Conversion

The story of St. Ignatius' conversion from soldier to saint fascinates us even today.  Wounded and incapacitated for several months, he asked what books were available to help while away the hours.  He read a life of Christ and the current best-seller on the lives of the saints.  Taking a deep, reflective look at his life in contrast to the life of Jesus and several saints, he came to the conclusion that he needed to make a major shift in his.  After an all-night vigil in the chapel of Our Lady of Montserrat, he placed his sword on the altar and never took it up again.  Instead, he eventually became the "general" of a new army, the Society of Jesus, a major force in the counter-reformation and still an effective force in the on-going work of evangelization.
We look upon Ignatius as perhaps "an exceptional case" that happened long ago, and never could be possible today.  Yet, last evening, I listened to tales that rival the story of Ignatius.  Three young men, ranging in age from 23-36, recovering alcoholics, told me how they, like Ignatius, had come to know Jesus, and have thrown their entire energies toward knowing him better, loving  and serving him.  One man, who knew nothing about faith or religion, began to pray in his hours of desperation and eventually picked up a New Testament and opened it to a passage in Revelation that seemed tailor made for him, referring to drunkenness. He began reading the Gospels, liked the man Jesus, his message, and even his temper in cleansing the temple.  He identified with him and fell in love with him.  He's on his way to becoming a Catholic, and, we hope, will be baptized next Easter.  He's "on fire" with his love of Jesus.  So, it still happens!  I saw how Jesus reached out in concrete ways to these three, cutting the chains of their alcoholism and filling their lives with himself.  May we take heart, and when we think we are up against a brick wall, remember, that Jesus is there, and he can and will help us leap over it.
Bro. Rene

God's Speaks in May Ways

Serving with a Smile

The Memorial of St. Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus and close friend of Jesus, always seems to bring up the discussion about busyness and attentiveness, action and contemplation.  Martha sometimes comes off looking like a nagging witch, while the serene Mary receives Jesus' approval for having chosen "the better part." Yet, if both had been sitting at the feet of Jesus, no one would have eaten that day. There is a valid aspect of prayer that encourages us to bring what's troubling us immediately to Jesus, rather than let it stew within and build up steam to a blow-up. While Mary's listening is commended, it is not the only form of prayer.  Martha shows us how most active people pray...they just "get it out".  Boom. Done!
 In another scene, the arrival of Jesus four days after the death of Lazarus, Martha again speaks her mind directly to Jesus, saying that if he had been there earlier, Lazarus would not have died.  In almost the same breath, her very next sentence is, "But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask." (Jn 11: 22).  And after Jesus explains the larger picture, "I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me even though they die, will live again." (Jn 11: 25), Martha exclaims in a tremendous acclamation of faith: "I have always believed that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God." (Jn 11: 27). She is a woman of faith, a faith which colors her work and enables her to do it with a smile.  She is quite the model for most of us, who, like her, are "busy about many things." (Lk 10: 42).
Bro. Rene

Ask and You Shall Receive

We can easily imagine Jesus and the Twelve walking fom village to village in Gallilee knocking on doors as beggars when they needed something to eat.  Perhaps a refusal provoked Jesus to say that knocking on the door of his Father (and ours) would be different.  "Ask and you will receive, seek and your will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."(Lk 11: 9). No normal father would hand his son a snake then he asks for a fish, nor a  scorpion, when he asks for an egg; if that be the case, how much more would our heavenly Father hand his adopted sons and daughters (though baptism) whatever they ask?  Yet, we grow skeptical when what we ask for is not granted all the time.  It is at these moments when trust has to come into play.  God hears every prayer, but in his overall plan, what we ask for might not be the best for us.  God has something better in mind, and when we think back on our own histories of "begging", we will find that to be the case. We are privileged to call God our Father, and in the prayer that Jesus taught us after blessing his holy name, we say, "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." God's will before ours.  We are not entiltled, though at times it seems God "spoils" us with surprises beyond our expectations, but we are certainly loved, and it is in that love that we find the real answer to our prayer.
Bro. Rene 

Barren and Wasted?

