Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Note:  I will not be able to cut another slice of bread until Sunday, January 2.  Happy New Year to All!!!              

The last day of the year always motivates me to look back on the last 364 days as well as to look ahead with hope and optimism to the on-coming 365 days of the new year.  We began 2015 with the same hopeful optimism as we wished each other Happy New Year, but little did we know of the bloodshed, the deceptions, the scandals, the suffering that would scare us and shake us to the core.  With the bold presence of an ISIS, more determined than ever to unleash its fury, fear and self-protection are occupying much of our time and energy as a world, and even in our own private lives.  Are feelings of dislike and distrust growing into hatred and suspicion?  Are we losing our peace? 
A look back also affirms the presence of God at work in this field of wheat and tares; there is much for which to give thanks, if we take the time to "count our blessings."  January 1st, is the World Day of Peace, as well as the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, she who gave birth to and nourished the Son of God.  God came into this world to save it, so as bad as things might seem, we are assured that the victory has been won.  We need to begin our new year on that note and allow our faith to be the force that gives us joy, conviction and strength to restore peace and harmony in our hearts, our families, our workplaces, our world.
Bro. Rene

Respect for Wisdom

In many cultures, particularly tribal cultures, respect for the elders is an essential element.  Elders are respected for the wealth of their experience, and the fruits of many years of reflecting on the ebb and flow of life.  Their mellow approach to crises, their calmness when others panic, their wise words of advice, the sum of their own experience coupled with the wisdom given to them by their fathers and mothers, gain the respect from the young and the middle-aged. They are given the place of honor in the circle when the family or community gathers. When they speak, all listen.
So it was with the aged Simeon and Anna; when they spoke, Mary and Joseph listened, so much so that Mary was able to give Luke the details of their encounter with the holy family, and particularly with the infant Jesus.  We might do well to learn from these two elders, the wisdom of paying close attention to the words of our own elderly.
Bro. Rene

"In the Spirit"

Today's Gospel gives us a picture of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, familiar to us as the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.  40 days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph came to present him to the Lord, as prescribed by the law of Moses, but the occasion was enhanced by the presence of the old Simeon, a devout and righteous man who, evidently, "lived in the Spirit." He had been told by the Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the "Christ of the Lord," the Messiah.  He saw that Jesus was that promised Messiah, praised God and predicted his mission and the pain it would cause Mary.  The Spirit helped him to see clearly and to speak without fear.
We might have experienced the same calm, the same courage when we have prayed to the Spirit, even felt that the words we spoke or wrote did not come from us, but from him...If so, then give thanks, as did Simeon; if not, the pray that the Spirit might become more active in our lives.
Bro. Rene

Holy Innocence

Again focusing on the dark side of the events following the birth of Jesus, we recall the slaughter of the boys 2 years old and younger by the henchmen of the ruthless King Herod.  He took action out of fear against an imaginary rival....a child who would be born in Bethlehem and be king one day.  None of those slaughtered was ever destined to be a king, and the One who escaped to Egypt was a King, but not of an earthly realm.  Herod had nothing to fear, but his ignorance of the truth caused the death of these Holy Innocents.
So many battles and useless slaughters, genocides and wars have occurred because of the same kind of ignorance of the people on the "other side."  The story is told of the "Christmas Truce" during World War I, when soldiers laid down their weapons, sang Christmas Carols, prayer, attended Mass and played soccer together...Innocence had its moment.
This morning I served breakfast at Cor Unum, a local soup kitchen with two young college men who attended rival high schools, and were "the enemy" at one time.  Meeting them, working with them, revealed a whole different side of them....we were no longer "enemies" or rivals, but teammates.  How much bloodshed could be avoided if we came to know the goodness and innocence of our rivals, our "enemies"?  How do we make this happen?  Perhaps turning in weapons in innocence and trust for serving trays of food to feed the hungry might bring nations together and stop all this useless destruction.  Something to think and pray about.
Bro. Rene

The Power of Family

Note:  a very long "windows update" prevented me from posting a slice of bread on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph on Sunday, but here is a bonus slice for today.  

