Another concern I had was that the readings for today didn’t seem to be appropriate for joyful celebration. Malachi’s “I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse,” (Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10) and Matthew’s “They preach what they do not practice,” (Matt 23:1-12) didn’t seem to lend themselves to what this day was all about. But in Scripture reading as with most of life, we find what we look for.  The positive in the readings was there when I looked for it. 

Malachi said, “IF you do not lay (what I say) to heart…I will send a curse.” And Matthew was really saying, “Practice what you preach.” And as I thought of each of you five, I knew without a doubt that you had taken God’s commandments to heart and that the readings did fit.

Sister Mary Charlotte, when I first knew you, you were mentoring our young sisters to be teachers—and they loved you. Later, you were assistant superintendent of the Evansville Catholic Schools and editor of Mine Magazine—a national religious education piece that was a wonderfully effective instrument for proclaiming the good news of God’s love to primary school children.  You continued in religious education at an army base in Alabama long after most of us would have packed it in and come home. Today, you continue to proclaim the good news by patient acceptance of your physical disabilities and by your almost incessant prayer.  Your seventy-five years of monastic commitment are a wonderful example of keeping the covenant Malachi speaks of in the first reading.

Sister Martha Marie, the deep love you had for your students is evident today by the number of them — after 40-50-and 60 plus years — who are still in touch with you. They tell you what a great teacher you were and that you made a real difference in their lives. By your continued connections with your former pupils you are a reminder to them of what you taught them and are an encouragement to them in their journey through life.

Martha Marie, you can say with St. Paul in the second reading, “We were determined to share…not only the good news of God’s love, but our very selves as well” (1Thess 2:7b-9, 13).  And this for seventy years.

Sister Joanna, your early ministry with special needs children and your many years with disadvantaged women have brought untold blessings and improved quality of life among God’s poor.  You modeled what St. Paul says, “Gentle as a nursing mother who cares for her children.” 

And after being called home following your many years of living on mission, you immediately involved yourself wherever needed—your ministry in hospitality as switchboard operator fits you well.

Sister Lorraine, your long ministry in education as teacher and principal were fulfilling years for you but I was reminded that it wasn’t all fun and games in the second reading—“You recall our toil and drudgery… working night and day…to proclaim the Gospel of God’s love.”  To really teach is to give one’s whole self—you modeled that.  Your current ministry here at home as purchaser and switchboard operator, as well as all you do to help make our house a home exemplifies your continued commitment.

Sister Mary Dominic, whom I like to call our “resident dreamer”, continues to dream.  Ask her to share her dreams with you and she will go into great detail.  Dominic, your dream as Academy principal to continue improving the fine school you inherited from Sister Mary Esther was what kept you working at it for twenty-six years. Probably one of the saddest events of your life was the closing of the Academy.  Dominic, you’ve always striven for and achieved top quality — whether it be in education or your current ministry as archivist. And thank goodness you haven’t stopped dreaming.

As we continue our celebration with these five women, using the Scripture readings for today, let’s be aware of what they are teaching us in their life journeys-- (From Malachi) They listen, they give glory to God by their lives, they live the covenant they made so many years ago,  they keep the faith. 

From Paul—they share the gospel and themselves, they give thanks to God for their many blessings, and they continue to let the word of God work in them.

And lastly, from Matthew—In spite of their many accomplishments—individually and collectively—these women walk humbly with God. 

In the Rule of St. Benedict, the eighth degree of humility reads in part, “Do nothing except what the example of the seniors direct.”  You five have been transformed into the women you are today— true examples for us—by the many years of living the monastic commitment you are about to renew.

In the five of you, each of US can find models of what we hope we are-- or hope to become—God-loving disciples--faithful to what we’ve promised--true teachers who practice what we preach—humble--and above all grateful for God’s goodness to us.

And each of YOU can say with today’s responsorial Psalm—“In you God I have found my peace.”