Sometimes on a gloomy, rainy Friday, when the fatigue of the week has drained us, we feel that our life has been barren, wasted and unproductive.  A good night's sleep, a Saturday morning with the sun shining on the glistening grass and flowers, and reflection on the people in our lives, the little miracles that have brought us to where we are as well as the little miracles we have brought to pass in the lives of others, and the empty feeling gives way to rejoicing and gratitude. As Jesus speaks of the wheat and tares growing in the same field, so too in our souls, the moments of gloom abide with the moments of elation, joy, and satisfaction. We learn to live with both, but as we weed our gardens, we do have the power to control and even rid ourselves of these negative feelings by spending time with Jesus, either in the Scriptures, our own personal informal conversations with him, or simply sitting quietly with him in the shadow of the cross, or looking directly at it.
In the presence of Jesus, how can we even think for a minute that he would regard what we do as "a waste", for "all works to the good."? Weekends help us catch up on shopping, chores, and relaxation.  We look forward to them.  Included is also the Sabbath...a time for catching up and renewing ourselves with Jesus.  Let him help us eliminate the barren feelings and fill up the empty spaces with himself.
Bro. Rene

Rejoicing in the Gift of Family

July 26th is a special day in the American Province of the Marist Brothers as the Church celebrates the memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus.  St. Anne was the patroness of the American Marists, even after the split of the province in 1958, when she remained the patroness of the Poughkeepsie Province until our new province of the United States of America came into being in 2003. The Feast of St. Anne was the day young postulants took the Marist habit and novices pronounced their first vows. 
We congratulate the many brothers who are celebrating their Marist anniversaries today.  We join our thoughts and prayers to the American youth who are in Brazil, having just had a huge dose of Marist Family Spirit and the Marist Youth Gathering prior to World Youth Day, which is in progress as you read this. The Church family, or at least part of it, is celebrating with the Pope and joining him in his mission to live the Gospel and pay special attention to the poor. Under his leadership a return to simplicity and humility, so much a part of Marist Ways, will make the presence of Jesus more visible and attract others to him.
Reflecting on the little that we know of Sts. Joachim and Anne, we think of the role parents and grandparents play in the raising of children.  The apocryphal Gospel of James tells us that they were a good, but childless couple, who like Hannah and Elizabeth and their spouses prayed for the miracle of a child.  Mary was the result of those prayers.  How they must have loved and treasured her, after the long wait for her arrival. And if they were alive for the birth of Jesus, how must they have relished him!  Family is such a great gift, we cannot let it be taken for granted.  Today is the day to renew family ties with a call, an e-mail, a text...however we communicate...and just say again.  I love and appreciate you."
Bro. Rene

Santiago de Compostela

Today's feast of St. James the Greater, son of Zebedee and brother of John, brings to mind the famous El Camino, the walk that thousands of pilgrims take from southern France, across the Pyrenees to the Cathderal of St. James in Compostela, Spain.   Many of the pilgrims continue further south to the coast to pick up a seashell, the badge of verification that indeed they accomplished this 750+ mile walk.  It is believed that St. James brought the faith to Spain before his death at the hands of Herod Agrippa in 42 AD, and his body is buried in the cathedral.  People of all walks of life and all levels of faith make the pilgirmage seeking peace of soul, resolution of problems, physical and spiritual healings, or simply to show their love of God and trust in him..
El Camino is a reminder that we are all on pilgrimage with ups and downs, moments when it seems impossible to go on, fatigue, exhileration, dryness of soul, doubt and consolation.  The words of Sirach again today are filled with the wisdom of experience and inspiration that provide sustenance for our own journeys:
My child, when you come to serve the Lord,
prepare yourself for trials.
Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
and do not be impetuous in time of adversity.
Cling to him, do not leave him,
that you may prosper in your least days.
Accept what happens to you;
in periods of humiliation be patieint.
For in fire gold is tested,
and the chosen, in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust in God, and he will help you;
make your ways straight and hope in him.  (Sir 2: 1-6)
Bro. Rene

