Family

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and a time to look at how our families can find inspiration from this first of families. Simple obedience to the requests of God, especially those which seemed "impossible" and demanding more than average faith and trust: Mary's pregnancy before her marriage, Joseph's dilemma, the trip to Bethlehem, the search for a room, the flight into Egypt, the return to Nazareth, the temporary loss of Jesus, fidelity to the raising of the Child into manhood in the day to day humdrum of work, Joseph's death, Jesus departure from Mary for his mission, Mary's "letting go" and later pain when she witnesses his passion and death. What couple has not experienced its own suprises and demands far beyond their imaginations as they walked down the aisle and pronounced their vows before the altar? Fidelity, faith, love, trust emerge as the glue that binds no matter what the stress. Sometimes very hard choices have to be made, choices that do not fit the ideal pattern, but can lead still foster a relationship with God and the proper raising of the children. Happily, our US Marist Province has taken the Holy Family as its patron, and images of this remarkable family are present in our communities and schools as reminder of the values we must foster in our commuity life and in our schools. Our Marist Family Spirit is a great gift that we share with each other, our colleagues, our parents and our students. May we reflect on the model presented by the Holy Family to appreciate and put into practice this simple but precious gift and love one another as members of this extended family.
Bro. Rene
I will be away till Monday evening, celebrating family in Wheeling, WV and will not have access to a computer. Sunday is the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, and the World Day of Peace. May Mary help us all to find the peace that eludes us, the peace that can only be found in her Son, the Prince of Peace.

Saved By What We Lose

The Christmas paradoxes continue: God becomes a human child...the Creator, a creature; his death gives life; we celebrate his human birth and the heavenly birth of martyrs Stephen, the Innocents, and today, Thomas a Becket. There's no escaping these paradoxes if we truly value and live our Christian life. This verse from a beautiful hymn describes the need for "death" in its many forms:

And all the nations then will see
The light that spills from Zion's height
And purifies our blinded hearts
till sin-dimmed eyes can see aright.
The price is high: a piercing sword,
A cross that asks of us to choose
The fire that cinders selfishness--
For we are saved by what we lose.

What we lose: even when the time we planned for what we considered important is usurped by a commitment to service to others...especially to family. A mother holding a crying baby when the dishes she planned to wash remain in the sink, untouched...or the beds remain un-made...or the practice or game that ran overtime and required a longer wait than anticipated and thus threw off the plans for the rest of the day. We all live through moments such as these. It is consoling to know that in such cases, "we are saved by what we lose."
Bro. Rene

The Holy Innocents

Again during this Christmas Octave, we read of another tragedy: the murder of all Bethlehem's boys, two and under, by King Herod's men, in an attempt to wipe out a rival king. The wailing of their mothers was foretold by the prophet Jeremiah centuries before: "In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning/ of bitter weeping!/ Rachel mouns her children,/ she refuses to be consoled/ because her children are no more." (Jer 31: 15). Herod's attempt at eliminating his rival did not succeed, in the same way that attempts to eliminate rivals by mass murder have never succeeded throughout history.
In our own day, the "slaughter" of innoncent children continues through abuse of all kinds, physical, sexual, psychological, as we read or hear daily, it seems, in the media. Children who have no means to defend themselves are victimized by adults who should know better, or by their peers whose sense of respect for others has been lost along the way or never learned. Pope Paul VI in his controversial encyclical, Humanae Vitae, predicted that artificial contraception would lead to a contraceptive mentalility and ultimately to an across-the-boards disrespect for life. The ensuing years have verified his insight. It is not just concern for the unborn that needs attention, but for life in all phases, in all aspects. May the prayers of the Holy Innocents, recognized as the first martyrs for Christ help us all come to a new and needed sensitivity and respect for life and lead us to concrete ways in which to show this by our words and deeds.
Bro. Rene

St. John the Evangelist

Known via tradition as the youngest disciple, and called "beloved", or "the disciple whom Jesus loved," his is also the disciple of light and love. The prologue to his gospel speaks of light overcoming darkness, and forever immortalizes Jesus proclamation that he is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). His first letter abounds with descriptions of love (cf 1 Jn 4). We find comfort in his words but there is also challenge. How do we become light, how do we love as he describes it?
Making the headlines day after day is Bronco's quarterback, Tim Tebow, whose public kneeling and praying has raised eyebrows and won him admiration and scorn. His new book, Through My Eyes, has sold thousands of copies and has made him the most popular sports writer of 2011, and the number one best seller for his publisher, Harper. In an interview with Shawn Hannity, he speaks frankly about his faith, and the responsibility as a role model to the young, to his fellow players, and to his fans. He is in a position to be a tremendous light to others, accepts it and lives it. He sponsors an orphanage in the Philippines, supports the Timmy Foundation which provides "Timmy Rooms" for children who need a place of faith, fun and nourishment. The love he received from his mother who was advised to abort him, but chose in faith to proceed with her pregnancy, has enabled this "born of love" child and born again Christian to live his faith publicly.
He speaks of the need for a deep faith and the support of his family and colleagues...his community. So too for Marists who need one another to live our "love story" and be light for othes. Thank you, St. John. Thank you, Tim.
Bro Rene

The Crib and the Cross

While we might be "in recovery" after yesterday's feasting and today's inventorying of all the cookies and cakes we received as gifts, "the day after" for us is nowhere near the reminder of what lies in store for every Christian who worshipped at the manger as is today's Feast. The martyrdom of St. Stephen is a stark reminder that our calling to be another Jesus, to follow in his footsteps, is a call to suffering, even to the cross itself. The contrast of Stephen's gruesome stoning to the joy of the heavenly hosts, whose song and image are still fresh in our minds is sobering, to say the least. Certainly more than the sobering realization, after looking at the scale this morning, of what price all that eating yesterday cost us. Stephen reminds us that following Jesus means standing up for him and his teachings, paying for them dearly, even with our own lives, if necessary. St. Marcellin's "favorite places" were the crib, the cross and the altar" and, as he told his followers, these should be theirs as well. Today's meditation might be spending time before the creche and reflecting on what followed for Jesus, from the quick night escape into Egypt to the painful road to Calvary. What has been our journey thus far from our birth till now? Not one of us can say there hasn't been pain, sorrow, and suffering in some manner or form. How much of it has been related to our faith, to our living out and proclamation of it, to our growth in it? Not all are called to physical martyrdom, but all are called to a constant death to selfishness and sin. While in this Octave of Christmas and in the sorting out of the gifts we have received, may we also sort out what impedes our complete Stephen-like fidelity to Jesus.
Bro. Rene

The Wonders of His Love

Carols ring out in our churches this day, a day of joy to and for the world. The King of Kings, who is our peace, comes in the splendor of a host of angels singing Glory to God in the Highest, and on eath peace to people of good will, and in the simplicity and poverty of a homeless child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Poor shepherds are the first to respond and give him homage; Wisemen follow in due time. It is paradoxical that the Son of God, who existed from all time and before, the creator of the universe, the Savior of the human race, should come among us as one of us, in the total dependence of a newborn baby. He rests in a manger, the trough where animals feed, for he feeds us with his body and blood. The child is there for everyone; the child shows us that the weakness of God is more powerful than any force we humans can muster; the child incarnates God's all-inclusive love. We sing in the carol, Joy to the World, "And wonders of his love," and repeat this line again. It is as if we can't comprehend these wonders, cannot fathom them, for they are beyond us. "Oh the depths or the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God..who has known the mind of God? (Rm 11:33). The child in the manger is only a glimpse of God, but with him begins our journey and goal to know and love God as fully as we can and help others to do the same. The Church takes a week, called the Octave of Christmas, to digest and reflect on this event, on this challenge, on this calling. May we, like the shepherds, make haste to come to the child and then with equal haste be on our mission to spread the wonders of his love to all, beginning today.
Merry Christmas,
Bro. Rene

Our Salvation

Today you shall know the Lord is coming and in the morning you will see his glory. So reads the Invitatory Verse which begins the Church's Prayer for today. This promise has been kept but it is up to us to renew it in our own lives and experience. This morning, gathered with over 200 men, many of whom brought their sons, of all ages, neatly dressed in shirts, ties, and even suitjackets, to the 27th annual Merrimack Valley Christian Men's Christmas Breakfast, I did experience not only the hope that Christmas engenders, but also that faith that will keep it alive until the Second Coming of Jesus. The room was filled with believiers whose hefty voices raised the ceiling in song, whose hearts prayed with deep conviction, and whose laughter and good fellowship exhibited the joy that is essential to Christmas. The Lord's coming will be celebrated tonight and tomorrow; with the angels and shepherds we will see his glory. It will prompt us to take the faith in our hearts and bring it to family, to the streets of our communities and to the workplace in the weeks ahead. Yes, Christmas is about more than decorations and gifts, it is about our salvation, and for that we hoot and holler, and "tell it on the mountain": Jesus Christ is born!
Bro. Rene

O Emmanuel

O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God. The final "O" Antiphon sums up the others and clearly states the purpose of Jesus birth: to be with us (Emmanuel) and to set us free. God among us, God in us. Do we see him in our hearts and in the face of others? Do we recognize our gifts and those of others? Do we share ours and encourage others to share theirs? We send cards expressing our love, we give gifts symbolic of our love and the love God has poured out in the gift of Jesus to us; are we just going through the motions or are we aware of what powerful signs these are? A friend whom I will be visiting for his 60th birthday on New Year's Day said that just my being there would be my greatest gift to him. Until someone makes such a statement, we don't realize the impact of our presence in the lives of others. What more powerful impact, then, is the presence of God-with-us, Emmanuel! Let us coast toward Christmas Day in peace, freedom and confidence in the arms of the greatest Presence possible.
Bro. Rene

