SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, JOHN 16:12-15
(Proverbs 8:22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5)
KEY VERSE: "But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth" (John 16:13).
TO KNOW: Jesus promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would enlighten their minds after he was raised to glory with the Father. The work of Christ would be continued on earth through the indwelling Spirit who would guide the Church to all truth. Just as Jesus only spoke the words he heard from the Father, the Spirit does not speak alone but interprets Christ's eternal message of truth for each generation. The word "Trinity" does not appear in the Bible, but since the year 200 CE, the term has been used to denote the central Christian doctrine that God is absolutely one in nature and essence, and is three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, co-eternal and deserving equal honor and glory. Each person of the Trinity is whole and complete. The Council of Nicaea (325) taught that Christ was not created but was "of the same substance (Greek: homoousios) consubstantial with the Father, not divided but one. This revelation of the Father and Son through the Spirit was transmitted by the apostles and the evangelists through their teaching, example, institutions, and writings. This "Apostolic Tradition" has been preserved by the Spirit in the doctrine, worship, and sacraments of the Church.
TO LOVE: In what ways do I teach God's truth to others?
TO SERVE: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit illuminate my mind to understand the Church's teachings.
NOTE: Pope John XXII established the feast day for the universal observance of Trinity Sunday in AD 1334.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, JOHN 16:12-15
(Proverbs 8:22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5)
KEY VERSE: "But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth" (John 16:13).
TO KNOW: Jesus promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would enlighten their minds after he was raised to glory with the Father. The work of Christ would be continued on earth through the indwelling Spirit who would guide the Church to all truth. Just as Jesus only spoke the words he heard from the Father, the Spirit does not speak alone but interprets Christ's eternal message of truth for each generation. The word "Trinity" does not appear in the Bible, but since the year 200 CE, the term has been used to denote the central Christian doctrine that God is absolutely one in nature and essence, and is three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, co-eternal and deserving equal honor and glory. Each person of the Trinity is whole and complete. The Council of Nicaea (325) taught that Christ was not created but was "of the same substance (Greek: homoousios) consubstantial with the Father, not divided but one. This revelation of the Father and Son through the Spirit was transmitted by the apostles and the evangelists through their teaching, example, institutions, and writings. This "Apostolic Tradition" has been preserved by the Spirit in the doctrine, worship, and sacraments of the Church.
TO LOVE: In what ways do I teach God's truth to others?
TO SERVE: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit illuminate my mind to understand the Church's teachings.
NOTE: Pope John XXII established the feast day for the universal observance of Trinity Sunday in AD 1334.
The United States is one of the few countries in the world that has an official day on which fathers are honored by their children. In 1909, Mrs. Dodd thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon. She approached her minister in Spokane about having a church service dedicated to fathers. From then on, the state of Washington celebrated the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Other states and organizations began lobbying Congress to declare an annual Father's Day. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea, but it was not until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event to "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations." In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day and put the official stamp on a celebration that was going on for almost half a century.
“See what love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God, and that is what we are!” I John 3:1
“See what love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God, and that is what we are!” I John 3:1
MONDAY, JUNE 16, MATTHEW 5:38-42
11th Week in Ordinary Time
(2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Psalm 98)
KEY VERSE: "But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil" (Matthew 5:39).
TO KNOW: The Law of Moses was intended to limit the extent of vengeance that could be taken against someone who inflicted an injury (Ex 21:23-24). This law of retaliation (Lex Talionis), an "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," may be described as the law of 'tit for tat.' It stated that punishment could not exceed the wrong done to someone. In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, he taught that the law of love prohibited revenge and retribution. He emphasized that there were no limits placed on Christian forgiveness and love. His disciples must go an "extra mile" in response to another's needs, even at their own expense. They were to give generously without expecting repayment. In today's violent world, Jesus reminds us not to repay injury with evil. St. Augustine said, "Forgiveness has two daughters: Justice and Compassion."
TO LOVE: Does capital punishment promote Jesus' teaching on non-violence or further the cycle of vengeance and retaliation?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to promote peace in my community.
11th Week in Ordinary Time
(2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Psalm 98)
KEY VERSE: "But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil" (Matthew 5:39).
