Like I said, I really struggle with that one.
Without a priest this week, our homily was delivered by our deacon, a man whose humbleness, holiness, and compassion is a model to which I find myself lacking. He spoke eloquently about his reasons for being a Catholic, and they were all thoughts that I share. I believe in the power of the sacraments. I believe that the saints who have gone before us continue to watch over us. I believe that Mary holds a special place in heaven and in our hearts. Most importantly, I believe that the cross is better represented with Jesus, just as our Eucharist is, than without.
However, I also need to remember the message from today's Gospel.