If Today You Hear His Voice

This verse from Psalm 95 is particularly appropriate for Lent as it calls us to one of the fundamental cornerstones of the spiritual life: Listening. God is the one who keeps making the overtures, and constantly reminds us that we have been his particular love since our birth, "I have carried [you] from your infancy. Even to your old age I am the same,/ even when your hair is gray I will bear you;/ It is I who have done this, I who will continue,/ and I will carry you to safety." (Isaiah 46; 3-4). God's voice comes to us in the people and events that come to us each day. God calls us not to "harden our hearts" to them: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (Ps 95: 7-8), but we do: God has spoken and we have not listened, commanded and we have not obeyed, loved, and we have not loved him as fully as we can or ought. This is what Lent is for: to open our ears to hear and our to turn our feet to follow God's voice. Let us make this our mantra for today and the days ahead: "If today you hear his voice, hardent not your hearts." Bro. Rene

Brothers of Mary

On this day in 1817, Father Champagnat decided that his young congregation of Brothers, begun earlier that year on January 2nd, would be placed under the protection of Mary and that the members would be called "Brothers of Mary", or more precisely, "The Little Brothers of Mary," Les Petits Freres de Marie, in French. The oldest boy in a French family of more than one child is referred to as "mon grand frere", my big brother, or my older brother. The oldest girl is called "ma grande soeur," my big or older sister. Every other child is referred to as "mon petit frere", my younger brother, or "little brother", or "ma petite soeur", "my little or younger sister" Mary was looked upon as the First Superior, above Fr. Champagnat, and the older sister sister of the brothers, hence, "The Little Brothers of Mary." The term "Marist" (of Mary) came into use as an abbreviation of the full title and was used by all branches of the Marist Family, formally known as The Society of Mary. Mary had a place of honor from the beginning, and still inspires us today as not only Our Good Mother, but also our "Big sister". And there's no doubt she loves us as a Good Mother or Big Sister would. Let us not be afraid, then, to take our concerns, doubts, fears, hopes, dreams, plans, Lenten observances, etc. to her for her counsel, advice and help. A reverently prayed Hail Mary and Memorare would be a good way to butter this slice of Daily Bread today. Bro. Rene

Following Unreservedly

This passage from the Prophet Daniel leapt out at me this morning as totally appropriate for Lent: "But with contrite heart and humble spirit/let us be received;/ As though it were burnt offerings of rams and bullocks,/ or thousands of fat lambs,/ So let our sacrifice be in your presence today/ as we follow you unreservedly;/ for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame./ And now we follow you with our whole heart,/ we fear you and we pray to you./ Do not let us be put to shame,/ but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy./ Deliver us by your wonders,/ and bring glory to your name, O Lord." (Dan 3: 39-43). The humble stance of recognizing our sinfulness and unworthiness, the "sacrifices" (the little "giving ups") we are offering; the desire to follow with our whole beings; the deeper prayer in which we are engaged; the reverence (fear of the Lord) that is growing within us; the recognition of God's kindness and mercy more and more; the realization that it is God who "delivers us", not we who deliver ourselves... all truly the path for a "Lent well spent." Lord, let this passage sink into my heart to encourage and motivate me to keep my Lenten resolutions when the passing of these weeks might find them fading." Amen. Bro. Rene

Expectations

We all seem to have expectations, realistic or unrealistic, of ourselves and others, or of the way things should be done. Naaman, the Syrian army commander, whose story is told in today's Gospel, was angry because the remedy for the cure of his leprosy was so simple. He had imagined that it might have been done with elaborate ceremony or esoteric ritual to match his importance as a commander. Yet, when convinced that he should at least "try it" the way Elisha proposed, he found that it worked and gave praise to the God of Israel, as the only true God. We have expectations of our children, our students, ourselves and one another. We look for the ideal and wish that they or we would fully comply to our image of it, one that exists only in our minds, and is far from reality. Letting go of these imagined expectations might be the Lenten sacrifice that would really have the lasting effect of allowing us more peace in our hearts and souls, and bring us to a deeper appreciation of God's role, of God's plan. How presumptuous for us to "allow God to be God", but that's the reality. God is the Creator, the Savior; our role is to lay aside our pride, and humbly seek to fulfill God's expectations. Like Naaman, the leprosy we carry can disappear by this simple cleansing action or turning our expectations into God's. Bro. Rene

