It’s very easy to focus on the negative things in life. Too often, I find myself dwelling on every little thing that went wrong and I completely forget about all of the things that went right. I overlook my blessings and only look at my trials, challenges, and involuntary sacrifices. And when times truly are difficult, I can find myself getting caught in a cycle of suffering.

At times like that, I try to remember the Paschal Mystery – that Christ suffered, died, and rose again – for it’s something that we all experience. We suffer. We experience the death of something. But we know that there is new life on the other side!

As we prepare ourselves for Easter, let’s not get stuck in that cycle of suffering. The season of Lent and penance is only 40 days. Suffering and death will not last forever. We are an Easter people. We are a people of new life and resurrection! Let’s not forget that Easter is coming!