It Is God's

The story of the 17 year old soccer player, Nico Calabria, from Concord Carlisle Regional High School who recently scored an amazing goal, has been told in the newspapers, on TV and has received over a million "hits" on You Tube.  Born with just one leg, Nico has never looked for pity, and has a wonderful sense of who he is.  He refuses to wear a prosthesis or try to hide his "difference", but has accepted it as who he is.  He has been playing soccer since he was five and will play as long as he can.  He wants to be a role model for others who have lost limbs or were born with some handicap, to inspire them to accept what is, and move forward to achieve whatever goals they have set for themselves.  Without boasting, and in true humility,  he is telling us "it is God's" and succintly echoes St. Paul:  "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves.  But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense.... 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'  For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends." (2 Cor 10: 12, 17-18).
Standing on the sidelines yesterday talking with our talented varsity players who came to support our Freshman and JV teams, I saw the same humility as I congratulated them for their success the night before.  They thanked me for my praise, but their low-key, humble response conveyed that they too believe their talent is a gift from God.  I find this attitude in young people as inspiring and awesome as Nico's one-legged score.
Bro. Rene
PS.  Don't forget to look below at yesterday's slice of bread which is today's bonus.

Our Three Angels

The comedy, My Three Angels, once tauted as a perennial favorite in high school productions, first appeared in France in 1910 as La Cuisine Des Anges, by Albert Husson.  It made it to Broadway in 1953 and ran for 344 performances.  In 1955 it appeared as a film, We're No Angels, with Humphrey Bogart making a rare comedy appearance and leading a star-studded cast.  Since then it has faded from memory, except for a few local revivals, However, its message of self-sacrifice in lifting others out of difficulty and the ultimate triumph of good over evil remains as current today as it was in 1910, or forever.
Today's feast celebrates three other angels, archangels in fact, whose mission not only remains relevant, but continues to serve as an inspiration to us.  Michael, "Defender in the Battle" is invoked in the daily war waged against the powers of evil, the "wickedness and snares of the devil", which besiege us on every side.  When tempted, a short prayer to St. Michael will help dismiss the invitation to give in to some sort of evil thought or action.  Gabriel was the deliverer of the good news of the impending births of John the Baptist to Zechariah and, with her consent, the birth of the Son of God, Jesus, to Mary.  We too can be messengers of good news, invoking Gabriel before an encounter with the folks who enter our lives from the person behind the deli counter, or the check-out woman, a colleague at work, members of our family...anyone and everyone. And Raphael, the protector and the healer in the Book of Tobit.  Wouldn't we all like the ablilty to lay hands on the countless number of people who suffer from physical infirmity and bring healing to them?  But simply by holding back a snappy retort provoked by annoyance can avert a hurtful encounter before healing is needed.  And praying to Raphael for the sick...something we may rarely think of, invokes the power and gift of God's messenger of healing.  Today is the day to begin thinking of the role our three angels can play in our desire and attempts to live the message of the Gospel.  Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, and all the Angels of Heaven, come to our aid and be part of our lives.  Amen.
Bro. Rene
PS.  I just noticed the time for publication of this slice today has passed. It will appear as a bonus with tomorrow's slice.  Sorry.  Got too engrossed in applying the possibilities the three archangels could have in our lives.

Good King Wenceslaus

No, we're not jumping into Christmas already, but today is the Memorial of St. Wenceslaus, king of Bohemia, who was raised in the faith by his grandmonther, St. Ludmilla.  His mother and his brother Boleslaus were antagonistic to Christianity and attempted to block the efforts of Wenceslaus to who tried hard to encourage his people to embrace the faith that brought him strength and consolaton.  Eventually Wenceslaus was betrayed by Boleslaus and killed by assasins in 953 in a trap set by him.  Some believe that Bolelaus actually delivered the fatal blow.  This real story is a far cry from the peppy tune that cheers us at Christmas and is a sober reminder of how families can be divided over religion.  It is also an inspiring story of conviction and trust on the part of Wenceslaus, who was almost immediately declared a martyr for the faith.  Jesus told us in Sunday's Gospel that his followers must be ready to carry the cross with him if they wish to be his disciples.  Our Marist spirituality invites us to the "martyrdom" of turning our lives over to God, as Mary did at the announciation, and as St. Marcellin did along with so many of his brothers over the centuries.  Our call this day and all days is to be, "Not my will, but your will be done." (Mt 26: 42)  We have a convincing cast of characters before us who followed this call. We are in good company. The choice is ours.
Bro. Rene

