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I watched a movie recently. It wasn’t very good, so I don’t remember its title. But I do remember its main message: “You are who you are. You can’t be any different, so there’s no use in trying to change. Therefore, other people should understand that and accept you as you are.”

I thought, “Well if that’s true, Jesus’ teaching doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. If we are who we are, then we cannot change, so we cannot repent. If it is impossible for us to change or to be anything other than who we are, then we can’t be blamed for doing bad or praised for doing good. God would therefore be in no position to judge us.”

The media circus which goes hand in hand with U.S. presidential elections has been underway for some time now. It’s simply amazing how much time and money is spent on this spectacle and it seems that it begins earlier and earlier with each new election campaign.

The actual election will not be held until November, but coverage began about a year before that. Each comment made by candidates is carefully scrutinized by political “experts,” and public opinion polls are held, it seems on a daily basis, to determine which candidate is doing best.

The media charade finally subsides after the election, when the nation soon discovers that, after all the hype and hoopla, very little actually changes.

On Easter morning, I rejoice because Christ is risen, but it saddens me that most people do not really believe in Him.

On Easter morning, I’m glad that Lent is over but it saddens me that most people did not use those 40 days to come closer to God.

We know that original sin came through deception, and I believe that deception is used to bring many men to damnation. Here are some common deadly deceptions: 1) There is no devil; 2) God is too good allow anyone to be damned; 3) There is no hell; 4) Hell is empty; 5) Hell isn’t so bad; 6) All religions are alike; 7) One will have an opportunity to repent after death.

The purpose of life on earth is to prepare for eternal life. Distractions are anything that take our minds off that all important purpose. Life is full of these distractions. Many of them are necessary. Some, in small doses, are basically harmless. While others are deadly.

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Many adults spend at least 40 hours a week working. The average Canadian spends three to four hours a day watching TV. Many others spend their leisure time playing lottery tickets, reading the newspaper, chatting on the phone or shopping. While none of these things are necessarily sinful, how much time do they leave for praying, doing charitable work or going to Mass? 

The Dangers of Success

The gossip magazines are full of stories about famous, beautiful and rich people who have been victims of their own success. Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson are perfect examples. In spite of this, the majority of people persist in believing that fame and fortune guarantee happiness.

No one wants to fail. Yet God often allows failures in our lives to draw us closer to Himself. The completely successful person often gives himself the credit. He often becomes puffed up with pride. He may acknowledge God’s supremacy, but may never humble himself before God and may never admit his need of God’s mercy.