Reflection by Sr. Rosemary Finnegan, O.P.
Readings from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082322.cfm
Every week I receive an email from my Adrian Dominican Congregation with a short synopsis of the lives of the Sisters whose anniversary of death we remember that week. It tells a little of their early family life and of their many years spent in ministry. Since we were founded in 1921, many wonderful women have passed through our doors and served the church. These summaries of their lives have not only introduced me to many women I never knew but have also inspired me by their faithfulness and commitment to serve others. Times were tough for them as they built and ran schools on meager budgets, taught zillions of kids, struggled for justice issues at the same time, and in their last years, volunteered to tutor, visit the sick, etc. They are unsung heroines to many and mentors to me.
Today we celebrate the feast of another Dominican, St. Rose of Lima, who also was a mentor to many. She was born in 1586 in Lima, Peru and was a very pious young woman who lived at a time when Spanish Lords oppressed and exploited the people. Rose was cognizant of these evils and spoke out against them fearlessly. She brought sick and hungry persons into her own home that she might better care for them, often fasting and sacrificing herself. This remarkable woman died on August 25, 1617, at the age of thirty-one. Not until after her death was it known how widely her influence had extended, and how deeply respected she was by the common people of Lima. She was declared patroness of South America and the Philippines and was canonized by Pope Clement in 1671.
All this week we are reading what is probably the oldest book in the New Testament, i.e., Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. It is believed he penned it just a little over 20 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. In it, Paul writes to the people whom he grew to love dearly, who were now suffering for their faith, and who needed his words encouragement and comfort that we heard in our reading today. By his example, how he lived his life and shared God’s word, Paul was a mentor to the people then and continues to be now.
I hope everyone here has, or has had, a mentor in their lives --- someone whom you respect who not only supports you, expands your horizons, listens to your concerns and discerns some life’s choices with you, but also someone who challenges you to be the best spiritual person you could be. They have recognized your gifts and encouraged you to use them for others.
Our readings today, and the example of St. Rose, may be challenging us to not only thank those mentors in our life, even if they are no longer with us, but also be conscious of how we mentor and inspire others by the lives we lead. A word of affirmation, a listening ear, a caring phone call, or some form of reaching out to someone in need, may be just what God is calling us to this day.