Each year on Holy Family Sunday, we hold up the family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus as the ideal and challenge ourselves to make our families as much like it as possible.  Of course, we live in much different times, and our families today, though similar, are not exactly the same.  Yet the common elements remain basic: faith, love, trust, respect, mutual support, discipline, and lots of hard work.  We might examine our families to see what kind of faith-formation and example we are giving to our children...so many families these days are "unchurched";  some families neglect to have children baptized, and even if so, neglect the other sacraments since attendance at Mass is only occasional, if at all.  More are more funerals are conducted in funeral homes, or simply at graveside.  When there is a Mass, the funeral director has to indicate when to stand, sit and kneel.
Then we ask what kind of training  is given to social consciousness, justice, attention to the poor through service or aid in the form of food, clothing or money. What kind of morals, what emphasis on appearances or material goods are we teaching our offspring?  The family provides the most powerful influence for good or for bad.  How would Jesus, Mary and Joseph rate my family?
Bro. Rene

Persecution

Red  vestments, not Christmas red, but the blood red of martyrdom, remind us that the coming of Jesus, whose birth we joyfully celebrated yesterday, was for the purpose of redeeming a fallen human race through pain and suffering...the death of this child on the cross.  It's a shocking contrast to the song of the angels, the wonder of the shepherds and adoration of the Magi, but it was for our salvation that God gave us his only begotten Son. (cf. Jn 3:1 6).  St. Stephen's feast and the rampant murder of the Holy Innocents began a trend which continues today.  The beheadings of Christians by IS and even the more subtle persecutions in the United States continue this tradition of persecution, suffering and death for the sake of the name of Jesus.  It's part of the package:  Unless you take up your cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. (Mt. 16:24-25).
While family celebrations might be continuing today and through the weekend, we might pray as St. Stephen did, for forgiveness for those who persecute, and mercy for those who are being persecuted or who have been martyred, and commend their souls to God.  We might offer up our holiday fatigue, our aches and pains for the same intention.  We might also accept the challenge to fear not to live our faith visibly and strongly within our families and workplaces, fortified by the example and prayers of St. Stephen.
Bro. Rene

Joy To The World

How many times have we heard or sung Joy to the World just this Advent and now Christmas Season?  On this day, Christmas itself, it is a fitting message, that the God who created this universe is born as one of us, has stepped into the creature he created to show us his love, and to assure us that we can move toward becoming divine.  What a great union of God and humankind, merged into ONE in the person of Jesus! Can we fully comprehend this?  It's the task of a lifetime, yet each year as we approach the Mystery from a different place in our lives, from a different angle, it becomes a bit clearer and we move a step or two closer to full comprehension and union.
Yesterday at our 31st Christian Men's Breakfast, the Rev. Lyndon Meyers helped us focus on the privilege we have to bear the name of Jesus.  If we call ourselves Christians, we bear his name...as simple as that, but ah, the living out of that privilege...not so simple.  Can we be Christ today in our families, at our jobs, in our communities?  Do people see Christ in us as we go about our daily lives?
Gives us pause.  Yet, we are celebrating the miracle of Christ's birth...a reminder that the miracle of our becoming other Christs IS POSSIBLE.  And because of this, there is Joy for the World, and no one can take it from us.
Bro. Rene

Breaking Through the Darkness

This is the day the Sun of Justice, the Dawn from on high breaks through the darkness left by the sin of our first parents.  Humbly, in a stable the Light of the world appears as a totally dependent infant.  He is first worshipped by the lowly shepherds, no strangers to darkness as they keep watch of their sheep around the clock.  They recognize and welcome the light as the angels sing "Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Lk 2:14). 
During this final day of Christmas preparation, might we let the LIGHT shine on our activity to bless what we do, to give us a few moments to reflect on what Jesus means to the world, to us?  As we set up our Christmas lights (if we haven't done so already), might we not thank God for sending us the true Light....might we ask how we might be lights for the family and others tonight, tomorrow, and beyond the Christmas season?  Let us keep it simple, remembering the stable and shepherds and the profound humility and sincerity of the Magi.  A pure,grateful and humble heart shines as bright as the star of Bethlehem. Let this be our gift to him who breaks through the darkness.
Bro. Rene

Emmanuel

Finally, we arrive at the last "O Antiphon",  and address it to Emmanuel, God with us.  He is King. Lawgiver, and Savior, all summed up in this name, in this concept.  We have been readying our hearts by listening to Scripture, reflecting for four weeks on the promises of a Messiah and descriptions of what his kingdom will be like.  Each year we come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of how much God loves us.  "What are we that you have loved us so well?" Most of us will be busier than ever in our Christmas preparations, but though they must be done, while doing them, we might ask this question, and offer words of thanks and appreciation.
"O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the hope of all nations and our Savior:  come and save us, O Lord our God."
Bro. Rene

