Sister Sharon Miller welcomes new Candidates
Pam Hageman (left) and Justine Presley (center)
on their Entrance Day, August 15, 2009.
“What good must I do to have eternal life?” a rich young man asked Jesus. (Matthew 19:16) This question is one that is asked by every individual throughout all of history. Every person seeks for happiness…all persons search for fulfillment and attempt to discern what makes life worth living.
We hear in the exchange between Jesus and the young man—that while observing the commandments is necessary to “enter into life”—it is not sufficient. When the young man tells Jesus that he has kept the commandments since his youth—Jesus challenges him further…to leave behind every obstacle and “come follow me.” Fullness of happiness can only be found in such an encounter with Christ—the most complete answer to the question that is every human life.
Unfortunately—the rich young man was not able to take that step. Even though he had been the object of the loving gaze of Jesus—he was unable to detach from the many goods that he possessed.
The Scriptures do tell of many stories of people who willingly said “yes” to the radical call to discipleship…in spite of doubts and feelings of unworthiness. We are told that Andrew and Peter, James and John left their nets…their families…their boats…and became Jesus’ disciples. Mary—in the heart of her uncertainty at hearing the message of Gabriel—trusted in the fulfillment of God’s promises and said: “Let it be done unto me as God says.”
This past summer—two more people willingly said “yes” to Jesus. The Glenmary Home Mission Sister—whose Mother House is in Owensboro—welcomed into initial formation Pam Hageman and Justine Presley.
The Glenmary Sisters were founded by William Howard Bishop in 1941 to be the presence of the Catholic Church in the rural areas of Southern United States where there are less than 2% Catholics. They are called to live and work among the poor in the rural areas…to radically live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. At present, the Sisters have missions not only in Kentucky, but also in Missouri and Georgia.
We ask that—all who read this—hold these two women in prayer as they continue their spiritual journey. “Jesus…can truly guarantee a happy existence and eternal life, but by a route different from what the rich young man imagines: that is, not through a good work, a legal tribute, but rather in the choice of the Kingdom of God as the ‘precious pearl’ for which it is worth selling all that one possess.” (Benedict XVI)