O King of All the Nations

O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of humanity, come and save the creatures you fashioned from the dust. Beautifully and succinctly we are reminded that Christ the King is our only joy and satisfaction, a lesson we try to absorb throughout our lifetime, despite the tugs and enticements of the world's glitter and gold, or the laziness that allures us to the "easy path" whose shallow diversions can kill our souls. Without Jesus as the Keystone, the arch crumbles. We might have discovered that already, but need to review this lesson and relive it. Life's twists and turns, the instruments of God, have a way of turning us around. Just remembering that we are dust and have not here a lasting city can poke us back onto the right track. In these final days before Christmas, may we look at the path our day takes, where we spend our time, how much we are reflecting on what we are doing, and where our focus is. If we are tired, or on "automatic pilot", how are we going to give our King the welcome and honor he deserves? If we can let go of all we wanted to do before Christmas, and just basque in the message of "peace and goodwill to all", we might come to the stable with the pure hearts of the shepherds, fall on our knees, and worship the God who has come among us.
May our deeds and actions these days help us bring the gift of ourselves to the Babe and to others.
Bro. Rene

O Dayspring

As the sun rises, (today is not the day to see it), fresh light floods the world. South Dakota, with its flat plains and grasslands as far as the eye can see is the place to watch and really appreciate this daily miracle. For fifteen or twenty minutes the sky brightens heralding the coming of the first rays which break upon the horizon which are followed by a pinpoint of strong light which grows into the fireball of the sun. It's almost blinding. Our "O" antiphon today compares this daily gift of light to brightness of eternal Light and Sun of Justice, and begs enlightenment to those who "sit in darkenss and in the shadow of death." A Christmas greeting from one of our brothers in India, Brother Shanthi Liyanage, once the director of the school we run in Sargoda, Pakistan, and now the Provincial of the province which encompasses India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, translates the message of Light to Love: "God is Love and it is by Love alone we can reach Him. Dedicate your life in all humility to the loving service of youth."
He quotes a Guru:
I have turned my heart into a boat,
I have searched in every sea;
I have dwelt by rivers and streams;
I have bathed at places of pilgrimage;
I have eaten bitter and sweet;
I have seen the remotest regions.
And this I have learnt that he is the True Man
Who loveth God and loveth man,
And serving all abideth in Eternal Love.

Bro. Rene

O Key of David

Today's "O" antiphon connects Jesus with his ancestor David, and, using the image of a key, reminds us of the prophecy of Isaiah, that the Messiah would lead captives to freedom (Is 61: 1). O Key of David, and scepter of the house of Israel: you open and no one shuts; you shut and no one opens. come and lead forth from his prison the captive sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death." We are the prisoners of our own self-centeredness, fears, doubts, hesitations, misplaced self-confidence, and lack of faith and trust. Only the Messiah can truly free us from these shackles. If we allow him to turn the key to our hearts by admitting our NEED for outside help, then he can lead us to freedom.
This came home to me in a brutal way at the Marist Marine Adventure Retreat when following orders to walk blindfolded and in silence through a maze defined by a thin wire, we would find the exit. It seemed easy to slide my hand along the wire and go wherever it took me. Those running the exercise kept asking if I needed our would like help, but in keeping with the rule of silence and determined to "do it my way" I grunted refusals time after time. When it was announced that everyone had found the exit and I was the only one still blindfoldedly searching for it, I was finally put into a conversation where I admitted that I was lost and in my frustration, asked for help. At that moment, my blindfold was removed, and I was told I had found the exit: by admitting that I could not do it alone, but needed help from outside. My whole life flashed before me, for I have always been the first to GIVE help, but the last to ask for it. Wow! So, I can truly pray, Come, Key of David. open the gate for me and lead me out of my captivity.
Bro. Rene

O Root of Jesse

Jesse was the father of David and of the House of David, Jesus was born, hence Jesus was the offspring from the root of Jesse. "Before you kings shall remain silent, and to you the Gentiles shall make supplication. Come to deliver us, and delay not." (Traditional "O" antiphon 3) During this fourth week the anticipation of the Church turns almost to impatience as she longs for the birth of the Messiah. Translated to our current situation, many of us are wondering how we are going to get throught this week, and are looking forward with desparation to December 26th so we can breathe a sight of relief. Just picture Mary and Joseph on their journey toward Bethelehem...similar anxieties...where to stay, will the baby be born on the road? etc. We're in good company, so the prayer, "Come deliver us and delay not" can be very much our own.
Bro. Rene

O Adonai

Due to a dislocated finger incurred yesterday during one of the challenges faced on our Marist Marine Adventure Retreat I'm typing with one hand, so my slice of Daily Bread will be thin until the splint is removed.
It has been a very physical and enlightening weekend as we dove deeper into each of the five Marks of a Marist student through "tasks" similar to those seen on the program, Survivor. The students came up with solutions quickly, with some students emerging as gifted leaders, and all working together as an effective team team. Group reflections after each task enabled the students to connect the task to the Marist Mark. For example, "Servant Leadership" became a realty as the students worked their way across a seemingly unreachable pattern of small platforms, by giving of themselves to help their partners.
Our God, Adonai, the substitute name for the unutterable name, Yahweh, has reached out to us from the burning bush which Moses saw to Jesus, who gave totally of himself. Our Marist schools are teaching our students to follow that style of Leadership, which is the style for all Marists.
Bro. Rene

The "O" Antiphons

Even for those who are familiar with the "O Antiphons" it still might come as a shock that they begin today. We are on the final descent of our four week flight to Christmas, indeed a week from today will be Christmas Eve! These traditional antiphons, sung in Latin to simple but soulful Gregorian Chant, have been treasured for centuries and survive in the vernacular with much of their elegance and beauty. They are sung or recited before and after the Magnificat at Vespers, or Evening Prayer, as it is commonly called today. The familiar Advent hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, paraphrases them and is more well-known than the originals. Today's addresses the Holy Spirit as "Wisdom", and reads thus: O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the most High and reached from end to end, and disposed of all things sweetly and mightily: come and teach us the way of prudence.
I write today from Esopus, New York, where I am on what we are calling a Marist Marine Adventure Retreat with 20 Central students. The students are acquiring wisdom and knowledge to help them grow in the Spirit, in prudence, and in their understanding of what it means to be a Marist student through arduous and challenging physical tasks. This is a fitting time and place for such an experience. Buried not far from our activities are the Marist Brothers, including our four most recent, Brothers Raoul Molnar, Victor Serna, Valerian T. Doiron and Edward Vollmer, whose lives were spent spreading wisdom, knowledge and the love which we are celebrating at Christmas. This property still serves as the seat of formation for Marist novices, and the spiritual formation of students who come here on retreats and Encounters. Wisdom has found a place here and disposes sweetly and mightily the gifts of God to those who seek them. No matter where we are today, let us beg for the wisdom we need to learn the way of prudence and knowledge.
Bro. Rene

Our Lady of the New Advent

In the Diocese of Denver, today is the feast day of Our Lady of the New Advent, a title for Mary created by Pope John Paul II who foresaw the third millenium as a New Advent, a new coming of Jesus into the hearts of believers. The icon was created by Fr. William McNichols and can be viewed via Google under Our Lady of the New Advent. We have placed a large copy of this image in our lobby between our Advent Wreath and our Christmas Tree, and this morning, each faculty and staff member received a 4 x 6 card with this prayer which we can make our own today and for the remainder of Advent:
Our Lady and Mother of the One who was and is and is to come, dawn of the New Jerusalem, we earnestly beseech you, bring us by your intercession so to live in love that the Church, the Body of Christ, may stand in the world's dark as a fiery icon of the New Jerusalem. We ask you to to obtain for us this mercy through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father in the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Truly we are in a period of the "world's dark" and need to pray earnestly and constantly for the Light of Christ to dispell it, and we need to "live in love", that is put love into all our words, actions of kindness, and acts of forgiveness, so that little by little we can influence our "little worlds" and let the ripple effect take hold in the larger world.
Bro. Rene

Redemption

Ten days from today, we will be celebrating Christmas. It's coming like a steamroller paving a new street, not stopping, rolling toward us, ready or not! Do we laugh, do we panic, or do we look calmly at what a Gift has been given and can be renewed in our hearts this year and every year? Indeed, we who were lost, abandoned to our own whims and sins, have been redeemed. Let us not forget that amidst the glitter of the new LED lights that are everywhere, or in the dilemmas over what to buy Aunt Susie.... The prophet Isaiah speaks to us today using the image of marriage to describe what redemption means: Fear not, you shall not be put to shame;/ you need not blush, for you shall not be disgraced./ The shame of your youth you shall forget,/ the reproach of your widowhood no longer remember./ For he who has become your husband is your Maker; / his name is the Lord of hosts;/ Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel,/ called God of all the earth./ The lord calls you back,/ like a wife foresaken and grieved in spirit,/ A wife married in youth and then cast off./ says your God./ for a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great tenderness I will take you back./ In an outburst of wrath, for a moment/ I hid my face from you;/ but with enduring love I take pity on you,/ says the Lord your redeemer." (Is 54: 4-8). The shepherds, the manger, the angels singing Glory to God in the Highest, all that comes to mind about Christmas Eve...is really about God's love, forgiving a sinful, unfaithful people, taking us back, redeeming us. May we not lose sight of this.
Bro. Rene

The Dark Night

St. John of the Cross is one of the great mystics who has left us a blueprint and a reminder that distress, disaster and depression are also the vehicles for seeing the light, a light that comes not from the sun but from the Son. Imprisoned as he was for nine months by his own Carmelite brethren in a dark dungeon, he dealt with more than just disappointment at the refusal of the Carmelites to accept his proposed reforms, but it seemed that even God had abandoned him. This was the worst part of his confinement; the absence of God was a taste of hell. Yet in that darkness, he wrote his most penetrating poetry, and the classic, The Dark Night of the Soul. He began to see, to understand, that in being stripped totally of all that the sense could provide, he was given a clear vision of the God who surpasses all human understanding. It was an intuitive experience of God, or, as we say, a mystical experience...a knowing without words, without images.
In our own struggles, we might not sink (or rise) to such levels of darkness, doubt or near despair, and thus might not reach the Everest of mystical heights, but we can experience a closeness to God we never thought possible. When we strip ourselves, or are stripped of what we think is necessary for prayer or for our own growth, we discover a new level of intimacy with God, one that is more direct, simple, less cluttered, and ultimately more fulfilling. Emotion is reduced, feelings shrivel, faith, hope and love blossom. These Advent days or preparation can be a gift, one that comes outside the box, to help us appreciate and preview what's in store for us when we meet God face to face. Lord, in the darkness let me see the light of your face. Amen.

