"Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
May his name be blessed forever;
as long as the sun his name shall remain.
In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed;
all the nations shall proclaim his happiness."
Psalms 72:17 (from today's Responsorial Psalm)

St. John the Almsgiver, also known as St. John the Merciful, became the Patriarch of Alexandria. Upon his appointment, he made a list of several thousand needy persons, whom he took under his special care.   He always referred to the poor as his "lords and masters," because of their mighty influence at the Court of the Most High.   He assisted people of every class who were in need.

"God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. 
In this is love brought to perfection among us,
that we have confidence on the day of judgment
because as he is, so are we in this world. 
There is no fear in love,
but perfect love drives out fear
because fear has to do with punishment,
and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love."

1 John 4:16-18 (from today's First Reading)

Lord, let us truly know and act with your love. Give us the strength to follow your teachings and to live a grace-filled life. As you walked on the water in today's gospel, let us know you and trust in your plans. We ask this, as we ask all things, through Christ, our Lord, Amen.

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.  Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love."
1 John 4:7-8 (from today's First Reading)

Lord, let us learn to love like you - with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. Let us, like St. Andrew, the "Apostle of Florence," take up the responsibilities God gives us, no matter how tough they may seem. St. Andrew Corsini, pray for us!

St. Andrew Ccorsini