Sometimes we might feel a sort of separateness from God—as if God is far away, up in heaven, or just not here in our world in our daily life. But God is always right here with us, no matter where we are or what we’re going through.

There is a part of God’s Self that can only be communicated to us through nature. Whether we are taking a hike or merely walking down a sidewalk, may we accept the invitation to experience our Creator in the great outdoors.

There is no facet of the human experience that Mary, our universal mother, cannot understand. In times of unrest—in the world or in our hearts—Our Lady is ready to help us. We need only turn to her.

What you do in quiet moments matters. Many have gotten in the habit of being on the phone or social media instead of participating in a hobby, exercise group, or reading. You become what you surround yourself with.

Grass is growing between the sections of the sidewalk. It is not growing in the bare patches of the lawn. Why doesn't the grass know its proper place? Today, I will welcome growing things—unexpected events, new people—even when they are uninvited.

Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). Think about letting go a bit. There are times we just need to let down our pride and dance. Right now, right here. As children we did this freely and without hesitation.

Sometimes we leave Mass underwhelmed and unimpressed. We can blame the homily, the choir, or the noisy kids in the back row, but the truth is, those things are not what matters.

Every Christian is called not only to listen to Scripture but also to put flesh and bones on the Word of God. By doing so we imitate the Virgin Mary and give birth again to the Word of God.

“Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus”—John 19:38a. The horror of the crucifixion was overwhelming. Joseph's desire to properly bury Jesus overcame his desire for covertness.