The Cry Of The Poor

The Memorial of the extaordinary man,  St. Vincent de Paul, brings to mind the cry and needs of the poor.  Yes, they are always with us, and St. Vincent's efforts to respond to these cries and needs continue through the efforts of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which has members in every Catholic parish.  Yet, the obligation to help the poor is one that applies to all Christians. We might not be actual members of the Society, but looking through our closets and possessions, we certainly have more than we need and can help the Society by donating  from our surplus.
The life of St. Vincent also reminds us of the need to be "poor in spirit", that is to have a certain indifference to our own ideas, plans, and dreams, leaving all in the hands of God.  It encompasses a "detachment" from things and distinguishes between needs and wants.  It frees us in our prayer to have the willing and receptive attitude of Mary and Jesus..."Be it done unto me according to your will"..."Not my will, but yours be done." If we cannot pray this way, we are poor indeed.
Lord, we are all poor in one way or another.  Hear and answer our cry."
Bro. Rene

Generosity

As roday we recall the generosity of Saints Cosmos and Damian, two Syrian doctors who lived in the 3rd century and whose pro-bono medical care won them the esteem of the early Church, we are still inspired by them and find their spirit of generosity alive and well today.  How many organizations and causes exist because people respond to a need?  The list of walks, golf tournaments, galas, not to mention mail and phone solicitations is endless. In our own community at Central Catholic, we received word of a recent graduate (May 2012), who was badly burned when the gas water heater he was trying to light exploded and almost totally destroyed his residence.  That he survived is a miracle, said the firemen, and word has it today that surgery and skin grafting will enable him to use his hands when all is healed.  Neighbors responded generously when they heard that his mother and father were flying to Colorado to be with their son, but could not really afford their plane ticket nor hotel accommodations.  Students here are collecting money to help them as well.  Jesus is the one who gave us the ultimate example, emptying himself totally, even to death on the cross.  (cf  Phil 2: 6-11 ).   May we always keep an open heart to be able to come to the aid of those in need.
Bro. Rene

Many The Gifts

Imagine for a moment the young Fr. Champagnat celebrating Mass in the "chapel in the woods" with his young brothers before him on rough benches and a dresser for an altar.  It is early in the morning before a long day of working on the contruction of the hermitage.   There are a thousand things on his mind ranging from the extra burden he was placing on the young brothers, how much they could accomplish that day, and how he would ever pay for all of this.  Yet he proceeds with his characteristic calmness. 
We are not building a five story building, but we have endless tasks and projects on our minds; how can we cope?  One way might be to take time to balance the burden by looking at the many gifts in our lives: the nearness of Jesus who offers us rest, peace; the beauty and goodness in the people we meet daily over and above our family and friends; the crispness of the air at this time of the year, the fall colors, our health, our faith, our ability to know and love.  If God has so blessed us, what is there to fret about? The gifts far outweigh the demands we place on ourselves or the overexaggerated fears that fill our imagination.  Jesus offers us the gift of rest where we can find assurance that we will make it through another day as we have through all the days before this one.  Thank you, Jesus for the many gifts that remind us of your constant care and presence.  Amen.
Bro. Rene

Openness To The Words Of Life

We are not alone.  Our God is always speading to us with words of consolation, affirmation, challenge, and occasional correction.  God speaks through the Scriptures and through the people and events that come to us at practically every minute.We are often so pre-occupied that we don't hear them as God's word.  We pray in Psalm 95, "Oh that today you would hear his voice/ Harden not your hearts."  (Ps 95: 9).  It takes practice and patience to develop and maintain a "soft", hearing heart, but well worth the effort.  Taking just one verse, such as this one just quoted, and letting it sink in.  Welcoming people, tasks, events, surprises, twists and turns in our daily plan...those unexpected e-mails., for example, are all words from God...invitations to respond with loving acceptance.  Each day when we get up, we have no real idea of what the day will bring, but we can prepare ourselves with a simple prayer:  Lord, let me hear your voice in what comes my way today. Amen...
Bro. Rene

Getting Along With One Another

In families, in communities, in the work place, wherever humans are gathered, there always seems to be the potential for conflict.  We have to WORK at getting along with each other.  St. Paul proposes the ideal:  "I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of he call your have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, beaing with one another though love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."  (Eph 4:1-3).  St. James reminds us, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice." (Jas 3: 16).   Jesus addressed the jealousy and selfish ambition he noticed among the Twelve as he overheard them discussing who was the greatest among them.  He used a child as the example of how they (we) should deal with each other, with the admonition, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last, of all and the servant of all." (Mk 9: 36).  As a child needs no words, but in the warmth of nearness, can calm and soothe an agitated parent, so too first of all an awareness of the nearness of Jesus can transform Type A ambitions and lives into calmness, harmony, peace and love, and, by putting Jesus first in our lives, we can more easily put others before us, and ourselves in the servant postion.
Bro. Rene

