God's Holy Word

The Church honors St. Jerome today for his holiness and for his part in making Sacred Scripture available to "Everyman" by providing a translation of the Bible from Greek to Latin, the spoken language of the people at that time. His version, known as The Vulgate, is accompanied by many of his insightful commentaries on the meaning and application of the Word to everyday life.
"Your word is a lamp for my steps/and a light for my path," writes the Psalmist (Ps 119: 105) and St. Paul reminds Timothy (and us) to "Remain faithful to what you ahve learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known [the] sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (2 Tim 3: 14-17). What a treasure we have in God's Word, so available to us today in dozens of translations, each one of which helps to further our understanding and our integration of it into our prayer, our lives, our actions. And more so, it is a means to furthering of our union with God: "Jesus said, 'Whoever loves me will keep my work, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.'" (Jn 14:23). Even if we take one verse and munch on it throughout the day, how much more we could experience the presence of God within and not only have a lamp for our steps, but be a light for others.
Bro. Rene

Michaelmas

Catholics are familiar with St. Michael the Archangel, whose armored figure, complete with subduing sword, standing victoriously over the defeated Satan, is depicted on holy cards and in paintings and statues. Many churches add the Prayer to St. Michael at the end of the Mass, and Pope John Paul II urged all Catholics to recite it even when it and other prayers once said after Mass were dropped in 1970. In England his feast is referred to as Michaelmas Day, and there is even a spring flower called Michaelmas. Certainly, the huge number of people, schools and churches named after St. Michael attests to his popularity.
In 1969, two other Archangels were added to the liturgical calendar on this day, Gabriel and Raphael. All three appear in Scripture, Michael in the Letter of Jude, and in Revelation. Gabriel is the angel of the Annunciation, and Raphael appears in the book of Tobit as the guide to young Tobias and the "apothecary" whose suggested remedy for Tobit's blindness works. The Church teaches that angels are superior beings, somewhere between God and humans in the hierarchy of creation, who serve as messengers and defenders and who stand in worship before the Almighty, always ready to do his bidding. In Hebrew, Michael means, "Who is like God"; Gabriel, "God has shown himself mighty", and Raphael, "God has healed." Michael is the patron of policemen; Gabriel, of communications workers, and Gabriel, of travelers.
Pope Leo XIII composed the prayer to St. Michael which would be good to repeat often, especially today:
"St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in the battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen." --Pope Leo XIII
Bro. Rene

Family Weddings

Weddings have become "big business" and perhaps rightly so, if taken in the correct context. The couple's exchange of vows before the altar is a sign of God's pledge of fidelity to us, to the Church. It is a visible sign of his union with his bride; as great as the love of the couple is for each other, it gives us only a glimpse of this divine, unconditional love God has for us. As such, ought it not be a memorable occasion highlighted by as much pomp and beauty as we can muster?
It also brings family together and stirs up wonder and appreciation for the rich treasure found in a family where love has been the source of happiness, the strength needed in adversity, and the energy behind our faith and hope. As meaningful toasts and tributes are made to the bride and groom, inevitably, the legacy of love passed on from grandparents and parents stands out as the foundation upon which this new marriage is based. It is not a difficult leap to see the connection between God who is love, and the love which binds the man and wife together for life. Joy and peace flow abundantly to all gathered to witness and celebrate the wedding. And from this union will eventually come new life, a sharing in God's creative powers. This is, indeed, Big Business.
It has been a special blessing on Saturday to be part of the wedding of the daughter of a former student to a man, who "gets it" as she does. Hence these reflections on marriage.
Bro. Rene

Vision

Central Catholic's administration, faculty and staff will be on retreat today, taking time apart to reflect on the theme, "We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe." With this being our 75th anniversary, we are looking at our beginnings, our roots. Brother Florentius, founder of Central Catholic becomes the focus, naturally. His vision of a central high school for boys to supplement the already existing parish high schools for girls, is what brough Central Catholic into existence. This vision consisted in looking at the needs of his time, and coming up with a solution, in this case, as in most, bold, daring, and innovative. He looked at his current situation and beyond...into the future. He would break from the parish high school model into a central, or as we would say today, a regional school. He looked beyond the French-Canadian community to include all ethnic groups in Lawrence at the time and set the tone to which Central Catholic has adhered since. His vision took faith, energy, and a loving trust in God, Mary, and St. Theresa, whom he chose as patronnes of his new venture. From there, or mixed in from the inception of his idea, was ACTION. It is this combination we remember and celebrate.
This template serves as a model for our current leadership and teachers. It is also a model for all who seek to follow Marist spirituality. Looking at the needs of the times and responding appropraitely to them stems from our earliest Marist roots: St. Marcellin encountered the dying Montagne boy, who knew nothing about God, and almost on the spot began to implement the idea of founding a teaching order of brothers he had had in the seminary. Bold, daring, innovative. How his vision and action has blossomed into an Institute of 3,700 brothers in 79 countries!
As we pray and experience insights which will respond to needs we see around us, let us not hesitate, but believe in the example of these two great men.
Bro. Rene
P.S. I will be away until next Wednesday, and cannot guarantee a Daily Bread posting till Wednesday. Will try to find a computer.

St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Better known as simply "Padre Pio", St. Pio is one of the most popular saints of modern times. A simple Capuchin Friar, he was graced with extraordinary insight in the confessional, deep communion with God and for fifty years bore the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) in his hands, feet and side. He also bore the suffering of rejection and suppression as Jesus did, from his Capuchin superiors, who forbad him to celebrate Mass publicly. In humble obdience he complied, and offered his enforced seclusion for the repentance of sinners. He was beatified just two weeks after St. Marcellin was canonized in 1999, and himself canonized in 2002, though he was hailed as a saint by popular acclaim even in his lifetime.
As our Junior Class attends Mass in St. Mary's tonight, where they will be welcomed to leadership and responsiblity in our Central Community, it is fitting that this gentle model of holiness be held up as an example to them. He said many a time, "Pray, hope and do not worry", certainly a message for out time.
One of our seniors, whose growth in prayer and relationship with Jesus has been remarkable over four years, stopped in and said, to me, "I'm preaching now." I asked him what he meant, and he simply said, "I'm talking to my friends about God. We went on for an hour last night." Is this not our mission as Marists, and Catholics? Is this not what St. Pio did with his life, his writings and action? Talk about God. There is an audience for such talk. It is good to see that some of our students have gotten the message. We pray that our Juniors might accept that as part of their role as responsible leaders over the next two years. May we and they Pray, hope and not worry.
Bro. Rene

Last Day of Summer

A beautiful day, despite being the last day of summer. The first days of Autumn promise a continuation of summer weather. This is a good time to look back as well as ahead to gauge our spiritual Summer and Fall. For what should we give thanks? For what should we ask forgiveness? For what should we pray? Is there something we learned from our Summer experience that will help us live a better Fall? Are we going to enter Fall with a sense of regret or can we look at Fall as a needed preparation for out next Spring and Summer? In the spiritual life there is always a period of necessary purification before movement to the next level can occur. "Unless the grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it cannot bear fruit." (Jn 12: 24). Death and resurrection are the pattern for spiritual growth. The seasons mirror this pattern and help us flow with it. The "textbook" is all around us, all we need to do is open it, reflect on it, and apply it to our everyday life.
Bro. Rene

Matthew

Matthew must be on the top of the list for the most popular names these days. If in doubt about a teenager's name, say "Matthew", and you'll most likely be right. Today the Church celebrates St. Matthew, AKA Levi, ex-tax collector, Apostle, Evangelist. What compelled him to leave his shekels and generously follow Jesus' crisp command, "Follow me"? Something had to have been churning within him; he may have been the brother of James, both called "the son of Alpheus" (Mk 3:18), and thus have had some contact with Jesus prior to the call to follow him. Whatever, his response was immediate and total.
Contact with Jesus can do that. A senior recently told me that through prayer and a retreat this summer, he had a profound experience of Jesus and the love Jesus offered to him. He had been a quiet boy, unsure of himself, down on himself, just going through the motions. The glow in his eyes, the smile on his face as he spoke so freely, showed me that there has been a radical change. He's happy, "in love" with Jesus, and open to whatever Jesus wants for him. He had a "Matthew Experience". Isn't it comforting to know that it still happens? Let us pray for it with an open and longing heart. It can happen to us as well.
Bro. Rene

Light

For Central Catholic, Notre Dame and Patriots fans, this was a weekend of gloom, not light. Yet on a Monday morning, two days before the official end of summer and the beginning of Autumn, our attention is drawn to LIGHT. Ironic? Encouraging? Fact! "You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matt 5: 14-16). A direct and stark reminder of our mission as disciples of Christ, and of St. Marcellin. Our good deeds, our faith, our witness need to be seen to be inspiration to others, to be light in the darkness. A good word of praise instead of a discouraging, negative word; a word of hope, optimism, of confidence, of trust, these can dispell the weekend and Monday morning shadows.
The hymn, Lead, Kindly Light, was swirling in my head this morning. It is the favorite of a friend of mine suffering from deep depression and I thought it would be good to send it to him. Looking at it reminded me that indeed the Light is Christ, and he leads with his love and kindness, showing us the way to shine on others and lead them to him. We are not alone.
"Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encirling gloom,
Lead Thou me on;
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead Thou me on.
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me."
--Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman
If you Google this hymn, you can read the rest. May it stay with you all day as a reminder of the Light which beckons us and which we are called to bring to others.
Bro. Rene

Communion: The Other Side

I will be away from a computer Saturday and Sunday, so I'd like to offer this thought as we enter the weekend and prepare for Sunday Eucharist. Receiving Communion can become routine, or we may be distracted by thoughts about various folks in line, or not in line, the communion song, how we will return to our pew, etc. If we are lucky, there is some awareness that this is a sacred moment, as we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, not our everyday fare. But here's another perspective.

A small child needs to be lifted up by parent or grandparent to receive a kiss, for the difference in height makes it impossible for the child to reach the face of the towering adult who delights in the opportunity to express his or her love. If we can imagine the pleasure of Jesus, the Son of God, who reaches out to us, lifts us up to his level to share himself with us, it might help us to focus better on the privilege of this moment, the gift of Jesus himself to us. I've found it makes receiving Communion more of a mutual expression of love, as well as highlighting the joy it gives to Jesus as well as to us.

Bro. Rene

Vibrant Faith

Today, September 16th, marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of Central Catholic High School, which began with Mass at St. Mary's Church celebrated by Father Campbell. Our entire student body, faculty and staff will gather there this morning for Mass, celebrated by Father John Delaney, a Central graduate, to offer prayers of gratitude for the zeal and vibrant faith of Brother Florentius, founder of Central Catholic, and to seek God's blessing on our mission now and well into the future.
Yesterday I spoke with Retired Captain Raymond Tanguay '39, who was among the 50 first students present at that first Mass. He recalled how after Mass the students walked down Haverhill Street to the Knights of Columbus buidling where all 50 students gathered in the large auditorium for their classes. Their teachers were Bro. Florentius, Bro. Thomas Austin and Bro. Joannes. All students took the same courses. Captain Tanguay recalls the kindness of Bro. Florentius, and especailly, his warm, welcoming smile as well as how after lunch, he led the students in the rosary while standing next to their desks. The strength, faith, courage and insight of Bro. Florentius are legendary, but to be remembered after 75 years for a smile, speaks volumes about the man and serves as an inspiration for the whole Central Family.
Raymond Tanguay entered the Service immediatly after graduation (Graduation was on a Sunday, and he was on a train to boot camp on Thursday!), but was selected for officer's training after writing an essay (the only one in his recruiting class to be so selected). He attributes this ability to the excellent education he received at Central, a tradition that continues to this day. Ray served the country for 23 years and took part in WW II and the Korean War, but his fondest memories are those of his days and Central and the Brothers who taught him.
It is this legacy that we begin to celebrate today until May 1st, the official closing of this Jubilee Year with Mass celebrated by Cardinal Sean O'Malley. May God grant us his blessing and many more years of successful fidelity to the mission and vibrant faith of St. Marcellin, as passed on to us by Brother Florentius.
Bro. Rene

