Thinking that Mass was at 0930 this morning, I arrived at St. Iggy's at 0925 only to find that I was actually 50 minutes early. Eternal optimist that I am, I read the mistake as an opportunity to spend a little extra time praying, and felt a lot better afterwards for having done that (as opposed to getting a coffee and reading the newspaper as is my usual wont).


One of the day's readings was particularly striking, and I'll reproduce it here in its entirety (Wow, quoting the Bible for a purpose other than irony. That must be a first on this blog.)

Hebrews 12: 5-13

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Currently reading/just finished reading/etc.:
A Hat Full of Sky - The Inimitable Pratchett
A Short History of a Small Place - T.R. Pearson
Yellow Dog - Martin Amis