Counting Our Blessings

This last day of the year is usually full of "Best Memories" of the year: news stories, people, deaths of celebrities, as well as hopes  and predictions for the New Year.  Not a bad idea to look back in our own lives to count the blessings we have received...even to remember them, for they tend to fade unless we work at calling them to mind...and to give thanks for them.  Our prayer today could be just that:  a long, and sincere thankyou for all that has brought us to this moment.  As we look ahead, we might fall into the "New Year's Resolution Trap", one that causes more frustration than progress.  But we are creaturs of hope and optimism, so it might be good to set a few goals...manageable ones...as a start.  Diet, exercise, sleep, elusive as they may be, always seem to be on the list.  Perhaps more realistically, we could put prayer as a priority, a state of mind and commitment to be open to God's daily invitation to receive his love and to give love to others in simple and small ways.  This evening's New Years Eve celebration might take on more meaning if we prepare for it during the day by this "looking back", "looking forward" and putting all in God's loving hands.
Happy New Year.
Bro. Rene

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Family Spirit is an essential characteristic of Marist Spirituality and it springs from the model of the Holy Family of Nazareth, a simple, hard-working and religious family, living in the milieu of a poor economy and according to the Law of Moses. Yet, we see that it is not just the immediate family that we as Marists focus on, but the world family.  When Jesus strays from Mary and Joseph and is found three days later in the temple, his reply indicates the larger mission for which he came from his Father to become one of us.  "Why were you looking for me?  Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"  (Lk 2: 49).  His family was more that just Mary and Joseph, but all of us. 
While we relish the time to be with our own families, especially at Christmas, when even when there is not a religious dimension for some to Christmas and the treasure of family becomes sacred, there is a larger picture that must be looked at.  Are our families centered solely centered on themselves, or are families the schools where the faith is learned and put into practice?  Are we teaching our children to be concerned for those who have less, to share their time, their talents, and even their "things" with them?  Do we shy them away from greed and inculcate in them the truth that it is much better to give than to receive?  That justice means compassion and faireness in dealing with others? That is the Marist Family Spirit we herald as one of our hallmarks.  May the Holy Family help us to be true to it.
Bro. Rene

The Crib, the Cross and the Altar

One of St. Marcellin's favorite meditations focused on the crib, the cross and the altar; he frequently advised the young brothers in formation as well as those teaching to place themselves at these three places:  the crib, because of the awesome mystery of the incarnation:  God becoming human to show his love, a joy tempered by the shadow of the cross, where suffering, and even martyrdom, if not a daily dying to self, were foretold;  and the altar which renews the sacrifice of the cross but also feeds us with the nourishment needed along the way.  It can be a powerful meditation, sobering, humbling, challenging.  As we have noted, the Octave of Christmas has its complement of martyrs, St. Stephen, the Holy Innocents and today, St. Thomas Beckett
In the Gospel for today, Simeon rejoices that he has seen "the salvation which you [God] prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the naitons and the glory of your people Israel. (Lk 2:30-32 ) but also warns that this child is "destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, will be a sign that will be contradicted" and that Mary herself will be pierced with a sword of sorrow. (cf. Lk 2:34-35 ).  Indeed, all of this proved to be true and continues to be so in our own day. Our consolation, our strength comes from the final point of our reflection on the cross:  the resurrection.  The martyrs received their crowns, the persecuted have endured, and even the "little trials" have not overcome us.  May our faith be real and gutsy, allowing room for joy and suffering but always fortified with hope and the guarantee of victory.
Bro. Rene

Slaughtering the Innocent

Three days after the joyous birth of Jesus, our Christmas Octave meditation takes us to the murder of the innocent children of Bethlehem and its surroundings ordered by the jealous and paranoid King Herod.  St. Stephen's martyrdom was rattling enough the very day after Christmas, but here is a tale charged with even greater emotion.  The recent slaughter of innocent children in Newtown, Connecticut certainly gives us a taste of what must have been felt in Bethlehem.  Yet, the adult abuse of children, which seems to go on constantly, the use of children as soldiers across the globe, children forced by drug lords to sell drugs or act as couriers, the abandonment of children, not to mention aborting them, and the bullying of children in schools or neighborhoods make us painfully aware that the slaughering of the Innocent is not an isolated event 2000 years ago, but one that is very contemporary, sad to say. Still, the birth of Jesus, the coming of Light into the darkness which cannot comprehend it, assures us that such darkness and evil shall not prevail. The outrage over this evil will lead to action which will reverse it.  Starting with families where the greatest gifts to children can be prayer, love, faith in God and the goal of holiness, that is for each child to be encouraged to be the best possible version of him or herself, a reverse ripple effect will emerge.  Let us begin today by sharing these gifts not only with our children, but with one another.
Bro. Rene

