READING Isaiah 1:16-18

Wash yourselves clean!
Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil; learn to do good.
Make justice your aim; redress the wronged,
hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.
Come now, let us set things right,
says the Lord:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.

We are called to make a difference. We are called to change the world. And many times, we sit back and do.........nothing. But there are many ways to make a difference. Large ways and small ways. I sometimes wonder if the world will have changed because of my presence. Will the world have moved closer to peace, love and God before my life journey is complete and will I have had an effect on the change.

Some chances to set things right may seem small to each of us, but may loom large to those affected by the chance. Our school runs a three day retreat for students. Teachers and alumi attend as well. A small sacrifice for the adults, but a life long effect for the students. Last night, at an event where people spoke of their experiences on this retreat, it was evident this makes a difference.
This year will be my first experience of this retreat. Again, a small way to set things right.

The papal conclave begins this Tuesday. A big event. An event that changes the life of the Catholic Church as well as the lives of millions of Catholics. And a chance for church leaders to review the past, evaluate the good and the bad, and set the wrong things right. Please pray for these men. We need forgiveness and healing right now.

Our lives are filled with all kinds of chances to set this life on the narrow path to God. As lent begins to reach its end, we all need to focus on how we each can recognize these events and embrace them as good and faithful followers of Christ.