Autumn

The first day of Autumn is upon us and there is nothing we can do about it.  The seasons roll on whether we like it or not.  For some, Autumn is their best season:  crisp air, clear blue skies with occasional white puffy clouds to add some texture to the heavens; fall foliage, which in  New England is predicted to be spectacular.  For others it is a semi-sad time, with the passing of summer's flowers, warmth, and beautiful green lawns.  Signs of color already appear in the maples, indicating that the time for their "hibernation" is approaching, soon to be followed by winter's snow and ice.  For readers in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, this day does not mark any dramatic change of season, though welcome rain is appreciated after a dry July and August, but folks there have to experience the inevitable need to accept another step into the unknown of the season ahead.  We know in general what to expect, but always there is a twist.
And so it is with our spiritual lives:  movement into a somewhat familiar place, but yet, always the unexpected.  I think of Mary and the seasons of her life:  Gabriel's invitation to motherhood, but oh, not your ordinary motherhood!   The trip to Bethlehem, the delivery in a stable; the presentation with it's dire prediction of the sword of sorrow; the Egyptian sojourn, certainly not in her game plan; the trip to Jerusalem with the 12 year old Jesus and the heartfelt unrest at his absence; his departing on him mission, his death, resurrection and the on-going journey of his followers along with her accompaniment.  This is the pattern:  twists and turns, confident and trusting acceptance.  May the colors of Autumn remind us and help us to grow more comfortable with the seasons in our lives and the unforeseen twists that God places there..
Bro. Rene

Empowered Witnesses

Today's remembrance of St. Matthew the Evangelist can shed some light on the Mark of a Marist Educator (student, and Marist in general) that we are focusing on this year at Central Catholic: to be an empowered witness of the message of Jesus.  Levi himself, a tax-collector and thus lumped into the category of "sinner", was empowered by the gaze and call of Jesus, to leave his shekels and despised role to follow Jesus.  A major change in lifestyle and mission took place, the impact of which came to fruition with the writing of this Gospel, which has kept alive the message and stories of Jesus to this day, empowering it's readers to change their lives as his had been changed.
As Marists, it is important to recall that our own empowerement, resulting from a close, loving  relationship with Jesus, is the first ingredient in empowering others.  In addition to this, to spread the Word effectively, we need to look at our hearers as Jesus looked upon Matthew: outwardly an employee of the hated Roman Empire, and perhaps, as tax collectors then did, a thief who slid some of the squeezed out tax payments into his own pocket, but inwardly bearing the potential to be a staunch apostle and Gospel writer.  Jesus saw into Matthew and called him to become the best version of himself.  If we could see others in light of their best selves, how helpful that would be in empowering them.  Holy Spirit, come to me daily with your insight and grace to transform me into an empowered witness who can, by word and deed, empower others to become witnesses of the Gospel. Amen.
Bro. Rene

Carrying Our Candle

Tonight at the conclusion of the Junior Class Recognition Mass, each student will be given a candle while the liturgical choir sings the popular song by Kathy Troccoli, Go Light Your World.  The lyrics graphically remind us of the privilege we carry and our mission:

There is a candle in every soul,
Some burning brightly, some dark and cold.
There is a Spirit who brings a fire,
ignites a candle and makes His home.

So carry your candle, run to the darkness,
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn.
Hold out your candle for all to see it.
Take your candle and go light your world.

To carry the candle effectively means to walk slowly, for one thing, so that it doesn't blow out, but also with humility and gentleness, in order that the flame keep burning brightly.  A humility and gentleness with ourselves as well as those to whom we are carrying the candle can be more effective than by brazen and forceful candle waving, which in the end will extinguish it.  May we be content with, as the Prophet Micah, to carry our candle and "to walk humbly with our God."  (Micah 6:8).
Bro. Rene

Accompaniment

One of the tools in Marist Ministry that is becoming more wide-pread and more necessary is accompaniment.  It is a "walking with", a listening, an opening of doors to possibility, a guidance, a healing.
Many of today's youth come from broken families where they have been deprived of the full benefit of the presence of both mother and father.  Often, the religious training of these young people has been neglected, yet there is a hunger and thirst for wholeness, for understanding and compassion in the hearts of these young people.  More than good will on the part of us adults is needed to help them. Some education in the "phenomenon of youth", a patient compassionate sensitivity and heart, an ability to see and help them reach their potential, the ability to listen and not force, and a deep faith can answer their longings and usher them into mature aduthood.  St. Marcellin had these qualities, and children just naturally took to him.  Even in art today, he is almost always represented surrounded by youth. Let us take some time today to look at our own relationships with our children, our students, our colleagues and friends.  We all stand in need of some kind of accompaniment.  Can we give it as well as receive it?
Bro. Rene