Discipline

Discipline is not a popular word nor idea in these days of self-indulgence, affluence and breadown of traditional values.  In part, a reaction, or better, and over-reaction to the strong discipline of past generations, today's lack of discipline can be seen as the root of many of today's ills ranging from obesity to a-morality. Setting limits, saying NO, are less and less in vogue.  There are countless self-help books, which in the long run, prove not to have been any help at all.  How did parents for hundred years did without them? They did, however,  follow the counsel in the "Good Book", which now seems more relevant than ever.  This short passage from Sirach 6:18-22 sums it all up nicely and provides a healthy slice of today's daily bread:
My child, from your youth choose discipline;/ and when you have gray hair you will find wisdom./ As though plowing or sowing, draw close to her;/ then wait for her beautiful crops./ for in cultivating her you will work but little,/ and soon you will bear fruit.
She is rough ground to the fool!/ The stupid cannot abide her./ She will be like a burdensome stone to them, and they will not delay in casting her aside. For discipline is like her name,/ she is not accessible to many. 
Bro. Rene

World Youth Day 2013

Early reports speak of a "frenzied enthusiasm" as Pope Francis makes his way to the hearts of the more than million youth gathered in Rio Janiero, Brazil. Fearlessly, he took advantage of unscheduled traffic tie-ups to greet all who reached out to him to touch him through his open windows. His infectious smile and his mission to bring, not silver not gold, but Jesus Christ to the young and the poor are rousing the throngs gathered there as well as viewers and readers around the globe. Happily to report, there is a Marist contingent there who went several days earlier to participate in the Marist International Youth Conference whose theme was, "Change: Make a Difference." Photos and reports indicate a high level of joy and enthusiasm which is being bolstered by World Youth Day itself. In the past, these gatherings have had an amazing effect on those who attended. Many refer to themselves as the Pope John Paul II generation, and many attribute their return to the faith or even their vocations to the priesthood and religious life to the graces received during these four days of talks, discussions, prayers, adoration and liturgies. Great comaraderie is fostered as the world shrinks and becomes one family. Let us pray for these "pilgrims", and join with them via Catholic TV or EWTN. We too can share in the graces of World Youth Day. Bro. Rene

Called by Name

The Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene presents the familiar Gospel scene of the weeping Mary in the garden the morning of the Resurrection; She is upset over the missing body of Jesus. The dialog between her and the man she thinks is the gardener reveals an aspect of their relationship (and ours) that will be the focus of today's slice of daily bread. Initially, Jesus addresses her as "woman": "Woman, why are you weeping?" (Jn 20: 15). This does not help her to recognize him. It is only when he calls her by her name, "Mary", that she immediately realizes it is Jesus, whom she addresses as Rabboni, Teacher, and throws herself at him to the point where he tells her to stop clinging to him. (Jn 20: 17). Have we even heard Jesus call us by our name, even in our prayer of listening? If we paid attention and heard it, what would be our reaction? He actually knows who I am...I'm not just "man" or "woman". And yet, it is that very personal relationship that Jesus wishes to have with us. How different would our actions be if we lived in the realization that Jesus is calling us by our names. May we find some time to hear his voice today. Bro. Rene

Mary of the Magnificat

The theme of the Province Retreat was the Mary of the Magnificat, and reflections were offered on personal conversion, communal conversion and the overflow both have to the service of others. In Mary's simple way, she turns our attention to the God who is holy, who lifts up the lowly and deposes the mighty, feeds the hungry and sends the rich away empty. We cannot follow in her footsteps unless, like her, we are ready to empty ourselves, and give our undivided and un-retractable YES to God. We often think that this was an easy decision for Mary and that thereafter her life was sweet and creamy, but looking at her as a Jewish mother in first century Palestine, in addition to what the Gospels tell us, it was no easier for her than it would have been for one of us. Taxes were everywhere, and work for Joseph and Jesus was scarce. Not everyone could even pay. Losing Joseph to death and Jesus to his ministry, were some of the swords predicted by Simeon. Needless to say, the passion and death of Jesus were the ultimate causes of pain. So, when we say our Hail Mary's or our Memorare's Mary is very much aware of our desperation, our needs, and what the "hour of death" is. She also remembers that God has come to the help of his servant Israel, and keeps his promise of mercy. It is in this strength and hope that she gives us inspiration to keep our focus on God and our trust in him in both good times and bad.
Bro. Rene
PS. I may not be able to offer a slice of bread on Sunday because I will again be in an unfamiliar parish. Just a warning.

