An experience of love, compassion and gentleness
I
never dreamt of becoming a nun. As a child, I imagined myself to be a doctor
but the sight of blood and operating table changed my mind. I did consider at
some point in college whether God might be calling me to the religious life. I
asked for a sign to confirm it but it never came. I convinced myself that I
don’t have to be a nun to serve God. I finished college, found a job and forgot
the whole thing. I enjoyed life secure in the love of my family and company of
friends.
As
I was preparing for a new career path, God’s call became persistent. I resisted
and tried to ignore it. I was happy and contented with my life. But there was
something missing. My heart longed for something more. I lingered in answering
God’s call. I was unsure of my vocation and it was difficult for me to leave my
family. But God had a way with my hesitant heart. As I discerned God’s will in
my life, the call became intense each day. Signs of religious life followed mewherever
I go.While I was looking for a congregation and asking God for guidance, the image
of the Good Shepherd would appear from nowhere. What more do I need? I reached
the point of no return. It was now or never. I told my family about my decision
to enter the convent however hard it was for me to do. They were not happy
about it but they respected my decision.
It
has been four years since I entered in 2010. I recall the day and still
remember what I felt. I had mixed emotions but there was a general feeling of
joy and peace in my heart. I stepped into the unknown and put my faith in God.
Everyday is a journey to myself, with others and God. I ask myself from time to
time. Am I happy? Of course, not all the time but I am at peace. I continue to
seek the will of God and follow my heart. When times are hard and I tell
myself, why am I doing this? I look at Jesus and I have my reason. It is true
when they say that a vocation is a mystery. I do not know all the answers but I
learn to trust.
As
a Good Shepherd sister, my desire to serve is fulfilled. Aside from the
motivation of service to others, I also want to share the love that I
experienced from God and my family. Having entered the congregation, I not only
experience the love but more importantly, God’s compassion and gentleness. This
enables me to reach out more compassionately to the women and girls who suffer
violence and abuse. I feel their pain and I am moved to journey with them as
they cry for justice.
I
wish there would be more people who will respond to the world’s cry for healing
and justice. More people who will answer Jesus’ call to seek the lost, least
and oppressed. I pray that there will be one less abused child and battered
woman in their home each day. And I pray that there will be young women who will
follow the path of the Good Shepherd. Having been in the congregation for
sometime and having observed their culture, I can candidly say that it’s more
fun in RGS.