Unfailing Promises

St. Marcellin's rock-bottom faith saw him through the shaky beginnings of the Little Brothers of Mary, and became the inspiration for those who followed him not only in leadership, but also among the young men who followed in his footsteps after his death right up to our present day.  It took such faith for Br. Florentius to open a school in the midst of the Great Depression, it took such faith for the four founding brothers to go to the Philippines in 1948 to help a war torn country rebuild itself through education.  It has taken that same faith for the brothers who have volunteered in the Ad Gentes program, to leave their comfort zones and start from scratch where the Marists had never been.  What is the basis of this faith, what nourishes it?
Sirach tells us that "God does not withdraw his mercy/ nor permit even one of this promises to fail."  (Sir 47:22).  Strong words for us in an era when there seems to be so much uncertainty about God and traditional teachings.  So many lack the basics in Christian education that they even doubt the existence of God, since they have so much by way of material goods, and do not "need" God.  Even believers wobble on the fence, questioning "How can God allow such atrocities to happen?  How can liars get away with it?  "Why did so and so die so young? "  If there is a God, why didn't he answer my prayers?"  Etc. Etc.
Evidently these are the same questions faced by the Psalmist who wrote:

Can he who made the ear, not hear?
Can he who formed the eye, not see?
The Lord knows our thoughts. He knows they are no more than a breath.

The Lord will not abandon his people,
and forsake those who are his own:
for judgment shall again be just
nd all true hearts shall uphold it.
As for me, the Lord will be a stronghold;
my God will be the rock where I take refuge.  Ps. 94: 9, 11, 14, 22

St. Marcellin must have prayed this Psalm often for it too root in him and became part of him.  So too must this be our prayer.
Bro. Rene

Waiting For One Another

In writing to the Corinthians about protocol at the Eucharist, St. Paul writes, "...when you come together to eat, wait for one another." (1 Cor 11:33).  This admonishment is out of courtesy and respect, and it applies beyond just attendance at the Eucharist.  Many of our college age, and even high school students, "are not there yet" regarding their faith, there understanding of God, and certainly of the richness found in the Eucharist.  The tendency is to want to push them into what we know and love, but for some, it's this kind of pushing that has, unfortunately, pushed them away.  It takes gentle love, consistent prayer, patience and lots of waiting.  I had a conversation with a college freshman last night whose concept of God is nil, stemming back to the lack of education and Catholic atmosphere in his family. Yet, he is very open, with an inquiring mind, and leading such a good, mature set of values already, that it's just a matter of time that he will connect the dots and enter into a relationship with the God who created him thus and who loves him to death.  I know I can witness to this young man, based on our relationship, and with trusting and faith-filled prayer, accompany him along the path which he said he is willing to take.  Billy Mills, who won the 10K gold in the 1964 Olympics and gives motivational talks today, speaks about the power of repeating, Believe, Believe, Believe, and envisioning in the imagination the desired outcome.  It worked for him: he saw himself crossing the finish line in first place, just as it happend in reality.  So too, to do I envision this young man being confirmed.  We all have such people in our lives.  Let us wait for them while believing and envisioning.
Bro. Rene

Commitment

There is a new organization with its accompanying website, called Vocation Boom.  It was founded three years ago by Jerry Usher, who had been praying for vocations all of his adult life (he's now 75!) and decided that besides praying there must be something else he could do to foster vocations.  So he began researching and learned that 40% of those thinking about or discerning a priestly or religious vocation can never follow through because of their commitment to repay their college loans.He discovered that there are 10,000 discerners, and out of these, 4,000 might never reach their dream or fulfill their call.  These are huge numbers in these years of vocation famine and cannot be ignored.  Vocation Boom raises money to help with this problem and slowly is helping one after another find the means to enter seminaries or novitiates.  A mutual commitment.
The Gospel for today, Mark 8:27-35, tells the story of the question Jesus asked, Who do people say that I am?" Various "hearsays" are offered, then Jesus asks the real question:  "Who do YOU say that I am.  St. Peter answers firmly, "You are the Christ."  Fine, but when Jesus warns of his coming condemnation, death and resurection, Peter does not buy it and rebukes Jesus for such a preposterous notion, and gets a vehement reponse from Jesus, "Get behind me, Satan."  Later he tells the disciples and gathered crowd that his followers must be ready to take up their crosses daily and lose their lives in order to find them.  A huge demand requiring a huge commitment.
One of our cross country runners the other day fell, hit his head on a stone, got up and kept running.  Commitment.  He suffered greatly at the end of his race, but wanted to finish it.  What a follower of Jesus he would be.  Can we?
Bro. Rene

