Our Holy Family

The Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Holy Family today since there is no Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day this year.  Many people will thus miss the occasion to reflect on the Holy Family and their own Holy Families.  Yes, there is holiness in our families in the love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, humility and gentleness we experience in our families throughout our lifetimes and especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Families make huge efforts to gather, celebrate and give thanks for one another and for the blessings received from the Father of us all.  these are all marks of holiness. Today, those who feed on this slice of Daily Bread might make it a point to say thank you and I love you to family again.  A call, an e-mail, a word at the New Year's Eve party or during the football watch after Mass in honor of Mary the Mother of God on New Year's Day.  We can never say thanks enough to God for all his blessings, nor to one another for the gifts we are to each other.  Amen!
Bro. Rene
Note: I will not have access to the internet until Monday, so this will be the last slice of bread for 2016.  Happy New Year and God's abundant blessings to ALL.

Clarity

Don't we all wish that we could see clearly, without the blindness of our own biases or self-centeredness? Perhaps we'll never be so blessed, but Simeon, an elderly man who lived "in the Spirit," was gifted with a promise to see the salvation of Israel before his death and did so in today's Gospel passage.  He recognizes the child as the Savior, gives God praise and thanks and further warns Mary of the suffering she will endure as she shares the sufferings of her Son. It was the Spirit speaking through him:  a call to us to live more in the Spirit so that we might see with greater clarity the plan of God and accept whatever suffering we are bearing or will be asked to bear. As we ponder the mystery and miracle of Christmas (the Incarnation), may we learn to be as open to God's plan as were Simeon and Mary.
Bro. Rene

Evil vs. Innocence

The Feast of the Holy Innocents today pits the forces of evil against the powerlessness of the innocent, a situation that continues to this day. Indeed, Rachel can be heard lamenting in Aleppo, Sudan, and in the abortion clinics around the world.  It is not just Herod, who in his fear and jealousy slaughtered the infant boys of Bethlehem; the slaughter persists directly and indirectly.  It is a fact of the human condition, but thankfully, Jesus was spared and remains the basis for hope in the midst of atrocity.  Our prayers, our good actions, our voice lifted in favor of the innocence can, at least raise awareness if not actually stop some of the injustices against the innocent, particularly, children.
May we not remain silent or immobile in the face of evil.
Bro. Rene

Christmas and the Resurrection

Yesterday we celebrated the martyrdom of St. Stephen; today we read a resurrection account in which John, whose feast it is today, is featured; tomorrow will be the Holy Innocents.  All of these expand our understanding of the Nativity: God became human in order for humanity to reach its full potential. John saw and he believed (Jn 20:8)...echoed in our popular proverb:  Seeing is Believing.  We might reverse this notion to put the emphasis on our faith, which allows us to see:  We believe, therefore, we see with greater depth and clarity. John,, traditionally referred to as "the Beloved Disciple" played a special role as the very close friend of Jesus to whom he confided the care of his mother at the foot of the cross.  His Gospel and letters soar with poetic insight into the divinity of Jesus and he speaks powerfully about the need to love one another in order to share more completely in the God-life. Indeed, the birth of Jesus is the foundation of the divine life made available to us through the resurrection.  In baptism we "die with Christ" and so rise with him. We reflect today on this risen life as we contemplate the crib, cross and resurrection and draw more closely to the God who has given us such a gift.
Bro. Rene

Clashing with Christmas?

Each year the martyrdom of St. Stephen, a dynamic deacon who was stoned to death not long after the Resurrection, which is celebrated the day after Christmas, seemingly presents a dramatic contrast to the joy and good cheer we enjoyed a short twenty-four hours ago. Yes, but it is a stark reminder of what is entailed in the lives of those who follow Jesus, who warned his disciples of persecution, suffering and death.(Cf. Mt 10:17-22). Even as a child, Jesus was sought after for execution by King Herod and had to flee with Mary and Joseph to Egypt. For all the good he did and love he spread, his life was at constant odds with the "establishment" and was eventually terminated on the cross...Were it not for the Resurrection, it would have been a total waste of time.
The Resurrection is the redeeming factor in this apparently ill-positioned tale of Stephen's martyrdom and fits rightly into the Christmas story and the plan of salvation.  Joy, life, love and eternal peace triumph over the sufferings and big and little martyrdoms that occur daily. As we wash dishes and clean up the debris from yesterday's celebrations and feel very "un-Christmasy" may we retain the inner joy of Easter that puts all pain in proper perspective.  Thank you, St. Stephen, for reminding us to commend our spirits to the resurrected Jesus, our Source of Life.
Bro. Rene

A Holy, Joyfilled Day

After four weeks of preparation during Advent, we arrive now at the day when we commemorate the birth of the Son of God.  Our readings bring up the familiar stories and images; our homes ring with the joy of carols and conversation and scattered members return to family for the celebration of this event with gifts, traditional foods and the gift of presence.  Joy, laughter and sharing stories of the past year and hopes for the future abound; churches overflow with people who make it a special point to worship and give thanks on this day.
Yesterday over 260 men and their sons gathered for a breakfast where the speaker and the closing prayer challenged us to be holy, not only good, and to take this holiness to our families and to the streets.  Most of those there are already very active in their churches and communities, but there is always MORE we can do.
This is a special day, perhaps the most favorite feast worldwide, and ranks high in American Culture along with Thanksgiving and Easter.  It's hard to say which is highest, but nevertheless, may we all do our best to make it a holy joyful, day by sharing the love God gives us in Jesus with ALL we encounter today.
Bro. Rene