Mercy, Not Sacrifice

During Lent and Advent we make special sacrifices to help cleanse us, renew us, and prepare us for the renewal of our baptismal promises on Easter. Many, according to Mary's directives at Medjugorje, fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, for the purpose of atoning for our sins and those of the whole world, and whet the hunger and thirst within for a closer union with our God. Yet these practices can become rigid and prevent us from realizing how much we depend on God's mercy.
when the Pharisees criticized the disciples of Jesus for plucking grain to eat on the Sabbath, to abate their hunger, Jesus reminded them that the letter of the law can be, must be, overridden by mercy. He gave them the example of David who asked for the holy showbread from the temple, bread that only the priests could eat, to feed his men who needed food. He also reminds them that to serve the people, priests break the law of the sabbath, working and taking too many steps, yet they are regarded as innocent. If they, and we knew and kept the tenet, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice", we would be freer to live the law of charity and experience grace and God's mercy as well as being channels of that mercy to others. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI tells us that accepting God's mercy is the most perfect form of mercy: "Christian sacrifice consists in our becoming totally receptive and letting ourselves be completely taken over by God--letting him act in us." That is, totally open to his mercy. Let take time before the crucifix and remember God's many gifts of mercy to us, and repeat often during the day, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."
Bro. Rene

Jumpstarting the Day

The gripping and inspiring book, Mondays With My Old Pastor by Jose Luis Navajo, tells the story of a young pastor who is ready to leave his own ministry, so low had he sunk in energy, motivation and purpose. In a series of Monday afternoon meetings, a la Tuesdays With Morrie, he is rejuvenated by the old pastor's wisdom, sincerity and faith. When attempting to deliver his first sermon the Sunday after the old pastor's death, the young man finds he cannot move beyond the first few sentences he had prepared, and just fell into silence at the pulpit. He then went over to the cross behind the altar and knelt there, followed by his wife and, surprisingly, the whole congregation. Not a word was spoken, but all gazed at the cross and let it (Jesus) speak to them. It was the most effective sermon the young man ever preached and the most nourishing Sunday Service the congregation had ever experienced.
The old pastor had told the young man that he began every day that way, kneeling before the cross, especially when he found that his "success" as a young pastor had filled his days with too much to do. He felt an emptiness and ineffectiveness as a result, of putting things to do ahead of prayer, and resolved never to let that happen again. So always he began the day with silent time before the cross. Then he would open his Bible and read a verse or two, and continue his prayer. He admonished the young pastor never to let his daily planner take precedence over the Bible.
Two verses leapt out at me this morning, which I want to share with you, knowing that they might strike a chord with you and help you jump start your day: "Whoever possesses the Son has life; who ever does not possesses the Son of God does not have life." (1 Jn 5:13). And, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." (Mt 11:28).
Sirach tells us in 51: 23-27, Come to me, you untutored, and take up lodging in the house of instruction; How long will you deprive yourself of wisdom's food, how long endure such bitter thirst? I open my mount and speak of her; gain wisdom for yourselves at no cost.
Take her yoke upon your neck; that your mind may receive her teaching, For she is close to those who seek her, and the one who is earnest finds her.
See for yourselves! I have labored only a little, but have found much".
Bro. Rene

