“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”(LK 12:15) “Vanity of vanities.”(Ecclesiastes 1:2) Nearly forty years ago, I took my aunt and great aunt (both nuns) to New Melleray Abbey for prayer with the monks and dinner in the guest refectory. After finishing the evening meal I went to the kitchen and inquired as to who was head cook, hoping to express my gratitude. Out of the kitchen comes a relatively small monk who introduced himself as Brother Bernard. I thanked him for the delicious meal prepared and the hospitality. He grinned, softly saying “thank you, ”and humbly explained: “Not too long ago I was the bee keeper for the monastery and previous to that, outdoor work. Earlier this year the Abbot asked me to take over duties as Head cook in the kitchen, preparing the meals for the monks and guests. I had no previous experience of such work, but I try my best,” (modestly taking little credit). He wasn’t so much obedient, but humbly content with what little he had and what possibly he could share with others. For each of us, struggling with some degree of greed regardless of what we possess or desire to possess, the path of certain saints can encourage us to accept the ‘grace’ necessary to see our possessions as opportunities to share and help others. St. Elizabeth of Hungary was born into wealth, privilege and royalty.
She had an ‘unusual’ presence of faith as a young lady, allowing her to recognize the plight of the poor with judgment, and humbly sharing much of her inheritance and privileged possessions. She was criticized by her family and leaders of the country, but her faith provided the personal peace to continue her efforts while living a sincere, modest lifestyle. She focused not on her own privileged lifestyle, but on the dignity of those without. At the time England remained a predominantly Catholic country, guided by King Henry VIII, St. Thomas More was the Lord Chancellor. St. Thomas accrued a considerable amount of power, of wealth, of stature without losing his Catholic faith. With no remorse or hesitation he was stripped of all such privilege, possessions and rank when he refused to acknowledge the King’s request for a divorce, and the establishment of the Church of England. He acted on the integrity of his Catholic faith despite the fear of losing everything with his impending sentence of death. His brilliance guided him to achieve power and wealth; his integrity of faith guided him toward inner peace as he let go of all his external rewards in the face of death. With a special interest in Native American culture and spirituality, I have always appreciated the example of St. Katharine Drexel.
Born into privilege and wealth in Philadelphia, Katherine’s family considered their Catholic faith part of their heritage. Traveling out west in her twenties she received a ‘calling ’if you will to serve the Native Americans who were struggling to find meaning and support on the reservations. Inheriting her share of nearly ten million dollars she used most of the money to provide for the common good of the Native Americans and the impoverished blacks. (Always at outright resistance of her family and friends). By the time of her death in 1955 St. Katharine Drexel established numerous schools and hospitals for the care of the tribes on reservations, and too for the blacks. Others followed in her footsteps, thus creating an order, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. By no means was she perfect ,at times harsh and short with others, but always seeking God’s grace to share what she could for others who didn’t have the same privilege of faith. We each have the privilege of faith which is our door to God’s grace, providing the inner peace as we accept the sacrifice and generosity of sharing out of our need with those who struggle to find hope in their lives. God Bless, Fr. Tm “Vanity costs money, labor, horses, men, women, health and peace, and is still nothing at last,--along way leading nowhere.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)