Definition: possession of a strong desire to be more successful than others. Yet Jesus tells us, "Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16. As a family it is about the collective good. Amen.

We don't have to look very far to see examples of people working for themselves or a select few. Genesis 1:28 "God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.* Have dominion..." In our working with God and each other we achieve this. What we see today is just the opposite. Amen.

God calls each of us to be a light burning brightly. But. How much light does one candle provide in a darkened area? Very little. How much more light will 100 candles provide in the same area? Much more. The world is full of darkness and some say it is getting darker with every day. We must burn brightly with and for each other and those lost in the shadows. Amen.

If we shared Jesus with someone yesterday. And that person shares Jesus with someone today. What will tomorrow look like? And what will the end of the week look like? Amen.

Jesus' words echo from the pages of the Gospels. Jesus' words echo in our hearts. Now we need to let Jesus' words echo from our lips. Share Jesus with someone today. Amen.

In that thought ask the question, "What does God want me to do?" Then we listen to our hearts. Our response should glorify God and/or save souls. Anything less falls short in love and servitude. Amen.

Why does God and the Church have so many rules? Rules are restrictive, right? The real question is "What does God and the Church want for us?" Answer: Life eternal in Heaven with God and the saints and angels. So God and the Church tells us exactly how to do that. We have free will. We can choose to obey or not. We just need to remember there are always consequences for our actions! Kinda like rules of the road for drivers. Amen.

...someone you forgot to be? Life is so complicated, yet it is so easy to get lost. If we look in the mirror and don't recognize ourselves it's time to ask God what He wants us to be or to do. He only gives good things to His children. Amen.

In mankind's relatively short history we see a pattern of doing the same thing over and over trying to achieve a different result. The same is true to day; and for many of us in our daily routines. If we want a different outcome, why not let God help. He is after all the only One who can do it. Amen.

The world seems to be filled with nothing but chaos, conflict, and confusion. These are the ways of the evil one. As children of God we must persevere in our faith, hope, and love. In these we will find and maintain the calm to ride out these storms. Amen.