[…] Which provoked a question: What could lead a personable young woman from a happy family to give up everything — especially at a moment when women have never had as many opportunities before them?
It’s a reasonable question.
Yet amid the palpable jubilance of this jam-packed basilica, it is clear that this question is the wrong one. There are no sad sacks or martyrs on this altar today. These are happy, excited women. What is it they believe they have found?
Sister Bethany says it’s the “peace in your heart” that comes from knowing you are where you are meant to be. In this case it’s a place so countercultural, it’s almost un-American. For in a nation founded upon the God-given right to the pursuit of happiness, these sisters vow to put the happiness of others before their own. […]
~ William McGurn, What Motivates a Modern Nun?
Photo Source: Thank you Doug @ Eclecticitylight. Image from the 1947 film titled: “Black Narcissus“
like your last post, we all seek to be where we think we are meant to be. some of us find it, some of us, not.
Yes, that about sums it up Beth.
In the early 1960’s, I was certain that this was my path. A missed scholarship was all that kept me out of that girls’ academy that would have led to the convent. Interesting.
What an alternative path that would have been…
David, I think true happiness comes from serving others; whether as a nun or as a teacher, elected official, soldier, whatever. When we serve others or work toward their happiness, we invite it into our own lives…In the end, you reap what you sow. <3
Diana xo
Diana, I agree. That service can take form in any position in any industry.
What motivates THIS modern nun is the thrill of extreme sports. Looks pretty dangerous to me.
Laughing. Always see what others do not. Like it.
Sorry. I can’t get too serious. It occurred to me after I posted my comment that she should be wearing my John Deere riding mower earmuffs (or whatever they’re called).
Ha!
We all want to find that peace in our hearts … and hopefully most of us will in our way.
Yes Val. To each our own.
Love for God
Accepting the call to be a Nun comes with, a deep Love for Christ, much prayer and a thirst for Honoring Christ…Perhaps, they (Nun’s) just couldn’t let their willingness to serve be polluted by the modern world although some of the nuns are out among us who live in the modern world…Mother Theresa was out in the world with eyes of compassion, a body that was used for His Glory, a heart full of Christian Love, the love she manifested was Christ in Action… her legacy of serving and conduct lives on through those she touched physically and through her words…
“Profound joy of the heart is like a magnet that indicates the path of life.” Mother Teresa
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless” Mother Teresa
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8 KJV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
As always, you’ve left me much to think about. Thanks Christie.
The nuns that taught me were not happy excited women ha. I hope there is a new generation of nuns who dedicate their life in happiness. I agree with Diana, service is the key and it can be in any job.
Wonder how much of their lack of excitement was due to the pupils?
I work at a monastery. The Oregonian did a great piece on this very question.
http://www.oregonlive.com/mount-angel-monks/
Thanks Debra. The Oregonian’s piece is terrific. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Dave.
ptero9, I’ve always wanted to tour the Mt. Angel Monastery…I’ve visited the Richardson Abbey, in North Dakota…
Believe it or not…I get that. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a nun. Sounds so goofy now, but it’s true. 🙂
YOU wanted to be a Nun. Let’s just say, Wow!
But then I changed my mind and decided to live a life of sin instead… lol
Modern or not ..but this question will best answered by a nun.
There is a lot of Truth in that.