“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” These are the words most often used while the priest signs our heads with ashes at the beginning of Lent, and they highlight our deep need for conversion and renewal.

Lent, in a particular way, is a time for deepening our relationship with God, acknowledging our need for His mercy, and growing in holiness. The Lord wants us to emerge from these 40 days able to fully embrace the joy of His Resurrection. 

The Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation is one of the most powerful and transformative ways to experience the mercy God longs to extend to you. 

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Why Confession?

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The thought of going to Confession can evoke strong feelings of hesitation and fear, even among many life-long Catholics; but the truth is, this Sacrament is one of the most unique and profound gifts of our Faith. 

When we commit a sin, particularly a mortal sin, we cut ourselves off from a relationship with God. And, just as our first parents, we cannot restore this relationship by our human efforts alone; we Divine Intervention. We need God’s grace and Mercy that comes from Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection. 

Confession is more than just a way to “clear our slate.” It restores us to communion with God and His Church, and similar to the Holy Ecuharist, it facilitates an encounter with Jesus who has the power to transform our hearts to be more like His. 

Not only do we receive forgiveness for our sins, but the graces from this sacrament also help remedy the temporal consequences of them, which often affect our lives and relationships. 

This sacrament brings healing and wholeness to those who seek it. 

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Steps for Making a Good Confession

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Confession offers a fresh start, a moment of grace where we can be restored and set on the path of holiness once again. Here’s how you can approach this Sacrament with a heart open to receiving God’s grace and forgiveness: 

1. Examine Your Conscience: Before going to confession, take time to reflect on your actions, thoughts, and desires. This can be done through prayer or by using a guide for an examination of conscience. Consider areas in your life where you’ve strayed from God, whether through sins of commission (things you’ve done) or omission (things you’ve failed to do).
   
   
2. Be Honest and Specific: When you confess, be honest with the priest. Don’t rush through your confession, but take time to name the sins you’re confessing. Be specific, as this helps you acknowledge the gravity of your actions and allows you to truly seek God’s forgiveness. Remember, there’s no sin too big for God’s mercy.
   
   
3. Express Contrition: True contrition is the heartfelt sorrow for having offended God. It’s not simply being sorry for the consequences of sin but for how it affects your relationship with God. This is the attitude of repentance that prepares your heart to receive God’s forgiveness.
   
   If you don’t have an Act of Contrition memorized, don’t worry! Most confessionals have one available from which to read.
   
   
4. Complete Your Penance: After the priest gives you absolution, he will assign a penance—usually a prayer or an act of charity. It’s important to complete this penance as soon as possible, as it signifies your desire to make amends and grow in holiness. It also shows your commitment to turning away from sin and toward God.

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During Lent, the Church invites us to approach this sacrament with a renewed sense of purpose. It is a time to reflect on our spiritual lives, examine our hearts, and seek forgiveness for the ways we have fallen short of God’s love and expectations. 

The Church offers Confession throughout Lent, and many parishes host extra times of confession during this season to make it even easier for you to receive the sacrament.

Take the time during this season to seek that mercy, to turn back to God, and to experience the joy of reconciliation with Him.

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Blessed are you poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours…

Woe to you rich, for you have received your consolation.

The sole way to put flight into the wing

is to heed humbly every smallest thing

with which the Christ in us has [will] to do.

So will the Christ from child to manhood go

obedient to the Father Christ and so

sweet holy change will turn all our thoughts to new.

—George MacDonald, Diary of an Old Soul, July 9th.

Introduction

Once upon a time there was a man named Gus who had a seemingly perfect life. He was a hotshot public speaker. He lived with his mother, his baby mama, and his son in the most powerful city on earth. He had caught the attention of some VERY influential people who had plans to make him a star. One day, he heard his rival speaking and was struck with the thought, “What if it was all wrong? What if my perfect life is a sham? What if everything I’ve worked for is as meaningless as it feels in my late-night moments of reflection?” …And his carefully constructed house of cards began to come crumbling down.

Blessed are the poor…

While Jesus had a special love for the poor, this beatitude was meant for all men and women, including the materially wealthy like Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and Susanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza who were all among his first followers, not to mention Matthew the tax collector and his friends.

Poverty in this beatitude is a metaphor. How are even rich men poor? None of us can do anything to merit divine life. It’s a gift. We can accept it, reject it, or even try to ignore it. What we can’t do is get it on our own. “Woe to you rich, for you have received your consolation.”