The Word Made Flesh

As we continue our week-long meditation on the Incarnation, the Church presents to us St. John, the Beloved Disciple who in the Prologue to his lofty gospel, presents Jesus to us in the philosphical term of Logos,  the Word, spoken by the Father, loved by the Spirit and one with us in the flesh.  That means he not only had a human body, but experienced all that we go through as humans, save sin.  So he suffered malignment and constant attacks as does one of his popular and sincerest followers, Tim Tebow, who seems to be hated by some for his genuine goodness, thought to be impossible in today's world where mediocrity is held as the norm.  There were no cars to break down, but in the poor economy of 1st century Judea, Jesus knew poverty as does one of my former students in Rwanda whose car totally broke down forcing him to have to buy another (second hand), but in April, for I've taught him to save and not buy on credit, or borrow from others (especially me).  He has to WAIT, as most of us do. No doubt the Holy Family had "to go without" until they could pay in cash or had something to barter.  And Jesus knew death, as does every family.  A dear friend of mine this morning reported the sudden death of his youngest brother, a priest, a age 61...just before he was going to celebrate Holy Mass. Joseph's death was not easy to accept, so close was the Holy Family. 
This is the Jesus we know and love, truly one of us.  Let us not fear to approach him with our big or, what we might consider petty,  problems.  He knows them well.
Bro. Rene

Christmas Continues

In the Church's wisdom, the celebration of Christmas continues as an "octave" that is, 8 days considered as ONE DAY...the Nativity of the Lord....for there are so many dimensions to the Mystery of God Becoming Man and so much joy that the festivities cannot just be confined to one day...Many of us will continue with family gatherings today since we couldn't see everyone yesterday. And wasn't yesterday a grand day? The Mass of the Nativity either at a Vigil celebration on Christmas Eve, or at Midnight, or on Christmas Day itself, the endless family, food and gifts.  What a way to acknowledge and celebrate the human birth of God, an event more awesome and astounding that the whole of this vast seemingly endless universe.  May our hearts continue to be warmed by the love of God, family, neighbors and friends.  May we continue to wear our Christmas smiles and share them with all...even as we attempt to return or exchange misfitted Christmas gifts.  A necessary good sense humor will spring from a heart fired by God's love.  And, in case you need a little boost, here is the link I inteneded to send yesterday, but due again to my technological ineptitude and the expiration of time (this slice of bread must be posted before 9 am) I did not succeed in giving you access to it. Perhaps some have already seen it...it's worth another look to keep the Christmas Spirit in high gear.
Bro. Rene

https://www.centralcatholic.net/podium/default.aspx?t=52562&a=148919&rc=1&bl=%2fpodium%2fpush%2fdefault.aspx%3fs%3d533%26i%3d32143%26snd%3dcee5b28a-f34d-4ede-ad76-839a8a7ad17a

Merry Christmas

May this put you in the Christmas Spirit all day long!
Br. Rene

...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18lHMKU_9xw&feature=youtu.be

On The Threshold of Christmas

One day left, then tomorrow, the joy of the coming of the Lord, for which we have been preparing for these past three weeks.  "Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will perform wonders among you." (Jos 3:5).
Yes, we may have many last minute preparations before the relatives come, or we go to them.  Perhaps ther will be a white Christmas and driving might be a concern.  All kinds of distractions can fill this day.  Yet if we can find a few moments to read the accounts of the birth of Jesus in Matthew and Luke, we will have done something that will help us recall, while we are busy about many things, who and what we are celebrating.
This morning, for example, 200 or more men will gather for prayer and breakfast, a time where the focus is on the birth of Jesus and its on-going imperative in our 21st century.  We need to remind ourselves of God's love and to renew our love for God and neighbor.  We need to restore this holy season of peace in our own hearts, homes, cities, and disturbed world.  We need to remember that alone we can do nothing, but with God nothing is impossible.  With gratitude and confidence, let us enter this holy season of Christmas.
Bro. Rene