The Desire of Nations

With all the fighting, violent suicide bombings, fruitless negotiations, and failed agreements, it has not dawned on us what our real desire is.  We are failing to acknowledge that the Cornerstone which binds the dust of mankind into one, is Jesus Christ, the one, true and only King and Desire of Nations. Today's Gospel gives us Mary, Magnificat in which she praises God for not only showered us with mercy, but with the strength of his arm has scattered the proud, cast down the mighty, lifted the lowly, filled the hungry and sent the rich away empty. He comes with promised mercy to bring a a kingdom of unity and peace into existence.   In our Year of Mercy, may our prayers help us to live Mary's Magnificat, and help us to illumine the path followed by Mary for all to see.  If each one of us gets our priorities straight, the ripple effect is just what the scattered dust of the nations need.
O King of the nations and their Desire, the Cornerstone who binds two into one: come and save mankind, whom you fashioned from clay.                   
Bro. Rene

The Radiant Dawn

This year a bit of irony or poetic justice occurs as the "O Antiphon", O Oriens, O Radiant Dawn, O Dayspring, falls on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day, the longest night.  At the time of greatest darkness we look to the Rising Dawn, the splendor of eternal Light and the Sun of Justice to come and illuminate us who "sit in darkness and the shadow of death."   We are reminded of John's Prologue, What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. (Jn 1: 2-3) As frightening as darkness may be for some, it is in the darkness that most often a clarity of thought, a solution to a problem, a memory retrieved, an idea for a story or invention, a moment of union with God in gratuitous contemplation.  And, or course, Jesus, the Light of the World was born in a dark stable and immediately the heavens were filled with choirs of angels, illumined by the Star which drew the Wise Men to Bethlehem.  Yes, the Light will always overcome the darkness; no need for us to fret or brush it off as wishful thinking.  It IS the truth.  Light prevails and will prevail.
O Rising Dawn, splendor of eternal Light and Sun of Justice, come and illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.
Bro. Rene

Opening Doors To Freedom and Light

Another powerful image comes to us today, a key, but not any key, the Key of David that has the power to open and shut, that can open the prison doors and allow prisoners who sit in darkness and the shadow of death to come forth into the light.  The scepter, a sign of royal power, guarantees that this key is king and ruler and that he alone leads those in bondage to freedom.  How appropriate to look upon this king, about to be born, in his ultimate role as liberator, as savior.  Jesus comes as a helpless infant, but is the one who wipes out darkness once and for all and gives us, no matter who we are or where we are in our journey, the hope and the light for which we long.  As Mary ran with haste to Elizabeth to share her joy and was met by the joyful leaping of John the Baptist in Elizabeth's womb, and heard the joyful greeting, "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb", (Lk 1: 42) may we give ourselves over to this new-born king and share in his mission to bring light, life and joy to those who are still lost in darkness.
O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, who open and none can shut, who shut and none can open, com and lead to freedom the prisoner who sits in darkness and the shadow of death.
Bro. Rene

O Root of Jesse's Stem

Today's readings give us the stories of the conception of Samson and the conception of John the Baptist:  both to elderly and "barren" women. (cf. Jdg. 13:2-25 and Lk 1: 5-25).  Nothing is impossible with God and he carries out his plan in simple, yet spectacular ways.  The angel Gabriel tells the skeptical Zechariah that he will be mute until the child is born.  This is not a punishment, but a gift:  "silence is golden" goes the old proverb. Zechariah is forced into 9 months of silence to ponder the mystery of which he was a major part. 
Today's "O Antiphon" makes reference to the Root of Jesse's stem...the offspring of King David's father Jesse.  This distant offspring of the root had centuries to grow and  develop until he emerged as Jesus, "the sign of God's love to all people". Silence and time, both hard to find these days, but above all it is precisely these days that need a good dose of each.  How else do we become fruitful bearers of the Good News?  How else do we come to simplify our understanding and execution of God's plan?  How else do we fathom the mystery of Emmanuel?  Let us plan to take time to mute our lives, to ponder, so that we might more fully appreciate what we celebrate on December 25th.
O Root of Jesse's stem,/ sign of God's love for all his people,/ come to save us without delay!"
Bro. Rene

