This past week, people all around Mexico, the US, and Canada were treated to something that many of us may have never experienced before and may not experience again.  A solar eclipse.  If one was lucky enough to be along the Path of Totality, it was explained as an amazing and awesome experience. Hopefully, you had those special solar eclipse glasses that allowed you to see the eclipse directly as the event was happening.

I was able to see a partial solar eclipse from our Motherhouse in Kentucky, along with several of our Sisters who joined in the party. The partial view we experienced was blocked by the clouds that also showed up that afternoon and meandered in front of the solar eclipse for much of the afternoon. The clouds came and went, got lighter and darker, and thinner and fuller. 

This experience with the eclipse prompted me to think about how our vision of God is sometimes cloudy, depending on the day and our understanding of who God is for us.  There are days in which the path seems clear and straight, and I know and believe exactly what God is calling me to. There are other days when things seem a little cloudy and I think I know what God might be calling me to.  And then, there are days when the clouds are so dark and thick that I don’t see a path. It is in those times that I turn to prayer and ask God for guidance in my life.  I can certainly relate to the parts of scripture where the Psalmist asks, “Where are you and what am I doing here?”

The lyrics to the song, I Can See Clearly Now, come to mind because of the message of hope and visibility or clarity that emerges after the dark clouds disappear.  Much of our life is about the clouds.  The sun is always there, but we just can’t always see it because of the clouds.

Where are you in your life? Are you searching for the sun on your path? Perhaps God is calling you to look past the clouds and recognize that God is there for you. If you would like an opportunity to shine some light on the cloudiness you may feel about being called to religious life, I’d like to invite you to join us for our summer Mission for Peace experience. We can help you to see God’s call more clearly and offer you a five day experience of praying and serving with us.  Click here for more information about this program.