The Consolation of Pop Psychology

Years ago there was a slogan going around, “I’m ok. You’re ok.” It was innocent. It was well-intentioned. It was tolerant. It promised confidence, popularity, and success for us and for our children. It gave us permission to do whatever we felt like… as long as we didn’t hurt anyone… who could pay us back. It felt good. It was a lie. “Woe to you rich, for you have received your consolation.”

It made us pretend to be ok when we weren’t. It made us smile through our pain. It made us achieve pointless goals, and goad our children to do the same. It made us look good on the outside when we were a hot mess inside. It made us white-washed tombs. It made us Pharisees. It made us hypocrites. It promised us life and left death in its wake.

Go ahead, and search the Gospels. Jesus never told anyone, “You’re ok.” The first word out of His mouth when He began His public ministry was, “Repent.” In other words, “You’re not ok. What you’re doing, the way you’re living, the way you treat people, yourself, creation, even God, is NOT ok.” Repent.

Repent?

What’s another word for “repent”? How about surrender? Abandon? Trust? Faith? Wait, aren’t we saved by faith? Yep, and faith means repentance. We’re saved by turning away from the World with its ruthless expectations and rules, the Flesh with its twisted desires, and Satan with his lies and empty promises AND turn towards the Father with His loving expectations and life-giving rules, the Spirit with His desires, and Jesus with His truth and His kept promises. Repentance is giving God permission to come into our lives and wreck the place until we live the way He wants us to.

But What Does Repentance Look Like?

If you’re asking me what God wants you to do, I don’t know. If you’re asking me how to find out, I do know. And you probably do too. Whether you do it or not is another matter: Daily Personal Prayer. Dedicate 20-30 minutes a day to turning away from the unholy trinity of the World, the Flesh and the Devil and towards the Most Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

If this is new to you, or if your personal prayer time has grown stale or been left by the wayside, here’s a little refresher course in 5 steps.

Step 1: Find a nice quiet place.

Jesus often retired to a “quiet place.” This place has been identified as a cave in the Holy Land you can still visit to this day. Its name is “Quiet Place.” We are bodily beings and our minds can easily be distracted, so dedicated prayer time requires a dedicated prayer place whether that’s a corner of a room, an adoration chapel, a back porch…wherever you feel calm, comfortable, and able to listen for His voice.

Step 2: Enter into His Presence

Prayer is not reading, studying, or journaling. Prayer is not self-analysis. Prayer is an encounter with Him. This step can take some time. It’s worth it. St. Francis de Sales mentions some options that can be useful:

• Remember God is present everywhere

• Remember the Trinity dwells within you

• Look at Jesus on the Cross or another holy image

Step 3: Feed Your Mind

St. Teresa of Avila recommended using a book to prepare for meditation. She believed reading from a book helped her collect her thoughts and bring her mind and heart to prayer. Music and sacred art can also be options if that suits you better. I know one seminarian in Rome who spent 5 days a week meditating on the statue of James the Greater… for 5 years. My personal preference is still Scripture, In Conversation with God by Fr. Fernandez, or a spiritual classic like Abandonment to Divine Providence, but your personal preference should be what moves you closer to God.

Step 4: Process What You’ve Read/Heard/Seen

Feeding our minds is a good first step in letting God into our lives, but it’s not enough. We need to fall in love with His Truth, His vision for our lives. I’ve come across at least 4 general ways to do this. Each of them has its own validity and fruitfulness. I’ve used them all and taught them all and found that some people flounder with one and take off with another. Why? I have no idea. I just go with it.

• Repetition: In traditional lectio, a monk would find a word or phrase in a passage of Scripture would “stick out” to him. He would then repeat this word or phrase silently or quietly and allow his mind to free associate, linking it to other passages of Scripture, to the lives of the saints, and ultimately to his own life. This method is very freeing, but sometimes it can lead one “into the weeds.”

• Q&A: Some people don’t like the randomness of free association. They like a little more control over where their mind goes. For those, I offer the 3-H questions. When you find a word or phrase that sticks out to you, try asking yourself:

o Head: What does this mean? What does it mean to me?

o Heart: Why is this important? Who would I become if I lived this out? What might happen to me if I don’t?

o Hands: If I wanted to, how could I live this out today?

