Under Construction

The last day of the month is a good time to look back over the preceding days, to give thanks for the graces and blessings God has given us and to prepare for the month ahead by "making corrections" in the attitudes and behaviors that emerged during our self-scrunity. Yes, there is a perennial messiness that we don't like or that causes us shame; there are many loose ends, failures, mistakes, regrets, sins, the uglinesses of our lives which we wish weren't there.
We might, however, consider ourselves as a building under construction. There are stages when it is unclear where the walls are going, or when wires are hanging, scraps of materials are strewn about and what we see is nothing like the finished product on the poster of the proposed building on the corner of the lot. It's only when all is in place that the finished building will match the drawing. The mess is part of the process of arriving at this point.
The "mess" we find in our lives is part of the process of our coming to fullness. We need to remember this as well as the even more empowering truth that God is the builder, the patient, unfailing builder, who will let nothing prevent him from finishing the job.
Bro. Rene

All We've Got

Note: only one slice of Daily Bread appeared yesterday. I'm in Central Time, so that might have something to do with it. Today, there should be two: the Montagne reflection and this...on spiritual effort and growth.

Since this did not appear on the 29th, I'm trying to post it again.

The Gospel for Tuesday, October 29, presents the short parable of the tiny mustard seed as a metaphor for the growth of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom which cannot grow unless each of its citizens personally grow. The seed is so small and insignificant that it could easily be lost or overlooked, Yet, in time it becomes a bush large enough for birds to nest in it.
As we have learned through experience, "time" is a key element in the creation of anything worth while. The universe, estimated to have begun 13-20 billion years ago, is still a work in progress...yet the wonder of what exists staggers the imagination. Even the mundane creation of a good home-made pizza takes time and patience for the making of a good crust and sauce.
Athletes know the routine of endless practice to reach their goals, as do artists, actors and writers. There are no short cuts, there are no ways to reach a high level of performance without giving it all we've got. So too with our spiritual life, our prayer, our efforts to live the Gospel and be another Jesus. Time, reliance on our own reserves, our own determination, patience and God's grace will bring the seed within us into full glory and the Kingdom of God one step closer to reality.
Bro. Rene

A Significant Day

Today there are two slices of bread...Kids Do Pray, originally written on October 25 and this one on the meeting of Fr. Champagnat with the dying Jean Baptiste Montagne. I had to come to San Antonio to figure out how to publish the slice on the kids; wonders will never cease.

And truly, the wonder of today is that 197 years ago, the young,newly ordained Fr. Marcellin Champagnat responded to a sick call from the familiy of Jean Baptiste Montange, a 17 year old boy who was actually on his death bed. His lack of knowledge about God and our faith motivated the young curate to move quickly to implement his dream of founding an order of teaching brothers, for he wanted to prevent further such occurences. That meeting was the spark that ignited the founding of the Marist Brothers. Soon after his return to the village of LaValla, Fr. Champagnat encountered a young parishioner, Jean-Marie Granjon, and on a little bridge, proposed to him the idea of teaching catechism to youth, especially the most needy. Granjon agreed and Fr. Champagnat set out to borrow money, purchase a run down house, fix it up and move Granjon and another young man in on January 2, 1817. The Marist Brothers thus came to be.

Little do we know that what seems to be a random occurrence might be the catalyst for something greater in God's plan. May our eyes and ears be open today to see what unexpected invitations might come our way, not by chance, but in the plan of God.
Bro. Rene

Kids Do Pray

With the recent news of a teen attempting to kill his mother, a teen who "allegedly" killing a teacher, or another even younger student, killing a teacher and two classmates, one might draw the conclusion that "this world is coming to, or should come to an end." Yet a circle of 35 sophomores prayed from their hearts during their retreat last night. In their discussion on prayer, they described how they speak informally with God and even joke with him. How healthy is that? A student spoke about how he is faithful, even though he doesn't go to Mass...meaning he believes in God and has some kind or relationship with him. A large group of juniors and seniors are making an Encounter in Esopus, NY till Sunday. There, prayer, confession and Mass, as well as presentations and discussions will help them deepen whatever relationship they have with Christ
These realities are encouraging signs that the world does have a future; it's a matter of trusting and patiently cultivating what is there in seed.
Bro. Rene

