Not Pie in the Sky

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the conclusion of Matthew's Gospel read today, reminds us that we are not celebrating an abstract theological idea or explanation, but the indwelling of the Three Persons of The Trinity in our hearts...in our lives.  The undivided Three in One give substance and meaning to our existence, whereas without them we can so easily fall into the pleasures of the moment, be they alcohol, drug, or power related.  Fun becomes one outlandish aberration after another, short-termed, joyless nonsense that fails to satisfy, while the loving presence of our God, whom Jesus promised to be with us "until the end of the age" gives us meaning, purpose and real joy. We are celebrating the God who is LOVE, and who promises to pour that love without reserve into our hearts. It is for real.   Why look elsewhere?  Living and sharing that LOVE is the message for today.
Bro. Rene

Not An Iron Cage

Obedience to the will of another is a tough thing.  Ask any soldier.  To keep jobs, people submit to the orders of bosses, sometimes having to bite their lips to maintain order and harmony.   Doing the will of God might seem like being imprisoned in an iron cage, but it is not.   Our loving God wills that his love and joy be given to all so that we may experience a peace and security that "the world" cannot provide. God wills that we be brought to the perfection for which we were created; it's a freeing thing, not an imprisonment because it is based on love.  Mary serves as our model in obedience, growth to completeness and the joy which comes from putting out lives totally in God's hands and letting God's plan play out in our lives.  We often remark that God's ways are best, even though we don't understand them all the time, or that they might incur some pain...Is there ever growth or healing without some pain?   Yet, in the end, the pain dissolves and joy prevails.  May our faith journey not take place from behind bars, but in the bonds of love.
Bro. Rene

Jesus Wasn't Kidding

In a very consoling and affirming word from Jesus this morning,  we have again the assurance of the power of faith and prayer.  Have faith in God. Amen, I say to your whoever says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. (Mk 11: 23-24).  This  theme was beautifully exemplified in the recent film, Little Boy, and I myself experienced it this week, having undergone surgery on Tuesday morning, awoken a "new man" at noon, and having come home yesterday able to walk without the pain that had plagued me for the past several months, and off and on for the past ten years!  Many people were praying for me locally, and even in Medjugorje and their prayers were answered. I felt full confidence when I met the head Operating Room nurse before receiving my anesthesia whose name is MARY.  I was assured of the presence of Mary our Good Mother throughout the surgery, and sure enough, the results speak of her healing presence.  Words of gratitude and praise fall short in proportion to the relief, joy and deepened faith I'm experiencing.   What Jesus said, he meant, he wasn't kidding. What can I return to the Lord for all that he has given to me, (and so many others)?  On that second floor of Holy Family Hospital there were many patients in far greater pain and distress than I; let us remember to pray for those who suffer from illness and believe that our prayers will help them.
Bro. Rene

Philip Neri

Note:  Today's brief slice will be the last for a time undetermined as I will be having spinal stenosis surgery today. 


Philip Neri was active in Renaissance Rome, a contradiction to the worldly style of the Church and the wealthy.  He preached, taught, cared for the sick and founded the Oratory, a society which helped priests focus on their vocation as representatives of Jesus.  He did all with a great sense of humor and lightness.  He is a good one to invoke as I undergo the surgeon's knife today.
Bro. Rene

Memorial Day

Flags, red poppies, vacations, parades, Invocations, Benedictions, speeches, moments of silence, patriotic music, decorated graves, all come together as we in the United States and in the cemeteries across Europe remember those who gave their lives in the service our country.  A tradition which dates back to 1868 to commemorate those whose lives were lost in the Civil War, Memorial Day continues strong in its purpose to honor and thank deceased military men and women as well as those serving now, despite the plague of Memorial Day Sales and Bargains.  This day is for those who served and gave their lives, and for those who serve now and may be asked to give their lives, not for the saving a few dollars.  "Not greater love, than to lay down one's life for one's neighbor." (cf. Jn 15:13).  This is what calls us to stop, close shop and take time to reflect and pay tribute.   Let us pray an often neglected verse from America the Beautiful:
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!


Bro. Rene

"Melt the Frozen, Warm the Chill"

The Sequence for Pentecost contains a series of wonderful images that tersely present a deep resource for reflection on this glorious day, the birthday of the Church. Pentecost is important every year, but particularly this year when so many world events more than ever could lead to discouragement and despair.  A recent Pew Survey, for example,  revealed a dramatic increase in people embracing atheism as well as a frightening decline in followers of Jesus, be they non-Catholic or Catholic.  Our emptying churches and closing parishes all around us verify the declining numbers.
Yet we read today of the Apostles throwing open the doors of the upper room, speaking in languages understood by the multitude, and converting 3,000.  Their audience was Jewish and had little or no knowledge of Jesus, yet through the grace of the Holy Spirit and the power of Peter's words, they embraced him.
Pentecost assures us that this same power can "melt the frozen and warm the chill" in today's world just as it did at the very beginning.   It begins with us, Come Holy Spirit, warm our hearts, light in them the fire that will melt our frozen hesitations and fears, and enable to more through example than word, to melt the frozen hearts of our colleagues, our unchurched, our "in name only" Christians. Let's take the fire of the Holy Spirit and "Go Warm the World."
Bro. Rene

"Follow Me"

As we approach Pentecost and the conclusion of the Easter Season, what final advice does Jesus give us?  As he said to Peter, "You, follow me." (Jn 21:22).  We might have family members, friends, role models, all of whom give us some glimpse of Jesus, but who are not Jesus himself.   He is the ONE we must listen to and follow.  He alone.  Others may help along the way, but when all is said and done, it's Jesus who must be the center of our lives, our end all and be all. Jesus, I give you my whole heart, soul, strength, my total being.  Help me to follow you without hesitation, without holding back.  It is only in you that I will find complete satisfaction, wholeness and happiness.
Bro. Rene

Sending Them Forth

Another chapter in the dream of St. Marcellin closed last night as 307 seniors received their diplomas and crossed the threshold to the next phase in their educations.  They go forth as Marists, filled with a sense of belonging to a large family whose mission is to make Jesus known and loved. The graduation ceremony and the gathering afterwards testified that all understood and accepted this mission and are grateful for it.
Today members of the class of '65, celebrating their 50th anniversary will gather to give thanks for the years that have passed so swiftly since their graduation and to reflect on what effect their Marist Education had on their lives.
For all who read this slice of bread, let us be aware that we are not simply here by chance, but that we are a part of a specific plan God has for us.  The plan may not be what we thought it would be, but as we step back and look at it, we see that it turned out much better than what we thought would be best for us. Let us trust in and be grateful for the ways of the Lord.
Bro. Rene

Ut Omnes Unum Sint

Ut omnes unum sint, that they may all be one. (Jn 17: 21), the prayer of Jesus and a favorite of Pope St. John XXIII, prayed so fervently for decades, centuries, yet still unfulfilled.  No need to be discouraged despite the endless fraction between peoples around the globe.  The unity that Jesus prays for is based on the unity in the Trinity, "that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me..." (Jn 17: 21).  This unity is based on the unbreakable love between Father, Son and Holy Spirit and this love will prevail over all the powers of Evil.  In the Song of Solomon (3:2) we read of the lover pursuing the beloved, So I said to myself, "I will get up and roam the city, searching in all its streets and squares. ... the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, ... "Run up and down every street in Jerusalem," says the LORD. This is the God who loves us and seeks to be one with us and for us to be one with each other.  We forget how powerful that love is. If we allow God to find us, we will find others and bring them into the union of love,  It begins with the God who loved us first (I Jn 4: 19) and then ripples out from us.   Let us not lament division, but open our hears to God's great love which is the foundation of the unity we seek and for which Jesus prays.
Bro. Rene

