We are Called

Written by Evan Brennan on Thursday of the First Week of Lent

During Lent we are called to listen. We put away some of our daily distractions in the hopes of hearing God’s words to us during this special time. In the Gospel today we hear what I have always been told is the Golden Rule: “Do onto others whatever you would have them do onto you.” To me, this is a call to action. In these words I hear God wanting ME to be better and holier and also to make those around me better and holier.

From a more personal standpoint, I see Lent as a time to reflect on what God’s plan is for me. I try to guide my personal goals in academics and personal life more towards what God wants for me. We are called, each one of us, to something special for our lives here on Earth.

As Mother Theresa once said, “Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus.”

And American poet and novelist Wendell Berry said these words that are particularly poignant,“The old and honorable idea of ‘vocation’ is simply that we each are called, by God, or by our gifts, or by our preference, to a kind of good work for which we are particularly fitted.”

I hope that you take this Lenten time to think and listen. Find somewhere where you feel comfortable and really ask God what he wants from you out of this life. How can you make yourself better and/or the people around you? Use the daily readings to inspire your thoughts and prayers and most of all have a blessed and holy Lenten season.

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Evan Brennan
Evan is a sophomore mechanical engineering student at U of M and is originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He’s been a catechist in St. Mary’s Family Faith Formation program for two years.  Evan plays soccer and golf and loves nothing more than hanging out with his four siblings back in Kzoo!
Email: evbren@umich.edu