Our Prayers Pierce the Clouds

The short passage from Sirach (35:12-14, 16-18), which serves as the first reading at Mass today, assures us that our prayers do not evaporate into empty space.  No, God  hears them, especially if they come from the heart, where there can be no deception, where honesty, our own weaknesses, and our own poverty cannot be disguised or hidden.  It is this naked prayer without pretense, the prayer that humbly recognizes that we need God, and have little to offer him except our desire for him and his mercy, that reaches the heavens.
The one who serves God willingly is heard,
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; 
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right
and the Lord will not delay.  (Sir 35: 16-18)
As we pray today and in the future, let us stand in the back of the temple, and with the tax collector, pray with unabashed humility and total sincerity, the prayer which recognizes our need and the God alone who can fulfill it. Such a prayer will pierce the clouds.
Bro. Rene
P.S.  I will be in San Antonio, Texas attending a conference till Thursday evening.  I hope I will have internet access for my I Pad there so that I can continue to dole out a slice of Daily Bread.   Bear with me, if the slices do not arrive on time...

Patience With Ourselves and Others

This morning's parable of the fig tree which had failed to bear fruit over a three year period, and for which the gardener pleaded with the owner to give another year, promising to cultivate and fertilize it, provides aa needed reminder to us of the slow progress we all are making in our spiritual lives and the patience we need to allow that process to proceed.  St. Marcellin displayed a similar patience to that of the gardener with Br. Sylvester, a youngster wearing the habit of a brother, who liked to play and play pranks on the brothers.  When the older brothers complained about his pushing a wheelbarrow through the house, Fr. Champagnat reminded them of his age and, as we would say today, that God had not finished with him yet. One night Br. Sylvester jumped on the back of a figure he thought was a brother his age, and "rode" him all the way up to the top of the stairs before he realized he was on Fr. Champagnat's back.  Br. Sylvester grew up to be a fine brother, leader, and was the first to celebrate a 50th jubilee.
As we look at others and ourselves, we can easily become impatient, or worry that we or they will  "never get it right," but thanks be to God that he is more patient than we are.  There needs to be time for fertilizing and cultivating; let's pray for the patience for that to happen,  We don't know if it worked for the fig tree, but it certainly did for Br. Sylvester.
Bro. Rene

Kept By The Power of God

It seems that yesterday's slice of Daily Bread came out of the oven just a minute to late to reach your plate, so today you will receive two slices.  A warning that tomorrow, because I will be on the Sophomore Retreat, I may not have access to the internet at the retreat house.  We might have to settle for two on Saturday.

A testimony to the fidelity of God is the reality that no matter how far we stray, God's power keeps us intact and leads us eventually back to him.  It is not uncommon to run into teens and young adults whose religious education and practice ended after First Communion, or as far as Confirmation, but whose goodness is evident and whose morals are still in line with the Gospel.  It seems that this journey off the beaten path allows them to discover the way that leads back to God, for his power and love never leaves them.  Sometimes it comes from friends whose love and example, and whose questioning and challenging helps them wake up to this power and love...it might happen in college, beyond, in marriage, at the arrival of the first child.  God will keep nudging. Even those who seem unlikely to return, who vehemently state any desire to do so, who claim atheism, can be startled by some person or event that softens their hearts.
Our own lives often contain some degree of straying, so we ourselves need to remain open to God's invitations to us to "get back on track." 
 Our prayers for those we know, those we don't know,  and for ourselves must never cease. We can thus participate in God's "keeping power."
Bro. Rene

