Brothers and sisters: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
This weekend, Pat Macy, our former Social Justice Director, will be honored by the Diocese of Austin with the Martin Luther King award, and our second reading from this weekend is a perfect reflection of not only Pat Macy and her work, but also how we can live out our gifts.
In the Diocese of Austin’s write-up, they share: “Pat Macy truly epitomizes the ideals of what it means to dedicate one’s life to the promotion of social justice and the dignity of every human life, combined with a strong sense of obligation to the civic community, one’s parish community and family life.” I want to take this opportunity to break down Paul’s words and share the many gifts that Pat has shared with us.
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another, the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit. Being able to work with Pat opened a whole new level of wisdom and knowledge for me, and I am sure many of you feel the same. Pat’s ability to see and live the Catholic faith, and also be realistic about what goes on in the world, is second to none. From my eyes, watching Pat interact with all different types of people, no matter what their situation, treating them as Jesus would display the wisdom and knowledge that I will never forget. In a way, it shined a light and gave me permission to see deeper into the person or situation. If we look at the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching, Pat’s ability to live the principles, and see and meet the person where they were at in that moment, while staying within the Church's teachings, was so freeing to see. It was not about following the faith’s laws and rules to the letter, but more about the human dignity of the person and really seeing them. That is not wisdom and knowledge you can learn from a book, but something a person like Pat can teach you.
To another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit; I joined St. Austin’s in the summer of 2018 and I was excited to work with Pat and infuse Social Justice within the faith formation ministry. Social Justice is very important to me, and something I try to weave into my life and the lives of those around me, wherever I am. Since it was summer, and things were calm, I was invited to see how Thursday Outreach was done and let me tell you, God, the Holy Spirit, and all the Angels and Saints filled Hecker Hall each week. As the months passed, I learned that it wasn’t just about Pat’s Thursday Outreach team, but more about the people who walked, drove, or rode on a bus for an hour to get to St. Austin’s and humbly ask for help. Each week, the Outreach team and the people they helped became a Small Christian Community. Yes, many were new each week, but there were some regulars who just needed the AC or heat, a cup of hot coffee or tea, water, and a donut or two; and Pat showed us all how to welcome each individual, no matter what their need. We know that the help they received was a gift, but more importantly, was the gift they gave us each week. Once each person was received with a handshake and smile, Pat or one of the team members, asked for a volunteer from the group just received to open us with prayer. And each week, sharing the same faith and trust in God, those words the Spirit had flowing from that person, brought so much healing that it changed us, or maybe just me, from within.
To another, mighty deeds; Thursday Outreach is a large focal point for Social Justice at St. Austin’s, and while Pat no longer leads it, she continues to extend her gifts/deeds to each Social Justice Outlet within Central Austin and surrounding areas. For me, one of the mightiest deeds was to witness Pat and Lynn Hayden work together for interfaith unity. Typically, I have seen most Catholics shy away from approaching the topic of working with the Jewish, Muslim, or other Christian faiths. Seeing their work with Hillel and showing us the night of Kristallnacht, was a powerful reminder of the good God calls us to do. The same applies to their ability to lead an interfaith dialogue with the Muslim community on campus, and break bread together during Ramadan. It takes courageous people or groups, like Pat, Lynn, and the Paulist Fathers, to lead us into those waters and feel the Spirit surround us all.
To another, prophecy; to another, discernment of spirits; If you’ve ever heard Pat’s story about when she realized there was racism in this world, the words prophecy and discernment might come to mind. As Paul stated, we are all given the same spiritual gifts, and we are all able to use those gifts in one way or another. While we may think of certain people, e.g. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, as being prophets, it does not change the intent that God put on each of our hearts. Jeremiah states: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you” God knew the work that Pat would do. He knew how to set the path before her and, just like He did with the prophets, He knew how to guide her to change the World.
To another, varieties of tongues; to another, interpretation of tongues; Pat, her husband Steve, Fr. Bruce, and many other parishioners, have been down to the Border to help those in need. While those at the Border native tongue may be Spanish, you do not need a translator for love. The priority for them is that of the human person and their dignity. Whether it’s Fr. Bruce bringing out Martin at the bus stop, or Pat and Steve serving meals or distributing clothing, it doesn't matter who they are helping, or if they understand what each other is saying, they are living the variety and interpretation of tongues. It doesn’t matter what we have or don’t have to give. It only matters that we give, and Pat shows us how to give to the fullest.
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes. And while we all have these gifts in us, it’s people like Pat Macy who are role models for the rest of us on how to use each of the spiritual gifts God gives us at birth.
Pat, I thank God each day that He placed me in your path, and I know many who feel the same way. I know you are too humble to accept congratulations for doing as God instructs us all to do, but congratulations, and thank you for being that role model to us all. I cannot think of a more deserving person to receive this award. May you continue to bless those you meet, and may the work that you have shared with so many, continue to be spread. As Fr. Bruce likes to say AMEN!
Jan
19
Topic: Parenting Series #2 6:00 PM
Setting loving boundaries with Parishioner and former Pastoral Council president Kelly Bodu Tarrant
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
In the second installment of the three-part parenting series Setting Loving Boundaries, Kelly Bodu, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, will continue the discussion on the importance of living with healthy boundaries.
In this second part, the conversation will continue on the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with children. As parents, it's not always easy to clearly define where you end and your child begins. This threshold can be even more difficult to define when kids do what kids are wired to do, push boundaries! And sometimes as parents, we cross boundaries in order to fix things for our children. One of the most important jobs that as parents are to stay loving and separate from our children. In this installment, we will explore what healthy boundaries between parents and children look like, help to define our role as parents, and will conclude with practical strategies on establishing (or re-establishing) boundaries with your children in order to promote a healthy sense of well-being.
If you have any questions you want covered in the presentation, please email Kelly at kbodu@staustinschool.org, and don't forget to RSVP above. The session will be recorded and sent out to the community for anyone who would like to view it after or re-watch.