turmoil and angst wrapped up in those three words: despite family objections. Yet over time, every single temporal concern fades. What doesn't fade is the vibrant love of God.

Prayer: Lord of Life, help us to remember that our life in You will never fade.