"A Chosen Race"

In his first letter, St. Peter tells us that we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you [we] may announce the praises of him who called you [us] out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9). Attending two graduations in a week with a third one coming up this morning, I am seeing that "chosen race": graduates filled with hope, an exuberant sense of accomplishment, and a desire to use their energy and their education to "make a difference", "to make this world a better place." Two graduates of St. Anselm College stand out as examples of this newest wave of heralds of praise and light in our darkened world. One will work as a volunteer for a year with street kids in Camden, NJ, which is the Jersey Shore of the city, and much more overt in its need for redemption. Bravery, and a reckless desire to put his faith into practice, plus his immediately attractive personality, will truly make a difference. The other will work with homeless youth as a social worker, inspired by a homeless man in DC three years ago, whose thoughtfullness and ambition to obtain a college degree inspired this young woman to choose this path as her career. How many others in the ranks of the capped and gowned will go out into the world, not to make money, but to bring hope and life to others by giving completely of themselves? St. Marcellin and the early brothers made a similar move to respond to the needs of their time. A new generation of "royal priests" are being unleashed to create a "holy nation". To the onlooker, it gives cause for hope and rejoicing, and serves as an inspiration for following in some way, in their footsteps.
Bro. Rene