The Light of Faith

Recently the newly renovated "Cradle of the Institute" In LaValla, France, the house purchased with borrowed money, repaired by St. Marcellin, and home to the first brothers was blessed and will again be open to pilgrims who come to "Champagnat Country".  The project has brought us in touch with those early days of faith and trust during which the young priest, Champagnat, took risk after risk, going against conventional wisdom and prudence to launch an enterprise built on faith and trust that continues to flourish 196 years later. The completion of the project now allows the light of that faith and trust to shine on the projects as well as the challenges we face today,  How can we doubt when the solid evidence of this renovated building stands as a symbol of God's enduring providence?
In a similar way, the Syrians in our school in Aleppo, who have suffered so much at the hands of the rebels, now report that the situation has improved slightly.  The fighting has stopped and negotiations are underway.  Small amounts of needed supplies, albeit at exorbitant prices, are allowing the academic year to proceed and hope is much brighter than it was a month ago.
It seems that no matter what the odds, nor the magnitude of what seems "impossible" faith, trust and perseverance become the channels along which flows an abundance of God's grace.  May the message of LaValla and Aleppo be the light that guides us on the path of "the impossible" to safety in the arms of God.
Bro. Rene

Blessed John Paul II

Today is the first time that the optional Memorial of Blessed John Paul II will be observed.  The Bishops of the United States petitioned the Vatican last year to establish October 22 as the day when Mass in his honor can be celebrated.  His canonization is slated for April 27, along with Blessed John XXIII.  Both Popes captured the imagination of the world and brought about a new energy to the Church.  Pope Francis continues to build on this legacy dramatically  with his own simple  up front approach to make the Gospel relevant to an era which has grown indifferent, if not actually hard and cold toward God's presence and message.
I can still hear the chanting of thousands of youth at the Toronto World Youth Day in 2002:  "John Paul II, We Love You."  He had a special appeal to young people, who came by droves to the World Youth Days he initiated and which have now become a "must" every two or three years.  His own Poland will be the site of the next one in 2016.  His canonization will renew his popularity and spur the reforms being initiated by Pope Francis.
"May we, inspired by this Pope who traveled to 129 countries open our hearts to the saving grace of Christ". Taken from the Collect of today's Mass, this simple prayer invites us to conversion and mission.  Blessed Pope John Paul II, pray for us.  Amen.
Bro. Rene

Empowerd By Faith

In these troubled days which look even worse when we look not only at our own country, but at the entire globe, the words of St. Paul to the Romans stand as a beacon of hope.  The Roman Empire included most of the Mediterranean Basin and beyond to the north, had a strong army, a system of law and order, widespread commerce, great wealth, and could have been considered as "having it all."  But all was not totally worthy of admiration:  human dignity was ignored, especially in a culture where slavery and disrespect for human life was taken for granted; the state religion made it very difficult for fledgling Christianity to grow, as persecution followed persecution.  St. Paul and the other Apostles knew that had the antidote to all of this, but they certainly were in a minority.  To encourage the Christians in Rome, and beyond, he reminded them of the odds that Abraham, our father in faith, faced as well as what he could have taken as the impossible promise of his becoming the father of a great nation, when as an old man, he had no children.  To his credit and as an example to us, "No distrust made him waver waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith, as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." (Rm 4:20-21).   And even more so, with not only the promise of Jesus, but with the reality of his resurrection from the dead,  we are assured that the victory is already won. (cf 1Cor 15: 56).  Yes, things and people can be frightening, but like Abraham, we need to be fully convinced that God is not only able to keep his promises, but he has kept them.  It's just the working out of them, which must be done in faith by us.
Bro. Rene