Our Lady of Sorrows

Following the triumphant feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, comes the memorial of the mournful mother, Our Lady of Sorrows. Is there any worse pain than what a mother goes through when her children suffer from illness, wander from the values instilled in them at home, or die untimely? A mother in Michigan mourns this day as her 18 year old son, who graduated from high school in May, died of cancer yesterday. Another mother anguishes as her once conserative and well-behaved son is "experimenting" with the "other side of life" as he is influenced by liberal ideas in college. The Monica story repeats itself generation after generation. Our Good Mother, Mary, is no stranger to these sufferings, "Come, all you who pass by the way, look and see/whether there is any suffering like my suffering." (Lam 1:12). Michaelangelo's Pieta graphically portrays Mary's pain. She was warned of the seven sorrows when she and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple after his birth, and as she accepted the invitation to be his mother, she accepted the pain that went with it as well, in obedience to the Father. Her sharing in the suffering of Jesus is part of the plan of redemption, and is a source of encouragement to us when we think we have reached our limit. We pray on this day, "As we honor the compassionate love of the Virgin Mary, may we make up in our own lives whatever is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the good of the Church. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord."
(Prayer after Communion)
Bro. Rene

Glory in the Cross

The entrance antiphon for the Mass in honor of today's feast, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross sums up the core message of the Good News: "We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life and our resurrection; through him we are saved and made free." (based on Gal 6:14). St. Paul loves to tout the logic of God in contrast to the logic of the world. The cross in the time of Jesus and Paul was the ultimate sign of ignominy, akin to the Electric Chair today. Yet Paul uses it as a sign of victory and glory, turning it into a throne for the King of Kings.
Today's feast stems from the recovery of the true cross found by St. Helena in 326, by the Emperor Heraclius of Constantinople who rescued it from the Persians who had taken it to Persia when they sacked Jerusalem in 614. Heraclius and his army invaded Persia and took the cross to Jerusalem, where he, barefoot and wearing sackcloth as a penitent, carried it to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Thus was the cross exalted historically.
The spiritual exaltation, is, however, its service as a vehicle for the triumph of Jesus over evil, and our salvation.
For us, it remains a challenge as we deal every day with some "cross", some pain, some difficult situation, or a sense of our own inadequacy which causes more often than not, to wince and cringe when we look back and things we've said and done. How can we "glory in the cross" with St. Paul who says definitively: "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world" (Gal 6:14)? Using this verse as a frequent prayer (as we Marist Brothers do each time we put the crucifix on with our habits) helps us to integrate the realization that it is for our very faults and sins that Jesus mounted the cross to free us and save us from damnation, even our own, self-imposed "damnation". When we put our focus on him and his great act of love and forgiveness, then we can sense the relief and exlatation that comes with embracing the cross, and with him, come to glory in it. It might be a good idea to look closely at the crucifix today and let Jesus help us transform the ignomious parts of our life into occasions for growth and glory.
Bro. Rene

New Life

Listening, teaching, living the Word of God brings about new life. From the eloquent preachers of the past, such as St. John Chrysostom, whose memorial we celebrate today, to the teachers in our religion department, that speak of Jesus, the Word made Flesh, the Word of Life, the good news goes forth into hearts that vary in their levels of receptivity. The words of Isaiah ring as true today as they did in his time, seven centuries before Christ: "The Lord God has given me/ a well-trained tongue,/ That I might know how to speak to the weary/a word that will rouse them." (Is. 50:4). Our Marist Mission is "to make Jesus known and loved"; it must be seen in action as well as heard in word if we are to "rouse" our students to embrace it. We strive to support each other in this effort, and look for help from the community at large as well...prayers, feeback, advice, suggestions. Since the word of life is Christ, we are confident in his grace and Spirit working in us and in the community that the teaching of the Word will foster growth in faith and new life in him.
Bro. Rene

