Jesus did not die as our Substitute; he died as our Representative. He did not suffer, die, and rise again *instead* of us. All of us will suffer, carry our crosses, and die. But we must choose to do so in Christ. Because if we are joined to Christ, then we will likewise be raised *with* him and *in* him.

There is no Christmas without Jesus being born of his human mother, who of her own free will said, "Let it be done to me according to your word." Mary's central role in our salvation must not be undermined.

It's encouraging to hear that the OCIA class at the Cathedral in Toledo, OH, is the largest its been in decades. Young based dudes are coming in.

Use your imagination and consider what it will be like the moment after your death, even when your body is still warm. It's the inevitable time when, ready or not, things get real -- when you know exactly what's up. See yourself approaching your ultimate "Come to Jesus Moment," which is to say, your personal judgment. Will you wish your priorities had been different, even moments before, while you were still breathing? Will you wish for a do-over? At that point, there are no do-overs. No second chances. Hard stop. Your do-overs and second chances are graciously given to you now, in this life. Make use of them, and don't turn back, because you never know when you'll get your toe tag. Repent of sin and be baptized. Look to Jesus and follow where he leads. Not only can you avoid an unbearable eternity of regret and misery, but you can enjoy the free gift of peace and love and joy with your God and Father forever.

In doing good works, Catholics do not suffer from an irrational fear of possibly daring to earn their salvation. They're just trying to do what Jesus said to do. If they falter, they simply confess it and repent, and keep trying to live as Jesus taught us.

To me it's odd when I hear Protestant Christians say they love nothing more than talking with each other about the Bible. I understand what they mean, and maybe some really love sharing their biblical studies, which is good. Not to be nit-picky, but I'd say our focus in Christian fellowship ought to be on Jesus, on prayer, on the Church, on the sacraments, on our Christian journeys, etc. In other words, not just a Book *about* spiritual things, but in the spiritual realities themselves. If I'm at a restaurant, I might talk about and refer to the wonderful menu, but what I really want is to share and enjoy dinner itself. Just trying to keep it real.