Mary Knows Pain and Sorrow

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows follows the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and reminds us how closely Mary is united to Jesus in the work of redemption and to us, as the gift Jesus gave her during his agonizing hours on the Cross.  "Woman, behold your son" (Jn 19:26).  As with the death of Jesus, there is an upside: his resurrection and new life for all or us; Mary's pain is softened by the added dignity of becoming the mother of the Church, the mother of us all.  The promised "swords of sorrows" made by the old man Simeon when Jesus was presented in the temple as an infant all came true, 1) Simeon's prophecy itself, 2) the flight into Egypt, 3) the 3-day loss of Jesus, 4) the meeting of Jesus en route to Calvary, 5) standing at the foot of the cross, 6) the "pieta moment" as Jesus is laid in Mary's lap, 7) the burial of Jesus. But further in God's plan was Mary's role as our loving mother, one which she has taken very seriously as evidenced by her many apparitions during which she, as any mother would, takes pains to make sure we "do what we are told" by Jesus.
The role of a mother is a mixture of pain, sorrow and deep joy, and Mary is certainly no stranger to them. In a reverent praying of the Hail Mary, or of the Rosary today, we might show her our understanding and appreciation, as well as find in her a source of strength in our own pain and sorrows.
Bro. Rene

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

It almost sounds like an oxymoron, "the exaltation of the holy cross".  In the time of Jesus, the cross was far from holy and certainly not something to be celebrated.  It would have been the equivalent of today's electric chair.  It was a vehicle for a painful and ignominious death, a sign of disgrace and darkness.  But in the Christian paradox of the grain of wheat dying in order to bring life, it is now a sign of victory over sin and death, a sign of new life and light.
The Eastern and Western Churches give great honor to this feast which seems to be a combination of the finding of the cross by St. Helena between 326 and 328 A,D, and the recovery and triumphal re-entry of the cross to Jerusalem by the Emperor Heraclius in 614 A,D. after it had been captured by the Saracens.  The Eastern Churches give it such high regard, that it is preceded by a solemn Vesper Service the evening before and becomes a focal point for the rest of the liturgical year.  Sundays are designated as "the first Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross, the second Sunday, and so on. Why this solemn recognition?  Well, it is the tangible sign of our salvation.  It reminds us of the love Jesus poured out for us to give us a berth in the kingdom of heaven, and it reminds us of who we are as his disciples.  Hence, we wear it around our necks, and it hands in places of honor in our churches and our homes.  We even begin our prayer by making the sign of the cross on our bodies.  For love of it, thousands of believers have given their lives in imitation of Jesus.  May we grow in reverence respect and love for it and may it have an exalted place in our spiritual lives, as St. Marcellin advocated.
Bro. Rene

What Would Jesus Say?

The popular question that has been appearing over the past few years on bumper stickers, bracelets and any other unclaimed surface, "What Would Jesus Do?", has given us pause, if not changed the direction of our actions, but if we changed the question to "What would Jesus SAY?" to is personally, if he were sitting at our kitchen table, we could explore all kinds of helpful possibilities. He would, no doubt, be much more affirming of us than we are; he would help us to see the good in our hearts that far exceeds the shadows that blur and fog up our ability to see it; he definitely would encourage us to spend more time with him in conversational and reflective, quiet prayer, as well as to remind us of his desire to enter within us through his great gift of the Eucharist.  He would ask us to look at our attitudes toward and treatment of others as well as suggest ways in which we could use our gifts and our love in the service of those in need.  He would affirm his love for us and remind us of his presence already within each one of us so that an encounter with another is an encounter with him. He would thank us for being who we are and for our efforts to become the best possible version of ourselves, i.e., to be holy, and remind us on how giving thanks and praise to him constantly not only brings us closer to him (his great desire) but eventually and  effectively changes our behavior.  Lord Jesus, I will take time each day to listen to you and hear what you have to say to me.
Bro. Rene

The Most Holy Name of Mary

"What's in a name?" Shakespeare asked.  For the ancient Hebrews and for many tribal cultures the name of a person is extremely significant, for it tells who a person is, opens the door to the person's essence.  Among the Lakota in the Dakotas, a "naming ceremony" is often part of the summer powow.  An elder gives a Lakota name to a child who is six, seven, or older, and pins a feather in his or her hair.  The name tells us something about the child:  Good Eagle, (a person who leads others along the path of goodness); Iron Eagle:  a strong and forceful leader.  In Rwanda, a significant Rwandan name is given at birth and usually includes the name of God, such as "near to God", "loved by God", "protected by God." Later, at baptism, the child receives a Christian name, such as Jean Marie Vianney, Jean-Paul, Jean-Baptiste etc.
Some of us remember the George M. Cohan classic written in 1906 (!), Mary's a Grand Old Name:
For it is Mary, Mary,
plain as any name can be,
but with propriety, society will say, Marie.
But it was Mary, Mary,
long before the fashion came,
and there is something there that sounds so square.
It's a grand old name.
Now I know that tune will haunt you (in a good way) all day, but may it help you to be think of Mary, our Good Mother, who was greeted by Gabriel, "Hail Mary" the two words and the name which initiated our salvation and which begin the prayer we use so often.  It is also a key word in our Marist Motto:  All to Jesus through Mary; all to Mary for Jesus.  It is a grand name which leads us to the heart of Jesus.  May we use it with reverence and love and find strength and solace in it.
Bro. Rene

