Here I Am

By Teresita Huse OP ~ July 9, 2008

Wed. 14^th wk in Ordinary Time (Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8,12   Matt 10: 1-7)

The first time I read the gospel for today, I was happy it was short. The second time, I was delighted—the gospel is the same account as that of the Great Bend Dominican Sisters. Jesus summoned his twelve disciples, gave them authority, listed their names and sent them out and were told to make this proclamation: The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. 

Remember years ago on August 15^th around 2:00 o’clock the bell (taken as God’s voice) summoned us to the refectory. I must confess some of us went with more trepidation than others,  A prayer was offered by the superior-- Be assured at the same time each of us was praying for the grace of acceptance and surrender!

Assignments were given for the year. In alphabetical order, the superior gave the mission, the names of each Sister assigned, and specified  Superiors, Principals, and Hospital Administrators.  Just like Matthew’s gospel – we were summoned, called, and sent to proclaim the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

What memories. I vividly recall my first assignment – to teach 43 children in the– 4, 5, & 6^th grades in St. Leo. Incidentally Srs. Edith Marie, Malachy and Camullus were in the 5th grade that year. As Sr. Nicholas, Evelyn, Fridolene (Isabel) and I were walking down the front steps of the convent to the car, Sr.  Theodosia grabbed my arm and said “You know you are the organist. Sr. Nicholas suffers much from sciatica. And I walked out the front door.

All the way to my destination I wondered how that could be possible. Organist when I could only play “Jesus, Jesus, come to me” and hymns for benediction! So be it.

Wouldn’t you know the first week of school A little 4-year girl’s funeral service was scheduled. We were to sing one chosen hymn, Ave Verum.. I  practiced and practiced    In fact I had it memorized.  In church, the first two lines went fine and then I lost my place, blanked out, and lifted my hands. Thank God the children continued acapella.  That evening at home.  Sr. Nicolas told me she would give me music lessons, and Sr. Evelyn, she and I would take turns playing the organ. So we had three organists that year.  

For us Great Bend Dominicans, being summoned, called, given authority and sent to spread the word continues. In later years each August on Missioning  Day with our Associates, we are summoned, called by Churches and our names, sent forth with a special blessing from a member of the leadership team and given a little memento.   And there’s more.   How blessed we are -- At each Eucharist and Word & Communion service the process is repeated  – we gather in the chapel, are given authority by receiving Jesus Himself, and are sent to be the Holy Preaching.