(pertaining to today’s first reading: ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 9:26-31)

Are you a nester, or a wanderer? The Church recognizes two relationships to place in religious life: stability and mobility. Those who take a vow of stability enter monastic or cloistered life. These folks stay put. They do this for the glory of God. The vocation of marriage is a vow of stability as well. Couples may relocate geographically, yet their home remains in each other.

Paul was definitely not a nester. Born in Tarsus, he studied in Jerusalem, and encountered the Risen Lord on the way to Damascus. The meeting propelled him into being a missionary and fugitive for the rest of his life. Even when Paul didn’t intend to leave, circumstances often forced him to. Paul embraced perpetual motion for the glory of God.

Nester? Wanderer? Either way, give it to God.   (Alice Camille)