Sunday, October 17, 2010
This week’s readings from Exodus, Timothy, and Luke are timely as we end our 2010 Mission Week celebration and reflect on the past year.
Our Mission Week activities serve to ground us in purpose. What is our purpose? What is our legacy? What, despite all else, must we pursue? How do we garner the courage to do the right thing when the resources and will are in short supply? This week’s message provides direction; it’s all about persistence, and the need, when all else fails, to follow our hearts, not take shortcuts or quick fixes, and have faith that we will emerge stronger and better positioned to carry out our work, to continue our efforts to care for the most vulnerable in our community.
St. Marguerite d’Youville has been a timeless inspiration. Her challenges during war time; opposition from the community and local government; and utter destruction of her hospital by fire were more than anyone could have been expected to endure.
Yet her amazing energy and perseverance, driven by her unwavering faith in God, were enough to get her to the “next day” of her journey. Her vigilance and persistence were nothing short of extraordinary, and her life has become a precious gift and model to others who follow in this tradition.
We, at St. Mary’s, are here today due to her inspiration and the tireless work of our wonderful Sisters of Charity. She is my inspiration, and when I soul search during difficult times I ask for her guidance to do the right thing and to always stay focused on our unique pursuit of advocating for those most in need in our community, particularly the poor and disadvantaged. Her inspiration provides the faith, creativity, and energy to prepare us for our “next day.” This creativity has enabled us to navigate the current difficult economic times, and “stay the course,” protecting our patients and employees. This has taken great sacrifice and persistence, but it is also a journey of the heart, to do the right thing despite the odds.
As we end our Mission Week celebration, let’s take this time to reflect on what St. Marguerite d’Youville provides us daily through her inspiration. Let us always approach our challenges with a sense of confidence that we will prevail. She never lost hope. What a wonderful teaching.
Lee Myles, CEO