Christmas Eve

As last minute cooking, shopping, traveling and preparing come to a halt and families gather for the Vigil Mass, a meal, and/or Midnight Mass, there is an atmosphere of relief and celebration anticipating that of Christmas Day itself. This indeed is a "big day" and even the Church acknowledges it by providing several Masses to cover this evening, midnight and tomorrow morning.
Now the traditional Christmas Carols replace the Advent hymns and the colors of lavender and purple yield to white, gold, red and green.  The empty manger in the nativity scene receives the baby Jesus and the joy of family uniting roundout the pre-Christmas Day festivities.  Gratitude fills hearts as we sing Glory to God in the Highest, for on this night is born our Savior.
Bro. Rene

Breaking His Silence

Nine months after the Angel Gabriel's announcement regarding the birth of a child late in life to him and his wife, Elizabeth, the muted Zechariah wrote, "his name is John," as directed by Gabriel, and began to speak again. Breaking his silence, he extolled God and his plan in what has become "The Benedictus", a canticle now sung or recited every morning the in Divine Office.  "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who has come to his people and set them free." (Lk 1:68).  He captures the prophetic  mission of his son in a few words and sets the stage for mercy, freedom from fear, the forgiveness of sins, salvation, and compassion, themes which will permeate the preaching of this child and of his cousin, Jesus. 
This canticle is also a call to us to break our silence, speak up and continue the ministry of John by our own words and actions: to live our lives according to the message of John and Jesus, remembering that "actions speak louder than words." How can we do this TODAY and with John, "prepare the way" for the birth of Jesus?
Bro. Rene

Giving and Receiving

Mary's Magnificat constitutes today's Gospel reading and causes us to pause at her reaction to the major change in her plans as she responded a total YES to Gabriel's invitation.  She gave herself, everything she could have held dear, including her position in the life of Joseph and their plans for marriage. Yet, God filled her with such joy and completeness that indeed she could claim that her soul "magnified the Lord."  She came to deeper understanding of his greatness and her humble, yet exalted place in his sight.  As gave of her self, and in return, she received the gift of becoming the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of God, opening the door to salvation for us all.
The pattern continues in our own lives, for it seems, the more we give of ourselves, the MORE God compensates, usually, OVERCOMPENSATES!  How often have we been overwhelmed by his generous gifts?  A recent example in my own life has been the sabbatical in Italy.  It took a disciplined push to "leave all behind"  for two months, but the gift of inner peace and renewal has more than made up for the "loss".  Anyone underdoing a knee replacement endures some pain and immobility for awhile, but the gains fare outweigh the inconvenience. Let us ponder with Mary today how God has worked his pattern of giving and receiving with us.
Bro. Rene

Shortest Daylight

December 21st in the northern hemisphere is labeled in common parlance as "The Shortest Day," but more correctly, it is the day of the shortest daylight, the Winter Solstice, when the sun's spherical tour comes to a halt, with brakes on, allowing the reverse journey to begins. It falls appropriately a few days before Christmas when the True Light comes to earth as a human being, a birth announced by a mysterious star, and the heavens aglow with a host of heavenly angels. For a lot of people, just the physical fact of the cease of slow process of light diminishment we've been experiencing since June 22  is a cause for rejoicing for the lengthening of daylight means rebirth in nature, the spring revival of color and warmth and a foretaste of the beauty of summer.  Even more so on the spiritual level, the light of Christ means release from the darkness of sin and evil, and assurance of Light and Life eternal.  As we rejoice in the promise of  more daylight from now on, let us rejoice even more because of the gift of the eternal light of union with Father Son and Holy Spirit.
Bro. Rene

God's Vision For Us

NB: Apologies for not posting yesterday:  I did not have my new password with me.  All set now.

We are getting closer to Christmas, and fittingly, the Gospel for today harkens back to the Annunciation, as Mary must have done often as she pondered the events of her life, to tie the events together for us and help us appreciate more how God's Vision is not always what we envision, but better!
Mary was looking forward to a happy and normal life with Joseph, but Gabriel's intervention on the part of God, changed all that forever, for her and for us.  St. Francis dreamed of knighthood, but sickness, an encounter with a leper, and the command of Jesus to "rebuild my house, which you see is falling into ruins," changed that dream to one simpler, yet more spectacular in scope.  Indeed, thousands of Franciscans around the word are continuing the Church rebuilding begun by Francis.  Pope Francis, himself, never dreaming of being Pope, continues this project.
Each one of us, especially the young whose whole life is in front of them, have plans and dreams, yet God can intervene and give us a vision and desire for something far different from those plans.  I heard a young man say recently, "I never thought I could give up such and such."  When God calls, there is freedom to say no, but usually his call comes with a power too compelling to resist.
Bro. Rene

One More Week

Note:  Am back in Massachusetts, and found I've had to "catch up" on passwords, etc...time then for writing is now limited.  In general, an overwhelming debt of gratitude as I reflect on how the Creator of this universe has not only sent his Son into the world, but keeps each one of us in view, loading us with signs and gifts to let know that he is WITH US:  Emmanuel!