Radiant With Joy

In Scandanavian countries, December 13th is regarded as the shortest day with the longest night, hence the memorial of St. Lucy (from the Latin, Lux, Light) is celebrated with great festivity. A young girl wearing a crown of lighted candles proceeds gingerly into a darkened room where those gathered light their own candles from her crown thus dispelling the darkness of this longest night. Fine foods and drink prepared weeks in advance grace the table for the rest of the celebration.
St. Lucy did exist, living and dying as a virgin and martyr not in these northern countries, but in Syracuse, Sicily in 304 A.D. under the persecution of Diocletian. Her name is listed in the first Eucharistic prayer with other martyrs: Lucy, Agnes, Agatha, Cecilia, Anastasia. She is depicted in art as carrying a platter with her eyes on it, derived from the legend that they were plucked out in the course of her martyrdom, or in another legend, that she plucked them out herself and gave them to her suitor, saying, "You have my eyes, now let me go so that I can behold my true love, Jesus." She is thus the patronness of the blind or those with eye disorders.
Light, darkness, sight, blindness, all images that can be applied to our own inner darkeness and blindness...as exposed in our impatience to have things go "our way", or our stubborness in refusing to turn ourselves increasingly into God's hands. Conversion ,this is called...an on-going, life-long process, that demands attention to choices we make, words that slip from our lips, and attitudes and prejudices that prevent us from seeing the beauty and goodness of others, or allowing them to grow at their own pace. It comes down to admitting and acknowledging that God is in charge, not us, and that God's way, will, plan, call is what we will, is better than any we can devise. St. Lucy, cast aside that darkness that blinds us from seeing the goodness, truth and beauty of God's plan and all of God's creation.
Bro, Rene

Mary and the Oppressed

It would be quite a stretch of imagination to picture Mary camping out with the Occupy Wall Street movement, but she made quite a statement about care for the oppressed by her appearance at Tepeyac to the simple peasant Juan Diego as a pregnant Aztec woman. She did not come as a Spaniard or even a Jewish maiden. but as one of the people who were being subjugated by the European conquerors. During the Mass of this feast we pray, "O God, Father of mercies, who placed your people under the singular protection of your Son's most holy Mother, grant that all who invoke the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, may seek with ever more lively faith the progress of peoples in the ways of justice and of peace." This powerful prayer reminds us of our own mission, in imitation of Mary, to work for justice and peace ourselves. Interestingly enough, Mary did not ask for a "camp out" or a protest march, but rather that a church be built. This is her usual request. A church, not as a temple in her honor, but a sacred place where the Mass is offered and her Son's gift of the Eucharist is made available to a hungry people. Again, she wants to bring forth her Son to the world, so that he can be the source of life, peace and justice. Do we miss this in our attendance at Mass? With Pope Benedict we pray that "Our Lady of Guadalupe may protect and inspire those who govern in their difficult task as promoters of the common good, and renew the bonds of Christian fellowship for the good of ALL the people."
Bro. Rene

Gaudete--Rejoice

The Third Sunday of Advent used to be called "Gaudete Sunday" because of the first words of the Introit, Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete! taken from St. Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians (5: 16). "Rejoice always, again I say, rejoice." Indeed the passage which serves as the second reading for today's Mass sums up the entire theme of Advent: be happy, be ecstatic because Emmanuel, God is with us! The exuberent Paul continues: "Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit." (I Thess 5: 19). In anticipation of the joy of Christ's presence among us to be duly celebrated at Christmas, the purple of Advent yields to rose, a step closer to the white of the Nativity. The third Advent candle and where possible, the celebrant's chasuble bear the rose-colored mark of rejoicing. Like children who "can't wait for Christmas morning" we want to jump ahead and get to it NOW!
Last evening I attended two Christmas events, yes in Advent, but in that anticipation described above. One was a huge, and I mean huge, party for the children of the Arlington Neighborhood, one densely populated by Latinos, mostly from the Domnincan Repbulic. The loudspeakers, turned up to the max, it seemed, fostered a great sense of excitement visibily present in the enthusiastic games played by the children. The pulse was definitely over the top. The second was an absolutely charming concert given by a dozen gifted singers in their twenties and thirties whose faces radiated the joy of Christmas as they sang not of Frosty or Rudolph, but of the Savior born in Bethlehem. It was so refreshing to hear these unfamiliar but beautiful songs telling and retelling the familiar Christmas story or describing the peace of Christmas, with no allusions to "Black Friday" or current mythological accretions. No, it was a spiritual oasis aptly in tune with Gaudete Sunday and a source of hope and joy to hear these men and women profess their faith in Jesus in so beautifully in harmony with each other, and obviously in harmony with Him! I pray with St. Paul for all: "May the God of peace make you pefectly holy and may you enterily, spirit, soul and body, be preserved blameless for the coin go four Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is Faithful, and he will also accomplish it." (1 Thess. 5: 24). Gaudete....Rejoice!

World Human Rights Day

With the OCCUPY Movement dominating headlines for months and causing a welcome and non-welcome stir across the nation, talk of human rights is certainly a topic that provokes reflection and discussion. Since 1950, December 10th has been observed as World Human Rights Day as a way of keeping alive the Universal Declaration of Human Rights promulgated by the United Nations on this date in 1948. For the past two years this declaration has been the basis of the Marist Advent Prayer Book distributed world wide by the Marist International Solidarity Fund. This year's theme is non-discrimination, relating to Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children from our Marist World describe the experiences of discrimination, bullying, taunting and disrespect that have both hurt them and yet caused them to grow into more caring and compassionate persons. The stories told by these children are appalling and reveal that the rights of children are still being violated by the harshness, rudeness, and disregard of others in spite of the declaration of their rights.
Our Advent prayer can turn into action as we review our attitudes, thoughts and words in which subtle or even overt expressions of prejudice, discrimination and disrespect still linger. These might be the hills we attempt to level, the valleys that need to be filled, to make straight "a highway for our God." (Is 40: 3). Lord, cleanse my heart and my lips that I may be freed of prejudice, discrimination and unkindness so that I may help bring healing whose rights and dignity have been violated. Amen.
Bro. Rene

The Light to Walk

With the moon coming to fullness and the days getting ever shorter, our appreciation for light heightens. We are reminded that Jesus, the Light of the World, came to dispel the darkness, and John tell us that the darkness could not overcome the Light. (Jn 1:5). ) How blessed are we to be "children of light". Yet the stresses of this season, endless meetings, preparations for Christmas, finals for students, collections for empty pantry shelves to help the poor have a good Christmas dinner, all of these can become a disconcerting darkness that prevents us from seeing the light. A first year college student and graduate of Mount St. Michael, Stanley De La Cruz, writes in Live Marist, about the need to "take a break" to avoid being weighed down totally by stressful burdens, in his case, studying for finals. He uses a story which illustrates how even simple things if carried too long can become impossible to handle: holding a milk bottle for a minute is not problem, but for an hour, it becomes painful, and for a whole day, almost paralyzes the arm, but holding it for a little while, putting it down, picking it up again after that little rest, and continuing this pattern, makes it possible to hold that bottle indefinitely. He puts down his books, has a snack or takes a "power nap" then continues his studying. Not only is he growing in knowledge, but in wisdom as well. May his story shed some light on the darkness we might be experiencing and help us walk with a lighter, enlightened heart.
Bro. Rene

Mary's Willing Participation

The Church turns to a major Advent figure, Mary, the Immaculate Conception, during the second week of Advent as model for our Advent observances and our Christian life. We are pleased to offer this reflection by Br. John Kachinsky, one of our guidance counselors and our vocation coordinator as today's slice of daily bread.

Mary’s life was pregnant with possibilities. The Church reminds us of this Marian truth that is easy to overlook but nevertheless, stupendous. In some mysterious way, the incarnation resulted not only from the work of God the Father, but also from the will of Mother Mary.

Numerous church fathers acknowledged Mary’s active cooperation in the history of salvation. According to Thomas Aquinas (Summa, III: 30) human redemption depended upon the consent of the pregnant teenager, Mary. She did not ask to bear the Son of God, nor was she compelled to do so. She might have said no. But she did not shrink from God’s call in her life and instead enriched all humanity by her willing participation, not knowing where that would take her. Mary had to wrestle with the meaning of God’s will in her life like any person of authentic faith. She is an extraordinary model of discipleship for all of us.

