Those of you who know me know that my typical response to a question or problem someone will pose is “Have you prayed about that? Have you asked Jesus?” Often the answer I receive from the person is, “Yes,” to which my retort is, “And what did Jesus say?” The reply: “I don’t know.” When I ask for elaboration, what I get is: “I didn’t/don’t hear Jesus say anything.”

The other day I overheard during our school’s morning drop-off the song “I just can’t wait to be king” from The Lion King. I think we all whistle that tune subconsciously, and justifiably so. For when we are baptized, we are baptized into Christ’s kingship. This is why the newly baptized is anointed on the head with the Sacred Chrism, resembling a coronation.

Jesus makes this prediction in this weekend’s Gospel: “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”

I gave a brief lesson in ancient Church history in my homily a couple weeks ago, and I feel compelled to repeat some of that here, since today we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. The way All Souls Day last Sunday trumped what would have been the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, this weekend, the Lateran Feast trumps what would have been the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

This Sunday we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). Because November 2nd falls on a Sunday, it trumps what would have been the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time. Instead of reflecting on Zacchaeus, who would have been the subject of the Gospel, we’re reflecting on death and the afterlife.

I think most of us look to this Sunday’s Gospel scene with fondness. The Pharisee is proud that he fasts twice a week, pays tithes, and doesn’t sin.

What do you do when it is hard to pray? When you’re confused about something and in your head about a variety of options you could possibly take, and talking to God seems to only add to the confusion? It’s as if God is giving you just another opinion that has its pros and cons. Praying can actually be somewhat detrimental to your peace.

The return of the leper to give thanks to God is one of the first Gospel stories I can recall from my earliest days.

I read recently a study that mentioned mustard seeds have radioprotective qualities. An experiment was conducted where a bunch of different seeds were put under radiation and the mustard seed was the only seed that wasn’t deformed.

In the canon law class I teach weekly up at the seminary, we recently covered the topic of criminal law in the church.