Not Just For Ourselves

So often we find our prayer focused on "self-help."  We want to improve, we want our worries  to melt away; yet we continue to complain when things don't go our way;  we're tired, over-tasked...on and on..  We pray for relief for these " troubles", sometimes forgetting the millions who don't even have faith, who suffer from injustice, poverty, the hardness of other people whose self-centeredness leave a bitter taste in their mouths. Like them, have we ever thought or said, "This world would be so much better if there weren't other people in it"?  And there are the millions for whom God is either silent, or just "not there" as they plod their way lost in the pursuit of things that fail to satisfy.  It is for these for whom we should be praying not just for ourselves.
A practice that can help us pray with a broader, more inclusive vision is to welcome interruptions, which usually "bug" us, thank God for them, and turn our prayer to those mentioned above whose lives are so "bugged up" that  they don't even know they are living in one long and great interruption. They are off the track that God has intended for us. We can help them by the many prayers we offer for them during our much interrupted days, and, at some point, we can be concerned and peaceful enough to reach out to them and help them find the way out of their interrupted lives.
Bro. Rene

Our Patron Saints

Our slices of Daily Bread seem to be a day old, recently...this one will be for sure, since in leaving my morning agenda in God's hands, a house guest occupied the time I usually take to write a slice.  Bear with me. (and blogspot).

Today (Saturday) we celebrate the memorials of Sts. Isaac Jogues, Jean de Brebeuf and Companions.  My patron saint, St. Rene Goupil is "lost" among the "Companions."  It is only by further reading (or googling) that anything can be learned about the others, who for the most part remain anonymous.  What we know about St. Rene is enough to continue to inspire me:  he was an aspirant to the Jesuits, and apparently as he was facing death, St. Isaac Jogues allowed him to pronounce his vows as a Jesuit.  He had something of a medical background but also burned with a desire to "make Jesus known and loved", as do we Marists.  He was tomahawked for teaching children how to make the sign of the cross.  Little did my parents know when they gave me his name (my father's as well) that I would spend 14 years teaching Oglala Lakota children about Jesus and even more specifically, how to make the sign of the cross...following in the footsteps of my patron saint.
When I hear the names of some children today, "saintless names", I lament the absence of a model for them to emulate.  Some will choose a confirmation name, which, thankfully, will become their model:  a conscious choice which might have even greater value.  Others won't even make confirmation, and so be left further adrift on the seas of our ever-increasing secular society.  For these we certainly must pray.
And, today, as well as every day, it would be helpful to invoke our patron saint for the grace to walk in his or her footsteps.  We need companions on the journey, and they are most willing to be there for us.
Bro. Rene

Two Dear and Glorious Physicians

Taylor Caldwell's novel on St. Luke, popular since the "50's borrows a reference to Luke made by St. Paul to his dear friend Luke, adding the adjective, glorious.  And certainly he was and remains so, for his Gospel brings the compassionate Jesus to us, the tender story of his conception and birth, and the parable of the Prodigal Son, among other unique stories and incidents.  He presents a Jesus for the poor, for all of us.  His Gospel far outshines what we know of him as a doctor and artist, combining both of these vocations into an artistic work that stresses the healing power of Jesus.
Last night, another physician, Dr. John Bruchalski, spoke at the annual Pregnancy Care Center Fundraising
Banquet, telling of his own conversion from an abortionist to a healer of women with crisis pregnancies and the founder of  Divine Mercy Care, which performs spiritual and corporal works of mercy in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.  Like Luke, he blends his medical prowess with the healing power of Jesus to care not only for the bodies of the women he treats, but also their souls.  Good health, he said, has to include the elements of faith and love.
In our own dealings with one another, we too can be "dear and glorious physicians", by allowing the healing power of Jesus to flow through our words and actions.
Bro. Rene

