God repays…

When I was a few years a Sister, I remember Fr. Ken Shaw, SDB, giving away the last turkey the Salesian priests had in their refrigerator to a woman who by all external appearances, was not really in need.  All the priests were fine with having something else for Thanksgiving, but I remember being shocked.  I asked him how and why he would do such a thing…  He told me we are never wrong to do what is charitable.  That thought has stayed with me for many years, and resurfaced when I received this lengthy, but well-worthwhile email.  A good friend of mine sent it to me…and it really made me think.  We never know the good that we do and how or when it will be returned to us.  In the end, though, the kindness we show often comes back to us.  We are never wrong to do what is charitable…

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

“Leave me alone,” he growled… To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling — her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.

“Are you hungry?” she asked.

“No,” he answered sarcastically. “I’ve just come from dining with the president. Now go away.”
The woman’s smile became even broader.

Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. “What are you doing, lady?” the man asked angrily. “I said to leave me alone.

Just then a policeman came up. “Is there any problem, ma’am?” he asked..

“No problem here, officer,” the woman answered. “I’m just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?”

The officer scratched his head. “That’s old Jack. He’s been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?”

“See that cafeteria over there?” she asked. “I’m going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile.”

“Are you crazy, lady?” the homeless man resisted. “I don’t want to go in there!” Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.

“Let me go, officer. I didn’t do anything.”

“This is a good deal for you, Jack,” the officer answered. “Don’t blow it.”

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.

The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. “What’s going on here, officer?” he asked.”What is all this, is this man in trouble?”

“This lady brought this man in here to be fed,” the policeman answered.
“Not in here!” the manager replied angrily. “Having a person like that here is bad for business.”

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. “See, lady. I told you so. Now if you’ll let me go. I didn’t want to come here in the first place.”

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. “Sir, are you familiar with Eddy andAssociates, the banking firm down the street?”

“Of course I am,” the manager answered impatiently. “They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.”

“And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?”

“What business is that of yours?”

I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company.”

“Oh.”

The woman smiled again. “I thought that might make a difference.”

She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. “Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?”

“No thanks, ma’am,” the officer replied. “I’m on duty.”

“Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?”

“Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice.”

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. “I’ll get your coffee for you right away, officer.”

The officer watched him walk away. “You certainly put him in his place,” he said. “That was not my intent… Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this.”

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.

“Jack, do you remember me?” Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. “I think so — I mean you do look familiar.”

“I’m a little older perhaps,” she said. “Maybe I’ve even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry.”

“Ma’am?” the officer said questioningly. He couldn’t believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

“I was just out of college,” the woman began. “I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn’t find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat.”

Jack lit up with a smile. “Now I remember,” he said. “I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.”

“I know,” the woman continued. “Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right.”

“So you started your own business?” Old Jack said.

“I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.” She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. “When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He’s the personnel director of my company. I’ll go talk to him now and I’m certain he’ll find something for you to do around the office.”

She smiled. “I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you.”

There were tears in the old man’s eyes. “How can I ever thank you?” he asked.

“Don’t thank me,” the woman answered. “To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus… He led me to you.”

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. “Thank you for all your help, officer,” she said.

“On the contrary, Ms. Eddy,” he answered. “Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And…And thank you for the coffee.”

If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you have missed everything in the world.

So, today, do something for someone in need.  Reach out your hand and your heart to someone, and regardless of whether or not you understand how, know that God will adequately repay you!

Funerals, and why Don Bosco said, “A piece of heaven fixes everything.”

 There is something powerful about gathering as a family after a loss.  At a funeral mass today, as we walked by the coffin, there was no denying the death that had been undergone, the finality of the loss, or the silent suffering of a family that has said goodbye to a significant member.

At the funeral for my friend’s father, the words she spoke last night came to mind.  “He was a good and holy man, who lived a life that was faithful and true,” she said.  She told us Sisters how after his wife left him for someone else, he cared for the kids, and never even thought of remarrying.  His vows were for life.  What a beautiful example of fidelity in marriage.  And, she said, “He was also faithful to God,” bringing those children to weekly mass.  Apparently, this man worked three jobs, and returning after 2 a.m., he brought the kids to weekly Mass, just the same.

In our world which is so affected by a lack of fidelity – less that 20% of Catholics practice their religion, we are told, and in a time when divorce prevails – some 50% of those who are married today will be divorced – it is impressive to see someone who was so upright in remaining faithful to both human and divine commitments.  What a beautiful message to his children and grandchildren this man sent.  His silent refusal to go along and “move on” without fulfilling his first promise speaks loudly to me of what is meant when we say we will be “true to death”.  His witness of following the third Commandment, even though he could easily have excused himself for exhaustion, speaks of really putting God first!

One of my favorite sayings of Don Bosco is, “A piece of heaven fixes everything.”  I love that saying because in so many ways, it rings true in my life….it forces me to ask, “What is really important?”  “What really matters?”  “In the end, when I stand before God, will this truly be important?”  I wish I had known my friend’s dad personally.  I’d like to thank him for making this all so real, for making me realize how little things are irrelevant when we think of our eternity with God.

A friend of mine teases me, saying I often reply, “Whatever.”  I guess that is because in my childhood, my parents always reminded us that what most preterbs us is frequently of little or no consequence.  So, Don Bosco and Joe and RoseMary Clair had a lot in common.   They all looked much more at the big picture and the eternal importance of so many very little things.

Today, I promise to recall what is really important, and to focus on that so as to grow closer to God.  After a few years – 80 or so – that is all that will truly matter!

O Holy Night (And Gifts that are Given)

A friend of mine sent this to me.  It is one of my favorite songs, and I especially love when Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter sings it.  Sr. Suzanne is our Provincial Economer, and her voice is simply God’s gift.  She has never been trained, but her voice has the character and quality of these women, who have had years of training, I’m sure.  Sr. Suzanne will often sing at our events in the province.  She is usually very nervous before singing, and often downplays the great gift that has been given to her…but her willingness to share it and to sing for us and to praise God is always there.

As we come to the end of Advent, and the beginning of the amazing season of Christmas, I cannot help but thank God for His many gifts.  He is lavish in what He has given to me, and in what He has shared with others.  During this time, I hope that you will be able to sit and recognize His gifts to you, and to think about how you can use these gifts to further His glory and to help those around you.

This Christmas, on this “Holy Night,” think about these talents, these gifts, and give them back.  Share them with the people around you – your loved ones, friends, and neighbors.  You may think little of what you have received, but I can guarantee that what you share will benefit those who are recipients.

“Twittering” at NCCYM…

Yep, it really happened…  No, I’m not kidding – I’m thinking of investing in one of these t-shirts.  Have you seen them?  Really, I have to thank my friend Alicia for introducing me to this phrase at all, but now, I can actually say, in my great humility…(*ahem…quit laughing those of  you who know me well)…that I’m feeling like, “I’m kind of a big deal!” 

Here’s the whole story:  The other day, I get an email asking if I know Anne Marie Cribbins.  Yes, I write back…thinking she is either very sick or in need of help, or some tragedy has befallen her or something.  Well, it turns out, Anne Marie suggested me for a project, one I’m thrilled to be part of.  Here’s the plan – and if  you love “techie” stuff, this is right up your alley…

I will be one of a few people “Twittering” about the National Conference of Catholic Youth Ministers (NCCYM) to take place in Cleveland in December.  Twitter is a cool site.  You can update what you are doing in just a few words - from your cell (yes, you can post to a blog from a cell!!!) or your computer.  It’s pretty incredible.  So as I experience the NCCYM, I can just give short feedback or impressions…share thoughts about talks, inspirations, etc. 

Now, here’s the cool part.  There is a whole set of people who will be Twittering about the NCCYM at this site:  http://www.nccymmicroblog.2smallcoins.org/  We’re giving our “two small coins” as input.  I hope the Lord realizes it’s all I have!

Happiness – the Road to Sanctity

One of the characteristics of Salesian holiness is happiness.  In fact, we know how often we see a child who has just received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and we know how happy they are as they leave, to be in a state of grace.  I know I have had this same sensation, and have heard others speak of it.

Smiling Saint

In his lifetime, St. John Bosco often encouraged the young people he worked with to be happy.  There is something simple and child-like about joy and Jesus told us to become like little children.  St. Dominic Savio, one of St. John Bosco’s pupils even began a group called, “The Society of Happiness.”  