The following article appeared in our latest Newsletter from the Generalte in Rome. I found it edifying and inspiring even on a personal level for the living out of our Marist Charism and the recovery of our Marial profie. Although the Province of the United States of American has not officially proclaimed a Marial Year, we might in our personal lives and in Marist communities follow the Brazilian lead and look seriously at our own Marial vision and Marist presence.
Bro. Rene

The fundamental call of the XXI GeneralChapter in 2009, - "With Mary, go in haste to a new land", has inspired the Marist Union of Brasil (UMBRASIL) to promote a Marial Year. It was decided to celebrate it during the current year, from 25 March to 8 December.
The first objective of this initiative is to revive the presence of Mary in Marist life in Brasil. In addition, there is the desire to contribute also to recovering the Marial profile of the Church, encouraging Marial mysticism and spirituality in the areas touched by the Marist presence and in communion with the Church, renewing our Marial vision and preparing for the commemoration of the bicentenary of the Society of Mary and the Institute of the Marist Brothers. The desire is, in harmony with the General Chapter, to promote a new age for the
Marist charism and mission, which means personal, community, and institutional initiatives of conversion. The human heart has a constant need of being refined by the action of the Holy Spirit. Mary is an irreplaceable model and companion on this journey. She leads us to God in the measure in which we, like her, renew our relationships with people in the light ofthe plan of Salvation. Her presence, desired and cultivated, transforms the atmosphere of the school, social action, family life, and the face of the Church itself. The animation of the Marial Year is the responsibility of the Marists: Brothers, Fathers, Sisters and Laity. The Conference
of Religious and Bishops of Brasil support,the initiative and are co-operating in their respective domains.

Feast of the Annunciation

Today's slice of Daily Bread is provided by Br. John Kachinsky, counselor and chair of the Vocation Committee at Central Catholic High School. May his challenging insight help us appreciate and celebrate this feast with greater depth.

It is striking that we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with its Advent resonance in the midst of our Lenten fasting. However, if we reflect upon the Gospel account of Jesus spending forty days in the desert to discern what God desired of him, it is quite similar to Mary’s encounter with the angel in today’s Gospel reading.

Like Mary and Jesus we are also called to discern what God desires of us. How do we do this? We keep in mind the angel’s assurance to Mary, “Do not be afraid.” Then we go to the very places that scare us. We discover what we are truly afraid of and look for God’s presence there. These places contain our dark gifts with all of their untapped potential. In reality, they are not dangerous at all; we are simply alienated from them. They may be those unloved or ignored aspects of our own selves; they may also be those fractured and wounded relationships with friends, with family members, with our Church, or with our God. In all of these places, the Resurrected Christ is present and invites us to healing, transformation, and new life.

The real danger in the spiritual life is remaining in our comfort zone and not moving into the desert. The status quo ultimately equals death. Those places that seem safe, familiar and routine are probably not safe at all, especially if they prevent us from growing. So let us step out into our own desert each day with the realization that this desert is really an untapped oasis at the very core of our being that will redeem us if we allow it to do so. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1: 30, 38)

Br. John C. Kachinsky, FMS

You Guide Me Along the Way

Another Lenten day. As we hold to our promised observances, it is important to remember that it is not just we who are making the effort to come closer to Jesus, but he also, and more so, is making overture after overture to draw us to himself. We can so easily put the entire burden on ourselves, and thus, if we, or WHEN we stumble, we tend to be hard on ourselves unncessarily, forgetting that it is God who guides us along the way and provides the strength for our every step. His love for us is so intense, so strong, so complete that it is very hard to discourage him; it is we who so easily become discouraged, thinking that all depends on us. Daily, we need to look up and look ahead to see the hand of God and feel his power, rather than have our eyes focused on our own feet and our hearts finding their strength only in ourselves. It's a healthy mixutre, but peace, freedom and progress come, when we "let go, and let God" guide us and lead us "to ways everlasting."
Bro. Rene

As A Ransom for Many

As Lent takes us further along the way in the footsteps of Jesus, we recall that he willingly laid down his life for us "as a ransom for many" (Mt 20: 28). It is in that spirit that we continue to live out our Lenten observances, motivated by his example and participating in his redemptive mission to all. We are prompted to fulfill what we have promised to do for these 40 days as we further understand the love Jesus has for all of us. He came among us to serve and give his life for us. So too do we put our lives at the service of others when convenient and inconvenient, when it means changing plans, giving an ear to someone who needs to "unload", giving advice to another, encouraging this one, challenging that one. Just being alert and sensitive to others in the course of an ordinary day, provides endless opportunities for "dying to self" and giving whatever we can as ransom payments. We're in good company. These are the Lenten observances that will bring us closer to Jesus.
Bro. Rene

