Over the course of January, I attended the solemn (final) professions of members of our Province who are in Korea and Vietnam. Such occasions are celebrated prayerfully, with great joy and hope and so they should be. We who have lived the journey of religious life might find ourselves musing on such occasions as to what we want to humbly offer from our limited wisdom to these younger travellers on the journey of religious life. I find the title of this e-publication, Pathways, provides a helpful image.

A pathway can sometimes be marked quite clearly. However, in more remote territory, even if the pathway is indicated on a map, it can be elusive, disappear for a while. We then have to retrace our steps to more familiar territory. At times we can be confident in the knowledge that we know where we are. At others, feelings of being lost and alone can frighten or terrify. There is the pathway through environments that are peaceful, calming and benign. The pathway can also veer into territory that is arid and seemingly hostile. Yet, like the image of the Spirit driving Jesus into the desert (Mk. 1:12), what can be threatening and disturbing can be the prelude to what is most fruitful and life-giving.

In all of this the matter of companions is significant.

Our sisters and brothers in community are more than adjuncts to our religious life commitment. Companionship, relationship, friendship are important needs on any journey. At times we can tire, be frustrated and be tested. Nevertheless, in our common journey there is something deeper than our vulnerabilities.

There are our fellow travellers in the broader ecclesial and human communities as well as our connection with creation. In the arid moments we may at times question the value of our commitment. Yet in the moment of religious profession of the young religious to which I refer to above, this commitment only makes sense in the context of love. The commitment is not a withdrawal but an immersion in the joys, dramas and hopes of humanity and creation.

Then there is the most faithful Companion because of whom we are never alone. On the pathway, feelings of absence can appear real but nothing could be further from the truth. My prayer for my younger confreres at their public commitment is that they may always know that the Lord walks with them whether the pathway if full of light or, for a while, ventures into darkness.

In this month in which we celebrate the Day of Consecrated Life, I pray that each of us may experience renewed grace, hope and love on our journey.