It is our tendency to compare ourselves and what we have with others, but that can lead us down the path of becoming envious. When we are envious of others, we forget the blessing that God has given us as unique individuals with our own gifts, talents, and abilities. We imprison ourselves with our envy and rob ourselves of the grace, peace, and joy that God is bestowing on each one of us equally. Instead of being envious of our neighbor's gifts and talents, let us praise God for the gifts that others have received and ask that the grace God has bestowed on them continues to be a blessing for us as well, as we receive what we give.

To truly experience the healing power of God’s mercy in our lives, to have the sense of inner peace and well-being (shalom in Hebrew) that comes with God’s forgiveness, we have to share that forgiveness with others. If you want to experience the liberating power of God’s mercy in your life, then share that mercy with others. Forgive your brother or sister from your heart, that your heavenly Father might forgive you. 

In a world that’s all-in on judgment, condemnation, and cancellation, we need to be a sign of something truer and better and far more difficult: the work of reconciliation. It’s not that there’s never a time for argument or speaking the truth, but until there’s trust - until the other person really feels heard and knows we care about them, not just getting our way - arguments only drive the wedges deeper. Reconciliation should be our goal, not the need to be right.
This means being willing to listen without planning a response or counterargument; being humble enough to admit that we may not have the whole picture; considering the possibility that there are things we don't know or understand - perhaps even things that we are wrong about. Look around your circle of family, friends, and coworkers. With whom are you at odds? This week, seek them out, listen to them, and begin practicing the hard work of reconciliation.

As Christ’s disciples, we are going to face stumbling blocks in our path. Our tendency is to assess the situations we face from a very human perspective and make important decisions based on our own logic - thinking in the worldly way and not the Godly way. Instead, spend time in prayer to discern God’s will and remember the transformative power that Jesus came to bring via suffering and the cross. Jesus does not want us to be afraid, but to be bold and stand solidly like a rock against the things that the world throws at us, knowing He is there standing at our side.

Beyond knowing the details of who Jesus was, we are called to enter into a relationship with him: to know him, not just about him. This week, concentrate on once again answering the question he has put forth to us: "Who do YOU say that I am?" Then, commit yourself to deepening that knowledge by inviting him personally into your heart. Yes, we must know about Jesus and his teachings, but far more critical is to know him personally and allow him to change your life.

Jesus isn't interested in a transaction with us, like He gives us a good life if we follow the rules. He wants a relationship that's honest, intimate, and capable of changing you, even if it involves a bit of friction between the two of you. So be bold with God. When He leads you into the dark places, grab His hand, tell Him exactly what you need, and then hang on for dear life. That's how we change and grow, gradually becoming capable of the freedom, love, and trust that the Lord wants for us.

Mary not only helps us to contemplate the events and mysteries of Christ’s life, but she is also a mediator and intercessor for us. She gives us the greatest example of surrendering to God, and her words to the angel Gabriel are words that we need to meditate on: “Let it be done to me according to your word."

There are two competing voices within each of us, attempting to influence us: the attractiveness of the world and the still, small voice of God saying, “Come; be not afraid”. But Jesus is not just any influencer. For two thousand years, he has transformed those whom he influences by being perfectly God and yet willing to die on the cross out of love for us. Jesus is reaching out to take you by the hand - follow him to get away from all the competing voices and noise and hear his still, small voice above all the others: "Be not afraid".