The portion of the Lord is his people. — Deuteronomy 32:9

Mass Readings: Deuteronomy 31:1-8 / Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14 

Light in a Dark Place 

My favorite movie scene is in “The Sound of Music” when the young Nazi Rolfe catches the Von Trapp family in a graveyard of the abbey. Captain Von Trapp challenges the young man to escape with them, as the graveyard crosses and the contrast of dark and light surround them. The choice between good and evil is perfectly portrayed, a guide for each decision we make. 

Today we honor a modern saint who suffered martyrdom at the hands of the Nazis. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) was a Jewish scholar who converted to Catholicism and entered a Carmelite cloister. Discovered by the Nazis, she was sent to a concentration camp, where she would neither deny her Jewish ancestry nor give up her Catholic faith. She was a light in that dark place. 

Prayer: Father, may I have the courage to show my faith in at least one small way today.