Walking With Christ

“Listen to my voice.” It seems so simple. And yet I find myself struggling each day to truly listen to the Lord. The world around me is so noisy and so many things compete for my attention. But that still, small voice remains deep inside of me, calling me into a relationship with Jesus Who promised to be with us always.

I’ve recently professed my final vows as a Franciscan of the Eucharist of Chicago, dedicating my life to the Lord completely through vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. I live a life of  prayer and service to the Church and world, especially attentive to caring for the poor. It is a humbling, challenging, beautiful life. As I keep walking with Jesus, my desire to share Jesus with everyone I meet keeps growing.

Jesus has strong words in today’s Gospel passage—“Whoever does not gather with Me scatters.” From the beginning men and women have been tempted to doubt God’s love and mercy and have tried to live life apart from Him. Salvation History is all about Our Heavenly Father working to gather together His scattered children. He sent patriarchs, prophets, priests and kings. Finally, He sent His only begotten Son.

Jesus teaches. Jesus heals. Jesus gathers us together. Jesus gives us the gift of Himself in the Eucharist. With Jesus, we can go to our Heavenly Father.

This world is not our home. We long for Heaven. If we stay with Jesus, if we walk with Jesus, if we strive to gather with Jesus, the struggles of this life become less burdensome. The cross we carry becomes a little lighter. How can we stay with Jesus on this journey, so that with Him we can experience the fullness of Easter Joy? How can we truly listen to His voice?

Sr. Alicia Torres is a Franciscan of the Eucharist of Chicago sister. Her community’s life centers upon our relationship with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Out of their life of prayer flows their apostolates–Eucharistic Adoration, service to the poor, Evangelization and teaching. Find out more about the community here.