Reflection on the Suscipe

“My God, I am yours for time and eternity.”       Catherine McAuley 

What grew out of Catherine’s rootedness in God was wisdom — a wisdom which gave her a knowledge and an understanding of the God to whom she gave her all and a knowledge and understanding of the poor.  Where are my sources of knowledge and understanding of God?

 

 

 

“Teach me to cast myself entirely into the arms of your loving providence with the most lively unlimited confidence in your compassionate tender pity.” Catherine McAuley

 

 

God’s tenderness and compassion lived in Catherine and poured forth from her. We are invited to make an inner journey in the company of Catherine to find the treasure within.

 

“Grant me, o most merciful Redeemer, that whatever you ordain or permit may be acceptable to me.” Catherine McAuley

We read in the Mercy Calendar for 5th November: “The garment that Catherine wore, that she handed on to us, is the mantle of justice.” Sheila Carney rsm

 

The springboard for all Catherine’s merciful ministry was: “What Jesus said and did …”.

“Take from my heart all painful anxiety; suffer nothing to sadden me but sin, nothing to delight me but the hope of coming to the possession of you, my God and my all, in your everlasting kingdom.” Catherine McAuley

 

Catherine’s heart was one that loved, grieved and cared; that owned and acknowledged openly her shortcomings; that trusted in the capabilities of others and enabled them to exercise them; a heart full of fun, laughter and wit, that radiated joy wherever she went. How am I sharing my mercy commitment?