When people see the beauty of nature or contemplate the heavens and stars, they should be led to praise the one responsible for it all - God. These are all signs pointing to the Creator. Unfortunately, many people get caught up in the beauty and worship the beauty rather than the Creator. This is the beginning of idolatry. Scientists probe the mysteries of the universe. This should not separate us from God but bring us ever closer. Beauty should always carry us heavenward.

The world can change in an instant. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and plagues can come suddenly and without warning. People think they have all the time in the world to get their lives straight and do what God asks of us. The gospel points out that folks in the time of Noah and the flood thought the same thing - even up to the day the waters rose. We have only this day and the present moment - make the most of it. Treat each day as if it were our last - not in a negative sense, but using all of its opportunities to love, serve, and rejoice. Every day and every breath we take is a gift from God - let us not take it for granted or despise it.