Be a World Changer

Recently, I was nominated as a World Changer at my orthodontist's office.  They run this campaign urging students to be World Changers in their communities and the world.  I tried to come up with a way I'm changing the world for their scholarship contest, but aside from some volunteer work, I can't say I've done anything big and important.

As Catholics, though, we find the true meaning of changing the world.

"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." ~St. Catherine of Sienna

How are we supposed to set the world on fire for Christ?  We first have to be transformed and changed from our own sinful nature.  We are meant to be saints.

"Here below the goal pointed out to you is sanctity, and then to your supreme and final goal which is eternal life, that is to say the consummation of all sanctity." ~Fr. Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC. Jesus King of Love pg. 52

Sanctity is "entirely possible for the reason that we are called and invited to it by the all wise God.  Therefore we can attain it.  He gives the first impulse.  He makes the first step easy and also the second.  Remember, sanctity does not principally consist in laying hold of God up in the heights of heaven, but in letting ourselves be seized by Him when He swoops down like an eagle hungry for its prey.  He invites and welcomes, He offers graces, light and strength, He draws and guides, He gives Himself; our part is to love Him and to give ourselves with docility, trust and generosity."  pg. 53

"So I can be a saint?  Evidently, why doubt it?  Moreover it is a duty for you who read this and on whom abundant graces have been bestowed.  A duty is not impossible.  Think how much Jesus has loved you and do not be ungrateful." pg. 53

""To will is to be able."  This axiom is always true in the supernatural order, given the fidelity of God and the mercy of His Heart.  If I truly wish to be a saint, I can be one; I can even be a great one." pg. 54

(Quotes taken from Jesus King of Love)

This is all to say it is possible to be a saint!  As you strive for sanctity then, you can influence and change the world around you.  Becoming a saint is nothing less than being changed into Jesus Christ Himself.  

"He must increase, but I must decrease." ~John 3:30

Jesus's love will grow in you and it will naturally spill out to those around you.  His light radiates in the souls of His saints.

I know it is very hard to think there can be any good or any holiness left in this world.  All around us we see deceit, lies, disappointments, abuse, and sin.  But Samwise's words still hold true today:

"There is certainly much that is evil today, but there is also much that is good, and with daily or frequent communion, with the spread of the devotion to the Heart of Jesus - I mean the health-giving doctrine of love - there are hidden gems of sanctity which tomorrow perhaps will blaze forth in the eyes of the whole world." pg. 56

So you want to change the world?  Be a saint.  Stay close to Jesus that He may fill your soul with His presence and light.  Then, go out into the world and share His light with others!  This is how we will change the world.

May God bless you!