Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent - April 1, 2022

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Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22                John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

While attending Catholic grade school, I fell in love with the lives of the saints. How fascinating their stories were in the descriptions of their early lives, challenges, and unique calls from God. Stories of the saints have continued to interest, inspire and challenge me, as well as take me down the occasional rabbit hole of research.

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Hugh of Grenoble, a terrific match for today’s readings. Hugh would have mirrored the holy one described in the Book of Wisdom. Recognized for his intellect and skills, he became involved in church leadership as a lay person, then was ordained a bishop at the age of 27. His assigned task seemed insurmountable: to reform the wayward church in Grenoble, France, not a popular job.  After two years of tireless labors, believing himself a failure, Hugh tried to escape to a monastery. The pope, however, recalled him to Grenoble to continue his very successful work. Hugh served as shepherd in Grenoble for 50 more years.

How does God treat his closest friends? With the insistent fervor of a loving parent, God calls us to be messengers, to bring peace, reform or reassurance wherever we are sent. It is not easy to be among God’s friends. In both of today’s readings, the one who claims to be from God is threatened, reviled, the focus of plots to do harm. Sound like a job everyone wants, right? I am reminded of a quote attributed to St. Teresa of Avila speaking to God, “If this is how You treat your friends, no wonder You have so few!” 

Relentlessly, we are called for a purpose. We may not feel successful. We will likely be reviled, harassed, the topic of gossip. In the midst of our busy lives, may we be able to rise above the challenging moments and see things through eyes of faith.

Q: Where do I see God moving in my life? To what is God calling me?


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