Backing Up Our Lenten Practices

Jesus warned us that "by their fruits you will know them", but also true is a slight modification of this: "by their feet, you will know them." We might have made a modest list of "things to do for Lent"; we might have written them down, or made a mental note of them. But where are our feet? Are we backing up these practices intended to bring us closer to Jesus with action? Good intentions are not enough, words are not enough, it's the actual doing that makes them credible and effective in accomplishing their purposed end. Are we, to use the familiar cliche, walking our talk? If we intend to be more prayerful, to imitate Mary in her openness to the will of God, are we actually taking the time to pray, reflect, read that spiritual book or article on prayer; are we making an effort to be less controling of our day, or others; are we asking God to help us? Wow...thank God for the 40 days of Lent...none of this comes easy. We need TIME to put our intentions into action. Lord, help me to mean what I say, to keep my promises, and not just repeat empty words. Let your saving power be at work in me today. Amen.

Marist Communities in Faith, Prayer and Service

St. Marcellin Champagnat's goal, the Christian Education of Youth, particularly the "least favored", continues to evolve, taking various forms in our twenty-first century, but always remaining true to the principle of "making Jesus known and loved." Last Friday, over 40 Central Catholic students returned from the Marist Youth Encounter Christ retreat which gave them an experience of Jesus through community and an impetus to bring their relationship with Jesus to others. Many came back with the desire to be in leadership positions as soon as possible in future retreats. Many were already involved in the Catwalk for Cancer on Saturday, which not only raised thousands of dollars for cancer research and care at Dana-Farber, but also raised awareness that survival for cancer victims is possible. On Sunday evening at Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle, New Jersey, 80 to 100 students and adults gathered for a simple but solid session of prayer modeled after the effective prayer style at the ecumenical monastery in Taize, France. Much careful preparation went into the evening, from the fine meal, to the singing and the beautiful ambience which simulated the Church of the Reconciliation in Taize, an ideal setting for quiet, reflective prayer. Seeing these high school students on their knees before an icon of the crucified Jesus was truly moving...to tears, even...as I thought of how happy this event must have made St. Marcellin, whose heart beat with passion to lead youth to Jesus through Mary. And yes, Mary was present as we concluded our prayer with the singing of the Salve Regina, a custom initiated by St. Marcellin to end the day in every Marist's life. It also occured to me how much this weekend is in the spirit of Lent as these events enhanced awareness and love of Jesus. It happens when sincere hearts pool faith, talents, resources and hard work together in community, particularly for us in our Marist tradition of community, inclusive more and more of the laity. We Are Marist! All to Jesus through Mary.
Bro. Rene

Transformation

The Second Sunday of Lent presents us with the Gospel story of the Transfiguration, when Jesus gave Peter, James and John a glimpse of his glorious self to strengthen their faith in preparation for the dark days of his passion and death. Our Lenten observances, we trust, are helping us transform our lives, albeit slowly, with the usual ups and downs, successes and failures, but in general, bringing us to a deeper love of Jesus and a deeper realization of his love for us, which we, in our preoccupation with "self" often forget. Holding a crucifix in our hands and looking at the wounds of Jesus, tying into the suffering of his passion as we pray, might help bring this realization into clearer focus. Love has an amazing healing and transforming power. More so when our prayer is an act of love. Praying over our blessings instead of our woes, also might have a transforming effect on us, as lost in our blessings, we forget that even had woes. As we hold to our self-imposed "sacrifices", prayers and almsgiving, we might make a special effort to remember the reason why we have chosen them, and thus keep them from becoming routine. They can be consious acts of love offered to our Beloved who so generously and completely offers his love to us. Another day is given to us; may it help us renew and transform ourselves into the likeness of Christ.
Bro. Rene

