Devotional thought of the day:

I urge you, then, brothers, remembering the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, dedicated and acceptable to God; that is the kind of worship for you, as sensible people. ²  Do not model your behaviour on the contemporary world, but let the renewing of your minds transform you, so that you may discern for yourselves what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and mature. Romans 12:1-2 (NJB)

311 Many things, whether they be material, technical, economic, social, political or cultural… when left to themselves, or left in the hands of those who lack the light of the faith, become formidable obstacles to the supernatural life. They form a sort of closed shop which is hostile to the Church. You, as a Christian and, perhaps, as a research worker, writer, scientist, politician or labourer… have the duty to sanctify those things. Remember that the whole universe— as the Apostle says—is groaning as in the pangs of labour, awaiting the liberation of the children of God.  ( Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). Furrow (Kindle Locations 1478-1483). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.)

It is Monday.  I am weary, and I have a long week ahead. Have to admit, there is a desire to become the first Lutheran religious hermit.   To just sit in a nice comfortable cave, equipped with WiFi, study scripture and write blogs.  Engaging the world is the last thing I want to do. Engaging the world means taking on things that are difficult, it often means confronting sin, or if nor, helping people survive th brokenness that sin brings.

Then I think of one of the most remarkable things I have seen in a long time, a 25 year old nun in Italy performed on a reality show called the Voice. You have to take a moment and watch the video of her first performance.

o what the heck, here is another:

I am probably not the first blogger to mention her, she won the entire competition.  But I want you to watch again the videos, this time – pay attention to the four judges.  They don’t know what to do with her at first, and then they take her into their hearts.  Especially J-Ax, the rapper judge who worked with her as her “coach”.  As you watch each of her videos, there is something that is happening, her voice, her smile, her joy becomes contagious, infectious.  People listen to her simplicity, they are in awe of her work.

A life, dedicated to God, offered up as a living sacrifice, sanctifies a show, it sets it apart. It makes people wonder about her faith.  A place that normally shows the darker, more sinful side of music changes.

Most of us won’t ever have the chance to be on television performing.  We may not get to see the entire world spin around, and their jaws drop as they realize, oh my gosh – this is a woman or man of God.  That’s okay, we weren’t put in that situation, we have been put where we are. With our families, our neighborhoods, our communities, even our workplaces.  We are there for a reason, sent into the vocations we hold as the representatives of God, to mirror His glory, to reveal His love and mercy (for that is what is truly glorious about Him!)  We have been sent to be living sacrifices, discerning what God’s will is as we reach out to our world.  Sometimes that means we go unexpected places, deal with people we don’t think would listen or hear, like a rapper becoming good friends with a nun…..

It’s a matter of faith, this transformed life we live, trusting in God to send us to places which need to be made holy…..

If a young nun can sanctify a Reality show, have literally millions clapping and singing with her, maybe we can see God sanctify our Mondays?

Kyrie Eleison