There was a university professor who went searching for the meaning of life. After several years and many miles, he came to the hut of a particularly holy hermit and asked to be enlightened. The holy man invited his visitor into his humble dwelling and began to serve him tea. He filled the pilgrim’s cup and then kept on pouring so that the teas was soon dripping onto the floor. The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. “Stop! It is full. No more will go in!” “Like this cup,” said the hermit, “you are full of your own opinions, preconceptions, and ideas. How can I teach you unless you first empty your cup?”
This week we look forward to the beginning of Lent. The phrase “look forward to” may not exactly express what most of us feel about Lent…but it should! Lent gives us an opportunity to act on the hermit’s evaluation of the professor….Like the professor, we too are filled to the brim with “opinions, preconceptions, and ideas.” We need to empty ourselves of all that stands in the way of hearing what our God has to teach us during this time of Lent. Instead of trying to figure out what to “give up” during Lent, how about considering where we can “give in” by working at eliminating our personal biases, admitting that we don’t have all the answers, acknowledging that only God is perfect. Emptying ourselves, humbling ourselves before God, praying for guidance, refraining from judging others—all of these actions can lead us to greater inner peace. If who I am and what I think seem to be more important than who God is, my priorities are skewed. When God looks at me, who does He see? During Lent, each of us is being called to greater holiness. I can take the first step by acknowledging how, in word and action, I can be “full of myself.” Then I can lay myself at the foot of the cross and beg to be emptied of everything that makes me less than who God calls me to be. Finally, I can ask for the grace of receptivity…as I read His Word in Scripture, sit in quiet prayer, and respond to those He sends to me.
– Sr. Marie Paul Grech, SND
the stars that lead to new Bethlehems.
Although many women are attracted to a common life with other Sisters who share their vision and commitment, it does not take long before they realize the truth of the old saying, “It’s grand to live with the saints in glory, but here on earth it’s another story.” We know full well that the community gathered in Christ is a fragile and cracked vessel. I have never been a perfect Sister, or superior, or community member. Then again, nobody else has been either!
From time to time I pick up a volume that never ceases to challenge me. The book “Abandonment to God” by Jean-Pierre De Caussade, S.J., (d.1751) calls the reader to give each moment of the day to God, trusting that His Providence has ordered everything for our good. “The present moment is an ever-flowing source of holiness,” Caussade says, “and all will be well if we abandon ourselves to the will of God.” Of course, suffering from “spiritual amnesia”, I eventually fall back into feeling that I alone am responsible for the proper running of the world. Still, his advice is a powerful antidote for habits of worry and control: dwelling on the past, fearing for the future, gnawing on regrets, and anticipating the worst.
Time for another vocation story, this one from our newest candidate Rhea:
Just in case you were wondering… We’re getting our ducks in order here. Tomorrow’s the big day; unveiling Sister Amy and her words of insight and wisdom. So practice a little patience, stay tuned, and offer it up to the dear souls in purgatory. 🙂
In the Hands of the Potter 