Quiet Remembrance

If you read this when it is published a little after nine AM, you might recall that eleven years ago at this very moment, we were glued to our TV screens in total disbelief of what was appearing on them:  One of the Twin Towers had been hit about 15 minutes earlier, and soon the second, right before our eyes would suffer the same fate.  Then came the news of the Pentagon strike, followed by Shanksville, PA, close enough to McMechen, WV where I was principal, to have panicking parents taking their children out of the school. Horror, fear, multiple unanswered questions, grief, tears and prayer gripped us, followed by a surge of patriotic fervor and determination to give retribution to those responsible for the attacks.  Life as we knew it came to an end on that day, as rampant distrust and fear, justified by later information and experience, caused increased security in all sectors of our lives. 
Today, the scaled down remembrances and memorial services will allow the families of the victims and all of us to take some needed quiet, more than just a "moment of silence", to pray for the victims, their families, the perpetrators and our country, under seige by all kinds of demons and unsavory attitudes, behaviors and ideologies.  It is a time to grieve, lament, and pray for deliverance from the terrorism that increasingly is crippling and undermining our country.  Yes, there is always hope, for the Resurrection of Jesus conquered sin and death once and for all, but often we forget it, or don't see it because of the dust clouds that like those in lower Manhattan eleven years ago, tighten their grip us.  That's why a good chunk of solitude, silence and quiet reflection are the order of the day.
Bro. Rene

Loving All

As we look carefully at the behavior of Jesus we see that he radically broke barriers that had become part of the Jewish way of life:  he ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners, he spoke to women, even a Samaritan woman; women were welcome in and followed his entourage; when necessary he and his disciples "broke" the sabbath, either by curing the sick or picking grain to eat; he walked among the people and was totally at their disposal, even to the point of not having time to eat.  In his mind, the same rain fell on everyone, the wheat grew side by side with the weeds, and no wandering sheep was left to be lost. If God so provided for all, could he do less?   As we look at our own behaviors do we find this same openness or do we find traces of bias toward some, aversion toward others, exclusion of yet others? Is it We vs Them, or is it US? 
St. Marcellin was quick to pick up on the style of Jesus..."to educate the children, you must love them all, and love them equally."  Before we get too far into September, whether we are engaged in education or not,  it might be worth looking at our treatment of others and try to move toward the Jesus model.
Bro. Rene

Reconnecting

In October,  the Church will mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. (Some of us remember it as if it were yesterday).  Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed a "Year of Faith", a New Evangelization effort to open up and review the documents of the council as well as to make an effort to heal the breach between our ever increasingly materialsitic world and the person of Jesus.  Fr. Robert Barron, noted contemporary and forceful evangelist, states the purpose of these efforts as follows:  "The task of the New Evangelization is none other than this reconnection of the secular world to God through Jesus Christ.  It is the introduction of the Word made flesh to those who cannot hear and cannot speak." Magnificat, September, p. 121.
Today's Gospel tells the story of the deaf mute from the Decapolis who was brought to Jesus for healing.  Not only did he live in a secular world (the Decapolis region was more Greek than Jewish), but he was totally cut off from all communication.  He was "disconnected."  Such has become our world, and in various degrees, ourselves as well, as the attitudes and ways of thinking of this world seep into our ways of thinking and behaving.  We need to be brought to Jesus to have him put his finger into our ears and spit on our tongues to open and loose them from the clutter that has accrued in this milieu and reconnect us through study, prayer and service to others back to Jesus and the way of life he offers us. May the New Evangelization reach us and be the catalyst for this needed change for the entire Church.
Bro. Rene

Mary's Birthday

Everyone loves a birthday celebration, with its cards, gifts, special foods, gathering of family, friends, and expressions of gratitude and appreciation.  The feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated by the universal church today, stems from stories in the apocryphal Gospel of James (a document not accepted as part of the New Testament, but the seed of the tradition of Mary's long-awaited birth to the elderly Joachim and Anne).  It parallels the story of the birth of John the Baptist and dates as a feast initiated in Jerusalem in the middle of the seventh century.  As with any feast of Mary, poetry and imagery abound to surround the initimacy that Mary experienced as the Mother of God, carrying Jesus in her womb and presenting him to the world for the salvation of the human race. In the Byzantine Liturgy, we see the image of a throne:  Today God welcomes on earth the holy throne which he had prepared for himself.  He who estalished the heavens in wisdom has fashioned a living heaven.  In another antiphon we see the images of sun, dawn and light:  Sun of Justice, the Virgin was born before you as dawn comes before day:  make us walk in your light.  The Church always views Mary in her mission to bring forth Jesus for the sake of us all. Never is the focus just on Mary herself, but as the bridge between God and us.
As Marists we again see in Mary our role as bridge builders, making Jesus known and loved to all who cross our paths. In wishing Mary a "Happy Birthday", we remind ourselves of our Marist Mission.
Bro. Rene

