Tired from all her wandering, the dove finally returns to the ark, her only safe place to rest. Noah had been watching for her all day and was ready to welcome her back. She barely had the strength to reach the ark when Noah stretched out his hand and pulled her in. She didn’t fly in on her own—she was

too afraid or too exhausted. She flew as far as she could, and then Noah helped her the rest of the way. Just as she was, he brought her into the ark. In the same way, you, a sinner seeking God, will be welcomed. God's words to you are simple: "Just come back"—nothing more, just "come back."

Let everyone be cautious of being ruled by their fleshly desires because there are no tyrants as demanding as physical appetites. Ending your life because of indulgence is the most degrading of deaths, leading to eternal disgrace; not even the cruelest

of tyrants have demanded such a fate from their victims. For the sake of both time and eternity, let's conquer our fleshly desires before they conquer us. Lord, be our helper.