June 23, Tuesday Weekday

He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.-- Psalm 15:1

Mass readings: Genesis 13:2,5-18 / Matthew 7:6,12-14

I'd Have Laughed

Two children would have been fine. I'd have said three would be great. If you had told me, on my wedding day, I'd one day have seven, I'd have laughed -- nervously. Today my house is full of kids and challenges and love.

''Now Abram was very rich in livestock, silver and gold.'' Abram had a comfortable life. He had no reason to jump at big changes, and many reasons to avoid them. But he responded to God with faith and generosity.

Because he did, God was able to carry out a plan that went very far beyond Abram himself to people numbering more than the dust of that big desert he squinted into. It's easy to want to avoid hearing God calling us into new directions and choices. But God knows what He's doing.

Prayer: Father, I don't need to know the reasons. Help me be open to Your plan.