• Dialogue with Jesus: Teresa of Avila told her sisters that prayer was nothing more or less than a “conversation with our best friend, Jesus.” Just talk to him about what you’ve read. Ask Him questions. Watch Him answer with a question of His own… or an answer that’s not-an-answer-to-our-question-but-an-answer-to-our-real-question. This avoids the danger of self-absorption in the 3-H method.

• Put yourself in the scene from the Gospel: Ignatius of Loyola calls this method “contemplation.” If you have an active imagination, it can be life-changing. If you don’t, it can be frustrating to no end. You don’t have to be perfect. This is a bit more involved than the conversation with Jesus as it typically involves all 5 senses. For example: If you were there with Jesus in the Garden, what would you say to Him? How would you console Him? Would you touch Him or keep your distance? What would you hear Him say? Would He acknowledge your presence or ignore you as He prayed to the Father? Etc.

We can’t speak of processing in prayer without talking about journaling. There are many reasons for and against journaling. Those who oppose it will say something like: “Journaling distracts me from prayer. It feels like I need to write when I’d rather be praying.” This is a totally valid position. If that’s your experience, don’t journal. Or perhaps journal AFTER your prayer time is done. This is Ignatius of Loyola’s counsel: do your prayer, then journal for a few minutes after.

Those in favor of journaling during prayer say that it helps them focus and thus avoid distractions. The act of writing forces their wandering mind to focus on what they are saying to Jesus, or what Jesus is saying to them. If this is your experience, by all means journal DURING your prayer time. I have a very active mind, and writing during prayer keeps my mind on prayer and away from a million other things I find interesting that are not God and not the subject of my prayer time that day.

There is no one right answer. Your best bet is to try both and see which way works better for you.

Step 5: Application

You’ve taken in God’s Word. You’ve processed it, moving it from your head to your heart. Now it’s time to move it to your hands by making a decision, a.k.a. a resolution. Just asking, “How am I going to live this out today?” can shut down our brains as we try to find one “right” answer. Sometimes, it’s more fruitful to ask, “How could I live this out today if I wanted to?” This opens us up to possibilities. Let’s say you come up with 5 things you could do. Now you have the freedom to choose one. I know many who find this freeing.

There are a few criteria for what makes a good resolution:

1. It’s ONE. Don’t pick 5 things today. Pick 1. Just 1. Exactly and only 1. It will focus your soul’s energy rather than dispersing it.

2. It’s SMALL. By that I mean you can do it today. You can’t write a book today (ok, maybe you can if you’re a genius or it’s a very short book). You can begin to write a book today. You can buy a notebook or a folder. You can put a pen and a piece of paper on the kitchen table. You can write a paragraph, maybe a chapter… or an outline. Pick something you can do today.

3. It’s CONCRETE. Being “nicer” is not concrete. Smiling at your difficult co-worker is. See the difference? Literally, if you can see yourself doing it, it’s concrete. If you can’t, it’s not.

4. It’s POSITIVE. Not using bad words is a negative resolution. It’s not a bad resolution, but it presents some challenges. If using bad words is a habit of yours, what happens when you catch yourself? What happens if you don’t catch yourself? See how tricky it is? One way to have a positive resolution when trying to overcome a bad habit is, “Next time I catch myself using a bad word, I’ll silently say the name of Jesus with my hand on my heart.” Don’t try to get rid of the bad habit directly, respond positively when you catch yourself in the negative behavior. This will slowly re-wire your brain.

One last tip on your resolution: Never leave the site of your resolution without taking some step towards its completion. If possible, do it right now. If not, schedule it in your calendar. Set a reminder on your phone. Or if it involves another person, shoot them a text about it. Also write it down and schedule a time to check in later that day. Is that a lot? I don’t know. It takes about 58 seconds out of the 86,400 seconds you have today. Is that a lot? It’s less than 1/10th of 1% of your day. No, it’s not a lot.

Conclusion

Gus was in a bad way, struggling to eat, to sleep, to think. He fell into a bit of a frenzy, ran off into a garden, put his head between his knees and wept. Then he heard a child at play singing, “Take and read. Take and read.” At these strange words, Gus picked up the book he’d brought with him, opened it at random, and his gaze fell on this:

Let us behave decently as in daytime,

not in carousing and drunkenness,

not in sexual immorality and debauchery,

not in dissension and jealousy.

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,

and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. (Rm 13:13-14)

Gus’ house of cards came crumbling all the way down. He left his home, his job, the woman he’d been with for fourteen years. He lost his influential friends. You may know Gus as St. Augustine of Hippo and his rival as St. Ambrose of Milan who would baptize him and be his first mentor in the Catholic faith. He was transformed by God’s Word, a word that went from his head to heart to his hands… changing his life and the history of Western civilization.

It was just one day. It was just a few minutes out of his day. And it changed everything. Blessed are you poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.

If you are someone who finds a worksheet helpful, here you go: Daily Prayer Worksheet

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Winter hiking can be a magical experience. Snow-covered trails, crisp air, and serene landscapes make it a favorite activity for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts alike. 

Not only that, but it’s an activity that offers significant health benefits including improving cardiovascular fitness, enhancing mental well-being, and building resilience in colder weather.

However, hiking in cold weather presents unique challenges. To ensure your winter adventures are both safe and enjoyable, here are essential tips for staying safe and fit on cold trails.

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1. Dress in Layers

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Layering is key to regulating body temperature during a winter hike. Use the three-layer system:

• Base Layer: Wicks moisture away from your skin. Opt for synthetic or wool materials.
• Insulating Layer: Retains body heat. Fleece or down are excellent choices.
• Outer Layer: Protects against wind, snow, and rain. Choose a waterproof and breathable jacket.

Don't forget insulated gloves, a hat, and a scarf or neck gaiter to protect extremities and exposed skin.

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2. Wear Proper Footwear

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Choose waterproof hiking boots with good insulation and traction. Pair them with moisture-wicking and thermal socks to keep your feet dry and warm. Consider using gaiters to keep snow out of your boots and traction devices like microspikes or crampons for icy trails.

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3. Stay Hydrated and Fueled

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Cold weather can suppress your thirst, but staying hydrated is crucial. Bring insulated bottles to prevent water from freezing and pack calorie-dense snacks like nuts, jerky, or energy bars to maintain energy levels.

For helpful tips for proper nutrition and hydration in the colder months, check out this blog post.

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4. Plan and Prepare

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Check the weather forecast before heading out and choose trails appropriate for winter conditions. Let someone know your itinerary and your expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone, a map, or a GPS device, and don’t rely solely on technology. Shorter daylight hours mean starting early is essential.

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5. Pack the Essentials

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Your winter hiking pack should include:

• Extra layers
• First aid kit
• Emergency blanket
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Fire-starting kit
• High-energy snacks
• Navigation tools
• Trekking poles (helpful for balance on snow and ice)

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6. Pace Yourself

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While a winter hike offers an opportunity to build endurance and strengthen your muscles, be aware that winter hiking requires more energy due to cold weather and challenging terrain. 

Listen to your body and take breaks as needed to avoid overexertion. Staying fit by maintaining regular exercise routines during the off-season can make your winter hikes more enjoyable.

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Winter hiking can be a fantastic way to stay fit and connect with nature during colder months. With proper preparation and the right mindset, you can safely explore and enjoy the beauty of winter trails. 

Happy hiking!

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When it comes to fitness, one of the most common struggles is finding a workout routine you actually enjoy.

Too often, we approach exercise as a chore rather than something to embrace. But what if working out could be a highlight of your day?

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Here’s how to fall in love with fitness and discover the workout that leaves you feeling happy and refreshed.

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Reflect on What You Love

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First take time to think about activities that bring you joy. Do you love dancing? Hiking in nature? Playing team sports? Use these as a starting point.

Consider also your personality. Are you someone who enjoys structure or freedom? Are you introverted or extroverted? Make a list of all of the physical activities you enjoy (or that you think you might enjoy)--gardening, running, dancing, cycling, rock climbing, martial arts, whatever you can think of!

Fitness doesn’t have to fit into a traditional mold. By aligning your workouts with what you already enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with them.

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Experiment with an Open Mind

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It’s okay to try a few things before finding your groove. In fact, Olympic gold medalist Lindsay Vonn recommends trying one new workout (at least 20 minutes long) every week for one month to help you explore and find something you might want to try again. 

Many gyms and studios offer free trials or drop-in classes that you can try out. If you haven’t already, sign up for your 14-day free trial with the Pietra Fitness Online Studio to get access to many different types of workouts that you can do right from the comfort of your home. 

