"When the disciples saw [Jesus] walking on the sea they were terrified... and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, 'Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.'" The Lord can save us from the storms of life, but do we have the faith to believe?

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." Who is Jesus Christ? Is he the central person in your life? Only YOU can answer these questions for yourself. And when you do, Jesus gently says, "Rise, and do not be afraid."

"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it." Oneness with Christ lies at the heart of those who choose God's kingdom!

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants." Our capacity to grow in God's love has no limits if we allow the Holy Spirit to leaven our lives.

"The seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit." As disciples of Christ, we are called to listen to the Word of God and let it take root in the world.

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart." Humility helps us transcend hardships and burdens that may come our way as we proclaim the Good News to the world.

"Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me... Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me." Are we ready to put aside things that get in the way of following Jesus?

"Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge... So do not be afraid." We will more effectively witness to Christ by our deeds, with kindness and compassion; and with a courage that is born of Jesus' deep and abiding love for us.

"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." Jesus calls us each by name. How do we respond?

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." On this great solemnity, we celebrate Jesus' gift of himself in the holy Eucharist.