A badly exaggerated “can-do” attitude is symptomatic of the sin of pride that played such a devastating role at the dawn of human history.

I’ve been asked many times if I have inherited their good genes. I don’t know about that. I do know that mom and dad have given me an even more precious inheritance – the gift of life, the gift of faith and the gift of good example.

Those who possess true joy are not deterred by their problems, by distress or by deprivation – their own or that of others.

As the days grow darker, both cosmically and metaphorically, the encouragement of the Holy Spirit shines forth with renewed clarity.

Turbulence is an unwelcome experience, but it also serves a purpose. It reminds us that we really are flying 35,000 feet above the earth, and that’s not without risk.

Winning an argument or venting on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook are not good reasons to muckrake, to search out and publicize the faults of people one disagrees with.

Half-measures. Let’s be done with them, especially in this season when we continue to celebrate the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon his church.

Invaluable to the Christian life is a warm and loving devotion to Mary, the Mother of God.

There is no doubt that the Lord has won the victory over sin and death by his cross and resurrection. The question confronting each of us is whether or not we will participate in his victory.

May this long Lent lead to an Easter of renewed hope and joy for ourselves, for the church, and for those who have been harmed.