“Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks.” — Ecclesiastes 10:18

Yesterday, I was watching the basketball playoffs. I imagine many Angelenos were disappointed after the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves - but that’s not my focus today.

As I observed the game, I paid close attention to the players’ focus and coordination—how swiftly they reacted and how intentionally they strategized. What fascinates me most is the five-second rule: when a player is closely guarded, they only have five seconds to pass, shoot, or dribble. If they don’t act in time, they lose the ball. Under tremendous pressure, five seconds is all they get to think, decide, and act - or risk losing possession.

That observation stayed with me throughout the week, especially as we convened for the 98th Annual Diocesan Assembly, reflecting on instructional innovation and spiritual transformation on the threshold of our Diocese’s 100th anniversary.

In ministry, much like in basketball, leaders are often called to make quick decisions: to react, anticipate, regroup, adapt, repurpose, and strategize. The fruitfulness of our ministry depends on coordination, clarity, courage, and timely risk-taking. Hesitation or procrastination can mean a missed opportunity.

In daily life, too, pressure comes at us from many directions—work, relationships, finances, health. In moments of crisis or dilemma, we often have just five seconds: five seconds to decide, act or retreat, move toward growth or drift into misery.

Today, as you metaphorically “hold the ball,” I invite you to use your five seconds wisely. The choice is yours—pass, dribble, or shoot. Take the risk. Take the action. Do the best you can in your present moment. Not every decision will be perfect. But even if you miss the ball, remember this: God’s grace meets us not only in our successes, but in our stumbles too. The key is not to lose the ball.

Do not lose the ball!