-Br. John Kachinsky, FMS

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

As president Franklin D. Rooselvelt named it in his address to Congress on December 8, 1941, December 7th is a "date that will live in infamy," and is rightly being commemorated on its 70th anniversary by a moment of silence, fly-overs, and the scattering of ashes of survivors, some on the Utah, others on the Arizona, both of which still lie at the bottom of the harbor, and others over the waters. 120 survivors have mustered to be present to pay their respects to the 2,388 servicemen who died and the the 1,178 who were wounded that morning. It was the shock that brought us into war with the Empire of Japan, and, in truth, changed the world.
As the numbers of survivors dwindle, along with those of us who remember the bombing from our youths, all that is right and just demands that we not lose the memory of this catastrophic event, and continue to reflect on its impact. War is never neat nor pretty, but sometimes necessary. Sacrifices of lives and lifestyle to preserve our national integrity were needed and came forth without hesitation. Those who returned from battle, spoke little of their experiences until recently, stating it simply as a job to be done. A terrible job, we might say, but one which allowed our flag to fly free.
Today war continues in Afgahnistan, but worse, a war against the message of Jesus rages with ever increasing intensity. No, we are not throwing people to the lions, but subtly, the message is being diluted, rejected, mocked, ignored, and in some areas, attacked. When we read of some of the atrocities being committed in our schools, our communities, our cities, aren't we asking, "Where is all this coming from? How far does it have to go before we put a stop to it?"
The Hebrews longed for a Messiah to deliver them from the oppression of the Romans, but the Messiah came to liberate all on a much deeper level. May reflection on Pearl Harbor, and our present world help us to draw deeper meaning from our Advent observences, and help us to make its hope and promise real.
Bro. Rene

St. Nicholas

The limelight given to Santa Claus whose ever-expanding entourage of Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, etc. clouds the vision of the real man behind the legend, St. Nicholas. Even at that, we know little about him who has his own series of stories and legends. We do know that he was the son of wealthy parents and was born in the third century in Patara, which is now part of southern Turkey. It was part of Greece during his lifetime. When his parents died, he gave away his legacy to the poor, and noted for his kindness, was made a bishop, even as a young man. His generosity continued during his life as bishop of Myra, leading to the stories in which he devotes much of his attention to the well-being and protection of children, particularly the poor.
One story tells of three bags of gold being thrown through the window of a father of three daughters too poor to provide dowries for them, and thus facing the possibility of having to sell them into slavery. The bags of gold landed on the shoes and stockings of the girls which were drying by the fire, thus saving them from slavery. Hence, today, the custom of hanging stockings on the mantle. Other stories describe miraculous rescues of children from marauders and returning them to their parents.
In our preparation for Christmas, we might keep in mind the type of generosity which blesses children with care, kindness, and love, rather than with bundles of material things whose attraction soon fades away.
Bro. Rene

Revive Us Now

Fighting off a persistent cold can help us understand the dynamic that motivated the Psalmist and other spiritual writers to cry out rather impatiently, "How long, O Lord? I cry out for help/ but you do not listen." (Hb 1:2) Sleepless nights due to coughing, hacking, blowing, and spitting, tire us and reduce our energy, leaving us with no alternative, it seems, than to beg for relief. The repetition of the same sins, our inability to keep our Advent resolutions, or to find that extra minute for prayer, can be exasperating. "Revive us now, God our helper! we pray in Psalm 85: 5. A good prayer for us as we continue into this Second Week of Advent. As a cold runs its course and eventually disappears, we appreciate the relief and welcome change. The same is true on the spiritual level: our prayer for revival and new life will be answerd. Advent is a time of Promise, and it will be kept for us personally, as well as for the whole of mankind. Perhaps looking beyond our own personal shortcomings and turning our prayer to the needs of the world-at large, will help bring about the revival that we so desire. Persistence and patient waiting are the prescription for healing and return to health.
The Lord is waiting to show you favor,/and he rises to pity you;/ For the Lord is a God of justice: / blessed are all who wait for him!
O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem,/ no more will you weep;/ He will be gracious to you when you cry out." (Is 30: 18-19).
Bro. Rene
Note: if you click on the blogspot at the bottom of the Daily Bread post,
a nicer version of it comes up. I smile at you.

Preparing the Way of the Lord

John the Baptist makes his appearance on this Second Sunday of Advent, reminding us that he is simply a voice in the desert preparing the way of the Lord. I don't think we appreciate the courage John displayed in carrying out this task until we find ourselves in situations where everything said, and everything done is NOT according to the "way of the Lord." Rather, people seem to talk and behave as if there were no "way of the Lord," and each person is free to follow desires and instincts that are in total opposition to what, let's say, the Church has perennially taught. How does one change the level of conversation, or tactfully approach a person as an avalanche of contrary values smothers what is right and true? John did not hesitate to challenge values and life styles, and point to Jesus. As a champion of the truth, he eventually lost his head for it, but has left us with an example of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Not only a follower, but a spokesman whose words were supported by his actions. Further meditation and prayer on Mark 1:1-8 would be helpful in giving our Advent observence some teeth. Our prayer might be: Lord, give me the guts of St. John the Baptist.
Bro. Rene

Draw Near

During Advent we make an effort to draw nearer to Jesus by thinking and praying over his coming as foretold by the prophets and described by Matthew and Luke. We rarely think of Jesus as yearning to draw close to us because of the good he sees in us that we do not see. He sees in us the ideal person, the person we can be, the person he would have us to be. He longs for us to be true to the vision he has of us, and suffers pain when we deviate from it. Do we see Jesus as such a friend, as the friend who wants the best for us, gives us the hints and helps to achieve it, and nudges us along the path to it? This is the friend we long to see, whose coming we anticipate: the friend who longs for us to accept his friendship, his plan, and his love. May we allow him to draw closer to us this Advent, by listening...listening to Isaiah, Paul and the Evangelists, listening to what our daily circumstances teach us, and listening to him in the quiet of our Advent prayer.
Bro. Rene
I will be visiting my friend Bill in Bal Harbour, Florida for the weekend and cannot insure a daily slice of bread. I'll do my best.

A Time of Promise

Advent is a time of promise: the promise of the birth of the Messiah, and the promise of his Second Coming at the end of time. Huge promises, but one already fulfilled, giving us hope that the second will also. Our own lives are engaged in a similar promise: that we will eventually grow fully into the persons we were intended to be from all eternity. A relief to know it will happen, despite our ups and downs.
In the Marist World, another huge surge of new life is underway on the shores beyond ours. The Marist Asian Pacific Solidarity movement includes initiatives sponsored by the Marist Solidarity Fund, which is investing $1.4 million to work with youth in Pakistan, India, Cambodia, East Timor, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Kribati. through the builidng of new schools and exchange programs.
There was recently a meeting in Mindelheim, Germany, of European Marists to brainstorm the revitalization of the Marist Charism throughout Europe, noted for its acute secularism. New ways of being Brother, new routes for Marist Life and Mission promise to counteract the tenor of the times.
And an amazing exchange took place in Istanbul between Greek and Turkish students from Marist schools. Greeks and Turks have long been at odds (to say the least), and this meeting of youth holds promise for the future, as these students make friends. We talked about the Wolf and the Lamb coming together as Isaiah predicted, and it is most encouraging to note that the Marist Brothers are in the midst of making that happen. Advent is not just a word, it is a concrete reality. Praise to God for our role in helping to bring alive the promises of old .
Bro. Rene

Striving for Sanctity

When we hear or read that "we are all called to holiness", most of us cringe and say, "Well, I'm no Mother Teresa, or Francis of Assisi, so I guess that call is not for me." But the call is "for me." Me, as I am, who I am, even with the parts I don't like about myself. God is not calling me to be someone else, but to accept and love completely the creation he made me, as he does. It would do us a world of good if we put ourselves in God's shoes and looked at ourselves with his eyes. He created us, he knows us better than we know ourselves, he doesn't reject what he has made, rather he loves these creatures of his with an everlasting and unconditional love. Accepting ourselves as God accepts us is the beginning of sanctity for we then we present him with our true self, not a false self, not a self that is an imitation of another. Once a very holy Sister said to me as I asked her help in learning to pray, "God does not relate to ghosts. You must present him with the real you, not a fake." As well as celebrating Wednesday of the first week of Advent, we are also remembering the Apostle Andrew who left his fishing nets to follow Jesus. If we can leave behind our false self, or our low esteem of ourselves, we can more readily follow Jesus and answer the call to holliness.
Bro. Rene

The Wolf and the Lamb

One of the most beautiful images from the Prophet Isaiah depicts peace and harmony between natural predators and prey: "Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,/ and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;/ The calf and the young lion shall browse together,/with a little child to guide them." (Is 11: 6) Isaiah is describing the fullness of the messianic age, when strife and violence have vanished and all have learned to live in peace. Isaiah wrote 700 years before the birth of Jesus, and roughly 2,700 years later, this prophecy remains unfulfilled, yet we continue to repeat it each Advent, longing and hoping that some day it will come to pass. As things usually happen little by little, perhaps a start would be to recognize the wolf and the lamb within ourselves. Part of Advent is to take "the journey inward," to look inside of ourselves at the shadows and cobwebs that are part of our inner core. We discover what Saint Paul so aptly described: "...I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want." (Rm 7:19) The wolf and the lamb are definitely at odds with each other. Acknowledging this, we also realize that alone we have no power to resolve this inner conflict. Paul continues, "Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rm 7: 24-25). We need the advent of "the child who will lead them", the coming of Jesus with his healing and the power of his love and grace to bring the harmony we lack but for which we yearn. Come, Lord Jesus, tame the wolf in me that it might become the guest of the lamb.
Bro. Rene

Stay Awake

"Stay Awake." Fitting words for a Monday morning. The first weeks of Advent keep nudging us to be alert, watch, stay awake, for the Lord is coming. Yes, the Lord is coming at the end of time, and is with us at all times. Each time we receive Holy Communion, Jesus is especially present and intimate with us. Each time we encounter others, the presence of God in them leaps out at us. We, in our busyness, however, often miss the gift. We do so much by rote, by habit, and in a hurry. It's amazing to see how our minds can be a million miles away, for example, at Mass with the switch to "And with your spirit." We can even have the card in hand, our mind drifts for a moment, and out comes, "and also with you." Did you notice? So with our intention to spend "more time" with God during Advent, by slowing down and trying to be aware of his presence during our ordinary routines, we slip and slide all over the place as pre-occupation and distraction push and shove us away from our Advent goals. The call to stay awake, be alert, is well-founded, well-placed and necessary to "keep us on task." And this is when we need to stop and ask for help to "stay awake" and perk up in God's presence. A simple prayer would be: God, help me to stay awake. Thanks. Amen.
Bro. Rene

