Borrowed Graciousness

“You are living on the graciousness of other people.” ~ Sr. Cyril Mooney

Last night I attended a talk by Sr. Cyril Mooney at my parish. Sr. Cyril lives in Calcutta, India, where she is working in a school with 1,500 female students, half of which are so poor that they cannot afford anything. She shared her story of the many innovative programs that the Loreto Day School has. I had heard her speak some time ago and it was more or less the same speech but I was glad to hear it again. We have so much to learn in this world about how most of its inhabitants live.

She said the above quote in describing how the rich girls at the school live off the graciousness of their parents—none of the students pay for schooling. Rich parents pay or the cost is absorbed for the poor students. Sr. Cyril transforms girls into compassionate human beings with her love and energy. She expects much in return from these children though and it appears is not disappointed because the girls do turn to service with a caring heart.

I think though that the quote is true for all of us. We all live off the graciousness of others. Last night I sent a text to a colleague asking if she wanted a ride today. She has been through a rough time lately and I was basically driving past her house this morning on the way to our staff meeting. She called me this morning without having opened her cellular phone, asking for a ride. Check your phone, I said. You will see that I am happy to do so.

I have gracious people in my life who go above and beyond normal niceness. I am a recipient of graciousness often. I try to do random acts of kindness and graciousness so as to pay it forward. I have been so busy lately though that I am not sure I can remember beyond that phone call a time of doing that recently. I need to slow down and reach out to those in need.

The photo was taken in Congo from my hotel room. There was a workshop going on for survivors of sexual abuse in the same hotel where I was staying. I stood at my window for a moment and saw this woman take some private moments with her baby. There was such tenderness in their exchange. I felt privileged to watch, and yet, at the same time, I could not help but wonder if this child was born from a rape, which is common in the area. If that was true, the mother’s actions never showed for a moment anything but love for her child. That would be ultimate graciousness, I think.

When was the last time you were gracious or had an act of graciousness bestowed upon you?

Peace,

Suzanne