Change: Make A Difference

No, this is not a promotion for the DNC, but the theme of the Marist International Youth Encounter to be held in Rio de Janiero next July 17-21 prior to the World Youth Day.  It's aim will be to deepen the Marist Charism among youth as well as to focus on the rights of children, so often abused, around the world.  The enthusiasm of the planners is just a foretaste of the impact the gathering will have on the attendees from around the Marist World.  The Province of the United States is planning to send a delegation.  Details will be forthcoming.
Such an event is another sign of the lasting and vigorous vision to St. Marcellin "to make Jesus known and loved" in every country and every diocese in the world.  Of him it was said that he had a heart that knows no bounds, and from that flows the corollary that the world is not large enough for a Marist.
Today at Camp Marist we will introduce our 376 freshmen to this Marist Vision; pray that they receive it with open and enthusiastic hearts.
Bro. Rene

Hope Springs Eternal

Playing in our theaters these days is a comedy called "Hope Springs", borrowing from the above time-tested cliche.  Always an enticer and morale booster, these three words in themselves are vibrant with life:  we're wired for optimism with the word, hope, triggers; springs:  yes...cool water from the depths of the earth, Spring itself:  new life after a long winter, and any kind of spring that provides bounce, comfort, and new energy; and finally, eternal...eternity...never-ending..that longing deep within for the NOW that will never end. 
Looking at our Marist Congregation across the world, we see this vibrancy, this bounce, in two gatherings that took place over the summer:  one in Canada, the other in Brazil.  The Canadian meeting brought together 20 young brothers from North America for an experience of community and service, including 10 days in Haiti.  The rubbing together of these young shoulders provided a spark of enthusiasm and solidarity that will carry over into the lives of these brothers and from them to their colleagues where they live and work.
In Brazil, over 40 brothers and lay evangelists met to discuss ways for more effective evangelization among youth.  The meeting was charged with enthusiasm and hope.
Today at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, MA, 376 freshmen will begin their four year Marist experience at this 77 year old high school.  The vision of St. Marcellin is alive and well and hope does spring eternal!
Bro. Rene

Serving One Master

We recall that Jesus told us we cannot serve two masters.  He spoke of God and mammon, the spiritual versus the material, but within ourselves, are there not two forces competing for our attention?  God, for sure, is one, but the other is often just ME...my own ego.  Why do we go beyond the call of duty to help someone in need?  Is it because God does this and asks us to do it, or are we doing it to gain attention to ourselves?  Hidden motives to advance our reputation, to assuage anger, or simply to get a "natural high",  might even have us fooled so that we don't detect them and realize who or what  is mastering us.  "Purity of intenition" was a familiar phrase in the old books on spiritual growth.  It really sums up what we might say today as acting for the right motives, or in the context of this slice of daily bread, serving the one master, our Good God.  Again, as St. Marcellin recommended, remaining in the presence of God, saying a little prayer, such as, "Lord, let me do this for you", or "Lord, this is for you, not me."  before starting the next task on our daily list will help keep us on the track of this One Master.  Lord, you alone do I worship and serve; please keep me from placing myself on the altar.
Bro. Rene

Entering the Reign of God

One of the main aspects of the mission of Jesus was to help us enter the reign of God, to recognize what is already here and to accept it with joy. He willingly shares his insights, the fruit of long hours (often at night) of conversation with his Father.  His insights are nurturing and nourishing, no doubt influenced by the example of his mother, and thus, very Marian and basic to our Marist spirituality.  He moves us away from the God of vengeance and shows us the God of compassion.  He prayed the same Psalms that are available to us where this loving God is described:  "The Lord is gracious and meciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and has compassion over all that he has made.  All your works shall give thanks to you, O, Lord." (Ps 145: 8-10).  Just these three verses could fill hours of reflection and conversation with God as well as change our attitudes and behaviors.  Committing them to memory would allow us to pray them in those "sabbath moments" we described yesterday, integrate them into our lives and help us enter the reign of God.
Bro. Rene