Our Leader

The second "O Antiphon" addresses "Adonai"...the substitute for YHWH, the name God gave to Moses from the burning bush, such a sacred name that it could never be fully written out nor pronounced on the lips.  We would use the term, Lord, as the translation for Adonai.  The antiphon continues, "Dux domus Israel"--leader of the house of Israel. He is seen as  the "giver of the law and the rescuer of Israel because of his mighty power."  He is a STRONG leader, one who loves order, structure and obedience to rules and regulations.  Indeed this leader is the author of the Ten Commandments, from which sprung hundreds of laws that eventually got in the way of  relationship with him.  Jesus arrives as the true leader who frees his followers from the bondage of  these multiple laws and simplifies them into two great commandments founded on love:  love of God and love of neighbor.  Jesus is the true leader of the house of Israel, of which we are members by our baptism and faith.  He leads from a position of love which engenders respect, inspiration and joyful obedience.  His power is based on who he is, rather than on a show of power.  It is this kind of leadership that rescues us.
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power.   
Bro. Rene

God's Wisdom

Today during the Alleluia before the Gospel and tonight at Evening Prayer before the Magnificat, we sing the praise of God's Wisdom in the traditional "O" Antiphons.  These succinct and powerful verses help us to understand and appreciate the Event we will celebrate a week from now on Christmas Eve: the coming of our God as a child, one of us, into this world.  You may remember that we devoted our daily slice of bread to each one of these antiphons.  They are so rich, that we'll continue to draw wisdom and light from them, for as our world situation changes, their universality continues to make them relevant.
In a world where disorder, turmoil and upheaval are reaching the point of chaos, our first O Antiphon reminds us that true Wisdom comes from the mouth of God, reaches :"end to end"...of time, of the universe, and certainly of our planet, and "mightily and sweetly orders" all things.   It is God's wisdom, God's mighty power and gentleness that can settle the upheaval and resolve the disorder, if we are wise, courageous and prudent enough to accept it into our lives.  How much time are we all spending on Christmas cards and gifts, and thus avoiding this call to accept this Child, this Wisdom into our lives and becoming witnesses and evangelizers of this Gift? 
O Wisdom, coming for the from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end, mightily and sweetly ordering all things, come and teach us the way of prudence.
Bro. Rene

Whom Are We Looking For?

John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus asking, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" (Lk 7:18b)  Jesus responded not directly, but by a summary of his deeds: the curing of the blind, lepers, and deaf, and even the raising of the dead.  Would this not be enough to clarify his identity?  At one point in the Republican debates last night, Dr. Ben Carson said that he is not the boisterous braggadocio type, but a look at what he has so far accomplished in his life should speak volumes for him..  It is not in words alone that we explain our positions, but in our deeds.  What kind of Messiah, then,  are we looking for?  The Jews at the time of Jesus, because of the Roman occupation, were looking for a powerful  general who would raise up an army and drive the Romans out.  A pipe dream for sure,  In our times, in our lives, what are we looking for?  Who or what will be able to stem the tide of secularism, indifference, violence, mistrust and immorality that threaten everything we hold dear?  Our Messiah would have to be the one who heals, who raises back to life. Again, it comes to Jesus, the one, true Messiah.  Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus!
Bro. Rene

Voting With Our Feet

It's often said that we vote with our feet.  We may say something with firm conviction, but it's our feet that determine how firm that conviction is.  In today's Gospel, the parable of the two sons illustrates this. The first refuses his father's order to work in the family vineyard, but evidently changes his mind, and goes to it.  The second son "yeses" his father, but does not go. Jesus asked the chief priests and elders which son did the will of his father.  The answer is obvious.
Where do we find ourselves at this mid-point in Advent?  Have we been able to keep our Advent promise(s)? Where are our feet?  Did we walk  on one path and stray to  another?  If so, we can still get back on track.  Self-correcting seems to be our lot as humans.  "The things I do not want to do, I do, and those I want to do, I do not do." (Rm 7:19).  It keeps coming back to this, which reminds us of our need for Jesus, which in turn reminds us of the purpose of Advent: to prepare our hearts, make way, for the presence of Jesus in our lives...Our failures are part of the process, and by returning our feet time and time again to him, can strengthen our resolve to give him the welcome, the hospitality, in our lives that his love deserves.
Bro. Rene

