The truth is that it’s been tough to feel motivated lately. I’ve found myself pulling back in my ways, especially from social media, because the noise has just gotten too loud. Everyone seems to have an opinion about what it means to be Catholic and where our focus should be, and honestly, some of it has made me feel more frustrated than inspired.
Stepping back has helped me clear my head and remember that my call to follow Jesus isn’t about keeping up with someone else’s version of Catholicism; it’s about staying true to what I believe and how I’m called to live that out. That’s going to look different for each of us, and that’s okay.
In the Gospel this week, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” And after each “Yes,” He tells him, “Feed my sheep.” It’s simple: If we love Him, we keep going. We show up. We take care of others. We share love in the way that’s most reflective of who we are.
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. This week’s first reading reminds us how the early followers of Jesus were mistreated for speaking His name; however, they continued to rejoice. That kind of joy and courage can be hard to relate to, but it’s also motivating. They didn’t give up. They stayed focused on their mission, even when it came with pushback.
Some people spread love through Adoration or daily rosaries. Others do so through listening, being present, or using their voice in a way that encourages and uplifts. There’s no one right way. What matters is that we don’t check out—even when it’s messy or hard; we find our way of spreading God’s love, and we stay grounded in that.
If you’ve felt discouraged lately, I get it. But maybe this is your reminder that even small, quiet efforts matter. Keep going. Keep loving. And do it in a way that feels real to you.
