We celebrated this morning the Renewal of Vows of Sr. Mary Amata for the 5th time. As always, everytime we celebrate profession of vows, whether it be a renewal, a first vow or a jubilee, it gives me a feeling of awe and wonder, and of deep gratitude to God for the gift of religious vocation in our Congregation. So different as we are from each other, so different also the manner in which we respond to and live this call.
Today the readings: 1Pt.1:3-9 and Jn.12:24-26, that Sister chose for the liturgy were very fitting – an expression of herself, of her hopes, strivings and aspirations, and an expression of her relationship with Jesus, her Lord and Bridegroom. The Priest talked about dying, the dying that is meant to give way to life and bring forth new life. As Jesus said in the Gospel today: “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. Anyone who loves his life will lose it, while anyone who hates his life in this world preserves it to life eternal.” (Jn.12:24-25)
With Sister, we thank God for this great gift, and in our own hearts, we renew also with her our vows and our resolution to take up the cross after Jesus, to remain faithful to our “yes” and to seek to die to ourselves so that we may live in him and that others, through us, may also find life in him and bear fruit in abundance.
