A couple of days ago, I was heading back from my home visit in Minnesota.  The fields were beautiful and green. 
 
It was a nice afternoon for a drive, as we passed farms and small towns along the interstate. 
 
Going past these agricultural areas reminded me of a verse of scripture which was appropriate for me at this time: “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). 
 
This time of heading back, of leaving my childhood home and loved ones, was an opportunity for me.  It led me to renew my response to our Lord’s invitation to follow Him in the Consecrated Life, to leave behind what I held dear. 
 
As we passed the verdant fields of growing crops, this scripture passage reminded me to look ahead and follow Jesus rather than dwelling on what is left behind. 
 
These reflections came after several days with my mom and family in the Twin Cities.  A couple of days before, one of our Sisters had brought a visitor from Germany to the Cities so she could see and experience the area before they gave me a ride back to Hankinson. 
 
She had commented on what a wonderful area it was and how vibrant the Church is there; she mentioned what a sacrifice it had been for me to leave the Archdiocese. 
 
I did not say much in response, but I sensed the truth in these words.  As I reflect on this further, now, I think about how much our Sisters from Germany gave up in coming to America…how countless others made similar or greater sacrifices than mine. 

I realize that each of us makes sacrifices in our life of discipleship.  Personally, I really appreciate the daily opportunity to bring such sacrifices and struggles, as well as joys and hopes, to the Mass as I join my Sisters in prayer.  Another wonderful part of living in the convent is having Jesus present in our own home.   The consoling realization that He is just down the hall can bring joy to even the dreariest of days, when the grass doesn’t look so green and the sun isn’t shining so brightly.
 
I hope that the beautiful fields and flowers and summertime bring us all to lift our hearts in gratitude as we set our hands to the plow…and…our eyes on our Lord.  

I walked by chapel earlier and saw that no one was signed up to read at Mass tomorrow.  Since I haven’t done this for a while, I decided to sign up.
 
Later, when I sat down for my daily time of scriptural prayer, I thought it would be good to use the readings for Wednesday since I may not have a chance to prepare later. 
(When I work in our infirmary until 10 p.m., it impacts my morning schedule.)
 
To my delight, I quickly realized that the first reading was the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. 


I was happy that I would be able to do this reading at Mass tomorrow.  It’s a story that I have long enjoyed, for some reason. 
 
In case you don’t remember, this story from 1 Kings recounts a time when the people of Israel were wavering in their faith; they were undecided between following God and worshipping the idol of their neighbors. 


Against the odds, Elijah’s contest against the prophets of Baal proves overwhelmingly who is the true God.   Fire consumes his offering, despite everything having been drenched with water.
 
This episode in Israel’s history is a reminder to us that, no matter how bleak things may seem, God will be victorious.  As tomorrow’s responsorial psalm reminds us, He is our hope on Whom we rely for everything.

Even when, humanly speaking, we can't see a way forward, we are reminded here of who can make a way and turn our losses into victory.