By Cathy Mackey
St. Mary’s Academy principal
Life can be so hard sometimes, can’t it? At times, we can be shaken to the core by what we see in the media, what we experience in our personal lives, and by the injustices, big and small, that occur daily. It can get overwhelming, depressing, and incredibly hopeless. So often, we are left wondering: How do we go on?
I am forever inspired by Pope Leo, Bishop Lucia, and Father Greg Boyle. I think they all, in their own ways, have the weight of the world on their shoulders! So many enormous responsibilities, so many incredible challenges, and yet, they persevere. They do not give up! They said yes to their call, not only to the priesthood, but to each and every additional role and responsibility that God has asked of them. How? How do they have such fortitude, forbearance, resiliency, faith, hope and … joy? And how did the saints, who endured so many hardships and atrocities? How did they do it?
Pope Leo was recently asked which book would help us to best understand who he is as a person. He immediately responded with, The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence. Upon hearing this, I got the book and read it. The premise of the book is about submitting to God’s will. I was then at Mass this past weekend and Father Clemente said, “If you think you can fight God and win, you are so wrong. God will always win, as He is the designer, the engineer, that One who has created.”
So, where do we stand? Do we fight the will of God, constantly arguing with Him, struggling to trust, demanding immediate answers? Or do we remain in Him with faith and trust, holding our hands out to the One who controls the waters? Do we take the weight of the world off our shoulders, the worries, responsibilities, concerns, fears, and put it on the One who can handle it all? “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you”- 1 Peter 5:7. Pope John XXII used to say every night before bed, “It’s your Church, Lord. I am going to bed.” Such trust and resignation! He knew that ultimately, God’s will be done, and that he was his humble servant, serving as God called him to do. That knowledge, trust, understanding, and faith brought him peace, as I believe it does for Pope Leo, Bishop Lucia, Father Greg, and so many more great leaders in our Church.
Allow God to remain in you. Allow Him to surpass your understanding. Release the control, hold steadfast to the knowledge that with Him in you, you cannot falter; you have nothing to fear. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”- Joshua 1:9. Allow Him to remain in you and you in Him. Peace be with you.
Cathy Mackey is the principal of St. Mary’s Academy, and has dedicated her career to nurturing the next generation of the faithful — a mission made even more personal by the fact that her own grandchildren now walk its halls! Before leading the Academy, she served as the director of faith formation for both St. Mary’s and St. Augustine’s, as well as St. John the Baptist/Holy Trinity, and previously taught theology at Bishop Grimes.
An experienced pilgrim, she has journeyed to sacred sites worldwide, including walking the Camino de Santiago and recently visiting Fatima. Among her most cherished memories are two close encounters with Pope Francis, during which the Holy Father reached out to touch her son’s hand — a powerful moment of grace that continues to inspire her ministry.
