The National Eucharistic Congress was an event that I will be reflecting on for many years to come. This week I have been thinking about the people behind the scenes that were responsible for the event running so smoothly. In one of the breakout sessions, with over five thousand people, Sr. Josephine Garrett pointed to the curtain behind her and said, “You have no idea what is going on back there.” She explained that experts from countless ministries from across the country were working together to produce her event. The necessary technology: lighting, sound, recording, and capacities that I do not even know exist, were being executed with excellence from dedicated Catholics professionals who came to help.

It was clear that everyone there was working hard for Christ. Even employees of the stadium and convention center were “playing” their A game. Now, this has me thinking: “What if we all were to work hard for Jesus every day, in everything we do – not just at big Christian events? Imagine if every barber or hairstylist were to serve their clients as if they were cutting Jesus’ hair? What if every teacher taught each child as if he or she were a young Christ? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every auto mechanic repaired each car so it could provide reliable service for Jesus?

What if every filmmaker, choreographer, and event director created their movies, concerts, and special events to entertain God? Then, the public certainly wouldn’t be subjected to the disgrace of spectacles like the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony. The athletes who have worked tirelessly for four years, striving for excellence in their sports, wouldn’t have to compete for attention with world news services covering interviews with ceremony directors – talking heads that pretend to apologize while reveling in the attention.

If we all were to adjust our own perspectives and start focusing everything we do as if we were doing it directly for Jesus, the world would change starting here in Brewster and Patterson. Wouldn’t it be nice if the people in our own community cut our hair, taught our children, and repaired our cars as if we were Jesus? Let us show them how. Let us begin.

Scripture: Read Colossians 3:23. What stands out?

Call to Action: Choose to reject the products, services, and entertainment of people who are clearly rejecting God and harming our culture. Resolve to let all your work be done at the highest level as if for Jesus.