In The World

Jesus realistically prays that his disciples, who rightly belong "in the world" (Jn 17: 15) do not become part of the world.  World here meaning a set of values contrary to those given to us through Scripture and the teachings of Jesus, and in subsequent ages, the teaching of the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit.  World would mean, self-centeredness, the pursuit of material wealth with no concern for those who have less, a "me first" attitude, a "get ahead" at any cost, dishonesty and destruction of anyone who stands in the way.  These do not make for a pretty world and are the work of the Evil One. Jesus is not denying the beauty of the world in which we find the revelation of God's magnificence.  He is not asking that we be protected from THAT world, but indeed that we immerse ourselves in it to come to a deeper knowledge and love of its Creator.   No, we belong to this world; it is there we find God and reveal him to others.  The protection we need is from those contrary "worldly" values promoted by the Evil One that in truth destroy the beauty intended by God.  Jesus became one of us, a part of our humanity and material world to redeem it and sanctify it; our job is the same.
Bro. Rene

Jesus Prays For Us

Chapter 17 of St. John's Gospel contains the beautiful prayer that Jesus offered for his apostles before he entered into his intense suffering  and excruciating death. It is a model prayer for us when we are looking for an example on how to pray for others. It is totally focused on them.   We pray daily to Jesus, but do we think of how his prayer continues for us?  So great is his love that he finds joy in praying that we continue to grow stronger in our faith, that we comprehend more completely the extent of his love for us and his desire for our well-being--that we become the best of what we were created to be.  He prays that we be one with him, the Father and Holy Spirit, and that ultimately we relinquish all within and outside us that might hinder that union.  The Holy Spirit constantly reminds us of what Jesus told us and sends people into our lives who also serve as reminders of his love. May we find motivation for our prayer by thinking of how at this moment Jesus is praying for us!
Bro. Rene

Overcoming the World

"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." (Jn 16:23).  As we look at the world today, even our own little "worlds" of families, workplaces and communities, we need the reassurance that, indeed, though things seem bad, impossible, Jesus will prevail.  And the Jesus who prevails is the Jesus working through us.  Yesterday at the St. Anselm College graduation, several amazing people were honored for their contributions to medicine, and service to others.  It brought home what we can do when Jesus works with us and when we set ideas and people in motion.  One honoree began the first four year nursing training \program in Haiti, another came up with a serum that is eliminating meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa, another changed the face of St. Anselm College itself, moving it to a top place among small colleges.  Among the graduates awaiting their diplomas sat more of these kinds of people who in time will help "conquer the world." 
No matter where we are or who we are, we can make a difference if we let Jesus work in us.
Bro. Rene

Getting Holy

Got Milk?  Got Marist?  The advertising world has clicked on to the little word, "Got"  and it has caught on in big way.  Even we Marists have adopted it:  quick and clever.  As Jesus was praying for his disciples before his death and resurrection, we might boil his prayer down to, "Got Love?"  He was trying to express the infinite love he and the Father have for us based on who they are (LOVE), and on the beauty they see in each one of us, which makes us so loveable that Jesus would become one of us to the point of death, in order to pass on indelibly and eternally this greatest of gifts.  Jesus prays, "consecrate them",  "sanctify them',  perfect them, and make them holy. (Jn 14:6).  He wants the richness of who we are to be fully realized.  And this is to be done in the Truth.  As St. Thomas Aquinas tells us, "It is like saying:  Make them share in my perfection and holiness (sanctity). "
The work of the Holy Spirit is to carry this out in us, to bind us closer to Jesus and the Father. That's what consecration is, that's what sanctification is.    It is for us to choose to let this happen, to work toward this union as a driven college student breaks his back to get the highest GPA he can.  "Getting Holy" is the "business", the goal of our life. Let's "Get with it!."
Bro. Rene