"The Wheat of Christ

"Permit me to imitate my suffering God ... I am God's wheat and I shall be ground by the teeth of beasts, that I may become the pure bread of Christ."  This beautiful and oft quoted statement of St. Ignatius of Antioch reminds us of the suffering and persecution that has existed since the earliest days of the Church.  Though we may not be thrown into an amphitheater full of hungry lions, our daily "grind"  permits us to adopt these words and make them our own.  Most of the time we are our own lions, allowing our unrest, our anxieties, impatience and limitations stymie us, devour us.  St. Ignatius teaches us that we should, for the sake of imitating Jesus, invite him to replace all these impasses with his rest, calm, patience and perfection.  Let Jesus make bread from our bland and imperfect wheat, and we will find that he will use us to feed others in ways we never imagined.
This morning, we invited thirty Central Catholic Students to consider the life of a Marist Brother.  We reminded them that as they are even now, the potential for doing good is beyond their imagination.  When I think of myself at their age, and what God has done with me since, I am awed and humbled.  We all have the potential to be ground into the finest wheat and become the bread that will nourish others.
Bro. Rene

Reform, Make-Over

TV shows on "make overs", whether it be homes, wardrobes, weight loss, plastic surgery, make-up hints, seemed to have thrived, at least for a time, as they appeal to that inner voice which is never satisfied with what is there, but is always calling us to do something to our house or our body, to make it more like someone else's. And then there's that inner judge who looks at the actions of others and condemns them for being less than they, in our eyes, should be.  We'd like to "make them over."  We are born reformers. And this instinct can be a very good thing, provided that we realize that the beginning of all reform is with ourselves!  As quick as we are to judge the actions of others, we are the last to realize that what we are criticizing in them, we are guilty of ourselves. St. Paul reminds us of this in his letter to the Romans:  "You, O man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgement.  For by the standard by which you judge another, you condemns yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things."  (Rm 2: 1). We hate hypocrisy, but have to be careful about being hypocrites ourselves.  The best way is to look within, admit what we see, and allow God to fix it with his grace and power. We do this by remembering that God is our creator; all that we have is from him (the same for others); he wants what is best for us, and will help us become the best version of ourselves if we let him do our "make-over."
Bro. Rene

Mixing Action With Contemplation

St. Teresa of Avila is known for her contributions to our understanding of contemplative prayer, but her activity as a reformer and foundress is sometimes forgotten.  She founded or reformed 32 Carmelite communities, of both men and women, not an easy task, especially when travel and communication in the sixteenth century were not what they are today.  Yet, she was able to spend hours in prayer daily which gave her the inspiration and energy to make trips around Spain, and attend to details of construction, just as we do in our own families and communities.  We tend to "let prayer go" in lieu of what we have made a priority, but it seems that St. Teresa put all in the hands of God during her prayer, and with God's help she made progress and the results of her labors continue today.  Starting and ending the day on our knees might slow us down and help us realize that what we are doing is not as important as doing it with and for God.
Bro. Rene

Praise Comes First

When things go wrong or we are feeling "down", tired or even lazy, our first inclination is to ask God to help us.  Valid and good, but do we ever think of praising him and blessing him first?   It seems God's protocol is for us to express our trust, our love and our thankfulness, even when we are in distress, for ultimately there is a blessing for us, even in the worst of circumstances. And certainly,  "God is in charge"! We will find  the blessing, if we put our praise of God first. God will do his part,  we will be delivered from what is bothering us, and we will have the assurance that his solution is valid and permanent.  The solution is the second step, praise is the first.
Bro. Rene
NOTE WELL: Saturday I will be leaving very early for Esopus to attend a "Lavalla Weekend" (Work on the property) with two Central Catholic students; we will join students from our other Marist schools.  Chances are I won't have time to send you a slice of bread.  Not sure about Sunday and Monday, but will be back in the spiritual kitchen on Tuesday for sure to offer the usual slice. 

