As a child it was a family habit for my parents to take my brother and me to visit the Cloistered Carmelite Nuns in Chicalim, Vasco. As a child I never understood why these women were always so excited and happy. For those unaware, these nuns give themselves to the Lord and are willingly confined to the monastery. When visitors come to the monastery, they come to a window guarded by wooden bars, and the nuns always passed chocolates through this fancy drawer which opened both ways! (This always fascinated me as a child.)
The fact that struck me as I grew up was the amount of happiness that one room was filled with. Every time we sat there, the room behind the window would get filled with almost all the nuns, and they would be asking us about our lives, and telling us about theirs like there is no barricade, or there never has been.
My mother always told me … “these nuns are special and their prayers are magical! As they are constantly talking to God and are close to Mother Mary.” And honestly I still believe that place has some magic of its own. How can these women suddenly give up their lives for God and be away from the world and still be so happy??? How can they smile and laugh so much and not wonder “what if?”
A few years ago a family friend decided to join them and we were invited to her induction into the convent. We attended the ceremony and it was the most beautiful event I ever witnessed. The first girl was just like a bride, smiling and glowing. How she prostrated on the ground while the Bishop said the prayers! How she was so happy to give up her regular lifestyle outside to live with Jesus! I would often meet a new novice younger than me, and my mom would tell us to pray for her during our prayer time.
Even when my brother joined the seminary I would often ask … how do you know? He would smile and say “ I got a call,” and until I was smart enough to realize the truth, I always imagined it to be a telephone call … or maybe something more dramatic like a spotlight shines on the person during church!!!
How do we know we are called to be His disciples? How do we know we have the vocation? How are we to discern? I for one never felt such an urge to drop my life, for a life with God, but what I did was feel that it was my duty to fight for the unborn children in the womb who deserved to have a life and to be heard. I felt a strong urge to say my daily Rosary, and read my Bible as a young girl, and be persistent in my sacraments.
But often when my peers talk about faith, I feel … it’s like everyone is lost. Despite having the world at our fingertips, (literally with apps for rosary, bible and prayers), a lot of the youth like me are moving away from the faith. Some say that the church has rules which make no sense. Some say there is no God.
Today let us listen our “call”… the call to spread Christ through whatever way we can… work… church… talents… or social service! Let us look for christ in everyone we meet, and help them with no ulterior motive. In a world where money and ambition tends to push away the little faith we have … let us be honest, sincere, and put our troubles at the feet of Jesus. Let us be instruments of the Lord and spread His faith. Let us be his disciples in the truest sense. Let us not mock people of faith … because prayers can make a difference!
Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me to listen to your calling and believe that I can be a representative of your work and faith in my daily life. Help me to pray for those who have gone astray from you and those who have faith in you to remain in your love with all honesty. Forgive me Lord for being ashamed of my faith amongst my peers and help me to stand up for you and all your works in my life. Amen.