St. Joseph

Husband of Mary, Foster Father of Jesus, Patron of the Universal Church since officially named so by Pope Pius IX, "a just man", an "upright man", a "righteous man", titles and descriptions of a man who appears in the Gospels never uttering a recorded word, but by his actions displaying a trust, a faith, a love, that enabled him to find the strength to be the head of the Holy Family, the Guardian of Jesus and Mary, and a model for all of us. Every Sunday, the Melkite Rite Catholics sing a succinct summary, known as the Troparion of St. Joseph, of some of the marvelous features in his life: "O Joseph proclaim to David the ancestor of Christ our God, the great miracles you have witnessed. You have seen the Virgin with a Child, given praise with the Shepherd, adored with the wise men and the Angel of the Lord has appeared to you. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls."
Popular piety invokes Joseph as the Patron of a Happy Death, and somehow as a real estate agent, called upon to help in the selling of a house. Scores of people will be at the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal today to climb the stairs on their knees and attend Holy Mass in the huge basilica erected under the inspiration of St. Andre Bissette. And how many people do we know named "Joe" after this amazing man? He is certainly "not your average Joe." He is loved, venerated, and imitated by Catholics around the globe. He stands out as a worthy model for us, not only during Lent, but all throughout the year. St. Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus, pray for us.
Bro. Rene

Why is Reconciling So Difficult?

Our slice of Daily Bread today comes from one of our senior class English teachers, Ms. Karen Moynihan, who provides us much food for thought. Thank you, Karen.

The Gospel Reading for March 18 (Matthew 5:20–26) includes this advice:

"Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother and then come and offer your gift."

While shopping for a greeting card one day, I came across a category called “Apology.” A card with the scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz says, “Sorry I was brainless.” A card with a pretty landscape says, “Sorry we haven’t always gotten along perfectly.” How about an apology card “To Mother from both of us!” Send Hallmark the address, and Hallmark will mail your apology for you. Hallmark even offers” volume discounts” on some of these cards.

Why is it so hard to reconcile that we need help from Hallmark? What is it that we fear—that we will have to acknowledge our wrong-doing, that our apology will be rebuffed, or that we will have to let go of a grudge that is doing more harm to us than to the other person? Forgiving ourselves might be the hardest reconciliation of them all.

In this season of Lent when we sacrifice our favorite things, let us also sacrifice pride, resentment, and anger and offer the gift of forgiveness.
Karen Moynihan

Saint Patrick

Apostle of Ireland, patron of the Archdiocese of Boston, one of the most popular saints among American Catholics, St. Patrick has much to teach us, as he taught the people of Ireland in the 4th century. Behind the parades, corned beef dinners, "the wearin' o' the green" and the parties, there is a very humble and courageous man who persisted in fidelity and zeal to his call to return to Ireland, where he had been held captive as a slave for six years in his teens and early twenties until his "miraculous" escape. He was asked by Pope Leo the Great to organize the Church in Ireland (which was already rooted there) and further the work of evangelization among those who had not as yet converted. Despite the opposition of the Druids, the spiritual leaders of the Celts, he preached the Gospel all over the island, was an inspiration to and loved by all, and established several monasteries which became seats of learning and sources of missionaries who brought the faith to northern Europe. When we wish each other "Happy St. Patrick's Day" we are celebrating a man who, like Jesus, laid his life down for his flock, not in physical martyrdom, but in total expenditure of his talents and energy. He died to self in order that others might come to the Faith and have life. He stands as a model for us as we pursue our own personal renewal during Lent. Let us pray with him:
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left...
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every heart that hears me. (From the Breatplate of St. Patrick).
Bro. Rene

A Time of Bright Sadness

In the Orthodox liturgy, Lent is referred to as "a time of bright sadness", a paradoxical phrase, yet one containing the truth that as we make our sacrifices and efforts to pray more and give alms, we are not alone. A community of believers is on board with us. "In unity there is strength," goes the adage, and this strength enables us to pursue our Lenten goals with a smile. If we were all alone, it might not be so cheery, but when I see Joe and Mary doing something obviously special for Lent, then I am encouraged. Daily Mass attendance is up, confessions on Wednesday evenings are well attended. We are trying, and that gives us a good feeling, a bright spirit. Even our fasting, which Jesus admonished, should not be gloomy and grim. We are not "working out" in a spiritual Latitude, but are willingly and joyfully fasting out of love. As parents know no limits in the care of their children because their love drives them to the limits, so too, when we fast for love, our efforts are limitless and filled with a deep abiding joy. Msgr. Charles M. Murphy has recenlty published a book on fasting, THE SPIRITUALITY OF FASTING, which advocates a return to this ancient practice in its true and powerful sense, tied in with humility and the need for conversion from sin and selfishness to love of God and neighbor. It is a movement forward, not a deprivation that puts us in reverse. This 105 page volume can be ordered at LF Book Orders, 1564 Fencorp Drive, Fenton, MO 603026-2942. It's not too late for it to help us this Lent and beyond.
Bro. Rene

