Pope Benedict XVI is often quoted as saying: "The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness." This recalls a truth we often forget: comfort does not create greatness; the struggle does. Resistance creates strength. A seed does not grow by remaining on the surface. It must enter the soil, break open, and send its roots deeper before it can bear fruit. And yet, when life becomes difficult, our first instinct is often to look for a way out. When relationships become strained, when work becomes demanding, when our faith feels dry, when prayers seem unanswered, we want relief. We want the burden lifted. We want the struggle to end. Perhaps we came to Mass today carrying such a burden. Maybe we face a challenge at home, a struggle at work, uncertainty about the future, or a season where God feels distant. Years ago, I was going through a difficult time. I was discouraged, struggling, and ready to abandon something I had started because it had become too hard. I spoke with a friend, hoping he would offer encouragement or tell me it was okay to walk away. Instead, he gave me two words: “Dig deeper.” That isn’t what I wanted to hear. I wanted the struggle removed. I wanted an easier path. At the very least I wanted him to affirm the hard work I already began… But looking back, I am grateful I listened. He was right. The challenge was doing something within me. It was purifying my intentions, removing distractions, strengthening my character, and teaching me perseverance. The struggle I wanted to escape became the very place where I grew. St. Paul says that creation groans as we await redemption. But Paul does not describe our suffering as meaningless. He describes it as labor pains. Labor pains bring real suffering, but they also bring new life. Pain has a purpose: so do your struggles. God can use the challenges we face to deepen our souls and draw us closer to Him. Look at the parable of the sower. The seed that fell on rocky ground sprang up quickly, but it had no roots. When the sun appeared, it withered away. The problem was not the seed but its depth; it lacked real roots.

Depart from me, Satan, for from me you shall gain nothing. Neither at the hour of my death shall you find me, for on the day of the Holy Cross I proclaimed a thousand times: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus… It’s a traditional Catholic invocation of protection and faith, often recited on May 3rd, which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena.

Please share this with any couples you know in their first, second, or third year of marriage. Our very own Fr Fleming will be giving the blessing!

If you know any young adults in their 20’s & 30’s please invite them to this incredible Lenten opportunity!

A family member of mine is a police officer and has to attend a protest in Providence this afternoon at 2pm. Please pray for his safety and for peace to come to my heart that is filled with worry.