Another Month

The last day of September, a month in which we saw the official end of summer and beginning of Autumn, one tragedy after another, and the uplifting visit of Pope Francis.  Tomorrow, we begin the month of the Holy Rosary.  How can we ever say we are bored?   There's always something or someone to stir the pot.  We remember St. Jerome today and his Vulgate translation of the Bible which too persistence and patience as well as a love for the Word of God. 
Perhaps we can find some time to reflect on the past month, God's Word, and decide to use the Rosary to find grace, peace, and inspiration to live the Word, not just give it lip service.  It's available in many translations which help enhance its meaning and connection to our lives.  It's simpler than we think...all we need to do is pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and open up the Bible to where we left off, or to where the Spirit leads us.  Each new month is an indication of the passage of time, and a call to use whatever time we have to prepare our hearts to love God more completely and to serve him by serving our neighbor.
Bro. Rene

Watching Over Us

Today we honor Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.  The word, "angel" comes from the Hebrew word meaning "messenger," and we know these three from Scripture which has them doing God's bidding in fighting the forces of evil, announcing God's plan to Mary or bringing healing to Tobit.  Protecting, defending, communicating, healing...still things we do today, and things that need heavenly guidance.  This feast reassures us that we are not alone, that these angels and myriads of others are part of creation and are at work as intermediaries between God and us.  We don't often think of them, though the name Michael is still one of the most popular for boys, and its female counterpart, Michaela, is among the favorites for girls.  Occasionally we hear of a Gabriel or a Raphael and take note because they are rare and beautiful.  May we pray for the Michaels, Gabriels and Raphaels we know, give them special greetings today on their feast day, and try to be more mindful of the special blessings we enjoy because of the mission of these Archangels.
Bro. Rene

Note:  I apologize for the absence of yesterday's slice of bread...I got home too late from physical therapy.  I have another session tomorrow, but will try to cut a slice either tonight or before I leave for my 6:30 am appointment.

Grace For Everyone

Today's Gospel from Mark 9: 38-48 includes the incident when John reported to Jesus that a stranger was casting out devils in his name and that he and the other Apostles had tried to stop him because he was not "one of them."  Jesus reproached them and told them not to prevent him from doing good work.  The important thing then and now is that grace reaches the hearts of everyone.
Pope Francis has dominated the headlines and TV news for this whole week with a message that is not just for Catholics, but for everyone.  His tender, compassionate and yet direct manner has indeed touched the hearts of most people, even the "nones" (those who have no religious affiliation).  In the manner of Jesus, he reaches out to all and helps us to see clearly what the message of Christ is like when lived authentically and around the clock.  He has made us aware of the blessings we enjoy and the shortcomings we need to correct.  He has a great gift for seeing the good in others and for calling us to gratitude, hope and joy.  As Jesus told the Apostles not to be exclusive, we see our Pope giving the same message.  May we heed it and make it part of our lives.
Bro. Rene

Success!

Note:  Thanks to a colleague in Campus Ministry who told me how to do this...here is a photo of the impressive new St. Marcellin High School in Bangladesh.  Our Marist work there has taken a huge step thanks to the help of many people who believe in the Marist Way of Education. In vain, however is my attempt to post the photo of the Spartan Runners.  A goal for the near future.

Being able to post this image is just a small example of determination, trust, teamwork, and know-how. Beyond this is the effort to bring this school to a reality...A need, a dream, a plan, action.  All went into this project several years ago.   A huge effort to raise the funds for it ensued and, it seems, many people responded in big and small ways to bring St. Marcellin to completion.  Now the dream continues as equipment will be needed to furnish the classrooms and labs.  It will come to pass.

Almost 200 years ago, St. Marcellin saw a need, had a vision and came up with a plan to educate neglected youth in the faith as well as in secular subjects.  A huge, and sometimes painful effort to bring this plan into reality followed, and continues to this day in the 79 countries where Marist Brothers along with Lay Marists teach and work with youth.  Success follows upon success.  The 200th anniversary of the founding of the Little Brothers of Mary in 2017 is stirring up strong interest and action around the world to revivify the congregation and strengthen it to be able to meet today's challenges as well as to continue spreading its mission to more people.  As you look at this photo, be assured that what has begun in seed will yield a richer and richer harvest.
Bro. Rene

The Pope's Visit

Some thoughts from our Guest Contributor, Michael Motyl, President of Guladalupe Middle School, Brownsville, Texas.
Bro. Rene

By now you've heard and seen the news of Pope Francis' apostolic visit to the US, spreading his mission of love and peace. If you have not tuned in, there are still ways to get involved, and I encourage you to explore some of the resources below. He speaks to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, as a true servant of justice and agent of change.

“Humanity has the ability to work together in building our common home. As Christians inspired by this certainty, we wish to commit ourselves to the conscious and responsible care of our common home.” - Pope Francis in DC

What can we learn from his visit? No matter the topic, Pope Francis' message is consistent. We must work towards human dignity for all God's children. Join me in seeking his message, studying his example, and celebrating this historic moment.

"Consider Your Ways!"

Note:  still trying to transfer the photo of St. Marcellin High School in Bangladesh to this slice of Bread.
Note also yesterday's slice stated that Jesus gave power to the Twelve to "cure demons."  My Bad!  He gave them authority over them and power to cure diseases.  Thanks to one of our readers for calling this to my attention.

In trying to stir up the people to rebuild the temple, the prophet Haggai passionately urges the people to consider their ways:  The live in paneled houses while the temple remains in ruins.  They eat and are not satisfied, drink, but not exhilarated, dressed, but not warmed, work, and let their wages slip away in a bag full of holes.  How often do we misuse our resources or squander our efforts and energy on useless things. (cf. Hg 1: 6).  Haggai urges US to consider our ways.  And fittingly these days when national attention is focused on the words of Pope Francis,  he too is asking us to consider our ways.
Let's do it.
Bro. Rene

"And Gave Them Power" (Lk 9:1)

Jesus was not kidding when he gave the Twelve power over demons, to cure demons and proclaim the Kingdom of God.  That same power is available to us.  We celebrate St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) today, who too had power over demons, cured many and began many good works in establishing homes for the suffering.  He himself suffered with the stigmata.  We wonder at this power and yet we too accomplish marvelous things.
Our Marist brothers in Bangladesh have been asking money for the past several years to build St. Marcellin High School.  Central Catholic has contributed as a school and four students and a teacher raised a thousand dollars by running a Spartan Race in August.  When I figure out how to do it, I will post a picture of the magnificent school under construction.  Tune in again tomorrow.  It is a testament to the power that God has given us to carry out his work.  May we use the power God has given us to accomplish big and little things today.
Bro. Rene

Mother, Help Our Faith

When Mary came to see Jesus on time,  Jesus replied that "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act upon it." (Lk 8:21).  We all try to be that mother and brother, but some seem to succeed better than we.   Today we remember St. Maurice and the Theban Martyrs, who refused to sacrifice to the gods to insure a victory in battle;  he and six thousand men were slaughtered for standing strong in their faith.  Today we have some glimpses of those being slaughtered by ISIS, but perhaps in reality, the numbers are as large as this. 
We also remember St. Thomas of Villanova....yes there is a man behind the name of the famous university outside of Philadelphia.  He was an Augustinian who, because of his fervent preaching, is known as "the Apostle of Spain."  Again, he lived these words of Jesus.
Our question for today is, "How am I going to hear the word of God and act upon it?"  We can begin by asking our Good Mother to open our ears and strengthen our convictions so that when situations arise today in our casual conversations we can make reference to God, stick up for our faith, or by little services of kindness to others, make the words of Jesus come alive and be his mother and brothers.
Bro. Rene

The Father's Plan

When Levi was a boy, or even when he grew up to be a tax collector, did he ever dream that he would be part of a new faith movement and the author of a book that would be read 2000 years after his death and affect the lives of billions?  Yet, such was the case in God's way and God's time.  So often we want to help people decide their life's work, pray for their restoration to health, or even help them decide on a spouse, yet it is God who leads the way and who will unfold HIS plan in due time.
Ours is to lift up our friends and family and truly turn them over to God and let his grace move them and help them in his way and his time.  It's hard for us to do, for we want the best for those who ask for prayers, but who is God if his plan is not the BEST?  Just reflecting for a moment on Matthew's story should give us pause and confidence in God's loving care and plan. Let's let God be God!
Bro. Rene

Welcoming The "Little Ones"

Pope Francis could easily be called the Pope of the "little ones", for he is constantly drawing our attention to the poor, the vulnerable, the oppressed, and today's Gospel Passage, Mark 30-37, shows the basis for this approach.  When he overheard the disciples arguing over who would be the greatest among them, he admonished them saying that the greatest should be the servant of all, and taking a child, said that it was a matter of welcoming such a "little one", that a person lives servant leadership and thus serves not only Jesus, but the One who sent him.  Very powerful, when we think of it.  It's not a matter of hobnobbing with the "important" people, but with embracing those who are weak and powerless, that we live and demonstrate the Good News, the "Different News" that Jesus came to teach us.  Let us spend time reflecting on this passage and also watch Pope Francis and listen to him carefully to see what steps we need to take in our own lives to better welcome "the little ones."
Bro. Rene

Nourishing the Seed

Jesus details the meaning of his parable about the sower and the seed very clearly.  The questions for us revolve around how we are to be "rich soil" for the seed and how we are to enable it to bear fruit.
Jesus mentions a "generous and good heart" along with perseverance. (cf. Lk 8:15).  These are the keys to our answer:   Generosity, willingness to sacrifice our time, our plans, our schedules, our wants and even our needs, for the sake of others.  Willingness to share our knowledge, our experience, the fruits of our prayers and meditations with others, a good book, a website, an article...share, share, share...pass on the good news that has come to us...share that faith of ours that brings us daily to this slice of bread....give it to others!  Yes, a good and generous heart does these things...and does them with consistency and perseverance....not just once or twice.  How about trying some "tilling" of the rich soil we've presumably been given with all who cross our paths today?  Let's not let our gifts be choked by weeds, or die in shallow, rocky soil.
Bro. Rene

Paul's Wisdom Still Relevant

In this day of political campaigning, rivalry and exchange of verbal barbs, of violence, disrespect, dishonesty and overt corruption in government and business, Paul's advice to his beloved disciple, friend and bishop, Timothy, is still as applicable today as it was in his lifetime.  Amazing how so little has changed in 2000 years, and perhaps it can't change that much, for it is always our wounded human nature at the base of it all.  Yet, if we listen to people like Paul, or our Pope Francis, we might be able to move up a notch or two towards the ideal.  Today's passage from 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 is worth a read and deeper reflection, but these verses might suffice as motivation for our actions today: "Instead pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.  Compete well for the faith.  Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses." (our Confirmation). (1 Tim 6:11-12).
Bro. Rene
Note:  Please say a prayer for Central's freshmen who will be on their orientation at Camp Marist today.  Thanks...

Courageous Love and Trust

When we look carefully at today's Gospel we see more than just the mercy of Jesus, we also see a woman with a well-known reputation barging into a dinner where she was surrounded by Pharisees and other dignitaries, whose presence alone would be a barrier to such an uninvited "guest".  Yet, she braved the possibility of being ridiculed or told to leave, and headed straight for Jesus.  The depth of her repentance, trust and love pours out in the tears that cleansed the feet of Jesus and the expensive nard that soothed them after she had wiped them with her own hair.  No wonder Jesus remarked at the depth of her love and reminds all of us who come with the burden of sin that the greater the sin, the greater the love that overcomes it.  May we not hesitate to bring our sins to the sacrament of reconciliation in light of the assurance that this Gospel gives us.
Bro. Rene

Great Are the Works of the Lord

While we still experience the warmth of summer yet feel the encroachment of Autumn, it might be good to open our eyes with a bit more consciousness of the beauty around us. There is still a balanced blend of colors, with the pinks and purples of Flox standing out against the green of the trees and grass. Our hearts can be moved to gratitude with the Psalmist as we reflect on the beauty and glory of creation:
"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the Lord,
exquisite in all their delights.

"Majesty and glory are his work,
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the Lord." (Psalm 111: 1-4)

Enjoy these beautiful days and keep your prayer of thanks and praise alive.
Bro. Rene

Soothing Our Sorrows

As we celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, we are reminded that Mary, as foretold by Simeon, suffered at least seven sorrows, from this prophecy to the parting with Jesus at his tomb, and thus is no stranger to the pain that plagues every one of us, but particularly mothers. Recently we remembered St. Monica and her years of suffering over her husband, Patricius, and her son, Augustine. That inner pain can be just as excruciating as physical pain. Mary kept these things, pondering them in her heart and feeling them deeply. As we have learned ourselves, our pains make us more compassionate to those of others, and even when words cannot help, our presence as a fellow sufferer can often bring comfort.
There is a beautiful icon called Mary, Soothe My Sorrows, with Mary portrayed with a very gentle, understanding face. One merely needs to look at it to find comfort. Not all of us have that icon, but in our imaginations we can see Mary at the foot of the cross, looking beyond Jesus to us and offering us her solace as she takes our pain upon herself. May Our Lady of Sorrow comfort those afflicted with suffering of body and soul and help them unite their sufferings to the cross of Jesus where they find ultimate relief and redemption.
Bro. Rene

Living the Cross

Note:  I just "converted" to Windows 10 and am having a devil of a time with it. Never should have done it. As a result...our slice will be very thin today.

