You are chosen by God

This sculpture by Michelangelo reminds me of these reason we are all here and why we were all chosen to be baptized at different times in our lives. I remember from the many history of art classes that I took in college that Michelangelo convinces us that we are here to face not only pain as a condition of redemption, but rather with absolute beauty as one of its consequences. This masterpiece is called La Pietà (1499) and is housed in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Michelangelo was only 23 when it was completed.

In the Bible, there are many stories of God choosing a person or even an entire people. The Israelites were God’s “chosen people.” David, the shepherd, was chosen by God to be king of God’s people. The angel Gabriel brought Mary the news that she had found favor with God and had been chosen to be the mother of God’s Son. And of course, Jesus is called the Messiah, the “chosen one” of God.

I grew up with all of these wonderful Bible stories and because of this, I've learned that it is God who chooses. God takes the initiative and claims a person or a people as his own. I think it is easy to see God’s influence clearly in each person’s life, especially those of you in the RCIA process, as well as our team, community and Fr. Marc! This is truly where God is at work!

To our catechumens, you might not have realized it, but I hope you have, that as you are seeking to be baptized, the signs that God has chosen you is becoming more evident! During this time of discernment in preparation for the Rite of Election, when your months of preparation take the final turn, I want to ask each of you what it means to you to be chosen.

I hope that you comment with your thoughts to a couple of these questions: When have you felt chosen? What were you chosen to do? Who testified on your behalf that you were the right choice? How did their testimony make you feel?