Two trees dwelt in a garden - one of which led to death, while one led to life. The Tree of Life had been sealed since that fateful day in the beginning, but on Good Friday it is unsealed for us - obedience unto death becoming our life!

If you want to see the depths of God's love for you, the ultimate meaning of life, the key to understanding human history, the fulfillment of all your desires - look upon the Cross and see the Answer!

Jesus' mercy saves a woman caught in adultery - but why was adultery punishable by death? Because all sin is punished by death - Jesus' death on the Cross, which not only cleanses the blot of our sin but gives us the grace to "go and sin no more".

This prodigal young man saw the world in terms of hedonism and economics – everything was for sale. But this only led to the chora makra – the great emptiness. He was rescued, then, by the free and lavish grace of a Father who restored him to relationship in the house of love. Isn’t that our story, too?

It would be so easy to be a dog! Nothing much to worry about. But as human beings, we know we are made for something more. God honors us in the Scriptures by inviting us into a relationship with Him and then equipping us for works of holiness. What a great dignity this displays!

God gives us glimpses of Heaven all the time - those small joys that lift our hearts, that make us yearn for a joy that never ends. But they are only glimpses to stir up our desires for Heaven, not enough to make us want to remain here on earth. How do these glimpses of Heavenly joy reflect the joy that we will experience when we dwell with God for eternity? And how should we use these good things on earth in such a way as to set our hearts on the better things to come?

Most Catholics are not good at saying "no". We believe that, as Americans, pleasure and self-indulgence is our birthright. But paradoxically, saying "no" is actually saying a generous "yes" to a greater good, to interior freedom, and to love. Christ teaches us that fasting is one of the keys to spiritual strength - why should we do it, and how should it best be done?

If one were to need a heart transplant, taking a painkiller would only mask the underlying problem. In the same way, putting on ashes is a useless mask without the underlying repentance that changes our lives. Yes, it is difficult and costly - but it is the only thing that will save us.

"The power of life and death are in the tongue," says the book of Proverbs. Indeed, our words have the power to give life or take it away, to build up or tear down. Let's look at some characteristics that should be found in the words of every Christian!

The "American way" is to pull yourself up by your bootstraps, work hard, and make life happen by your own efforts. Then why is life so doggone difficult? Perhaps because we were never meant to face our challenges and crosses on our own, but rather with the strength of God.

We can find peace and strength by surrendering to God's will, finding a "holy indifference" to success or failure, poverty or riches. So long as we are deeply rooted in Him, all will be well!