The other day, as I was driving south on Route 95, I was awestruck by the autumn foliage.  A couple of times I was tempted to stop and look, but that’s not the smartest thing to do when you’re on the highway during rush hour.  However, when I was on the back roads about a mile from my parent’s house, I was able to stop for a few moments on a small bridge and take in a picture-perfect autumn-in-New England scene: the sun was shining, the trees along the river’s edge seemed to be on fire, brilliant with spectacular reds and yellows, and their colors were reflecting on the water.  A “thank you Lord” welled up in my heart.

Life is so rich when our hearts are fully aware of the Lord’s presence and the daily gifts that He gives us.  But how can we live each day with an awakened heart?  How can we see not only the beauty of creation each day, but also the beauty of our lives?  Pope Benedict gives us the best answer. Read more »