Last Tuesday evening, I left Holy Martyrs Church around 6:00pm. It was frigid outside, and I had parked adjacent to the front doors, since I was only at the Church a short time, quickly running in and out to pick up some prayer aides.

As I exited the Church, there standing at the northeast corner of the building was a small herd of five deer. The deer stood motionless, probably hoping that I did not see them some 20 feet away.

Ever so slowly, I walked to my car and then equally slowly drove away.

Four of the five deer did not move an inch. The fifth one quickly ran off as my car drove away. I admired the fact the four stayed as if they were guarding the church.

Amidst the cold uncertainty in politics and relationships that seem to confront the Church and the world today, we need to be like the four deer that stayed in place. We need to be steadfast in supporting Jesus’ teachings while showing compassion to each other and not flinching, thereby making the world a kinder place at this time when it is so desperately needed. 



By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek