Begin With Praise

Note:  I will be away and not have access to internet until Sunday...A Happy New Year to ALL!


On this last day of the year 2014, we might take time to look back, and be moved to gratitude for the many blessings that will pop up in our reverie.  Surely, God has been good, no matter what might have seemed like a "disaster."  With his help we have survived trials, stress, and benefited from our mistakes.  God's mercy was evident, and without it, we would have been depressed, discouraged, and to a degree, "lost".  In the end, we found that everything turned out all right.  I cannot thank God enough for the people, events and surprises beyond my wildest imagination that took place in 2014, and  even yesterday itself.
We might, then, look ahead to 2015 and begin the year in the spirit of healthy and full praise, a prayer that recognizes the sovereignty, power, and absolute Goodness of our Creator, who is LOVE. In such a prayer,  we praise God for being God, not for any of his endless favors; we glorify him now, today,  as much as we can, as a preview of how we will be totally absorbed in glorifying him when we see him face to face in his full glory.  Such a prayer will take us out of ourselves while at the same time preparing ourselves to receive the invitations, graces, and blessings that we will be reflecting on a year from now.  In the Gloria at Mass we pray, "we praise you, we glorify you."  Let that be our mantra for today, a good way to end this year and begin the next!
Bro. Rene

Anna's Patient Waiting

Note:   I was not able to  cut a slice of daily bread yesterday because I had been serving breakfast at Cor Unum (a local soup kitchen) until 8:30.  I dashed over to my computer at Central Catholic, only to find some confusion with my password.  By the time it was straightened out, it was too late to post a slice.  I apologize.  Today, I'm taking no chances.


We complete the story of the Presentation in the Temple with the widow Anna's gratitude and praise, for like Simeon, she too had been awaiting the messiah.  It is estimated that her waiting time was 60 years.  We "waited" for three and a half weeks during Advent this year, and even at that, found ourselves impatient for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  Now, still in the Octave, with life's routine back in place and tragic news left and right, we might find ourselves again impatient for the Second Coming of Jesus, and the final curtain on this "vale of tears."  Anna's patience is a lesson to us, that in God's good time, our waiting will be rewarded.  May we not wait for the actual "end" but may we, like Anna give thanks and praise always, in anticipation of the outcome our faith assures us will come to pass.  "Patience, people, for the Lord has come."  (Jas. 7:1)

Our Families

We celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family today, remembering the love and faith that bound them together. Each member, Jesus Mary and Joseph, responded in obedience and trust to God's plan for them, and though it was not always easy for them, they remained loving and faithful to the Father, to one another, and to us.   This is OUR family too.  Perhaps we came to a greater appreciation of our own families as we celebrated Christmas.  For some, this is the only time family gets together...regretfully...for so much of who we are and what we share in common could really bind us more closely together if we got together more often. It is something that needs to be worked at, but it is surely worth it.
And, as we reflect on family, we have our spiritual families. the members of our Church, the people with whom we share faith and at times with whom we do service.  Our faith would be sterile if our churches were empty and we had to worship alone.  Or how could we serve others, if there were not others to work with us?
Besides these families, there is the call to embrace everyone in our world, even those with whom we do not agree.  They too are our brothers and sisters who need love, compassion, and perhaps, understanding and forgiveness.  Our call is act as if we are ALL God's children and, as such to love one another as members of one family.  May we find motivation for this as we reflect on the gift of the Holy Family, our blood families and our faith families.
Bro. Rene

Ending Slavery

Yesterday we recalled the Martyrdom of St. Stephen, and today, on the 10th anniversary of the Tsunami in Indonesia, not pleasant Christmas events, and today we have the opportunity to address another human aberration, slavery, which still exists around the world. We can thus help build the Kingdom initiated by the birth of Jesus.  The above short video shows a historic gathering of world religious leaders working together; a marvelous testimony that a common cause can bring about unity among people of differing faiths and traditions.  How pleased must Jesus be to see that his vision, "that they all be one," is possible. Yes, there are many differences yet remaining, but step by step, in dialogue and common effort, these can be eliminated, as can slavery.  Let us pray for unity, peace and an end to slavery.
Take a minute now to watch the video of this landmark event and share it with your family and friends.


Bro. Rene

The Octave of Christmas

The day after all the festivities of sharing time with family, eating all kinds of "no-no's"  under the excuse, "It's Christmas!"  Yes it is, and our holy Church cannot contain it to one day, but extends it a whole week:  24 hours stretched out for 8 days.   And beyond that, the season continues until the Baptism of the Lord on January 11. It's not easy to sustain our Christmas High.  We have been intensely preparing for four weeks during Advent...some began ever before that.  Momentum increased until the Eve and the Day, and now the day after, there is a sigh of release, of relief.  Some have even gone back to work.  Today's Feast is St. Stephen, the first martyr, totally out of sync with the joy of the past two days.  Usually on the 28th, we remember the Holy Innocents, the victims of King Herod's jealousy.  This year, however, because the Feast of the Holy Family falls on the 28th, the Feast of the Innocents is suppressed:  one less gory tale to remember.  Both these martyrdoms, nevertheless are part of the Christmas package as the song of the St. Louis Jesuits, Emmanuel reminds us:  "the child on her lap so soon to be nailed to a tree." 
How then, do we keep the "Christmas Spirit" alive for this week and until January 1lth?  We'll for one thing, it cannot be the same high intensity as on the day itself, but we can retain the spirit of joy and giving by reflecting on just what a great Gift we have received:  God's own Son, whose love is immeasurable, and who looks not for a return gift; his is a gift of pure, unselfish, unconditional love.  The gifts we received, the time spent with family and realizing how blessed we are to love them and be loved by them, are only a shadow of the love that God has for us. Taking time to reflect on this cannot but rouse up more love and gratitude in our hearts and move us to share it with everyone. Even listening to our favorite Christmas CD's, not just as background music, but as prayer, we can deepen our appreciation for the Gift. In these simple ways, keep Christmas alive not only for the Octave, but for the whole year!
Bro. Rene

A Babe for the Lowly

Note:  The Christian Men's Breakfast did not begin until 7:30 and concluded around 8:45...too late for me to find a computer and create a slice of bread before 9:00 am.  I don't have the internet on my phone as many people do.  Next year I will write before I go to the breakfast.




And speaking of the breakfast, it was the largest group ever:  224 men, most of whom were in their early 20's to early 40's.  Some had their young sons, as young as three dressed in suit and tie! The faith that was evident again underscored the power of the birth we celebrate.  Our God comes to us as a baby. born in a stable, worshipped at first by simple shepherds.  The baby Jesus in most crèches lies on his bed of straw with arms outstretched to embrace ALL.  Pope Francis has addressed his cardinals and all of us with a call for childlike simplicity and simple faith that overflow into service to one another. The call is clear:  imitate this childlike simplicity and live it not just for Christmas Day, but for all days of the year.  What are we going to do tomorrow that will reflect what we celebrate today?
Bro. Rene

Christian Men's Breakfast

In case the Christian Men's Breakfast, which begins at 7:00 am is not over in time for me to give you a slice of Daily Bread on Christmas Eve, there will always be Christmas morning.  As I sit here, I think we'll  be done in time...
Bro. Rene

Surprises

In his recent address to the Roman Curia, one of the 15 weaknesses decried by Pope Francis, was "over planning", endless meetings to attend to the slightest details, leaving no room for spontaneity and surprises.  Pope Francis knows that God cannot be held to a schedule (God's time is not our time), and often works in surprises.  All of Advent we have been reflecting on the events leading up to the birth of Jesus and seeing surprise after surprise.  A young country girl and a virgin becomes pregnant with God's Son by the Holy Spirit.  Surely this was not planned by earthly minds.  Her cousin, Elizabeth, beyond childbearing years, is also pregnant and gives birth to a son, whose name, surprisingly enough, is not Zechariah, after his father, as was the custom, but John.  The Son of God, the Prince of Peace,  is not born in a palace, but in a stable.  Read the infancy narratives and see more surprises. The Cardinals were surprised by the stern and pointed critiques of the Pope. Even his election was a surprise.  Look at your own life and see how many major events came by way of surprise.  Little could our parents predict our futures when we were born, and probably asked, as did the neighbors and relatives of Elizabeth and Zechariah, "What, then will this child be?"  (Lk 1:66). What lies ahead for us in 2015?  We are assured that as with John, the hand of the Lord is upon us."  (cf. Lk 1: 66).
Bro. Rene

Mary's Song of Praise

When you think of it, Mary might not have had a clear cause to sing her Magnificat, her Song of Praise.  She was with child, but Joseph did not know it, and as such she faced severe consequences in his eyes and in the eyes of the Nazareth community; she had just completed a fairly long journey from Nazareth to Ain Karim, where Elizabeth and Joachim lived, and she must have been pondering not only what motherhood would mean, this being her first child...could she be a good mother,etc.?  And above that, the child she carried was the Son of God! How does one bring up God's Son?  She had to have doubts, fears, concerns and some fatigue, yet we hear this magnificent song expressing her total joy in God her Savior, and focusing on him and his marvelous deeds toward the poor, lowly, and humble, she is able to praise and glorify him, rather than calling attention to herself.   By turning everything toward him, whatever might have been on her mind, faded away, and it was totally God's plan and God's goodness that caught the limelight.
What a lesson for us, who so often get caught up in our own worries and needs. When we can sing our own Magnificat, our own Song of Praise, then not only has Advent been a success for us, but our journey home to God is well on its way.
Bro. Rene

God's Gift

Again we hear the Gospel of the Annunciation on this Fourth Sunday of Advent.  We are drawing closer to the Holy Night when Christ was born.  This year we have a good part of the week to finish up our preparations, our decorating, our cooking, our shopping, before Christmas.  We might find in those days more time to pay fuller attention to what Christmas is all about:  The birth of Jesus is announced to an insignificant young country girl in her early teens, in a village of no renown. No great hoopla.   In a great leap of faith, she accepts this mysterious proposal of becoming pregnant, not in the usual way, but by the power of God and thus becoming the mother of God.  Her child is not of her and Joseph, but of God!  He is the Gift of God not only to Mary and Joseph but to all of us.  He enters our humanity, our world, fulfills his mission of redemption through his passion and death, leaves us a pattern of behavior, "rule" to follow so that the true love of self-sacrifice can build a Kingdom worthy to be returned to God the Father at the end of time.  When his work was done, he does not leave us, by stays with us in the Eucharist and is present in our hearts through our baptism.  In addition he leaves us his mother to continue to nourish us and lead us to her Son.  How immeasurable is God's Gift? How worthy of all the praise and glory we can muster in our Christmas festivities!
Bro. Rene

The Focus Is On Mary

The  last week of Advent, beginning with Vespers this evening, focuses on Mary.  The story of the Annunciation both this morning and tomorrow call our attention to this important event, without which there would be no Christmas.  The repetition of this Gospel passage is an invitation to us to read it over and over and to ponder it.  Each time we do, we will find something that hasn't struck us before.
A line expressed over and over again in the film, Captain Phillips, by the pirate leader has become a favorite with me lately, and has proved true time and time again:  "In the end, everything will be all right."  Yesterday I could not find my credit card in its usual slot in my wallet, and I thought that I must have lost it somewhere between the gas pump, barber shop, school and home.  Typically, I called, I searched, I retraced my steps.  No panic, although I was being admonished by "everyone" to call Visa and cancel the card.  I remained calm, prayed to St. Anthony, convinced that it would turn up, and continued with the evening plans.  When I finally got home, another search of the wallet uncovered the card with the bills...where I NEVER put it.  I still don't know how it got there, but it all turned out right, without having to cancel the card.
Can you imagine Mary facing the proposal to become the mother of God?  What thoughts went through her head?  Yet she said yes, and indeed, despite the mixture of joy and swords of sorrow, "everything turned out all right" so far, and we are assured that it will "in the end."  Ponder the annunciation and see what God says to YOU!
Bro. Rene

Zechariah's Doubt

The father of John the Baptist was struck mute when he questioned the angel Gabriel's announcement that he would become the father of a child.  It was a natural thing to doubt, perhaps even ridicule this thought, especially with his wife being barren all their married life, and now certainly passed the child-bearing age.  One author suggests that if Zechariah had paused to reflect on his own experience and knowledge of the Scriptures, he might have come to the conclusion he was forced to accept: "Nothing is impossible with God." (Lk 1:37 )  He had plenty of time to reflect while unable to speak, and when his tongue was loosened proclaimed a magnificent hymn of praise and faith, which we now refer to as the Benedictus.  "Blessed be the Lord and God of Israel, for his has come to his people and set them free."  (Lk 1: 68)
And so it is with us, we are not muted, but we are blunted by our lack of reflection and faith.  May we take some time in these hectic days before Christmas to reflect on God's workings in our lives; to reflect on the story of Zechariah and the other events surrounding the birth of Jesus, and proclaim in word and deed our own Benedictus.
Bro. Rene

Joseph's Compassion

Luke's account of the birth of Jesus is told from Mary's point of view; Matthew focuses on Joseph.
Without Mary's YES at the annunciation,  the Word would not have become flesh, Without Joseph's YES, the story would not have been able to proceed.  His expectations of Mary, his whole life had been turned inside out by Mary's pregnancy, but his willingness to believe the angel who spoke in a dream, that this child was of the Holy Spirit and would be the Savior of humankind demonstrates his faith, his love and compassion for Mary and his generous compliance to God's plan. He accepts the child as his own and proves to be a strong husband and father.  He brought Mary to Bethlehem; at the prompting of an angel, fled to Egypt to protect the mother and child from Herod's jealous wrath; settled later in Nazareth and provided for his holy family.  Spiritual writer, Barbara Taylor Brown writes:  "God's birth requires human partners--a Mary, a Joseph and you, a me--willing to adopt it and give it our names, accepting the whole sticky mess and rocking it in our arms."   "In the mystery of Christmas" Deacon Jay Cormier reminds us, God's "yes" depends on our "yes.'
How willing are we to take on the role of Joseph to be father to Jesus, to give compassion and forgiveness to ourselves and others?
Bro. Rene

Wisdom Comes From God

We hear the word, wisdom, over and over; we search for it, we long for it, we listen to elders and teachers, we read extensively, hoping that we will acquire it and meld it into our bones and DNA, yet it eludes us.  What is it, if not a sense of balance, a perspective, a serenity, a guiding light that enables us to accept, to choose rightly, to find joy in all.  It is a gift, that try as we might, we cannot earn, nor buy, nor does is necessarily come with age. We cannot manufacture it nor achieve it on our own.  It comes from God, who IS Wisdom and who shares it with us;  there are some young people who are already wise, who have the above qualities, and there are senior citizens who do not have them. Wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit that comes with Confirmation and is cultivated through a life of prayer, fidelity to the Gospels, and participation in the sacraments.  Our daily contact with God enables us to blend our will with his, to experience his nearness and loving presence, and trustingly place our lives in his hands, knowing that his plan and vision are the best ways to deep inner peace and the "sweet ordering" of all things. Wisdom assures us that in the end, "everything will be all right."   The call for the coming of Wisdom, becomes more explicit in this final eight days before the arrival of WISDOM, the birth of Jesus at Christmas.  O Wisdom, coming from the mouth of the Most High....come and teach us the way of prudence."  "O" antiphon for December 17th.
Bro. Rene

A Joyful Noise

https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=gIoSga7tZPg

A click on the above site will bring a joyful noise into your day and perhaps a tear as the beauty of the music overtakes the Aerospace museum and your heart.  The USAF can bring happiness and peace through music and shows us how one small action can multiply.  Let us proceed this day to bring a joyful noise into our world by one small deed.
Bro. Rene

Space For Silence

This morning our celebrant at Mass sat down in his presider's chair in silence instead of giving a homily.  It was a welcome moment that needed no introduction.  We could hear the silence; how blessed it was and such a contrast to Friday night when dressed as Santas and Elfs, members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lawrence sang their way into several local restaurants, announcing on a bull horn that we were there to raise money to help continue the projects we sponsor to help the youth serviced by the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA and Lazarus House. A noble, and enjoyable task.  For the most part we were welcomed with warmth, laughter, joyful singing and amazing generosity.  At one crowded restaurant I was distracted, however, by at how the patrons were being bombarded by several large TVs on all sides screening a football game, an army of waiters and waitresses addressing the needs of the tables, which were nearly on top of each other, and us with our Rudolphs and Frostys.  Noise pollution at its best.  The sad thing is that noise has become a way of life, we are used to it and accept it because few of us remember anything different.  The contrasting silence this morning was soothingly deafening and spoke of the need this Advent to make space in our lives for more of it.  How else can we think, let alone reflect on the meaning of Christmas and our need to prepare for it? More silence, less noise. Amen!
Bro. Rene

Rejoicing Always

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice.  Indeed, the Lord is near." (Phil 4:4-5).  We'd like to do this, and sometimes it is very easy.  For the sixth year, The Hatherly Players, a talented local group of friends presented a delightful Christmas Concert entitled "Stepping into Christmas" last night at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall.  Not only do they fill the hall and our hearts with joy, but they donate all the proceeds along with the toys that people bring, to charity, having raised over $10,000.00 so far.  There is much cause for rejoicing in this and in so many other good deeds being done this Advent.
But, since we can't always be going to such concerts or raising funds to help the needy, how can we sustain such rejoicing?  The real meaning of rejoicing is "to find your source of joy and express your thanks."  If that Source is Jesus, then we can rejoice always.   John the Baptist, despite the good he was doing in attracting to many to repentance, pointed to Jesus as the ONE who would baptize with the Spirit and fulfill the promises of the prophets.  If Jesus is at the center of our lives, joy, deep within us, will always be there. Without Jesus, all the shopping, baking, gift-giving, etc. are meaningless. Let us rejoice today and in the remaining time of Advent in the Source of all joy, Jesus Christ, our Savior and God.
Bro .Rene 

A St. Lucy Prayer

Lucia was a 4th century native of Syracuse, Sicily who, as a child had made a secret vow of virginity, who, as a child cured her own mother, and who, refusing to marry a nobleman who wanted to marry her, was declaimed as a Christian, tortured, her eyes being torn out, and finally killed with a sword.
Her name is derived from the Latin, LUX, light, and as such is the patron of Scandinavia, whose shortest day is today.  The days begin to get longer and light slowly comes to remove the darkness that accompanied the sun's descent to the southern hemisphere.
Lucy is also the patron of the blind and those who suffer from diseases of the eye:  macular degeneration, glaucoma, etc.  "Blindness" can also be caused by anxiety, suffering, fear, anger, frustration, and greed, leading to untold violence.   We certainly can use the intercession of St. Lucy.
And in the mysterious ways in which God works, this prayer from a close friend, kindred spirit and soul-mate,  David H. Beazel, appeared in my "inbox" just before I put together this slice of bread.  He thought it would be appropriate, and so do I.  I hope you do too.


"I once was blind but now I see. The people have seen a great light! The light of life that came to us.... Jesus! Open the eyes of my heart, Lord! Open the eyes of my heart! I want to see you. I want to see you.

In the beginning was The Word. And The Word was with God, and The Word was God. Jesus is The Word. The Word is love. God is Love! Jesus is God!

The eyes of my heart are truly open, I am no longer blind! I, now can see! I see the Great Light that was written about. The light is love! I see God everywhere because I see love everywhere. God is love. The eyes of my heart are opened!"


Matthew 6:22-23
Thank you Lucy, Thank you David
Bro. Rene

A Mother's Love

On a cold December morning on the hill called Tepeyac, Mary called the attention of the 55 year old Juan Diego and asked him to go to the bishop to request that he build a church in her honor on that hill.  We recounted the story just a few days ago on the memorial of St. Juan Diego, but today we focus on Mary's motherly attention to our human condition.  When asked for a sign, she gave it; when Juan went to see an sick uncle, she found him and reminded him of his task and gave a further sign, her miraculous image on his coarse tilma that still, 500 almost 500 years later attracts millions of pilgrims each year.  Tepeyac is now within Mexico City and today is jammed with pilgrims who will walk on their knees to pass by the image.  Mary knows that simple faith needs simple stimulants; her detailed image of her as Mother of Jesus, speaks volumes and continues her mission to present Jesus to the world.  Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Bro. Rene

Hope

We are graced today with another familiar reading from the Book of Consolation (Is 40-66) which inspires hope.  Water will quench the thirsty, prayers will be answered, deserts turned into marshlands, trees will grow tall on the wastelands, all poetic symbols of change for the better, for the achievement of the ideal world and reasons for confidence and hope:  "Fear not, I will help you." (Is 41:13.)
We need to hear and heed this message in our time of pessimism, frustration, and despair. Yes, on one side of the coin things  look bad, almost beyond redemption, but in Isaiah's time and the years following, it was bad also.  On the other side of the coin, Jesus has come, the battle is won, there is truly reason to "fear not."  Yet we do.  Hence, the annual need for Advent, to remind us that hope is here, but it is up to us to bring about the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies and the teachings of Jesus.  We are to be the instruments of the "new order," of the Kingdom of God.  Humbly we admit our hesitation and weakness as we half-heartedly respond, "Here I am, Lord. Send me."  May our personal prayer, our families, our friends and communities and especially our reliance on Jesus all work together to strengthen us to accept the challenge to convert our desert into a fertile field.
Bro. Rene

Carrying Our Burdens

A visitor to Rwanda (or any African country) is always astounded at the first sight of people of all ages carrying "payloads" of potatoes, avocados, water, or bundles of firewood on their heads, without stopping to steady them, walking barefoot on stony ground without any concern of losing their cargo, and even stopping to greet people along the way.  They behave as if their burdens are light, even non-existent.  Yet, they all carry inner burdens: concern over the lack of money for medicine, food and school fees; a son serving in the military, the jealousy of neighbors;  the fear of violence.  We too carry burdens within which weary and drain us and which seem beyond solution.
In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us the comforting words we need but often forget:  Come to me, all who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy and my burden light. (Mt 11:28-30)   Again, the "burden" is on us, that is the humility to turn to Jesus for the help we need to carry our inner pains, longings and disappointments, our frightening inadequacies and shortcomings, our doubts, fears and anxieties, our questions and confusions.  "How will I ever get through this...even this day?"   This is where we need to "take it to the Lord in prayer" as we sing in the hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus.  His invitation to let HIM carry our burden and learn from him the meekness and humility that we free us of our burdens or make them more bearable, as He will be carrying them with us,  is a perfect Advent prayer, one to be repeated and repeated till it finds a permanent place in our hearts.
Bro. Rene

A Simple Message

St. Juan Diego, an indigenous native of Mexico was baptized at the age of 50 and six years later in 1531, was chosen by Mary to go to the bishop and ask that a Church be built on Tepeyac, a small mountain,  in her honor.  He felt he was "not important" enough to go to the bishop and that Mary should choose another.  She insisted on him.  The bishop asked for a sign but on the day appointed to receive it, Juan went to see his uncle who was ill instead.  Mary caught up with him, assured him that the uncle was cured, and sent him to the hill where he found roses blooming in December.  We know the story of the miraculous image that appeared on the tilma, a more spectacular miracle than the December roses. For the rest of his life, Juan remained the guardian of the image in the church that was built at Mary's request.
Not a spectacular life, yet Juan's fidelity to a simple request, gives us the simple message, similar to the one Mary uttered at Cana:  "Do whatever he tells you." (Jn 2:5)
Bro. Rene

Mary's Special Role

Today we celebrate the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, Anne. We use the term "Immaculate Conception" but it is often misunderstood as the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary through the overshadowing power of the Holy Spirit, an event commemorated on the Solemnity of the Annunciation.  No, today is Mary's day.  She was chosen to be the immaculate receptacle to carry and bring to term the Son of God.  She fittingly needed to be totally without sin and so she was conceived without the stain of Original Sin, which in which "the rest of us" are born.  She was, as it were, the perfect human being as were the first parents of the human race before the Fall from grace in the Garden of Eden. Thus, she was more inclined to live in harmony with the Will of God and hence could accept the ineffable honor to become the Mother of the Savior, the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God.  She was the ultimate in faith, love, trust and compassion...the qualities for which we all strive so hard all of our lives to attain.  As loving mother so close to her Son, she is also close to us with a clove we can barely comprehend.
A recent film, Mary of Nazareth, depicts Mary as described above along with beautiful photography and music, a credible script and compelling acting.  Pope Francis loved it.  It will be shown for $5.00 at noon at St. Joseph' grammar school gym in Salem, NH on Sunday, December 14th, in case local readers would like to see it.
For all of us, we pray, O Mary, conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Bro. Rene 

Called To Change

John the Baptist appears in his role as messenger and baptizer.  He is dressed in camel's hair and a leather belt; he eats locusts and wild honey and proclaims that one mightier than he is to come, one whose sandals he is not worthy to untie, one who will baptize in the Spirit. (cf Mk 1:1-8).  Can you picture lines of people confessing their sins and waiting for the cleansing waters of baptism to wash over them as they were immersed in the river Jordan.  St. Mark waists no time in his first chapter and verses to get right to the heart of the matter.  John calls for a change in life-style with the strength and directness of a man with a mission, a man with a passion.  He is intense, he lives what he preaches, as evidenced by his "clothing" and diet.  He means business, he means to inspire.  Do we see ourselves in the multitude awaiting the baptism of repentance he offers?  We are blessed to have the Sacrament of Reconciliation as our equivalent to John's baptism.  Is it on our "to do list" for Advent?  Christmas music and Christmas programs put us in the "Christmas Spirit" but do they do so as effectively as following the Advent Preparation offered by John the Baptist?  If we take Advent seriously and want to change our behaviors, we cannot ignore his message.
Bro. Rene

St. Nicholas and Giving

Santa Claus appears everywhere these days, but St. Nicholas, from whom he is derived, appears only in Churches, it would seem.  Yet how many people do you know with the name of Nick? In the Eastern Orthodox Church, he is the greatest saint after the Apostles.  A monk and later an Archbishop, he remains so widely venerated and "legendized" because of his charity to the poor, a quality which, so close to the message of Jesus and now, Pope Francis, that it has to be recognized as one of the most enduring qualities we can have,  "Everyone loves a cheerful giver", a household phrase, and undeniable truth.  We give gifts at Christmas inspired by the Gift given to us by our Heavenly Father; we follow the example of St. Nicholas, (even if we associate Christmas giving more with Santa than with St. Nick), but we can also bestow the gift of ourselves and our time to others.  Some people I know, in seeking to give a meaningful gift to people who "have everything", are making donations to organizations that will provide goats, chickens or cows to people in the poor countries of Africa; others are give hours of their time to soup kitchens, or nursing homes.  They indicate on a card to the receiver, "At such and such a time in such and such a place, I will donate son many hours in your name as my Christmas gift to you,"  This practice might relieve the tensions surrounding Christmas shopping and be an inspiration to the person who receives it, as a meaningful gift truly in the spirit of Christmas.
A college age yet very spiritually mature friend of mine recently wrote, "The only way to find happiness is to give it freely away. I am happy because I serve, because I love because I share my presence with others." ~ David Beazel   St. Nick would like this. A gift worth more than a Black Fricay bargain!
Bro. Rene

Searching For Honesty

As we proceed into Advent with prayer and sacrifice to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus into our hearts ad Christmas, we need to remember that no relationship with God can be solid, unless it is based on honesty.  I present myself as I am, with no false masks or disguises and ask God to accept me as I am.  It is risky, yes, and demands courage, for most of us see ourselves in the dim light of inadequacy, if not failure.  "What would God want with me if he really knew me?" The truth is, he does, and can only relate to the "real me."
A little parable arrived on the internet yesterday and bears retelling to illustrate this point.
A CEO of a large, prosperous company announced his retirement and rather than depend on a search committee to find his successor, he gave a seed to each of his subordinates, told them to plant it, and the next year, show him how they had nurtured and cultivated the seed. Whoever had the best plant would be the next CEO.  Eagerly, the staff took their seeds a planted them in the best potting soil they could find, and watered them diligently day after day.  Soon the buzz in the cubicles was about how well "my plant" was doing.  One man, however, despite all his TLC found nothing growing in his flower pot.  Month after month, nothing, while the others bragged about how well their plants were doing.  Finally, the day of reckoning came, and the man with the plant-less pot only brought it in at the urging of his wife, but stood ashamed in the back of his room because of his apparent failure.  When the CEO came to judge the plants, he called this man with his empty pot to come forward, and declared him the next CEO.  Much to his amazement the man asked WHY ME?  The CEO explained that he had boiled all the seeds before giving them out, so that there was no way they could grow.  All the staff had cheated by planting another seed and thus revealed their dishonesty.  He went on to say that only with honesty and the courage to proceed when all appeared to be lost, could the company thrive.  If our Advent is to be fruitful, we need such honesty and courage.
Bro. Rene

Patience With Pain

Advent is the season of waiting, and patience.  St. James reminds us of the farmer who sows seed in springtime and waits for it to break open somehow mysteriously in the "womb" of the soil and the burgeon forth into a small sprout, which grows into a plant, and in time bears fruit for the harvest. (See Js 5: 7-8).  Today's culture can't wait, can't bear pain, needs instant gratification, leaving us torn between two opposite poles.  Some of us know physical pain and debilitation and the hope we place in doctors and physical therapists.  Happily, again, over time, healing takes place as we notice simple things like going up and down stairs normally (or almost normally) again.
All of us bear some spiritual pain, either in our unsatisfied longing for a deeper relationship with God, or in some spiritual trial in which we find ourselves.  The remarkable story of Servant of God, Elisabeth Leseur (1866-1914) is an outstanding example of patience with suffering.  Her husband, Felix, a doctor, declared himself an atheist just before their marriage, was very public about his atheism and taunted his wife throughout their marriage.  Elisabeth bore this, prayed for him, and offered her suffering from breast cancer for his conversion.  After her death, he found a letter she had written to him requesting that he not only become a Catholic, but a priest as well.  Shocked and angry, he went to Lourdes, the hotbed of these "foolish miracles", to publicly debunk the childlike faith of his wife and once and for all "prove" that atheism was the only path that made sense.  It took courage to choose Lourdes for the location of his refutation, and sure enough, in God's plan, he was converted, and served 23 years as a Dominican priest.  Elisabeth's patience and sacrifice "paid off" and serves as a model for us in our desire for instant answers.  No, constant prayer, faith and patience do not go unnoticed.  Let us put them into practice even more so this Advent.
Bro. Rene

Feeding on the Word

There's nothing like food to bring people together.  We just feasted around our Thanksgiving tables, and many of us were involved in bringing food to those who could not afford a Thanksgiving meal. My experience on the Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rwanda, where despite the poor economies, people shared together what little they had to celebrate a birthday, a death or a wedding.  So much food appeared that there was enough for everyone to take some home at the end of the gathering.
Isaiah speaks of a banquet on the holy mountain complete with rich foods and choice wines.  It is a victory feast in thanksgiving for the salvation won by God. (See Is 25:6-10).  Jesus twice feeds the multitudes with a few fish and loaves of bread.  All are satisfied and baskets of food fragments remain.
We honor St. Francis Xavier today, a true Advent saint, who, though he fasted, lavishly fed the hungry with the Word of God, traveling to the Orient and almost into China itself.  He fed with the food that lasts, that satisfies our deepest hunger.  His life calls us to satisfy our hunger in the Word of God, the Scriptures and especially the Word made flesh, Jesus.  This is the time to feed ourselves with more prayer with the Bible and more attendance at Mass.  Why waste our time on anything else?
Bro. Rene

The Ideal World

Our Advent Prophet, Isaiah, presents the picture of the ideal world with the startling yet comforting images of animals who are natural predators of each other, but who "on THAT DAY" now get along with each other, sharing their food and beds with one another.
The wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,
 and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
 the calf and the young lion shall browse together,
with a little child to guide them....
There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord,
as water covers the sea.  (Is 11: 6-7).
All of this because of the shoot that springs from the root of Jesse, and upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests:  the Messiah.
Isaiah wrote 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, and it has been over 2000 years since his coming, yet the lion still devours the lamb and justice only thinly reigns and that in only a few places on the globe.  We are far from seeing the prophecy fulfilled.  Even in our own lives, we see (and often we cause) division and the absence of peace.  This is what Advent is for, to beg for the full reign of the Savior and to do what we can in our own lives, families, workplaces and communities to make that reign possible.  Look at the turmoil in Ferguson, the tension in Syria, Israel, Iran, North Korea... would these be hotspots if each person's heart in these places were filled "with the knowledge of the Lord?"  We who claim to know the Lord, might give the example to the world by what we do today.
Bro. Rene

Advent's Call For Faith

The first reading of today's Mass from a familiar and beloved chapter from Isaiah, which calls for the beating of swords into ploughshares, a quote which appears on a statue at the UN.  Yes, Advent is a season of peace as we prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace, so this reading is highly appropriate food for meditation and action.  However, the gospel relates the story of the centurion who begged Jesus to heal, not a member of his family, but one of his slaves, a rather startling situation. What does this have to do with Advent?  Reflecting more on this man, we see him as a man who does not let station in life interfere with his love and compassion, and indeed, his faith which brought him to the feet of Jesus for help. Jesus does not shoo away this "pagan" but instead commends him for his faith.  Here is a model for us:  a deeper faith which will put us at the service of ALL, no matter what their social, ethnic, or economic status.  Are we as willing as the centurion to "go out on a limb" for others, even when they are not part of our families, or community?  We don't know the centurion's name, but his deep faith might put us to shame. Is not his example what Advent is about?  May we learn from him how to help others and in so doing bring about peace in our corner of the world.
Bro. Rene

Watching for the Signs

The Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent carries the direct and clear warning of Jesus, "Be watchful! Be alert!...What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" (Mk 13: 33, 37).  Watch for what?  Watch for the signs of God's love as we prepare for the birth of Jesus.  Watch for Jesus himself...how is he speaking to us?  Through the purple passages of Isaiah?  Through friends, events, our prayer, even through our mistakes and sins?   Nothing like the shame of a misdeed to wake us up and remind us of our vulnernability and need for the forgiveness of Jesus.
An action plan for getting more out of Advent and for a better celebration of Christmas comes from the Advent Conspiracy, a global movement dedicated to counteracting the commercialism of Christmas and restoring it to its proper religious significance.  It's four pillars are 1) Worship fully, 2) Give less, 3) Give more, and 4) Love all.  (See www.adventconspiracy.org).  If we take spend more time in prayer, prepare for Mass by reflecting on the readings before and after attending; if we give less gifts (or less expensive) and more of ourselves, and if we use our "savings" to help those who have less...we will more fully participate in the gift that Jesus brings us and be ourselves a sign to others of the real meaning of the Advent-Christmas season.
Bro. Rene 

The Gift of Family

As we sat around our Thanksgiving table and even on Friday, shared more food together, weren't we more aware and grateful than ever of our families?  Those with college age sons and daughters saw growing and maturing young men and women who filled us with joy and pride as we saw that the time, energy and love we give them is not spent in vain.  What Black Friday Bargain could make us happier?  There's no contest, no comparison.  It makes us humble and grateful to know we have played a part, an important part in these lives.
On this Saturday dedicated to our Blessed Mother, we might look upon her as the real mother of our family, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we might give her thanks for raising us and nurturing us in the love of her Son and our Brother Jesus.   Before we join with her in the Advent weeks of waiting, may we offer a simple word of thanks to her.
Bro. Rene

Pre-Advent Prep

For some of us, today is a "breather" as we relax after the preparations for and celebration of Thanksgiving. Mountains of food might remain for some, but provide for leisurely and still delicious eating for the weekend.  News coverage of the shopping mania encourages even more buying frenzy, but even the high school juniors who were delivering Thanksgiving boxes on Wednesday were disgusted at the emphasis put on the craze to acquire more material goods at discount prices.  We asked if anyone had ever received a huge flat screen TV for Christmas.  None of us had.  Then for whom is this frenetic shopping? Yet the headlines focus on "Black Friday."  Why black?  Black usually signifies death. Perhaps unknowingly the creators of this day recognize that the wild pursuit of THINGS leads to death of the soul.
Let us turn our thoughts away from Black to the lovely lavenders, pinks and greens of Advent which begins Saturday evening. These colors portend hope, the new dawn, the everlasting love of God in the circle of the ever-green Advent wreath.  Rich and nourishing readings from Isaiah in the weeks ahead will help prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ, not only in Bethlehem, but in our hearts. All things shall be made new.  (cf. Rev 21:15).  Let us use these days to prepare for Advent...the extra time for prayer, reflection, good deeds and sacrifices so that our hearts will be renewed and ready for the coming of the Savior.
Bro. Rene

Taking Time to Give Thanks

As part of our Thanksgiving prayer, it might help to make a mental list (or use paper...even more startling) of all the "gifts" we receive daily and rarely acknowledge as gifts:  sight, hearing, etc...the people who love us, whom we love...the events that have made us who we are and brought us to this day.   Lots of food for thanks, not to mention the special foods which will appear on our Thanksgiving Table.
Last night people braved the snow and sleet to deliver Thanksgiving turkeys and baskets to families in need.  It was shocking to some of the deliverers to discover that some families had only a table in their empty apartments.  Do we ever think to give thanks for our furniture, our beds?
Let us pause and make this truly a day of Thanksgiving.
Bro. Rene

Not A Hair Shall Perish

Nothing that we do can be ignored by the God who cherishes even one hair among those thousands (millions?) which adorn our scalps.  We never think this way, but Jesus make it clear that if one of these is precious in the sight of God, then how much more are we ourselves? See Lk 21:18.  So we fret about "beating the snow", getting all that we planned done before the storm, traveling to and from our Thanksgiving destinations, etc.  Yet time and time again, we learn that in the end, everything is all right, it all works out, or better, God works it out in a way that surpasses our most intricately detailed plan.  We don't see ourselves as so valuable, that God would be concerned with our "petty plans", but if he is committed to preserving even just one hair, he will take care of the rest.  Perhaps we need to meditate on our hair to remind ourselves of God's everlasting and unconditional love, care, and protection.  Let us proceed in peace to accept all that will unfold this day and at the end thank God for working things out so well for us.
Bro. Rene

A Time For Gratitude

Thanksgiving falls in this final week of the Liturgical Year when we are looking at "the last things" and  ahead to the return of Christ in glory to claim the kingdom of God, which we helped build, and return it to the Father.  Can we mix gratitude with the sure finality which one day will come?  I think so.  Gratitude makes us aware of the generosity of the Giver, and our humble place as receiver.  We have done nothing to "merit" the gifts lavished by the Giver, but we can say thanks for the totally
FREE gifts we have received.  How happy we are when someone surprises us "out of the blue" with coffee and donuts, or takes us out to lunch unexpectedly.  It adds a brightness to our day that was not there before.  We are looking back at the Gifts God has given us in Christ, and the Gift of eternal life which is yet to come.  What better way to respond to this than by a deep, heartfelt THANK YOU to our God, whose love and kindness is so great that we in no way can match it.  We don't have to.  Thank you is enough.
Bro. Rene

Compassion

Reflecting more on the Last Judgement scene from Matthew 25: 25: 31-46, we see more than a King simply separating sheep from goats.  It is clear that his judgements are based on what he saw the people DOING:  either they were compassionate or they were not.  They gave a drink to the thirsty, food to the hungry, etc. or they did not.  Pure and simple.  And is it not only material needs that concern him, but the need for an encouraging word, a pat on the back for a good deed. an arm of sympathy to those in pain of loss.  It is by reaching out beyond ourselves that we most imitate Jesus who "emptied himself" for us. When people or events demand that we stretch our patience, give those extra minutes to listen to another's problems or questions,  or willingly do an errand for another when we think our day is already too full, drop off a donation to a local food pantry....it can be so many things, but if done as if we were doing them for Jesus himself, then we understand what the Judge was looking for and why such compassion far exceeds just ordinary kindness.
Bro. Rene

King of the Universe

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe brings us to the culmination of the Liturgical Year. It sums up all that we have been observing and celebrating since the First Sunday of Advent. As Christians, our lives revolve around the life of Jesus Christ. Next week we will be preparing for his birth as we open up the New Liturgical Year. And then on and on through the familiar sequence. Each year's observances and recollections of the key events and their meaning for us should bring us a deeper love for Jesus and a closer adherence to his teachings. Our purpose on earth is to know, love and serve God in this world and be happy with him in the next," as simply stated in the Baltimore Catechism of days past and again reiterated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We focus on Christ the King today, who will come at the end of time to reap the harvest of the souls how have been faithful to this purpose. We rejoice at our existence, our calling to such a sublime purpose and end, and rededicate our loves and efforts to our Lord, Master, and Savior.
Bro. Rene

JFK

November 22nd can't roll around without memories of the fatal day in 1963 when the world was shocked. We have had many similar shocks since then, but this one seems to stick out above all others. Life stopped until JFK was laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery.
We have learned more about the man as the years have unfolded, some deeper insights into his personal pain, and the pain of wrong decisions, but still he stands as a man who united the country and inspired us (who were the youth of the day). Such a charismatic leader we have not had since. Let us pray that another "new generation" will arise, pick up the torch and carry it on.
Bro. Rene

The Presentation of Mary

Today's Memorial, The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is not found in Scripture but appears in the apocryphal Gospel Of James, (apocryphal meaning non-canonical) but it is appropriate as another parallel between the life of Mary and that of her Son, Jesus, who was also presented in the Temple.  The story of Mary tells of her presentation at the age of three; evidently it did not last her whole life, but just for her pre-teen years,  There she learned the psalms and other Scriptures which prepared her for her generous response to the invitation to become the Mother of God.  Her presentation was a joyful event, a step toward holiness, even at such a young age, but as time unfolded, she learned to live up to the meaning of her name, "bitterness".  "Call me not Naomi, that is, beautiful, but call me Mara, for the Lord has quite filled me with bitterness."
As we begin each day,  we present ourselves to God with joy (Morning Offering), but little do we know what "bitterness" might come our way in the course of the day.  Not to be morose or fearful, let us try to maintain that love and joy, but be prepared for a sharp turn in the opposite direction, and even then with Mary as our Model, maintain that joy and optimism.
Bro. Rene

Note:  I'll be visiting some former Rwandan students this weekend...not sure about internet access (again)...we'll see...but the next slice might appear only on Monday.

The Rights of the Child

Today is the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and a celebration honoring that event is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Palais Wilson.  Since the signing of that document, religious orders, churches NGO's and other non-church affiliated agencies; and individuals have been trying to raise awareness of the exploitation of children around the globe.  In some areas there has been success, especially with regard to child labor and unhealthy, unsafe working conditions and trafficking,  but the problem persists, even in our own country, in dysfunctional families. Child abuse is notorious and seems to be in the headlines constantly, not to forget the ultimate disregard for the rights of the unborn aborted child. No matter how much we protest "it's for the children", gross abuses continue.
Our prayer today might center on global enlightenment regarding the rights of children, and inspiration for ways to help reduce it in our local communities.  Our Social Awareness and Justice classes have a prime opportunity to raise awareness of the problem and motivate students to do what they can to alleviate it.  Church and community agencies can do the same with adults.  As I examine my own life, I can ask myself how much I know about it, and look into what I as an individual can do.
Bro. Rene

Psalms of Praise

Yesterday's thin slice of bread, reminding us of the  power of the tongue, brings us to a thicker slice today: using our tongues to praise and thank God.  Psalms 145-150 give us the script for these powerful prayers or praise which draw us away from ourselves, our aches, pains, petty complaints and inconveniences, or the more drastic woes springing from self-pity or despair over the evil we see in the world or in our own hearts.  These beautiful and energizing psalms lift us up and direct out attention and the power of our tongues to our  Almighty and all-loving God, praising and thanking him for his works of creation, his saving intervention, his fidelity, power, compassion and love.  Psalm 150 completes the Psalter with music from trumpets. harps, lutes, tambourines and clanging cymbals, which transforms  into sound what our words fail to express, and entices us to dance.  If you are looking for something to make the sun shine on a cloudy day, pick up the Bible and turn to these inspiring and positive uses of the gift of speech.
Bro. Rene

The Power of the Tongue

NB:  An impromptu planning meeting forces me to be most brief today.

What good and what harm can be done by the tongue:  false stories, rumors can be destructive; yet a good word of praise or humor can make the difference in another person's life.
Bro. Rene

Giving to the Poor

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, solicitations for the poor are multiplying:  The annual Salvation Army bells ring at  supermarket entrances, appeals come through the mail, canned food drives in parishes and schools are already underway.  It is evident that in this land of plenty, there are plenty of people who do not have enough food.  Requests are as overwhelming as the need.
Back in the 13th century in Hungary, such was the case as well.  Born of a royal family, the princess Elizabeth,  now known as St. Elizabeth of Hungary, married the nobleman, Louis of Thuringia, and using their wealth, took direction action to alleviate the needs of the people, selling her wardrobe and jewels to buy provisions, and emptying the castle storehouses in time of famine.  It is said that at one point, she was feeding 1,000 people a day.  Because the castle was on a high promontory and inaccessible to the sick and elderly, she built a hospital at the base of the mountain and worked in it herself. Her husband was died of the plague while on a crusade, leaving her in deep grief, but she continued "emptying herself and her coffers, until she too was among the poor.  Her  service ended abruptly when she died at the age of 24.  Her holiness was so apparent that she was canonized four years later and she continues to be a model for us. When we are annoyed by the ringing bells or the "junk" mail that clogs our mailbox, we might reflect on the life of this totally devoted woman and find inspiration to be compassionate and generous to those who have less.
Bro. Rene

Burying the Coin

The Parable of the Talents is meant to energize us to use whatever gift God has given us so that it multiplies, bears fruit, and in a sense, by its effect on others, doubles its value, brings joy to the Master, and reward to the "good and faithful servant."  But what of the servant who buried his coin, out of fear and laziness?  Wow!   Would I want that to be me? He had no motivation, no love for his Master to "take a chance" as did the others. He took a simple but cowardly approach and hid it in the security of doing nothing with it at all.  Is that how we use our talents?  We say, "NO".  Yet, when we look at WHY we pray, help others, or hesitate to step into the unknown, we might find that same fear and laziness, and not the LOVE which should empower us to risk, to trust, and do whatever we can, the best we can to use the coin that God has given us.  Lord, let me reflect on my motives and actions during these 24 hours you give me on this Sabbath, and see more clearly where I stand with the talents you have given me.  Increase my love that I may use them boldly and fearlessly  for you and others.
Bro. Rene

Praying Always

We've heard it over and over, "pray always," but despite the admonition that persistent prayer is a necessity lest we become weary.  Weary of what?  Apparently unanswered prayers?  Of trying to find time in our busy lives even to pronounce the name of Jesus? Of trying to find the right words?  The parable in Luke 18: 1-8 relates the tale of a persistent widow coming to an unsympathetic judge for a ruling against an adversary; she prevails because her constant bothering forces him to render a judgement in her favor for fear that she might get violent and strike him.  Jesus says that if an unjust judge will yield to unwearied petitioning, how much more will God eventually grant us what we ask?
It's not that God needs coaxing, but it is we who need to keep ourselves from the weariness which comes  worry or concern that things are not right and need to be changed. Praying does work; it changes hearts, it warms hearts, it fill hearts with the presence of the Almighty whose love is the most powerful force in the universe. It is in prayer, constant prayer we put on the mind of Christ, that we find and keep our peace.
Bro. Rene

The Lord Is Your Keeper

One of the brief but poignant "gradual psalms" that serves as a model for growing into the person Jesus describes in Luke 17:34 is Psalm 121.  The short, gradual psalms were sung by pilgrims on their way to worship in the temple in Jerusalem. "Gradual" is the chosen name, indicating proceeding step by step.  They contain detail that one would observe while walking, with references to mountains, heat, the sun, the moon, shade, and God's abiding presence:  "he neither slumbers nor sleeps" (Ps 121: 6).  The pilgrim is reminded of God's fidelity and is called to submit entirely to his loving care.
In today's Gospel, (Luke 17: 26-37), Jesus reminds us that "whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it, will save it."  (Lk 17: 34).  A paradox for sure, but one based on the freedom and peace that abandonment to the care of God will provide, as the pilgrims found in Psalms 121.   If we look upon the Lord as our keeper, then it will easy for us to "lose our lives", i.e. let go of our plans,  be there for others despite the things we have to do, let the car entering from a side street have its way into the flow, and take time for prayer, even though we think we have something more important to do.  May I suggest that you take Psalm 121 and Luke 17:26-37 and pray with them several times today.  Let God be our keeper.  We will find the time we didn't think we had to accomplish what is important for us today.
Bro. Rene

Missionary Dynamo

Frances Cabrini a "sickly" child grew into one of the most dynamic missionaries of the 20th century.
Refused by other orders because of her poor health, she helped her family on their farm in the Lombardi region of Italy.  The parish priest asked her to become a catechist, and loving this work, she gathered other young women to help her.  These became the first Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and she became known as Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini.  She took the name, Xavier, because she wanted to evangelize China as did St, Francis Xavier, whose intent was left unfulfilled because of his untimely death.  Pope Leo, XIII, however directed Mother Cabrini and her sisters to head West instead of East., and thus she arrived in New York City in 1889 to work among the Italian immigrants.  She founded an Orphanage in West Park, NY on land that evidently had no water.  She planted a medal, a lo, a well digger found water in that spot.  This was one of the many miracles she worked, as her Order spread as far west as Denver, and south through Central and South America.  A little slip of a woman, her small stature belied the magnitude of her faith and love.  She serves as an example to those who work in Catholic education and healthcare.
In a world in which once stalwart Catholic countries are losing members, where so many of today's Catholics are foggy about their faith and even the existence of God, the work of the missionary is needed as much now as in any time past.  It so happens that our CCHS freshmen will be making a one-day retreat today, where we hope to lift the fog and help them to come to know and love Jesus a bit better. .
Your prayers, as well as the intercession of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini are needed!  Thank youl
Bro. Rene

Giving Back

A recent Wall Street Journal article addressed the age old question:  Does Money Bring Happiness?
Answer, NO.  Yes, there might be a temporary "high", but looking deeper at purchases or extravagant vacations, people admitted that they did not find happiness...lasting happiness.  What did bring happiness were experiences and giving to charity, or just helping others.
Yesterday, Veterans Day, several local restaurants provided meals for Veterans.  One owner said, "It's a wonderful thing to give back."  He found joy in serving 1000 free meals to those who had sacrificed, even jeopardized, their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms and prosperity that we have today. In Acts, (20:35)  we read, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  The truth is there for the taking.  May we put it into practice today.
Bro. Rene

St. Martin's Cloak

Providentially, the Memorial of St. Martin of Tours falls annually on Veteran's Day (Armistice Day).  The story of Martin's  iconic cloak is well known:  as a young soldier he cut his cloak in half on a cold winter's night and gave the other half to a shivering beggar.  That night in a dream he saw Christ wearing the cloak and saying, "Martin has given me half of his cloak."  A catechumen at the the time, Martin conpleted his preparation and was baptized.  He also refused to fight in an upcoming battle, saying he would only fight for Christ.  He is the patron of soldiers and conscientious objectors.
As we celebrate Veterans Day, we pray that Martin's cloak cover our veterans, protecting those now serving, restoring  hope to those maimed in body and spirit, covering  with mercy those who lost their lives, and bringing together enemies in reconciliation and peace.  If, indeed, nations could place themselves under Martin's cloak which, cut in half, binds the giver and receiver in solidarity, we might be able to reach the final and lasting Armistice that ineffectually culminated "The War to End All Wars."
St. Martin, pray for us, give us the generosity and courage that brought you closer to Christ. Help us to find true peace by loving all as our brothers and sisters.
Bro. Rene

Liberia Benefits from Marist Solidarity

The Ebola crisis in Liberia is still not over.  Our school remains closed as the country continues the battle against this dreaded disease, but the good news is that funds collected from our Marist Schools as well as three Brothers of St. John of God and a Franciscan Sister have arrived in Monrovia and have enabled St. Joseph Hospital to reopen.  Now malaria and the other common illnesses can be treated.  This is a sign of hope for the people as well as a sign of the solidarity of the Marist Family in this country.  Let us continue with out prayers for the complete restoration to normality in that beleaguered country and others suffering from this plague. 
With Thanksgiving just a couple of weeks away, it's also time to bond together to provide food for Lazarus House and other institutions which provide Thanksgiving meals for those who can't afford them.   In all of this, let us offer prayers of thanksgiving for all that we have and for the ability and generosity to help others.
Bro. Rene

St; John Lateran

The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the Pope's basilica takes precedence over the 31st Sunday of in Ordinary Time because the basilica stands as a symbol of the entire Church, not just of seat of the Pope's Office as head of the Church.  It is a celebration of US, the People of God, the Church guaranteed to prevail over the forces of evil till the end of time when Jesus will come in glory to claim his Kingdom.  The basilica itself, the palace of the Lateran family, was dedicated in 328 AD and has been rebuilt after fire and eathquakes have destroyed it, again a symbol that no matter what attacks the Church suffers, it will continue to carry on its mission. 
Today the Church faces apparently insurmountable problems arising from within as well as from without.  Persecutions abound in the Near East, China, and in subtle ways, even in our own country. Some bishops are allegedly not happy with the pastoral style of Pope Francis; people are not happy with the closing or merging of parishes and schools; recruitment to the priesthood and religious life is scant and scary.   We could easily fall into worry about the future.  A look at history and especially the words of Jesus, in Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always till the end of the age." reassures us, gives us hope, and the energy to "rebuild."  May we find joy in the promise of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit working within the Church and within us.  Happy Feast Day!
Bro. Rene

Strength for Everything

St. Paul tells his beloved Philippians and us that despite his confrontations with hunger, and need, being well fed and living in abundance, he is able to bear all "through him who empowers me." (Phil 4: 13).  He has learned "indifference", part of the "first principle and foundation" that begins the Ignatian 30 day retreat.  For it is in laying aside our wants, the things we think we can't live without, and coming to see that the strength that will carry us through anything is the gift of God himself, that we are able to accept and work with anything that comes our way. 
We can imagine that Mary learned this as, before, or after she uttered her "YES" to the invitation to become the mother of God.  We are humbled when we think that the God who created this universe hears and answerr our prayers, loves us beyond measure and is always at our side.  How much more humbled must Mary have felt to carry that God in her womb?  She did and in so doing she shows us how we can find the strength for everything in the power of God.  All we have to do is step aside!
Bro. Rene

Being Shrewd or Prudent

We can amaze ourselves at how shrewd we can be, as was the overseer in the Gospel Parable: Luke 16:1-8.  The "wise" steward took it upon himself to lower the debts owed to his master so that when he lost his job, he'd have a host of friends to help him get back on his feet.  Jesus comments on his actions by admitting that "the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.' (Lk 16:8).  Yet aren't we the ones who seek the guarantees and perhaps go the extra mile, "just in case."  Are we looking out for ourselves or are we being genuinely charitable, or looking out for the good of others.  The recent political campaign with its bundles of promises "for the good of the country"  make us stop and wonder, "Really?"  We cannot judge the motivation of others, but we can look at ourselves to see if "campaign rhetoric or promises" have crept into our own prayer and actions.  We might discover that shrewdness which Jesus commends but does not recommend.
Bro. Rene

Finding the "Lost"

In today's Gospel from St.Luke, we hear the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin.  The shepherd and the woman don't rest until they find the lost items and their joy echoes among God's angels.
As I come to this final day of our Marist Youth Encounter Christ retreat with 50 Central Catholic students, I too rejoice as I hear over and over again students regret their "drifting" away from prayer and Mass and pledge to amend their ways.  The prayers and sacrifices of many people back up what we attempt to do through talks, small group discussions, the sharing of faith and the building of community.  The formula works; we just keep chipping away and it becomes evident that the power and grace of God accomplish more than we can do or even anticipate.
The passage from Luke 15:1-10 bears, demands much reflection and gives much consolation.  May it be the focus of our prayer today.  "Seek and you shall find." (Mt 7:7)  Not just empty words!
Br. Rene

Putting Jesus First

Jesus speaks strongly about the necessary mindset for being one of his disciples:  "If anyone comes to me without hating his father and other, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.  Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.....everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple."  (Lk 14:  25-26, 33).  Does he mean this literally or is he using hyperbole to make a point?   Scholars agree that the "hating" is not to be taken literally, but is to be seen as an accepted means of emphasis, as we would use bold print, italics or an underline to stress a point.  But carrying our cross and renouncing possessions need to be taken seriously. The underlying message is that Jesus must come first in our lives.  If not, we fail to have the freedom to live out his full message and to follow him as closely as we can.  Fall house cleaning, readying for Christmas, these things we do naturally can help us to rid our homes of unnecessary THINGS, and in the same way, a cleaning out of our attitudes, a prioritizing of our values, an honest evaluation of our relationship with Jesus can clear the decks and allow us to put Jesus first.  Then all else will fall into place.
Bro. Rene

"He Emptied Himself."

In the second chapter of his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul quotes an early and popular hymn, known as the "Emptying Hymn".  It is familiar enough to us even to this day.  Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
Who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God something to be grasped,.
Rather, he emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
coming in human likeness;
and, found in human appearance,
he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to death,
even death on a cross.  (Phil 2: 5-  )
Appropriately, this passage falls on the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, a powerful presence in the Counter Reformation and Cardinal Archbishop of Milan.  Born wealthy and "privileged" he emptied himself, living simply and humbly after ordination and consecration as a bishop, and working tirelessly for the poor, using his own resources to feed them and treat them during an epidemic of the plague in 1575.  Despite his small stature, a speech impediment and his soft spoken voice, he reformed the clergy who had drifted far from the ideals of priesthood and ministry, was instrumental in re-convoking the Council of Trent after a 10 year "recess" and began the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) to educate children and adults.  He died worn out by the indefatigable expenditure of his energies at the early age of 46 in 1584 and was canonized in  1610.  He took pastoring seriously, and followed as best he could the example of Jesus.  Needless to say, we need more Charles Borromeos in our own time. It is said that he always answers prayers, so let us pray to him for the necessary reform of the clergy and Church and the re-evangelization of  Christians today.
Bro. Rene

God Works Best Through the Poor and Lowly

Jesus constantly challenges us but also provides examples of people who accept those challenges to show us that they are not impossible for us.  At the home of a Pharisee who had invited Jesus to dine with him, Jesus challenged him not to invite friends or people who could reciprocate by inviting them to their homes.  Rather, he said, "invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.  Blessed will you be because of their inability to repay you." (Lk 14: 13-14).
We celebrate a man today who did just that:  St. Martin de Porres, a mulatto born in Lima, Peru to a Spanish nobleman and his freed-slave mistress.  Abandoned by his father, he offered his services as a young boy to the Dominican Friars, doing all sorts of menial chores.  He had learned to cut hair and some rudiments of medicine, and because of his willingness  to do anything  he was asked, and because of his prayerfulness,  the Dominicans eventually allowed him to take vows as a lay brother. His ministry of healing led him beyond the Friary to the poor of the city, something like Mother Teresa in our day. His healings were often miraculous, and one story describes him passing through a locked door to attend a quarantined patient inside.  He was so gentle and loving that he spoke to mice and rats.  None of his "clients" could pay him back, naturally.  His life was so powerful that he has become the patron of those of mixed race, hair stylists, public schools, public health services and those involved in social justice.  He lived Luke 14: 13-14, showing us that it is not impossible
Bro. Rene

Praying For The Dead

The Mass Readings for All Souls Day are used today, even thought it's a Sunday.  It seems strange hearing a "funeral Mass"  on a Sunday, but it's not only a good way to begin the month of November, dedicated to the Holy Souls, but also a way to remind us of our own mortality and the need to pray for the dead.  We know the power of prayer, and admitting that few of us will leave this life so perfect that we can enter directly into heaven, a time of purification and time for the prayers of others to help with that purification is necessary.  God's mercy works regardless, but being involved in releasing these souls is a spiritual work of mercy, fitting right in with the mercy of God.  May we pray earnestly for the souls in purgatory not only today, but the whole month of November, and beyond.
Bro. Rene

Celebrating the Saints

We begin the month of November not only with a chill in the air, but with the celebration of the saints, those people who have lived their lives as best they could according to the teachings of Jesus and who now live with him, the Father and Holy Spirit in peace, shining like the sun in the Divine Presence.  We use images with which we are familiar to describe the kingdom of heaven, eternal bliss and the beatific vision, but as St. Paul told us, "eye has not seen nor ear heard nor has it entered into the heart to man what God has prepared for those who love him"  1 Cor 2: 9)
The recent film, Heaven is For Real, based on the book of the same title, give us somewhat of a picture through the eyes of a four year old, but even that is certainly not the entire picture.  Saints have appeared back on earth; Mary has made her mark in the field of apparitions; miracles in their name verify their place in heaven; the stamp of canonization as well attests to their holiness, but heaven still remains a mystery, a promise, a hope.
The important thing is for us to concentrate on doing our BEST to live as Jesus taught us, in love, compassion, forgiveness and justice.  In so doing we get a foretaste of what the kingdom is; we don't have to wait for death, but can ease into it even here on earth, now, already, but not yet fully complete.  May this day be one that inspires us; may we spend time in prayer with our favorite saints, canonized or not, and allow them to help us follow in their footsteps.
Bro. Rene

A Prayer For One Another

Note:  The slice of daily bread for October 30th appeared on October 31st.  I was on Central Time in San Antonio when I posted it, but my laptop was on Eastern Standard Time so it was too late for the 30th.  The thin slice intended for October 31st appears today, November 1st.  A visitor arrived before I could post it.  So, as an All Saints treat, there are two slices today.

St. Paul's prayer for the Philippians is a good prayer for us to offer for our loved ones:
"And this is my prayer:  that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God." (Phil 1: 9-11)  The increase of knowledge and love and discernment of true values is very much in line with our Marist Mission.   May we thus pray for one another and do all that we can to live this prayer ourselves.
Bro. Rene

Dominus Flevit

On  a hill above the city of Jerusalem stands a church knows as Dominus Flevit, The Lord Wept.  Tradition holds that this is the spot where Jesus uttered the familiar words, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stoned those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling." (Lk 13: 34).
I stood in that church in July of 1977 and can attest to the view of Jerusalem and the Latin inscription on one of the walls of the church.
Today this passage resonates with the troubles still going on in the Middle East and Jerusalem, but could also be applied to the troubles going on within each one of us.  We insist on carrying our burdens and transgressions and ignoring the mercy Jesus extends to us.  If he were willing to forgive those who killed the prophets, how much more is he willing to forgive us?  The image of the hen gathering her young is powerful and reassuring:  Jesus sheds tears for us, not for our sins, but for our unwillingness to accept his mercy and be gathered under those tender wings.  May we set aside our fears or our self-sufficiency and allow the mercy of Jesus to set us free and put us on a new road of inner peace, trust and confidence.
Bro. Rene

The Narrow Gate

As we move toward the conclusion of our liturgical year, the readings begin to focus on the Judgment we will face at the end of our lives.  May we live in such a way, that God recognizes us and does not greet us with the chilling words, "I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers."  (Lk 13: 27)  Jesus tell us that the way to him is through the narrow gate, that is, within the parameters he has set up for us:  love of God, of neighbor, putting God first, others second, and ourselves third.  It is a matter of doing what he wants, not what we want; it is in actions, good actions, not simply empty words.  It means going against natural inclinations, with self- discipline and control, not simply doing what we feel like doing.  Indeed it is clear that not everyone will pass through this narrow gate.  Let us watch, be vigilant, reflect on our actions and relationships with others, and make the changes necessary to fit through this gate.  These days before and during Advent are designed to help us.  Let us take advantage of them.
Bro. Rene

Triple Feast

The Church honors Saints Simon and Jude, apostles today and the Marist World is using this "Montagne Day" to launch its "Montagne Year".  What do they have in common?  Simon, known as the Zealot either for his great zeal, or because he belonged to a sect known as the Zealots before answering the call to follow Jesus, and Jude, famous for resolving hopeless cases and for his short Epistle, became foundation stones for the early church.  They taught, they preached the Word they both heard and experienced.
Jean-Baptiste Montagne, the 17 year old dying lad that St. Marcellin visited on this day in 1816 became the catalyst for the founding of the Little Brothers of Mary.  St. Marcellin was so appalled by JB's lack of knowledge of the faith that he decided then it was time to bring into reality a dream he had of starting a congregation of teaching brothers who would devote their lives to the Christian Education of youth so that the ignorance of the faith he experienced with Jean-Baptiste would never occur again.  He found two young men who agreed to help with this project and two months later moved in to a poor but adequate residence to form the first Marist community. As Jesus called Simon and Jude to follow him, so did Marcellin call these two young men.
This incident sets the theme for the coming year of preparation for the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Marist Brothers.  We will be focusing on our mission to make Jesus known and loved and be studying ways to make it more effective for our day and for the next hundred years.  It's a global process and with all those Marist Minds working together, something concrete and effective should emerge, it did on that October day nearly two hundred years ago.  May we all work together and pray together to continue the Marist Mission with the zeal of St. Simon and the hope provided by St. Jude.
Bro. Rene

It's the Striving that Counts

In our attempts to match the unconditional love God showers upon us, we might feel inadequate that our efforts yield little progress.  We don't have the same dedication or zeal, it seems, as the great saints and martyrs who gave so totally of themselves.  We go from day to day, year to year, pretty much the same without great signs and wonders, without great leaps into what we imagine sanctity to be. It is, however, the desire, the striving, the loving we do implement into our daily dealings with others through simple acts of kindness, an encouraging word or e-mail, a phone call, a pat on the back that God sees and embraces.  Though those simple things, love is transmitted, the same unselfish love that God gives to us.  We're doin' OK...for it's the striving that counts
Bro. Rene

Loving God and Neighbor

Note:  Time is short as I rush to make a plane for San Antonio.

The two Great commandments bearing on love of God and love of neighbor sum up all of Jesus' teaching and provide a life-long challenge for us.  It's a pattern that begins as a small ripple from a stone thrown into a lake and gradually spreads as far as one can see.  Where is our ripple?  Does it compare with God's unconditional love of us?  With his help, all that bars us from loving totally can be removed.  Dear God, let me begin again and again to love without measure or restraintl
Bro. Rene

Protection in our Weakness

As each day comes to a conclusion and we look back on what transpired, how we behaved, the good things we did, the things that make us cringe, and see that somehow God was present in it all, we realize that without his protection, faithfulness, forgiveness, and strength to find resilience, we would be a sorry lot indeed.  By taking time to reflect on our lives, we see what needs to be done by way of improvement but we also see how present God is, never quitting on us. even when we might want to quit on ourselves.  With his help we can pull it together as we saw in the Central Catholic vs Chelmsford football game last night.  Central was behind 31-21 with 2:44 left to go.  Pretty bleak, but in a rousing three play drive, the Raiders scored, got an onside kick, scored again along with a two point conversion, and won 35-31.  The team never gave up.  Yes, it's a football game, but a real life example of what we can do when we feel overwhelmed or even defeated by our persistent weakness.
It is when we admit our weakness that we are strong, for God's protection against our weakness is always there.
Bro. Rene

Living Worthily of the Call

In a familiar passage from his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul urges us "to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; one Body and one Spirit as you were called to the one hope of your call; one Lord,one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Eph 4:1-6). Paul's enthusiasm carries him passionately from one idea to another, quoting even a hymn, (one Lord, one faith, one baptism), and lumping everything together till he sums up the perfect pattern for a way of life and for a perfect community.  Each phrase deserves reflection and application to our own situation.  How humble,  gentle and patient  am I in dealing with myself, let alone with others?  Is there division between myself and another person?  If so, what will I do to reconcile with that person?  Do I see God as Father?  Do I allow Jesus to keep me close and give me what I need, or do I stand apart and aloof, thinking I can do it all on my own?  There is much food for thought in today's slice of bread. Let us not swallow it too quickly, but digest it slowly.
Bro. Rene

Able to Accomplish Far More

It's normal to look at our talents and accomplishments and wish that we were capable of far more.  We're told to accept ourselves as we are and not be too hard on ourselves.  True, but even with that advice we still look for more.  St. Paul told the Ephesians that we can do more. be more, accomplish more, not by our own power, but through HIM who "is able to accomplish far  more than all we ask or imagine by the power a work within us." (Eph 3: 20).  St. Marcellin's life is can certainly attest to this, for he might in today's language be considered "an over-achiever."  He accomplished far more than what seemed to be possible for an under-educated farm boy. His legacy spans 80 countries and millions of students educated in the Marist Tradition.
Today's  Saint,  John of Capistrano also attests to the power of God's grace at work within him. Born in 1385, he was trained in civil and church law, but left this career behind to become a Franciscan friar noted for his powerful preaching.  Later the Holy See tapped his talents to handle some delicate diplomatic situations and, most amazingly, at the age of 70 to lead a crusade against the Turks at Belgrade. The campaign was successful under the flag bearing the Holy Name of Jesus and the example of this old man (70 was OLD at that time!), who is now the patron of those who work in the judicial system and of military chaplains.  Americans associate him with the California mission, San Juan de Capistrano, made famous by the return of the swallows every March 19th and the song, When the Swallows Return to Capistrano.  May we never underestimate the power of God that opens the door to unlimited accomplishments.
Bro. Rene

Be Not Afraid

Today as we honor St. John Paul II, we recall the first words he uttered as he addressed the throngs in St. Peter's Square right after his election:  "Be Not Afraid."  He repeated this theme throughout his 28 year papacy, even to his last days.  He had learned to put his total trust in God, and certainly in Mary, our Good Mother, as he grew up in Poland, having lost his mother at an early age, and later his father.  Being so "orphaned" he learned to rely more and more on God and was never disappointed.  He studied for the priesthood secretly, and eventually was made bishop, archbishop, cardinal and pope.   What a journey!
We saw his charismatic figure everywhere, from circles of learned theologians and philosophers, to the huge gatherings of young people at the World Youth Days he initiated.  His energy was unstoppable, even after his bullet wound in 1981.  He visited 124 countries, wrote 14 encyclicals, 5 books and canonized 482 saints!
He was an evangelist, defender of life, peacemaker, promoter of authentic human freeddom and friend and inspiration of youth.  St. John Paul..pray for us.
Bro. Rene

Jesus Wants Us!

We are familiar with the image of Jesus knocking at a door with no outside doorknob from the Book of Revelation.  It's a door that must be opened from within; only we can open it.  Today's Gospel from Luke (12:35-38) also uses the image of door as the servants await the return of the master from a wedding.  Jesus knocks, longing for the door of our hearts to open to him so that he might regale us with his present and lavish gifts.  Picture the wedding feast at Cana or the Last Supper:  the joy, the intimacy, the outpouring of his love to prevent embarrassment to the bridegroom and bride, to share his very body and blood as the food of eternal life.  How he takes care of even material needs, and more importantly, those spiritual.  We have the opportunity to feast with Jesus at every Mass we attend, but also in his daily knockings through the people and events that come our way.  How he wishes to share himself and take care of us, to feed us, to draw us into closer union with him.  May our ears and hearts be open to the knockings we hear today, and may we not refuse to open!
Bro. Rene

Not Possessions

As we live through the years to the afternoons and evenings of our lives, we begin finally to realize as Jesus admonished us:  "one's life does not consist of possessions."  Indeed, we "can't take them with us" and the question arises "what do we do with them?"   Sudden death leaves the decision to others, but not everyone can bank on that.  We can focus on what does make us happy...family, healthy relationships, enjoying the good events and people who come into our lives each day.  These are the "possessions" which count.  The more of these we have, the less we will be dependent on the material, and can find the freedom to dispose of them and pass them on to those who could use them. 
Bro. Rene

World Mission Sunday

Collections will be taken up in parishes across the globe to supply funds for the 1,100 parishes considered to be mission parishes.  Pope St. John Paul II set the date for the collection as the second last Sunday in October, but this year it coincides with what would have been the Memorial of the North American Martyrs: St. Isaac Jogues and Companions.  Because Sundays take precedence over feasts and memorials, the Mass for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time is being used. However, their missionary spirit still serves as an example to us.  It is also the day when the Extraordinary Synod on the family ends and Pope Paul VI was beatified.  Pope Paul VI in his encyclical, Evangelium Nuntiandi set the tone for missionary work in a Post Vatican II Church.
With these powerful "mentors" giving impetus to Mission Sunday, we might consider how we can be missionaries ourselves.  The easy way is to donate to the collection, but more than that, can we live more fully the message of Jesus, by professing our faith through kindness, service to the needy, listening to others, forgiving ourselves and others and welcoming all into our circle?  We preach by example, by deed, more powerfully than by words. May we come to see ourselves as this kind of missionary as we take part in our Sunday and weekday activities.  We need to keep reminding ourselves that we too have a mission right here; we don't have to go abroad.
Bro. Rene

St. Luke's Message

The Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist turns our attention to his Gospel and companion work, the Acts of the Apostles.  Tradition and legend combine to reveal Luke, a Gentile convert born in Antioch, a close friend and fellow traveler of St. Paul, a physician and an artist. Taylor Caldwell popularized Luke's story in her memorable novel, Dear and Glorious Physician.
Luke's ability to paint pictures with words is obvious in his close attention to detail and his compassion as a physician is evident in the many stories of mercy and forgiveness. St. John Paul II has dubbed Luke, The Gospel of Mercy.   He alone tells the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, more aptly titled, The Forgiving Father. Luke also makes is a point that Jesus came for ALL, especially the poor.  Readers of his Gospel should be moved to actions that alleviate their plight by sharing time, treasure and talent. 
In the Acts, the power of the Holy Spirit dominates the tale of the missionary efforts of St. Paul and the miraculous spread of Christianity in the Mediterranean basin.  Luke's talent as a narrator not only makes historic facts come alive, but showcases the Holy Spirit to the point that this book is also known as The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.  May our faith find nourishment and strength in the writings of our Dear and Glorious Physician as well as move us to live his message of mercy, forgiveness and the inclusion of ALL.
Bro. Rene

More Than Many Sparrows

Jesus reminds us that we are so precious in the eyes of the Father that he who cares for the sparrows knows us also, even to the number of hairs on our head. He admonishes us not to be afraid for we are worth more than many sparrows.  Yet, sadly,  this same perception of the value of human life is not shared by everyone and in this country alone, 4,000 unborn children are aborted each day! Since 1973, 56 million babies have been terminated untimely before or after birth, this latter being even more shocking and inhuman than the "ordinary" abortion.
Thank God, there are people standing up to fight for the lives of these innocent children.  Last night the Pregnancy Care Center held its annual fund raising and awareness raising banquet and for sure, the value of life at all stages became apparent.  The Center counsels hundreds of people who are questioning giving birth to or aborting the child they have begotten.  The story of one of these cases was highlighted by the presence of the little boy who was "saved" through prayer and the love his mother and father received from the staff.  125 little children came into this world last year alone because of the care their parents experienced at the Center.
The keynote speaker, Jill Stanek, RN, who fought the battle against abortion on the hospital where she worked, showed us what courage and conviction can do, even when coming from one person.
Not physically martyred as was St. Ignatius of Antioch, whose Memorial it is today, but with the same fortitude and conviction she stood her course in defense of the value of life, even to the point of sacrificing her job; she sees with the eyes of God that we are worth more than many sparrows.  Can we have that same vision?  Prayers for the work of the Center, a visit and tour, volunteering, and financial aid can help preserve future lives.
Bro. Rene