From the Foundress
So, you are discerning...
Praised be Jesus Christ...now and forever...and in all things!​
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My dear friends in Christ,
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At times it can be difficult to offer praise to Jesus; in those experiences of deep tragedy and loss when all of our hopes and dreams have been laid waste, when we feel downtrodden and oppressed, or when we simply don't know what to do with our lives. But praising does not require positive circumstances or feelings in order to be offered or to be valid, and the gift of grace we receive in response to our praise can alter the most difficult of situations in but a moment. Jesus deserves our praise at all times and in all things, for He is the sovereign Lord and King of the universe, and of each of us.
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All things, all circumstances, and all feelings at all times are intimately known to Our Lord Jesus. He is within them, around them, above them, below them. He knows, dear friends, He knows. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. ” Jeremiah 1:5 “Why even the hairs on your head are all numbered.” Luke 12:7
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So today, as we discern our life's choices or our dinner choices, as we are feeling joyful or sad, let us praise Jesus for all that He is and does, and for loving us so completely and so intimately. Let us sit quietly with Him and simply ask, "Lord, what shall I do about this?" Let us praise Him and thank Him for guiding us. And then...let us listen.
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In amore Iesu Christi,
Reverend Mother Mary Paul, SDG
So, you are discerning...
My dear sisters in Christ,
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I see that you are exploring religious life! I praise and thank God for your ‘holy boldness.’
I thank you for opening your mind and heart to the divine nudging of the most Holy Spirit.
Today’s culture insinuates that such exploration of God’s personal call is meaningless and even abnormal. But we are not surprised! Know that the dear Lord is indeed calling. He is calling each and every one to His most loving and merciful heart, to be one with Him. And perhaps, at this very moment, He is beckoning you to be united in a very special way through the consecrated life.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you... Jeremiah 1:5
Now what do you do with this flutter in your heart and the constant barrage of thoughts going on in your mind about this? Be STILL and LISTEN. Take charge of your thoughts and STOP saying: Oh I can’t do THIS. It will NEVER work out. I am NOT WORTHY. Stop and surrender those thoughts to God and declare as did Isaiah: Here I am! Send me. Is: 6:8
Be still, and know that I am God... Psalm 46:10
And then let me suggest that you ask yourself something like this: Well, if I were inclined to study elementary education would I be in such turmoil? I suspect you would not be. So how would you proceed? You would explore the field of education, review certification programs, and investigate the practical aspects of moving forward. If at any time you felt a draw away from this profession, no longer interested, you would recognize and discern this discomfort, and certainly not proceed with exploration.
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Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God... 1 John 4:1
And so it is with religious consecration. We humans do not choose what we dislike. We generally do not even eat what we dislike. When we dislike something, we know it. Think about that and open your mind and heart to the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. With continued courage and ‘holy boldness’ step forward and surrender all of yourself to Divine Grace.
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And I will lead the blind in a way that they know not, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground... Is 42:16
Let us then offer this simple prayer to our dear Lord, who calls us so tenderly to His heart...
Lord, lead me along the path that pleases You.
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May God bless you!
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In amore Iesu Christi,
Reverend Mother Mary Paul, SDG