If you dislike something, cross it off your list. If you enjoyed it, even a little bit, try it again the following week and go from there. 

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Set Goals that Inspire You

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Instead of focusing solely on weight loss or aesthetics, set goals that excite you. These could include:

• Running your first 5K
• Learning to do a handstand
• Mastering a challenging stretch
• Climbing a local peak

When your goals are tied to personal growth and achievement, they can be far more motivating.

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Focus on Fun, Not Perfection

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Let go of the idea that you need to excel at something for it to count. Your workouts don’t have to be Instagram-worthy—they just have to make you feel good.

Unsurprisingly, a study conducted by the Institute for Sport Science found that positive feelings experienced during a workout session “...provide[d] higher adherence to the training program”. ¹

In this study, positive feedback, individualized instructions, and variety in the workouts was used with the test group to create a more enjoyable environment and it made significant impact the participants' consistency with the program. 

Finding workouts you genuinely enjoy and feel good doing will help solidify fitness into a habit that will last the rest of your life. 

Falling in love with fitness is all about finding what resonates with you. By focusing on joy, curiosity, and personal growth, you can transform your relationship with exercise. 

Whether it’s dancing, climbing, or simply walking in the fresh air, the perfect workout for you is out there—and it’s waiting to become your new favorite habit

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Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit, for the Kingdom of God Is Theirs

Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest!

— Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson

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Introduction

The world is constantly seeking to impose labels on us: liberal/conservative, Republican/Democrat, traditional/progressive, introvert/extrovert, etc. Sometimes these labels can be hurtful: loser, misfit, outcast, reject, weirdo, strange, different, uncool, unpopular, victim, and so on. While some labels may be positive or even meaningful, none of them define your essence. Being "poor in spirit" means the only label that matters is the one God gives you, your true identity, your God-given name.

Poor in Spirit = your God-given identity = His name for you

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The Human Condition

The human condition consists of three truths:

1. We all desire unspeakable happiness.

2. Many of us see others who seem happier than we are.

3. When we try to imitate them, it rarely brings us joy.

What gives?

• If you’re a Buddhist, the problem is your desire for happiness, and the solution is Nirvana: the elimination of all desire. This is "happiness," achieved through an eight-fold path.

• If you’re a cynic, the problem is that other people are pretending to be happier than they actually are. The solution is to expose their hypocrisy and prove you're better than them.

• If you’re a self-help enthusiast, the problem is that you've chosen the wrong system. The solution? Find the next guru who asks you to "Buy my book" or "join my community," where you'll find the happiness.

• If you’re a Christian, the problem is that you are uniquely made in the image and likeness of God, and you can’t conform to others’ ideas of happiness. The solution is to be the person God made you to be.

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How Do I Know Who God Made Me to Be?

Great question! Each of us is a mystery—an infinite depth we may never fully exhaust. However, we can learn a great deal about ourselves. The synthesis of this understanding is found in our name. Not necessarily the name given to us by our parents or at baptism, but the name God bestows upon us.

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Wait, Is That Even a Thing?

Yes. Consider these examples from Scripture:

• "He calls each star by name" (Ps. 147:4; see also Is. 40:26—here, "star" is a poetic term for a person).

• "I will give [the one who conquers] a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except the one who receives it" (Rev. 2:17).

• "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham" (Gen. 17:5).

• "You are Peter [Petrus/Cephas], and on this rock [Petra/Cephas] I will build My church" (Mt. 16:18; see also Gal. 2:9 and Jn. 1:42).

It’s clear: God has a unique name for each of us—a name that only He can reveal. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms this:

"A name expresses a person’s essence and identity, and the meaning of this person’s life." (CCC 203)

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What Does That Mean?

A thing can be defined by its nature: dog, cat, chair, ball, tree, etc. A person, however, cannot. This is true even of the angels, each of whom is unique—so much so that every angel is considered its own "species" in Thomistic theology. For humans, we share a common nature as Homo sapiens, yet we are irreplaceable and irreproducible. Like snowflakes, no two humans are exactly alike.

Hidden within each of us is a mystery: our spirit, our essence, our "wyrd" (a Norse term for an individual's unique destiny or essence), our name.

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An Example

There was a young woman we’ll call Erin preparing to do missionary work on a college campus in America. Erin was struggling with past trauma and a deep sense of unworthiness. She said she "couldn’t pray."

To help her, we explored moments when she felt close to God, hoping to reignite her connection, but something still felt off.

