Shawn The Baptist - Morning Message Fr. Shawn P. Tunink

This week I am backpacking 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mountains are my happy place!

We sometimes believe that we need to change, to eliminate sin, for Jesus to love us. The call of Matthew shows us the truth is exactly the opposite.

Along with the happy moments in life, there are also really difficult times. Jesus reminds us that it's ok to be sad sometimes and we shouldn't be afraid to ask for help.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and today's liturgy reminds us that it is also the start of a great spiritual military campaign.

Today we sing Alleluia for the last time until Easter. But just as Alleluia will return, we know the sad times of life will give way to joy.

We all want to be happy, but how much is enough? How much pain can we tolerate for the sake of something higher?