I have an extraordinary opportunity before me.  A recently-retired priest of my diocese is providing weekend coverage for me for four consecutive weekends.  I will be away from my parish and from tribunal for nearly five weeks.  I will not post another homily until Sunday, October 29.

When we are faced with the unpleasant or the perplexing, we do our best to distract ourselves -- even if that means taking a flight into fantasy.  So Jesus' disciples did in trying to ignore his words to them that he must be put to death, and launching into a discussion of who is the greatest among them.  Let's put aside fantasy and acknowledge what truly gives meaning to our life.