CastYour Burden on the Lord

There's no doubt that since The Fall we humans have lived in chaos, not only as a race, but in our individual lives. We long for a "Pax Romana" of the soul as we listen to the problems our friends are facing, watch the astounding tragedy in Japan mount in scope each day, become aware the increase of hungry children in our own country, or look at the hole we have dug for ourselves in so many "things to do" in what seems like so little time. It's easy to be overwhelmed by all this and forget that Jesus is there to bear our burdens, "Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mt 11: 28-30). A beautiful hymn underscores this timeless truth in succinct poetry:

Cast your burden on the Lord,
Only lean upon his word;
You will soon have cause to bless
His eternal faithfulness.

He sustains you by his hand,
He enables you to stand;
Those whom Jesus once has loved
From his grace are never moved.

Human counsels come to naught;
That shall stand which God has wrought;
His compassion, love, and power,
Are the same forevermore.
Bro. Rene

Positive Fasting

We are into our first full week of Lent. Is there a difference visible to us and to others, that this is a special season, and we are taking advantage of it to live our faith? So many of the old, structured restrictions have been relaxed. For example, we fast only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. We abstain from meat on Fridays, but substitute a good fish or vegetarian meal. Where's the sacrifice? We watch as much TV as ever and our daily routine hardly seems impacted at all by the season. Keeping in mind the need to fast, perhaps we can work on our minds and tongues, purging judgmental thoughts and words and replacing them with more positive realizations that everyone is a child of God, and that words of praise and encouragement go much further than gossip or whining. We can make silence work for us, instead of constant babbling in our prayers, and LISTEN to the voice of Jesus, who longs to communicate with us. We can "do without" that Dunkin Donut or Coffee and save a bundle over 40 days. The poor who come to Lazarus House could benefit from our "sacrifice". With the backdrop of the catastophe in Japan, we might find motivation for added generosity to the Red Cross, which is in the midst of the rubble. These few examples, and others that might come to mind can make our fasting a positive benefit to others, as well as to ourselves.
Bro. Rene

Not By Bread Alone

The First Sunday of Lent is also the day when the Rite of Election is held. The Catechumens who are preparing for Baptism or for reception from another church into the Catholic Church, present themselves to the Bishop and receive his blessing and further instructions for this final stage in their instruction. Not surprisingly, the Gospel is the Temptation in the Desert (Mt 4:1-11). We, along with the Catechumens, are reminded that choices, often hard choices, will have to be made in order to remain faithful to our mission to follow Christ. Jesus himself needed the temptations to see what his mission was NOT, as well as to see what it was. It was not a "quick fix" mission, nor a popularity contest based on the spectacular, nor was it the worship of false gods. Rather, it was and is a mission which contradicts, stands apart, and challenges the norms. It follows a logic that is not of this world. "Not by bread alone...but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." (Mt 4:4). God's ways are not the world's ways. Our Lenten observances, readings, and deeper prayer will help us to see more clearly what those ways are. A helpful website that might enhance that prayer is www.sacredspace.ie from the Jesuits in Ireland. It provides a meditation for each day of Lent, and has some excellent insights into today's Gospel. May we find some extra time today, using whatever means we find helpful to accept and live this response of Jesus, that it is "not by bread alone that we find sustenance, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God". Let us find and listen to those words.
Bro. Rene