Praise for THIS Day

"Another day, another dollar", a familiar saying, true but not the whole truth.  What's in a day?  Well, each day is unique; there will never be another like it. For some it might be a birthday; for others, graduation day or party; it might be dance recital day; for some, First Communion.  My own First Communion was on this day in 1948,  What a difference that day made in my life, and I pray for those who will be receiving Jesus for the first time, a day that will make a difference in their lives.  For most of us today will be "an ordinary day of chores, shopping...Saturday things...No matter at what level we experience this day, it will never be repeated, so the call is to live it "to the max", as the popular phrase goes.  It is a gift from God, an opportunity to experience his love, live our faith, pray, attend Mass, visit the sick, call or write to a friend, be with family, whatever, and ultimately should end with praise and thanksgiving, for God has used this day to teach us, to love us, to draw us closer to himself, though we may not be aware of it until we stop and look at what is happening. Then we will naturally want to thank him and give  praise for THIS day.
Bro. Rene

Pain to Joy

Jesus again consoles his disciples (and us) as he reminds them that their grief (another translation reads "pain") will be turned to joy. (Jn 16: 20).  In these days, when the mention of pain resonates on a personal level, or I hear of a cousin falling, breaking ribs and because of a whole host of ailments, being put into hospice, and story after story around the country and world of tragedy, the thought of all of this being turned one day into joy gives me strength to carry on.   The pain and the grief are only temporary, the joy is permanent.  I know from experience that it will come, and I know that it can be anticipated and felt even in the midst of pain. If the heart is open to the love of God, and allows God's grace to pour in, even in the worst of pain, a deep, abiding joy covers and serves as a spiritual anesthesia.  Jesus uses the example of childbirth, and I must say that all the mothers I've known over the years never speak of the pain, but always radiate a special joy as they hold their newborn close to them.
May we find that joy today no matter what level of pain we may be experiencing.
Bro. Rene

Ascension Thursday

Note:   The Archdiocese of Boston is one of those which kept the traditional celebration of the Ascension on Thursday.  Many others will celebrate it on Sunday.
Also, look for yesterday's slice of bread which should appear with this one.


The Ascension of Jesus has for many years for me carried feelings of joy and sadness. Jesus finished his assignment, and now returned to his place with his Father.  Who can fault that?  However, I also empathized with the disciples who, after three intimate years with Jesus, saw him permanently depart from them..  They must have felt sadness and fear as they took to the upper room to await the Holy Spirit.
 In 1964, the Ascension pretty much coincided with my graduation from Marist College, after three happy years with a great community of talented and loving companions.  I projected my sadness of leaving this ideal situation on to what I imagined the apostles were feeling.  The future was unknown to them as to us young brothers, now to go out and begin the work for which we had been "training".  It all turned out so different from what we expected, both for the Apostles and for us!
Yet, our "work" is clear:  "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature." (Mk 16:15).  As true now as it was then.  And the rest of the truth is that Jesus is still very present, accompanying us with marvelous signs and offering us a continuing intimacy with him through prayer, the sacraments and one another.  So, if there is any twinge of sadness, fear or hesitation, let us remember his most assuring last words,  "Behold, I am with you always,/ even to the end of the age." (Mt. 28:20), and go about our mission with joy and boldness.
Bro. Rene

Our Lady and Us

Nore:  Computer Updates have interfered with our May 13th slice of bread, which will now appear on the 14th.
On May 13th 1917 (98 years ago), three little children had a visit from a beautiful woman while tending their sheep outside the little village of Fatima. Six months later, in October, the spectacular sign, the swirling, dancing sun, was witnessed by 70,000 people.  It was a sign to confirm the messages the woman had been giving to the children on the 13th of each month since May. The War to End All Wars, ended the next year, but a world war, as predicted, began in 1939.  That war ended and the new "enemy" The USSR, plagued the world until, as predicted, it mysteriously "fell" in 1991.
The Mother of  God went to great pains to make her message of prayer, especially the rosary, and of penance known and followed, but 98 years later, it still falls on deaf ears.
34 years ago, Pope John Paul II, was the victim of an assassin's bullet, which logged in his chest just centimeters away from his heart.  He credited his escape from death to Our Lady of Fatima and made a pilgrimage there to thank her and leave the bullet as a reminder of Mary's loving protection.
St. Marcellin dedicated his dream, his congregation, and its mission " to make Jesus known and loved," to Mary.  As Marists, we are custodians and instruments of Mary's greatest wish, that her SON be known, loved and followed and, without the benefit of spectacular miracles, we quietly adhere to and spread the same message she gave the three children.  As she protected St. John Paul II, she protects us and helps us, as he did, to witness to the presence of Jesus, remain faithful to prayer and sacrifice, and do all we can to bring others to a knowledge and love of him..
Bro. Rene