Mary The Evangelizer

Again we take a look at Mary's Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth, a visit which stands as one of the foundations of Marist Spirituality.  Mary's faith is evident as she takes the word of the angel Gabriel and set out "in haste" and without Joseph, to be at the side of her cousin.  She brings that faith to Elizabeth and to her unborn John who leaps for joy in his mother's womb, for he is aware, even before his mother, who is visiting:  the unborn Jesus!  In her role as mother, Mary is also the Evangelizer...bringing her Son to others; in this case simply by presence.  Presence...so much a part of St. Marcellin's spirituality...not only the over powering and all-protective presence of God but the presence of God within his soul and in the souls of others.  In bringing Jesus to Elizabeth and John, she brings joy...which should always be the partner of one who teaches, preaches, witnesses.  If we are not conveying joy by our words and actions, we are not evanglizing. 
These days families are gathering for meals, for church, for the exchange of gifts.  There will be hugs and lots of "Merry Christmases"...Let's make it a point to mean what we say and do so that we bring genuine joy to our families and friends, so that we, like Mary, bring Jesus to them.
Bro. Rene

Magnificat Moments

When I began my 30 day retreat with the Ignatian Excersises in September of 1985, my spiritual Director told me that when I could sing the Magnificat as "my own", I could be sure that the graces of the retreat had taken firm footing.  It took perhaps 3 weeks into the retreat before I was able to do it, but for sure, I had reached a "Magnnificat Moment" when my soul was bursting with joy that came from a very close encounter with God's love.  A moment when that love was real and I was assured of God's power and presence and could sing with Mary, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he hs looked upon his lowly servant...the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.  He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.  He has shown the strength of his arm...has lifted up he lowly.  He has filled the hungry with good things..."  (cf. Lk 1: 46-56). I felt that's exactly what was happening in my life at the time.  These moments are rare but occasionally there are repeats and the words of the Magnificat again well up from the soul.  Such was the case yesterday when a graduate, now a senior in college,  came into see me.  As he told me about his own Magnificat Moments, simply, humbly and gently relating his gratitude for his family, his Central education, and the grace to remain true to himself and all he was taught, I was bursting with joy. He epitomized what parents hope for their children.  And this was following our Christmas  Prayer Service which was fraught with fun  while focused on the true meaning of Christmas. What a day!  Advent is drawing to a close and if it "did it's job" has lead us to the Big Magnificat Moment, the birth of Jesus. I pray for all of you that Christmas might be such a moment for you.
Bro. Rene

Mary Visits and So Do We

After receiving the invitation to be the Mother of God and the news of her cousin's amazing pregnancy, Mary set our in haste visit her.  No doubt her excitment was two-fold...over Elizabeth's impending delivery and of her own "surprise" and astounding pregnancy.  She was quick to respond, with a sense of urgency to "be there" with her cousin and share her good news.  This journey in haste has become the theme or the current administration of the Marist Brothers and the subject of an inspiring document from our last General Chapter:  Go in Haste To Another Land.  There is a sense of urgency that the new evangelization must happen now, and that we must be willing to leave our comfortable homes and lives to make it happen.  How fitting as we approach the celebration of Christmas...the beginning of the first evangelization...that we adopt this role as we wish others a Happy New year.  It's up to US to make it happy.
Br. Rene 

Tempting God

When Ahaz, king of Judah was told to ask God for a sign, like most of us, he refused, saying that he would not tempt God. (cf. Is 7:10-14).  We love, signs, we look for them, yet we are hesitant to ask for them.  God, however, is eager to give signs:  "the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel."  Quite a sign, fulfilled in the conception and birth of Jesus.  We have such signs all around us, yet we are blind to them. Our skeptical world even rejects signs, explaining them away either by science, or by psychology:  "mass hysteria," frenzy or panic.  Those who were present at Fatima on October 13, 1917 could not deny what they had seen with their own eyes, but outsiders were ready to dismiss it as mob frenzy.  Such is people's right.  If St. Marcellin, however, had not believed in signs, where would we be?  The Memorare in the Snow...the arrival of 8 candidates for the novitiate when new members had not shown up for awhile.  And today, the Marist World is fraught with signs:  Ambitious plans for CHANGE--the theme of the International Youth Meeting in Rio de Janiero this July, the six new novices in Madagascar, the provincial chapter in the province of Brazil Centro-Norte which included 5 lay Marists for the first time; and the courage of the brothers in Aleppo are a few examples.  God gives us signs all the time.  He wants us to ask for them.  He's not insulted if we do, but is if we don't!
Bro. Rene