Catholics Come Home

Throughout the country, the welcome posters have been hung on Churches, billboards, TV and read on radio as part of a movement begun just a few years ago by Tom Peterson, whose faith-journey found him away from the Church for awhile, but eventually led him back. He realized that many shared his journey and could benefit from his experience, so he founded Catholics Come Home. It is an invitation to all: Catholics who no longer practice or who have joined other denominations, or to people who are not Catholic but are searching for Truth, community, and that which will satisfy what is missing in their lives. Our age of comfort and materialism has dulled the edge of urgency and allowed complacency to gain a larger foothold than it should have. The scandal caused by priests who defiled those who trusted in them, and the "cover-up" by their superiors has driven many away.
Yet, this campaign of frank dialog and outreach has brought 200,000 back to the Church just last year and hopes to gain further returnees this year. I happened to ask a man if he still went to our parish, and he quickly admitted that he had sloughed off but intended to make an effort to return to weekly Mass attendance. I didn't realize he had drifted, but was glad that my innocent question provoked him to his admission and resolve. We all know people like that, and perhaps even in our own families, or even with ourselves, we find too many "excused absences" (most of them "unexcused"). Helping others, even ourselves "come home" might be a worthy Lenten discipline that would bring peace to them and to us. See www.catholicscomehome.org
Bro. Rene

Why Fast?

The prophet, Isaiah chides those who fast, but whose quarreling, fighting and abusive behavior negate any good that their fasting might have achieved. He warns us that it is not in wearing sackcloth and ashes, or hanging our heads in false humility that we fast effectively, but rather in "releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing our bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;, clothing the naked and not turning our backs on our own." (Is 58:6-7) We fast because we hunger for Jesus who enables us to carry out these good works. He is the Food which nourishes and strengthens us to know and follow his teachings. Father Champagnat encouraged a type of fasting that centered on carrying out our duties with greater consistency, praying from the heart, and making sacrifices of little things, that would not call attention to themselves. If we deprive ourselves of food, he said, we should do it so that we can have something more to offer to the poor. And he encouraged intercessory prayer for the conversion of sinners, for the needs of the teachers and students in our schools, and for the souls in purgatory. Today we might add the people of Japan and those who will suffer from the Tsunami.
Bro. Rene

Transforming the Dust

Yesterday we received ashes and a stark reminder that we are dust, "and to dust we shall return." The other side of this is that Lent provides the time and motivation for us to entrust our "dustiness" to the healing power of God, "who promises forgiveness and life to the dust he has made and loves." (Magnificat, March, p. 131). There is an popular saying, "God does not make junk". True, and neither did he make dust to lie infertile, but to be transformed into rich soil that will produce life. Psalm 103 written centuries before Christ gives us a beautiful picture of this God, this "Transformer", helping us to understand the depth of his love for us and giving us more reason to give thanks.

My soul, give thanks to the Lofd,
all my being, bless his holy name.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings.

It is he who forgives all your guilt,
who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave,
who crowns you with love and compassion,
who fills your life with good things,
renewing your youth like an eagle's.

He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our faults.
For as the heavens are high above the earth
so strong is his love for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our sins.

As a father has compassion on his sons [and daughters],
the Lord has pity on those who fear him;
for he knows of what we are made,
he remembers that we are dust. (Ps 103: 1-5, 10-14)

A good meditation for today and every day.
Bro. Rene

Ash Wednesday

The day has come, a day of fast and abstinence, of ashes and wishes, hopes and plans. Lent begins, a gift of time to enable us to purge and cleanse our souls of attitudes and thoughts that separate us from Jesus and neighbor, and as Pope Benedict said, a time to embrace solidarity with the poor. Today we do not eat meat, we do not snack between meals, and eat only one main meal to remind ourselves through the hunger we feel that Jesus hungers for our love and for our turning away from sin to a more complete living of the message he brought in the two great commandments, love of God and love of neighbor. The ashes remind us of our fragility, our mortality and our resolve to make these forty days a significant moment in our spiritual growth. "Through all your days, [...] keep the Lord in mind, and supress every desire to sin or to break his commandments. Perform good works all the days of your life, and do not tread the paths of wrongdoing.
Do not turn your face away from any of the poor, and God's face will not be turned away from you.
Give to the hungry some of your bread, and to the naked some of your clothing. Whatever you have left over, give away as alms; and do not begrudge the alms you give.
At all times bless the Lord God, and ask him to make all your paths straight and to grant success to all your endeavors and plans." (Tobit 4: 5,7b, 16, 19a)
Bro. Rene

