This past week, like many of you, I was celebrating Holy Week.

 

As I thought about everything that was happening, the word “Becoming” resonated the most.

 

I’ve learned that each of us is becoming a better version of ourselves during Holy Week as our attention is single-focused.

 

As I found myself attending Mass on Thursday, Friday, and then Saturday night for the Easter Vigil, I recognized it was all about becoming.

 

It was a matter of taking time to be present and refocus on what is important to me.

 

The question now that you have completed your Lenten Journey is over: how will you continue to become the best version of yourself?

 

I know that we are all flawed and not perfect, me included.  There were things I could have done better in fasting and praying.

 

I found out how challenging it is to resist the temptations of various foods and drinks over the forty-day period.

 

However, we can’t dwell on the past; we must move beyond our flaws.

 

In my world, there is still more to learn or discern as I await Pentecost Sunday.  This year, it’s celebrated/observed on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

 

It’s in those 50 days of understanding what happened after the resurrection that I continue to discern and learn more about my faith.

 

Pentecost 2026 – Calendar Date

 

Today, I’m aware that many churches have CEOs. Meaning a parishioner who attends services “only” on Christmas and Easter.

 

So, you have to wonder why they only become or practice their faith twice a year.

 

I’m already looking forward to the “Midnight Mass for Christmas” to see how far I have grown.

 

In my opinion, it’s a cycle of life and death that helps us better understand who we are as we become the person God called us to be.

 

Yes, we must die to self and take up our own cross.  Dying to self is part of being born again; the old self dies, and the new self comes to life (John 3:3–7).

 

I mention a cycle of life and death because this week, I had time to reflect on the life of one of my friends and peers who recently passed away unexpectedly.

 

Every year, when we get the opportunity to celebrate another birthday, are you asking yourself what is becoming of us as we grow older?

 

Each of us has the opportunity every day to become a better version of ourselves, yet not all take advantage of it.

 

Not to pass judgment, I see it in others’ conversations all the time.

 

Therefore, when it’s our time to depart from this world, we should have no regrets about becoming the person we’re called to be.

 

There’s a passage from the Easter service in Matthew 28:1-10 that resonates with me about becoming. More importantly, verse 10.

 

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

 

Matthew 28:1-10 NIV – Jesus Has Risen – After the Sabbath, at – Bible Gateway

 

We must not be afraid, and each day we must have the courage to step out in faith.

 

For my friend who died this past week and those suffering from major illnesses, they can’t be afraid of dying, nor should you and I.

 

It’s my wish that you continue to become the best version of yourself every day of your life.

 

If you haven’t read Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming, I would highly recommend it, as I leave you with this quote from Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming:

 

“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.”  ~ Michelle Obama

 

Today, I challenge you to reflect on where you are in your life and what you have come to believe and do to create the best version of yourself.