Author: Sergio Miranda
Climb New Heights with the Knights
My left leg was shaking uncontrollably — just the left one. I had run a few miles earlier that morning, but running had never made me feel like this. I wasn't particularly acrophobic, but that morning, I was.
There I was, 40 feet up on a spindly aluminum ladder, swapping out a burnt-out spotlight bulb — one hand unscrewing the dusty old bulb, the other clutching the new bulb and the top rung for dear life. When I glanced down and saw rows and rows of pews stretching out beneath me, I quickly snapped my head back up, fixing my gaze on the cathedral ceiling above.
This wasn’t the glamorous kind of service I had imagined when I first joined the Knights of Columbus. No sword, no grand ceremony. Just me, a ladder, and a lightbulb — keeping the lights on so others could see Christ more clearly.
And yet, that’s exactly the heart of being a Knight: doing what is necessary, when it’s necessary, even when no one else is willing to climb the ladder. True service isn’t measured by titles or applause; it’s measured by faithfulness — by answering every little call with love and perseverance. Whether it’s handing out coats, building homes in the cold, distributing food boxes to families in need, building a bed for a child who has none, or simply showing up to fix a lightbulb — we are there because we were called.
As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, we are reminded of the fullness of that call. His life was a living testament to humble, courageous service — a series of simple but heroic acts of mercy, leadership, and love. He showed the world that true greatness lies not in being served, but in serving others until the very end. Pope Francis finished his race. He fought the good fight. Now it is up to us to keep the faith as we transition into a new chapter of leadership for the Church.
Our Church needs Knights who will say yes to climbing the ladders, yes to getting their hands dirty, and yes to standing firm when others falter. Our communities need men who will serve in the high and low places, in the quiet and bold ways, too — always with Christ’s heart in their heart.
The world does not need more spectators. It needs more Knights willing to do what is necessary — no matter the cost, no matter the height, no matter the shaking in their legs. So climb, brothers! Serve the Lord. Share His love with everyone you meet.