“Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of poverty, so that you might be our greatest treasure. We thank you for the gift of chastity, so that you might be our greatest love. We thank you for the gift of obedience, so that doing your will would be our greatest joy.”

Before Mass ended, we had the opportunity to pause and reflect on God’s call in our lives. Fr. Joe Freedy reminded us that we all share a universal vocation: holiness. That vocation is about becoming perfect in love. Additionally, each individual has a particular vocation, which is how God specifically asks that person to live perfect love. A person might be called to the priesthood, religious life, consecrated singlehood, or marriage.

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The greatest commandments of our Catholic faith are to love God, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

But, as Bishop Edward Rice reminded the 3,000 teens, leaders, and volunteers today during the Steubenville Conference closing Mass, Jesus calls us to go a step further. We need to love with our whole heart, so we can become fearless disciples.

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Sunday morning started with Michael Gormley who reminded us that, this weekend, we have heard about how we need to live fearlessly for Jesus. Maybe that has empowered you. Maybe you are ready and convicted to make a change in your life. Or, maybe you are nervous to return to your homes and families, and you are unsure about what life will look like now. Whatever way you are feeling, it is ok.

No matter what is going on in your mind and heart, God planned for you to be here this weekend at the conference, and He has done something within you. Even if you are not aware of it, God is moving within you. You might be tempted to pretend that has not happened. You might want to put on a mask and ignore the change within you. But Jesus is calling you to greatness. You are not called to a life of mediocrity. You are called to change the world, and the only thing that can truly change the world is the love of Jesus.

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