Seized by God’s Love

Rose colored hibiscus in Motherhouse gardens in St. Augustine.

Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. Or the power of Scripture to touch your heart.

When I was a young single woman working in a local TV station in the 1970s as a promotion coordinator in my hometown of Jacksonville, I attended an adult education class on the New Testament in my parish. An outcome of the class was it got me re-reading the Gospels.

A bible passage that was most significant for me was the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel, Chapters 5-7. Jesus summarizes here his teachings that are so counter-cultural, and says we are blessed if the world persecutes you for following Gospel values. He also calls his disciples to pray regularly.

I eventually came to realize that God was calling me to consider consecrated life as a Sister of St. Joseph. I had a strong desire to follow Jesus more closely, to serve others, and to develop a regular prayer life, but felt I could not do it alone. I needed the support and guidance of those who shared Gospel values.

Motherhouse grounds in St. Augustine.

When I entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in the fall of 1976, I left my career, my independence, my car, and my single lifestyle. It was a big risk, as I was not sure I could make it living in community and vowed life.

Here I am, 45 years later, still a Sister of St. Joseph. Jesus is still the One for me after all these years. And my Sisters are the ones who still provide the support each of us needs to live a Gospel-centered vowed life. As our Congregation’s mission statement says, I was “seized by God’s love,” and I rejoice that we work in collaboration with others today to bring union and reconciliation to our world, “that all may be one.” (John 17:21)

Yellow gazania bloom in Motherhouse gardens. In what state of life will you best grow into the person God has called you be?