Adversity Begets Strength

Adversity begets strength (if we allow it) as darkness eventually yields to light.   These dark, short December days are a trial.  Who likes driving to and from work in the dark?  Who would like being imprisoned in a small dark cell for nine months?  St. John of the Cross, Carmelite priest co-Reformer of the Carmelites along with St. Teresa of Avila, and Doctor of the Church, suffered just such a period as his own friars rebelled against his efforts of reform, cast him into a small prison cell and beat him three times a week  How dark does it get?  He escaped by unscrewing the lock on his door, and descending from a window on pieces of blanket tied together in classic prison escape fashion, carrying with him his poetry and now famous Dark Night of the Soul.  His dark period helped him to see the Light that really matters, the LOVE of our all-loving God.  His writings continue to illumine the way for those seeking a deeper, contemplative relationship with God; without his own sufferings, poverty in his youth and this period of rejection and imprisonment, he would not have been able to help others see clearly how adversity leads to strength, darkness to light   St. John of the Cross, let me use the darkness of December and the trials of daily life as the means to encountering the Light of Christ
Bro. Rene

Practical Advice

On this "Rejoice" (Gaudete) Sunday, St. Paul tells us to "rejoice in the Lord always.  The prophet, Zephaniah urges us to "shout for joy....sing joyfully....be glad and exult with all your heart."  (Zeph 3:14).  John the Baptist. when asked, "What should we do?" (Lk 3:10) gives advice that is practical, doable, simple:  e.g. "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.  And whoever has food should do likewise." (Lk 3: 11).  All three advise us not to fear, for the Lord is near. No need for anxiety, discouragement, or stress.  "The Lord God is in your midst,/ a mighty savior;/ he will rejoice over you with gladness,/ and renew you in his love,/ he will sing joyfully because of you,/as one sings at festivals." (Zeph 3:17-18).  Yes, our Emmanuel is with us, embracing us, offering us the healing of his loving-kindness.  It's no big secret how to experience this....keeping it simple, as John points out...don't cheat employers....be satisfied with your wages.  If we look at the way we do the ordinary things of everyday life, we can make holy gifts out of them by doing them well, by being thorough....finishing a task or job as best we can....and by doing them as acts of love.
Making that cup of coffee...offering a cup to another...cleaning up after someone else...the opportunities abound.  Let's make this a real "Rejoice Day" not by doing something extraordinary, but by doing the ordinary, extraordinary well. as Mother Teresa and others have put it.
Bro. Rene

Guadalupe

Today, the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, millions will throng to the basilica in Mexico City to pray before the miraculous tilma of Juan Diego where her image has captured the hearts of faithful and non-believers since 1511.  Again, God's plan turned out to be a total surprise and shows us how God works.
Little did the good and humble Juan Diego ever imagine that on his way to Mass he would see the Mother of God and be asked to reveal her desire for a chapel to be built on the hill at Teypeyac.  The cure of his uncle, roses in December and her image on his tilma convinced him that the Mother of God was near to him and to the people of Mexico.  Indeed she appeared dark skinned, spoke the native tongue, and wore garment full of Aztec religious symbols that found their fulfillment in her.
When we least expect it, God intervenes in our lives, and quite often, through his mother.  The recent issue of National Geographic has a fine article on "the cult of Mary", describing some of her many apparitions and their impact.  Her image is on the cover of this issue, in itself most unusual.  As Mary put herself in the hands of God and "let it be done to her according to his word," so too let us put this day and our lives in those same loving and caring hands.
Bro. Rene

This Generation

In frustration Jesus asked with what he could compare the generation in front of him and likened it to children in the market place who played the flute and no one danced, or sang a dirge, and no one mourned. (cf. Mt 11:16).  It was a no win situation for him.
We might feel the same way as traditional values slip into the abyss and contrary values emerge.  A look at how many today regard Christmas, emphasizing gift-giving while ignoring THE GIFT which is the is the reason for our giving. The word, holiday, has replaced Christmas and in some places, even schools, the singing of Christmas Carols has been eliminated.  It's really time for Christians to take a stand and explain the real meaning of Christmas...This new song does a good job.  Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ln01p1M2cH0        
Br. Rene

