A Nun’s Vocation
An Old Postcard Brings Back Memories
One day, I found an old postcard from a boyfriend from my teen years. I looked him up and discovered his path was heading towards Anglican priesthood. He had a friend looking for a lodger and I moved in with her. Through seeing her lively Christian commitment as a member of a local United Reform Church, I began helping in my local Catholic Church. I learnt that my faith had to be alive and relevant 24 hours a day, every day.
Over the years there have been many tears and much joy. What’s new in life! One thing that has become clearer is that if this particular way is for you, then it generally feels OK and is not wildly strange. For those whose path is not religious life, they cannot for the life of them understand the decision to join a congregation.
By the time I was in my mid twenties, although happy working as a personal assistant I found myself dissatisfied with the business world. I thought about applying to work for the Red Cross, Oxfam or Christian Aid, but realised that I wanted more than the 9 – 5 slot with a good cause. I wanted all aspects of my life given to God.
God, the Persistent Caller
I have a confession to make. I am a Harry Potter fan. I have been swept into the mania surrounding the tales of Harry, Ron, Hermione and the Dursleys. I have read all the Harry Potter books and I am now eagerly waiting for the movie. This may all sound rather unrelated to anything to do with religious vocation, but, as I have reflected on my life, I see some parallels between my call and Harry’s call.
As I write this I realise there is one major similarity: the persistence of the one who is doing the calling. Harry was destined to go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The school sent him a letter telling him of his acceptance but Harry’s uncle destroyed the letter. More letters were sent. His uncle destroyed them too. More letters were sent. Harry’s uncle took his family to a remote island. Still, Harry got his letter, his call. God was persistent with me too. God kept calling even when I did not want to hear, even when I wanted to be far away from God’s call. God was so persistent that I had no choice but to listen.
When I was in college I thought that God was calling me to religious life. Actually, I probably did not want God to call me to religious life. In fact, I think my exact words to God were, “Leave me alone. Don’t bother me anymore. I cannot be a sister”. I think God said, “I hear you, but I am not going to listen to you. I am going to keep calling you. Some day you will hear me.”
Five Steps
If you feel God is a persistent caller, but still have some doubts, you might like to follow these Five Steps to Making a Decision.