Transformative Love

Written by Aren Newby on the Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier

At the university, I am on a journey to become a doctor. My classes in the sciences, the health clubs I participate in, and my job as a nursing assistant are providing me with the knowledge necessary to become the best doctor I can.

However, as a Catholic Christian, God has called me on another journey alongside my road to becoming a doctor; He as called me on a journey of love. “Aren,” he says, “Will you love me and my people?” In order to answer this call, I must prepare myself and learn to love as Jesus loves us.

So how do I prepare for this journey?

This preparation requires my time, my devotion, my diligence, my wants, my dreams, and my troubles. Love does not come easy. It is not passive, it is not lazy, it is not scared, and it does not come in pieces.  In order to truly love my God and my neighbor, I must learn to give all that I have and learn from his guidance.

When Jesus was on the earth, in order to fulfill God’s call to love, he needed help. Countless times, Scripture tells us that he escaped to go and pray where he sought out his Father and asked for help. Jesus prepared himself for the troubles that lie ahead and to love God’s people.

So we too must seek out God with all are hearts before we take part in this journey of love. This entails humbling ourselves to let God change our hearts and lead us into the men and women he called us to be. In order to prepare for this journey of love, we must take note of the Scripture and let God transform our minds to resemble what he called us to be.

Questions for Reflection:
In our busy lives, will you take the time to prepare for this journey?
Will you spend time with God to learn from his heart?
Will you let God transform you?

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Aren Newby
Aren Newby is a sophomore studying movement science in the school of kinesiology at the University of Michigan. Fun fact: Aren is an identical twin.
Email: arenewby@umich.edu