A few weeks ago I received an invitation from our Sisters of the Sacred Heart to the Profession Mass for two Sisters. It was going to be held at Sacred Heart church out in Rancho Cucamonga.

My first reaction was, “Oh heck no am I driving out to Rancho Cucamonga!”

I love our Sisters of the Sacred Heart and one who was a Catechist here at Saint Peter Claver, Sister Claire was one of the nuns who was going to profess vows.

But Rancho Cucamonga – no.

Then a couple of young ladies from here asked me if I was going. They wanted to go.

Sure, I’ll drive us out to Rancho Cucamonga.

For two weeks I was grumbling about it – driving out so far and on a Saturday I had off. I don’t like driving, especially on freeways, and on a freeway out to San Bernardino County – yikes.

Well, the day came.

The two young ladies and I were in my car by 10:30 a.m. to get out there for the 1 p.m. Profession of Vows Mass.

There was bad traffic off and on, even on a Saturday morning, but the conversation in the car was good.

We eventually saw the snow-covered Mount Baldy and then Mount San Gorgonio. Years ago I summited those mountains several times and the good memories flooded my mind.

Once we reached the church we saw that there was a shopping center across the street, so we stopped and got cards and pretty plants for the two Sisters that were professing vows.

As we walked into the beautiful church we saw our Catechists, Sister Anna and

Sister Teresa, and other Sisters I know and exchanged excited hellos and hugs.

Then the Mass…wow!

I have been to a Profession of Vows Mass before, but this day was so moving for me. All the Sisters of the Sacred Heart who were present processed in together, sat together, and sang so beautifully together. After the homily, Sister Claire professed vows for two years, then Sister Vivian professed vows for forever.

As they said the words of their profession, I felt something in my heart.

I was sorry for all the selfish grumbling I was doing about the long drive and it being on a day off. 

I thought, “Thank You God for the way this all turned out.”

My heart was filled with the love of Jesus and my eyes were filled with tears.

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading we will hear Jesus tell the story of the Prodigal Son. I can relate to this last verse:

“‘But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'" Luke 15:32

Life came to my heart this past weekend, and in driving out to Rancho Cucamonga I had been found.

Many blessings Sister Claire and Sister Vivian, and to the two young ladies who asked if I was going to that Profession Mass!

Blessings of being found to you!