But Jesus accepts what we give, blesses it, breaks it open, and magnifies it. Often in ways that we don’t see or cannot see. Or will not be able to see in this lifetime. Who knows what a kind word does? Who knows what a single act of charity will do? Sometimes the smallest word or gesture can change a life.

James Martin, MA, MDiv, ThM, is an American Jesuit priest, author, and long-time editor-at-large for America magazine. In addition to writing popular books on spiritual development, he became popularly known after becoming the “official chaplain” of Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report, and he continues to offer his perspectives on news platforms such as CNN, NPR, and TIME magazine. He is best known for his work advocating for the acceptance of LGBTQIA persons within the Catholic community, writing his book Building a Bridge in the wake of the 2016 Orlando, Florida nightclub shooting.