I remember when I made my first vows. I was able to say the first four words of the vows and then I began to cry. It wasn't that I was unhappy. They were happy tears, very happy tears. Even if I would have written everything I wanted to say to Jesus, I couldn't have said it any better than the vows. And each time a sister makes vows for the first time or renews her vows, the whole community rejoices with her and her family. It's another wedding day for her. And it remind each of us of our wedding day.
Wouldn't it be a wonderful practise for married couples to recite their vows together on each anniversary of their wedding day? Instead of waiting until the 5th or 10th or 50th anniversary of their marriage they could say their vows again each year. Each year they could have a reminder of the joy, peace and love that they shared on their wedding day. When Sister Cecilia renews her vows, she will be reminded of Jesus' invitation to give herself totally to Him. The whole community will be reminded of the love of God for each of us, for the community and for His Church. If the married couple would renew their vows yearly, they would be reminded that they too are called to give themselves totally to God through their love for their spouse. And as Sister Cecilia's renewal of her vows reminds all of us in the community of God's love for us, the husband and wife renewing their vows each year would be a wonderful witness to their children and family.
Please keep Sister Cecilia in your prayers this week as she prepares to renew her self-giving commitment to her Divine Spouse. (and yes, when Sister Cecilia renews her vows, I will probably cry the happy tears of a spiritual mother.)
