Recognizing A Saint

Today I met a real live saint. Her name is Ruth Patterson, Reverend Ruth Patterson to be specific, a peacemaker from Ireland.  She addressed a group of some 500 listeners on the process of peacemaking which she boiled down to acts of mercy and forgiveness. The talk itself was brilliant and most articulate and concluded a question and answer session. And that is where I met her.

Being from Boston I asked her what her experience in Belfast could say that would help those of us who are hurting, angry and scared. What we experienced was just that one day and the week of occupation that followed. But this woman who for over 30 years experienced that kind of violence and pain and fear on a daily basis said this:

"To answer you I would have to take off my shoes. Because this is sacred ground." She went on to talk about how all of those feelings, as well as the guilt and confusion, and anger were all present and were very real - and she would not dare take them away.  Still we are called to a response of mercy. She said she was so sorry for what we have just experienced. And then... And then she asked to be forgiven for presuming to know anything that might help. And that is how you know you are in the presence of a saint. When you approach them for a bit of their wisdom, they simply kneel before you and start washing your feet!