December

God is an amazing story maker!! 

Dear Family and Friends,

     After I had been in the convent just a few weeks, a group of young women came for a discernment weekend.  One evening as we were talking to them and answering their questions about religious life, my superior turned to me and said, “Tell them your Vocation Story.”  I looked back with a “deer in the headlights” look, and sheepishly said, “I didn’t know I had one.”  I certainly felt that I had a vocation to the religious life, but I had never reflected on the “story” of how I got there. 

     Do you remember that part of The Lord of the Rings when Frodo and Samwise are in the most desperate position trying to get into Mordor and their mission seems impossible?  Samwise says this… “… we shouldn’t be here at all, if we’d known more about it before we started.  But I suppose it’s often that way.  The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them…  Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually- their paths were laid that way, as you put it.  But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn’t.  And if they had, we shouldn’t know, because they’d have been forgotten...  I wonder what sort of tale we’ve fallen into?”

     What sort of tale have you fallen into?  What is the path that has been laid out for you?  What is your story?  Have you ever reflected on it?

     The Bible is stock full of stories… and some pretty good tales, too!!  It’s easy to look at Scripture and realize that these are tales of God’s design… but do we see God’s design in the stories of our lives?  One thing the Bible shows us is that all of our stories are part of God’s story!!  If He didn’t tell us about this beautiful creation of a man and a woman made in His image, and how PLEASED He was in their coming into being, and walking with them in the garden…  we would lack an understanding of who we are and why we are here.  God has provided in the Bible one continuous testament of the tale of His love for the world, the human race, and each of us.  All of our stories make up one great, big, beautiful story!!

     “Ite ad Joseph!” is a quote from Genesis 41:55.  Do you recall the story of Joseph in the Old Testament?  He was the beloved younger child of the Patriarch Jacob (also called Israel); who was doted on by his father; who was given a special multi-colored coat; who had dreams that indicated he would rule over his family; who was sold into slavery by his jealous older brothers who hated him; who was enslaved and imprisoned for many years until his faithful service and ability to interpret dreams lifted him to power in Egypt, second only to Pharoah… and alas who fed the whole world during a great famine, saving the lives of countless, including his father and brothers, with whom he was finally reconciled and reunited after many years.  Epic story found in Genesis 37-50.  I highly recommend it!!  😊  The words “Ite ad Joseph” were spoken by Pharoah, who told the all the people who came begging for food, “Go to Joseph!” 

     Today if you Google “Ite ad Joseph,” you will likely find pictures of St. Joseph from the New Testament, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus.  Isn’t that the wrong Joseph?  Are we getting our stories mixed up, people??  Nope.  Have you ever noticed that God’s stories almost go out in concentric circles?  They are all rooted in the same core of God’s amazing love for us, so we see similarities and echoes story after story. 

Look at the two Josephs.  Even though they lived centuries apart, they have many similarities:

  • Both were sons of men named Jacob
  • Both were given messages from God in dreams
  • Both were hard working and had much integrity
  • Both were exiled in Egypt
  • Both guarded the “bread of life” so that it could be given to the whole world

     As we enter the season of Advent, I encourage you to read Matthew 1-2 which recounts the role of St. Joseph in God’s great story.  Think of what story he “fell into” to use Samwise’s expression!  He was betrothed to a woman who became pregnant by the Holy Spirit; he was led through much danger by angels who spoke to him in dreams, and he helped raise the son of God!  Thank goodness he didn’t turn away from his path, but remained faithful to his state in life and let God’s will unfold before him!!

     This month, on December 8th, we will celebrate the close of the Year of St. Joseph.  St. Joseph is a wonderful father and a great protector.  In all areas of your life, I encourage you to “Go to Joseph!”  He will help you, and he will lead you to a tiny child cuddled in his arms, who speaks the ultimate word of God’s love in this great story!!

     As you look upon that tender child in the crib this Christmas, I encourage you to reflect on your story in light of the great story of God’s love.  Scripture is there to guide us.  You will find something for every circumstance in life.  You will learn from Mary to say “Yes” when God asks the unexpected of you.  You will learn from the Old Testament Joseph to persevere through opposition, and not let the jealousy of others compromise your own integrity.  You will learn from Daniel to have faith in God despite great dangers.  You will learn from David to repent of your sins.  And much, much more.  The more we familiarize ourselves with God’s ways in the stories that have come down to us, the more we will be able to pick up our place in that story.  God has an intention for every moment of your life, and His intentions are nothing but good!!

     Here at the Mother of Good Counsel Home, we are surrounded by the stories of the lives of our residents.  Some stories we know; many we don’t.  In caring for them, we honor and protect the story of God’s love that each of their lives carry.  What a beautiful privilege!!

My prayers are with each of you this Christmas!!

In His Infant Heart,

    Sister M. Anselma

 

P.S.  Maybe someday I will tell you my vocation story, but for now I have taken enough of your time!  😊 Ite ad Joseph!




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