Walking with Claret: 2nd moment, Among the looms

Second Moment: Among the Looms
Throughout his adolescence, Anthony immersed himself learning the textile craft at his father’s workshop. The desire to improve his textile skills led him to enroll in the School of Arts and Trades in Barcelona. His tenacity, ingenuity, and competence caught the attention of business investors who offered him the opportunity to start a textile company. But there were several events that made Anthony sensitive to the voice of God, especially after a former textile partner ended up in prison, a friend’s wife set up a tempting trap for him, and a miraculous escape from death after being swept into the sea by a gigantic wave. He was particularly moved by the words of the Gospel, “What will one gain by winning the whole world if he destroys himself?” He was 21 years old when he decided to leave behind the looms and become a priest.
It is no easy feat to develop a promising career at a young age, much less be willing to leave it all to follow Jesus. Yet we can come to understand and appreciate such radical decisions when we realize that there are certain lived experiences that impact us so much that they demand our attention and action. Life can lead us to take new paths unimaged but just as worthwhile.
Let us pray,
God of vocations, you called St. Anthony Mary Claret and he responded generously, may we be attentive to your call and be willing to risk it all out of love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Anthony Mary Claret, Pray for us.