As we reflect on the cross today, we see two aspects:  a sign that was once shameful and disgraceful, that has become now a sign of triumph and hope, and the target of hate and persecution.  Looks like the cross will always be the cross, associated with pain and suffering, but also of victory and resurrection.   It is painful even to watch the destruction of crosses in Syria by ISIS, yet we know that someday they will find their place of honor on the churches from which they have been removed.  Even in our own lives, our aches and pains though seemingly endless, will be healed.  The pattern we are to follow is the model that Jesus left us, so eloquently described in Philippians 2:6-11.  Let's make it a point to find time today to sit with it and let it sink in.
Bro. Rene

Peter's Faith

Today's Gospel calls our attention to Peter's profession of faith, when he responded to Jesus's question, "Who do you say that I am?"  Peter responded, "You are the Christ." (cf. Mk 8: 29). We need to hear Jesus ask this question to us often, because our busyness often interferes with our faith.  We go by rote rather than by faith.  Sometimes there are events in our lives that stir up our dormant faith, such as the beautiful wedding of Maria and Anthony, mentioned as a note attached to yesterday's slice of bread.  What a boost to the faith of all who attended to witness this couple so strong in their faith give their lives to each other in total love forever.  The beauty of the church, the music, the 9 priests on the altar, the excellent homily explaining all the necessities for a holy and lasting marriage, and the faith of everyone there along with the genuine joy that followed in the reception was like being in heaven for a time and being able to say with all the passion of Peter, "You are the Christ."  Yes, YOU are for REAL and all that you have described and promised is possible. 
A young couple I had met through Anthony several years ago, were in need of prayer so I had added them to my list, but not seen them till yesterday when I found out that my persistent prayers made in faith were answered and they were the proud parents of a little son, Antonio!  Wow!  If ever in \doubt about the power of prayer and the need to keep praying, even when you no longer have contact with the people you are praying for, came home to me as a powerful reminder that God hears our prayers and answers them, whether we know it or not.
And along these lines, let me recommend a very moving film about the need for faith and the power of prayer:  War Room...It is a powerful rubber stamp of what I have just written.  Let us spend this day repeating Peter's confession of faith. "You are the Christ"!
Bro. /Rene

Fourteen Years Later

On this day 14 years ago, there was hardly a TV set that wasn't featuring gruesome images of the Twin Towers under attack.  If we stop for a second, we can easily recall where we were at the time, what feelings were running through our systems, and what thoughts through our minds.  Even today as a memorial in that once blackened field in Pennsylvania is dedicated to the victims of Flight 93, we wonder if there might be another attack somewhere to remind us that our enemies still prowl about with the same goals as 2001. We have been forced into being a very suspicious and fearful people.  Life has changed since that day, and as predicted even then, will never be the same again.
May we take a moment of silence to remember, to pray for the deceased and their surviving families, and to pray for an end to such acts of violence.
Bro. Rene

"Do Unto Others..."

We know that the essence of Christianity is love, for God is love, Jesus talks about it and shows it in his life and actions, sacrificing his own life out of love on the cross for our redemption. The love that he commands, is not all sweet chocolate and fragrant roses, but a tough, demanding, life-changing love:  "love your enemies," (Lk 6: 27) and "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Lk 6: 31).  Easier said than done, yet in God's infinite patience we have time on our side to learn to put these directives into practice.  If we just think of what our lives or what the world would be if we did, we might find the motivation to overcome our reluctance to put them into practice NOW.  Perhaps we could start on a small scale...with one person, with one difficult situation, and see what a difference we could make.  God, grant me the courage to live the Golden Rule and extend my love even to my "enemies.".
Bro. Rene

Making Up Our Minds

Parents often face frustration as they watch their children from the sidelines making decisions that will affect their lives...schools, careers, marriage partners.  What takes them so long?  Why can't they make up their minds.  Of course, many of us fail to see ourselves on this same fence of indecision.  It's always "them",  not me.
The parents of Peter Claver, whose memorial we observe today, waited patiently as he toyed for years with the notion of becoming a Jesuit.  They sighed in relief when he final made up his mind, but then, even as a Jesuit he wavered back and forth on how best to serve the Lord.  Finally, he decided to become a missionary in Cartegena, (Columbia) where his calling became clear, and from which he never wavered.  For 44 years he served the slaves who came over from Africa, caring for them physically and spiritually.  It took time for him to make up his mind, but when he did, he remained steadfastly committed.  He serves as an example to us for patience in awaiting callings and responses to become clear, and commitments to be cemented for life.  God, give me the patience I need with myself and others as we try to make up our minds.
Bro. Rene

