Start Being Brave

"Start being brave about everything, driving out darkness and spreading light as well." — St. Catherine of Siena

Recently, I read about Augustin Tolton, the ‘first’ black American priest. He escaped slavery from Missouri and eventually settled in Illinois with his family. He tried several times to attend a Catholic school. Finally, an Irish priest acceded to his request; although, it was not without controversy. It must not have been easy at the time. In any case, the road to the priesthood was opened. No seminary would accept him and he eventually went to Rome to study. Once ordained, he thought that he might be sent to Africa, but he was sent home to the USA. His original Church is being renovated. I was thinking about this and how often we need to blaze a trail. Saints are different people. They stepped out of their comfort zone and went against the grain. Sometimes I wonder how they did things and believed with such fervour and kept their faith in Christ.

"I have started houses with no more than the price of a loaf of bread and prayers, for with Him who comforts me, I can do anything." — St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Hildegard of Bingen was a poet, prophet, physician, and political advocate who fearlessly gave advice to popes and princes. Pope Benedict named her a doctor of the Church in 2012. She was the leader of her monastic community and blazed a trail for many who would come much later. Her life was and is a witness for many. St. John Henry Newman is another great man. He led the Oxford Movement. He endured suspicion from the Anglicans he left and the Catholics he joined, but he persevered. He followed Christ. This faith allowed him to be an example for many – even today.

"To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often." — St. John Henry Newman

I would visit the Carmelites often and I even had the opportunity to drive one of the sisters who eventually joined the community there. Stepping out of our comfort zone is not easy. Sometimes we are forced to do so, due to changing circumstances in our lives. No one expects this, but it happens – maybe more often than we want. However, I need to repeat what I really believe that the Lord moves first. We are not choosing, but it is Him who chooses us. It might be scary, but St. John Paul II reminds us that life in Christ is more than just an eventful journey. It is a wonderful adventure. However, we need to say yes to what is put in our path. Are we ready for this? Maybe – but maybe not. Despite the fear, the obstacles and the opposition, we are here to do God’s will not ours. We can name many people: Carlo Acutis, Luigi Giussani and the list could continue. I certainly do not want to be on any list. In the meantime, we might be able to bloom where we are planted.

"The future starts today, not tomorrow." — Pope St. John Paul II