I was blessed in July with the opportunity to attend the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) in Indianapolis. When scrolling through available talks, I gravitated to a series on “Renewal”—sessions directed toward those who work for the Church. While I certainly expected the wonderful advice that was shared about taking time to care for ourselves spiritually, one talk took me completely by surprise.

Danielle Brown (a lawyer who also works with the U.S. bishops to address the Church’s role in the context of race as it relates to the Great Commission) stepped onto the stage to music from the popular secular band Imagine Dragons— their hit song “Paradise.” A sharp deviation from Catholic- based hymns and the Congress’ praise and worship music, it caught my attention. I sat up a little straighter, intrigued and ready for her words to charge me up and send me back home ready to take on my mission!

Instead, she challenged our room of 5,000 church and diocesan workers to consider what would happen if we stepped away from our ministries for 40 days…

Silence filled the room, interrupted only by a few nervous chuckles. After all, she pointed out, many of us get so caught up in our sense of self when carrying out these ministries that we don’t believe they could continue without us. However, that challenge alone wasn’t big enough. She then challenged us to consider what would happen if our ministries went away to make room for something greater that God wanted? How would we handle it?

These  were  uncomfortable  questions—especially  for  a roomful of ministry workers charged up after having just attended Mass with 40,000 other on-fire Catholics. But I loved the question. What would life look like if we were forced to step away from something we are so completely wrapped up in? Would our personal faith continue? Would our ministry work continue in the same form it does now? Would we be okay if God directed a different path for our work?

I was reminded of Brown’s talk as I worked on this issue, especially the stories about missionaries who left their homes to travel to situations and places unknown for the benefit of others. Over and over, I read about people being open to the path God wanted for them, especially when it was uncomfortable, and the personal and spiritual rewards they gained from those experiences.

I challenge you, as Brown challenged us in July. Is there something greater that God wants from any of us?