Our Vocation Ministry - December 2005
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During the next four weeks we will be reflecting on some of the Advent scripture readings as they relate to discerning our call. Visit us frequently!

Advent . . . A Time of Discernment

Click on a reflection, below, or scroll down the page.

Feast of St. Andrew
First Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
Feast of St. Nicholas
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Third Sunday of Advent
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Feast of St. John of the Cross
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Eve

We are now in the midst of Advent, a time when Scripture is especially meaningful for a person discerning a vocation to religious life! I hope you will find it helpful as you strive to listen to what God is saying to you at this time in your life. Today, God speaks to us through Scripture, people and events! Be especially attentive to these aspects in your life. Feel free to contact me with any insights, ideas or suggestions, as well as questions, you may have.

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The Nativity of the Lord: Christmas Eve
Lk. 2:1-14

"Now there were shepherds in the region living in the fields and keeping watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly hosts with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

And so we come to Christmas as we started Advent. An angel, a messenger of God saying to the shepherds as was said to Mary, Joseph, the Kings and perhaps to us! Don't be afraid…
There will be a sign…
You will find the Lord…
There will be praise and joy in the Lord…
There will be peace!

How and what has God spoken to you during this Advent?

What is your response?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Fourth Sunday of Advent
Lk. 1:26-38

". . .And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.' Mary said, 'Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.'"

There are usually times when considering a vocation that we wonder, "This is impossible. How could this ever work out?" Mary must have asked herself that question many times. Most of the time we are trying to figure, "How can I work this out?" Mary reached the point when she realized it was God who was calling and arranging. She realized it was time to let go and be open!

Am I willing to let go of my plans?

Am I open to whatever God wants of me?

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Feast of John of the Cross (December 14)
Lk. 7: 18-23

"John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?' At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings and evil spirits, he also granted sight to many who were blind. And Jesus said to them in reply, 'Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them."

We look at the disciples and wonder what does God have to do to make it any clearer as to who he is and what he wants of them. How many miracles have to take place before they see the light, before they recognize that it is God?

Am I like the disciples?

How many more signs and messengers does God have to reveal to me before I recognize him and what he wants me to do with my life?

What have been some of the "miracles" or "signs" or "workings of God" that I am aware of, or have witnessed going on in my life?

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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12)
Lk. 1:26-38

"But Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?' And the angel said to her in reply, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the most high will overshadow you."

Sometimes we may ask the same question. "How can this be?" Our life situation may seem somewhat unrealistic as what Mary's appeared to be. How could God be calling me? How can I think about religious life when I have to finish paying off my loan? How can I be thinking about religious life when I am also thinking about a family? How can I think about religious life when I don't even know any sisters? I'm too young. I'm too old. I have children. I've been divorced.

And yet, if it's of God…it will be!

What am I questioning about the validity of my call?

Do I trust that if it is of God, it will work out?

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Third Sunday of Advent
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good…. The one who calls you if faithful and he will also accomplish it."

So often we hear about the will of God. Right now, you may be searching for the will of God in your life. Paul is enthusiastically telling the Thessalonians to be open to God, to the Spirit, and don't be afraid of the voices within that are calling you to be more. Others may not always understand you or agree with you. Listen to ideas and concerns, but in the end, follow the Lord and your heart's desire. It is comforting to know that the Lord, who is calling, is faithful and will be with us on our journey.

Am I really open to God?

What do I believe is God's will or desire for me?

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Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
Lk. 1: 26-38

"But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid…."

Today's scripture is relating Mary's call story. There were elements of surprise: "Who, me? Why, me? How can this be?" She was troubled, had doubts and fears. She really pondered, reflected and prayed about it. Still, the questioning and concerns continued. In the midst of it she heard the words, "Do not be afraid!"

What are my doubts and fears?

At times do I also experience God saying to me, "Do not be afraid?"

Does it give me strength and peace?

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Feast of the St. Nicholas (December 6)
Mt. 18: 12-14

"Jesus said to his disciples: 'What is your opinion?'"

Jesus presents the parable of the Lost Sheep to the disciples and asks for their opinion. Jesus asked others for their opinions and listened because it was important. It is a good thing to do! How many times have you asked someone for their opinion regarding your considering religious life? It is good to do, although sometimes too many opinions can be confusing. I have to remember it is their opinion.

If Jesus would ask me,
"What is your opinion about religious life?"
"What is your opinion about my calling you to be a religious sister?"

What would my response be?

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Second Sunday of Advent
Mk. 1: 1-8

"Behold I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'"

John the Baptist begins with a very direct message: God is coming, get ready, be prepared!

The scriptures of Advent are filled with "messengers" of God such as John. The messengers reveal God to us. They help us discern what God is asking; they challenge us and show us the way.

Throughout the Advent scriptures we will encounter other messengers of God…angels… a star! Joseph, Mary, the kings and shepherds all heard God's call through messengers in different and unique ways. All responded individually.

Who or what are "the messengers" in my life?

The persons or events that drawing me to consider religious life?

What is my response?

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First Sunday of Advent
1 Corinthians 1:3-9

"Be watchful! Be alert!"

The scripture readies us to enter into this season of listening and waiting. "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gifts as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of Our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

We enter into this Advent journey with God's grace and peace, a peace that comes from God!

Paul reminds us that we are been given gifts and talents in life. "You are not lacking in any spiritual gifts as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ." So often a woman will say to me that she does not have what is needed to be a religious sister. The scripture helps us to realize that we DO have what we need for the present moment. God will give us what we need if we remain open to Him.

"God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." The element of "call" is already speaking to us. It is God who calls. God calls us to be in relationship with Jesus!

Do I have a sense of being called by God? What is that like? Can I articulate it for myself?

Do I have a relationship with Jesus? Do I feel a tremendous love in this relationship, and want to deepen it?

What are some of the gifts and talents that God has given me? How am I using them?

Am I being asked to do more?

The Gospel (Mark 13:33-37) starts out telling us, "Jesus said to his disciples: 'Be watchful! Be alert!'"

This Advent, be watchful and alert for how God will speak to you through scripture, people and events in your life!

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November 30 (Feast of St. Andrew)
Matthew 4:18-22

"Come after me and I will make you fishers of men."

"As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him."

Jesus extended a very simple invitation to follow him. "Come!" Jesus met and gently called people from where they were! It didn't matter what they were doing, but the more important emphasis was on who they were. As then so now, Jesus calls people who hold white collar as well as blue-collar positions. No matter what we are doing, Jesus is calling us to be more!

"He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him."

We tend to think that this was Jesus' first encountered with the disciples and they immediately followed him. Some may have, but the more likely scenario is that the disciples probably had known Jesus for a time and gradually came to the awareness that they had to respond to Jesus' invitation. Evidently, this was the right time...they were ready...so they were able to leave all...and follow him!

For most women discerning a religious vocation, it takes time. You have to come to grips with the idea, thoughts and emotions within yourself first. It is a very personal and sacred journey! As with the disciples... when the time is right...and we are ready...we respond to God's invitation!

Have you been considering religious life for a while?

How have you sensed the invitation? (Gentle, unnerving, fuzzy, loving, exciting...)

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God bless you,

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