Here I am!

St John Cardinal Newman, Bishop of Philidelphia, organizer of a catholic school system, writer, teacher, and a convert to catholicism. That is St. John Newman's life in a sound byte. What a journey though. Through reflection and contemplation his life took profound turns, and in doing so caused those around him to reflect deeply on their own lives. Personally and emotionally some of the decisions he made in life were difficult. The roots of his faith was always the starting point of all that he did in life.

Sometimes the idea of being called seems so easy. God speaks from a cloud, or in the darkness of the temple, and we respond. From there we become a prophet, or apostle, or priest, or religious. There is always the struggles, the questions and the doubts. Not unlike Isaiah and Peter we can be accutely aware of our own Sinfulness. Doesn't God know who he is calling?

The very difficult yet very necessary task for us is to trust in God. Recently I have been moved by the Is 49 text, "I have carved you on the palm of my hand." It reminds me of the deep intimacy that God has with us. Our entire lives are a process of conversion and discipleship. To be sure its not just priesthood and religious life, but being married, raising families, the single life, and well into old age, is a faith journey. Sr. Ann Patrice, O.P. used to call us out if we didn't participate in her class, "Are you posing for a holy card?"

The Lord is my light and my salvation.