Yesterday, as I watched our parish’s Mass online, I observed one of our altar servers doing his normal great job of serving and lectoring. I have seen him serve for several years but have recently come to know him a little better because he has joined the ranks of our parish’s seminarians. He is unique in many ways but one thing that has always impressed me is his ability to serve with only one hand. That really stood out to me yesterday, since I have had to do everything with one hand for several days now. I was involved in a freak accident and separated my AC. My right arm is in a sling. It was great watching Nathaniel serve. He never complains and nothing slows him down. Then I gazed upon the crucifix of our Lord and the thought came to me of how easy it is to live our lives and not realize how good we have it. There is pain with a separated AC but look at that crucifix, George. There is the inconvenience of having to use one hand temporarily, but look at Nathaniel, George. If Jesus can endure the cross and Nathaniel can navigate life with one hand, what do I have to complain about and what can I not accomplish by the grace of God?

Nothing slowed down Paul and Barnabas either. Most of us want to be loved and they were no different but they endured hostility, hatred, and rejection. But because of their endurance, “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit."

The psalmist says that the right hand of the Lord has won victory for him. He has brought salvation and justice to the nations. My immobilized right hand and arm actually talk to me and say, Learn a lesson from us: you cannot save yourself. Only God’s right hand can do that. But here’s the deal: he has done it. So, sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

Jesus said, if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. But I only have one hand. Ask anyway. I can’t walk. Ask. I’m not good with words. When are you going to ask? “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”

My right arm doesn’t work. I’m glad God’s does. So, believe, George, and get on with the work of God.