Come, Lord Jesus

The plea and mantra of Advent is the short prayer, Come, Lord Jesus.  We say it so often that we become numb to its centrality to Advent's purpose.  Like the Hebrews since the time of the Babylonian Exile, the collective longing for the coming of the Messiah, the Savior, has been vocalized from generation to generation in many forms, but the ancient Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus, is perhaps the most poignant and succinct.  It requires no effort to be remembered, and can be repeated as a personal prayer, whispered, shouted, or internalized.  It is a prayer that gathers scattered people, and our scattered thoughts, and brings them into unity.  When besieged by the distractions of Christmas preparations and more recently, of the Newtown tragedy or the "fiscal cliff" debates, by praying this simple refrain, we can refocus our minds on Jesus and the events surrounding his first coming, his many comings into our hearts in our personal history and receptions of the Eucharist; of his coming at the hour of our death, and at the end of time. If we are not asking Jesus to come into our life as its center, we become like reed shaken and broken by the wind. Come, Lord Jesus.  Come, Lord Jesus.
Bro. Rene

The Unexpected

God seems to delight in suprising us in the most unexpected places.  Moses saw a burning bush, moved toward it and encountered the great I AM, God himself.  Not a great fan of Malls, I was suprised at the emotion the video below evoked...to me a bit of an allegory on how we as Christians can "infect" our surroundings (anywhere and everywhere) with  the message of joy, and excitement, much like the scene in Luke with the angels singing to the shepherds.   Even to get this site into our slice of Daily Bread was a suprise...After many vain and frustrating attempts, I was saved by a student who came into my office randomly to make an appointment for Thursday.  I asked her if she could help me insert the link, she did it instantly, much to my, and I hope, YOUR delight.  It's less than 10 minutes and really is what Christmas is all about. It's a bit early, yes, since we are still in Advent...but in the spirit of Rejoice Sunday and in contrast to the disconcerting events surrounding us, it won't hurt to jump ahead.  You can save it an use it closer to Christmas, if you wish, but it's worth the time now to start your day with it.
Bro. Rene
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Vnt7euRF5Pg&vq=medium

Seeking Wisdom

Wisdom, desirable, elusive, coveted, avoided...it goes through various levels of  development as we advance along the path to maturity.  Usually it comes with age and experience, but we never can put a cap on it.  As we do, it matures with the passage of time.  I've heard young people tell me they, in a sense, "can't wait to be older and wiser".  These are a rare but gifted few.  Many think they "have it" even at a young age, but often it turns out to be a brazen arrogance that needs to be tempered by the crucible of life. In the excellent film, Life of PI, young PI declares that all the he learned from his father was what saved him when cast overboard with a lifeboat and a tiger!  Yes, we learn from our fathers and mothers, despite our earlier reistance to their teachings.
 Lots of soul-searching, private and public is going on as a result of the Newtown shootings:  What is the root of such violence?  The answers range from divorce to video games.  And the solutions range from stricter gun laws, even banning them entnirely, to help for the poor, crippled families who more and more are torn by divorce, which springs from perhaps deeper levels of entitlement, being spoiled as children, materialism,  and a life devoid of God.
Today the Church prays, "O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love:  come to teach us the path of knowledge!"  (Alleluia verse, antiphon at Vespers).  Now, more than ever, it seems, this prayer at least guides us to where we should begin our search for wisdom.
Bro. Rene

What Should We Do?

