In the inaugural installment in our series Catholic FTW, Spirit Juice team member Melinda lays out a personal confession: despite all of her good efforts, years of practice, and good intentions, she is chronically late for mass. Follow along with the series to hear more thoughts, observations, and reflections of related to being a Catholic in everyday life.

It’s unbecoming to be unkind to anyone, but it’s especially terrible to see the elderly pushed aside. After all, these folks have life experiences that we should listen to and learn from. Remember that being gracious to everyone, regardless of their age, shows your true character. Ignoring those who have been around much longer than us shows a lack of manners on our part. Throughout many people’s childhood and teen years, they hear the phrase, “respect your elders,” over and over, until it becomes indelibly etched on their brains. You may assume that everyone hears the same thing from his or her parents and grandparents, but apparently not. Watch as Melinda relates an observation of such a moment.

If you have had a child, have you found yourself playing the role of security guard, vetting the credentials of those who may access your newborn? However, when looking over the Nativity, strangers and those with little to no personal connection are part of a very intimate moment. But what was the significance of the shepherds at the Nativity? Why were shepherds, of all the people, invited to see Christ following His birth? The answer might be more significant than you think.