Commitment


I've been asked to reflect a bit about commitment, and so I share some of my thoughts here.

The following quotation from Pedro Arrupe, S.J. has been finding me lately:


"Nothing is more practical than finding God,
that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way.

What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination,
will affect everything.

It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings,
what you will do with your evenings,
how you spend your weekends,
what you read, who you know,
what breaks your heart, 
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love, stay in love,
and it will decide everything."


How does that relate to commitment?  Well, I've fallen in love, and my world changed.  I get out of bed in the morning to pray and go to mass before work.  I spend my evenings and weekends with community (though I also spend time with friends).  My Sister introduced me to my new favorite novelist (P.D. James!).  I know so many more people, and I am often amazed at the sorrows and blessings that people ask me to pray for.

Comments

Sister Marie said…
I love this quote! I have it framed in my bedroom and I look at it each day. Thanks for posting it!
May 1, 2010 at 4:53 AM
Evelyn M said…
I think I will need to frame this. This is so true! Been thinking a lot about commitment lately too and dealing with fear of commitment in uncertain times, mine and that of someone else. What love is God calling me to?
May 23, 2010 at 3:55 PM
Sister Juliet, RSCJ said…
I love the quote too, Sister Marie! I might need to get one for my room too....

Good question, Evelyn..and appropriately asked on Pentecost. I hope the Holy Spirit guides you in that loving direction. Blessings to you!
May 23, 2010 at 6:56 PM
Evelyn M said…
Thanks Juliet! There's a part in me that wants to say "I hope so, too" but another part of me knows that He is even if I don't see it, or maybe not the way I would want to see it. Blessings to you too!
May 23, 2010 at 8:22 PM
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