By: Sr. Barbara Kane
Great Bend, Kansas
I’ve been thinking a lot about the vow of obedience, one of the three evangelical vows that we, as Dominican Sisters of Peace and many other religious, promise when we take our vows. It’s been on my mind as I work with my sisters here in Great Bend, since we are closing the convent and moving to Columbus or Kentucky. This is very difficult for our sisters, some of whom have made this their home since they were 14 years old. Some have ministered here for decades. All of them have come ‘home’ every New Year’s and for countless retreats and study days.
This move will surely test our vow of obedience.
What is the vow of obedience, anyway? In taking a vow of obedience, a vowed religious strives to listen and respond to God’s will. God speaks to us in many ways, including through the voice of a superior and even through our friends, family, and other sisters, who often see more in us than we see in ourselves. They encourage us to go beyond what we think we can do.
In a sense, each day we commit to listening to God’s direction and will for our lives. We look for ways to best use our talents and abilities to serve the needs of today’s Church and the world. The vow of obedience calls us to be selfless and live for others. It also requires us to go beyond our own desires and interests.
Obedience isn’t a vow just between God and me. It impacts the local community we live in and the greater religious community of which we are a part. It’s not about ‘blind obedience,’ which is just doing what we’re told, but about taking an active role in what is best for the community and for us. The community provides an extra set of ears with which to hear God’s call.
So, back to the sisters who will be moving. Even though they are sad and disappointed that the convent is closing, they recognize the need to listen to leadership and others to hear God’s call – a call to share their gifts with others and to receive God’s gifts in their new homes.
If this reflection on obedience has stirred something in you, and you would like to learn more about the vows of obedience, celibacy, and poverty or explore religious life, please visit our website at https://oppeace.org/become-a-sister/
Excellent Barb!!??
Dear Sr. Barbara Kane, OP:
Thank you for the reminder of obedience to God for all of us, working together to assist our families, communities, each other as Associates and Sisters. To take little moments throughout the day and listen to Gods Will within us, to check on our elderly neighbors, make a dinner for those in need, donate to our local food banks in severe need. Thank you, for the reminder as we hustle through our busy days to sit and listen. Welcome to Columbus as we await your wonderful arrival! Much love and prayers for all the sisters who are moving. I will say a rosary novena for all those traveling. ♥️??
Thanks for sharing on this topic, Barb. We have lived very different and obedient lives since the changes effected by Vatican Council II. A very different and internal obedience unfolded as we went on Mission in new fields and places. It asked different kind of listening, discernment. The call of God from within as well as from without. Today as we find ourselves in a new mode—aging and looking toward our individual and community ending, obedience calls us to remember our membership in the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Our journey forward is about all of us and our shared move to completion! What a journey it has been!
Thank you, Barb. It is a pertinent topic with the closing of a motherhouse. We hold all of the Grear Bend Sisters in prayer.
Dear Barb,
This is certainly a timely topic for you and your colleagues.
I appreciate hearing about your challenges with obedience.
Patti Herrick