On Friday we celebrated the Feast of St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, whose life of faith, compassion, and courage continues to inspire. Yesterday’s Gospel (Luke 12:32–48), Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid, little flock… be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.” Mary lived this every day! At Mass on Friday students from St Joseph’s Primary School reminded us of her challenge: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

 

Last Wednesday night at dinner I had the privilege of meeting three remarkable Sisters of Mercy. Unlike Mary, who founded the Sisters of St Joseph, these women belong to a different Catholic religious order with its own unique charism. Their combined decades of service to education, health care, and community reflected the same mission Mary embraced, seeing a need and responding with faith-filled action. They have met people in need with mercy, dignity, and love and I felt blessed to spend time with such courageous and inspiring women.

 

This week, I also paused to remember Jim Lovell, who recently passed away. Ironically not long after I had rewatched the film Apollo 13. Known for his leadership during the Apollo 13 mission, Lovell faced a life-or-death crisis in space with calm resolve. His steady presence and problem solving spirit remind us that preparedness is more than just technical skill, it’s about inner character, courage, and the trust to work alongside others.

 

Reflecting on the lives of Mary MacKillop, the Sisters of Mercy and Jim Lovell I am reminded that true readiness is shown in faith, courage, and compassion when life calls. As Mary urged, “Be faithful in the least as well as in the greatest.” And as the Apollo 13 crew calmly announced, “Houston, we’ve had a problem,” we never know when those moments will come. Whether on a public stage, in quiet daily acts of service, in supporting a friend, or when making significant life decisions. Sunday’s Gospel calls us to this same preparedness “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.” If we live prepared in heart and spirit, we will be ready to meet them with grace. As we honour St Mary MacKillop, may her example inspire us to keep our lamps burning brightly in faith and trust in God’s plan.