The month of June is filled with commencement speeches designed to inspire and motivate graduates to fulfill their destiny and change the world.  Recently, I attended the 2015 Ohio Dominican University graduation where Commencement speaker, Ohio Governor, John Kasisch, continued this tradition of encouraging our newest graduates to be agents of change in the world. In his remarks to this diverse and hope-filled group he stated:  "What really matters in this world is doing whatever we can, providing whatever healing we can, to make the world a better place.  The job of each and every one of us is to lift and change the world." And he is right.  Each of us, in our own way, is called to help bring about positive change - or in the words of Pope Francis, to help "wake up the world."

While Francis' words may have been spoken to men and women in religious life as he emphasized their role in the world, I believe these words are also appropriate for others who follow the example of Jesus and promote the reign of God. In addition, when I reflected on the words of motivation and hope spoken to hundreds of graduating men and women, I also recognized them as words that we must all take to heart. We must all become aware of our ability to be agents of change and bearers of hope in the world.

But you might ask questions such as: How are you (we) called to "wake up the world?" How can one person make a difference in the enormous issues that face our local, national and global communities?  There is a quote from St. Catherine of Siena that says, "If you are who God called you to be, you will set the world on fire!" So, if we are who God calls us to be, the world will be transformed.

In truth, finding the answers to such questions can only be done in discernment and dialogue with God. But a big clue in answering these questions on a personal level is to follow your passion!

And if you find that you feel called to "wake up the world" by becoming a Sister, call us! (Click here)

I leave you with this wonderful poem by Edwina Gateley.

Called to Say Yes

We are called to say yes.
That the kingdom might break through
To renew and to transform
Our dark and groping world.

We stutter and we stammer
To the lone God who calls
And pleads a New Jerusalem
In the bloodied Sinai Straights.

We are called to say yes
That black may sing with white
And pledge peace and healing
For the hatred of the past.

We are called to say yes
So that nations might gather
And dance one great movement
For the joy of humankind.

We are called to say yes
So that rich and poor embrace
And become equal in their poverty
Through the silent tears that fall.

We are called to say yes
That the whisper of our God
Might be heard through our sirens
And the screams of our bombs.

We are called to say yes
To a God who still holds fast
To the vision of the Kingdom
For a trembling world of pain.

We are called to say yes
To this God who reaches out
And asks us to share
His crazy dream of love.