Instead of a coughing fit, a brief summary of my homily.

The people who know their poverty will always remain connected with their God, in accord with the tree whose roots have a reliable source of water.

Can we find a hitherto unnoticed strength in ourselves?  Paul's reflection on love celebrates love as a strength!

A government shutdown is the opposite of the harmony described by Saint Paul in his description of the Christian community according to the "analogy of the body."

We want to know that we are "chosen" and "espoused."  Our God assures us that his love for us is of this quality.