Bernardus

Mary asked that no reflections be given about her and, honoring her wishes,
there is only the homily given by Sr.Della who got a few "things" in!

We have gathered here to say farewell, job well done Mary. I heard her say many times "if you find me on the floor just step over me and keep on going". She always thought her death would be caused by a heart attack or stroke and wanted to be sure that nothing would be done to save her life. Lucky, I’m sure, for all of you who care so beautifully for us, because we know that nurses are not the best and most patient of patients. Mary’s other wish is that no words would be said about her. I’ve made a stab at honoring this request here tonight; however, you might insert Mary’s name yourself into my reflections on the readings we have just heard. Tomorrow morning we will have an opportunity to share the wealth of our remembrances for this friend of ours.

In the readings that we have just heard we find a prophet sent to his people. Just a few verses later Jeremiah is told to speak up and tell the truth. We saw the Apostles lit up with the power of the Spirit of Pentecost, speaking to all in their own tongues. They took the truth of their beliefs and shared it with all who would listen with the same fire that Jeremiah felt at his calling. Finally we see the signs that Jesus sent to John the Baptist – the healing of people who were the outcasts of the society of that time.

Over many years I have met, listened to, been associated with, lived with, learned from, laughed and sorrowed with many strong and great women across three different continents. Some of whom are in this chapel and others that, I hope, are hovering around us.

These women took the challenge to go to places other than their own comfort zones to live with and minister to others, often times many thousands of miles away from their own homes. I haven’t ever heard of that Pentecost miracle of tongues being repeated. These women overcame the difficulties of communicating and assimilating into different cultures by participating in and learning from those they now lived among and became richer for the experience. That doesn’t mean that they forgot the need to speak their truth, share their expertise in educating, healing and organizing perhaps at a different tempo, however.

Because of the faith, love and care that women over the years have manifested in sometimes very far-off places they have been able to inspire others to share their own talents and generosity, their creativity and inventiveness. Because of these women the blind now see, the lame are provided with the means to be mobile, the sick have medical attention, the poor are treated with compassion and dignity and prisoners of their own prejudices and selfishness have been inspired to great heights of volunteerism.

Not everyone is called to far-off countries or to leave their own culture but I truly believe that each of us is called to leave our comfort zone, to use our talents and inventiveness to heal, inspire and cause change, as we have seen by example right here in Los Gatos. A person, who is straight forward, speaks her truth with humor and courage, who continues to use her talents in generous service, is a woman most loved and valued. Mary, you will be greatly missed by all of us.