‘I point them to the Lord’
“What do I do in the bookstore all day?” some people ask. It could be boring watching the pedestrians, cars and buses go by when there are no visitors in the store. However, I make it a point to pray for all those who pass by. I pray that they will be able to come to God and to know the God who loves them no matter what. And to those who do come inside, I am ready to help point them to Jesus.
I have found that somehow every week the display windows take on a theme of their own. As I work in the bookstore, I like to get the pulse of the people. Sometimes people tell me about their struggles with illness or cancer, family problems, infidelities, or other fears and pains. When I hear about these, I put referring books and resources in the window to point the way for them and others who may not have the courage to come into the bookstore, to let them know they are not alone.
It is about making people aware of the presence of God in their lives. I am not a psychologist or a counselor, but I do listen to people’s hearts and sometimes pray with them in chapel. Many times I feel helpless not being able to do anything more. But, as a church, our ultimate destination is to be together and to be with God. And so I point them to the Lord through the words on our chapel wall, “Do not be afraid, I am here.”
In our Pauline spirituality, we focus on Jesus as the Way, Truth and Life. In addition to receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, I make my daily visit with Jesus. During that hour of personal adoration I take time to meditate on his word and to listen for his response. I often say, “Please Lord, help me to listen to you, because I don’t know what I am doing.”
Jesus is my Way to the Father and to the people. I listen to the Truth through his word by looking at myself in its light and reflecting on those passages that touch me. I also examine myself by asking, “What area in me needs to grow?” Day by day I struggle to be transformed and I know in the Lord’s time, there is growth even if on a small scale.
Jesus is my life, the life of the people, the world and the church. How does Jesus welcome others? Do I do the same? It may seem that I am just in the bookstore, but through the stories and lives of those I encounter, I am also strengthened in my vocation as we all share, although under different circumstances, the same stories, struggles, pains, joys.
Through the media, Facebook and Twitter, I am also able to get to know what is really happening around me, becoming more aware of the greater need to bring others to God. It is important for others to touch Jesus, so that when we, the sisters, are not here, they will still be connected with God and know of God’s love in all situations of their lives.
Sister Joane Mary Caritas Gepitulan is a Daughter of St. Paul. She resides at the Daughters of St. Paul Convent in Honolulu and ministers though the Pauline Book and Media Center on Bishop Street. She is 14 years professed.