The Violent Bear It Away

Noted American short story writer, Flannery O'Connor was fascinated by contradictions and paradoxes, hence, one of her most famous stories, The Violent Bear It Away, was based on a line from the Gospel of Matthew (cf. Mt 11: 12).  John the Baptist preached about the kingdom of heaven, a kingdom of justice and peace,  but Jesus reminded his followers that it suffers from violence, and the violent "are taking it away."  John himself was a victim of that violence, losing his head to the evil desire of Herodias and her weak husband/king, Herod.  And, as we know, Jesus suffered much violence at the instigation of the Pharisees, who used the Romans, noted for their brutality, to carry out their wishes.  This pattern continues today as Christians suffer violence from ISIS and less obvious persecutions.
We might even look into the battlefield of our own souls and see how split we are:  the good that I wish to do, I do not, and that which I do not wish to do, I do.  (Rm. 7:19),  The war with temptation sometimes rages with great violence, and, but for the grace of God, could bear us away.
Yet,  the words of Isaiah give us hope and the promise of an end to all violence:
Yes, the Lord shall comfort Zion
and have pity on all her ruins;
Her deserts he shall make like Eden, her wasteland like the garden of the Lord;
Joy and gladness shall be found in her,
thanksgiving and the sound of song.  (Is 51:3)

May the season of Advent help us find this garden of peace, joy, gladness thanksgiving and song.
Br Rene

The Holy Door

Yesterday, as a symbolic entrance into the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis pushed open the Holy Door, a special door in the façade of St. Peter's Basilica, usually opened every twenty-five years to signify a Jubilee Year.  Such was the case in 2000 when Pope St. John Paul II opened it for that Jubilee which concluded in 2001. This Jubilee is extraordinary, being only 15 years after the previous one.  As he commented after stepping through, Pope Francis asked that we leave judgment behind and enter into mercy, in the hope that simple acts of mercy and forgiveness might yield extraordinary results.  Local cathedrals will open their doors in similar fashion.
We too are called to open the closed doors of our hearts that keep us imprisoned in judgment, fear, or doubt and do not allow God's mercy to heal us, nor us to bring healing to those who might be standing locked out of our doors for some reason. This is the golden opportunity, the holy opportunity to unlock our doors, mend relationships, soften our hard hearts and allow mercy to reconcile and heal where needed.  Let us pray for God's merciful grace to give us the strength to change what must be changed and make this Holy Year one that bears visible fruit.
Bro. Rene

Mother of Mercy

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception this year marks the beginning of a Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, who opened the Holy Door at St. Peter's today.  Usually a Jubilee or Holy Year is every 25 years, but Pope Francis, in typical fashion, is not bound by "the way we always do it", and, I believe, inspired by the Holy Spirit has broken with tradition to focus on this timely and much needed virtue.  Fittingly, it begins on this major feast of Mary, who was the first to benefit from the Mercy brought to the human race by her Son, who IS Mercy itself. For by the grace of the forgiveness of sins he won for all of us, she was spared any stain of sin from her very conception in light of her destiny to bring forth into the world the Sinless One. She is rightly the Mother of Mercy.
Since her appearances at Fatima, mercy has been one of Mary's major themes, fostered by St. Faustina and amplified by Pope St. John Paul II who established Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday after Easter. This Year of Mercy furthers the emphasis on mercy.  In the words of Pope Francis, “mercy will always be greater than any sin, and no one can place limits on the love of God who is ever ready to forgive. Mercy, is 'the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us.'”  Let us open our hearts to receive God's mercy and in turn, through the practice of the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, bring that mercy to others.
Bro. Rene 

Miracles and Daring

On this 74th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we cannot avoid thinking of the courage and bravery of the survivors who, facing overwhelming odds, did their best to help the wounded on the spot, and in time, fight courageously till victory was achieved.  The nation rallied and sacrificed in a unified effort, fortified with bold determination, to avenge the wrong.  From the morning to December 7th 1941 to VJ Day on September 2, 1945, we might call this reversal a miracle.
Today is also the memorial of St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church.  Ambrose was governor of Milan, an erudite orator and brave peacemaker.  Upon the death of the bishop of Milan, while trying to establish peace between two opposing factions, he was acclaimed bishop by the people, even though he was not yet baptized. He was consecrated bishop a week after his baptism in 374, and is noted for baptizing St. Augustine and confronting the Emperor Theodosius and bringing him to repentance. These major events, so unlikely, miraculously became realty through God's grace and the daring courage of Ambrose.
Today's Gospel recounts the healing of the paralyzed man who had to be dropped through the roof so that Jesus could cure him., which he did, as well as forgiving  him his sins. The roof and the crowd were in the way, but the bold determination of friends overcame these obstacles to the eventual cure and absolution. 
When we think we are facing impossible odds, may we find inspiration in these historic facts to strengthen our faith and enable us to take bold and daring action.
Bro. Rene

Preparing the Way

John the Baptist appears on this Second Sunday of Advent, fulfilling the words of the prophet Isaiah: "Prepare the way of the Lord,/make straight his paths.  Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight,/ and the rough ways made smooth and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Is 40.3-4)
Our own prayer should lead us to visit the mountains and valleys, the crooked ways and rough roads in our hearts.  What distracts us from the essentials in our relationship with God and with others?  Can we make straight and right the crooked values gaining ground in our society?  Can we help fill in the gaps of poverty, hunger and injustice in our own communities and cities?  Are we even aware of them?  We lament the lack of faith in so many families today, but what about the conversion needed in our own lives?  John the Baptist preaches to us too.  Let us listen to and pray over his message, then act on it.
Bro. Rene

Emmauel

What is Advent without hearing or using the title, Emmanuel, "God with us"? As we come to the end of the first week of Advent, let's take a moment to reflect on God's presence with us at all times...He gives his it freely and without limit. "Without cost you have received" (Mt 9:8).  It is this gift which should pre-occupy us these days as the antidote to all the violence and problems presented daily by the media. Reflecting on, relishing the nearness of God, his kindness, loving care, his love and peace strengthen us to hear the "bad news" and take it in stride.  Our foundation stone is this God, who is present with all of us at all times.  He is the one who turns what appears to be atrocity into blessing.  We need to learn to see with God's eyes, and only by spending time with him can we do so.   And from this encounter, we in turn can give that strength, peace and love to others.  "Without cost you are to give."  (Mt 9:8).  Emmanuel is the One who makes that possible.
Bro. Rene

Healing Our Blindness

Sometimes we get bogged down in the messiness of life and fail to see the presence of God in the mess.  Yes, he's there and can help us see if we ask, if we believe.  Todays' Gospel (Mt 9:27-31) recounts the cure of two blind men who cried out to Jesus for pity and because of their persistence and faith, were healed.  It seems they had to express their faith unequivocally before Jesus acted, but seeing their sincerity and depth of faith, he touched them and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." (Mt 9:29).  They could not see Jesus physically, but they were not blind to what he could do for them.
When the messiness in our own souls, augmented by the messiness of the world around us, blinds us,  there is only ONE person who can rescue us. May our pride, or our despair not prevent us from seeing  the healing power of Jesus nor prevent us from calling out to him for the help we need.  He is not blind nor deaf.  Why hesitate to ask?
Bro. Rene

Building on Rock

Reference to God as a Rock is an image that appears frequently in the Bible, and today's Gospel passage presents the image of the house built on rock, as opposed to sand.  We are called to reflect on the contrast between empty words, "Lord, Lord" and the action which should follow, a blending of the two as a solid foundation.   Are our prayers just wishful thinking: "I'm-a gonna", or do we actually DO what we say in our prayers?  Is our house built on the God-Rock or simply on the sand of our hollow words?
Bro. Rene

Our Compassionate Jesus

Jesus heals the blind,  the lame, the deformed, the mute and feeds the hungry, constantly moved to pity, and further, is ready to forgive our sins, knowing our contrite hearts. If we have doubts or anxieties about confessing our sins,  St. Faustina has passed on the words of Jesus to us,“Tell me about everything, be sincere in dealing with me, reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal them.”  Part of our heart's preparation for Christmas is to cleanse it with the sacrament of reconciliation.  Let us not hesitate.
Bro. Rene

Trust Wait and Serve

Trust, wait and serve, three very "Advent words, themes" that will help us make good use of these four weeks.  As Mary and Joseph learned to trust during the months of Mary's pregnancy, the social pressures, the many unanswered questions, the daily routine of work and keeping their simple household together, and then the census with it's forced trip to Bethlehem, we too who face similar challenges must grow in trust.  God's plan unfolded gradually as they waited, and we who have not all the answers need to wait in trust, while continuing to serve others as best we can, even if in what we might consider little insignificant ways.  In the loving eyes of God, nothing is insignificant.  During these weeks we might become more aware that meeting God in the silence of waiting and trusting is the most important outcome of Advent.  Let us embrace this time with trust, patient waiting and loving service.
Bro. Rene