Words of Wisdom Hold True

July 30, 2025

I was recently reminiscing on a visit I had with two very dear and faithful friends of Mercy Home. A few years ago, I was able to stop by their home for a visit on the way home from an event at our girls’ campus. They are a very dedicated couple who regularly tune into our TV Mass and support our Home. As we talked, they mentioned that they wake up every morning at 4 a.m. to pray—for the needs of our world and for the young people at Mercy Home. I am so grateful for them. 

Given their dedication to Mercy Home and devotion to the Lord, I asked for their advice. I said, “Given your years of experience, commitment to one another for over 60 years, and deep faith, what should I tell the boys and girls at Mercy about how to live their lives?” Their answer came without hesitation.  

“Father, tell the children they should always be kind to each other. It’s not difficult to be kind and it costs nothing. Tell them they need to know the meaning of the word forgiveness. We must forgive or we become stuck and embittered. And lastly, remind them that God is with them in every moment of their lives. He loves them and is with them in both the difficult and wonderful moments of life.” 

…Remind them that God is with them in every moment of their lives. He loves them and is with them in both the difficult and wonderful moments of life.

A supporter of our Home

My visit with that couple was a real gift, both to me and to the young people of Mercy Home. And even years later, their words of wisdom hold true. Be kind, always forgive, and remember that God loves us and is always with us. 

In the Gospel this month, we are told that we do not know the time or the hour when the Master will come for us. We are to be ready at all times to meet and greet the Lord of life. The Son of Man will come at a time we do not expect, so how is it that we might always be ready? Perhaps part of it is following the simple and sage advice of my friends: Be kind, always forgive, and remember that God loves us and is always with us. 

We are to be ready at all times to meet and greet the Lord of life.

As we come together to celebrate the Eucharist this month, let us offer a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to our God who is always with us. Let us be mindful of our needs, the needs of our world, and the needs of Mercy Home’s children.  

May we hold fast to the simple advice given to me for our young people and always strive to be kind, forgiving, and grateful for the presence of God in our lives. We never have to worry—instead, we can rejoice when the Master, the Son of God, calls us to himself.