Each of us experience some kind of suffering every day, big or small. If we only see our suffering as a punishment from God, we miss that our suffering is also redemptive. In the Cross, we experience the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord, and we are given a promise of eternal life. Part of the fulfillment of that promise is embracing the crosses in our own lives. When you are given a cross to bear, look at the crucifix and ask Him to help you to embrace it.

Readings at this Mass: Is 50:4c–9a | Jas 2:14–19 | Mk 8:27–35

At the end of the day, it’s not our sinfulness that’s a problem for God. It’s the way we refuse to admit our sinfulness, or even to see it. The way we hide or minimize or rationalize it. That’s what makes us sick, unfree, and lonely. When we allow Jesus to open our hearts to truth, when we let him be our compass and measure, our lives change. This week, ask God for the grace and the humility to just be honest when you’re wrong and admit your fault - and see what happens.

Readings at this Mass: Is 35:4–7a | Jas 2:1–5 | Mk 7:31–37

Jesus made it clear that evil thoughts and acts come from within, but the opposite is also true. We heard from St. James today, "Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves" (Jas 1:22). In order to be doers of the word, we must begin from within our hearts. The next time you find yourself disturbed by something or someone around you, offer it up. Pray for that situation and person. They may not change - but you will.

Readings at this Mass: Dt 4:1–2, 6–8 | Jas 1:17–18, 21b–22, 27 | Mk 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23