ok now hopefully I understand the system.

So I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed Joe's last two homilies and I think he is completely correct that it is only by denial that we appreciate what we have and what others don't. I guess the opposite of that is probably that sometimes we all try to achieve in our daily lives, a ridiculous amount and can't seem to be able to relax or stop trying to achieve, maybe we are driven by false gods but often it doesn't feel like that.. I am sure that too is sinful since we have so much to appreciate in what we have now compared with huge parts of the world.

Trouble is I don't know how you change that easily. "Success" either financially or physically or even dare I say it spiritually, seems something that we are all challenged to achieve. The competition itself pushes us to compete and run harder. I suspect the harder we run, the more we miss on the way. Even the spiritual stuff. how do you reconcile the needs of your husband and children, with the needs of your job, your finances and all else. Prayer and fasting sounds ideal but how does that work when you don't have time to bless yourself!!
Maybe thats just me, i am just not sure how the boys or my work will cope with me being quiet and contemplative and denying myself. I can see alot of me yelling " shut up" not sure how that rates in reality?
All suggestions gratefully received!
Jan