The Salve Regina

A treasured piece of our Marist legacy is the Salve Regina. St. Marcellin introduced it to the prayer life of the brothers at the beginning and ending of each day as a means of protection during the tumult of the Revolution of 1830.
Yet, it is not simply a Marist prayer. It is still very popular in Europe and is sung often by pilgrims on the El Camino de Santiago de Compostella.
A group of Carmelites martyred during the French Revolution known as the Blessed of Compiegne sang it on the way to the platform of the guillotine.
Young men considering the Marist Brotherhood at the Foundation Stones week in June sang it daily and knew it by heart at the end of the week. It has been a constant during the Province Retreat.
Perhaps known better as the Hail, Holy Queen, it is a prayer for all situations, recognizing our human condition, but placing great trust and confidence in Mary's clemency in delivering us from this valley of tears into the hands of Jesus. If it has slipped out of use, this would be a good time to restore it to a place of prominence in our daily prayers.
Bro. Rene

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Mount Carmel is a high promontory, accessible with ease, overlooking the city of Haifa on the eastern shores of the deep blue Mediterranean. One looks into the horizon where the blue of the sea meets the blue of the sky and cannot help but think of the traditional blue mantel given by artists over the centuries to Mary. Elijah came to Mt. Carmel to pray, with reason, for the silence and the view foster prayer. The first chapel dedicated to Mary was built there, and the ruins of subsequent monasteries and hermitages still adorn the slopes. It is here that the Order of the Carmelites came into existence, thus today is the patronal feast of the Carmelites, some of whose saintly members, such as St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Therese of Lisieux, have had a profound influence on the prayer life of countless Christians.
Today's feast also celebrates the origin of the scapular, a long piece of cloth that covers the front and back of the person who wears it (today, reduced to two small patches of brown or green cloth attached to a thin flat cord). Pious belief tells us that in 1251, Mary appeared to the General of the Carmelites, St. Simon Stock, at the Carmelite headquarters in Cambridge, England, gave him the scapular along with the promised spiritual benefits of all who wore it and lived a sincere and full Christian life. It is not a magical or superstitious token like a rabbit's foot, but is a sign that the wearer will dedicate or consecrate his or her life to Jesus and live accordingly. Today's feast was instituted in the fourteenth century and is only an optional memorial in our liturgical calendar today, but for any follower of Mary, it is a day to rededicate or re-consecrate ourselves to Jesus through her (in our Marist tradition), and although we don't have the luxury of looking out our windows to the Mediterranean, we can still stop, ponder, and give thanks for God's never failing love and renew our promises to be faithful followers and witnesses of Jesus.
Bro. Rene

The Seraphic Doctor

A true disciple of St. Francis of Assisi from his youth, St. Bonaventure was healed from a dangerous disease by him as a child and entered the Franciscans at the age of 22.  As well educated as he was, a contemporary and friend of St. Thomas of Aquinas, he was noted more for his balance and calm wisdom, and at the age of 35 was elected General of the Franciscans who were in a period of turmoil.  He calmed the waters and helped the Order find a healthy balance between the ideal of poverty lived by St. Francis and his early brothers, and the practical necessities of study and use of material goods.  So recognized for his wisdom and warmth towards people, like a "divine fire", that he was called the Seraphic Doctor and was made Cardinal-Bishop of Albano, one of the most important dioceses in Italy.
He leaves for us the example of simplicity and serenity combined with trusting wisdom in the providence of God.  In our lives challenged each day by some unwanted intervention or disturbing news that sets us reeling, we need to follow the path of simplicity and trust, which will restore our balance.  Yes, things can be "bad" but all is in the hands of our loving God who is not there to torment us, but to purify us and draw us closer to himself.  As the days and weeks go by, we see that what so upset us, has somehow been dissipated and we realize that our worries and fears were for nothing....except to force us to put more trust in God.  St. Bonaventure, help us keep balance in our lives.  Amen.

