“What Do You Ask?”
“The Mercy of God and Yours”
From left, Sr. Clare Wagner (Marie Clarence) with
Sr. K C Young at K C’s profession.
As a woman makes her profession with the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation, the question, “What do you ask?” is spoken by the Prioress. The answer, “The mercy of God and yours,” is then spoken by the woman making profession as a Sister. Sister K C Young, OP, reflects on the meaning of these words to her.
This is my favorite, favorite line. When I transferred into the Sinsinawa Dominicans at my public profession, I sang this piece with our then Prioress Sister Kaye Ashe, OP. What does it mean to me? It means that I am accepted as I am and that frail, less-than, bowed, I am loved into new life and new being. It is one of the Creator’s most awesome virtues and this gracious God of ours invites us all to partake and be both givers and receivers of mercy. I give mercy when I open my arms to the other. I give mercy when I do not prejudge others.
I give mercy when I can be less critical. I give mercy when in connection, in union with God, I can say of even the enemy: “You are a reflection of the Most Holy One. You are beautiful in God’s eyes. May I learn to love you more.” I give mercy when I am more patient and do not hasten to control or “make something happen.”
I receive mercy from my Sisters so very often. They see me and my shortcomings, and they keep on encouraging me and loving me . . . just as I am. And they can in mercy gently nudge me to make healthy choices for growth, new life, deeper virtue. I receive mercy when I make a mistake, but, with the encouragement and acceptance of community, I can try and try again and know that this trying is both mercy and grace. I receive mercy each and every time I see myself as I really am, and in prayer I hear God say, “I am within, and I want to love you even more. . . . Abide in my mercy.”
Sister K C Young, OP