"The crowds asked John the Baptist, 'What should we do?'" (Lk 3:10).  His answers were concise, direct and practical:  "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has one.  And whoever has food should do likewise." (Lk 3: 11).  John did not want to put extra burdens on people, but to free them up so that they could eventually be ready to recognize Jesus. Because of his effective preaching, the people thought he might be the Messiah, but he was quick to dispell that misconception.  No, there was someone to come after him, the ties of his sandal he was not worthy to loosen.
This Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday, or in English, Rejoice Sunday.  It is a day to be filled with joy, for "the Lord is near." (Phil 4: 5).  John's preaching was preparatory, was conscious that the time was ripe for a new phase in the spiritual lives of the people who had been longing for the Messiah.  He preached an austerity and a simplicity that would help them recognize this Messiah and then find their fullest possible joy in him.  St. Marcellin's awareness of the "presence of God" near us, in us, in the hearts of our neighbors was an Advent concept aimed at helping his brothers and their students find their joy in the nearness of God. 
As we enter this Third Week, and for the most part, the final week of Advent. we might do some simple act of sharing what we have "doubles"  or "triples" of  (no need to give everything away),  find the joy that comes with giving, and become more aware of the nearness of God in the persons in need who are all around us. Let us not forget, as well, to keep praying for the deceased and mourning in Newtown, Connecticut. and other places in our globe where tragedy or violence have struck. May our rejoicing come from our giving.
Bro Rene

Comfort, Comfort, My People

The slaughter of the 20 school children and seven other adults, including the shooter, evokes thoughts of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents, but this time before Christmas, not in its usual place on the 28th of December.  To parapharse Jeremiah, "In Newtown, is heard the sound of moaning,/ of bitter weeping!  Rachel mourns her children,/ she refuses to be consoled/ because her children are no more."  (cf Jer 31: 15). Echoing Isaiah, "Comfort, comfort my people"  (Is 40:1), Jeremiah continues:  "Cease your cries of mourning,/ wipe the tears from your eyes./ The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward, says the Lord,/ they shall return from the enemy's land." (Jer 31: 16).
It will take a long time, if ever, for the sorrow to be lifted from these families, the school community, ans from Newtown itself.  Such pain, intenstified by the shock of its suddenness, its extent and its untimely occurence so close to Christmas, will never go away.  However, we must believe, we must pray that in some ways, comfort will eventually come.  Each day there seems to be one tragedy or one occasion or another to bring us to our knees.  This for sure is a big one. It would be good to direct our Advent prayers and sacrifices toward these deceased innoncents for their eternal rest  and toward their mourning families, praying from the depths of our being, for their comfort.
Bro. Rene

Just A Crust Today

Time, a slow computer connection, Mass, a meeting and presentations in several classes are reducing today's daily bread to a simple reminder from Isaiah:
The Lord will guide you always, and give you plenty even on on the parched land.  He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.
(Is 58:11).
Bro. Rene

Santa Lucia

The Church sets aside its focus on Advent, in a way, to celebrate the Memorial of St. Lucy, a popular Sicilian saint who stays with us via music (Santa Lucia) candle celebrations and food!  What little we know about her justifies this centuries old devotion to her.  She made a vow of virginity as a young girl, and rather than break that vow, she ultimately gave her life, losing her eyes to the knife before actually succumbing to the sword.  Hence, she is the patron of  eyesight and her intercession is universally sought for the healing of eye maladies.  As a reminder of this role ,her statue traditionally includes a platter displaying her eyes.
Although she was martyred in Syracuse, Sicily in 304, her cult has had a major following in Scandanavia even after the Reformation and she is one of the few saints honored in the Lutheran Church.  Because her name means LIGHT in Latin, she is used as the basis for the celebration of  the longest night and Christmas Day, which was December 13th until 1753 in the old Julian Calendar.  Festive food and drink, prepared weeks in advance are served at banquest during which a young girl in a white robe and wearing a crown of burning candles makes her entry, really bringing light to the long winter darkenss.
St. Lucy and the St. Lucy Feast fit right into Advent as we look toward the Light of Christ coming at Christmas and at the end of time.  Over and over again during this season, Isaiah is quoted:  "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone." (Is 9: 1).  May St. Lucy shed light on our blindness, give us courage to give more of ourselves to Jesus, and help us through our actions  overcome the darkness and gloom of the worlld in which we live.
Bro. Rene

