“Life shines brightly not because we are rich, beautiful, or powerful. Instead, it shines when we discover within ourselves the truth that we are called by God, have a vocation, have a mission, that our lives serve something greater than ourselves.”
– Pope Leo XIV
My son Peter loves to serve at Mass. After serving for two years, he fancies himself an expert and very much enjoys “instructing” the newbies. He loves being our pastor’s go-to substitute. He loves doing both weddings and funerals. But he really loves serving for Fr. Bill - a newly ordained Augustinian priest who has been helping out at the parish on most weekends.
Last week was Fr. Bill’s last Mass at our parish before heading abroad for some advanced studies. In his homily, he shared one of his earliest memories of being called to the priesthood. As a child, he pointed to the priest on the altar and told his dad, “That man inspired people.” Fr. Bill challenged all of us to be the same inspiration to others.
As I watched Peter’s eyes water a bit as he assisted Fr. Bill at the altar, I thought about how, in such a few short years, the priest had modeled that same call and inspired my son and so many others. I saw Fr. Bill lean in and whisper something to Peter that made him crack a smile and I couldn’t help but think how, despite being a great preacher, it was actually those little moments that have been at the heart of that inspiration.
Do we believe we have the potential to inspire another? Regardless of our titles in life, do we consider it our responsibility to inspire others? When we see someone on stage or at the altar, do we discount the smallest spaces we all fill in and how they might fill others up? Do we believe that God has given us all the potential to move others?
Peter may never become a priest, but he’s blessed at 12 years old to already have an example of how he wants to serve. As we continue to experience Ordinary Time, let’s remember that we can all inspire extraordinary things because of the Ultimate Role Model who continues to show us the way.
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