February 14, Sts. Cyril and Methodius

In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.--Psalm 90:1

Mass readings: Genesis 3:9-24 / Mark 8:1-10

Liturgy Opinions

''Valentine's Day'' is officially the feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. These two brothers were priests, scholars, and missionaries. They got in trouble -- were reported to the Pope -- for celebrating the liturgy in the local Slavonic language instead of Latin, 1,100 years before Vatican II, and were brought to Rome. After listening to them, the Pope gave his hearty approval. Years later, under political pressure, he retracted it.

Liturgy wars . . . good grief, in the words of Charlie Brown. It's not bad that we have strong differences of opinion. So did Peter and Paul. It's the polarizing way we sometimes advance them. You can almost hear Jesus lamenting, ''I give you My own Body and Blood . . . and you divide yourselves into good guys and bad guys over what language to speak when you receive Me.''

Prayer: When I differ with others, Lord, let me never lack charity.