Return to Me

We have begun the season of Advent. Much ado has been made about the translation of the Mass, which is being inaugurated today, but let's not allow that to become a distraction from the purpose of the season: to prepare for the coming of Jesus. The word advent comes from the Latin, advenire, to come to. As St. Paul closes his first letter to the Corinthians, he says, "Our Lord, come!" (1 Cor 16: 22). Evidently there is some ambiguity here, for the Greek can mean, "the Lord has come" or it can be an invitation to the Lord to come. Advent is about both. The first two weeks, until December 16th, the focus is on the Second Coming, the Last Judgement Time, for which no one knows the day or the year. Then from December 17th, we look forward to the birth of Jesus, already a historical event, but remembered again, as we do with birthday celebrations. The Church encourages us to set aside some time to reflect on the meaning and goal of our lives: to live a life of love here on earth, and to spend eternity in the bosom of God's love. We are reminded that "we have not here a lasting city," and we look forward to the time when Jesus will say, "Come, blessed of my Father and inherit the Kingdom of heaven prepared for you from the foundation of the world." (Mat 25: 34). We tend to stray from this path, so the words of the prophet Malachi help us to re-focus: "Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts." (Mal 3:7). In Tobit we read,
"When you turn back to him with all your heart,
to do what is right before him,
then he will turn back to you,
and no longer hide his face from you." (Tobit 13:6).
Praying over the rich texts of the weekday liturgies, some small sacrifice, as a simple meal once a week with the "savings" being given to a favorite charity, might help us make the necessary return and provide a place for Jesus in the inn of our hearts at Christmas. Lord, soften my heart and strengthen my will. Amen.
Bro. Rene

Being Vigilant

This final day in Ordinary Time is an opportunity to take a look back over the year (as we also do on New Year's Eve), and see between the ups and downs the pattern that lies behind these events: God's plan for our spiritual growth. Over the past few days, we, most likely, were able to be with family, to get up from the table as stuffed as the turkey that made its final gift of itself to us, and to enjoy the freedom to give thanks to God for all the blessings we have received. Some of us have learned that "prosperity" lies not in THINGS, but in relationships, in family, community and certainly in God. On the other hand, the frenzy and madness reported in some instances in Black Friday shopping, are startling, if not disconcerting. Is an X-Box worth pepper spraying other shoppers? Also as disconcerting to me is the media coverage of shopping news and retail sales that pushes aside reflection on Thanksgiving Day and the many aspects of it that need to be brought to our attention to keep its meaning alive. Youngsters will grow up thinking that it means turkey and bargain hunting during the night...and as it's going now...for a whole weekend! The "holiday season" is referred to as "the shopping season" and we'll be hearing over and over again, how many days are left; little or no reference will be made to preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Are we being anesthetized by the pursuit of material goods? Jesus aptly reminds us: "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy...Be vigilant at all times." (Lk 21: 34...36). Lord, keep me awake; keep my eyes open to see YOU and the values you taught us. May my eyes not be dimmed by the glitter being marketed by the hucksters of a Godless world. Amen

A Parable

Once upon a time, three children found a small cardboard box while they were playing near a pile of fallen leaves. Opening the cover they found two compartments, one with celery sticks, some of which had wilted leaves still on them, and carrots cut in the same short lengths as the celery. The other compartment had tongue depressers with writing on them. Before the children could read them they heard a voice mumbling, "Where's my box? I just had it. Where did I put it?" Turning they saw a scruffy old man wearing a dirty denim jacket and frayed levis. They hid while they watched him search for the box but laughed and teased among each other that this was going to be fun as the man paced back and forth kicking the pile of leaves. Suddenly, he fell to his knees and began to pray to God to help him find the box. "Lord God, please find the box for me, it has my only food for the day." Silence. Then they heard, "Lord, if someone has taken it, please forgive them; maybe they need it more than I." When these words reached the children, they threw the box toward the man, but kept the sticks with the writing and as they ran away, they heard, "Lord, bless those children and forgive them, for they knew not what they did." A good distance away, the children stopped to read the first stick, which said, "Sometimes joking and laughter can be at the expense of another." The second stick read, "Do you pray to find something that is lost?" The third, "When is the last time you prayed to forgive someone who has wronged you?" And the last read, "Have you ever blessed those who harmed or attempted to harm you?"
The children walked in silence to the man who was sitting on the pile of leaves eating his meager meal. They asked him to forgive them and thanked them for the lesson he had given them. He smiled, offering to share his food with them and told them to keep the sticks and let their message be written in their hearts.
Bro. Rene

We are blessed to have this excellent slice of Daily Bread contributed by Chris Sulllivan, an administrator totally devoted to our Marist Spirituality and to the mission of Central Catholic. I join him in wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
Bro. Rene

As a part of my Thanksgiving reflection, I, like so many others, spend time thinking about family and friends, the creature comforts I take for granted, and the gifts that have been bestowed upon me by my good God. And such reflections are good, and undoubtedly why our forefathers created a holiday to remind us how important it was to be grateful.
If anyone asks me, I would certainly tell them that I am a Christian. But I ask myself today, do I show them? Am I a reflection of God’s love for me to others? I’d like to think that I am, but an intense self-check reminds me of times when I have fallen short. I am reminded of a clever piece of advice shared with me this summer by Br. Richard Van Houten, FMS….”You can’t become a Christian by sitting in church for an hour each week any more than you can become an SUV by sleeping in your garage every night!”
The more I reflect, the more I realize that in my day to day journey I often forget that I have a Companion. My prayer this year has been to walk each day with the Lord, allowing him to be present, and, in turn, being present to him. I don’t want to be a passive Christian, but an active one.
My prayer:
Lord,
Let me walk this day with you …
Not just next to You, but WITH You.
Let me remember that you are alongside me all day, supporting me in my difficulties, and celebrating my successes.

Lord,
Let me walk this day with You …
Conversing with you nonstop, sharing my day, and reflecting you and your Love to others with whom we meet up and share parts of the journey of this day.

Lord,
Let me walk this day with You …
Then I can remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that You and I cannot handle together.

Lord,
When today is over, and I am resting my head wearily upon my pillow,
May I remember that we walked this day together, and that You loved me, and I loved You right back.
I will say good night to You, and I will rest, and You will stay beside me, that we might walk together again tomorrow. Amen

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you.
Chris Sullivan

The Bread We Need

Forty-eight years ago the world was reeling in the shock of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22. The unthinkable, the totally unexpected and unncessary had occured. To this day, those of us who were alive then can recall exactly when and what we were doing as the news hit us like an earthquake. And shake this world did, and has not recovered since. If anything, we have grown insensitive to the encroachment of evil as one atrocity after another forces us to harden our shell to prevent further trauma to our psyches. It appears that there is little shock expressed when bad news hits us; we tighten and continue on. Is this the way we were meant to be? Is this the life that God envisioned for us?
In the aftermath of the French Revolution a counter movement of damage control, repair, and re-creation took place in southern France where several religious congregations came into being with similar purposes: to educate, to rekindle the faith, to satisfy the soul's hunger for the bread that endures, The Bread of Life. Our own day calls for a re-founding of the congregations that arose to meet the need then. Or, (and there are) new congregations need to be started. It's not over, it's never over, as bad as things might look. There is a positive side. When our country was attacked in the Pacific, and threatened in the Atlantic, the nation rose up in defense. Young men in their late teens came forward; women took their places in the work force. We bonded and succeeded. And because of these "givers" we are able to worship freely and celebrate thanksgiving. As we break bread today and over this Thanksgiving Weekend, let us ask God to bless us with the strength and courage to do what we have to do to find the bread we need to restore life and hope.
Bro. Rene

Keeping the Marist Connection

Over the past few years Bro. Steve Milan has founded and fostered a program for Marist Alumni from our schools and retreats. As one student said, "it's such a good connection, why would anyone ever want to break it?" The testimonies of these young adults is most inspiring and I recommend their website so that you might relish their enthusiasm: www. MaristYoungAdult.com. There are videos and other attractions that will keep you busy for hours.
Yesterday and this morning I visited with Central grads from the '40's and '50's, and their enthusiasm about their Marist educational experiences matched those of today's young adults. They kept their Marist Connection even without a formal organization. It was etched in their hearts permantently.
Bro. Rene

The Presentation of Mary in the Temple

In the Eastern Church, this day is called The Great Feast of the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple. The event, though not recorded in the New Testament, is described in the Protoevangelim of James, a non-canonical "gospel", one of many that were written to "fill in the gaps" left in the four canonical gospels. It is from this account that we have the names Anne and Joachim and the tradition that Mary, at the age of three, was presented to God as a return for their answered prayer to have a child. She was received with great jubilation and spent her youth there, learning the Hebrew Scriptures and growing in her union with God. Modern scholars of Mariology do not accept this story as fact and prefer to stress Mary's "ordinariness" as simply a young Jewish girl who grew up in Nazareth without the benefit of an education, even to being able to read. We don't know for sure if either view is correct, but the reverence the Eastern Catholics give this feast (one of the 12 holydays in their liturgical calendar), gives it at least some symbolic weight.
Mary's "Yes" at the Annunciation could be seen as beginning at the steps of the Temple, as she enters in complete openness to the presence of God and later herself becomes the Temple of God as she carries Jesus in her womb. The feast also presents us with the model of openness to God's inviting presence in our lives. We have received all from God, and in turn, like Mary, we are called to "pay forward" by giving of what we have received, of who we are, to others, and thus returning the gift of ourselves to God. Mary, may we become a faithful disciple like you and put our gifts at the disposal of others, especially as we give thanks this week for all we have received, and next week enter into the holy season of Advent. Amen.
Bro. Rene

