Jesus reveals a God who does not demand but who gives; who does not oppress but who raises up; who does not wound but who heals; who does not condemn but forgives.

The cultural propaganda embodied in two liquor advertisements, "Living well is the best revenge" and "Sip it with arrogance," have a curious, perhaps demonic appeal. Consumerism indeed has its own spirituality.

In human beings, love is a quality, a high-prized virtue; in God, love is His identity.

I have been seized by the power of a great affection.

The outstretched arms of Jesus exclude no one, not the drunk in the doorway, the panhandler on the street, gays and lesbians in their isolation, the most selfish and ungrateful in their cocoons, the most unjust of employers and the most overweening of snobs. The love of Christ embraces all without exception.

Our hearts of stone become hearts of flesh when we learn where the outcast weeps.

On the last day, Jesus will look us over not for medals, diplomas, or honors, but for scars.