The Religious Landscape

In a world of on-going earthquakes and after-shocks, unrest, violence, and under-inflated footballs, the latest Pew Poll on the declining number of church-affiliated Christians in the United States, might be just another ripple in the wave of bad news that comes to us daily.  Our focus on the Ascension of Jesus and the decent of the Holy Spirit comes (as always) at an opportune time to remind us that "the gates of hell will not prevail." (Mt 28:20).   If we are "shaken" by the increasing number of non-Christians, let's think back to Pentecost morning when locked in the upper room was a small number of believers, and outside was a world of non-believers.  Undaunted, the apostles threw open the doors and began to evangelize.  3,000 were added that day.  It can and will happen again.  All is well, all shall be well.
Bro. Rene

The Advocate

Seniors in high school and college are in their final days of a four-year experience that has given them he peace and security of accepting the challenges that come with learning and growing.   Facing the end of time when guidance and protection surrounded them, provokes mixed feelings of pride, gratitude and a bit of trepidation as the unknown looms before them.  It's the same for all of us who face changes and transformations; we say goodbye to the familiar and hello to a new phase. 
Jesus, knowing human nature, prepared his disciples for the change,  his physical absence, and told them about the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father and will strengthen and testify to them when they experience rejection, suffering and even martyrdom. (cf. Jn 15: 25-26) 
Two thousand years later the presence of the Advocate remains.  As we approach Ascension Thursday and Pentecost we are assured that we will not be alone and will have the presence of God within us to help us face the unknowns, the challenge, the disappointments, the pains that might await us on our paths.   The Advocate will see us through it all.   Let us put our trust in him and nowhere else.
Bro. Rene

To Our Beloved Mothers

Happy Mother's Day!

Dearest mothers, thank you, ... thank you for what you are in your family and for what you give to the Church and the world. And to you, beloved Church, thank you, thank you for being mother. And to you, Mary, Mother of God, thank you for letting us see Jesus. And thank you for all the mammas. Let us salute them!      Pope Francis        Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother,  may God bless you abundantly on this special day and always.   May his creative love  be the sustenance from which you draw the strength to be the gift God has made you.       Happy Mother's Day! Bro. Rene

Persecution

Part of the final admonitions of Jesus to his disciples as he prepared them for his permanent departure were warnings against being hated, rejected and persecuted.  "'No slave is greater than his master.'  If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." (Jn 15:20). Not the most reassuring of farewells, but certainly realistic.  Persecution began in the lifetime of these disciples and all but John of the Twelve were martyred.  Through the centuries there have been varying degrees of "persecution intensity" but it is safe to say that it has been consistent. We are no different today, as we read of beheadings and burnings of Christians in our media.  Even in our own country, verbal and social attacks seem to be rising; it is certainly not "chic" to be a Christian.  Catholic Christians seem to be a major focus, despite the popularity of  Pope Francis.  This is all disheartening but challenging at the same time.  If we were not being persecuted, would we really be faithful witnesses to the Truth that Jesus gave us?  Do these challenges help us to delve more deeply into our beliefs to come to understand and defend them better?  Do they incite us to forgive, love and be more compassionate and patient?  There is always a good side to everything, even the worst; are we able to see it?
Bro. Rene

