In my old missal today, it is the feast of SS. Philip and James. The Gospel is from John 14:1-13. I find this particularly comforting in the midst of European chaos. St. Paul was on his way to Europe, to Rome, when his ship broke up near Malta. No one died. He met Publius, now a saint, and the Church was established on that small jewel in the Mediterranean. Even in a wreck, God brought forth new life for an entire people, who would not have heard the Good News without this tragedy, at least the loss of material goods.
Hope, pray, fast. love, have faith. Here is part of today's TLM reading: At this time: Jesus said to his disciples:
Do not let your heart be distressed; as you have faith in God, have faith in me. There are many dwelling-places in my Father's house; otherwise, should I have said to you, I am going away to prepare a home for you? And though I do go away, to prepare you a home, I am coming back; and then I will take you to myself, so that you too may be where I am. Read the entire section today, and be cheerful in the Lord.
And, to my friends in Malta, I can phone you, much cheaper and more often, after the new ruling in the EU on roaming charges which begins July 1st. Thank goodness for a small blessing...Here is St. Luke on the meeting of SS. Paul and Publius.
In the vicinity of that place were lands belonging to a man named Publius, the chief of the island. He welcomed us and received us cordially as his guests for three days. It so happened that the father of Publius was sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and, after praying, laid his hands on him and healed him. After this had taken place, the rest of the sick on the island came to Paul and were cured. They paid us great honor and when we eventually set sail they brought us the provisions we needed. - Acts 28:7-10