Here we can see a picture of Don Bosco, taken in the 1800’s.  Go ahead and look at many other pictures from that era and you will see something different about “Johnny B” as some of the kids in our schools affectionately call him…yes, this Saint, this man of the 1800’s is there with a full smile on his face.  It’s amazing to see and evident that the joy he nurtured in his heart evidently spilled over!

Mother Mazzarello, the Co-Foundress of the Salesian Sisters, together with Don Bosco is seen in very few photos.  This is because she lived in a very rural and remote part of Italy, and unlike John Bosco, was not near the city.  In both pictures we have, Mother Mazzarello was very sick, so her face lacks the smile that is common in so many of Don Bosco’s pictures.  But what we do have are the words of our Mother.  “Happiness,” she said, “is a sign of a heart that loves the Lord very much.” 

Today, I would encourage all of us to think about and promote joy in ourselves and in others.  It’s All Saints’ Day!  Maybe we need to begin again; maybe it’s time to go to Confession, but God calls us to that immense joy that cannot be taken from us.  Let’s not only nurture joy in ourselves, but by our good deeds and great kindness, promote joy in others.

Below, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite videos.  I’ve seen groups of adults crack up at little Ethan, and his happiness at the simplest things in life.  My wish for you: that you can live this child-like simplicity and be fully happy…it is a sure road to holiness and a sign that you are in God’s grace.

He understands…He will always understand…just run to Him!

A very good friend of mine, who is a Sister, and was my superior for some time, Sr. Florine Lagace, FMA, sent me this video.  At first, I was wondering why she would send me the apparent story of a boy who is growing up in a rural town.  After just a minute or so, though, I understood.

You see, a big part of being Salesian is being able to help young people come to know and love God more…to be “God with skin on” for them, to represent in living flesh the deep, unconditional and eternal love that God has for each and every young person.  Besides this, though is the other side of the coin…that is, seeing that God is reaching out to us in the young.  Knowing God dwells in the young we serve and that in and through them, we are preparing ourselves for a future life with Him forever.

So this video that was sent to me is a reminder … a reminder that what Jesus referred to “out of the mouths of babes” (Matt.  21:16) is a reality.  Let’s learn from the simple faith of this young boy.  Let’s take courage from his steadfast trust in God, in the fact that God, too, suffered loss at the death of His only Son, and let’s “throw ourselves” into the arms of our Father who loves us and knows our needs.

more about “Meet Logan, The Sky Angel Cowboy“, posted with vodpod

“Therefore, Choose Life!”

~ Deuteronomy 30:19

Yes, God even said He wants us to choose life.  I ask you, regardless of your position on who would be the best president, to look at the following video with an open mind.  Ask yourself if you really think it is a good idea to put a man who clearly states that he believes that a child is a punishment, and he does not make enough money to  decide about when life begins  as the president of our country. 

Obama clearly recognizes that this election is pivotal in the Roe v. Wade decision, knowing that the future president will make choices about which Justices will be appointed to the Supreme Court!  Believe him…this election is pivotal for reclaiming the sanctity of the life “from the womb to the tomb.”

I’m not ready, as a human, a woman, a Christian, a Catholic, and much less a Salesian, to allow him to kill our future.  He is willing to allow our future to die before they even have a chance to make a contribution.  So, with the Lord, in Deuteronomy 30:19, I tell you, “Choose life so that you and your descendants will live!”

If I thought he had any chance at winning the election, I would vote for Alan Keyes.  He is a great man, and I hope one day he will lead our country, but for now, given that the election is running between two strong leaders, and in order to have a voice I feel I need to vote for one of the two, I’m NOT handing this election to Obama.

Thanks to Fr. Steve, who sent me this link from his blog.  God bless him, God bless the Salesians, and God bless and protect the children who today are called to life.  May they be born in peace so they can be brought up in love.

more about “Americas Choice Now – Video“, posted with vodpod

Catholic means open to the whole world

This is a definition I have heard from childhood.  I’m a “cradle Catholic,” baptized early in life…and I’ve seen Catholic masses enculturated in so many forms that it’s dizzying, but always, the same Lord is made present, and the same basic truths are celebrated.  It’s beautiful, and it’s touching.

