Life will always be full of problems - even for the Christian. As our Lord said, “In this world, you will have trouble.” It’s the opposite of what we hear in commencement speeches about changing the world. Christ says instead, “I send you out as sheep among wolves.” But it’s also true that hearts touched by grace can change. “Take courage,” Jesus said, “for I have overcome the world, and I will be with you always, even to the end of time.”

The Descent of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of a promise that Christ made to His disciples. Isn’t that an amazing thought: that God would promise something to us! What have we ever done to deserve anything from Him? And yet, it pleases Him to bestow gifts on us.

All of our experiences of true joy have something in common: we are perceiving something being given to us. This is different than the pleasure or satisfaction we feel when we “get our way” or “have everything we want.” Rather, joy is given to us by God. It can’t be engineered or wrestled to the ground; joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

We were made for God. And His will is present for us to discern in every situation, even - and perhaps especially - in those little decisions we imagine He cares nothing for. At first this can feel like a burden, a tedious pressure that will paralyze us. But if we learn to seek His will in all things, then in all things we can find joy and contentment.

It’s a funny and perhaps unexpected thing (because one might think there would be only a few) that each of you receives Communion at Mass in a way that is uniquely your own.

At the 9AM Mass on Thursday I reflected a little on my recent trip to Italy. After being away on retreat following Easter, I turned around quickly to travel to Todi for a wedding of former students. While in Italy, I was also able to spend time in Perugia and Rome.

It’s hard to believe that Pope Francis died. We had been talking about the possibility of his passing for some time now, but I don’t think anyone thought it would happen just yet. Still, as was his style, he surprised us all.

People still say it: “I’m spiritual but not religious.” It's an old expression, but it's also very modern and still in vogue. Wikipedia shortens it to SBNR. You probably don't need me to explain what it means, but just so we're on the same page: it's used to describe someone whose spiritual life is divorced from organized religion.