Much of the Christian life is waiting in eager expectation, because many of Christ's promises are not fully revealed yet. The promise to hear our prayers, the promise to make us holy, the promise of His final triumph are ongoing prophesies that unfold in our lives. So we must wait in hope, as the Apostles eagerly expected - and soon saw - the coming of the Holy Spirit in ways they could never have foreseen!

The Apostles doubted the Resurrected Christ because it was so extraordinary they couldn't understand it. But we doubt Christ because our Catholic Faith has become so ordinary, hum-drum, average that it loses its power to transform. Let us consider, not only what we believe, but the consequences of this belief - that it may shock us with its extraordinary, transformative way!

The world offers us the standard American Dream - but Christ offers us a better way to live. This means, however, that we have to reject the lies to find the Truth of Jesus Christ - but in doing so, we find a happier and more joyful life than we could ever imagine!

Many people think that life is a mystery. Why are we here? Where are we going? Why do we suffer? How can we find happiness? But these questions that arise in our hearts deserve a rock-solid answer - through the interpretive lens of our Catholic Faith. We can know what this life is all about, because Christ came to reveal man to himself!

The early Church did not think that Faith was a Sunday-only thing. Rather, they lived every day in and through Christ - their work was an offering to the Lord, they attended to the daily prayers and "breaking of bread" (Eucharist), and enjoyed fellowship with other Christians. This is how all Christians are meant to live their lives - so what are some ways that our faith can become a lifestyle and not just a "part" of who we are?

Jesus Christ came to save souls. If we love Jesus, we also ought to be filled with a zeal for souls. Our Scripture gives us the mission: making disciples through prayer and fasting, invitation and explanation, and through the witness of our sacrifice.

The Washing of Feet on Holy Thursday, and the giving of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, highlight the two greatest virtues of the Christian life: charity and humility. They are the cornerstones of what we must practice, as Catholics, if we are to live like Christ!

Jesus returns and shows His wounds to His Apostles - because a scar shows that He has fought for us, and conquered. From that open wound in His Heart flows all the mercy that the world could ever need!

Perhaps the craziest thing we could ever believe is that a Man has risen from the dead. Yet, paradoxically, it is rational to believe it - and far more sane than believing in the empty promises that this world has to offer us!

At times, we will indignantly cry out to God, "What did I do to deserve this?" But today, we reflect: "What did I do that Jesus deserved this suffering?" And, in awe and wonder, think, "What did I do to deserve this mercy?" We could do nothing to deserve it - it is a free gift of love!