Roses in December

We can "fake" a Christmas in July for fun, especially if it's an exceptionally hot July, but roses in December?  Not as easily done,  and as such, a convincing sign given to Juan Diego, the simple peasant who saw a beauriful lady who wanted a church built on the hill where she was standing.  Juan was amazed to find roses in bloom at that time of year and thought sure the bishop would agree to Mary's request.  Little did he know that an even more spectacular sign was imprinted on his tilma.  That sign, which we now acknowledge as the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe still exists in all its full colorful splendor in the basilica outside of Mexico City.  Thousands will be there this day, 12/12/12, to pray for her intercession.
Mary, the roses, the tilma and Juan Diego himself are wonderful Advent figures...Mary, whose Son would bring salvation to the world; the roses, signs of hope and blessing in during the darkness of Advent; the image on the tilma of a pregnant peasant woman with the sun behind her and the evil one under her foot; and Juan, the representative of the poor, for whom Mary especially came, and to whom she continues to address the message of God's love and protection.  No wonder she has been named the Patroness of the Americas and the Protector of the Unborn...In her quiet, yet powerful simplicity, Mary underlines the message and mission of her Son:  to show God's unconditional and eternal love for us.  May Mary's presence today in our lives, as at Guadalupe, draw us into a deeper understanding  and appreciation of that love which extends into the minutest details of our lives.
Bro. Rene

Someone Finally Said It.

Terry Mattingly, Director of the Wahington Journalism Center at the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, wrote a bold article, which I hope is syndicated across the nation, about the disappearence of Advent (not to mention Christmas) in the current commercialized frenzy of this interim period between Thanksgiving and December 25th.  Christmas lights abound on houses already, Christmas carols play in the stores, and the noise of "holiday clatter" overpowers the silent waiting of the season, still called Advent (toward the Coming).  Isaiah offers consoling words and images about the eventual Reign of God, but they along, with the shouting calls to repentance of John the Baptist  cannot heard in the din of what should be "the quiet season of Advent", but what is now an unfocused, blurry mixture that is neither Adent nor Christmas.  He also deplores the "new" end-date of Christmas...December 25th itself!  How often do we see those early erected Christmas trees on the sidewalk on December 26th?  The Song, The Twelve Days of Christmas",  certainly has not meaning in the very segment of time for which it was intended.  Should we just "throw in the towel" and declare a victory for the department store and on-line magnates?  No.  Let us make a concerted effort to observe Advent as intended.  This prayer might help:  "Holy Abba God.We are an expectant people, always rushing to accomplish things, only to expereince time slipping through our fingers.  We expect things to improve, hoping that somehow we will not always put you - and our relationship with you - on the back burner of our lives.
For this reason we pause for a moment in prayer.  Be with us during this season of Advent.  Help us to come to an appreciation of "holy waiting".  As once your people long ago waited for their Savior to be born, help us to enter into the spirit of celebrating the growing awareness of your Word in our lives.  Let the power of your Word not be buried or forgotten because of the press of our other obligations.
The food that we share, the relationships that we celebrate, are all signs of your love.  Help us appreciate them and enjoy your presence in each of the people, the events, and the experiences that make up our lives.  We pray this in the name of Jesus, the Savior. Amen."  --(Thank you, Denise).
Bro.  Rene

One Loving Heart

St. Augustine wrote that "One loving heart sets another on fire."  During Advent we are preparing to welcome that unique "Loving Heart", Jesus...at the end of time, in our daily encounters with others, and in a special way at Christmas....  Our care for others, our compassion...the writing and sending of Christmas cards, the giving of gifts, the gift or ourselves, donations to the Salvation Army, food donations to Lazarus House to help thousands who come each week for sustinence;  a word of advice, an instruction, an encouragement, a joke,  laughter, a piece of candy...all can kindle a similar fire those with whom we rub shoulders and brighten their lives and ultimately, our world. An anonymous poets sums it up succinctly: 
It hands hands to help others,
It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy.
It has eyes to see misery and want.
It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others.
This is what love looks like.
--Medjugore Day by Day.
Bro. Rene

Preparing the Way

"...the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert." (Lk 3: 2).  It did not come to Tiberius Ceasar, the Emperor of Rome, not to Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, not to Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee, not to Annas or Caiaphas, the high priests, but to an itinerant preacher, living in the desert, clothed in camel skins, and eating locusts and wild honey.  It was he who was called "to prepare the way of the Lord, and make straight his paths." (Lk 3: 4).  Typical of the way God works.  It's always the lowly, the fringe people, not those in high places, who are called to set the world ablaze.  So it was with David the shepherd, the youngest of his brothers, so it was with St. Marcellin, the second youngest of his family, the uneducated one, the shepherd and farm boy.  So it is with us.  We are not the folk of high places, but the ordinary people whose lives could be considered dull by those of wealth and power. It is in the desert of our "dullness" that we can receive the spark to ignite our lives and those of others.  What is there in the desert that can help us?  Well, there is simplicity, for sure...not much luxury, just the bare necessities to survive.  Again, simplicity, a very Marist virtue and trait.  With our "nothingness", we have plenty of fuel for the work to be done, for it becomes certain that it is not our fuel or energy helping us to make Jesus known and loved, but the energy and stamina that comes from Jesus himself through the Holy Spirit.  As we begin this second week of Advent, let us follow the example of John, let us BE John, preparing the way for Jesus to be more of a priority in our lives, and making straight the path, filling the valleys, and lowering the mountains in the circle in which we live, so as to prepare hearts to see the salvation of God so readily available to all who truly seek him with all their heart and soul.
Bro. Rene

