hello again

it's been a long and joyous summer, and I'm sure at some point that i will let you know at least a little bit about it. but for now 3 very important things

1. as you begin a new year of living life as a Catholic in both a social and educational environment, never feel alone, there's always others out there for you
2. best of luck with your studies, sports, clubs, theater, singing, musical instruments, and whatever else it is that you pour your passions and energy into.
3. A long-awaited for reading reflection:


Today’s second reading admonishes us for the amount of time we spend worrying about and comparing ourselves to other people. If instead, we focused on being peaceful and understanding others from their own point of view, wars and conflict could cease.

So many times in our daily lives we find ourselves jealous of others: they’re smarter than us; they’re faster than us; their family life seems better than ours. But without knowing the whole story, this jealousy is unfounded. Perhaps their intelligence and speed was not easily attained, but worked for diligently. Or perhaps, that intense speed comes at the cost of being the most ungraceful being to walk the earth.

Most likely, that same person you angrily watch thinking their life is too easy, is jealous of some part of your life as well. The truth of the matter is, we cannot envy a person unless we become that person. Otherwise, the possible circumstances are too great for us to understand.

So this year, instead of feeling greed or jealousy when confronted with the person who seems to have it all, I challenge you to befriend them, find their suffering, and improve their life. Dragging others down will get you nowhere; it’s a utilitarian world, and the happiness of others will lead to personal happiness in your own life.