"We pass as pilgrims to a place called Easter." If we as Easter people truly understood the power we possess, we would realize that we can change the world. For we are Catholic Christians—we are an Easter people—and Alleluia is our song.

Each and everyday we have the choice to stand with Jesus, or to deny we even know him. We, like Saint Peter, have a "courtyard choice".

Jesus does not wait for us to be perfect before He gives Himself to us. He gives Himself to us so that we might be changed.

What do firefighters and the desert have in common? In this First Sunday of Lent homily, Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11) is paired with the disciplined training of firefighters. Just as firefighters prepare before entering dangerous situations, Lent is our spiritual training season. Through prayer, fasting, and trust in God, we learn to face temptation, stand firm in our identity as God’s beloved, and emerge from the desert stronger in faith.