November 7, Saturday Weekday

I will praise your name forever, Lord.-- Psalm 145:1

Mass readings: Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27 / Luke 16:9-15

Real People

In his letter to the Romans, Paul devotes most of chapter 16 to people -- real people; people with names and needs; people he knows, says hello to, and appreciates; people to whom he conveys greetings from mutual friends. ''Church'' is not about buildings but about people. ''Ekklesia,'' the Greek word for church, denotes an assembly. Paul even refers to a ''church'' that meets in the home of Prisca and Aquila (verse 5).

Business letters might be signed, ''Yours truly'' or 'Yours sincerely''; only to a loved one would we write, ''With love.'' Paul signs off: ''Greet one another with a holy kiss.'' Because of Christ, and in Christ, we don't just belong to the Church, we are the Church. As members of God's family, let's bless and be blessed by one another.

Prayer: Father, help me to be a blessing to all those I meet and greet today.