Following is a portion of the homily given by Sr. Kathyrn Keenan, SNDdeN at a Mass for Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur celebrating their jubilees:
I would imagine that we can all recall moments in life when we experienced either being merciful or receiving the mercy of another for our own failings.
Is this not the holy ground of our lives?
I also imagine that each of us has been touched by times of mourning in our lives, and we have been present to others in their mourning.
Is this not the holy ground of our lives?
Some of us have made efforts as peacemakers, or we may have been inspired by the peacemaking efforts of others.
Is this not the holy ground of our lives?
Some of us have led the hunger and thirst for justice and advocated for justice on behalf of the poor and the voiceless.
Is this not the holy ground of our lives?
Some of us respond to life with meekness–not weakness–but meekness: enduring injury with patience and tenderheartedness, and we are inspired to do the same.
Is this not the holy ground of our lives?
Some of us offer the world a presence that is pure of heart, and some inspire that in others.
Is this not the holy ground of our lives?