JUBILEE REFLECTION

February 5, 2011

Sr. Chris Gellings, IHM

Thank you for this opportunity to share a few reflections on religious life. I’m going to share the reflections based on my experience in North Carolina.

In September of this year, it will be 35 years since I came to North Carolina. In 1976, almost one percent of the population of the state were Catholic, and we rejoiced when we made it in a few years to less than two percent. I was challenged in this context to try to share who I was. I was in safe territory when I said I was a “Church Lady”. That was understood in the rural south. But, of course, more questions followed.

I struggled to find a way that was inclusive of all of our brothers and sisters to explain who I was and what I was about in this context. At first I was awkward and inexperienced at this. However, over time and many conversations of this sort, this is how I now tell the story.

It is recorded in Sacred Scripture that long ago, God made promises to all the people, promised that focused on God’s presence and God’s love. Over and over again God repeats this message to us. You are precious in my eyes, you are honored and I love you, do not be afraid, for I am with you. (Is 43:4-5) God’s central message is I am with you and I love you.

For those of us who choose religious life or the consecrated life, that message resonates deeply in our being and somehow calls forth a total response. Our vows and promises say that we believe those promised of God and want to live our lives in such a way that we make the promises of God’s presence and love believable to those around us in all the moments of life.

We sang the song “Everyday God” by Bernadette Farrell as the prelude to this liturgy of celebration. God’s promise of love and presence is manifested in the everyday. In all the moments of life whether they be …

moments of resting, … moments of rising, … moments of hoping … moments of waiting,… moments of dreaming, … moments of daring, … moments of searching, … moments of sharing, … moments of laughter, … moments of gladness, … moments of sorrow, … moments of challenge, … moments of freedom, … moments of healing, … moments of mercy, … or moments of friendship, …

in our own lives or in our world … we sing out …

Our beginning, Everyday God,

Our unfolding, O Jesus,

Our enduring, O Spirit,

Journey’s ending, Come, be with us.

Until together we can sing out …

Alleluia, Everyday God,

Now and always, O Jesus,

Alleluia, O Spirit,

Through all ages, Come, be with us.