Love Waits at Home

Home, a special place, a sweet place, a warm, welcoming place, a holiday destination praised in song, poetry and Scripture. What college student, service man or woman, or hospital patient doesn't long for it? Today's Gospel of the Prodigal Son teaches us that "love waits at home" and encourages us to return there no matter how far or long we have strayed or simply been away. In our hearts we know that home, family, cannot be replaced by the glitter of success, the enticements of money and power, the comfort of climate, or even the hospitality of friends. There is an innate "homing instinct" that draws us back to our roots. It must be because unconditional love is at the heart of a good home. If we think back to the many times our parents forgave us, stood up for us, welcomed us with open arms, listened to us, held us as crying babes who needed comfort, we have a reminder that we were born through love, and that love remains forever, no matter what.
So too and even to a greater extent, with our loving God who created us and holds us close, providing for ALL our needs and awaiting only our recognition of his love and our return to our heavenly home. On this sabbath, let us find the love that waits for us in church with our family of faith, and celebrate it con gusto with our families, or call some family member who is away and might need to connect with home. Let us show that love is alive and well and waits at home.
Bro. Rene

September Eleventh

Much will be said, written, and perhaps some regrettable actions be taken on this ninth anniversary of the event which has changed our lives and influenced our thinking so radically. It is a day to remember those thousands of innocent people whose lives ended so abruptly. The pain their families experienced continues to sting them, particularly on this day. For some it is a day of prayer and reflection, for others, a time to relive the shock and panic they experienced when they heard what had happened, and for others, a time to speak out and vent their anger. It is a time to sympathize with victims and survivors, and a time to pray for peace, not only for them, but also for nations. It is a time to remember those serving in our armed forces who are rising their lives to establish a lasting peace. Our imperfect world can look even more bleak as we survey our history since 2001, but it can also be a motivation to work toward peace in our hearts, families, communities and beloved country.
Spending the day with 344 wholesome young freshemen, with their enthusiasm and eagerness to make the most of their next four years at Central, and coming home to the smiles and joy of our victorious football team, it occurred to me how necessary it is to work toward giving them a world in which they can use their energy, strenght, and faith to live as we were meant to live. May our prayers, thoughts, conversations and efforts help bring about a climate of peace for their sakes, if for no other reason.
Bro. Rene

With Prayer Comes Life

"Hear my cry, O God;
Listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you,
When my heart is faint." (Ps 61:1)

Sometimes "the end of the earth" might be Friday Fatigue which leaves the soul empty and prayer not flowing easily, or at all. Sometimes it might be an overload of distractions which are the result of an full agenda, anxiety about a difficult situation or up-coming confrontation, or some physical or emotional pain. Life is full of bumps and these, rather than being impediments to prayer, can become reasons to pray more. Prayer in these times most likely will not have the fervor of consolation when all is going well, but will be the dry prayer of faith and trust. In any case, they are occasions which make the above little verse the perfect prayer which acknowledges our situation, our need for and trust in God. May we commit it to heart and pray it often and find life when we are faint.
Bro. Rene

Love Builds Up

This morning, over 340 eager, enthusiastic, energetic, and perhaps a bit nervous, freshmen were welcomed into the Central Cathoic Family. As with all we do here, we began with a prayer, invoking Mary, our Good Mother, through the familiar words of the Hail Mary, to pray for us now, and in the years ahead to the "hour of our death." Brother Tom warmly and supportively greeted the students, laying before them the marvelous journey of growth in faith and knowledge being initiated today. Homeroom teachers and student ambassadors accompanied them on their first offical walk to their homerooms, where another prayer preceeded the morning's announcements. Veteran seniors also arrived today, recalling how just a short time ago they were in their freshman shoes, but now are preparing for this final and best year.
In this era of rancorous arguments in political campaigns, and even more malicious displays of animosity towards muslims, minorities, and the values preached by Jesus and his disciples through the ages, it is our goal at Central to do our best to teach and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, built on love, unselfish service and sacrfice, and respect for all peoples. It is more than just coincidence that today's opening day falls on the Memorial of St. Peter Claver, the Jesuit priest who expended his capacity to love and his entire ordained life in the service of the African slaves who were brought to Columbia. It was actions such as entering the stench of the slave ships' holds to tend to the dying and ill, as well as to speak about Jesus that fostered the 300.000 conversions attributed to him through the genuine love he brought to people looked upon as commodities by slave traders and owners, but as children of God by him. What a model for our times, what a model for all of us. what a template to present to our students! None of us, and no institution is perfect, but we can and must strive to live as much as possible the way Jesus gave us. May St. Peter Claver and St. Marcellin and all the saints be with all of us as we attempt to do this.
Bro. Rene

