Pierced Hearts

A common question I get asked is “What’s your vocation story?”  I first have to judge how much time there is before I begin the answer!  Do I share the short or the detailed version?  How much is this person really interested in the details?  In reality, I just begin to talk and the Holy Spirit guides what part of the story to share.

We all have a vocation story.  A priest told me before I entered the convent that I would be sharing my story over and over again.  He then added, (I paraphrase), “Remember, this story isn’t for you.  It’s for others.”  In other words, I needed to be prepared to share my story.  Even if I didn’t feel like it was a big deal or didn’t want the focus on myself, I needed to be ready to share it because the Lord would use it for other people.

So, this week I thought I would share part of my journey with you.  Why?  Because it has to do with Lent and Good Friday.

During Lent I had written a letter to my friend who had already entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George (Yea, it took me a long time to even remember the name!) telling her that I was thinking about religious life.  After I had written it, I regretted that I had put it in the mail.  “I’ve already been there.  Not much at the time.  I’ve read their brochures.   I’m enjoying my single life.  Oh, well.  I guess she won’t read it until Easter anyway.”  I knew the Sisters didn’t read their mail during Lent and waited until Easter to open it.  Lent went on and I forgot I had mailed the letter.

During this particular Lent I had decided to go to Mass everyday with my roommates.  We got up early, which for someone like me was a big deal!  I love sleep!  Well, we went to Mass, stayed and prayed for a while and then went to work.

Now I love adoration, but during this Lent I was drawn to go into the main Church and pray in front of the crucifix.  So, that’s where I went.  I would just sit there in the silence of the Church in front of the crucifix, in front of the Pierced One.

Easter came and the Thursday after Easter I received a letter from the vocation director of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George (do you have the name yet?).  This time when I read the brochure the words were jumping off the page:  “They shall look on Him whom they have pierced.”  John 19:37  “To receive Christ’s merciful love and to make it visible.”  Was this really the same brochure?  My heart beat fast and I knew I had to call Sister! 

Yes, the Lord had drawn me to Himself during Lent in front of His pierced side.  He knew why my friend had to wait until Easter to read my letter.  I would not have been ready for response any earlier.  The words would not have jumped off the page if I had received it prior to Lent.  Yes, all in the Lord’s time.

The charism of our community, (which one?  Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George) is to receive Christ’s merciful and to make it visible.  The scripture we focus on is “They shall look on Him whom they have pierced”.  This is why Good Friday is a day close to my heart.  It is the day when I gaze upon my Crucified Lord.  I journey with Him to Calvary.  I remain with Him at the foot of the cross.  I receive His merciful love from His pierced side.  Will you join me there this Good Friday?

So I thank you for reading a part of my journey.  May the Lord use it to speak to your heart.  I share it precisely for that reason.