Category: Uncategorized

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One of the many consequences of COVID is isolation. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, for example, and the CDC is encouraging all Americans to stay put and to avoid large family gatherings.

It feels almost “un-American” not to celebrate the holidays together.

But a more hidden truth behind this advised isolation is the fact that most of us are not making new friends; COVID has shrunk our social circles.

Maybe it’s even depleted them, leaving many to feel entirely alone.

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This is what we need to problem solve: how to feel connected while remaining socially distanced.

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Quarantine and social distance are problems Saint Paul himself faced.

He spent many nights locked in prison alone. As we heard in our first reading, he’s chained to floor.

But Paul didn’t let his isolation crush his spirit. He found creative ways to minister to his flock.

For example, he established several of the earliest Christian communities. And while in prison or in other towns, he wrote them letters; in fact, his letters compile almost half of the New Testament!

He also prayed for his people. As he says today, “I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy.”

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These are two concrete actions we can take during COVID. Pray for our loved ones. And write them letters. Or even reach out via Zoom or FaceTime.

Make the effort like Saint Paul to stay connected so that no one feels alone. We can – and will – endure this pandemic together.

As the old saying goes, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

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We all want to be successful.

Whether that means being successful in school; in our career; in our marriage; in raising children; or successful as a preacher.

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Jesus wanted the same. He wanted to be successful in his ministry, but he sees it’s coming crashing to an end.

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” he says, “how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling.”

Meaning, his message has been met with resistance.

Jesus didn’t convert King Herod; he didn’t convert the religious authorities; and, in some sense, he didn’t even convert his friends.

In a matter of days, he’ll be dead. 

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But what looks like an epic failure will be transformed into an epic success.

Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rises from the dead. 

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The resurrection reminds us that God can transform anything, even failure, into success. 

And by extension, our sins into grace; our loss into gain; our death into life.

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We all want to be successful.

But when it looks like things aren’t going our way – as Jesus felt hanging from the cross – stay tuned. It isn’t over yet. 

God has the last word. He promises that everything will work for our good.

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“What is the kingdom of God like? … It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush” (Luke 13:18-20).

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Can you remember a person or a moment that changed your life?

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Fourteen years ago, a priest asked me a question no one else ever had: Have you ever considered becoming a priest?

I didn’t know him well. He might’ve asked other young men that question, too. 

But he planted a seed.

And it changed my life.

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We’re all called to plant seeds like this in other people’s lives. 

Small gestures that can make a world of difference. 

There’s nothing dramatic about putting our iPhones down to listen to each other at dinner; serving at a soup kitchen; buying a Christmas gift for a stranger; or writing an email to an old friend.

But a tiny seed can change someone’s life.

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Do something kind for someone else today. Plant a seed. 

Who knows what may happen.