How have you been called in your life? Who have been your “Elijahs”?

Called by God. The idea used to make us shiver back in parochial school. As children, we imagined that only rare and special people got that call.

Aren’t we quick to want to call down fire on our enemies? It kind of goes with the territory of human existence. If we can identify the bad guys—”them”—then we can claim the identity of the good guys—”us.”

Years ago, Ed, a friend of mine, proposed to a young woman he’d been dating for several months. The woman was thrilled, and when he was with her, Ed was caught up in the excitement as well. But when he was out on his own or with his friends, he found himself flirting and daydreaming about others.

Living in a city with a lot of violent crime, like Chicago—or anywhere in this dangerous world—can harden a person. When you encounter trouble, or even sense it, you have to look out for yourself and get out of the way.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

The vocation of every man and woman is to serve other people.