My homily for this past weekend reflected first on the lived response of the the foreign lepers to God's gift of healing, how they recognized that their lives were now changed because of the grace of God. It struck me at how we have all been "healed" of that which afflicts us most in life (sin) in the waters of baptism. So, where is our response to this gracious gift from God? Too many of us go on to live our lives however we will. It almost seems as if our baptism has had no effect on us, not because God hasn't redeemed us, but we have forgotten that this redemption requires a continued response. Some will tell me that I need to be more patient because they themselves hadn't really gotten serious about their faith until somewhat later in life. My concern is that in that time we have missed the opportunity to give real and effective witness in our lives. Even more however, not everyone gets 70, 80, 90 years to "get it right". A beautiful example of both of these concerns being played out well is the story of Blessed Chiara "Luce" Badano. Read her story related here by Chris Stefanick, director of the office of youth ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver (formerly of La Crosse). Here is another link from the EWTN News story. It has already inspired a couple of my younger girls. I am certain that it will inspire yours as well! Help me to get this amazing story of effective faithfulness out!! Blessings!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Blessed Chiara "Luce" Badano
My homily for this past weekend reflected first on the lived response of the the foreign lepers to God's gift of healing, how they recognized that their lives were now changed because of the grace of God. It struck me at how we have all been "healed" of that which afflicts us most in life (sin) in the waters of baptism. So, where is our response to this gracious gift from God? Too many of us go on to live our lives however we will. It almost seems as if our baptism has had no effect on us, not because God hasn't redeemed us, but we have forgotten that this redemption requires a continued response. Some will tell me that I need to be more patient because they themselves hadn't really gotten serious about their faith until somewhat later in life. My concern is that in that time we have missed the opportunity to give real and effective witness in our lives. Even more however, not everyone gets 70, 80, 90 years to "get it right". A beautiful example of both of these concerns being played out well is the story of Blessed Chiara "Luce" Badano. Read her story related here by Chris Stefanick, director of the office of youth ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver (formerly of La Crosse). Here is another link from the EWTN News story. It has already inspired a couple of my younger girls. I am certain that it will inspire yours as well! Help me to get this amazing story of effective faithfulness out!! Blessings!
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Comments are most welcome! As always, be charitable and remember the 8th Commandment (Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor).