Have you met the Tate family?

I was cleaning out some files and came across this article. I wish I had made a note of its origin but I didn't.

You may have heard of the Tate family. They're in every organization. There is Dic Tate, who wants to run everything. Ro Tate is always trying to change things; Agi Tate stirs up trouble whenever possible - with the help of Irri Tate, who is always there to lend a hand. Every time new ideas are suggested, Hesi Tate and Vege Tate are there to say they can't possibly work. Imi Tate justs wants to copy other organizations and never try anything new. Devas Tate loves to be disruptive and Poten Tate wants to be a big shot. But it's Facili Tate, Cogi Tate and Medi Tate who always savet the day and get everyone pulling together.

Had fun searching for information about a Bible character that shows up in this week's lesson. The name Ephraim is mentioned twice in the Responsive Reading. Turns out that Ephriam is the younger of Joseph's two sons, born to him during his time in Egypt. Once his brothers learn this he is alive and well, Joseph tells them to break this news to their father and bring Jacob to Egypt for the remaining years of the famine. Before he dies, Jacob or Israel, blesses the two boys, but he gives the birthright to Ephraim, not to Manesseh who is actually the first born. The descendents of Ephriam are known by that tribal name and they settle in the northern part of the Promised Land many years later, after Moses leads the people there. They have a hard time of it and sometimes choose to go their own way, but God never deserts them, but shows them mercy.

I am praying with the definition of the word mercy as it appears all through this lesson about Everlasting Punishment. It means compassionate treatment, clemency; alleviation of distress. I like to think of Our Father showing us that kind of tenderness. Mercy.

Go in peace.