Our Mother's Birthday

We usually make it  a point to celebrate the birthday of our mother with a special gift, call, dinner, or whatever, to mark this wondrous occasion, for a mother's love is measureless, steadfast and unconditional, as is God's.  As we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary today, what are we going to do to make this occasion noteworthy?  Through Mary comes our greatest gift, Jesus, but through the ages she has poured out her love for all of us in ways uncountable.  May we at least be mindful of her today, and offer gifts of kindness in her name to some unsuspecting recipient who crosses our path.  Let spontaneity mark the day and each time we share a smile or good word, let us pray, "It's for you, Mother.  Happy Birthday!"
Bro. Rene

Good Works

As we pause this day in the United States for the last holiday of the summer season, it might be good for us to reflect on the gift of work.  Tobit tells his son, "Perform good works all the days of your life and do not treat the paths of wrongdoing. For if you are steadfast in our service, your good works will bring success, not only to you, but also to all those who live uprightly." (Tobit 4:5-6). Unless we have such a fantastic job that it is actually fun to go to work, we rarely think of our work as a means to eternal life, but as St. Paul says, "Eternal life to those who seek glory honor, and immortality though perseverance in good works!" (Rm 2:7). The author of Tobit and St. Paul add this spiritual dimension to our labor and prayers for this day encourage us to use our work not only to "get the job done," no matter what it is, but to enhance our relationship with God and our neighbor.  O God...., you give the gift of work as a blessing and as task. In whatever work you have given us to do, small or great, grant that we may serve with love and praise with joy."  The Collect for today's Mass asks, "grant that all men and women may find work that befits their dignity joins them more closely to one another, and enables them to serve their neighbor."  There is definitely more than a pay check involved in work when seen in this light.  May we use this day of rest to come to a deeper appreciation of our jobs, our vocations, really, and return to them with renewed vigor and a deeper sense of our sharing in God's on-going work of creation.
Bro. Rene

Slow Healing

The cure of the deaf man with a speech impediment from the Decapolis, a "pagan region" is both a model for our own healing and a reminder that most often, the healing process demands time and work!  From physical disabilities, diseases such as cancer, to addictions, personal contact, touch and deep prayer, (groaning) are necessary. Talk to anyone who has gone through chemo, radiation or surgery, and they will tell you; even just looking at them, the toll on their bodies is visible.   Treatment centers for addiction range from two weeks to several months, with major follow-up continuing, for some, the rest of their lives.  Jesus used his fingers to touch the afflicted areas, the ears and tongue and finally had to shout, "Be opened!"   If this much was required for physical healing, how much more for spiritual healing or conversion!  We want everything instantly, but learn the hard way, that long term investment and patience along with deep faith pay off in the end.  May we again learn from Jesus how best to deal with our own need for healing and in our attempts to bring healing to others.
Bro. Rene

A Canadian Treat

Spending a few days with retired missionaries was like taking a drink from the fountain of life.  These men, in their 80's and some in their 90's, are still going strong and having the chance to tell their stories brought out their youthful, daring hearts once more.  These men went to Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia in their twenties, not knowing English, nor much about African  Culture, but left a mark in these countries that is indelible.  They opened a teacher training college as well as several primary and secondary schools, and laid the foundation for the current prosperity of these countries through education, both  in the faith and in purely academic subjects.  The schools they started continue under the administration of local Marist Brothers.  Young men are joining in numbers sufficient enough to insure a strong Marist presence for years to come.
Having just spoken in six parishes over the summer seeking support of our Marist Missions, and having so far received very generous responses, I feel further kinship with the missionaries who are in the field today.  Mustering up financial and prayerful support will enable wonderful works abroad to continue.  Join with me in those prayers for missionaries as well as in gratitude for all who have and are serving in the missions today.
Bro. Rene

Trusting One Another

Note:  Three of us brothers are leaving shortly to visit some of our Canadian Brothers at Chateau Richier (between Quebec City and Ste. Anne de Beaupre).  Can't be sure of internet access again.  Many interruptions between Mass and now make only one little thought possible. We'll be praying for you.


Where would the world be if we didn't trust one another?  God, the source of all trust shares his trust with us and asks us to share it with others.   Let's put this day in God's hands and at the same time, show more than the usual trust in our family, co-workers and friends...
Bro. Rene