Seated next to me is Harmos, a friend I made in Teheran a c

ouple of weeks ago. He is a terrific acolyte, following the Aramaic language of his Chaldean Church perfectly, crossing himself at the right time, ringing the bell when called for, and generally looking like he is having a great time serving God at God’s altar.

    I relate to him in part because I have a sister, Françoise, like him. Long ago, a priest friend of my parents was visiting our home and having a cocktail (or two...). She came into the room to say hello. As he looked at her, a tear came into the priest’s eyes. “So innocent,” he said. “Incapable of sinning. Surely such people will have the highest places in heaven. Much higher than you or me.”

    Harmos and Françoise, Holy Innocents (followng on yesterday’s meditation). And quite possibily the greatest of saints. That sounds right: “Whoever humbles himself like this child shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4).

Growing up with Françoise, she taught me a most valuable lesson: what matters in this life is who love you and whom you love. Everything else is detail, and won’t go with us.