The Church of Saint Patrick in Sarasota recently shared a gospel meditation about a father's attention to detail as witnessed by his son.

"I remember as a child the meticulousness my father would bring to a task," the meditation, published in the church's Nov. 1 bulletin, said. "Whether it be tending to a chore in the yard, repairing something or painting a room, the tiniest of every detail demanded his attention. He had great patience. I benefited greatly by his example and remember these lessons well."

The meditation noted that everyone needs examples to follow, and it stressed the importance of finding people who excel in doing even the simplest tasks so that we learn to do things well. The message called those people models and witnesses— ordinary people who garner attention through their "extraordinary ordinariness."

"These are the prophets, martyrs, teachers, witnesses, heralds and innovators who bring a single-minded devotion to God to even the simplest of tasks they perform," the meditation stated. "They have an openness to being used and become vessels of Divine justice, mercy and presence."

The meditation said that those people push for us to do more in life and will direct us toward the Gospel.

"They are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful and the peacemaker who often are rejected not only by those who have far different agendas but by those you think would welcome them," the meditation said.

The message also noted that the saints, both in heaven and on earth, will offer inspiration, wisdom and support.

"They direct us toward true happiness and remind us that we are all called to be saints," the meditation said. "All it takes is desire, love and fidelity. There is much we can learn from the official saints of the church. Their guidance is ever before us and ever with us. But there is also a lot to learn from the unofficial saints of the church. They sit beside us every Sunday, are our neighbors and ordinary people we meet every day.

“Pay attention to the details. Do what you do with great love. Know that you are not alone. Believe that you can persevere. Have great faith.”