King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Handel's Hallelujah Chorus hammers home with majesty and dignity the magnificent title given to Jesus in the Book of Revelation, King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev 17:14); today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, the final Sunday in Ordinary Time. The feast was introduced in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in his Encyclical, Quas Primas, to counteract growing secularism and disrespect for the authority and teachings of the Church. It was a call to the faithful to a change of heart and a return to Jesus Christ, as THE leader, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords of our hearts and lives. The need for such a change has increased dramatically since 1925. The title King, might evoke some negative reaction since not all Kings have been exemplary leaders. Yet, Jesus himself used the title and the term kingdom of heaven, but never intended to establish an earthly kingdom. When Pilate asked Jesus if he were a king, Jesus replied: " I am not an earthly king. If I were, my followers would have fought when I was arrested by the Jewish leaders. But my kingdom is not of this world." (Jn 18: 33b). In Mark 10: 43-45, Jesus describes the kind of leadership he represents: "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. for even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." We expect our leaders, especially our Church leaders to follow this example, but in them and in ourselves we are disappointed as our sinfulness inteferes with this lofty goal. That is why it is necessary each year (each day) to renew our Christian Vocation to work for "a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, and a kingdom of justice, love, and peace." (Preface of Christ the King). A big order. May our humble prayer today be for Christ reign in our hearts, for we cannot bring about his kingdom by ourselves.
Bro. Rene

Looking Up To The Mountains

Thousands of tourists have been to the mountains of New England in the past weeks, drinking in the foliage, which, unfortunately, has not been as spectacular as in other years. Looking to the mountains for help, for inspiration, for beauty is a long tradition. In Psalm 121 we read "I look to the mountains, / does my help come from there?" (Ps 121: 1). Another translation reads, "will they come to my aid?" And another, "from where shall my help come?" The answer is unanimous: "My help comes from the Lord, /who made the heavens and the earth." (Ps 121: 2). It is not the mountains themselves, but their Creator. Jesus and Mary prayed this same psalm and as is evident in their lives, knew that the source of all help is God. "For the Lord is a great God, the great King above all gods./ He owns the depths of the earth,/ and even the highest mountains are his." (Ps 95: 3).
In a week we will begin the four week period of Advent, a time when we prepare for Christmas, not by frenzied shopping, but by turning to the heart of the season, the coming of this God, the maker of heaven and earth, to dwell among us, to be "incarnate" (now used in the Sunday Creed), made flesh among us. Let us not stray from this truth and be caught up in foliage that disappoints, and actually makes more work for us by raking it up, or by mountains which are only the handiwork of God, as magnificent as they are. No, the Maker of all of this is more magnificent and knew no beginning nor knows no end. "Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth." May that be our mantra today and always.
Bro. Rene

Building On Our Ancestors

The life of Alfred J. Therrien, celebrated at an inspiring funeral Mass yesterday, reminded me of how one person's life can impact so many others and how God's plan along with human determination and effort can result in something so beautiful that words cannot describe it. On September 30, 1944, a mine exploded on a hill in Southern France killing one American and wounding Alfred, just a few feet away. The explosion took one eye completely and left the other with only slight vision, yet he was alive. His impairment did not stop him and upon returning to the United States, he went to St. Norbert's College and completed his four year degree with the help of a "reader" who became his closest friend. He married, had three wonderful daughters and became the grandfather of 10 exceptionally gifted grandchildren. Had he been a few inches closer to that explosion, none of this would have come about. His strong personality and convictions, his faith, and his formula for a happy life, were passed on to his children. I saw them alive and well in two of his grandsons who graduated from Central Catholic with whom I am very close.
We are today, the results of similar stories, of people who made us who we are through their struggles, their determination. Indeed this whole country was founded by stalwart men and women whose convictions led them to break away from the familiar, enter a new land, and overcome obstacle after obstacle to live in freedom. On Thanksgiving, we will remember the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving as well as the many since, not always celebrated in peaceful times, but always a reminder that despite the current situations, there are those who came before us and showed us that no matter what, we can and must move forward to LIVE! Let us give thanks for them build on their legacy
Bro. Rene

The Have's and the Have Not's

In preparing for Thanksgiving, our daily reflection today centers on the diversity of economic levels within our own school communities. The range goes from those for whom money is no object, lunches are plentiful, and the waste from their plates embarrassing, to those who have been "hiding" during lunch in studies or libraries "doing research" because they have no lunch and are ashamed to let other students know, or to ask to be part of a lunch program that will give them at least something. Happily, thanks to the generosity of a few donors, we at Central Catholic are able to distribute an average of 37 lunches per day, a sandwich, bottle of water, and thanks to a kind donor, an occasional snack to go with them. Not much, but better than nothing. The gratitude expressed by these students is overwhelming...not a one who does not offer a daily thank you. And these are the students who are holding down one, two, sometimes three part time jobs to help with household expenses, however, their own lunch not included! These too are the students who realize that the excellent education that is available to them is not to be wasted if they want to move up and spare their children from such an existence. We've seen them go on to college and graduate school and come back to work at the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club to help the next generation follow in their footsteps.
Just looking at this puts Thanksgiving in a better perspective. Sometimes the "have's" are missing the wealth that the "have not's" possess and appreciate: the willingness to work hard, the determination take nothing for granted and know that success will be theirs if they believe and work for it, and the sensitivity to be grateful for every gift and opportunity that comes their way. They are growing into fine human beings and citizens and are ripe for a spiritual awakening as well. One of these young men after making our Encounter reflected that he realized that not only is service to the needy a major component of a happy, Christian life, but at the heart of all of this, there must be a "connection to the Lord," which he is now concentrating on developing. No wonder the first beatitude is, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5: 2) and that Jesus, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Marcellin and scores of others, had a special love for the poor. Lord, I am grateful for what I have, open me to receive from others what I do not even know I lack. Amen.
Bro. Rene

Feeding the Hungry

As Thanksgiving approaches, the cries of the hungry and those attempting to feed them are being heard louder than ever this year in cities around the country. At Central Catholic, we have been collecting food for three weeks. Students from Marist College will spend the weekend at Lazarus House sorting and readying the donated food for delivery on the Wednesday, November 23rd. This morning in the true spirit of giving, a student whose family cannot afford to provide him lunch every day, brought in nine cans from his own family to donate to those who have less. It reminds me of the widow's mite...she gave her last penny and Jesus commended her for that sacrifice. It is in such reaching down deep that the real meaning of the "giving" in Thanksgiving becomes evident. Let us hope and pray that more people will reach down deeper this year to meet the larger-than-ever need.
Bro. Rene

Sun of Justice

Jesus spent three years proclaiming the kingdom; a major part of his message flew directly in the face of the pharisees. Jesus advocated the spirit of the law as opposed to the letter of the law. St. Paul also was clear, "the letter of the law kills, but it is the Spirit which gives life."(2 Cor. 3:6). So often in following the spirit of the law, we are criticized as being "soft", of "giving in." Yet Jesus, being prophetically practical used the example of the donkey falling into the ditch on the sabbath, and the normal response of "working" on the sabbath to get it out. Often there are circumstances beyond our knowledge that color a person's actions and demand a mitigated response rather than the club of the law. In our prayer we need to call upon Jesus, the Sun of Justice, to illuminate our choices and our responses so that we make them in light of the Gospel. In our dealings with loved ones or strangers, we need his light to enlighten our hearts with the light of his love, and in all our decisions, we need his light of his will to be shed on our daily path. Lord, Sun of Justice, you are our light and our salvation. May we see your truth and wisdom so that our actions flow from the light of your love. Amen.

Seeing With the Eyes of Faith

Blessed Angela of Foligno, a wife, mother, Franciscan Tertiary and mystical writer of the 14th century (d. 1309) wrote then and for our time as well: "The more perfectly and purely we see, the perfectly and purely we love." The image of the half-full vs the half-empty glass is our modern equivalent of this truth. It depends on how we see. The blind man, Bartimeus, could not see physically, but saw clearly that Jesus could bring back his sight, while so many who could see Jesus, did not recognize him and the gifts he had to offer. Spiritual blindness prevents us from seeing the good even in what appears at first to be the opposite, as well as giving us hope to move ahead when all appears lost. St. Marcellin and Bro. Stanislaus were lost in a blinding blizzard, but with faith they prayed the Memorare, and suddenly a light appeared from a farm house that enabled them to find safety. Praying with faith that Mary would rescue them brought light to a desparate situation. Praying with faith in our own needs, in our own anxieties or desparate moments will help us to find the solution in what we might have considered the impossible. Praying with faith for people whose mannerisms might at first "turn us off" will help us to see the good behind those behaviors and help us to see them as God does and thus move beyond what we once considered repulsive. Seeing with the eyes of faith will help us with our mission to love all and bring them to new levels of love.
Bro. Rene

Advent Is Coming

Tomorrow is the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time; next week, Christ the King, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the First Sunday of Advent. Does it seem possible? We are nearing the highest point of the Untamed Roller Coaster at Canobie...in a "second" we'll be speeding down to Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Can you hold on? Already Wal-mart is advertising Black Friday specials for 10 pm Thanksgiving night. What really matters, it seems, is the BUCK, not time with the family. We leave home to go out and buy presents for the people we left at home. Crazy??? Time to STOP and take stock.
I've planned a morning of pre-Advent recollection on Saturday, November 19th, BEFORE the roller coaster careens down the other side of the big hill. 9 am till 11:30 am in the CCHS chapel. Fr. Jerry Hogan, from St. Michael's in North Andover, Bridgette Bolduc, teacher, and Br. John Kachinsky, guidance counselor will give talks. Confessions will be available and we will close with benediction. A chance to step aside and catch breath, to be quiet, to be nourished so that these Big Three Holidays will make more sense. The morning is open to Alumni, Friends, and Faculty of CCHS. Br. Tom is conducting special Advent sessions for parents. Please let me know if you are Bro. Rene
P.S. I will be away so there will be no slice of bread on Sunday.