The Good Samaritan

Whenever this Gospel appears, it serves as a reminder and a challenge.  It is a reminder that the legalistic and ritualistic approaches to "religion" as exemplified by the priest and Levite, are not acceptable, but it is the unflinching, spontaneous and total outreach of the despised Samaritan who exemplifies the good "neighbor."  He interrupts his business journey to wash and treat the victim's wounds and sees to it that he has the proper care, along with the promise that he will stop back and take care of any further expenses or loose ends.  He did all that he could.
We cringe as we try to put ourselves in his shoes.  Could we, would we be able to do the same? We choke on the times we recall when we simply "passed by" or ignored a call for help, or a situation that would have inconvenienced us.  Where can we find such a deep sense of compassion that would enable us to be a Good Samaritan today?
If we remember that Jesus is the ultimate Good Samaritan, who stepped down from his Father's right hand to become one of us and expended all he had to heal and save us, the example of such total compassion might move us.  Even as we recall the many times when we have been the beneficiary of someone else's compassion: a stranger on the road who has helped us with a flat tire, or with directions, we might more easily follow suit. In any case, Jesus tells the story in such graphic detail that it hard to wangle our way out of the call to be a Good Samaritan.  Lord, remove whatever blocks me from treating others the way you have treated and are treating me even at this moment.  Amen.
Bro. Rene

More Than Many Sparrows...and Stars

In his advice to the Apostles as he sends them out to preach, Jesus reminds them (and us) not to be afraid of the unknown, (or the known) for the Father, who cares for the sparrows, on whose heads is a minimal price, will also care for them (and us) who are worth more than many sparrows.  (cf. Mt 10: 32). 
In a recent e-mail from one of my Godsons who is nearing his fourth month of military service in Afghanistan, he described his location for the past three weeks as the dirtiest, dustiest, most forsaken place he's ever seen.  So much so that he's felt an emptiness within, mirroring the barrenness of his surroundings.  The one redeeming feature, however, is that in the complete blackness of the night, the stars are more visible than ever in numbers he has never been able to see until now.  He is in the classic state of "the desert" in which the "emptiness" is really the readiness to receive what God can and will supply to fill the void.  Jesus returned from 40 days in the desert with a clear understanding of who he was and what his mission was.  Years of spiritual dryness, "the desert within," usually result in heroic efforts in faith to follow God's will, as in the case of Mother Teresa.  In these moments of emptiness, we need to remember that we are indeed worth more than many sparrows, or stars, and that the God who created these tiny creatures and cares for them, or the vast immeasurable extent of the universe knows and cares for us.  Our emptiness or desert experience enables us to appreciate this and be open to be filled with God's plentiful gifts.
Bro. Rene
PS.  I apologize for the absence of a slice of daily bread for the last two days and perhaps again on Sunday and Monday, since I'm not sure at this writing what computer access I'll have in the rural parish to which I am going later today on my "Mission Appeal Journey."  We shall see.

Not According to My Will

Traveling and using various computers, not having access to the internet, has interrupted the flow of Bro. Rene's Daily Bread.  I'll see later today if I can return to some place of normalcy.
Bro. Rene

Lord, Increase Our Confidence

It is a joy to see young children grow in confidence...is speaking, in handling a ball and bat, in making friends, in school work, in themselves. Can we imagine the joy it brings to God when he sees us, his "children" grow in our confidence in our relationship with him as expressed in our prayer, our trust in his plan and in the ease with which we face each day's new and often unexpected challenges? We don't usually think of it from God's perspective, but keep chiding ourselves for our lack of confidence. It doesn't hurt, surely to keep asking for an increase of it, but if we take some time to look back at all the times we, with God's help, made it through what we considered "the impossible" we will approach the next challenge with a more complete assurance that the God who has brought us thus far through thick and thin, will not abandon us now. Lord, open our eyes to see your guiding presence in all things so that we may proceed this day with greater confidence.
Bro. Rene

