In a world characterized by loneliness and despair, we can reach out in love to those around us. Or, as St. Francis once said, we can "preach the gospel all the time; if necessary, use words."

Those who influenced me the most are not those who pointed out all my faults, but those who knew God was bigger than my shortcomings. Those who influenced me the most didn't just point a finger, they held out a helping hand.

Our possessions are a trust from God. What we clutch tightly, we lose. What we place in His hands, we will possess.

Yes, life can be rich down here. But never forget, the richest life is still to come.

Most of us, when asked to gauge the richness of our lives, think immediately of people. Those who have cried with us, laughed with us, and shaped who we are.

You see, the richest people I know don't always understand what is going on. They don't always like what they see. But they have a quiet confidence that God will put all things together for their good.

In a world characterized by loneliness and despair, we can reach out in love to those around us. Or, as St. Francis once said, we can "preach the gospel all the time; if necessary, use words."