Right now, it’s far more helpful – emotionally, psychologically, relationally – to be proactive and focus on the things over which we have some influence, rather than to send ourselves into tailspins reacting to what we can’t control. Think about God’s initiative in your own life. Today, concretely, what can you influence? Who can you help?

Readings at this Mass: 1 Kgs 17:10–16 | Heb 9:24–28 | Mk 12:38–44

When we love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, we become more like Him. As we grow close to God, we gain His peace and can extend His love to those around us. Because God is in control, unshaken by the world's troubles, we can be too, for the love of God calms our fears. Loving our neighbors, even those we disagree with, creates bonds that build unity. When we love as God loves, our neighbors stop being enemies and become brothers and sisters.

Readings at this Mass 1 Kgs 17:10–16 | Heb 9:24–28 | Mk 12:38–44

Jesus invites us to reject worldly standards and take on Godly standards with the Beatitudes. They are a kind of roadmap to sainthood, God's standards for leading a joyful, fulfilling life that also prepares us for our reward in heaven. Sainthood is not far from us, but is happening here and now: when we mourn, when we experience tribulations that cause us hunger and thirst for righteousness, when we show mercy, when we are peacemakers, when we are mistreated for the sake of peace for others.

Readings at this Mass: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14 | 1 Jn 3:1-3 | Mt 5:1-12a

On being resilient and persistent in cultivating an upward movement toward God, Saint Cyprian of Carthage says that we must endure toil and fatigue while we are attempting to climb hills and mountains. However, the toil and fatigue are less if we set our eyes on heaven and consider the promised reward. This reminds us to continue to keep our focus on Jesus and remain resilient in inviting God to take part in our life.

Readings at this Mass: Jer 31:7–9 | Heb 5:1–6 | Mk 10:46–52

Real change requires radical honesty, and we could all do with a bit more honesty: in our public lives, our private lives, and in our prayer. Don’t be afraid of the truth when you pray. Don’t ignore what’s going on inside. Embrace who you are – and where you are. Tell it to God like it is. And then, let God go to work.

Readings at this Mass: Is 53:10–11 | Heb 4:14–16 | Mk 10:35–45

Take a moment this week and ask yourself: "What is one thing standing between me and a deeper relationship with Jesus? What is one thing that I am lacking?" Then, take a leap of faith and surrender it. Whatever it is, place it at the feet of Jesus, and then be patient. Wait and watch as joy, like a hidden treasure, reveals itself to you in ways you never expected.

Readings at this Mass: Wis 7:7–11 | Heb 4:12–13 | Mk 10:17–30

We heard of the call to bring children from what Jesus commanded the disciples today, ‘Let the children come to me’. When married couples bear fruits in bringing children into this world, they are not only bringing God’s love into the world, but also displaying the inner life of God, the love, which is the Holy Spirit, shared between the Father and the Son.

Readings at this Mass: Gn 2:18–24 | Heb 2:9–11 | Mk 10:2–16

Fundamentally, holiness is not churchiness or being theologically literate. It's not having our act together morally, and certainly not about judging other people. Fundamentally, holiness is about having the courage to let Jesus into the center of your life - and then hanging on for the ride! That might not always look the way we think holiness should look, but it's powerful when we see it. In the end, it's all about Jesus.

Readings at this Mass: Nm 11:25–29 | Jas 5:1–6 | Mk 9:38–43, 45, 47–48