Final Profession of Sister Mara of Jesus, O.C.D.

I find it quite interesting that my religious name, Mara, being of Hebrew origin and a variant of the holy name of Mary, means “bitter”. I find it quite intriguing that it also carries with it a connotation of “strength”. In this past year, my attention has repeatedly been drawn to the passage in scripture recounting the first days of the Israelite’s exodus journey. Just three days into their journey through the wilderness, after having miraculously crossed the Red Sea, they come to the waters of Marah, but are unable to drink of it because the waters are too bitter. Too bitter, that is, until God shows Moses how to make them sweet.

“And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” and he appealed to the Lord and cried out; and the Lord pointed out to him a certain tree, and he threw it into the water and the water became sweet…There the Lord proved them, saying…for I, the Lord, am your healer.” (Exodus 15:22-26)

Over and over, we can find ourselves in a similar place, immobilized (at this point we can say so literally as we are sheltered at home), complaining and crying out to the Lord. God’s action in this passage, however, should remind us that one would not be able to drink the bitter waters of pain and sacrifice had it not been for Our Lord who willingly laid down His life on the Cross to sweeten the waters of life. It is precisely when we allow the Cross of Christ to touch the bitter streams of our heart, it is then that He unleashes His healing graces. It is then that He ushers us into a new place of healing, peace and freedom. Miraculously, bitterness is transformed into sweetness. And it is HE who does it. Directly or indirectly, He does it.

If we “let Him do it”, then, embracing the cross, we can wholeheartedly sing with the psalmist, “His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but JOY comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)  How appropriate, then, that in Arabic, Mara means “joy”. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for laying down Your life on the Cross at Calvary that I might be brought into the fullness of Your joy! \u2028

Message to my parents, family and community:

I praise the good Lord for His loving providence in giving me the blessing of such a warm and supportive family. It is through you, dear Mom and Dad, that I first came to the faith and experienced the meaning of sacrificial love. To my sisters, Maricarmen and Marisol, I thank you for your loving encouragement, companionship and bounteous assistance. Tía Nena, I wish to express my gratitude to you for your magnanimous vision and generous support throughout my life. To Papá Chú and all my beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends, I praise God for you and thank you most especially for your loving prayers and affirmation. By experiencing the seemingly limitless generosity of you my relatives and friends, I have come to understand more deeply that our Heavenly Father delights to meet all our needs. To my beloved Superiors and Sisters in Carmel, with whom I am honored and privileged to share my life, I am deeply grateful for your faithful witness, spiritual support, and loving guidance. It is with joyful gratitude, reverence and fervor, that I offer you all the promise of my continued loving prayers. May the river of grace flowing from the Heart of Christ flood your lives with joy and peace!

Alabo al buen Señor por su amorosa providencia al darme la bendición de una familia tan cariñosa y solidaria. Es a través de ti, querida mamá y papá, que primero llegué a la fe y experimenté el significado del amor sacrificial. A mis hermanas, Maricarmen y Marisol, les agradezco su cariño, compañía y asistencia generosa. Tía Nena, deseo expresarte mi agradecimiento por tu magnánima visión y generoso apoyo durante toda mi vida. A Papá Chú y a todas mis queridas tías, tíos, primos y queridos amigos, alabo a Dios por ustedes y les agradezco especialmente por sus oraciones y afirmaciones amorosas. Al experimentar la generosidad aparentemente ilimitada de ustedes, mis parientes y amigos, he llegado a comprender más profundamente que nuestro Padre Celestial se deleita en satisfacer todas nuestras necesidades. A mis queridas Superioras y Hermanas en Carmelo, con quienes tengo el honor y privilegio de compartir mi vida, estoy profundamente agradecida por su fiel testimonio, apoyo espiritual y guía amorosa. Con gozosa gratitud, reverencia y fervor, les ofrezco a todos la promesa de mis continuas oraciones amorosas. ¡Que el río de la gracia que fluye del Corazón de Cristo inunde sus vidas con alegría y paz