How We Live Matters

by Mary Ann Halloran

I’d like to tell you about a friend of mine who died a few years ago. Her life and example touched me deeply. More importantly, how she lived touched and impacted many lives. Her name was Carmen Molina.

Carmen Molina

When I first came to this community in 1976, Carmen was here. She ran an employment office for the poor in a very old building, and she did it all with grace and kindness. Later, she was the leader of the women at our food bank in Juarez, Mexico. The women loved her because she treated them with kindness and dignity. There was mutual respect and love between her and them.

Carmen lived as a humble servant of the Lord. She did not look for fanfare and praise. She was not harsh but rather smiled often, and her fun and joyful spirit attracted children. Besides being a super tia (aunt) to her nieces, nephews, and godchildren, she also taught First Communion to children at her church.

The day before she died, I went to see Carmen. She was unconscious and was so peaceful and quiet. There was no agitation of any sort. I received a note from a friend saying, “It strikes me that she is dying the same way she lived: quietly and in peace.”

At Carmen’s funeral, the main refrain I heard from people of all ages was just how good she was.

It has caused me to meditate on how we “reap what we sow.” Like the Scriptures say:

“As I see it, those who plow mischief and sow trouble, reap the same.” Job 4:8

OR

“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest.” Galatians 6:9

Today, I was struck by a lesson we all know: We are not here on earth for very long. How we live matters! I hope I treat others with kindness and respect.

When she died, I could just hear Jesus saying to Carmen, “Welcome home, good and faithful servant.”

God bless you,

Mary Ann / Mother Hen