Wrestling With God

Often enough we find ourselves in a wrestling match with God as Jacob did in Genesis 32: 23-33. It might be a search for what to do next in life, a problem at work, distress over the direction we see our children taking, or illness, the injustices we see all around us, or sometimes even the weather. We ask why, we try to tell God what to do, we complain, we wrestle with what we want as opposed to what God is asking of us or trying to show us. While we may feel that God has struck us in the hip socket, we continue to fight.
Jesus, dealt with the same issues in the human condition: illness all around him, poverty, gross injustices, and yes, those July days in Israel can be VERY hot! Yet, rather than wrestle God about the fate of humanity, he drove out the demons he encountered, preached about the kingdom of God, the kingdom of love, compassion and justice to all, and curing every illness and disease. "At the sight of the crowds, hi heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled an abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. '" (Mt 9: 37-38). US. We are the laborers he is asking to go out and do as he did, as best we can. Rather than wrestle with God about the why's or why do I have to's, we are to show the same love and compassion he did, and so bring about the healing of the ills that so bother us. If they are bothering us, it is a call to us to take action.
Bro. Rene

We Are All Missionaries

While on this "missionary journey" somewhat in the footsteps of St. Paul, whose name I took for confirmation, traveling by car, not by boat or foot, I was delighted to discover that Sunday's Gospel,was from St. Luke, chapter 10, when Jesus sends out the 72 on their first mission. This was the same Gospel that helped me make my decision to go to Rwanda, after pondering the suggestion that I "think about going there" for nine days. The priest introduced the Mass by saying we are all called to be missionaries, and some are even asked to leave their own countries. Boing. That hit me between the eyes. Then when we sang "Be Not Afraid" after communion, my favorite hymn that I sang over and over on my walk from Assisi to Rome, I knew that God wanted me in Rwanda, so I left the Church with my now "no brainer" decision made. In speaking at the three Masses in St. Joseph Church in Massillon, Ohio, I told the story and challenged them to be missionaries right there in their own parish, their own city. The organist underscored my message by spontaneously having us sing "Be Not Afraid" at the Offertory.
How can we be missionaries in our own parish or city? By living our faith visibly, talking about it in conversation; by affirming the goodness in others by telling them what we see in them, or by encouraging them in their projects, plans a dreams. We can have an especially powerful effect on youth, especially of high school and college age, by commending them for what they are doing, or, if needs be, nudging them back on the right track. Even by e-mail from long distances away, we can console those who have lost loved ones to illness, or an unexpected accident, as I was able to do today after reading some e-mails that had come in while I did not have access to the internet. It's really simple, we just have to do it! Like the 72, we'll be filled with joy and amazement with the results. We are all called to be missionaries.
Bro. Rene

The Power of Family

No doubt the Fourth of July saw many family celebrations, picnics, gatherings, or calls.  How good it is for families to be together like that, to see how the young ones have grown, to encourage parents to continue their excellent jobs of raising their children and to give the elderlies a chance to see the blessings they have brought to this world.  Such was the case with the Gompers "clan" of Wheeling, WV where two gatherings were held, and where sixty family members celebrated not only our independence, but also one another. Such power, such hope.
At the same time, the Marist Family around the world is moving closer to the International Marist Youth Gathering in Rio prior to the World Youth Day.  It will be a chance for youth from around the world to come together as Marist Family and sense their power to MAKE A CHANGE, the theme of the gathering.  Attending will be a contingent from the USA, a perfect piece for the YEAR OF VOCATIONS during which a stronger effort will be made to encourage young men to consider the Marist Brotherhood, the priesthood or the consecrated life in general.  May our prayers be with those in Rio during the week of July 17, and throughout this year.
A boost to all families is the news this morning that Pope Francis has opened to the door to sainthood for Blessed John Paul II, who will be canonized by the end of the year.  This great friend of youth will continue to inspire them and all as St. John Paul II.  Let us rejoice and be glad, for all is good.
Bro. Rene

