Sunday, June 1, 2014

My dearest God,

The moment I heard them singing, I stopped what I was doing and listened.  Although they were many, I heard a single voice singing your praise.  I couldn't help but be drawn in.  I felt a familiarity, a rising hope, a comfort, peace, and most of all an intimate joy.

Sister Cecilia, Mother Superior to the monastic community of Ephesus, shared your story with the interviewer.  She had played French horn in a symphony, owned her own home, and enjoyed her life as a musician but after three years she felt the gentle leading of your spirit to leave it all behind to join a monastic community.  Because she desired your will above all else, she delighted in following your call.

It was in a few short years you led that community to share their singing on CD with their benefactors as a way of saying thank you. One of the benefactors sent a copy to a producer whose six-year-old son liked the cover of the sleeve.  He asked his parents to play the music for him and the rest is history.  Even though they have not given up any part of their monastic life, they sing and CDs are produced for a wider world.

I felt close as Sister Cecilia shared how we can make our own happiness but ultimately our happiness can be deeper, greater, and more joyous as we fulfill your will in our lives. She spoke, "God knew what would make me happy."  By fulfilling your will she experienced much, much more.

Every time I see or hear a word from a monastic community, my soul awakens.  My heart is stilled, my mind is cleared, my whole being is home.

Generous God,
thank you
for your call,
your leading,
your word,
your mercy,
and your love.
Whenever I
am drawn
to the
monastic life
and practice,
my search
for you
is over
and I
am glad.
Thank you,
my beloved.

Yours, Andrea