Revival

At a time when is seems that our secular-humanistic culture is sweeping away all Christian values, attitudes and customs across our nation, came the National Day of Prayer, yesterday (sorry we missed it).  Evidently it was hugely observed with millions of people stopping their usual routines to take time to join together in Churches and even stadiums to pray and worship.  Despite the lack of media attention to it, it seems to have touched a chord deep within the hearts of the average American and the term "revival" was attached to it, so massive did the wave of faith sweep from sea to sea.
We might look at our own lives and see if there's a way we can revive our own prayer life.  Here are some suggestions and observations:
The formula is written for us clearly in II Chronicles 7:14 and God’s people are responding by the masses. He has called his church to:

• Return to Him with humility
• Pray unceasingly
• Seek His face unconditionally
• Turn from our wicked ways
• Live in unity
• And Persevere until His return

Many will look to the headlines to see if there is instant change in America as a result of this massive public outcry and what we must remember is that God will respond in His timing. Our prayers will not go unanswered. Like the disciples who waited 50 days for the promise of Christ to be fulfilled on Pentecost, we must be patient and remain mobilized and confident that the prayers of His people are powerful and effective and generations not yet born will praise the Lord, Psalm 102:18
Bro. Rene

Come To Me

When pain and suffering, either ours or that of others hit hard and unexpectedly, it's natural to wonder why the God we serve so faithfully should strike us down with the force of a tornado. Where is the loving God, the God of healing, the God of compassion?  Two things come to mind:
First, God does not "strike us down" as an evil Ultron who delights in watching us struggle with pain, sickness or depression.  These are all part of the human condition and at some time or other, being human, we are prone to experience them to varying degrees.  And secondly, "Where is God?"  He's right there, as always, inviting us to come to him through Jesus who reminds us that he is the one who bears our burdens and gives us rest, support and strength.  Come to me all who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of hear, and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden length." (Mt 11: 28-30).  God's unconditional love remains in and through our aches and pains. Let him bear them and let us find our strength and peace in him.  He will not let us down.
Bro. Rene

Being Pruned

As any gardener, vinedresser or orchard manager knows, over time, plants, rose bushes, grape vines and fruit trees need to be pruned of dry, dead, un-flowering or un-fruit bearing branches.  Sometimes this entails living branches, but those which are just sapping energy and juices from the main plant and hindering its full potential.  Decisions and choices must be made to cut and prune for the good of the whole plant.  I often wondered if the plant had feelings and thoughts, what it would think of being so pruned.  The deadwood, I can understand, would cause no problem, but the living branches..."won't they give me a chance?  they might say.  But in the end, when the plant becomes stronger and bears more fruit, then I can vouch for the plant's agreement with the pruner.
So too with us...God is the Pruner and comes with his pruning cutters to strip  us of our deadwood, and even cut into what we think is "doing OK."  It hurts at first to be severed from something we think is so essential to us. but in the end, the new, abundant production overrides the pain of the pruning and we come to accept, rejoice in and even love the wisdom of the Pruner.
Lord, I want to bear the best fruit possible for you. Help me to trust the pruning you determine for me and be willing to bear whatever pain is involved for my own well-being and growth and  those who will benefit from it.
Bro. Rene

My Peace

In preparing the disciples for his departure, Jesus repeats:  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." (Jn 14: 27)  When he appears after the resurrection, his first greeting is "Peace be with you."  (Jn 20:19). Why this greeting so frequently?  Jesus knows what's in us, our capacity to exaggerate fear and worse case scenarios, and, without chiding, he simply offers peace.  When we think of it, what good are we when we lose our peace? We fret, we bark, we can't sleep, we fall apart.  So, as this message was addressed to the apostles, so is it meant for us.  Perhaps today we are exceptionally agitated over what we have to do; rather than becoming stressed out, we need to stop and receive this gift of peace.  It's a peace that is over and above what the world offers, it is that inner grace and peace that overshadows all the worries and woes we can imagine.  Sitting quietly, listening to the voice of Jesus within us, fears disappear and we find peace.
Bro. Rene

