The reading from the Morning Prayer of the Church (the Divine Office; breviary) is a powerful and counterintuitive exhortation from the apostle Paul that challenges our natural inclinations and societal norms. “Bless those who persecute  you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.” (Romans 12:14-16).  Continue reading →