Mardi Gras

The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is known as "Fat Tuesday", or Mardi Gras, allowing for an extravagant splurge in eating and drinking, before the rigorous fast and abstinence of Ash Wednesday and the 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the three pillars of practice encouraged by the Church. In Europe and in Latin American countries, it is known as "Carnivale", farewell to meat, and often extends beyond a one-day observance. The excesses of Mardi Gras in New Orleans attract visitors from all over the world for a week before Ash Wednesday.
For us today, we might indulge in something special by way of food, but we might also take the time to write down what we are going to do from tomorrow until the Triduum, which begins with the Liturgy of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, remembering that this is a special time to make a sincere effort to draw closer to Jesus. Will it be daily Mass, Stations of the cross on Fridays, Lectio Divina...a slow, meditative and repetitive reading of a passage of Scripture, a volunteering at Cor Unum or Lazarus House, or some organization that serves the underprivileged, daily rosary, or a period of quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament? Will we "give up" something as a sign of our deeper desire to follow Jesus? There are many options, the secret is to keep it simple so that consistency might be maintained for the 40 days to enable real growth to take place. Also needed are an open mind to accept our failures and a determination to start over again when we fall.
Bro. Rene

Sitting With Jesus

"To God, the darkest depths of the human heart are as clear as the page of a book lying open in the sunlight. He knows us through and through--and loves us as deeply as he knows us!" (Magnificat, Morning Prayer, March 7). Indeed Psalm 139 assures us that God's knowledge of us includes every step we take, every thought we have:

O Lord, you search me and you know me,
you know my resting and my rising,
you discern my purpose from afar.
You mark when I walk or lie down,
all my ways lie open to you. (Ps 139: 1-2).

The Psalm continues with example after example of God's knowing presence, and is worth praying over day after day. Doing so might help with the question, "Do I know God as well as he knows me?" He sent his Son, Jesus, to give us a clear glimpse of who he is, but the question then becomes, "How well do I know Jesus?" If Jesus were sitting with me, what would I say to him? Would I be intimidated, stiff and formal, recite rote prayers, or would I be free enough to speak from the heart as if my best friend were sitting there? What is it like after communion when I have Jesus as close to me as he can come in this life? Is there a conversation? What is it like? How focused on him am I? What do I say? Do I listen? I can so often get distracted by who is going to communion, or by thinking of what I'm going to do after Mass, that these precious moments frequently evaporate, and life after Mass goes on the same as it was before Mass. I'd guess that we all need to work on this. It might be a good thing on which to reflect during Lent and see what we can do to deepen our friendship, a real friendship, with our brother as well as our savior, Jesus.
Bro. Rene

Change of Heart

Lent is a time set apart for us to deepen our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a time for conversion, that is, the emptying of our hearts of attitudes that block a clean and open relationship with God, free of hidden agendas, fears, and wishes. It is a time to work on changing behaviors that stand in the way of a good relationship with others, with family, colleagues, friends and acquaintences. Above all, it is a time for prayer, prayer and prayer. It is in this quiet time set apart that God steps in and helps us sort through the mess we have created, or helps us appreciate the good person we are and the good things we have done and are doing. We tend to be "hard on ourselves" and stress the mess rather than the blessed. Ash Wednesday is the official beginning of Lent, but it wouldn't hurt to take time on this Sabbath for quiet prayer, either before or after Mass, or in some quiet corner of our homes. The website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has some excellent articles, prayers and references that could be a major help in spending a very fruitful Lent. The site is: http://www.usccb.org/. Click on the link for Lent on the left and a whole series of links comes us: What we believe, how we love and how we pray. And more.
In your prayers today, please remember a groups of Central boys who will be gathering at our Leeds Terrace community this afternoon to participate in a vocation awareness program. As St. Marcellin often insisted, "We need brothers," so we are helping our students discover if God is calling them to this "wonderful life." You can help us with your prayers. Thank you.
Bro. Rene

Forgive Us Our Trespasses

The prayer that Jesus himself taught us, The Lord's Prayer, has become so familiar that we often repeat it from rote and finish it without ever adverting to what we have just said. It's not that "familiarity breeds contempt", but rather familiarity breeds inattention. A key concept near the end of the prayer can be as easily overlooked as much as the all-important litany of praise of God before we come to the "us" part of the prayer: our daily bread...yes, we always need something and that might catch our attention, but before we know it we're "amening it" and getting on to the day's activities.
In preparation for Lent, and our Lenten confession, it might be a good time to start looking at the forgiveness we need and the forgiveness we need to give to others. The prayer presumes that this is a part of our everyday life, as is the need for our daily bread. No one escapes this aspect of life. Pulling aside the sentence, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" and taking time to reflect on it, is not only humbling, but gives us a pattern to follow in seeking amends to those we have offended, and being open to the apologies of those who have offended us. Lord, help me to acknowledge my sinfulness, humble receive your mercy and be forgiving and merciful to others. Amen.
Bro. Rene

