February 7 - You may remember that I'm involved in Muslim dialogue at a national level. A group of us had a first time Zoom meeting last week that was enjoyable and friendly. While we agree on many fronts, we also had an understanding that there will be profound differences on issues like Jesus as God, the Bible as God's Word and the value of the sacraments. But mutual respect, allowed us to note our gaps without having to convince them that they are wrong. I pray that future meetings will be as dignified and yet, honest. It’s said that as a boy Muhammad had a priest named Bahira as a teacher that he revered long afterwards.