During Sunday mass at St Paul Shrine a sense of peace and an answer voiced itself. I would be lifted in the religious life. The declaration interiorly announcing itself. God would soon be manifesting a deeper direction, a new way of life. The extern sisters care for the presentation of the Shrine’s Sanctuary. The Christmas season past, Ordinary Time engaged, they threw me a bit of a loop by positioning their marvelous Divine Mercy painting before the lector’s podium, the ‘Ambo’ in proper vernacular. I considered the powerful image of the resurrected Christ as appropriate following Easter Sunday. The mystical painting of the resurrected Christ ministering to the living through His personal relationship with Saint Faustina called me within, a door in the background presenting itself. The door appeared relevant in its darkened hidden representation. The painting invoked an awareness the religious life would be granted, a gift from God, grace, an infusion of a higher way. I instantly assumed that would mean entering a religious community in September. God blesses approval. The scenario presented comfort and warmth, the idea of solitude, removal from the world, allowing a full frontal assault upon the spiritual life and my inner healing for the salvation of souls emanates joy and splendor. I am ready and capable. I know I possess the psychological soundness, the fortitude, acquired knowledge, disposition toward prayer, and a love of all things that are God. All things created by God, I succumbed to uncertainty and the profundity of mystery. Maybe my interpretation of the certainty that I will enter a higher religious life beyond cloistered walls is incorrect. Within the meditating, the idea of the married life being the deeper call to a lay vocation, an acceptance flowered. It is enough to yearn, content and contrite, humble, comprehending I have the ability to love and care for another. It is enough. God makes the final decision. My role is passive in accepting. Within patience, humility, service, and prayer, I wait for the consequence of God’s pronouncement. A pure heart and a state of grace sanctify. Mystery prevails, enforcing silence. John the Hermit spoke about regularly discerning the voice of God within his extensive prayer life and demanding healthy lifestyle. Three hours of adoration, first thing in the morning, structures his daily routine. He declares that God intended, and set forth the means, for individuals to hear his small still voice. In ancient times, it was easier to hear the interior voice of God. In the modern, industrial and computerized world noise prevails. Man’s worsening eating habits, his lack of exercise, intense employment stress and concern, inefficient sleep patterns, and a distancing from intimate contact with nature drowns out the voice of God. God’s design has been rendered obsolete by the commotion of the world and the treachery of Satan. It is an interesting idea. John the Hermit offers quality conversation.