To follow Jesus involves self-denial.

Who wants to suffer? If anyone raises a hand, back away and call an attending physician. Suffering is not a desirable condition, and those who possess mental health not only don’t seek it, but actively avoid it.

At the beginning of 2020, my diocese declared it the Year of the Eucharist. Ironic, since after that Ash Wednesday, it was the year I went without it. But I spent that year caring more about it than I ever have. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, they say—and I repented taking it for granted.

I hate math. I’ve never been good at it. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, my father is a math whiz and loved every minute of helping me with my math homework. I wanted to rush through it; he wanted to deliberate every problem and make sure I really understood it.

My sisters and brothers, the walk of faith can be a difficult one. Let us ask forgiveness for the times we have stumbled or lost heart.

The Eucharist is not the reward of saints, but the bread of sinners.