On Palm
Sunday, April 13, 2014, I renewed my vows for the first time with 16 other
junior professed Sisters. It took me back to August 14that my first
profession, saying the words for the first time and placing my hands into those
of Mother M. Regina Pacis. Our lives are consecrated and lived through the
vows, not simply for their own sake, but for the sake of others. As a Community
each Sister has the responsibility to live individually and yet together this
way of life as the Body of Christ. When
each junior professed sister renewed her vows, and as I did it myself, it was
beautiful to recall that image of the Body of Christ and to allow Him to lead
me each day wherever He desires His merciful love to be made visible.
Recently, I found a reflection I had written during my first retreat as a postulant. The last conference that had been given was on Spiritual Motherhood. As I approached the 4 th Station where Jesus meets His Sorrowful Mother, this is what struck my heart: What is the sacrificial love of a mother? It is the self-sacrifice made to love her children. Mary’s self-sacrifice to be there with Christ, her Son, in His passion was the selfless love that united her with Him. Her heart was pierced with 7 swords in the agony of watching her beloved Son endure a cross that He did not deserve, but which He embraced for the love of the Father and mankind. Could she not have said to Jesus, “You don’t have to do this, there are other ways. Do you know how much pain You are causing me and those who love you?” She knew He could have chosen any other way t...
Comments