TO KNOW: The Law of Moses was intended to limit the extent of vengeance that could be taken against someone who inflicted an injury (Ex 21:23-24). This law of retaliation (Lex Talionis), an "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," may be described as the law of 'tit for tat.' It stated that punishment could not exceed the wrong done to someone. In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, he taught that the law of love prohibited revenge and retribution. He emphasized that there were no limits placed on Christian forgiveness and love. His disciples must go an "extra mile" in response to another's needs, even at their own expense. They were to give generously without expecting repayment. In today's violent world, Jesus reminds us not to repay injury with evil. St. Augustine said, "Forgiveness has two daughters: Justice and Compassion."
TO LOVE: Does capital punishment promote Jesus' teaching on non-violence or further the cycle of vengeance and retaliation?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to promote peace in my community.
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, MATTHEW 5:43-48
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Psalm 146)
KEY VERSE: "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
TO KNOW: Israel believed that their enemies were also the enemies of God (Ps 139:21), but God did not command Israel to hate their enemies (Lev 19:17-18). Neither were they allowed to mistreat a resident alien, that is, someone who dwelt in the land but was not a member of the nation or religion of the Jews (Lev 19:33-34). Israel ought to remember that they were once aliens in the land of Egypt. But Jesus took the law further. He said it was no virtue to love only those who loved them; nonbelievers could do as much. His disciples should imitate their loving God, who gave gifts of sun and rain to the just and unjust alike. Christians must never seek retaliation for any insult no matter how hostile. They must strive to love even those who persecuted them (Mt 5:11). Jesus showed the supreme example of enemy love when asking God to forgive those who were putting him to death (Lk 23:34).
TO LOVE: Do I measure up to Jesus' command to forgive those who have injured me, and to pray for their welfare?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to strive to imitate your unconditional love.
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Psalm 146)
KEY VERSE: "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
TO KNOW: Israel believed that their enemies were also the enemies of God (Ps 139:21), but God did not command Israel to hate their enemies (Lev 19:17-18). Neither were they allowed to mistreat a resident alien, that is, someone who dwelt in the land but was not a member of the nation or religion of the Jews (Lev 19:33-34). Israel ought to remember that they were once aliens in the land of Egypt. But Jesus took the law further. He said it was no virtue to love only those who loved them; nonbelievers could do as much. His disciples should imitate their loving God, who gave gifts of sun and rain to the just and unjust alike. Christians must never seek retaliation for any insult no matter how hostile. They must strive to love even those who persecuted them (Mt 5:11). Jesus showed the supreme example of enemy love when asking God to forgive those who were putting him to death (Lk 23:34).
TO LOVE: Do I measure up to Jesus' command to forgive those who have injured me, and to pray for their welfare?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to strive to imitate your unconditional love.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-18
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Psalm 112)
KEY VERSE: "Be on guard against performing religious acts for people to see" (Matthew 6:1).
TO KNOW: Jesus asked his disciples to examine their motives when performing virtuous deeds. He gave three examples that were characteristic of Jewish piety at the time: almsgiving (Mt 6:1-4), prayer (v. 5-15), and fasting (vs. 16-18). While good in themselves, these acts must be carried out in ways to honor God and not to make a public show of holiness. Jesus contrasted the hypocritical behavior of the religious leaders with the sincere conduct he expected of his followers. Prayer should express a right relationship with God. Fasting should convey sorrow for sin. Almsgiving should show solidarity with the poor. These works have no value if only performed to win the praise and approval of others. God, the sole judge of all deeds, will reward each according to the true intentions of the heart. Without a willingness to have one's heart changed, salvation cannot be experienced.
TO LOVE: Do I work for the admiration of people or an eternal reward?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to give glory to God by serving my neighbor through my good works.
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Psalm 112)
KEY VERSE: "Be on guard against performing religious acts for people to see" (Matthew 6:1).
TO KNOW: Jesus asked his disciples to examine their motives when performing virtuous deeds. He gave three examples that were characteristic of Jewish piety at the time: almsgiving (Mt 6:1-4), prayer (v. 5-15), and fasting (vs. 16-18). While good in themselves, these acts must be carried out in ways to honor God and not to make a public show of holiness. Jesus contrasted the hypocritical behavior of the religious leaders with the sincere conduct he expected of his followers. Prayer should express a right relationship with God. Fasting should convey sorrow for sin. Almsgiving should show solidarity with the poor. These works have no value if only performed to win the praise and approval of others. God, the sole judge of all deeds, will reward each according to the true intentions of the heart. Without a willingness to have one's heart changed, salvation cannot be experienced.
