Feat of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Readings:
1 Kings 17:8-16
Colossians 3:12-17
Matthew 6:25-34
Reflection:
As I reflect on the life of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first officially recognised saint, I am struck by the depth of her faith, her practical spirit, and her profound compassion. Her life speaks powerfully of a woman who stood with those who had little and who often felt unseen or unheard.
In the second reading, one of my favourites from Paul, we are invited to live as God’s chosen people: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love.”
These words resonate deeply when I think of Mary MacKillop, a woman whose life revealed the importance of seeing, hearing, and responding to the needs of the poor. Her example reminds us that our call is not simply to recognise suffering, but to act with practical compassion. As Jesus shows us, we do not do this alone; we are supported and strengthened by the people God places around us.
Mary MacKillop was tireless in her support for her sisters and in her commitment to educating and serving the poor. She challenged Church officials not with anger, but with a heart grounded in faith and a deep conviction in her calling. She did not retreat when powerful voices tried to silence her. Instead, she drew on compassion, kindness, and humility, trusting that the path she had begun was the path God had called her to walk.
In this, we see the power of the cross at work. We are called to kneel before God and submit to his call, while also standing courageously in the face of whatever challenges come. Even in moments of doubt, we are reminded that Jesus is with us. He gives us the words we need, opens our eyes to the task before us, and holds us in moments of loss and uncertainty. Through compassion, kindness, and mercy, we are invited to help release others from their burdens and restore their sense of worth and dignity.
These quiet miracles were seen and experienced through Mary MacKillop and the kindness, mercy, and compassion of her sisters. Theirs was a practical faith, lived with honesty and courage. Through their service, people were lifted, accompanied, and reminded of their dignity. Their work was grounded in a down-to-earth faith and in the conviction that God lives in every person. They served not the powerful, but the poor, the lost, the lonely, and the frightened, helping them discover that God was truly with them.
“Do not be afraid. Love one another and bear with one another and let love guide you in all your life” Mary MacKillop,1909
Paul Traynor is married to Clare and has two children Sam and Lucy. He lives in Greytown which is in the Wairarapa Region on the North Island of New Zealand. Paul is currently working as the National Passionist Family Groups Coordinator for Aotearoa, New Zealand.