These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Saturday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug 3

Alleluia (Mt 5:10)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080324.cfm
The Beatitudes prepare us for the challenges of a life of faith. The people and leaders seeking to kill the prophet Jeremiah, King Herod beheading John the Baptist. The question comes, “Is it worth it?” Despite all the problems we may face, the Virgin Mary joyfully proclaims the greatness of the Lord!