Brothers in Christ,
This past week, while our priests were at their Convocation, I, like many of you found myself standing at the ambo and altar, entrusted once again with the Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion outside the Mass. It was a reminder of the quiet, consistent ways we serve, not in the spotlight, but in the daily rhythm of parish life. Yet in that quiet, the Lord spoke powerfully to me.

A story of Joe DiMaggio (The Yankee Clipper) came to mind, perhaps you’ve heard it. He was more than a Yankee legend; he was a Catholic boy from San Francisco, known not only for his skill, but for how he played the game. He ran everywhere, out to center field, to first base even after a walk. When asked why, DiMaggio said, “Because there’s always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best.”

That struck me deeply. Every Rosary we lead, every vigil, every Mass we serve, someone might be seeing us serve for the first time. Maybe a child. Maybe a fallen-away Catholic. Maybe someone discerning a call. Do they see joy? Do they witness reverence, humility, zeal? Are we, like Paul and Barnabas in this Sunday’s reading from Acts, speaking boldly, even when we are opposed or tired? The apostles were expelled, but they shook the dust from their feet and were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. That is our calling.

And now, we live in a moment of newness, of expectation, as the Church looks to our newly elected Holy Father. The world is watching him, but also watching us, his servants. Just as the shepherd knows his sheep, and his sheep know him (John 10), we are called to reflect the Shepherd’s voice and presence in our every action.

Let us remember: someone is always watching, especially the One who matters most. May we serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100), that those who witness us may not be discouraged, but drawn to the Lamb who wipes away every tear (Revelation 7).

Brothers, hustle for the sake of the Gospel. Serve with joy. Let someone see in you how the game of life is meant to be played - in Christ!

AMDG,

RECEIVE + BELIEVE + TEACH + PRACTICE
Be Bold + Be men of prayer + Pray for your Brothers + See you in the Eucharist