Finally, I asked her, “Do you know who you are in God’s eyes?”

“No,” she replied.

“Then ask Him. Ask Him to tell you your real name.”

After a pause, she said, “I think it’s either ‘My Ruby’ or ‘My Little Ruby.’”

Notably, she had very red hair.

“How does that make you feel?” I asked.

“It just feels like me—like He knows me, loves me, and wants to be with me.”

“Do you need anything else?”

“I guess not.”

“Great. Then I guess we’re done here.”

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How Can I Learn My Name?

Just ask. The One who "called" you into existence is the only One who knows your name. Pray to Him:

Father, let me be one of the "poor in spirit" who rejects every label that doesn't come from You. Please show me my name, the name You call me by. Tell me my name. I know it’s a secret You hold in Your heart. Please share it with me so that I can live from it and not from all the labels the world seeks to place upon me. Father, what is Your name for me?

Hmm, it’s strange, but it seems like my God given name is: __________________

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‍And Then?

First, ask Him. Then own it. Then explore it. Hidden in your name is a mission—the meaning of your life.

For "Little Ruby," her mission was to shine forth and bring delight. She expressed this through performance dancing, but even more so through her way of being.

What about you? You may not know exactly what God created you to do, but know this: It’s hidden in your name. God the Father wants to reveal it to you. So ask Him. And live from it.

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With the short, dark days of winter, many of us feel a shift in our mood and energy levels. The lack of natural light can leave us feeling sluggish, irritable, or even depressed. 

But did you know that exposure to morning light can be a simple yet powerful way to boost your mental health and well-being? Here, we’ll explore the benefits of natural light, how it impacts your mental health, and practical tips for leveraging sunlight during the darker months.

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Why Morning Light Matters in Winter

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Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm influences your sleep-wake cycle, hormones, and overall energy levels. 

Morning light, in particular, is rich in blue wavelengths, which help signal to your brain that it’s time to wake up and be alert. This exposure suppresses melatonin production (the sleep hormone) and boosts serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation.

In winter, shorter days and longer nights mean less sunlight exposure overall. This can disrupt your circadian rhythm and lead to symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and low mood. 

Morning light becomes even more critical during this time, as it can help counterbalance the effects of diminished daylight.

Studies have shown that consistent morning light exposure can:

• Improve sleep quality by helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
• Enhance your mood and reduce symptoms of depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Increase alertness and cognitive performance throughout the day.

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Practical Tips to Harness Morning Light

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1. Start Your Day Outdoors If possible, spend 20-30 minutes outside shortly after waking. Go for a walk, sip your coffee on the porch, or simply stand near a bright window. Even overcast skies provide beneficial light exposure.
   
   
2. Get Active in the Morning Physical activity enhances the benefits of light exposure. Combine light and movement by going for a brisk morning walk or stretching by a bright window.
   
   
3. Rearrange Your Living Space Position your desk or favorite chair near a window to maximize daylight exposure. Keep curtains or blinds open during the day to let natural light flood your home.
   
   
4. Use a Light Therapy Box A light therapy box mimics natural sunlight and can be an effective tool for combating winter blues. Look for one that emits 10,000 lux and use it for 20-30 minutes in the morning.
   
   
5. Maintain a Consistent Schedule Waking up and going to bed at the same time each day helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Pair this routine with morning light exposure for optimal results.

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While we can’t control the seasons, we can take proactive steps to protect our mental health during the winter months. By prioritizing morning light exposure, you’re giving yourself a natural, accessible tool to combat the challenges of darker days. 

So open the curtains or step outside—and let the power of morning light brighten your day, inside and out.

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The Church dedicates the entire month of January to the Holy Name of Jesus–“...name that is above every name” (Phillipians 2:9). What a way to kick off a new year!

Let’s dive into the history and significance of this devotion, as well as ways you can practice it in your home and community this month. 

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"In the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth and under the earth" (Phil 2:10). 

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Everything about our Lord is Holy, including His name. The name of Jesus was chosen by God for His only Son; the angel Gabriel, acting as God’s messenger, announces it to Mary when he announces God’s plan for her. 

The ancients believed that a person’s name expressed his nature, work, or mission and Jesus’ name is no different. It means “Savior” and clearly communicates to each of us the salvific work He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. 

