My brother shared with me how my whole countenance changed during that time. Here is how it (countenance change) happened and why it happens when we listen to God.

About six months before my birthday between my sophomore and junior years in college I felt like I was going to get a note or letter or some other from of communication that was going to be really important for me in my life. I really did not think twice about it but I remember having that premonition or whatever you want to call it. Sure enough my July birthday came around. I had gone to dinner with some friends and when I came home there was a note on the counter from mom and dad, "John, we strongly feel you should go to Steubenville next year. It can be done financially." I thought, "Steubenville, why would I want to go there? They are crazy for God and the church and things like that there. Probably just a bunch of straight - laced, socially maladjusted people who are so un-athletic that they cannot chew bubble-gum and walk at the same time."

With reluctance, I decided to transfer to Steubenville which is now known as Franciscan University run by Franciscan Priests. I found it to be a very alive place - college students and faculty alive with love and joy and hope. So many people were smiling so much - it struck me strange from what I knew of the sadness of student's faces on other college campuses. Their countenance was one of joy and smiles and love and hope. It was a countenance of what I knew I did not have but exactly what I wanted. I really did not know the joy and love and hope they knew. But day after day I listened to their words and lives and learned that I, too, could have the countenance change. It was a free-gift, ever available. All I had to do was invite Jesus into my life and let him speak his love and joy to me. I did that (and still do each moment) and Jesus changed me forever. To hear Jesus, who is responsible for every ounce of goodness and love in this world, tell me that he was infinitely crazy in love for me was incredible. Talk about countenance changer! Now I knew why the people were so alive and excited/crazy for God on this campus.

What is till so difficult for me to fathom is why Jesus would take the time to sit down and talk to a broken brother like me. In no way am I worthy. How could I offer him anything to make him even want to spend one second with me? And how could I be interesting to him - he is God, maker of the heavens and earth? I am just an insignificant spec, right? But, all I know is that he did! And does! And he will complete the job one day! I listen and he speaks and he changes my countenance with his in filling.

He speaks and speaks and speaks to me. He showed me that the thought I got six months before my birthday was him speaking to me - that he was the difference maker in my life. He changed and is changing my countenance to one that is being more and more filled with heaven.

Do you need a countenance change? Listen to his voice.

Blessed by the BEST,

+Fr. John