My dear sisters and brothers, especially Sister Mary Michael, how grateful I am to be here this morning, on this vigil day of the celebration of the Birth of Mary, our Blessed Mother, to join your family, friends, and sisters for your Final Profession of Vows! Indeed, it is a very special day for the Sister Servants and, above all, for you. You have embarked, in a definitive way, down the path of religious life as a spouse of Christ and one who gives vibrant witness to the Incarnate Word, as your extended formal name suggests – the Word becomes flesh (“God-with-us”). In a particular way, I welcome our priests and deacons. In addition, I give a cordial welcome to your family who are celebrating this momentous occasion with you today – not losing someone but gaining the powerhouse of prayer that is Mary’s House or Casa Maria.

It has already been quite a journey for you – one that has had its share of doses of reality. Our Lord never promised us that our vocational journeys would be simple or without struggle, or without disappointments along the way. Nevertheless, the journey is also one filled with surprising twists and turns that pique our interest and refocus our thoughts and give helpful confirmations of our vocational path. The wonderful things you experience, that you reflect upon in your prayer with the Lord, that you discuss with the spiritual director, that you ruminate on in your reading of Sacred Scripture, and that you receive in your interaction with others, provide the great support that Jesus accompanies through it all. “I am with you until the end of time.”

Our readings suggest three poignant themes that emerge for our thoughtful and prayerful consideration.

The first reading from the Song of Solomon or Canticle of Canticles notes the burning ardor of love. It is strong, it is powerful; it cannot be quenched. It does not dissipate easily. It is something which cannot be purchased, but it is discovered as a gift already within. It reveals itself in subtle ways. Yet, it is described as “stern as death,” “relentless,” and a “blazing fire.”  How amazing is this gift that, once we stumble upon it, we don’t want it to leave. Rather we become more fascinated, more curious, more taken by love because it does not seem to have a beginning or end, but finds its source and summit, its fountain of expression in Jesus, Who is love incarnate. So, this first word is “love” – not a tawdry or romanticized or maudlin version of it – but one whose power warms and purifies and is often beyond our intellectual conceptualizations.

The second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians reminds us that this love can only be realized when it is confirmed with faith and conformed to the heart of Christ Himself. Your mind and heart must vibrate in unison with Jesus to make a symphonic, harmonic sound. Often times, our imperfections mar the pristine tone that we were meant to create in the Lord. This short but magnificent letter suggests that we should look after the other as more important than ourselves with compassion and mercy. Only then will the note we play have the right timbre, a sweet quality, and authenticity. It brings our love to life. 

The Gospel passage from St John’s Gospel informs us that discipleship is not pollyannish but has a cost. We are presented with a choice that will become life altering. For us, Christ is either “yes” or “no.” There is no in-between choice. Both choices have implications and consequences of an eternal nature. Pick up our cross and follow after Jesus, and we will learn more about the ardor of love and the echo of love that radiates from a believer. Give up your selfish plans and learn to follow God’s abiding dream for you with humility and generosity. A world of amazement awaits.  Ironically and somewhat paradoxically, suffering and loneliness and anxiety can be very much a part of communal life in a convent or monastery. Reminding ourselves of the originality of the call when we generously responded “Yes!” to the Lord’s invitation can help renew the fervor and ardor of our original motivations, enabling us to enter deeply into the heart of Christ.

Love, unity, and discipleship can help us carry out our mission as God has intended it, especially here in the community of the Sister Servants of the Eternal Word. 

Today, you present yourself, Sister Mary Michael, before God, before Mother Louise Marie, and before the sisters of this convent – and all of us - to make your final profession. Be bold. Be strong. Rely on God’s grace and the tender encouragement of our Blessed Mother.

Sister Mary Michael, I join you today in praying for you, and I ask the Lord to shower His choicest blessings on you as you embark on this new chapter in your life.

May St. Michael the Archangel protect you, may our Lady shelter you under her mantel, and may our Lord in the title of the “Incarnate Word” inspire you to witness the presence of God in all you do. May God bless you all!