I’m not too big on looking for signs, but I do try to appreciate them when God deigns to send one along.
So, I stood at attention the morning our pilgrimage to World Youth Day was to begin when I saw two herons fly overhead as I walked down the driveway in front of the Motherhouse. Herons are my absolute favorite birds: I think they are majestic and serene, and I happen to love the sorts of places they inhabit. In fourteen years of visiting or living at the Motherhouse, I have never seen one anywhere on the grounds. Seeing them as we were just about to start our trip was a sign for me of God’s presence, mercy, and goodness. It was a kind of good omen.
After a smooth experience of airport security, we were waiting in the terminal when we learned that our flight was delayed, which would almost certainly make us miss our next flight. Almost at once, I actually felt good about the first bump in our plans. It seemed to me that even this tiny inconvenience and the petite stress of not knowing how things would go was a minuscule share in the Cross, and so was another good omen.
In the end, we made it onto our second flight (also delayed, and at about 1,000 feet in the cabin at the time of writing…). But the reminder given by that first “hiccup” is a gift.
By the way, if you’re wondering about the name of this blog, it’s a reference to the World Youth Day theme this year: "Arise!" Sr. Eliana and I are blessed by this opportunity to arise from our ordinary lives in service of the youth on pilgrimage with us and, ultimately, in service of the Lord we all love.
Next stop: Paris!
- Sr. Agnes Therese Davis, T.O.R.
