Emotions both remit and require energy. Positive, growth-promoting emotions such as excitement, hope, and humility optimize happiness, performance and well-being. Negative, survival-based emotions include anger, frustration, and fear.

In the second reading for today’s Mass, St. Paul says, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

Life in Christ cannot exist without Him. How we crave Him!  How desperately we need Him! Our souls truly ache to be united with Him.

Joseph’s chastity, and his purity of heart, which includes but goes beyond just physical purity, enabled him to embrace God’s will, no matter the apparent cost to himself or the strenuousness of the undertaking. The pure, unadulterated gaze of Joseph’s heart upon God made it extremely sensitive and supple to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, as revealed to him by God’s messenger angels.

Holy Week is the holiest week of the year, in which we enter into the greatest mysteries of our faith: Jesus' Institution of the Eucharist, His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. This reflection invites us to be present with Jesus at each of these events — Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday — simply to be with Him and to immerse ourselves ever more deeply in these sacred mysteries.

St. Patrick’s Day is a special feast day celebrated every year by the faithful on March 17th. While this day usually brings to mind shamrocks and leprechauns, all things green, and delicious food and drink, it is also an important day to honor St. Patrick and all his wonderful deeds that brought glory to God.