I was sickened this morning by the terrible news that one of the three African priests who had been so adored by the entire language school in Seoul had died suddenly of heart failure, on December 18, while running a marathon. He was probably in his mid-30s.

Father Joseph was from Kenya. In a former life, he led safari tours in his country. He and I shared two classes together, and I was always impressed by his gentleness and patience. He had a smile that could illuminate a small city.

And now he is dead. Etsuko reported that he was dead before they reached the hospital. She wrote: "Father Peter, Father Joseph, and Father Tamlat -- they that were three and were one..."

There is truly no justice in the world.