TO LOVE: Do I work for the admiration of people or an eternal reward?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to give glory to God by serving my neighbor through my good works.
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, MATTHEW 6:7-1 5
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 11:1-11; Psalm 111)
KEY VERSE: "This is how you are to pray..." (Matthew 6:9).
TO KNOW: The pagans sought their god's approval by lengthy repetition of their prayers; however, Jesus taught his followers a simple prayer, which we call "The Lord's Prayer." Jesus told his disciples that they could approach God as "Father," a loving parent who was intimately present and knew their needs. At the same time, they were to reverence God's name and obey the divine will of "Heaven" so that God's reign would be established "on earth." Just as Israel had to depend upon God's providential gift of manna during their wilderness journey (Ex 16:4, 15), Jesus' disciples were to put their trust in God for their daily bread, the Eucharist, as they journeyed to the Promised Land, their eternal home. Since God's mercy is bestowed on sinners, Jesus' disciples must offer forgiveness to others and pray that they will not fail God in the final test.
TO LOVE: Do I pray the Lord's Prayer with faith and trust in God's loving care?
TO SERVE: How is the Lord’s Prayer a model of acts of praise, contrition, and petition?
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 11:1-11; Psalm 111)
KEY VERSE: "This is how you are to pray..." (Matthew 6:9).
TO KNOW: The pagans sought their god's approval by lengthy repetition of their prayers; however, Jesus taught his followers a simple prayer, which we call "The Lord's Prayer." Jesus told his disciples that they could approach God as "Father," a loving parent who was intimately present and knew their needs. At the same time, they were to reverence God's name and obey the divine will of "Heaven" so that God's reign would be established "on earth." Just as Israel had to depend upon God's providential gift of manna during their wilderness journey (Ex 16:4, 15), Jesus' disciples were to put their trust in God for their daily bread, the Eucharist, as they journeyed to the Promised Land, their eternal home. Since God's mercy is bestowed on sinners, Jesus' disciples must offer forgiveness to others and pray that they will not fail God in the final test.
TO LOVE: Do I pray the Lord's Prayer with faith and trust in God's loving care?
TO SERVE: How is the Lord’s Prayer a model of acts of praise, contrition, and petition?
PRAYING THE LORD'S PRAYER BACKWARDS:
A Journey toward Freedom through The Exodus" by Kay Murdy
Unpack the Lord's Prayer and experience the Exodus. It's true. If you meditate on the Lord's Prayer - beginning with the last phrase and going backward to the first phrase - you move from the world of slavery to evil to the world of the Father. You recreate, in effect, the journey of the Israelites out of Egypt. Kay Murdy builds her provocative book on this insight in eight steps from an all-too-real world of evil to intimacy with the Holy One. Along the way, she builds powerful connections between Scripture and Tradition and the Old and New Testaments. Discussion questions make this a useful tool for introducing catechumens to the Lord's Prayer. You can order my book for $10 (USA) plus postage. Email: murdyk@netscape.net
A Journey toward Freedom through The Exodus" by Kay Murdy
Unpack the Lord's Prayer and experience the Exodus. It's true. If you meditate on the Lord's Prayer - beginning with the last phrase and going backward to the first phrase - you move from the world of slavery to evil to the world of the Father. You recreate, in effect, the journey of the Israelites out of Egypt. Kay Murdy builds her provocative book on this insight in eight steps from an all-too-real world of evil to intimacy with the Holy One. Along the way, she builds powerful connections between Scripture and Tradition and the Old and New Testaments. Discussion questions make this a useful tool for introducing catechumens to the Lord's Prayer. You can order my book for $10 (USA) plus postage. Email: murdyk@netscape.net
Optional Memorial of Saint Romuald, Abbot
In 976, Sergius, a nobleman of Ravenna, Italy, quarreled with a relative about an estate, and he slew him in a duel. His son Romuald, horrified at his father's crime, entered the Benedictine monastery at Classe, to do a forty-day penance for him. This penance ultimately led to his religious vocation. After three years, Romuald went to live as a hermit near Venice. He founded many monasteries, the chief of which was that at Camaldoli, a wild desert place. There he built a church, which he surrounded with many separate cells for the solitaries who lived under his rule. His disciples were hence called Camaldolese. Among his first disciples were Saint Adalbert and Saint Boniface, apostles of Russia, and Saint John and Saint Benedict of Poland, who were martyrs for the faith. He was an intimate friend of Emperor Saint Henry and was revered and consulted by many great men of his time.