A Prayer for Veterans Day

Our best gift to our Veterans today is prayer. A Prayer for Veterans came from Kristy, a friend of Maureen Dougan, a teacher at Central Catholic. I thought it an appropriate way to help us observe Veterans’ Day.
Bro. Rene


O God our Creator and Father, we praise you, we bless you and we thank you for the vast numbers of men and women whom we honor today for their service in the military. They answered the summons to serve and protect our country, our values and our people and to help other nations in their struggles against oppression.

We ask for blessings on all these who have so valiantly served their country.
We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe.
We pray especially for the young men and women, in the thousands, who are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with injured bodies and traumatized spirits.
Bring solace to them, O Lord; may we pray for them when they cannot pray.
We ask for, echoing John Paul II, an end to wars and the dawning of a new era of peace,
as a way to honor all the veterans of past wars.

Have mercy on all our veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Bring peace to their hearts and peace to the regions in which they fought.
Bless all the soldiers who served in non-combative posts;
may their calling to service continue in their lives in many positive ways.

Give us all the creative vision to see a world which, grown weary with fighting,
moves to affirming the life of every human being and so moves beyond war.
Hear our prayer, O Prince of Peace, hear our prayer. Amen

Who Is Great?

Pope St. Leo I is also known as Pope St. Leo the Great, and for good reason. His outstanding leadership during his 21 year pontificate, 440-461 A.D. dealt firmly with the heresies proposed by the Manichaeans and Monophysites as well as with the invasions of the Huns and the Vandals. His famous confrontation with Attila the Hun is not only the subject of a classic painting by Raphael but also shows his courage and the power of his personality. The second confrontation with Geneseric kept the Vandals from harming the citizens of Rome, despite a two-week "sacking". He unified the Church which had been disorganized by the migrations of various tribes from the East, and his sermons inspired true piety in the faithful. He shares the title, "The Great" with only one other Pope, Gregory VII, although there is a strong feeling among many contemporary Catholics, that Blessed Pope John Paul II might also be listed as "The Great". We lived through his pontificate and can bear witness to the scope of his influence as Shepherd, charismatic leader and inspiring writer and speaker. His influence on the young is still being felt as seminaries increase membership due to his example and exhortations.
But what about "The Great" among us? Those of our Marist Family of consecrated religious and devoted lay people, who volunteer for missionary work, or those who devote themselves seflessly to youth right under our noses...tutoring before or after school, bringing teams to tutor at the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club, or to serve meals at Cor Unum. None of these are looking for recognition or titles, but certainly they are in the same league, in my estimation, to these great popes. Two such "Greats" were acknowledged last night at the Boys and Girls club for their many years of devoted, quiet, persistent service to those in need, academically, physically, and above all, spiritually. Contratulations to Ricky Nault and Billy Robertson whose names now adorn the Wall of Fame at the club among 64 other "Greats". God bless them, everyone!
Bro. Rene

From Living Stones

The Church Universal today celebrates the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome since the time of the Emperor Constantine, who donated his own palace, known as a basilica, to the Church. The Bishop of Rome, later known as the Pope, resided there for many years and used it and its replacement building as the official seat of his office. More than just a building, it reminds us that the Church is really a people, each one of us, called to build up an eternal temple of living stones, that is, of faith-filled disciples of Jesus, who not only believe his word, but put it into practice. We strive for this each day, consciously or unconsiously, in little ways, such as digesting this daily slice of bread, by attending Mass weekly or even daily, through whatever prayers help us draw closer to Jesus, and, as Marists, do this through Mary. Our prayer colors our dealings with each other and helps us forgive, reach out, and put our own agendas aside for the sake of helping another. May we renew our determination to become living stones in the temple of God's kingdom.
Bro. Rene

Encountering Christ

Today a bus load of seniors and juniors will head north to St. Methodius Retreat Center in Contoocook, NH (a new location for us) to spend two nights and two and a half days in an intense retreat experience known at Marist Youth Encounter Christ. These Encounters began in 1968 as an offshoot of the popular Cursillo Movement, which also still continues to flourish.
The Marist Brothers adopted the model developed especially for teens in Cleveland, and have utilized it with great success throughout the Marist United States. Encounters are held in Esopus, NY, Brownsville, TX, Miami, FL, Chicago, IL ( a slightly different version known as Kairos is used there) and now in Contoocook for Central students. Talks are given by students who have been preparing for several weeks, activities and small group discussions as well as prayer fill the days from morning till midnight. The effect has been profound over the years and students go deeper into their hearts, prompted by the speakers who share their stories and their Encounters with Christ, who is seen not as some distant figure, but in the faces and hearts of one another. A little bit of heaven is created and usually the students are reluctant to leave and return to their busy lives. A lot of what is acquired "sticks" and blossoms into service in the community and serving as retreat leaders for our other retreats for freshmen and sophomores...and on future Encounters. These retreats are at the heart of our mission, "to make Jesus known and loved", for that is exactly what happens. Our prayers, sacrifices and fastings will help this process. This is our "assignment" for these next two days.
Bro. Rene

The Favors of the Lord

With "morning light" returning for a time (at the expense of early darkness), we are reminded of God's unending favors to us that come to us through his Son, Jesus, our Light and our Life.
"The favors of the Lord are not exhausted,/ his mercies are not spent;/ They are renewed each morning,/ so great is his faithfulness." (Lam 3:22-23). What a Monday morning "fix" this is, as in a cup of hot expresso! And not just on Mondays, but every day. Our growth in the spiritual life comes through repetition of the same lessons, as the Great Teacher reviews his basic subject matter frequently, if not daily, for his slow learning students. Each day finds us in a "different space" so sometimes the lesson seems extremely pertinent, but at others, it goes in one ear and out the other, as with students in a classroom, or with children at home. Yet, teachers, parents, never stop. Over the years the lesson sinks in. So today the lesson is looking at the "favors of the Lord". We are all walking, breathing, seeing, hearing, understanding, communicating, loving, being loved. People are kind to us, we to them. These are the favors of the Lord so often overlooked, but manifestations of God's inexhaustible love. What other particular favors can you name, or do you need to recall to put you on the postive track for today and the rest of the week? May we all find many, and may we be alert and grateful when they come to us.
Bro. Rene

Seeking Wisdom

As November moves into full swing, with longer nights, falling leaves, cooler temperatures, and yes, even snow, we annually take stock of our lives in preparation for Advent. We remember the Holy Souls and the brevity of our lives reflected in the shortness of the day's light. The cycle of the year brings us to deeper realizations of what really matters in this life. This is called WISDOM...and it comes with age, experience, reflection. "Make us know the shortness of our life/that we may gain wisdom of heart," writes the Psalmist (Ps 90:12). We all look for it. Note that it is not simply intellectual knowledge, but that the heart is involved as well. The young seek it in their friends, in life outside the family and the familiar. We cringe that they will find it as we did, and not have to stray too far from what we have been trying to teach them. Our journeying with them, even if from a distance, also helps us grow in wisdom as we learn the limitations of our influence and ability to prevent or control. We learn, as St. Marcellin did, that love, patience, fidelity, presence, over time are what work. It takes us time to learn this, and often doubts enter in, tempting us to give up, or calling us to trust more in God. The road to wisdom is bumpy, dry, winding, and full of unexpected turns. When we remember that Wisdom is another name for God, particularly the Holy Spirit, then the quest becomes one of seeking and finding God, and loving God in total abandonment. "When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jer 29:13). "Those who love me I also love,/and those who seek me find me." (Prov 8:17). With such assurance from our loving God we can embrace with confidence the process of acquiring "wisdom of heart."
Bro. Rene

Marian Spirituality

For some, a spirituality with major components based on Mary's relationship with Jesus does not come easy. They can relate to God the Father, to Jesus, even to St. Marcellin with relative ease, but have little or no connection to Mary. Yet in striving to follow the Marist Way, or Marist Spirituality, they know that somehow they need to work on this, they need to acquire a better understanding of Mary's role in leading them to Jesus. After all, the Marist motto is, "All to Jesus through Mary."
One first step might be to look again at the Annunciation story and put ourselves in Mary's sandals. Would we take the appearance of an angel as part of the ordinary course of a day's events? Hardly. So, she must have been as startled as we would have been. And then, the message! Mother of God? Wouldn't we have asked, "How can this be?"...or even , "Why me?"
The point is to see that Mary in many ways is just like us. The difference might be in her total openness to take the risk and agree to the mysterious request. Did she fully understand the impilications? Probably not, but her experience of God, unblemished as it was by original sin, allowed her to put her total trust in him. Here's where we can begin. Can we say "yes" to the unexpected, to the demands of our daily routine, to the people whose opinions differ from ours?
If we can just start here, then we will be able to move that "yes" to the larger requests that God inevitbaly will present to us. The attitude of willingness to give up our own will to do the will of God so often manifested in our daily circumstances, our job, our family, is to walk the way of Mary, to embrace a Marian Spirituality.
Bro. Rene

Looking After the Sheep

Dear Readers,
The heavy snow broke branches on our property on Saturday night and left the whole street in darkness until last evening, Nov. 3rd. I left on Monday for San Antonio but had no access to e-mail. Hence the sudden and long "blackout".
Today, November 4th, the Central Catholic School Board will be on retreat to deepen their undestanding of our Marist Mission. A good day for this, since it is the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, Cardinal of Milan at the time of the Counter-Reformation, who used his law background as well as his deep personal commitment to the Church to bring about needed reform. It seems that in all ages, when the need reaches the critical point, the Holy Spirit finds people who will pick up the shepherd's crook and bring the sheep back into the fold. St. Marcellin was one of those in his day, and we, his followers are no less commissioned nor responsible than he. God sees the goodness that is in us and that we are able to admonish one another. (cf Rm 15:14), as St. Paul reminds us. He also says that he received the power and strength he needed for his mission by keeping his eyes focused on Jesus. This is the practice of all great leaders and reformers; it is the pattern for us as well. Unless the Lord is our shepherd, we will not be able to shepherd others. May we make Psalm 23 our prayer for today:
"The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want." Notice how all through the Psalm, the emphasis is on what HE does for us. Let us let him revive our drooping spirit and fill us with the love and strength that will enable us to walk in the reformer footsteps of Paul, Charles, and Marcellin.
Bro. Rene