Preserved From Original Sin

Our salvation began on this day, commemorated as the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.  Mary was conceived without original sin so that she would be the pure vessel to carry the pure Lamb of God who came into this world to take away our sins. The preface for today's Mass beautifully sums up the significance of this great privilege:  "For you preserved the most Blessed Virgin Mary from all stain of original sin, so that in her, endowed with the rich fullness of your grace, you might prepare a worthy Mother for your Son and signify the beginning of the Church, his beautiful Bride without spot or wrinkle.  She the most pure Virgin, was to bring forth a Son, the Innocent Lamb who would wipe away our offenses; you placed her above all others to be for your people an advocate of grace and a model of holiness."  This is just not Mary's feast, but it belongs to the Church, to all of us who are the Church.  Without Mary's acceptance of the invitation to become the Mother of Jesus, the Mother, of God, there would be no salvation, no Church.  Darkness would continue to prevail.  In God's plan, unhindered by the slightest blot of sin, she said YES...a little word that has changed the course of history and given us our Savior and the means to be fully united to our Creator.
Gratitude to God, to Mary, joy, relief, confidence, all are the "order of the day" as we ponder this mighty deed, this mighty plan of God.  May we not take it for granted, but show our appreciation by following our model in accepting God's plan for us.  A slow, meditative praying of the Hail Mary would be an appropriate way butter this slice of daily bread and to honor Mary by praying it frequently throughout the day.
Bro. Rene

According to Our Faith (Completed)

The Year of Faith begun on October 11th is approaching the two month mark as we move toward the end of the First Week of Advent.  Appropriately, being healed from blindness is the theme of today's readings for the Liturgy.  Isaiah writes, "Out of gloom and darkness,/ the eyes of the blind shall see."  (Is 29: 18)  and in the Gospel, two blind me cry out for healing. Jesus asks the telling question, "Do you believe that I can do this?"  "Yes, Lord,", they answer.  Jesus touches their eyes and says, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." (cf Mt 9: 27-31).  Evidently their faith even in approaching Jesus to ask, is strong enough, and they are healed.
God does not want us to walk in darkness, rather, he wants to touch and open our eyes, but our faith must come first. Admittedly, our faith is weak and needs strengthening.  That's what Advent and the Year of Faith are for.  By reflecting on the events of the First Coming of Jesus, we can be better prepared for our personal meeting with him at the hour of our death, and for his Second Coming at the end of time.  If we can humbly join with the shepherds in their belief in and worship of a little child, thus accepting that if God can become human, then anything is possible, even with us. How different would our lives be if lived every moment in this framework.  How different would our world be.  There would have been no Pearl Harbor, nor would there be a looming "fiscal cliff."  "Son of David, have pity on us (Mt 9:27) that we may see."
Bro. Rene

A Good Advent Model

Today the Church remembers St. Nicholas...a very popular saint in Europe and in the Eastern Church.  He is kept in his role as Bishop and protector of youth, whereas in this country, he has morphed into Santa Claus, a cheery old man who lives at the North Pole and delivers toys to GOOD children on Christmas Eve.  Much lore has arisen about Santa, including a wife, and elves...even the names of the reindeer who pull his sleigh across the sky.  Stories abound as well about St. Nicholas which emphasize his true role as a compassionate bishop and shepherd of his people during the persecution of Diocletian.  One moving story is told of a young boy, Basilius, who was kidnapped and forced to be a cup bearer for the Emperor.  His parents mourned his disappearance and kept prayerful vigil on its anniversary.  One year, while they were praying, the long-dead St. Nicholas snatched Basilius from the palace and brought him home to his praying parents while he was still holding the emperor's cup!  What joy to be reunited so miraculously with their son.
As we prepare for Christmas, we might keep in mind that little "miraculous" acts of kindness that we can do for others, especially the needy, during Advent will help us appreciate the great act of kindness that God has given us in sending us the gift of his Son as our Redeemer.
Bro. Rene

