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10 Jan 2010 - Preaching the News for Sunday

"With you I am well pleased," the voice from heaven in this Sunday's gospel says of Jesus, who "went about doing good," as the Book of Acts reading option tells us. One way to beat the post-holiday blues and dreary headlines is to offer a helping hand to those in real need. An advice column called "My Goodness" offers a roundup of "smart and easy ways" to get 2010 off to a generous start. The columnists suggested that those interested in helping consider organizations that boost the local economy. The Chicago Community Trust, for example, puts out a monthly report on the impact of the economic crisis locally and funnels donations to local organizations providing food, shelter, and heating to those in need. The Trust is also currently matching every $1 donated to the Unity Challenge (which is focused on supporting local service agencies) with $2 from the Trust. Other community foundations have similar programs to help the most vulnerable, such as the Neighbors in Need Fund in Washington, D.C. and the Building Resilience Fund in Seattle. If you are fortunate enough to have some money to spare, said the columnists, give to the organizations you want to thrive but also to your local safety-net providers that provide food, water, electricity, and other basics. Source: An article by Patty and Sandy Stonesfir for Slate.com's December 30, 2009 "My Goodness" column

needy donation building resilience fund neighbors in need fund unity challenge chicago community trust my goodness

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Homily stories

22 Aug 2010 - Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

A guy in my men's group greets any new challenge in his life by asking, "Where's the lesson to be learned here?" He'll say this when things go poorly at work, when he struggles with members of his family, or even when something tragic will happen. I admire his courage and resilience. There are times when I just don't want any more of life's "lessons." But they continue to come. The question is what will we make of them? Saint Paul echo's my friend's message when he says, "Endure your trials as discipline." Discipline is empty if we don't learn the lesson. If you don't get chosen for a promotion, the lesson might be that other parts of your life can provide the riches you are seeking. If someone slanders you, the lesson may be that it's more important to be convinced inside that you are worthy than to rely on the opinions of others. I once messed up on a project at work because I had become a one-man-band, asking for no help and accepting none that was offered. Even when I saw things falling apart I simply held the reins tighter and stayed to myself. When my failure became apparent I felt horrible. I could continue on my self-destructive path or do what was hard for me: ask my colleagues for help. My failure turned into a great blessing. So when life's trials, difficulties, and disappointments come your way, ask yourself, "Where's the lesson?"

Authors Tom McGrath

resilience trial Saint Paul discipline

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24 Aug 2025 - Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

A guy in my men's group greets any new challenge in his life by asking, "Where's the lesson to be learned here?" He'll say this when things go poorly at work, when he struggles with members of his family, or even when something tragic will happen. I admire his courage and resilience. There are times when I just don't want any more of life's "lessons." But they continue to come. The question is what will we make of them? Saint Paul echo's my friend's message when he says, "Endure your trials as discipline." Discipline is empty if we don't learn the lesson. If you don't get chosen for a promotion, the lesson might be that other parts of your life can provide the riches you are seeking. If someone slanders you, the lesson may be that it's more important to be convinced inside that you are worthy than to rely on the opinions of others. I once messed up on a project at work because I had become a one-man-band, asking for no help and accepting none that was offered. Even when I saw things falling apart I simply held the reins tighter and stayed to myself. When my failure became apparent I felt horrible. I could continue on my self-destructive path or do what was hard for me: ask my colleagues for help. My failure turned into a great blessing. So when life's trials, difficulties, and disappointments come your way, ask yourself, "Where's the lesson?"

Authors Tom McGrath

resilience trial Saint Paul discipline lessons

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