This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we venture through life, we will face temptation and be drawn to those things that we falsely believe we “must have.” Whether it be a persuasive advertisement, noticing a friend’s newest purchase, or seeing a colleague with the latest gadget, we are sure that our lives will improve if only we keep up with the crowd, and the materialism our society promotes. Yet we must pray for the grace to remember that it is not keeping up that is important—instead we must keep up with Christ’s call in our lives. We live inthe world but do not belong tothe world. We belong to Christ. Thus, we must reject empty priorities and follow God’s ways and commands. There may be a price to pay for doing so, but the reward Our Lord promises is the fullness of life now and forever.