The month of January has flown by. It feels like only yesterday Lizo and I were prepping the choir gallery for Christmas Eve mass, running to and from Dunnes to replenish the tea and biscuit stash, and tying bows to the trees in the atrium. In all honesty, it was a difficult time to be away from home; even after spending the holidays in Ireland last year, it’s still a struggle being an ocean away from those whom you would otherwise be gathered with. Despite enduring the busyness of the holiday season at Newman University Church, Christmas was thankfully filled with peace and joy–and I didn’t get COVID this time around, thank goodness!
After ringing in the new year, I’m beginning to settle back into routine. I’m excited for what the next six months in Dublin have in store, but something about February being within a week’s reach has brought me new fear and anxiety. As much as I try to stay present these days, the reality that my second year with the House of Brigid is coming to a close soon is difficult to ignore.
In the midst of transitioning to a new community and discerning my next steps, I’ve been meeting monthly with a spiritual director. Fr. Nemo, a Jesuit priest from Chile, has been a breath of fresh air for my faith this year. Fr. Nemo regularly reminds me to give citizenship to my heart and my feelings, because pursuing a faith journey is full of emotional highs and lows. Now, being a young adult is difficult enough, but living abroad and volunteering your time and energy to the mission of the Catholic Church is a heavy cross to bear. While the House of Brigid guarantees so many memories, laughs, and unique experiences, it’s not rid of fear, doubt, and uncertainty. Fr. Nemo reminds me that not only is this valid, but it is part of my relationship and journey with God as I come to notice Him more throughout my daily life.
As I consider what’s next after the House of Brigid–be it, graduate school, a job, or whatever I stumble upon–I am reminded of John 15:4:
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
While the future may be uncertain, I have hope that God will remain with me and allow me to bear fruit wherever I go. Seasons may change and time may pass, but what’s meant for me will find me. God remains in me, so I’ll remain in Him. May the journey be one of joy, trust, and steadfast faith.
Come, Lord Jesus.
-Sammie
