I shook my head in wonder — almost in disbelief — as I placed a bowl of soup on my tray and headed out into the room full of sisters. Smiles from religious sisters both young and old greet me. The college is run by the wonderful Sisters of Christian Charity and they make up the largest number of sisters in the room, but the college has opened its doors to educate sisters from around the world so there are 25 or so sisters from various orders in Africa, another 12 or so from Vietnam, and a few from South America. There must have been at least 10 different orders represented in that sea of religious habits. And there I was, in the midst of these wonderful women who have given their lives to love and serve Christ.
I was overwhelmed to look at the hands of some of the older sisters and consider the years of service and the sheer number of people they have touched for Christ. The sisters from Africa shared their lives and stories of life among the tribes, teaching orphans and tending to children living with AIDS. Their passion for Christ both humbled me and forced me to take a good look at my own prayer life. I was in awe when I read some of my students’ reflection papers and considered the struggles they’ve overcome and the humility in which they live their daily lives yearning for a deeper relationship with Jesus and referring to the Eucharist as, “the core of my life.”
As a sports fan I enjoy going to see the Mets, Knicks and Rangers and cheering for my teams, but not all my entertainment has been so innocent. I think back to my days of going to the punk-rock mecca CBGB in New York City. And OK, I admit I watch the Mafia show The Sopranos as well as some other TV shows which may not be too Christian in their values. Yet here I am with my rather coarse and worldly ways still clinging to me and I am surrounded by a sea of nuns in full habit. How did I ever get to be eating with these religious sisters?
God's grace is the only answer that fits. The Catholic community is a diverse one, but at its core is a love for Jesus and a desire to know Him and make Him known. This desire has taken me many places, but none more unexpected than the dining room at Assumption College for Sisters where around the table we talk, laugh, sip our soup, eat our food and foreshadow the great banquet with Jesus in heaven. Where maybe there is even room for a guy like me.
© Copyright 2005 Catholic Exchange
Allan Wright received his M.A. in Theology in Scripture from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University. He is an Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall University and at Assumption College for Sisters in Mendham, New Jersey. He is author of the book Silent Witnesses in the Gospels (St. Anthony Messenger Press). He can be reached at www.allanwright.org.
