26th Sunday B
Mercy Sister Buttevant
29 September 2024
My friends,
Amputation is the last resort of the Physician! When an infection or illness takes hold of any part of the body and thereby threatens life itself – the difficult decision is necessary to save our life.
This very stark imagery is heard in today’s Gospel to convey to us that a similar pattern applies to our Life in the Spirit. In a time of great plenty like ours is today we are free to indulge ourselves in lifestyles that if not marked by some pruning and sacrifice so easily lead us into poor health, physically, psychologically and spiritually.
We know from the reports and analyses that many sicknesses and diseases prevail in our midst – somebody must be consuming all the cocaine and other illicit drugs that are landing on our shores in huge quantities – this consumption will end in grief for so many individuals and families.
This reality begs a deeper question for all of us young, and old. What do you hope for and expect from life?
We know that fame and great wealth are fickle friends. In time they wither – unless we bring a bigger or deeper sense of purpose to them – namely people – how can wealth or fame or indeed any other kind of power and influence improve and enrich the life of others especially those in greatest need.
The most precious gift of our faith and trust in the Lord is the grace he gives the believer to see through to the deeper dimension of the dignity and worth of every human being. That grace enables us to value and be grateful for our blessing while keeping our hearts open to those in need. Mother Catherine McCauley the foundress of the Mercy Sisters was uniquely blessed with that vision and understanding – but more than that she had the courage and capacity to inspire others to join her in that vison and mission.
From the earliest days of the Mercy Congregation the focus was care of the poor and education. But while it would form the principal work of the sisters in so many locations over the decades – the ongoing discernment of need meant that they established and ran so many hospitals. But that work would in turn keep them close to the experience of families and the new needs that were emerging. And so support centres were established as sisters withdrew or retired from education so many refocused their mission on these new needs.
I offer these thoughts on those who heard the call through Mother Catherine McCauley and responded with generosity, imagination and courage. It is fitting that today we acknowledge the lifelong dedication of Sr. Perpetua O’Donoghue whose leadership and work is so well known to you. We will do so with the presentation of the Benemerenti Medal – an award from Pope Francis at our request to convey our gratitude to God for the witness of Sr. Perpetua among us – to convey our gratitude and appreciation for unfailing kindness and care of so many, young and old, over the decades.
I know Sr. Perpetua won’t mind me acknowledging the Sisters of Mercy who have joined her today. This presentation encompasses our gratitude also for your particular work as a Sister of Mercy.
As a church we are living in a difficult time of severe criticism of our failures in the past. For some the fire of resentment is being stoked whereby the good accomplished is taken for granted. It would be tempting to meet hurts and criticism with resentment and bitterness but to do so would be our greatest sin.
The conditions and circumstances of the 19th and 20th centuries are difficult to comprehend from this remove. The failure and hurts caused have been acknowledged – for some it will never be enough. In the heart of so much negativity we need a new forbearance and patience. Your mission and that of the wider Church is a noble one inspired by the love, mercy and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus.
“If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly they will most certainly not lose their reward”
Mark 9:45
Today we acknowledge Sr. Perpetua’s life mission in the Mercy tradition. We thank God for all lay and religious who continue to labour for those in need today.
In a little while, in our prayer over the gifts we will pray,
Grant us, O Merciful God,
That this our offering may find acceptance with you
And that through it the wellspring of all blessing
May be laid open before us.
Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
