By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

Sometimes when I’m at Mass with my 3- and 4-year-olds, it’s impossible to concentrate on a homily. They are squirming, making eye contact with each other and on the verge of … something.

Yesterday was different. I heard Father Freddie’s words, and I have to share them with you now.

It was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The time Mary said, “Yes.”

Yes to God’s message, yes to trust. She trusted that wherever the journey took her, God would be with her. She trusted that God would give her the strength to raise this precious child. She trusted that Joseph would be given the strength to stay by her side. She trusted that her family and friends would support her.

She trusted so much that she was able to be obedient to God and God’s call for her.

If you are discerning religious life, the time has come for you to trust enough to say “Yes, I will go look for myself.”

As vocation director, I can tell you your call is not necessarily to enter a community. It is to explore your feelings. To say to God, “Tell me more.”

Come to our next vocation exploration day. It’s on January 23. It’s free. It’s a chance to learn what God is calling you to learn.

Contact me at (309) 283-2300 or smacdonald@smmsisters.org.