The human heart, a mysterious organ, pumps lifeblood through our veins. Yet, it is more than just a biological marvel. It is the locus of our deepest emotions, desires, and beliefs. It is the wellspring of both our greatest joys and our darkest sorrows. 

Beneath the surface of our outward appearances, our hearts hold secrets, dreams, and fears. They are the silent keepers of our true selves, the part of us that yearns for authenticity and connection. As the biblical character Samson discovered, our hearts can be both our greatest strength and our most vulnerable weakness.  

However, the heart is not always a reliable guide. It can be deceitful, leading us astray with false desires and misplaced affections. The prophet Jeremiah lamented the heart's propensity for deception, recognizing its capacity for both good and evil. 

To navigate the complexities of the heart, we must cultivate vigilance and honesty. By guarding our hearts and choosing truthful speech, we can protect ourselves from the destructive power of deception. 

One of the most powerful tools for purifying the heart is the sacrament of Reconciliation. Through this sacred act, we confess our sins and receive God's forgiveness. By opening our hearts to God's grace, we can experience a profound transformation and renewal. 

When our hearts are burdened by sin, they become hardened and closed to love. But through the power of God's mercy, we can be healed and restored. As we turn to God in repentance, we invite Him to cleanse our hearts and fill them with His love. 

In a world that often values superficiality over substance, it is more important than ever to cultivate authenticity. By embracing our true selves and living with integrity, we can experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment. 

Let us strive to be people of heart, who are honest, compassionate, and open to the truth. May we always seek to align our hearts with God's will and live lives that reflect His love.

Music has an incredible power to move our souls and connect us to something greater than ourselves. When it's inspired by God and created for His worship, its impact can be even more profound. Sarah Kroger's song "Belovedness" is a perfect example of this. You may have seen Sarah as she led praise and worship sessions during the recent National Eucharistic Congress celebration in Indianapolis. 
 
Kroger's lyrics resonate deeply, highlighting our human tendency to focus on our flaws and insecurities. We often dwell on our failures, shame, and self-doubt, forgetting the truth of our identity as beloved children of God. The song reminds us that God sees us differently. He finds us beautiful, worthy of love, and cherished.  
 
This message is particularly important in today's world, where we are constantly bombarded with negative messages and unrealistic beauty standards. "Belovedness" offers a counter-narrative, reminding us of our inherent worth and God's unconditional love.  
 
By focusing on our relationship with God, we can cultivate a sense of peace, joy, and gratitude. We can learn to love ourselves, not because of our accomplishments or appearance, but because we are loved by God. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we will naturally become more loving and compassionate towards others.  
 
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by self-doubt or insecurity, remember the words of Sarah Kroger's song: "You're mine, I smiled when I made you." Let these words fill your heart with hope and remind you of your true identity as a beloved child of God.  
 

Ever let your tongue create problems for you? If you answered no, surely you must be ready for sainthood. Two years ago, while on retreat at Manresa, I discovered the healing power of the Epistle of James. It was as if the Holy Spirit opened the Bible to the first page and forced me to read. When I did, I discovered a small, concise how-to guide for living my life everyday. Do I always follow it, no. Does it speak the truth, yes. Last week at our small Christian community session, my wife was filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaimed a serious life lesson that I want to share with you as well. She said we should all take a sheet of paper and draw two circles on it. In one circle, we are to place all of the things we can control. The other circle is for things we cannot control. We should then focus on the circle of things we can control. If we are walking with the Lord, that circle will not be very full and we will not be burdened with a heavy load. If you still have not read The Shack (http://theshackbook.com/) make it a priority before the summer is done. Also, I have rediscovered the blessed voice of Kathy Troccoli. Enjoy for yourself (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVqR6kTu8lE&feature=related). Finally, I want to lift up Pope Benedict and ask the Lord God to heal his broken wrist quickly so that he can resume his mission here on Earth. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! (James 3:5)