Archive for August, 2006
Young Women Make Loving Sacrifice to God
Sunday, August 13th, 2006
“The Post and Courier”
By Jeff Kirby
Recently, a young woman from the Charleston area made her first vows as a Dominican nun. Sister Maris Stella (formerly Katie Vaughan of Awendaw) promised poverty, chastity, and obedience for the sake of the Gospel.
What would make this 20-year-old former honor student and homecoming queen at Bishop England High School make such a sacrifice? The world was at her fingertips, and she chose to give everything to God. But why?
Rebecca Shafer, who completed her freshman year at the College of Charleston in May, also is entering the convent. With the options of a future career, family and social life, Rebecca chose to enter the cloister and discern God’s will for her life. Another young woman giving everything to God. But why?
At the heart of the answer to such a question is our understanding of God. What do we believe about God? Who is he, she, or it? Unfortunately, some people’s understanding of God makes him into a nice fantasy, cherished heirloom, psychological consolation or entertaining hobby. None of these understandings, however, makes sense of the religious vows of a nun, or even the vows of married Christian people.
These thoughts all beg the question: Who is God? And what should our relationship be with him?
We begin to understand the sacrifices of Christian disciples for God if we see him as a real, personal being who has a historical, self-revealing relationship with humanity, with a specific plan for each person. If we comprehend that God is not my creation, or my idea or even my consolation, then we start to encounter the independent reality of God that compels and sustains the free surrender of a disciple to God’s will. We begin to see why Katie took religious vows and why Rebecca has entered the convent.
As a real, personal being, God calls each person according to his gifts and talents into an intimate communion with him. At times, union with him will call for loving sacrifice of our own desires and aspirations, as well as selfless service to others and their needs.
The response and acceptance of God’s will by a Christian disciple is taught and encouraged by the Gospels. All disciples are summoned to hear the voice of God within themselves, discern it within the community of faith and joyfully embrace and share their vocation with all people.
This is the truth that Katie and Rebecca give to us. It’s an unexpected lesson from two young women. Their surprise example shines out to the world, and reminds us of God’s loving call to each of us.
Jeff Kirby is a seminarian from the Catholic Diocese of Charleston.
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