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