Entrusting The Day To Jesus

This exerpt from God Calling is too irresitible not to quote in its entirety.  So, let Jesus be our Guest Writer today.
"I am your Helper.  At the end of your present path lie all sorts of blessings.  So trust and know that I am leading you.
Step with a firm step of confidence in Me into each unknown day.  Take every duty and every interruption as My appointment.
You are my servant.  Serve Me as slimply, cheerfuly and readily as you expect others to serve you.
Do you blame the servant who avoids extra work, who complains about being called from one task to do one less liked?  Do you feel you are ill served by such a one?
Then what of Me?  Is not that how you so often serve ME?  Think of this.  Lay it to heart and view your day's work in this light."  God Calling, pp. 194-195.
Bro. Rene

New Marists In Mission

In addition to this being the Year of Marist Vocations geared towards a concerted effort to attract more men to the vowed brotherhood, it is also the preparatory year aimed at a global effort to bring lay people and Marist Brothers into a closer relationship of shared spirituality and mission entitled New Marists In Mission.
Each community of Marists around the world will hold meetings and sharings to gather input for a world-wide meeting in Nairobi, Kenya from September 17-27, 2014.  Already this is stirring ferment in our Marist World, as lay people increasingly step into the fold and embrace their call to be Marists.  In a sense the Year of Marist Vocations has a close connection to this initiative as we seek not only to augment the numbers of vowed religious, but also help our lay colleagues understand their vocation as lay Marists. The Holy Spirit is helping us to insure that St. Marcellin's dream of having Marists in every Diocese will come true so that the mission to make Jesus known and loved among the poorest will be accomplished.  Each day's slice of Daily Bread is aimed at helping those who partake of it to grow in their understanding of Marist Spirituality and incorporate it into their lives.  Mary, our Good Mother, help us to grown in our love of you and your Son, and thus grow as Marists.
Bro. Rene

"They Fixed Their Eyes on Christ...."

In 2007, 47 Marist Brothers, victims of the Civil War and militant anti-Church movement in Spain were beatified, and this coming October 13th, 66 more brothers and two Lay Marists will also be raised to the rank of Blessed.  Night after night, day after day, soldiers pulled the brothers out of their residences and shot them in an effort to rid Spain of its long tradition of adherence to the Catholic Faith.  As the hymn composed for the 2007 beatification, these brothers and lay people not only lived the Marist Mission, but "they fixed their eyes on Christ without turning back."
We are not yet at the point of facing a firing squad, but the notion of fixing our eyes on Christ and not turning back is a necessary element in our formula for spiritual growth, and readiness to sacrifice, even little things, for the sake of Christ.  During this month of October, when more attention to praying the rosary is fostered, our meditations on the life and ministry of Jesus, particularly thought the Luminous Mysteries, which might not be fully integrated into our prayer, can be a big help for us to focus on him.
Bro .Rene

Praying the Rosary Fruitfully

The rosary is the typically "Catholic prayer", one that gives us identity and visibility. Even Major League baseball players sometimes wear it around their necks, making it as clear as when they make the sign of the cross before stepping to the plate,  that they are Catholic. While on the Pine Ridge Reservation, I was touched when both the local Presbyterian minister and deacon asked for a rosary, saying that it gave them a closeness to Jesus through Mary.  Sometimes, just holding the beads even without praying gives us the same experience.
There's no doubt, it's a gem of a prayer, and when prayed with a living faith. one based on a personal relationship with Jesus, as we advocated yesterday, it can bear even more fruit.  Like Mary, we ponder the events in her life with Jesus, and those in our own; the depth of his love unfolds the more we look at the scenes proposed in the Mysteries; we are led to obedience to the Father's will in Mary's Fiat, her command at Cana, "Do whatever he tells you." and Jesus' own submission to the Father in Gethsemane. Her birthing of Jesus reminds us that we too are to bring Jesus to life in our own lives and help others do the same.  Standing with Mary at the foot of the cross helps us bear our own, and grieve with the suffering around the world. If we "don't get it" after years of praying the rosary, we just haven't been praying it the way it was intended; we have just been "saying it."   Mary, our Good Mother, teach us how to pray the rosary which you love so much that we may come to Jesus through you.  Amen

