Sister JoAnn Persch and Sister Pat Murphy are members of the Sisters of Mercy. For the past 40 years they have had a ministry of persistence. There motto is, “We do things peacefully and respectfully. But we never take no for an answer.” These sisters have allowed their lives to be inconvenienced by the concerns of others, especially immigrants. For 12 years they set up a sacred space in the library at the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock for detainees.

They cooperate with ICE officials and, with immigration attorneys, seek justice together. One of their former clients now works for an airline at O’Hare airport. Sister JoAnn spoke in an interview about how at first, the correctional officers were suspicious of them. They would patrol the jail library, walking around the edges of the room keeping an eye on them. Once the officers became accustomed to their homemade cookies and the wrapped candy canes that they would bring around the holidays, they eased up on them. And sometimes, the ICE agents would pray with the sisters who are now 90 and 95. The story of Sister JoAnn and Sister Pat challenges each of us to answer the question, what inspires and motivates you in faith?

Today, we hear three inspiring stories of people with limited resources or skills who persevere in their tasks. One is from the battlefield, the second from the Church, and the third from the courtroom. Each story signifies persistent faith even when it is inconvenient. In these times of division, with the injustice we are seeing, along with the polarization in our country, and even in the Church, how do we remain persistent in faith and hope?

One way is to stay rooted in prayer and in community. Isolation breeds despair, but shared faith restores perspective. Staying connected to God and to others who share your values helps you remember that you’re not alone in your longing for justice and peace.

Another important thing to do is live hope through action! Persistence in faith and hope are not passive; they grow when we embody them. Even small acts of kindness, compassion, service or advocacy are ways of declaring that light is stronger than darkness. Listening across divides, showing empathy to someone who disagrees with you, or welcoming a stranger are powerful acts of hope.

There is great fear and pain in many of our communities today for a variety of reasons. I encourage all to remember that faith and hope aren’t about ignoring pain; they are about believing that love, truth, and justice still have power. May sharing in Eucharist help us to stay persistent in living as though that’s true.

Have a blest and safe week ahead.

With you a Christian. For you, a priest.

Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish