Setting Prisoners Free

Posted on Mar 2, 2014 8:29:00 AM Margaret Wehrung 3 Comments Add a comment

In June of 1979 Mother Teresa came to Saint Louis to establish her second community in the U.S., the first one already having been established in Harlem.   While in town, she gave a presentation at the convention center to hundreds of people. I was blessed to be one of so many and was struck by how tiny this internationally acclaimed “Saint of the Gutter” was. (As described in the St. Louis Review and in the St. Louis Post Dispatch.)

Mother Teresa began her talk saying that she had never seen so much poverty as she has witnessed in the United States. All around the world she found economical poverty but in the U.S. she experienced the poverty of the heart which was so much more difficult to mend. She said she had been overwhelmed by the loneliness she had been experiencing everywhere she visited. People were in their own prisons for whatever reason; not necessarily connected to friends or family even when they were in close proximity. I dare say, this is most likely just as true or perhaps more so today even though we are in constant communication through texting, messaging and e-mail.

But how do we reach out to people even from our own prison cells? Looking back and revisiting her suggestions, I am amazed I had forgotten what she had offered as a potential remedy.   She said that families needed to pray together. She quoted, without perhaps even knowing it, Father Peyton’s famous line that “the family that prays together stays together.”

In today’s world, it is all too rare that families even eat together much less pray together. How do we know that we are not alone? When we remember that 93% of our communication is non-verbal how can we communicate what is in our hearts? Our homes are the most likely place to practice and learn how to share our love and feelings. Family prayer and meals are means to this end.   May we pause to ponder how we are setting the lonely free in our own homes.

Topics: prayer, the-family-that-prays-together-stays-together, saints

Abe and George – What Did They Teach Us?

Posted on Feb 19, 2014 2:04:00 PM Beth Mahoney 4 Comments Add a comment

I share my birthday with President Abraham Lincoln.

Not to the surprise of my friends but there are a few years difference in age between us!

This coming week in the United States we celebrate President’s Day to honor two presidents who provided the people of our country with dignity and human rights, and initiated a process for a better life.

Today we are faced with some of the same issues that President Washington and President Lincoln were addressing. There are still people who are bullied, harassed and abused … those who are discriminated against …those whose basic daily human needs are not met.

I help people in these circumstances through my involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. This organization strives to provide the basic human needs for all and assist those in need … those who are the outcast, downtrodden and without a voice.

Each week, each day, there are people who need our help.

No doubt this weekend they’ll be many advertisements of great sale prices to commemorate these two men. Instead I ask you to commemorate them by remembering what they tirelessly worked for.

How do we serve our country and the people who are in need? In what ways do you render service to those in need?

Topics: service, inspiration, holiday

Dropping Pebbles into Water

Posted on Feb 14, 2014 9:00:00 AM Beth Mahoney 15 Comments Add a comment

Yesterday I had the privilege of joining a friend who was honored at a local high school for her 40 plus years of service as a math and science teacher and for her commitment and contributions to Catholic Education. The new science wing was named in her honor and that of her father, a teacher and coach.

Combined they had over 80 years of service teaching and coaching!

The entire student body was present for Mass with Bishop George W. Coleman, bishop of Fall River, MA, followed by the dedication of the new science wing. The celebration concluded with a luncheon.

In his homily, Bishop Coleman challenged the students to prayer. He invited them to make a difference in the world. To begin now … today! To welcome this encounter with Jesus and serve the church, our society and the world. He told them not to be afraid to reach out, take chances and be courageous.

He shared the example of Mother Teresa, who when asked if she was making a difference in the world, responded, I throw a pebble into the water and it ripples.

His homily was awe inspiring and thought provoking for everyone present. It was perfect for this celebration honoring the legacy of two individuals whose lives exemplified what it is to have an encounter with Jesus and make a difference.

The day was special for another reason … the birthday of the bishop! The entire student body sang a round of “Happy Birthday” to the bishop, who was noticeably moved.

How do we make a difference in the church, our society and the world? What pebble do we dare drop into the water to make a ripple effect?

Topics: school, inspiration, saints

Secrets of a Strong Family

Posted on Feb 13, 2014 12:03:00 PM Margaret Wehrung 7 Comments Add a comment

Way back in 1967 a book was published on the secrets of strong families. This was a compilation of a research project involving families all across the nation. As a result of their research, they were able to determine that in the strongest families as documented by the questions asked, there were six major qualities in common. The entire book describes in detail these strengths. I only want to quote their brief summary:

1. Commitment: Members of strong families are dedicated to promoting each other’s welfare and happiness. They value the unity of the family.

2. Appreciation: Members of strong families show appreciation for each other a great deal.

3. Communication: Members of strong families have good communication skills and spend a lot of time talking with each other.

4. Time: Strong families spend time—quality time in large quantities—with each other.

5. Spiritual Wellness: Whether they go to formal religious services or not, strong family members have  a sense of a greater good or power in life, and that belief gives them strength and purpose.

6. Coping Ability: Members of strong families are able to view stress or crisis as an opportunity to grow. 

(Secrets of Strong Families, Nick Stinnett & John DeFrain, Little Brown & Company, 1967, P. 14)

1967 is several generations behind us now but the interesting thing is that another study completed by FOCCUS came up with the same conclusions around 2005. 

What this says to me is that though families have gone through tremendous changes and at this point in history, we would have a difficult time describing a “normal family” nevertheless, these strengths are surely worth studying. In fact, to me it could be like a family examination of conscience. Even though my family consists of my husband and myself, we can still look at these strengths and make every effort to continue to grow in some and determine to do better in others.

I pray to God today and every day that families everywhere may accept God’s grace so they are able to develop these strengths to bring love and comfort not only to each other but that their love may be manifested through their families into their communities and into the world.

Topics: inspiration, family