Who exactly is St Dymphna? You may have heard the name. When I served at St James church in Tupelo, I had some parishioners who were devoted to St Dymphna, particularly because of her role as patron saint of those suffering from mental and nervous system illnesses. Dymphna lived in 7th century Ireland, born to a devout Christian mother and a pagan father. Her mother died when she was a young teenager. Her dad was suffered mental illness. In his delusion, he desired to marry his daughter. She fled to Europe, to current day Belgium, in the town of Geel, where she founded a hospital to help the poor. Her father found out where she was hiding, killing her in a fit of rage. There is a large church in Geel built in her honor. There have been many healings and miracles attributed to her. Dymphna is a popular saint to this day.
In our reading from Acts today, we hear about Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, about how he is instructing the priests and Church leaders before he moves on in his missionary travels. Paul tells them to take care of their flock, and to beware of the wolves that will come and try to rip them down.
It is not easy being in a Christian community, is it? We are all human, and we all have our strengths and our flaws as well. In community, we have a lot of different personalities, and it is easy to get on one another’s nerves. Paul certainly had has own strengths and weaknesses, and from time to time we hear about the arguments, disputes, and disagreements that he has with the other disciples and with those to whom he ministers. Yet, Paul tries to leave the people of Ephesus a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and love. He tries to encourage them as he leaves them.
May we feel encouragement in the stories we hear about the early Church. May the intercession of the saints lead us and guide us on our journey of faith.
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