Set Apart....Set Free

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Inspiration
     I was recently reading a news story about three young brothers, Luke, Vincent, and Jake.
 (orginal article here:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48315875/ns/us_news/#.UBB0HbTpGSo )
    They were raised Catholic, but never not activley encouraged by their parents to look into the religious vocation of priesthood.  Their grandmother had always said that she wished at least one of her grandsons to become a priest.  Their response? "Whatever Grandma, I mean, we're not going to study to become a priest."
     It was when each of them entered into college that they realized the beauty of a religious vocation.  A quote explaining this realization came from Jake, the youngest of the three: "Initially, I was like, 'Well, it's impossible that I could also be called [to a religious vocation] because Luke and Vince are taking care of that duty. I don't need to do that.' But what I found it wasn't a duty at all. It was a gift."
     The brothers mentioned the world questioning their decision, and telling them to rethink if this was really what they were going to do with their lives.  Luke, the oldest, responded:"I think society, when it looks at the priesthood, it thinks it's a bunch of really ancient people that are angry and aren't enjoying life," Luke Strand said. "Man, go look at the reality of priests' lives. They love what they do. They are joyful. They're happy. They are free. Isn't that what people are looking for?"

  
What the wold thinks of you     As Catholics, we are calle to live in this world, but not of it.  This is sometimes really hard, this I know from personal experience.  The world doesn't like outcasts.  Why? Becasue misery love company and the devil is going to work to get you as far away from God's plan as possible.      
     This was so evident in the comments on MSNBC's website concerning this story.  Here are some comments that stuck out to me:      
        1)  "Mental illness is hereditary. At least they won't hand down their defective genes
              and promulgate more ignorant people to pollute the world." - greene10 at 12:22pm
       2)  "Catholics, too many already. I hope they're prepared to live in the current century."
             - hsart at 9:09am
        3)  "I know. My first though was, "What a waste." Still, if it makes them happy, who are we 
              to argue? People have done worse things." - ARG9 at 9:38pm
    Why this reaction? Why this hatred towards young men who have abonded their wordly pleasure in exchange for God's will in their lives?  Because the world doesn't get Christianity. 
     Christ predicted this:  Luke 21:17 "You will be hated by all becuase of My name."
So we do......What?!
     Confession: while reading those comments on that article, I was mad.  How dare these ignorant people tear into these courageous young men.  But then I sat back and thought.  What does Christ say to do with those who you don't agree with? "Love your enemies.  and pray for those who persecue you. " (Matthew 5:44). 
     And the Catholic commenters response to hating comments?
       1)  "What a beautiful gift- To lay down one's life and personal goals for the good and service of 
              others. It is the example of humble men like these that will bring positive esteem to the 
              vocation and calling of the priesthood. Deo Gratias." - Livingstone722 at 8:05pm
       2)   "Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. God calls many. Are you listening? Go to Him
               at daily Mass and Adoration and pray quietly before Him. See what He says to you! Sit and
               pray in His presence. He will give you your hearts desire. Take your troubles to the King of 
               Kings and the Lord of Lords. You can never outdo God in His blessings. The more you do
               He will multiply it unto you! God Bless!" - Awesome God at 8:07pm
      We turn the other cheek and love those who don't understand the joy Christ gives those who follow Him with their whole lives, those who crucify their will with Him on the cross.
And so, we leave with this:
     We are a people of 1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
     Our life should be set apart from this world, and our actions should be such that the world wonders what we have that makes us different.  Some will realize the freedom come by giving your life to God and his Church (the ultimate paradox of our faith). 
      We must preach the gosepl, and use words only when neccesary.

Do you have any comments? Suggestions? Thoughts? Please use the comment box below, I can always use direction as a beginner!

God Bless you always,
Chloe M.