The emptier a person's heart is, the more he or she needs to buy, own, and consume.

Who are we, as we stand before the child Jesus? Who are we, standing as we stand before today's children? Are we like Mary and Joseph, who welcomed Jesus and cared for him with the love of a father and a mother? Or are we like Herod, who wanted to eliminate him? Are we like the shepherds, who went in haste to kneel before him in worship and offer him their humble gifts? Or are we indifferent?

The first reform must be the attitude. The ministers of the Gospel must be people who can warm the hearts of the people, who walk through the dark night with them, who know how to dialogue and to descend themselves into their people's night, into the darkness, but without getting lost. The people of God want pastors, not clergy acting like bureaucrats or government officials.

To be saints is not a privilege for a few, but a vocation for everyone.

The confessional is not a torture chamber, but the place in which the Lord's mercy motivates us to do better.

Let us never forget that it is the Lord who guides the Church. He is the one who makes our apostolates fruitful.

Do not be content to live a mediocre Christian life: walk with determination along the path of holiness.