Radiant Dawn

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the five major feasts of Mary that receive special honor not only in the Church, but in the Marist tradition. Along with the Immaculate Conception on December 8, Mary, the Mother of the Lord on January 1, he Annunciation on March 25, and the Assumption on August 15, the birthday of Mary holds a prominent place in our Marist community life and prayer. As Jesus is the "Sun of Justice," Mary is the radiant dawn that heralds his arrival. An ancient antiphon reads, "When the most holy Virgin was born, the whole world was made radiant; blessed is the branch and blessed is the stem which bore such holy fruit." Mary's humanity is perfected by her fullness grace, not only is the door through which her Son entered our humanity to bring about our salvation, but also is the door which allows us access to this Son. Her maternal care assures us her intercession before Jesus. As a mother, she wants the best for us, and serves as the model for the behavior which is in accord with his teachings. Her special prayer is the Rosary, and tonight at 9 pm the Knights of Columbus thoughout the country will be praying the rosary in parish churches. Locally, it will be at St. Monica's. Join us there or pray with us from your home.
Bro. Rene

Begining Again

Although it seems as if it were a few hours ago that we gathered in the Central Catholic Chapel to begin the 2009-2010 academic year, this morning the faculty and staff gathered again to begin the 2010-2011 school year. Jesus prayed when he named his Twelve and began a long tradition of new beginnings in the context of prayer. The Mission of Central Catholic is bold and demanding, beyond purely human effort alone, thus God's blessing is invoked to help us remain faithful when fatigue, frustration, or unexpected "monkey wrenches" divert well-thought-out plans. The prayers of friends and alumni, not only today, but throughout the year would be helpful and appreciated. We have wonderful students who love the school and one another, as well as a loving and devoted faculty and staff, ingredients which, along with God's grace, guarantee a successful year. 75 years ago, Brother Florentius and his faculty of three brothers, no doubt, met in prayer as they daringly ventured forth with their plan for the new Central Catholic High School. Their immediate success is an assurance to us, that the formula of prayer, trust and untiring effort in the context of love, works. St. Marcellin admonished his first teachers with the now familiar dictum: "To educate the children, you must love them, and love them all equally." We pray that under the leadership of our new principal, Mrs. Doreen Keller, we will continue to do just that.
Bro. Rene

Many the Works

Labor Day signals the end of summer for most of us, and is now observed as the last opportunity for a summer fling, family cookout, or "fabulous" sale. Somehow the purpose of the day, to affirm the dignity of work and honor workers, is lost.
Work has always had a prominent place in Marist Spirituality, since St. Marcellin himself saw a high value in it for building community (not only buildings!) and developing a sense of reverence for the Author of all work which almost automatically leads to awe and humility. No matter how great of small our ability to work is, or whatever the scope, large or small, of our work, when we acknowledge that God has done even greater work, we see God and ourselves in proper perspective. The Psalmist writes, "Great are the works of the Lord;/ to be pondered by all who love them. Majestic and glorious his work,/ His works are justice and truth." (Ps 111, 2-3,7 ) This we see in creation all around us. In the book of Tobit, we read, "Perform good works all the days of your life, and do not tread the paths of wrongdoing, For if you are steadfast in your service, your good works will bring success, not only to you, but also to all those who live uprightly." (Tobit 4: 5-6). Not only manual work is commendable, but other works, such as parenting, studying, teaching, helping others. "Eternal life is to those who seek glory, honor and immortality through peseverance in good works!" (Rom 2:7). Many the works, much to ponder on this Labor Day. Make it worthwhile, make it a day to remember.
Bro. Rene

