It’s Monday, so I’m going to rely on my good friend, Amy Carmichael, this morning.  She’s always got something good to think about.  And this is a good word for a Monday:

Rom 8.37  More than conquerors.
James 1.2  Count it all joy . . . when you meet various trials.

Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent.  “I shall never be like that,” we feel.  But they won through, step by step; by little acts of will, little denials of self, little inward victories, by faithfulness in very little things, they became what they are.  No one sees these little hidden steps, they only see the accomplishment; but even so, those small steps were taken.  There is no sudden triumph, no spiritual maturity that is the work of a moment.  So let us all take courage; not one of us is too weak to be made more than a conqueror.

As a “bonus” today, I’m adding another short homily to the “Talks” tab above, under “Other Talks.”  This one is by Fr. Ken McKenna, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales and a good friend of our community.  He is an excellent homilist, short and to the point.  He gave this homily this past Saturday on “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”  Some of his examples are more pertinent to us, but I thought you would all benefit from–and enjoy–his homily.  Click here. (It’s only 7 minutes long.)