"My Foot Is Slipping"

With all the talk of an early snow-filled Nor'easter predicted for eastern New York and New England, this phrase from Psalm 94, "My foot is slipping," seems rather appropriate as a base for our slice of bread today. The verse continues, "your mercy, O Lord, sustains me." (Ps 94:18). How often do we feel that, as one unshaven, untucked, disheveled senior said to me yesterday, "I am a mess."? There are days when from minute one of awakening, we knock something over, can't find something else, are late for this, forgot that; the whole days is off-kilter and we feel ourselves on a non-stop slide. It's worse when this happens with our prayer life, with our spiritual life. Can't seem to "connect" with God, monkey wrenches thrown in from all sides, lack of interest or ability to concentrate, no spiritual energy, a feeling of total isolation and inadequacy. Yes, these things happen but are quite normal. They are part of the human condition and they are part of God's pedagogy in helping us grow. For it's at those times that we realize we need to turn to God and humbly ask for mercy. Psalm 94 reminds us that God is the one who gives rest from "evil days", does not cast off his people nor abandon his inheritance. When we think our souls will soon dwell "in the silent grave", it's the mercy of the Lord that comes to our assistance. (see Psalm 94, 12-19). "All things work toward the good", St. Paul writes, (Rm 8: 28), a saving thought when we feel our feet slipping.
Bro. Rene

The Gift of Jean-Baptiste Montagne

On this day 195 years ago, Father Marcellin Champagnat responded to a sick call in a little hamlet known as Le Palais high up in the mountains above LaValla. There he met Jean-Baptiste Montagne, a 17 year old boy who was dying. As Father Champagnat questioned him before administering the Sacrament of Anointing, known in those days as "the Last Sacrament", he realized the lad knew nothing about God or his faith. Father Champagnat gave him a "crash course", anointed him and left to visit another sick person. When he returned, he found that Jean-Baptiste had died. That event triggered the young curate to put an idea that he had had in the seminary into action: to found an order of teaching brothers who would prevent such ignorance of the faith to exist. Three months later on January 2, 1817, the foundation of the Little Brothers of Mary, or Marist Brothers, was begun. St. Marcellin was a man who took to heart the words of St. James, "Be doers of the word and not hearers only..." (Jas 1:22). Had it now been for the death of Jean-Baptiste, it might have been awhile, if ever, that Marcellin would have moved to set his dream into reality. Jean-Baptiste's situation, sad though it was, had a happy ending: the world-wide congregation of Marist Brothers of the Schools who continue to spread the knowledge and love of Jesus.
Is it not more than just a coincidence that on the Church's calendar, this is the Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude: Simon called the zealot, because of his association with the Zealot group of his day that was seeking a way to remove Israel from Roman rule, and Jude, whose reputation for resolving "hopeless cases" has made him extremely popular even today. The zeal of Simon flowed in the veins of Marcellin and he was not afraid to address what seemed like a hopeless situation. Over and over again in his life we see this. Let us pray that when a "Montagne Moment" crosses our path, we will respond similar zeal and hope.
Bro. Rene

Joy

On this rainy day with the threat of a freeze and snow later today, the definitive marks of the end of summer, let us look at a quality, a gift, that goes much deeper than the weather. Pope Paul VI wrote in Gaudete in Domino (Rejoice in the Lord), "...it is necessary here below to undestand properly he secret of the unfathomable joy which dwells in Jesus and which is special to Him. It is especially the Gospel of Saint John that lifts the veil.... If Jesus radiates such peace, such assurance, such happiness, such availability, it is by reason of the inexpressible love by which He knows that He is loved by His Father." We know this formula to be true...when we see happy people with these qualities of peace, assurance and availability, flexibility, openess, generosity of heart, we just have to meet their families to see where these qualities come from. Gerald O'Collins, noted spiritual writer of 30 books, writes: "Jesus reminds us how joy, even indescribable joy, is woven into the very texture of love. Joy inevitably accompanies real love and all those occasions which in a particular way celebrate and express our love for one another: a birth, baptism bar mitzvah, a wedding, and ordination, and even a funeral. We happily join our special friends or take part in family reunions. there is no more obvious spin-ff form love than joy." Our Marist spirituality and pedagogy are based on love for this reason: it is the most effective way of influence, forming, healing (when necessary), those with whom we come into contact. Let not the rain nor the snow, then prevent us from radiating the joy that flows from love.
Bro. Rene

The Calming Gift of Silent Grace

A beautiful evening hymn sings a prayer that underscores the contemplative side of our Marist Spirituality: Good Father, send in time of need/ The calming gift of silent grace,/ Lest in our hearts deceit should tear/ The quiet fabric of your peace." In our efforts to evanglize youth, even to deal with our super-charged days, without the "gift of silent grace" our focus will dissolve, discouragement overtake us, and our enegry be dissipated. Not what our Marist Mission demands! This mission is more and more necessary as we see students, much like Jean-Baptiste Montagne, the 17 year old dying boy who knew nothing about God, coming to our schools seeking academic knowledge and opportunities to play sports, but missing the real punch of what a Marist School is, and, more importantly, what the basic foundation for a happy life is. It is we, the adult Marists, who are the teachers, the witnesses, the mentors, whom they need more than a 5 in their AP Calculus class. And we, without that "gift of silent calm" will not be able to meet their needs. May we support one another by lightening loads as we "walk that extra mile", lend the proverbial helping hand, and lend an ear as an easy remedy to someone's frustration. A bystander said of Albert Schweitzer after he helped a woman carry her two suitcases, "That is the first time I've ever seen a walking sermon." May it be said of us as well.
Bro. Rene

Not To Panic

While disasters fill the newpapers daily and more and more outrageous behaviors are reported in the media, we could easily fall into panic about the collapse of all that we hold dear and sacred. When St. Marcellin was born, just two months before the start of the French Revolution, the same thoughts must have occured to Catholics who attempted to hold on to the faith. The Reign of Terror brought about the deaths of thousands of priests and religious, monasteries and churches were destroyed or desecrated, and a militant secularism supported by the government spread like morning fog over France. Yet, from the little village of Marlhes, arose a man who grew up in the midst of this chaos, but who would help restore the faith and help rebuild the Church. Many religious orders were founded around the time of St. Marcellin for the purpose of restoring the faith. France "hit bottom" and there was no place to go but up. Death, resurrection; sowing in tears rejoicing with the harvest. Such is the pattern repeated over and over in history; so it is today. These rebuilder-founders set their sights on Jesus and with the help of his Mother, were able to do what we might consider "the impossible." Can we do the same? We have not "hit bottom" in our country yet; do we have to? Can we turn things around now? In our prayer, and at the liturgy, let us seek guidance and strength to see the role we can play, and above all, keep from panicking.
Bro. Rene

A Year of Faith

On October 16th, Pope Benedict XVI announced that a "Year of Faith" will begin next October 11, 2012, the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and end on November 24th, 2013, the feast of Christ the King.  Concerned with the global "drifting away" from the faith, the absence of a catchesis which promotes a personal relationship with Jesus and an active and joyfilled living of that relationship, the Church is mustering up massive efforts for "New Evangelization".  The Pope wrote in his letter, "The Door of Faith" (Porta Fidei), released on October 17th, "What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life, life without end."  With Sunday Mass attendance down to 17% in the Archdiocese of Boston, fewer and fewer weddings in Churches, a rapidly increasing number of burials without Mass, and a startling number of unbaptized children, it is time for the awakening of witnesses to come forward to stir the desire for God, so displaced by materialism and secularism in the hearts of a growing number of Christians of all denominations.  While the YEAR does not begin until a year from now, it would be good to pray and reflect over the temperature of our own faith...lukewarm? cold? hot?...and ask that it be enkindled so that we might be agents of this NEW EVANGELIZATION. 
Bro. Rene

World Mission Sunday

The misson of the Church entails the preaching of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. "Go and make disciples of all nations." (Mt 28: 19).  Pope John Paul II stressed the need to carry out this command of Jesus and each year on the second last Sunday of October, our awareness of our part in this mission is brought home to us through an annual message from the Holy Father (see Vatican.org)  and an opportunity to give prayerful and financial aid to those who have been called to go diretly to other nations to fullfill this commission.  Having been one of those myself, and having just this summer spoken in two parishes in Massachusetts to gain support for our Marist Missions, I can attest to the need for both prayer and financial assistance.  There is an eagerness to embrace the faith, to become members of a parish, to enter the seminary or join a religious congregation that we don't see in our country anymore.  We who once sent personnel to "the missions" now need missionaires to come to us!  Because of the fast growth of the Church in these mission countries, whose populations live far below "the poverty line", our support is needed to help finance the catechetical programs, seminaries, building of churches and schools, and means of transportation and communication.
In Rwanda we needed a better truck to transport students to athletic contests, and more importantly, to bring water to the school from a source three miles away.  Everyday we had to push the truck down a hill to "clutch start it" and finally it gave out totally.  It took about five years to accumulate the money to buy a second hand truck that was reliable!  I saw it only after I returned for a visit three years after I had returned to the USA. And prayer for the "missionaries" to keep the faith under hardship and continue the demanding but rewarding work to form native churches is absolutely necessary. While we are at it, we might also pray for the work of re-evangelizing our own country as secular values encroach more and more on Christian values. Let all of this be our mission on Mission Sunday.
Bro. Rene