I’ve Got Your Back: Connected by Compassion - Fr. Michael Simone 9.28.25

Have you ever seen an improv show? It’s impressive to watch a whole story—characters, setting, even the drama—come to life in the moment, all from a single audience suggestion. What makes it work isn’t just the actors’ quick wit, but their trust in one another. Before stepping on stage, improv actors often turn to each other and say, “I’ve got your back.” It’s a promise that no matter what happens, I’m here for you. I won’t let you flounder—because when one actor struggles, the whole scene suffers. It’s a commitment to build on what you create so that together, we make the scene the best it can be. That’s the heart of the “yes, and” philosophy. Instead of shutting down an idea, you accept it, and then you add to it. That simple approach opens the door to creativity, connection, and trust. Now, imagine if we carried that same spirit into our everyday lives. What if we treated the world like a stage, and everyone we encountered as our fellow scene partners? What if our posture toward each other was: “I’ve got your back—because what hurts you, hurts me too.” Our lives are deeply interconnected. When others suffer, we suffer too—even if we don’t recognize it right away. Indifference leads to coldness, but compassion keeps our hearts alive and aligned with God’s will. So today, Fr. Michael Simone encourages us to ask: how can I say “yes, and” to the people in my life, and how can I live out that promise, I’ve got your back?