A reflection from Victoria about her entrance as a dokimos (postulant) on Sept. 30, 2015.

I was most struck at my entrance by Bishop John’s passionate homily. His words on trust stirred within me both an anticipation of the ways in which I would need to trust, but also encouragement that when I do trust, God will always provide. In the Gospel reading from Matthew at Vespers the night of my entrance, Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you…what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?...If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (7:7-11). This was a reminder to me of the Father’s intense love for us, so much more intense than anything we’ve ever experienced.

A few days after my entrance, I was reflecting on the Lord’s words, that we should ask of Him what we desire. My first thought was one of concern, that I may ask for the wrong things. But Christ reminded me of His love of my weaknesses and of the trust He requires of me, and He gently reminded me that even when I ask the wrong question, He will always give me the right answer. The two months [now six months!] since my entrance have already presented opportunities for trust—trust that God will bless and bring forth fruit from my sacrifices, and that He will continue to pour upon me the graces I need to keep my heart open to Him and to maintain this path of discernment.
Great reflection Victoria! It's been awesome seeing you embrace and fall in love with your vocation. I hope you still remember and pray for all of us back here in KC every now and then :)
ReplyDelete"But Christ reminded me of His love of my weaknesses..." YES! This is it. When we really believe this and *trust* Him to keep loving us in our weakness, then He will carry us home. You got it, Victoria! Thank you for sharing this. May you never "graduate" from that place of weakness where you are deeply and profoundly loved by the Divine Bridegroom. Even the beautiful icon of the Bridegroom highlights how He became weak to be close to His Bride in her weakness. You are radiant in your love for Him which reflects back His even greater love for you.
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