Tomorrow, we’re holding the Young Adult Speaker Series at Annunciation Parish in Waimea. The title of the event is “Why Catholic?” In today’s Mass reading, St. Paul speaks of the “war within” — “So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand” (Rom 7:21).
Last week Thursday, we celebrated the memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch. St. Ignatius was martyred by wild animals in Rome’s Colosseum. On his way to his death he wrote, “I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire.”
St. Paul points to what makes St. Ignatius’ story compelling and St. Ignatius’ writing points to tomorrow’s event, “Why Catholic?” When Jesus is the one object of our quest, we too can use life’s dire or unfair situations as opportunities to win the war within and draw closer to our Father. For the example of the countless saints in his company who pray for us and support us through all time … this is why I am Catholic.
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.
