2 Wow, Joe. Great question. I think this claim he makes reins true in my own life. I think what he is saying is that whenever someone wants to address God as being separate from the problems in the world, or thinking that God is another problem, rather than the solution, they actually have a problem with themselves. Maybe it is pride, maybe it’s trauma they went through as a child, maybe its the discrimination they faced being born into a country of a predominant white heritage with white privilege. There are many factors that could cause someone to think that they are all alone in their pursuit of God or lack there of, but the truth of tHe matter is that by growing with others, we grow closer to God. By opening our hearts to living with others in community, we open ourselves to communion with God.

I think yes, as long as it's doing so in a healthy and proactive way. If you are doing it so you can prepare yourself for the week, good. If you are doing it so that you have more time to be lazy during the week, not so good. I also think it's important not to overdo things or let anything else become gods or false idols, and I think that's a major part of Sundays. If you do it because you enjoy learning, and it's for the glory of God, I see nothing wrong with it. Also, if it is happening due to extended procrastination to the point where you have to do it Sunday, I think that is bad. I see that as the "putting on the blinker" as we discussed on the Fellowship. What that means is that you gave into temptation to laziness before at some point, and now the Devil has compounded your sin to cause you to profane the Holy Day of the Lord. Something to be mindful of.

Padre Pio: A Man of Hope by Renzo Allegri- it is a Padre Pio biography, not always an easy read, but taught me so much about the Saint and his suffering.