Today, however, I was struck by this reality in a new way.  Yes, we are Salesian Sisters, and YES, we are Catholic…(open to the whole world) because today, in a very brief voting session, our leadership elected Mother Yvonne, of French origin, for the first time in our 136 year history!

So today, we show that we are an international congregation not only in name, but also in the leadership that represents us, and that for us, represents the presence of Mary.  If you have time today, and you think of it, maybe you would say a prayer for Mother Yvonne.  (Becoming a Mother to 14,000 daughters overnight may, in fact, be a bit “daunting.”)

If you are interested, the whole story is here.

May God bless Mother Yvonne, and may her Sisters, as Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, be open to her leadership, and her voice as the mediation of God, and the living presence of Mary who walks among us!

What one person can do…

There is a story I once read about a dove that was seated on a branch.  As he was seated there, he asked a nearby squirrel how many snowflakes the squirrel thought it would take to make the branch fall.  “How many have fallen thus far?” the squirrel asked. “One million, five hundred and thirty nine thousand, fourhundred and one,” the dove answered.  The squirrel asked the dove how many more he thought would be needed to bring down the branch, which was already sagging under the weight of the snow.  “I don’t know,” the dove answered, as the limb began was cracking and pulling from the trunk, “but JUST ONE more will certainly make the branch fall.”

Sometimes, we underestimate our own power.  Life is certainly easier if I don’t have to think about my contribution, or if I don’t have to think about the difference that I can make in a given situtation.  If, instead, people count on me, or if my contribution is essential, then I suddenly have a responsibility.  I can no longer be at peace, but must offer my small piece to the puzzle, because, regardless of how small it is, it CAN and DOES make a difference.  After seeing this video on the power of an individual, I feel called at a deeper level to realize my personal power:

We often doubt the importance of our contribution.  We wonder “Do I make a difference?”  After watching the film, you can see – it’s often ONE person who changes things – ONE person who makes the world move ahead…so, now, I ask you:

The Power of a Smile

Today was a great day at the General House of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians!  It was our day to say thanks to an extraordinary woman who has dedicated the last eighteen years of her life to us, her Daughters.  For six years, Sr. Antonia Colombo, FMA was a Visiting Councilor for the Salesian Sisters.  In this task, she went often to visit the different communities of our Salesian world.  She listened to the Sisters and got to know a bit about our presence throughout the world.  Then, she was asked, and accepted to me our Mother General.  Though the name sounds official, and even a little military, we just call her “Mother” and she has really been like a mother to all of us – over 14,000 Daughters of Mary Help of Christians – and Mother Antonia’s Sisters and Daughters. 

Last night, Mother Antonia thanked the Sisters of the General House for the work they have done in preparation for the chapter, but also in accompanying her in the last eighteen years of her life.  You can read more about that here.

In the last few months, living here at the General House, “Casa Generalizia” it has been impressive to see this very unassuming woman, often called to multiple tasks, and often called upon to speak, act so humbly.  I was impressed to see her helping Sisters as they arrived for our General Chapter.  She was there to welcome us, to ask if we needed help.  She even often asks me how the task of translating is going.  Really, she seems to have an eye for everyone, especially the least. 

The most disarming thing about Mother Antonia is definitively her smile…it’s amazing!  Somehow, when this woman looks at you and smiles, there is a sense that she wishes to share her life and her love with you – that she cares about you and can see Jesus within you.  She never seems to lose sight of Jesus within the person she is addressing, or of actually being the presence of Jesus for those who surround her.  In fact, one of my favorite things I read that she wrote, was,

In a culture of the transient, which distances people from that which is essential, being tangible signs that point to Someone Else is transmitting the awareness of the primacy of the spirit, of the importance of following Jesus with a passionate love, so that we will not be invisible witnesses to Him, but His hands, His feet, His heart that wants to embrace the world, to give Himself to the last drop, so that all of us can have life and hope.

Let’s pray that every Salesian Sister and every member of this “vast movement” known as the Salesian Family can in fact become Jesus hands, feet, and heart, to embrace the world, and as Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello did, give our selves to the last drop.  Only then will we unleash the real power of love – the power of our smile!