The Challenge of the Cross

On September 14th, the Church will celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, but today's Gospel presents the daunting challenge, "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." (Lk 14: 27). He means the rough and heavy cross, not the bejeweled sign of victory. If we want to be a true disciple, there is no alternative, and if we want to share in the triumph, we must bear the burden of pain and suffering, as Jesus did. It is not a path that is popular in our instant-pain-relief society, nor one that we would ordinarily choose to impose upon ourselves, but when we think of it, who among us is free from some form of physical ache, emotional strain or preocupation? If we are so blessed to be thusfar unburdened, our part then becomes to be the support of those whose cross is beyond their strength alone to bear. But all of us, are challenged to be READY to bear what ever comes, so as to walk more closely in the footsteps of Jesus, and also to purify our hearts and lives from over-attachment to comfort, material goods, and having our own way. It is a call to empty ourselves as Jesus did, clinging to nothing to which he was entitled as Son of God. The cross for Jesus was the price he paid to set us free from evil and give us the opportunity for a new and full life in God. He did not hold back in any way for our sakes. His resurrection means our resurrection, if we are willing to follow his path and take up his challenge of the cross. When we think of it, is there really anything or anyone we would let stand between us and Jesus? He shows us in so many ways each day, how much he longs for full and complete union with us; when we spend time reflecting on his great love for us, the cross becomes a small price to offer in exchange. "Take us your cross and follow me...be held and loved my me...forever!"
Bro. Rene

Bless This Moment

Not many of us would consider loading or unloading the dishwasher a "sacred moment" but it can be if we bless it with the simple prayer, "bless this moment". How many routine tasks fill our day, from tying a shoe to turning out the light before going to sleep? We can make each one of these simple things holy by asking God to bless it. Often, the blessing will turn around frustration or impatience, as we are forced to stop or go into the other lane because a taxi has "thoughtfully" stopped right smack in our lane to pick up a fare, or a red light seems to take "forever" to change. Instead of cursing, we can turn to blessing, and oh, what a difference we experience! The common takes on a whole new dimension, and our days fill with the sacred. We usually try to put ourselves in the presence of God before praying...the sign of the cross, thoughtfully said, does that. But that same sense of "presence" can be obtained constantly as we go about our day. It takes time to "work this into" our routine, but it is well worth it. "Prayer changes things," a man told me this morning...it certainly does, and blessing the moment is the short prayer that can change night into day. Bless this moment.
Bro. Rene

Wisdom

As teachers, parents, adults, we are always looking for wisdom, especially when we have the obligation of educating or bringing up the next generation. We are not alone in our search. "Jesus said, "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock" (Mt 7:24). Listening to the words of Jesus, and acting on them. In addition, fasting in some way, shape or form, can also help. Before St. Paul left on his mission to Cyrpus, he was with the community gathered in prayer and fasting, and the Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" (Acts 13: 2). How often do we seek that direct and clear inspriration of what to say and do when confronted by a difficult situation! A teen caught with drugs, or in a series of lies. A fellow worker cheating on the boss. The list goes on.
Today we remember Pope St. Gregory the Great who as a contemplative was yet a very active and effective Pope, living and teaching the word of God. Through his prayers and example may we become wise and grow in union with the Holy Spirit, by asking him to come to us, as the well-known prayer goes, "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful." The empty hole left by fasting allows more space for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to fill.
Bro. Rene

We Walk By Faith

St. Paul writes that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5: 7). When we reflect on it, it's no surprise that this thought has found its way to prayer cards, refrains for songs, or themes for retreats. A look at the lives of the saints, and our own lives reveals how many times we step out into the unknown, certainly with no idea of what's ahead of us, and in faith and trust in God, make it to the end of another day, with our worst fears having been abated. Although we learn through our own experience that "it always works out in the end," we do need to be reminded often, even to make it part of our daily prayer mantra, that yes, we walk by faith, not by sight.

Can you see how this thought must have influenced St. Marcellin and the early brothers, or Brother Florentius, who, at this time 75 years ago, had recently received diocesan approval for the start of Central Catholic, and had to hustle to arrange for a location for the school (the Knights of Columbus building on Haverhill Street), and the arrangements for the opening Mass on September 16? Let us take heart that the faith-walk always works...

Bro. Rene