Ministry has its extremes.
Some days I am preparing couples for marriage,
baptizing babies,
teaching youth,
walking with people into new life in Christ.
These are the bright places—
the beginnings,
the births,
the moments when grace feels like sunlight.
And then there are the other days.
Funerals.
Grief.
Broken hearts.
The lonely rooms of the dying.
The quiet tears of those who feel forgotten.
But in the middle of all of it—
God gives me these holy moments:
the children after school Mass
who run up just to hug me,
the elderly disabled veteran in the nursing home
who whispers, “I love you, Deacon… thank you for visiting me.”
And in those moments,
I hear the Lord say:
“Do not be afraid.
Go on speaking, and do not be silent,
for I am with you.”
“I will see you again,
and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.”
So do not let your life,
your joy,
be crushed by what you do for God.
Because what you do for the sake of Christ
reaches farther,
heals deeper,
and touches more souls
than you will ever know.
And the joy He gives—
no one can take from you.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
steady my heart to be your witness
Lift my joy when I walk with new life,
hold me close in every sorrow.
Bless each hug,
each tear,
each whispered thank‑you.
Keep me faithful
to speak Your name
without fear.
And let Your presence
be the joy
no one can take away.
Amen