OFFERING IT UP. It sounds like old-school Catholicism, but "offering it up" is our prayerful response to the hurt, disappointment, and antagonisms we are all called to bear in our lives. It means asking God to use these crosses as fertilizer for growth in our quest for inner peace, patience, and holiness.

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THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL. Jesus tells the story of a man who tore down his barns to build bigger ones, so that he could store all of his material wealth safely for years to come. But God demanded his life suddenly, that very night. And the lesson is, "Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself, but is not rich in what matters to God."

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THE LITTLE WAY. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux showed us a way to God by performing day-to-day tasks and actions with great love. It is through a humble dependence on God — recognizing our "littleness" — that our love and trust expand into the Heart of Jesus.

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THE LAW OF THE GIFT. Vatican II proclaimed that the human person cannot fully find himself except through the sincere gift of himself. The Council referred to Jesus' teaching that "whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." Pope St. John Paul II said, "In this way Jesus proclaims that life finds its center, its meaning, and its fulfillment, when it is given up as a gift to God."

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WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET MARRIED IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Many young Catholics today choose to be married in a special location, with the beauty of a mountaintop or the stunning sunset at the beach as a backdrop -- a destination wedding. But there are some good reasons to reconsider and reflect on this, and to intentionally decide to get married in the sacred beauty of the Church.

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THE SAINTS. They are great role models, with much to show us and teach us. And we believe that they intercede for us. So let’s remind ourselves to reach out to them, and call on them for our needs, and embrace them sincerely in prayer.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF VIRTUE. To grow in virtue is to improve as a human being - to become a better person today than I was yesterday. Virtue must be sought out and acquired intentionally. You become virtuous by continually striving for virtue.

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HEAVEN, BUT ON WHOSE TERMS? Jesus taught that entry into Heaven goes through a narrow gate, "and those who find it are few." But many people believe that all will be saved, and just being a good person will be enough. If we truly aspire to eternal life with God, we must prepare ourselves by embracing heavenly values — mercy, forgiveness, non-judgment — and thus enter into Heaven on God's terms.

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