Tuesday 8th of August
Mary of the Cross Mackillop
“Do not worry about tomorrow: your holy Father knows your needs.”
Matthew 6: 25-34
Mary of the Cross Mackillop famously said, “Never see a need without doing something about it.” Mother Mary was very pragmatic, which led to her being our country’s first saint. She founded the Sisters of St Joseph, who started many schools and also worked in many hospitals.
Why are we reflecting then on the reading, “Do not worry about tomorrow”, when Mother Mary did so many things herself with the help of her followers? Mother Mary had great trust in God and overcame many obstacles. She faced the ordinary problems of helping people with their health and education, but she also faced great persecution in the church. A bishop even excommunicated her for a short time because she was faithful to the vision that she had for her order. After the bishop lifted the excommunication, Mary travelled to Rome to have the “Rule of Life” of the Sisters of St Joseph officially approved by the Pope. Mary knew more than almost anyone that our holy Father knows our needs. She trusted God and we can see the fruits of her faith still today. Mother Mary, please help us to follow your example of trust and of putting our faith into practice.