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.

THURSDAY, WEEK XX, ORDINARY TIME—Saint Bernard, Abbot & Doctor of the Church, August 20

Many are invited, but few are chosen. (Mt 22:14)

I’ve always loved the character of Auntie Mame as portrayed by Rosalind Russell. My favorite line from the movie, Auntie Mame: “Life is a banquet, but most poor fools are starving to death!" And as Auntie Mame says, “Live, that's the message!” And as the Lord invites us to the banquet . . . what will we do? Let’s live and enjoy the banquet—making sure that there’s a place at the table for everyone!

As young man, I joined Saint Bernard Abbey in North Alabama. Today's picture is of the Saint Bernard Abbey Church .