All the readings for the day to be used at daily mass are repeated,  not often but sometimes. Today's is one of the sometimes. Thanks to modern technology it is possible for me to me to immediately check who was St Bernardino It is immediately obvious that he was no "anonymous Christian" being very well known in his place and time. Our Church teaches that as the Mystical Body all of us are connected by the Love that fuels the Trinity. So today our reading  has St Peter a fisherman filled with the Holy Spirit standing up and inspiring many in remembrance of a Franciscan who although not gifted with a beautiful voice was also able to inspire many to the extent that he is known as "The Apostle of Italy." Two thousand years after Jesus  walked the earth, I am able to see his Love connecting the Apostles, a monk of the fifteenth century and a sinner sitting at this machine. How can I say that I am not aware of the Holy Spirit?

Dear Lord show me your way to the Father, guide me with your Holy Spirit and let me have confidence in the Father's will for his Holy Church.

There is not much fudging in Jesus' words today. A total commitment is what is required if we are to follow him. Neither filial duty nor family fellowship can deter us from the road which is without  human comforts. Today we cannot meet Jesus on the open road but we do aspire to follow his teaching and example. Jesus tells us that we can find him in the homeless and deprived and it is to these poor that we must show the Love that Jesus has lavished on us all.

Dear Lord let my prayers be one with those of countless generations, known only to you, as  I pray that today I will follow your plough without turning back.