In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." John 16:33

In this world of secularism and individualism, it is easy to build a wall. A wall that protects us, our family, and friends from all the mess and evil that surrounds us. It is easier to keep our faith, say our prayers and support those within our wall.

But, is that what we are called to do by the Lord? There are plenty monestaries and convents where monks, nuns, priests and sisters spend there days in work and prayer. This is a beautiful and holy way of life. To devote one's entire days, by vow and act, in service to God by keeping these devotions. They pray for the outside world but do not live in it. We can learn much from their model, but our daily business is quite a bit different.

St. Thomas More, one of the most celebrated secular Saints, strongly considered the priesthood when he was young. Most people in his time saw it as a more direct path to perfection. He eventually accepted his call to marraige as one with more opportunity for struggle and suffering, therefore refining his soul to a purer metal. His biographer, Charles Wegemer, even points out that Chaucer and Shakespeare agreed "If all good people were encouraged to enter the monestary, how should the world be served?"

Now our world today is quite different. There are not many who are even called to the religous life. We are all out there in a diverse society. And although we still get a taste of "community life" in our Parishes and our families, we spend most of our days in the secular business world. Accepting and engaging the trials and tribulations of this world is our challenge. But, most of us are not starting with the metal that St. Thomas began with.

The first thing to remember is that there will be failure. Being human and taking these risks, it is bound to happen. But, through prayer, through participation in the sacrament of Confession, through the community that supports us we can take on the world. We must follow Jesus urging and "Be not afraid." Put out into the deep and risk capsizing the boat or breaking the nets.

Put yourself out there. In your business day, take the risk and be the example of charity, clean living, and fair practice. Only by this can His love enter the the lives around us and thereby change the world.

Lord, make me and instrument of Your peace.

TCP

He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem
Mal3:3-4