Accepting Our Poverty

Povery of spirit and, yes, material poverty, are necessary ingredients of a well-spent Advent.  Our waiting, our longing, our careful listening to the Prophet Isaiah, our "pondering these things in our hearts" with Mary are stark reminders that we are indeed dependent creatures...poor creatures, who need to be filled from outside ourselves, and ultimately by God.  The empty platter which we present to God as we beging Advent presupposes a willingness to accept whatever he places on it, with whatever he fills it.  Most often it's not what we would choose, but always, is better than what we would have choses.  This acceptance of our need, of our poverty allows us to become rich in the things that matter.
And again, on the material side of poverty...especially now with pressure building for Christmas shopping and gifts, do we NEED more material things this Christmas?  Do those on our Christmas list need more THINGS?  What other ways can we show our love?  Can we wrap a kind act, an offer to do something special with our time for them?  To pray for them, to have Masses offered for them?  One of our readers shared this beautiful prayer with me, which I would like to share with you:  In the midst of our busy world, our busy lives, we need your help to remind us Lord of what is important and necessary. While many of those things that we do not need will come to us in packages gleaming and bright, the one gift that will last comes from you alone, gracious God as we grow in our awareness of your love.

Bless us, our family , friends, and the food and the company that we share. Increase in us a growing urgency to celebrate the birth of your Son, in whose name we pray. Amen.
A first Christmas gift!
Bro. Rene

It's The Now That Counts

Advent begins today.  It's now.  Now is the time to rouse from slumber, "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor 6:2).  The two letters of  St. Paul to the Thessalonians attempt to quell their anxiety about the Second Coming.  Like children on a trip, "Are we there yet?" they were plagued at the seeming delay of the Coming.  Paul reminds them that no one knows the day nor the hour, and advises them what to do in the NOW:  "We urge you, brothers and sistes, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all.  See that no one returns evil for evil, rather, always seek what is good [both] for each other and for all.  Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing." (I Thess 5: 14-17).  If we haven't decided what to do for Advent here is a full list. Take your pick...all if you can.  Advent is a time for purification, yes, "And he shall purify the Sons of Levi that they may offer unto the Lord an offering of rigtheousness. "  (Mal 3:3)  He shall purify us most certainly if we take Paul's advice seriously.  Let's not delay, let's "JUST DO IT" NOW!
Bro. Rene
PS I will be in Esopus at Sharing our Call so there won't be a slicfe of Bread until Wednesday.

Being Aware

We all know how inefficient we become when drowsiness comes upon us, whether it be that long period of waking up till the first jolt of caffene jump starts our brain, or when in the late afternoon or early evening, our biological clock winds down and we become useless...the pillow being our only comfort.  Sometimes this drowsiness, due to an overcharge of activity can also make us oblivious not only to the time of day, but what day it actually is. For example, today is December 1st, that we might be aware of, but it is also the last day of the liturgical year as well as the First Saturday of the month.  And the world is commemorating it as World Aids Day, whose purpose is to make the world aware that a concerted effort might bring about a HIV -free generation by 2015.  So much goes on without our being aware of it. Hence Advent, when we set aside time to become aware:  "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkeness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.  (Lk 21: 34).  "That day" means the day when Jesus returns. but it can also mean with it's our turn to meet Jesus face to face.  More than carousing and drunkeness, for most of us, it's the anxieties of daily life than numb us.  So Advent then becomes a time for us to WAKE UP, pay attention to what is going on within and around us. 
Being the first Saturday, traditionally dedicated to Mary, we might take her as our Advent model:  Her pregnancy caused her to be very AWARE of the life within her as well as the life around her to insure a healthy birth.  As her focus was on the baby within her womb, Jesus, so too, our focus on Jesus within our hearts and in the hearts of others can keep us awake. The extra time we take for the next 3+ weeks can help further quicken our relationship with Jesus that might be suffering from spiritual drowsiness.
May we set some concrete goals for Advent, goals which will help us be vigilant, awake and aware.
Bro. Rene