JEN HANTZ
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
A small but faithful group of about 10 students convened in Christ the King Chapel for a holy hour for vocations Sunday night, Sept. 23.
The chapel was humbly lit as the group gathered in the pews, ready to pray for those discerning their vocations. Sister M. Lucy Gantt, FSGM, gave a talk on the importance of religious life through prayer.
Since religious life consists mainly of prayer, Gantt introduced the idea of what it means to pray without ceasing and to discern what it is God wants the faithful to do. Gantt said discernment is about hearing the Lord’s voice.
“We hear Him in the quiet of our hearts. … He’s wanting us to know His love,” she said.
Gantt referred to Thessalonians to make a point to “pray always.” Being truly present to the Lord allows Him to transform us, Gantt said.
Speaking about the challenges of prayer, Gantt explained that if a person finds it hard to pray, it’s not necessarily because she is doing something wrong. The devil always tries to draw people away from God.
The night continued with the story of Mary and Martha. Gantt explained how Mary had “chosen the good portion” by listening and putting her focus on Christ instead of helping Martha prepare in the kitchen. When we choose the good portion, Jesus helps us to see as he sees, she said.
The night finished with half an hour of silence, allowing the participants to listen for God’s voice just as Gantt had encouraged them, and the participants closed in praise, singing “I Will Follow You” by Chris Tomlin.
Sophomore Alexya Patz — a sister of the household Mary, Spouse of the Spirit — appreciated when Gantt mentioned being open to God’s love in discernment. “Part of discernment is also just letting God love you. … It’s easier to discover whatever you’re called to. … It’s easier to be open,” she said.
The night was sponsored by Mary, Spouse of the Spirit household.