In 976, Sergius, a nobleman of Ravenna, Italy, quarreled with a relative about an estate, and he slew him in a duel. His son Romuald, horrified at his father's crime, entered the Benedictine monastery at Classe, to do a forty-day penance for him. This penance ultimately led to his religious vocation. After three years, Romuald went to live as a hermit near Venice. He founded many monasteries, the chief of which was that at Camaldoli, a wild desert place. There he built a church, which he surrounded with many separate cells for the solitaries who lived under his rule. His disciples were hence called Camaldolese. Among his first disciples were Saint Adalbert and Saint Boniface, apostles of Russia, and Saint John and Saint Benedict of Poland, who were martyrs for the faith. He was an intimate friend of Emperor Saint Henry and was revered and consulted by many great men of his time.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, MATTHEW 6:19-23
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30; Psalm 34)
KEY VERSE: "For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be" (Matthew 6:21).
TO KNOW: When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he instructed them to trust God for their daily needs (Mt 6:11). In his sayings on divine providence, Jesus reminded his followers to find their security in God, not in possessions. Material goods were subject to rot and decay, whereas God would be their lasting treasure. Jesus equated the human eye to a window into one's heart. If a person focused on the world and its wealth, it would be the object of their heart's desire. That person was spiritually blind because his or her vision was clouded by greed and selfishness. The one who has healthy sight is the person whose inner being is illuminated by the truth that Jesus came to reveal.
TO LOVE: Do I have a spiritual eye to see the treasures right before me?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, fill my heart with the light of your word.
“The heart has its reasons that reason knows not.” Blaise Pascal, philosopher
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30; Psalm 34)
KEY VERSE: "For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be" (Matthew 6:21).
TO KNOW: When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he instructed them to trust God for their daily needs (Mt 6:11). In his sayings on divine providence, Jesus reminded his followers to find their security in God, not in possessions. Material goods were subject to rot and decay, whereas God would be their lasting treasure. Jesus equated the human eye to a window into one's heart. If a person focused on the world and its wealth, it would be the object of their heart's desire. That person was spiritually blind because his or her vision was clouded by greed and selfishness. The one who has healthy sight is the person whose inner being is illuminated by the truth that Jesus came to reveal.
TO LOVE: Do I have a spiritual eye to see the treasures right before me?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, fill my heart with the light of your word.
“The heart has its reasons that reason knows not.” Blaise Pascal, philosopher
FIRST DAY OF SUMMER
The summer solstice marks the first day of summer (on June 20th or 21st). In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year is when the Sun is farthest north. The declination of the Sun on the (northern) summer solstice is known as the Tropic of Cancer. In the southern hemisphere, winter and summer solstices are exchanged. A solstice is an astronomical event caused by Earth’s tilt on its axis and its motion in orbit around the sun. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year since the length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is the maximum for the year.
The summer solstice marks the first day of summer (on June 20th or 21st). In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year is when the Sun is farthest north. The declination of the Sun on the (northern) summer solstice is known as the Tropic of Cancer. In the southern hemisphere, winter and summer solstices are exchanged. A solstice is an astronomical event caused by Earth’s tilt on its axis and its motion in orbit around the sun. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year since the length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is the maximum for the year.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, MATTHEW 6:24-34
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 34)
KEY VERSE: "Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).
TO KNOW: When facing the evil one in the wilderness, Jesus declared his intention to serve God alone by resisting the enticement to obtain power and wealth (Mt 4:1-11). Jesus taught his disciples that it is impossible to serve two masters. They must make a choice. Would they be willing servants of the God of Heaven or slaves of the earth's material goods? (Aramaic: mammon) Jesus told his disciples not to be overly concerned about their physical needs. They should take a lesson from the way God provided for the short-lived birds and field flowers. Did his disciples have confidence that the Father would supply their needs as well? By earnestly seeking to do God's will, all else would fall into place.
TO LOVE: Do I work for God's reign or earthly riches?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to trust you with all my concerns.
Weekday
(2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 34)
KEY VERSE: "Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).
