New here? Welcome! I'm Deacon Michael - husband, dad, Catholic deacon. I send weekly reflections on faith, family, work, and life. Subscribe here.
On the Blog
Drop Your Nets: The Invitations We Almost Miss
The apostles dropped their nets "at once." No strategic plan. No pros-and-cons list. They just went.
I've been sitting with a question: What if the bigger risk isn't saying yes too quickly - but missing the invitation altogether?
Speaking of Running…
If you read this week's blog post, you know running has become a big part of my life over the past 18 months. I've been documenting the journey - especially around Disney races - on a little project called runDis Dad.
Next week I'm heading to Disneyland for the half marathon, and I'll be going live from the expo on Thursday morning. If you want to follow along, you can subscribe to runDis Dad on YouTube.
More on that next week!
Other Notes & Updates
Pope Leo XIV's message to SEEK 2026 hit home for me: "If you sense the Lord calling you, do not be afraid." [Link] Powerful stuff for anyone in a season of discernment.
This article from the Denver Institute on resetting your career in midlife resonated deeply with where I am right now. Worth a read if you're in a similar season.
Deacon Life Episode 2 drops next week, featuring Deacon Lekë Brisku. If you’re not signed up for Deacon Life emails yet or subscribed on YouTube, do that this week so you don’t miss it next week. [Newsletter sign up | YouTube]
What am I reading? Still working through Essentialism again - needed the reminder.
Something I’ve Been Working On
If you've been reading here for a while, you know I care deeply about helping Catholics grow in their faith and share it with others.
That's why I spent the last two years creating Emmaus Disciples to help you live and share your faith more confidently.
When you sign up for weekly reflections, you'll also get my free guide: "10 Tips to Share Your Faith" - practical, down-to-earth advice for having spiritual conversations without being awkward.
And if you're looking for something deeper, I'm forming beta small groups for Emmaus 15 - a 15-week journey with others who want to take their faith and mission seriously. Spots are limited.
Sunday’s Mass Readings
This Sunday we celebrate the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. [Scripture readings]
This is the Gospel that inspired this week's blog post - Jesus calling the first disciples. Here's my #2MinuteHomily:
This Week’s Catholic Cartoon
Courtesy of Joshua Masterson, the Catholic cartoonist.
A Final Word
“Every vocation is a summons not to stand on the shore, nets in hand, but to follow Jesus on the path he has marked out for us, for our own happiness and for the good of those around us.”
Until next Wednesday,
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Saint Michael, defend us in battle.
What invitation have you been sitting on? Hit reply and let me know - I'd love to hear.
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