Elections are annoying, especially the television and radio ads. Hate this guy, hate that guy. Give me a break. Our great church has a lot to say about civic authority. We are submit to authority given that it is God who grants a politician a voice in the first place. But, the politicos have the responsibility to be morally upstanding citizens. Gotta start somewhere.

If you don't like your preacher at the church in the strip mall, no problem. Just church shop for a pastor you like. Or, if you are adventurous start your own church. Not us Romans. We sit and endure controversy. Sometimes we wait for centuries for resolution on big topics. But, how soon we forget when we light up the parish secretary with our monthly complaint email. Catholics need to be patient. Our church moves slowly for a reason. Because truth is at stake. Gotta start somewhere.

Peter is the greatest of the gospel characters. His on the job training with Jesus is always fun to read. In this case the interplay between Christ and His leadership trainee enters into the topic of forgiveness. Peter confidently proclaims his answer to the question, "how many times must one forgive?" This moment in the 18th chapter of Matthew is brilliant, funny, deep, and critical to our understanding of true faith. Gotta start somewhere.