A good way to get an argument started in any gathering is to begin discussing religious questions. Even on a global scale religious voices have become very shrill and harsh. Anger, suspicion, fear, and hurt feelings are the usual results. But 1Timothy shows us a far more effective way of witnessing to our faith. We are exhorted to always give a fine example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Against these qualities there are no effective counter-arguments! Let us outdo one another in doing good. And we are not to neglect the gift that was given to us - the presence of God's spirit within us.

At every moment of his life even until the very end Jesus was thinking of others. From the cross he entrusted his mother to the care of the beloved disciple - and the disciple to her care. Compassion and mutual caring - that is what his life was about. We need to remember that in the face of so many disasters and tragedies in our world, especially those involving loss of lives and homes. Mary stands in compassionate solidarity with the mothers of the world and the many suffering children. It only has meaning if we love in the face of it. Jesus has entrusted us all into the care of one another. We have so many opportunities each day to put this into practice. Let us not disappoint him!