Being Open to Invitation

Sr. Esther Fangman, the newly elected prioress of Mount St. Scholastica, told us that she has learned to say yes to daunting tasks and roles that are set before her because they always end up being a blessing.

Learning to cooperate with the Spirit in this way is a great life lesson. In the past, when I wanted something badly and pursued it actively—such as when I longed to be a staff member at Shantivanam House of Prayer in my 20s—it didn’t work out, at least according to my timetable. Instead, other experiences were unexpectedly offered to me, such as living in St. Louis, where I was introduced to a marvelous parish community and developed close and loving friendships. It wasn’t until I was age 40 that I joined the staff at Shantivanam, at a time when I had more to offer and especially needed the peace and wisdom of the forest as I cared for my aging parents.

The invitation of the Spirit to join the Mount community at age 54 years was certainly a daunting prospect, but I knew that saying yes was the right response, even though it meant upending my life. With our limited human insight, we don’t always know what will lead us to fullness of life, but being open to the invitations that are placed before us will guide us in walking on God’s pathway. I am grateful that Sr. Esther said yes to being prioress—I know she will be a blessing to us, and I pray that we will be a blessing to her!