Lord, Increase My Faith

As the disciples spent more time with Jesus, the more they became aware of their inadequacies; hence the pleas: "Lord, teach us to pray," (Lk 11:1) "Lord, increase our faith." (Lk 17:5). So too with us; we realize how little faith we have in the face of doubt and confusion, or as we look at our country and the word in general. The plea of the disciples becomes ours. In so asking for a deepr faith, we have to realize that we are not asking for a belief in something, but in someone, the person of Jesus himself. It is this relationship with him that will bring us through the ups and downs of life, the disappointments and frustrations that family, friends and colleagues might deal us. It is the Jesus, the Rock, who gives us stablity, hope and the answer to all that we find lacking. By focusing on him, we eventually eliminate the non-essentials and refine our lives to the basic, solid essentials that satisfy our longings. We are able, gradually, to relinquish what we once thought so necessary, and find the freedom to respond to whatever our Father asks of us. Yes, indeed, Lord, increase our faith. Bro. Rene

Always A Chance

A simple gesture such as placing a bouquet of flowers before the side altar dominted by a large statue of Mary and Jesus can stir the hearts of onlookers to remember the kindness available to us from Jesus and Mary. It can also remind us of the little acts we can offer to each other in the course of our day. Such was the case this morning when a woman humbly placed her gift of flowers at Mary's feet before Mass. Those of us in the front saw her, but others probably only noticed them when they came up to Communion. She did not do it for show, but to honor our Good Mother and her Son. And fittingly, since Saturdays are devoted to Mary, who was born to present Jesus to the world. The gift will remain there until the flowers fade, and as she did last week and this, no doubt the woman will bring another bouquet next week. After her little act of kindness, we heard the reading from Baruch in which he reminds us that "As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God, turn now ten times the more to seek him."(Bar 4:28). I thought of a friend who is doing just that: in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction which had brought him to the bottom of the pit, to a whole new world of joy and happiness in the RCIA program with Baptism, Confirmation, Penance and First Communion slated for the Easter Vigil in 2014. He was given another chance, and has taken it so seriously that his journey is affecting his friends to do likewise. From a simple gift to flowers, to a major turn around in life, there is always an opportunity to witness to the unfailing love of God and the myriad chances open to us. Bro. Rene

Go, And Rebuild My Church

One day, when Francesco Bernadone was praying quietly in the ruined church of San Damiano in Assisi,  he heard a voice coming from the now famous crucifix saying to him:  "Francis, go and rebuild my Church, which is falling into ruins." Francis thought the voice meant San Damiano, so he set about restoring it, a task he completed, but later he realized that those words referred to the whole Church, which was in dire need of reform, and spiritual rebuilding.
From the moment the newly elected Pope announced his name, Francis, people made the association with the vocation of the "Poor Man of Assisi" to rebuild the Church.  The Pope has confirmed this assumption and has set about setting the tone and style of this "rebuilt" Church.  He was in Assisi on Friday and outlined his goals for the "new" Church:  A poor Church for the poor; a welcoming Church, with doors open to all, even non-believers; a Church that doesn't judge; a Church that is "messy" and not only lays down its life for the sheep, but smell like them; a Church of peace, that is an oasis of peace and works for peace among all nations; a reformed Church, whose government will include lay people.
This is just the beginning.  Francis initially attracted idealists like himself, but has the number of his friars increase, differences of opinion on how to "be poor" arose, and the original ideals were deemed unsustainable, causing Francis much pain.  His eyes failed, and the pain from the wounds of Christ imprinted in his body was real and constant.  Yet, he kept a joyful spirit, and an adamant faith.  As the Church undergoes its reforms, there will be pain, but like Francis, with faith, we can keep our spirits joyful.
Bro. Rene