Morning of Recollection

Several calls have been coming in regarding the Morning of Recollection to be held at Central Catholic High School on Saturday, March 12 from 9 am until noon. Fr. John Delaney, '79, Ms. Betty Desjardins, one of our campus ministers, and I will present some practical suggestions to help the 40 days of Lent bear lasting fruit. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Adoration, and there will be time for reflection and adoration. We will conclude with benediction. It is open to you readers, our parents, alumni, friends and faculty. Yes, by all means bring a friend. All are welcome. Blessed Charles de Foucauld, who lived and ministered, even as a solitary in the desert of Algeria explains his role: "'Love your neighbor a yourself'. My idea of practicing this brotherly charity is to consecrate my life to helping those brothers [and sisters] who lack everything, since they lack Jesus... And I see no better way to help them than to bring them to Jesus." Our first Saturday of Lent recollection is to do precisely that: to bring us all closer to Jesus. What a way to set the tone for the rest of Lent! Come to our chapel on the 12th.
Bro. Rene

Small Sacrifices

As we prepare for Lent, now less than a week away, the example of St. Marcellin might help us choose something tangible to do that will help us take further steps toward becoming more like Jesus, in his mission and suffering, and prepare us for the renewal of our baptismal promises at Easter. When we renew these promises, it would make sense to have actually done something to give them "grit" rather than just be a rote formula. When we say we will "renounce Satan, his works and his pomps" what will that mean for us? What will we have renounced? Something, we hope, that will free us from the bondage of a sinful habit, such as gossiping, or speaking uncharitably about others. Each of us, examening our own lives, will find something we need to purge.
A symbolic sacrifice, such as giving up snacks between meals, deserts, salt, pepper...something that might go unnoticed by others, but which helps us "feel the pinch", could serve as a reminder that we are serious about the deeper need to clean up our tongue, to hold back telling that "juicy bit of 'news'" or making that uncharitable comment about someone else. St. Marcellin disciplined himself by not eating between meals, and admonished the brothers to follow his example. A small sacrifice which could have deeper implications if we let it.
Bro. Rene

Marist Day

It is fitting that on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the American Province back in 1911 (a separation from the then Province of North America with Canada as the main component), that "Spirit Week" at Central Catholic should begin with the Mass of St. Marcellin Champagnat, usually celebrated on June 6th, his feast day. Since school is over on that date, we've moved it to this week so that the school community might celebrate our Founder and again draw inspiration from his faith, vision and love as well as rededicate oursleves to our Marist Mission of making Jesus known and loved, which is at the heart of our Central Spirit.
To accomplish this mission, St. Marcellin began with love: "To best educate the children, you must love them, and love them all equally." This is a tall order, but one that makes sense, for it demands that we look into the hearts of the students and see the beauty that was given to them by God and which may not be totally apparent in behaviors (a lot of growth and maturing as well as learning are part of adolescents) which sometimes bury it. But love clears the way for this beauty to reach its potential. It is this love, with its accompanying discipline, respect and patience that marks a Marist school as well as the dealings of all Marists with all the people with whom they come into contact. O Lord, thank you for St. Marcellin, his vision and his challenge. May we make today and every day a Marist Day. Amen.
Bro. Rene

Marist

Generosity

As March slips in like a lamb this year, the people of Wales celebrate St. David's Day with flags and foods, and a bright shining sun beams in the heavens, these "signs" remind us of the positive side of life and the abundant generosity of God which inspired St. Marcellin and informed our Marist Spirituality with the goal to be lavishly generous with our time, talent, and, when possible, our treasure. In the Book of Sirach, we read, "In a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord,/ and show a cheerful countenance,/ and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you,/ generously, according to your means. "For the Lord is one who always repays,/ and he will give back sevenfold." (Sir 35: 7-10)
How reassuring is this passage, how encouraging, how inspiring! Not that we give to get back, but if we have followed this path, we have been taught over and over again, as St. Francis prayed, "it is in giving that we receive." Let us not be locked in by our possessions, or our own will, as "the rich young man" whose plight was to walk away sad. The generous heart will never be sad.
Bro. Rene