By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

Lately I have had a number of people ask how I knew I had a call to religious life. Boy, I always find this hard to explain. I can explain how I chose this particular community. It felt like home; I was comfortable. But the call itself? That’s hard to articulate.

Michael Casey’s book, The Road to Eternal Life, helps. He says, “First of all, we are invited to ask ourselves, ‘Am I the sort of person who is truly seeking the fullness of life and happiness?’ and to hear what answer to this question resounds in the depths of our hearts.”

Wow, he’s right. But how do we get there? How do we hear the answer?

Maybe my experience will resonate for you. Just like many other people, I used to be very busy working 2 jobs, serving in my parish and diocese, attending every family event. I often took my nephews camping, to the Wisconsin Dells, to the zoo, etc. I was not giving myself time to listen to the depths of my heart!

When I finally chose to make time, I began going to daily Mass. I also would seek silence in the Eucharistic chapel during breaks from my Catholic kindergarten class. I began to give myself some silence.

This silence revealed my heart. I began to listen, to hear, and to follow God’s call.

I encourage you to make the time to sit in silence; to began to listen to the depths of your heart.

As I tell my preschoolers, when we sit in silence we find “the Jesus room” in our hearts. Listen and speak to Jesus there. You may be surprised at what you hear!

Drop me an email at smacdonald@smmsisters.org. I look forward to hearing from you! 🙂