Giving Our Work Dignity

Labor Day reminds us of the place of work in our lives. In these days, just to have work is a blessing and cause for gratitude.  It as also a time to look at the place that work holds in our lives:  is it something we drag ourselves to do?  Is it something that rules us or possesses us?  Is it something we enjoy and even love?  Is it a means to not only to use and expand our talents, but is it making a better world?  And on a spiritual level, is it helping us to enter the reign of God?
Genesis describes the work of creation in chapters one and two.  God worked creatively in bringing about this universe whose details and far reaching corners we have yet to fathom or even discover.  The author of Genesis mentions that at the end of each day, God looked back at his work and saw that it was good. He  also includes the seventh day, the day that God rested and blessed it, making it holy.  The pattern of work, rest and blessing, one day out of the seven is one that helps keep work in perspective.  A pattern of taking a deep breath in the course of a day, a little sabbath moment in the spirit of God's providence as described in Matthew's beloved passage about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, who neither toil nor labor, but whose beauty God provides, not only gives needed space for our psyche or spirit to rest, but also a moment to offer a little prayer to remind us of God's presence and loving care in our lives, a moment of blessing,  as well as a moment to realize who is in charge.  When work dominates and controls us, is literally "in charge of us", we have a problem.  When we assert control over our work and confirm that we are in charge, we put work in its proper place, and when we give ourselves a chance to acknowledge that God is in charge, then we give added dignity to our work, for we do it for God.  As we rest from our labors on this "last day of summer", may we resolve to maintain that dignity when we go back to work tomorrow.
Bro. Rene

Newnesss of Life

September bodes change:  the season will change from summer to autumn, "summer mode" for families will change as vacations end, school begins, and leisure passes to duty and obligation.  "Newness" is in the air.  A good time for us to look what is old and crusty in our spiritual life, and seek to bring newness to it.
Jesus came among us to give us a new way of approaching life, one not bound by "the traditions of the elders" but one based on the freedom that comes with love.  St. Augustine put it clearly:  "Love God and do what you will."  Was he taking an risk of total moral anarchy, or was he reflecting the newness that Jesus offers?  How much of our ways of doing things are based on the spoken or unspoken dictum:  "We always did it this way."  How can change and growth take place with that attitude?  When Jesus' disciples were chided by the Pharisees for not following the ritual washings, Jesus bounced back with the retort, that "Nothing that eners one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come from within are what defile," and lists evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, and folly." (cf Mk 7: 21-23). Quite a list, but "right on" as we say. 
Our response can be echoed by this beautiful hymn:

Your words to me are life and heallth;
Pour strength into my soul;
Enable, guide and teach my heart
To reach its perfect goal.

Your words to me are light and truth;
From day to day they show
Their wisdom, passing earthly lore,
As in their truth I grow.

Your words are perfected in one,
Yourself, the living Word;
Within my heart your image print
In clearest lines, O Lord.

Bro. Rene

Supporting Missions and Missionaries

We are all called to be missionaries as we are all called to holiness, that is, to use Matthey Kelly's description,  "the best version of ourselves."  Some of us are asked to leave our countries and go to foreign lands, but all of us, in one way or another, either through personal involvement or by financial assistance, have this mission, based on the final command of Jesus:  "Go, make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  Teach these new disciples to obey the commands I have given you."  (Mt 28: 19). One of Pope Benedict XVI's intentions for the month of September is "That Christian communities may have a growing willingness to send missionaries, priest and lay people along with concrete resources to the poorest Churches." 
St. Marcellin envisioned a missionary component for his Little Brothers of Mary, seeing us eventually in every diocese of the world.  We are now in 80 countries and have a long history of missionary work. For example, Brother Marie-Candide led the first band of brothers to China in 1890 and was followed by Brothers Jules-Andre and Jospeh-Felicite, who were martyred during the Boxer Rebellion.  Br. Joseph-Felicite's youngest Brother, followed in his brothers' footsteps and was a missionary in China until expelled by Mao in 1950.  He returned to France and died there at the age of 86, praying for the Chinese brothers who were forced underground.  The mission to Japan began as a result of the Chinese expulsion; our mission to the Philippines was an American intiative in 1948.  Liberia, Africa, followed in 1986, and just recently, Br. David Cooney, one of those first founding brothers,  returned there for a second round.
Each summer a group of Marist Brothers spread themselves from Ohio to New Hampshire, speaking in parishes about the Marist missions and soliciting financial aid in addition to rousing prayerful support.  The results are always astounding:  one struggling parish in central Massachusetts, donated over $2000.00 in the second collection, a record for second collections there.  People want to help, even when they are recovering from tornadoes, as was the case last summer in that same area of Massachusetts.
There's no question that in our own parishes, we have "mission territory":  One local parish priest is making a concerted effort in conjunction with dedicated lay members, to visit the homes of those who no longer come to church.  This same parish is reaching out to its youth, so many of whom have no connection to the Church.
Yes, China, or right under our noses, the missions need us, await us.  If we are to be "the best version of Church," it takes members who answer the challenge to be "the best version of themselves."
Bro. Rene