Without A Song

A perennial favorite for Americans since 1929, Without A Song reminds us that music is a gift that helps us appreciate life from birth to our last breath. We can let ourselves become bogged down with our aches and pains, our worries and stress, but a favorite song can lift us from the doldrums and remind is that not all streets are filled with potholes, and that bright azaleas can fade the memories of all that snow and remind us that what seems "bad" will not last forever. 
Our spiritual lives, our prayer receives a boost when we stop trying to resolve everything ourselves, remain peaceful and allow the song of God to fill us with his wisdom, strength, hope, optimism and power.  Without the song of God ringing in our hearts and ears, we miss the joy and beauty that can lift our sagging spirits.
Bro. Rene
Note:  If you Google Without A Song,  You Tube will let you hear it and help you set on the right level.

Without Me....

The Gospel for this Fifth Sunday of Easter is the familiar, beloved, and challenging simile of the vine and the branches.  Jesus uses this common image to stress the need to remain united with him in order to bear fruit.  He is the root which provides the living juices that flow to the branches and enable them to remain green, to thrive, to blossom and eventually bring forth that for which they were created.   The branch which does not remain in a healthy connection with the vine, will wither, turn hard, be fruitless, and be cut away to enable the living branches to produce their fruit.
Jesus is the vine, we, the branches. He clearly states that "without me you can do nothing." (Jn 15:5).  In our very secular society, this line is blatantly ignored, even forgotten.  Agnosticism and atheism and indifference are clearly on the rise.  "No need for God, if there is a God; I can do it on my own," seems to be an alarmingly general attitude.  As alarming is the trend that says, "It's between me and Jesus; I don't need the Church."  Translated, the Church does not reflect Jesus, is disconnected from him; doesn't present or reflect him, but only a series of rules and obligations, rote and lifeless rituals. I am the Church...if people are not seeing Jesus in the Church, is it because they are not seeing him in me?  How firmly am I connected to the Vine?  Does my life sap come from Jesus or am I simply a robot Christian?  I am the vine, you are the branches.  Whosever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing." (Jn 15: 5)
Bro. Rene

There's Sad Music Too

Yesterday, we talked about the stones in the stream that created the delightful spring gurgles that signal a return to life and make us aware of  the beauty of creation and life  Today I read an article about the increasing incidence of suicide among teens and young adults on the Pine Ridge Reservation where I spent 14 years trying to spread the Good News of God's love for us.  No one has an explanation regarding the alarming figures of completed and attempted suicides, but disrespect for one another, bullying, oppression at all levels, are seen to be contributing factors.  I would add that a slipping away from God,  a falling from faith, has created a void hopelessness that makes escape through death the only "way out."  This stone creates sad music.  Three conversations locally yesterday with young men who have drifted from active practice of their faith played sad music for me too. Yet, all three had not lost hope do have some relationship with God.  I wouldn't think suicide is in their plan book; rather there are gurgles of hope in the stream of all three.   How do we encourage them to go further and return fully to the Community of Believers, the Church?  What can the families in Pine Ridge do to instill a sense and knowledge of God in their children?  As we approach Pentecost (May 24), let us begin now to ask for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will revive these dying souls and turn sad music into happy music once again.
Bro. Rene

Making Music

If indeed the words of poet Wendell Berry are true, "The impeded stream is the one that sings," then the three people we celebrate today, St. Joseph the Worker, Mary our Good Mother, and Brother Florentius, founder of Mt. St. Michael Academy and Central Catholic High School, could create vocal symphony.  We all love a gurgling book, where stones and other obstacles to the flow of the stream create the sounds that never tire us, but without which, the waters would simply and quietly flow to their destination, causing not a stir in the woods nor in us.  This trio had multiple stones in their waters, faced endless obstacles which brought two to official sanctity and the third, two schools which attest to his faith, courage, and dogged determination not to let health nor lack of money stop him.  As we stop and look at our own lives, we see not unimpeded waters. These three saints sing to us, lift our spirits, and encourage us not to curse the stones, but to rejoice in them, for without them, how dull would our lives be.
Bro. Rene