August 28, 2025
Played by Kathleen Mary Long, RSM
As you have heard clearly from dear Sister Mary Veronica,
The journey of faith is deep and mysterious.
It takes hold of the whole capacity of our souls
And raises us – sometimes in darkness –
into the wonder and the light of God.
I am Elizabeth Dowling,
later known as Mother Mary Gertrude.
I was but a novice when we came to Philadelphia in 1861.
I had barely begun to form my “Yes”
to the invitation of God.
“Yes” often begins in us
As the simple inability to say “No.”
How can we see someone hungry, thirsty, naked,
homeless, imprisoned and not help?
But in helping, it is we, not they,
who are transformed.
We begin to see, understand, and love with new eyes.
God’s own Self is revealed
In the wounds we relieve.
In the mystery of mercy,
our life becomes a wholehearted “Yes”
to the “Yes” God is whispering eternally over creation.
It was said of me that my zeal for the work of the Institute
Was rarely equaled and never surpassed,
But underneath that zeal, my deep dream was always
That our every success AND failure
Find meaning in our seamless union with God.
My soul was deep like the midnight sky.
But stars blazed from my depths to lead others to holiness.
With that starlight, I bless each one of you tonight.
Be Mercy in the world.
For Your Reflection:
- What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
- Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ?
- What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings?
Lavish Mercy 
How lovely to receive this reflection of Mary Gertrude and lovely picture of Kathleen Mary! “Oh, what a night!” Thanks for keeping it alive, Renee!
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