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The History of the Devotion

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This devotion originated with 12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns but grew in popularity particularly through Saint Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan. Known for his passionate love of the Holy Name, St. Bernardine promoted its reverence by encouraging the faithful to inscribe “IHS,” a monogram of Jesus’ name in Greek, in their homes, churches, and public spaces.

In 1721, Pope Innocent XIII extended the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus to the entire Church. Today, the memorial is celebrated on January 3, reminding us of the importance of honoring the name of Jesus in our words, prayers, and actions. Devotion to the Most Holy Name is encouraged all year long but especially throughout January. 

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The Power of the Holy Name

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The name of Jesus is not merely a word; it is a prayer, a shield, and a source of strength for Christians. 

Invoking the name of Jesus has been a powerful practice throughout Christian history, used to combat temptations, bring peace in moments of distress, and even drive out evil. It is a name filled with authority, power, and love—a name that unites heaven and earth.

Read what the Scripture, the Church, and her saints had to say about the Holy Name:

“Was it not through the brilliance and sweet savor of this name, that God called us into His marvelous light?” (St. Bernardine of Siena)

“The sweet name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, and nourishes pure affections.” (St. Bernard of Clairvaux)

“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

“O God, our Savior, come to our help. Come for the sake of the glory of Your name. O Lord, our God, forgive us our sins. Rescue us for the sake of Your Name.” (Psalm 78:9)

“All who dwell in the heavens, those who abide upon the earth, and every one of those who are held in the depths of hell, bow down prostrate to this Name. This is the Name which gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, agility to the lame, speech to the mute, and life to the dead. The power of this name forced the mastery of the devil entirely from the bodies of the possessed.” (St. Peter Chrysologus)

“The name ‘Jesus’ contains all: God and man and the whole economy of creation and salvation. To pray ‘Jesus’ is to invoke him and to call him within us. His name is the only one that contains the presence it signifies. Jesus is the Risen One, and whoever invokes the name of Jesus is welcoming the Son of God who loved him and who gave himself up for him.” (CCC 2666)

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How to Honor the Most Holy Name of Jesus the Month

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Pray the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus
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This beautiful litany allows you to meditate on the many titles and roles of Jesus, deepening your love and understanding of Him. 

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Each invocation calls to mind a different aspect of His life and mission. Praying this litany can be a daily practice throughout January, perhaps as part of your morning or evening prayers, or even with your family, fostering a spirit of devotion and unity in the home.

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Use the Jesus Prayer in Your Daily Life
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The Jesus Prayer—"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner"—is a simple yet profound prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. It helps you keep Christ at the center of your thoughts and actions throughout the day. 

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Try repeating it during moments of stress, before making decisions, or even as you go about ordinary tasks like folding laundry or driving. This prayer can also be a tool for cultivating interior peace, as its rhythmic repetition helps quiet the mind and focus the heart on God.

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Speak the Name of Jesus Reverently
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In a world where the name of Jesus is often used casually or irreverently, Christians are called to speak His name with love and respect. 

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Make a conscious effort to pause and bow your head slightly whenever you say or hear His name, as a sign of reverence. Teach your children this practice as well, helping them to understand the sanctity of Jesus’ name. Additionally, consider beginning your prayers by saying His name slowly and intentionally, allowing it to draw your focus to His presence and love.

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Display a Christogram in Your Home

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Consider adorning your home with a Christogram, a visual representation of the Holy Name of Jesus that has been used throughout Christian history. The most well-known Christogram is the IHS monogram, derived from the first three letters of Jesus' name in Greek (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ). 

In addition to the IHS, there are other beautiful Christograms and symbols you might consider:

• Chi-Rho: An early Christian symbol formed by superimposing the first two letters of "Christ" in Greek (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ).
• The Cross with the Name of Jesus: Sometimes, crosses feature the Holy Name or a Christogram at the center, emphasizing the connection between Jesus’ identity and His sacrifice.
• The Sacred Heart with the Name of Jesus: A devotional image combining the Holy Name with Christ's heart, symbolizing His love and mercy.

Displaying these symbols in your home—whether as wall art, a decorative plaque, or even embroidered on fabric—serves as a daily reminder of your faith and devotion to Jesus. Place the Christogram in a prominent area, such as above a prayer space, near a family altar, or at your entryway, as a testament to your love and reverence for His Holy Name.

