Singing The Supply Chain Blues

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin
Posted

The supply chain. It’s another one of those pandemic phrases that has, regrettably, forced its way into everyday conversation. According to Wikipedia, the commercial supply chain is “a system of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in supplying a product or service to a consumer.”
In other words, how does a product get from the manufacturer into your hands? Typically, it involves container ships, cranes, trucks, warehouses, local delivery, and the retail stores where you purchase the item. The supply chain is in the news these days because there’s a crisis; the supply chain is broken and the delivery system isn’t working very well. There are hundreds of ships stranded off the American coast waiting to unload their cargo. Experts are debating the cause of the problem and how to solve it.
But as a result of the supply chain crisis, products are in short supply, some store shelves are empty, and the annual holiday shopping spree might be jeopardized. Perhaps it has already affected your daily life. I waited two months for a new windshield for my car from a company that advertises same day delivery!
Fortunately, what’s happening in the material world never happens in the spiritual realm. Thanks to God’s providence and compassion, the spiritual supply chain is never broken. You need assistance, or healing, or comfort, or mercy or forgiveness? Just ask and it will be delivered to you.
The availability of these spiritual goods starts with your personal prayer. “Ask and you shall receive,” Jesus promises. (Mt 7:7) And the sacraments are the most effective sources of God’s grace – Holy Mass, Holy Communion and Confession are key sources of the spiritual supply chain.
The only thing that can disrupt the spiritual supply chain is your own disposition. If you are in mortal sin, or if you deliberately turn your back on God, the spiritual supply chain is broken.
A few weeks ago I had a letter from a distraught parishioner who was very angry over a homily she heard in a local church. “I won’t be attending Mass again,” she wrote. I responded that the only one she was hurting with that tactic was herself since she was depriving herself of the sacraments and God’s grace. I sincerely hope she calms down and reconsiders.
Let’s pray that the supply chain problem will soon be resolved. But let’s also rejoice that God’s life-giving grace is always and easily available to us.
Something to think about: Is there anything in your life that disrupts the spiritual supply chain?