Our authentic self finds its identity in all things that are good, true, beautiful, and noble, while our ego is constantly making demands based on insecurity and building oneself up. Which self will you choose?

The striking thing about people of virtue—genuine virtue—is that whether we like them or dislike them as individuals, whether we agree with them or disagree with them ideologically, whether our personalities are compatible or not, we cannot help but respect them. There is simply nothing more attractive than virtue.

If we are sincere about wanting to improve ourselves and the world we live in, do we know what will bring about this progress? What is the simplest solution to the problems we face? What is the one thing that can bring about the most genuine progress in our lives and in society at large?

Have you ever been told that you can do anything you set your mind to? That’s a lie.

We all have something we struggle with, something that is holding us back. And sometimes that thing causes us to fail. Do you know what your thing is?

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Without gratitude, what was extraordinary yesterday becomes ordinary today. Without gratitude, a sense of entitlement takes over and begins to rot our soul. Without gratitude, we get old and grumpy, or even young and grumpy. Gratitude keeps us young. It anchors us to the present moment. It reminds us of what matters most and what matters least, and fills us with the resolve to carry on the great mission God has entrusted to us.

We all need people to do life with, friends to accompany us on the pilgrimage of life. What makes a great friend? Our best friends are those people who encourage and challenge us to become the-best-version-of-ourselves.

Have you ever really had a plan for spiritual health and growth? We may have had some incredible spiritual experiences over the years, but it is the ordinary daily spiritual practices that matter most. These day-to-day encounters with God are a hundred times more important than the extraordinary grace-filled experiences that God gives us sometimes.

Do you ever think about heaven? We are only here on Earth for the blink of an eye. This is not our home. That’s why the happiness that God wants and created us for is very different from the fleeting happiness and momentary pleasures of this world. We are just passing through, and it is helpful to remind ourselves of that from time to time.

If there is one battle that resistance has dominated in the hearts and minds of Catholics for the past 50 years, it surrounds confession. We just stopped going. We all have a great need for healing. But we resist it. We resist God. We resist his forgiveness. We resist happiness.

Did you get your book at Christmas? If not there are a few left in the office - stop by and pick one up.

We all know the things that make us happy, but we don’t always do them. This year’s Best Lent Ever program is based on Matthew Kelly’s newest book, Resisting Happiness. That’s the same book you received at Mass last Christmas.