Chained by Love for Love of Christ

He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus. // Acts 28:31

Make it stop, Lord, I prayed. A pang of annoyance and guilt shot through me as I read yet another direct message on my phone screen. Would you be willing to chat with me sometime about your vocation?  

I had started my Instagram account two years earlier in order to share my vocational story and raise awareness about consecrated virginity. As my following increased, so did the women who wanted to learn more about this ancient and little-known calling. Passionate about embracing my spiritual motherhood, it was a privilege to help unpack what the Lord was doing in their hearts and pray for them as they walked their own paths of discernment.

But now, newly consecrated, I craved space to savor this sacred dance of espousal with Jesus. And yet the requests kept coming, and the overwhelm on my heart—not to mention the grating on my conscience—was real.

Make it stop, Lord.   

My cry for help quickly turned into kind correction as Christ gently revealed that although my heart was open and spacious to receive Him, it was chained off to those who were seeking Him. OOF. 

The First Reading from Acts today is a convicting reminder that we are called to proclaim the Kingdom of God always, being careful not to become so shackled by our own circumstances that it causes us to turn others away. As Saint Paul’s example shows, the presence of God breaks through every time our hearts are poised to receive someone else in His Name, whether that’s an aggravating in-law or a stranger on the internet.

While daily Zoom dates are impractical, I can offer each and every person a Pauline-esque reception by making them feel seen. A quicker response. An encouraging word. A promised prayer.

Sister, it doesn’t take much to show the world that Love, the Hope of Israel, has found us.

A few days after receiving that message, I opened it again, and with total sincerity in my heart, I wrote back, Hi, friend! I’m so glad you reached out . . . .  

How can you receive someone well in love for Christ today?