TO KNOW: When facing the evil one in the wilderness, Jesus declared his intention to serve God alone by resisting the enticement to obtain power and wealth (Mt 4:1-11). Jesus taught his disciples that it is impossible to serve two masters. They must make a choice. Would they be willing servants of the God of Heaven or slaves of the earth's material goods? (Aramaic: mammon) Jesus told his disciples not to be overly concerned about their physical needs. They should take a lesson from the way God provided for the short-lived birds and field flowers. Did his disciples have confidence that the Father would supply their needs as well? By earnestly seeking to do God's will, all else would fall into place.
TO LOVE: Do I work for God's reign or earthly riches?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to trust you with all my concerns.
Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, religious
Aloysius Gonzaga, the cousin of Saint Rudolph Acquaviva, was an Italian noble who grew up in a castle. The son of a compulsive gambler, he was trained from age four as a soldier and courtier. Aloysius suffered from kidney disease, which he considered a blessing as it left him bedridden with time for prayer. While still a boy, he taught catechism to poor boys. Aloysius received First Communion from Saint Charles Borromeo. At age 18, he signed away his legal claim to his family's lands and title to his brother and became a Jesuit novice. A spiritual student of Saint Robert Bellarmine, Aloysius tended plague victims in Rome in the outbreak of 1591. He died in 1591 at Rome of plague and fever.
Aloysius Gonzaga, the cousin of Saint Rudolph Acquaviva, was an Italian noble who grew up in a castle. The son of a compulsive gambler, he was trained from age four as a soldier and courtier. Aloysius suffered from kidney disease, which he considered a blessing as it left him bedridden with time for prayer. While still a boy, he taught catechism to poor boys. Aloysius received First Communion from Saint Charles Borromeo. At age 18, he signed away his legal claim to his family's lands and title to his brother and became a Jesuit novice. A spiritual student of Saint Robert Bellarmine, Aloysius tended plague victims in Rome in the outbreak of 1591. He died in 1591 at Rome of plague and fever.
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI)
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, LUKE 9:11b-17
(Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
KEY VERSE: "They all ate until they had enough" (Luke 9:17).
TO KNOW: The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle story mentioned in each of the four Gospels, which emphasizes its importance as foreshadowing the Eucharist. When Jesus sent his disciples out to proclaim the reign of God, he told them to "take nothing for the journey" (Lk.9:3). Just as Israel had to learn to depend on God for their daily needs, Jesus' disciples must trust in God's providence. As a parable in action, Jesus multiplied the bread in the wilderness and fed the multitude. Jesus' four Eucharistic acts sum up every aspect of his life. Just as he takes, blesses, breaks, and shares the bread with the people, Jesus takes God's revelation, blesses it by his words and deeds, offers his body and blood on the cross, and shares God's life with the world. Jesus is our daily bread, our nourishment on our journey to God's kingdom. For just as the body needs physical nourishment, the spirit needs spiritual nourishment.
TO LOVE: In what ways does our parish care for the hungry poor?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, fill me with your life-giving food so that I may feed others.
NOTE: The Church is the body and blood of Jesus Christ on earth. The Late Fr. Anthony DeMello once saw a starving child shivering in the cold. Angrily, he looked up and said, "God, how could you allow such suffering? Why don't you do something?" There was a long silence, and then Fr. DeMello heard these words, "I did...I made you!"
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, LUKE 9:11b-17
(Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
KEY VERSE: "They all ate until they had enough" (Luke 9:17).
TO KNOW: The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle story mentioned in each of the four Gospels, which emphasizes its importance as foreshadowing the Eucharist. When Jesus sent his disciples out to proclaim the reign of God, he told them to "take nothing for the journey" (Lk.9:3). Just as Israel had to learn to depend on God for their daily needs, Jesus' disciples must trust in God's providence. As a parable in action, Jesus multiplied the bread in the wilderness and fed the multitude. Jesus' four Eucharistic acts sum up every aspect of his life. Just as he takes, blesses, breaks, and shares the bread with the people, Jesus takes God's revelation, blesses it by his words and deeds, offers his body and blood on the cross, and shares God's life with the world. Jesus is our daily bread, our nourishment on our journey to God's kingdom. For just as the body needs physical nourishment, the spirit needs spiritual nourishment.
TO LOVE: In what ways does our parish care for the hungry poor?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, fill me with your life-giving food so that I may feed others.
NOTE: The Church is the body and blood of Jesus Christ on earth. The Late Fr. Anthony DeMello once saw a starving child shivering in the cold. Angrily, he looked up and said, "God, how could you allow such suffering? Why don't you do something?" There was a long silence, and then Fr. DeMello heard these words, "I did...I made you!"