Even when St. Joseph found out about Mary’s expected Child before they lived together, he did not want to subject her to shame. A message from an angel reassured him. The mother of James and John wanted Jesus to promise that her sons would sit at Jesus’ right and left when He came into His glory. Of course, she wanted to spare them being at His side in crucifixion. In a string of the Lord’s parables, a vineyard owner had a hard time collecting his share of the produce from the tenant farmers, a rich man ignored someone sick and impoverished right at his doorstep, and a prodigal son returned home. Does the way we treat others reflect our gratitude for the Lord’s love, His forgiveness beyond fairness, and mercy toward us?