As I was reading the Gospel I felt a sense of joy because it states that whoever obeys and teaches the commandments will be called the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is speaking about all of us. If we follow the commandments and teach others to do so we will be exalted in Heaven; isn’t that a beautiful thing to look forward to? It makes us think, especially during this time of Lent - how am I living my life, what can I change? Will I be able to be called one of the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?This Gospel also reminds me of Edmund Rice and what he did for the poor children in Ireland. He took them in when no one else cared, he educated and clothed them; he elevated them to a better place. He would wait outside of school and shake the children’s hands when they entered making these children feel special; inspiring them be better people. Edmund Rice taught the children how to honor one another; to love. What is one of the greatest commandments – to love your neighbor as yourself. Edmund Rice would go out to the prisons and visit so that the prisoners knew there was someone who cared. He bought the freedom of a slave years before the Emancipation Proclamation. And this slave, Black Johnny as he was called, repaid Edmund by leaving his property to the Presentation Sisters who took him in. Edmund accepted and loved everyone, and at times I’m sure it wasn’t easy.So what do we do? What do we do as members of the Iona community? Do we teach students justice; do we teach them to accept one another; do we teach them to be ethical? Do we nurture them mind, body and spirit? Do we elevate our students when they’re down; do we reach out to those who need our help? Are WE accepting of one another? During this time of Lent, are we thinking about who we are?What do we do as members of society and for our families? Do we follow the commandments by Honoring our Father and Mother? Do we keep Holy the Lord’s Day? Do we reach out to the elderly? Are we there just to lend an ear or a helping hand?All we need to do is to look toward Jesus for the assistance we need in areas where we may be lacking; to pray for forgiveness and ask how can we obey and teach His commandments because one day I’m sure we all would like to be called the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. - Felicia Colangelo
