Posted by Photo: Profession of Perpetual Vows at St Joseph Convent of the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (Pink Sisters)
The WORD in other words (2022) by Sr Ancille Elvena, SSpS — Holy Spirit Ladies Residence and Center for Youth Ministry, Sampaloc, Manila
Thursday 28th Week in Ordinary Time
“Before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his in Christ so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love, God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would bring us to himself as his children – this was his pleasure and purpose.” (Eph.1:4-5)
“Kayat ko pay ti agbiag, Sister, dinak kad baybay-an ah, Sister!” (I still want to live, Sister, please, do not abandon me, Sister!) Sheryl held on tightly to my arm. The fear in her eyes and voice melted my heart, and I felt like I was in her shoes. I had accompanied her to the hospital because she was not sleeping well at night and had begun to have hallucinations that someone was threatening to kill her.
I kissed her on the forehead and said, “No, I will not abandon you. I love you, and I want you to be well and safe. That is why we are here in the hospital. My friend, Dr. NN, will take care of you. You need to remain here for some time.”
“NO! NO! I like to go home to the dorm! I don’t like to stay here! Please, Sister, remove the needle from my hand!”
Often we ask God fervently to listen to our pleadings not to abandon us, but, at the same time we want to go back home to our comfort zone, to our own world and ways. We want success and, yes, a bit of fame, too. We want to enjoy life and be as far away from those who have hurt our feelings or who make demands of whatever kind on us. We avoid the pain of having to say, “I am sorry, please forgive me.” We don’t want to be on the path of Christ when the going is rough.
It was because of the Father’s love that he made and chose us, and it was Christ’s love that saved us. The Spirit of Love can and will enable us to cling to God’s hands, plead for his grace and strength to follow his will and purpose for us. We will fail again and again, but, he will never abandon us. And so, we will not stop pleading, shout out loud if we like, for his merciful Love. Or better still, sing as often as possible Sr. Rose Marie Inigo, ICM’s composition: Lord, you called us graciously to live your life and go your way. Believing in your love, we follow you without reserve all the way!
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