Pastor's Reflection - January 25, 2026

Do Not Neglect The Gift

The other day I was watching a TV series that dealt with law enforcement and the tragic reality of suicide. All of a sudden, as I was watching it, I had a flashback to a very difficult situation I encountered during my second year of priestly ministry.

I was in my office when I received a call from an officer with the Washington State Patrol. He asked if I would go with him to make a death notification. He explained what had happened and that the widow was a member of my parish. A few minutes later he pulled in front of the parish offices to pick me up. I remember distinctly having a knot in my stomach as I got into the car and feeling a bit anxious about what was about to happen.

 We headed to the Labor and Industries building in Tumwater, where the widow worked. There was a brief conversation with the officer in the car, but in the moments of silence I prayed to the Holy Spirit to give us strength, grace, and direction. When we got to the offices, the officer asked me to remain in the hallway while he went in to direct the widow toward me. As soon as she saw me, her face sank and she burst into tears. I felt so much sorrow for her and learned more details surrounding the suicide as we talked and prayed together. I was then assigned to be the celebrant for the funeral.

This was a really difficult experience, but I remembered the words from St. Jude:

I share this story with you to remind you, as St. Paul reminded St. Timothy, not to neglect the gift of the Holy Spirit that we have all received through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation (c.f. 2 Timothy 1:6-7).

When you find yourself in a difficult situation and are feeling overwhelmed, pray in the Holy Spirit and ask the Lord to strengthen you to face your challenge. We are not helpless in the midst of adversity. It is precisely in these moments that I have felt the greatest gratitude for my faith and life in Christ.

In Christ,

Fr. James Northrop, Pastor