Freedom, Our Inalienable Right

Fireworks brighten the skies across America as we celebrate our Independence Day, first declared in 1776. In Rwanda on this same day, the 19th anniversary of liberation from the three month genocide which took the lives of over a million people, is being marked by parades, speeches and general celebration, perhaps even fireworks. There certainly is something to celebrate when the human spirit frees itself from oppression, be it overt or subtle. Long ago, the Israelites fled through the Red Sea to escape the oppression of Pharoah, an event which previewed the ultimate liberation from from the reign of sin by the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Our liberty, our freedom, is sacred because it comes from God and is intended for all.  We have often failed in acknowledging this basic truth, but a reading of our Declaration of Independence today, would help us to again appreciate this gift and this right.  The US Conference of Bishops has given us a prayer that might help us appreciate more deeply what we celebrate, and the need to work for the complete ideal:
Almighty God, Father of all nations,
 you have set us free in Christ Jesus (Gal 5:1).
We praise and bless you for the gift of religious liberty, the foundtion of human rights, justice and the common good..
Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties.
By you grace may we have the courage to defend them for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land,.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness, and the in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit with whom you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Happy Fouth of July!
Bro. Rene

The Flight of the Butterflies

As the news fills us with sorrow, anger, even terror these days with the stories of the tragic deaths of 19 firefighters in Arizona, the riots in Egypt and the on-going healthcare mess, we need to hear the words of Jesus spoken to two elderly women in London in the late '30's and recorded in a spiritually uplifting little paperback entitled: God Calling. Jesus said at that time prior to WWII, but as if speaking to us today: "Do not weigh your spirits down with the sins and sorrows of the world. Only a Christ can do that and live. Look for the loving, the true, the kindly, the brave in the many all around you." (p. 136). Not only is there beauty and reassurance in the people around us, but also in nature to an equally astounding degree. This came home to me again yesterday as I watched an amazing and beautiful documentary on the migration of the Monarch butterfly. The film traces the life-long search of Ed Urquart and his wife Nora for proof that the Monarchs migrate from Mexico to as far north as Canada and over three generations return to their mountain of origin in Mexico. Close up photography reveals the mating, laying of eggs, and hatching of the butterfly as never seen by the human eye. Explanations of how these little creatures manage this long trek make the jaw drop and can only lead to admiration and awe. If God so cares for these little ones, in echo of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, then why, oh why, are we so upset when things seem so out of control? Is not God also aware or our needs, and has he not endowed us with even greater capacities? May we humbly bow in gratitude and allow wonder to lead us to him. There is much to be learned from the flight of the butterflies. Bro. Rene

Knowledge of the Heart

The goal of our lives, the aim of prayer as a means to this end, is to know, love and serve God. Knowledge can be intellectual, experiential and intuitive. All three can and should be part of our daily path to God and lead us to the truth that the better we know, the easier it is to love. Study, needs no explanation: we read, we listen to speakers, we discuss with friends, we learn from one another. If we pay attention to our everyday experiences and those of others, and reflect on them, we learn in a more lasting way, one that we do not tend to forget, for we have lived them. Our intuitive knowledge, the knowledge that seems to come "from the gut" or that we describe as simply "being there" in our hearts, is perhaps the truest and most direct knowledge, but the one we seem to trust the least. And yet, it is this knowledge that is the most direct, for it is linked to the heart, it flows from the heart, it touches and moves the heart. It's the knowledge/love that in an instant can bring two people together in the love of friendship. It is the knowledge/love that brings us into the heart of God, and vice, versa, God into our hearts. All we need to do is trust it, and, as Mary did at the Annunciation, receive it. Christ came to be born in her because of it, and Christ can be born in us. "Behold the servant of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your Word." Bro. Rene

Remembering the Lord's Kindness and Mercy

As we approach Independence Day, it is good to remember that we are not fully independent FROM God, but only find real independence IN God, for then we realize how much everything depends on his loving kindness and mercy. As I prepare for a three-week jaunt around the country (I'll be leaving shortly), I am much aware that even in packing and remembering this and that, God is there helping me...and people, who wish me a safe trip, remind me that angels will follow me. I look forward to making the Marist Brothers known in other parts of the country, as well as seeing friends along the way. The financial support we will receive will help our work continue in missisonary lands. it is all good. Your prayers and support are needed and welcome. As I sit behind the wheel, I'll be able to pray and reflect on God's mercy now and the many times I have driven these same roads. I may not have internet access all the time,but urge all readers to put your hands in the kind and merciful hands of God. Bro. Rene