THE LAW OF THE GIFT.  Vatican II proclaimed that the human person cannot fully find himself except through the sincere gift of himself. The Council referred to Jesus' teaching that "whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."  Pope St. John Paul II said, "In this way Jesus proclaims that life finds its center, its meaning, and its fulfillment, when it is given up as a gift to God."

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WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET MARRIED IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Many young Catholics today choose to be married in a special location, with the beauty of a mountaintop or the stunning sunset at the beach as a backdrop -- a destination wedding. But there are some good reasons to reconsider and reflect on this, and to intentionally decide to get married in the sacred beauty of the Church.  

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THE SAINTS.  They are great role models, with much to show us and teach us. And we believe that they intercede for us. So let’s remind ourselves to reach out to them, and call on them for our needs, and embrace them sincerely in prayer. 

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THE IMPORTANCE OF VIRTUE. To grow in virtue is to improve as a human being - to become a better person today than I was yesterday.  Virtue must be sought out and acquired intentionally.  You become virtuous by continually striving for virtue.

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HEAVEN, BUT ON WHOSE TERMS? Jesus taught that entry into Heaven goes through a narrow gate, "and those who find it are few." But many people believe that all will be saved, and  just being a good person will be enough. If we truly aspire to eternal life with God, we must prepare ourselves by embracing heavenly values — mercy, forgiveness, non-judgment — and thus enter into Heaven on God's terms.  

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PATIENCE. It’s called a Virtue, but it’s a tough one to develop. And yet, once acquired and nurtured, patience is a path to a more prayerful and peaceful life.

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THE BREVITY OF LIFE.  Life is too short to be unhappy, hold grudges, or have regrets. The brevity of our lives should induce us to live in a state of readiness, to be prepared spiritually, and to actively serve God, appreciating each moment we have left, until He calls us into the life that never ends.  

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ST. PADRE PIO.  Padre Pio’s life was full of sacrifice, sufferings, and acts of renunciation.  And still today, for millions of Catholics around the world, he is a powerful living presence, offering a wellspring of benefits for our spiritual and temporal needs. St. Padre Pio, pray for us!

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TRY NOT TO COMPLAIN. We all do it, sometimes without being aware, but it is harmful to our spiritual health and well-being. We need to find a way to identify it in ourselves and limit its effect on us and others. St. Paul reminds us to "give thanks in all circumstances, and rejoice always!"

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TAKING GUILT TOO FAR. A guilty conscience can warn us that we've done something wrong, and prompt us to admit our fault and ask for forgiveness. But if guilt becomes a persistent feeling of doubt and uncertainty, a fear that you can never be saved, then it becomes an unhealthy obsession and blocks our relationship with God. That is taking guilt too far. 

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