How can I help you, Officer?

The Pope is visiting New York City. His motorcade stops for a bit and the Holy Father is sitting in the car alone with his driver. Looking around at the beautiful German engineering of the Mercedes limousine, the Holy Father says to the driver, "You know, I hardly ever get to drive. Would you please let me take this for a spin?"

The driver is understandably hesitant and says, "I'm sorry, but I don't think I'm supposed to do that."

But the Pope persists, "Please?" The driver finally lets up and says. "Oh, all right, I can't really say no to the Pope." So the Pope takes the wheel and takes off like they are on the Autobahn!

A policeman notices the speeding limo and pulls it over. The cop walks up and taps on the glass, asking the driver to roll down the window.

Immediately recognizing the Holy Father, the startled young officer asks the Pope to wait a minute. He goes back to his patrol car and radios the chief.

Cop: Chief, I have a problem.

Chief: What sort of problem?

Cop: Well, I pulled over this guy for driving way over the speed limit, but I think it is a serious VIP.

Chief: Important like the mayor?

Cop: No, no, much more important than that.

Chief: Important like the governor?

Cop: Wayyyyyy more important than that.

Chief: Like the president?

Cop: More.

Chief: Who's more important than the president?

Cop: I don't know who it is, but he's got the Pope driving for him!

A Prayer for Ethan

Praying for the dead. It's one of the spiritual works of mercy.

I never met Ethan Stacy. But I am asking you to please say a prayer for him. I pray this precious 4 year old boy, who was tortured for much of the last week, went straight to heaven and is now snuggled in the Father's lap. I pray he never, ever endures another ounce of pain.

Last week, Ethan had a brief respite from being savaged and scalded. On May 6th, Ethan was locked in a bedroom - with the handle taken off the door so he couldn't escape - while his mother left to marry the man who had been beating him.

I don't understand. I am angry and sad and sickened.

But I trust you Lord.

You understand what it is like to be beaten by people who You just wanted to love. You know what it is like to watch someone you love so much be indifferent to your agony. You know what it is like to be mocked, tortured, and battered by those you love. And you know what it is like to die unjustly and cruelly at the hands of people who would be consumed with love for you, if only they knew what a precious gift from God you are.

Please Lord, give Ethan a hug from me.

I hope to meet him one day. Maybe he can show me around Heaven.

A gift for the Whiner

An update to the St. Joseph and the Ungrateful Whiner post - the nice young executive couple has agreed to rent our home for several years. Our realtor sent us the rental contract for our review yesterday.


It was Saturday, May 1st.

The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

Thank you Father.
Thank you Lord.
Thank you Holy Spirit.
Thank you Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth.

and

Thank you glorious, patient wonderful, loving and POWERFUL St. Joseph!