Witness of Holiness

A quote from Catherine:



The best apostolate we can engage in

is the witness of holiness of life.



This past weekend was the celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life. We don't hear much about it since it is a relatively new feast day instigated by Pope John Paul II in 1997. Since it is only 10 years old, a tiny amount of time in "church" time, it has not really caught hold except in vocation promotion circles.



I spent the weekend at a parish is a small town in far northeast Iowa. Along with giving the "reflection", we had a vocation fair with other religious congregations in attendance.



As I talked about consecrated life (sisters, nuns, religious order priests and brothers), I was reflecting on the quest for God as the primary drawing of men and women to the consecrated life. We each have a vocation story that we tell. The untold story is that quest for God that lures and draws us. That quest is in the midst of service, discipline, prayer and giving all to the unique apostolic ministry we have.



Even at that, Catherine is right, the best apostolic witness we have is not our work, it is the holiness, the "God quest", that is most effective. It is what "catches" in the hearts and souls of others who see "something" in us- a something that most likely they cannot name. Who do you know who has that intangible "something" that draws you, that calls you to be closer to God? Do you have it for others? How are you doing in your "God quest"? Where do you need to be?



We approach Lent soon. Now is a good time to embark on your "God quest" in all seriousness and intention.

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