Good morning and welcome to today’s Mass. My name is Sean Bell and I am a proud member of the Class of 2026.

In today’s readings, you will hear about Paul’s letter to the Galatians: a short one, but one that is complex and hard for a non-theologian like me to understand after just an initial read. I had to do some research to learn about Paul and the messages he tried to convey to early Christians after the death of Jesus. I learned that Paul had his fair share of critics for not believing that rituals like circumcision were more important than how people behaved. 

In his writing, Paul urges us to fully allow God into our lives so that we will be transformed and not simply be satisfied with exhibiting what would traditionally be thought of as the outward signs of being a good Christian. How often do we, as young people, come to Mass, stand, kneel, and recite the prayers we’ve been taught since we were children but not fully engage in our own “new creation,” one in which our hearts and minds are one with Christ? Now, I cannot lie and say my own mind does not wander at times—sometimes it’s really hot inside this auditorium (trust me, I get it)—but Paul’s reminder that the sacrifice of Jesus dying on the cross for our redemption is pretty much endgame for him. None of the trappings of life mean anything to Paul in comparison. With all the noise surrounding us each day through social media, constant news (most of it bad), and unending messages trying to sell us stuff, how do we learn to turn it off and focus on the "enoughness” of Jesus’ sacrifice?

My mom once heard a college football coach on Game Day talk about his team’s goal. The goal was simply being the “aggregation of marginal gains.” The average NFL running back rushes for about 3-4 yards every time he gets the ball, slowly moving his team downfield until that little 4-yard rush happens to end in the end zone. In a similar way, the little gains in our day build up to our successes and accomplishments. That phrase has now become one that is regularly used in our house. I think it’s not about doing it all in one day; it’s about the little things that take us in the right direction. For me, I try to do this by visiting the chapel before school. I like trying to sit in the stillness and get in the right mindset before the start of the day.

What are the little things that you can do that will set you in the direction of and bring you closer to God? Not only by practicing the rituals and traditions of the church, but by living our faith in our daily life. Seeing all people as our brothers and sisters and, like Paul, offering grace instead of judgement to those with whom we disagree.

These gains are indeed little wins and they are within reach for all of us. When we focus on the little things; focus on how we can live our life through Christ; that is when we become the “new creation” that Paul describes in his letter to the Galatians. That is when the “new creation” gives us hope for the future. 

Each day, I encourage us to take these little steps; the little wins; the marginal gains in our lives. Because when we start that journey, our hearts begin to change, our relationships grow deeper, and our lives begin to reflect the love and grace of Christ. It is through these small, faithful steps that we move closer to God and help bring His kingdom into the world—one act of love, one moment of compassion, one little win at a time.

Read more Dominican Preaching Team reflections here.