Without Help

None of us, it would seem, can do without the help of others.  Even Jesus.  When he came home from his forty days in the desert, he called Simon and Andrew to come and follow him. (Mt. 4:18).  He sent the disciples out two by two to preach and heal. (Lk 10:1). Even in our own Marist tradition, the mutual support from community is essential to who we are and what we do.  As we work more and more with lay Marists, the need for bonding, mutual support, sharing of spirituality, prayer and work is becoming more apparent, and, is bearing fruit.  The Marist Mission and charism are thus reaching more the world, and at a faster rate. If we are to make Jesus known and loved, we cannot do it alone, but need to build on the shoulders of the giants who have come before us and work beside us.  In the give and take of community, we grow in our own faith and conviction. We need these Marist colleagues to "keep us honest," from becoming self-complacent, self-serving, or self-focused. Our mission is lived and is effective through community; without the help of our brothers and sisters, it would be a dud.
Bro. Rene

Our Guardian Angels

Despite the rampant secularism that plagues our world, or the increasing number of people who claim to be atheists, there seems to be a prevailing and unconquerable fascination with angels.  Walk into any gift shop or Hallmark store, and find scores of angel statuettes on the shelves.  Even in books stores such as Barnes and Noble's there are shelves of books about angels. The longing for some connection to the "spiritual word" or the world beyond our experience, cannot be snuffed out, it seems. 
Today is devoted to the Guardian Angels; Each one of us has one, according to St. Basil the Great:  "each and every member of the faithful has a Guardian Angel to guard, and guide them through life."  In the Old Testament, they appear as messengers who make known God's will. In Genesis, they deliver Lot and his family from Sodom.  In Daniel 10: Michael appears in human form to guide Daniel.
How often have we been "prompted" to call a relative or friend and found that they were ill, or in need of a good word from us?  Have you ever hesitated without any logical reason before coming to an intersection, and been saved by seconds as someone runs the stop sign?  Or a delay in changing lanes on an interstate allows a car which was in that famous "blind spot" to appear before we swing into the lane?  It has happened to me many times, and I know it's my angel.  I thank him, and praise him for his fidelity to his task of protecting me.  At night, I often thank him for the many times during the day when he's obviously been doing his job, and apologize for being such a needy Klutz. 
We learned the Prayer to the Guardian Angels as children; now would be a good time to pray it:
Angel of God, My guardian dear,
To whom God's lover permits me here,
Be ever at my side to light and guard,
to rule and guide. Amen
Bro. Rene

A Call To Love

I posted yesterday's slice of bread one minute after the deadline, so it will appear with today's slice.  I apologize.

October presents three great women who discovered that their call in life was simply (or not so simply) to LOVE:  Mary, our Good Mother, (October is the Month of the Holy Rosary), St. Therese of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face, whose memorial it is today, and St. Teresa of Avila, whose memorial is on October 15th.
When she was 15, Therese Martin stated very clearly, "My vocation is to love."  She received permission to enter the Carmel at Lisieux and for nine years lived that vocation on this earth.  Since her death at the age of 24, she has kept her promise of "spending her heaven doing good on earth." and her vocation to love continues in the inspiration and miracles attributed to her.  She died on September 30, 1897. and was canonized in 1925, remarkably fast in those days.  She was declared patroness of the Missions in 1927, and a Doctor of the Church in 1997. Her simple "little way" makes spirituality accessible to all of us and consists in accepting with LOVE all that comes our way in the course of a day, and by doing all our daily tasks and duties with love.  It certainly means loving all people who come into our life.  Love is the key.
 Her vocation was tested in the convent where she was criticized for her youth, or wrongly accused for receiving special favor from her sister who was the Prioress, or where she found menial tasks like doing laundry and being splashed by a neighboring sister with dirty soapy water, or with the suffering caused by her bout with tuberculosis.  She cannot be accused of a "pie in the sky" spirituality, but one filled with the nitty-gritties we all face.  The difference was how she dealt with them  and that was with love.  Something to keep in mind when we see a symbol on our dashboard indicated a low tire, or when traffic makes us late for work. It's all very real, it's all very doable with love,
Bro. Rene