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Share the Devotion with Others

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The Holy Name of Jesus is a devotion meant to be shared, as it reminds us of the universal call to honor and proclaim Christ’s name. Consider organizing a small prayer group at your parish to pray the Litany of the Holy Name together. 

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You might also share resources, such as holy cards or articles, that explain the significance of this devotion. Even a simple act like displaying a Christogram or discussing the beauty of the Holy Name with friends can plant seeds of faith and inspire others to draw closer to Jesus.

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This January, let the Holy Name of Jesus inspire and transform your life. Whether you whisper His name in a moment of need, meditate on His name in prayer, or simply pause to bow your head in reverence when you hear it spoken, allow this devotion to deepen your relationship with Christ.

This month, let us call upon the name of Jesus often and with great love, trusting in His power and mercy to guide us into the new year and beyond.

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I will lead the blind on their journey;

By paths unknown I will guide them.

I will turn darkness into light before them,

And make crooked ways straight.¬—Is 42:16

Promises are only as strong as the person who gives them.—Stephen Richards

Promises, Promises

The most important moments of our lives are made from promises. We promise when we get married. The more romantic among us may promise even before we’re married, perhaps even symbolizing that promise with a ring. We promise if we change our nationality. We promise if we join the military or government service. We promise if we start a business. We promise if we borrow money. We promise when our child is baptized. If we’re baptized as an adult, we promise. “I Promise…” there may be no more powerful set of words.

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Where the Beatitudes Come from

One could argue that the most important part of the Gospels is God’s promises, also known as the Beatitudes: The Father’s promises of blessing to the Christ-like. You are precious to Him.

“God, infinitely perfect and blessed in Himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created [you] to make [you] share in his own blessed life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1)

The beatitudes come from the Father’s heart. They are revealed to our hearts and reveal His heart to us.

“You poured down, O God, a generous rain:

when your people were starved you gave them new life.

It was there that your people found a home,

Prepared in your goodness, O God, for the poor” --(Ps 68:9-10)

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Christ, the Man of Beatitude

There was one man who was true man, who was truly happy and showed us the path to happiness. His name was Jesus, and some have called the Beatitudes His self-portrait. He didn’t just speak the Beatitudes; He lived them. He incarnated them in His own flesh. He walked this earth as a Living Beatitude.

“Christ fully reveals man to himself and brings to light his most high calling”, the calling to beatitude. (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, 22) The beatitudes are not directives, but they are directional. They are not duties, but they are destiny. They are not ethics, but they are ethos. They show us how we’re made and what we’re made for, in the image and likeness of God, meant for transforming, intimate union with the Trinity. They are a sword that cuts through the Gordian Knot of our existence to the truth about us and our true happiness. “The Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword.” (Heb 4:12) The beatitudes show us ourselves in the light of Christ.

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Who the Beatitudes Might Be For

The world is always promising us happiness… and always failing to deliver on its promise. “One aspect of becoming a Christian is having to leave behind what everyone else thinks and wants in order to enter the light of the truth of our being, and aided by that light to find the right path,” the path to true happiness. (Benedict XVI in Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, p. 67)

The Beatitudes are not for those who profess themselves happy now. They are not for those who have life figured out. They are a song calling home those who are struggling, the burdened, the confused, those who wish life was better, different somehow, but not really sure how.

Have you ever made a gratitude list and still not felt grateful? Maybe you even felt worse than before? Have you ever asked, “Why can’t… bring me happiness?” Have you ever told yourself, “I have… I should be happy”? Or have you ever hit the wall and said, “This isn’t working!” without quite knowing what “this” is… except maybe your whole life? Then maybe the Beatitudes are for you.

Maybe they can be for you a light shining in the darkness, dispelling the mists of mythical happiness. It’s possible they can be for you a compass pointing to True North, enabling you to get your bearings no matter where you are in life. No matter what is happening around you. No matter what anybody else says. No matter what has happened in the past. No matter what will happen in the future. No matter what your own thoughts or feelings are telling you. No matter what the Enemy is whispering or shouting in your ear.

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Pilgrims of Hope

Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope.” We are certainly wandering. If we had some definite direction, some hope, our wandering could become pilgrimage. And even our pilgrimage to joy could become more joyful. So let us close with a prayer of hope:

Father, I need your Blessing in my life.

Jesus, show me the Way.

Holy Spirit, come and live your Life in me.

Holy Trinity, make your promises come to life in me.

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