With one more week to go before Christmas, the rush is on.  Perhaps just remembering and repeating the word, Emmanuel will help us focus on what we have been pondering for three weeks.  Let's not lose the progress and insights we have gained by becoming ferociously busy!
Bro. Rene

Into A Messy World

Mathew begins his Gospel with an introduction of the family of Jesus, a collection of sinners, murderers, adulterers and saints.  From the start he makes the statement that God sent his Son into our messy world, which includes ourselves as we look into and admit to our own "messy souls."  He came to redeem this mess, and with his Wisdom guiding us and all of creation with power and love, he teaches us the path of knowledge which leads to salvation. (Cf. "O" Antiphon for today). Let us give thanks for God's great love in giving us Jesus, who is not distant from us,  bore our likeness in all things save sin,  and intimately knows our capacity for sin and sanctity. Yes, let us rejoice because he is ours and we are his.
Bro. Rene

A House of Prayer for All Peoples

Prophetically, Isaiah announced that the God of Israel is also the God for everyone: "For my house shall be  called a house of prayer for all peoples." (Is 56:8).  This message did not "take" right away, and indeed, it was a big question and controversy in the early Church: Should Gentiles be admitted without circumcision?...etc...Even  more recently, Pope Francis explained it again in THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL (237), and summed it up thusly:  "The Gospel has an intrinsic principle of totality:  it will always remain good news until it has been proclaimed to all people, until it has healed and strengthened every aspect of humanity, until it has brought all men and women together at table in God's kingdom. The whole is greater than the part."
This is the Christmas Message proclaimed by the heavenly host: "Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace to those on whom his favor rests". (Lk 2: 14). Who is to decide who these "favored" are? Understanding God's love for all his creatures, none can be excluded.   It is for us, especially during Advent, to work our minds and hearts into a universality of welcome, letting go of our prejudices and narrowness. May God help us to receive ALL into our hearts as he receives ALL into his house of prayer.
Bro. Rene

Encouraging Hope

Today again, Isaiah offers consoling words of HOPE, reminding us not to fear nor blush, that our sins of our youth should be forgotten, and that God  will espouse us with tenderness into a permanent union. Indeed, "Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you nor my convenient of peace be shaken, says the Lord of mercy." (Cf. Is 54: 4,10).  Pope Francis in THE. JOY OF THE GOSPEL, calls to mind the essential message that the catechist must proclaim is" Jesus Christ loves you, he gave his life to se you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you." E.G. #164.  And often at Mass we sing the popular hymn, I HAVE LOVED YOU "I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have called you, and you are mine." (M. Joncas).
As we proceed through these final days of Advent, this is the hope toward which we look with joy and confidence. Let us base our Advent/Christmas joy on it. Let us share it gladly and joyfully.
Bro. Rene

The Dark Night

It is fitting that the Memorial of St. John of the Cross, the noted mytical writer, Doctor of the Church reformer and author of the classic, DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL, should fall in the middle of the dark days of December.  Based on his nine-month imprisonment in a dark dungeon, the book poetically allegorizes the soul's battle with the darkeness of rejection, doubt, abandonment and emptiness.  On a dark night, John was able to escape from the dungeon into the light of day, and used this experience to inspire hope in others who walk in darkness.  It confirms the optimism of Isaiah whose message of a "new order" has been resounding during these weeks of Advent.  Even John the Baptist who had declared, "Behold the Lamb of God" (Jn 1:29)  had doubts and sent his disciples to ask if, indeed, Jesus was "the one." (Cf. Lk 7: 18b-23) The darkness comes to us all at different times; it's a normal phase of spiritual growth, so may we take heart that others, greater than we have experienced it, and eventually have found the light.  Surely, the heavens filled with singing angels on Christmas Night is a sign that darkeness will turn to light.
Bro. Rene

Light

The memorial of St. Lucy (Lucia--Light) is a welcome December commemoration as the hours of daylight diminish with the sun (in the northern hemisphere) setting earlier and earlier each day.  In the Scandanavian countries, St. Lucy's Day is the occasion for the celebration of light as this is their shortest day and daylight begins to increase slowly from now on.
St. Lucy's martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian brings to mind the opening of Psalm 27:  "The Lord is my light and my salvation;/ whom shall I fear?" (Ps 27:1). We all know the helplessness of being in the dark when the power goes out and we can't find our flashlight.  We grope, bump into things and try to remember where we put it the last time we used it.  What a sense of relief when we find it (and it actually works) or when the power comes back on.  How much more relieved are we with the asssurance that the LORD is our LIGHT; surely he never fails, and rightly, there is nothing to fear. May we not take light for granted, but give thanks for it daily and reflect it to others:  "Look to him that you may be radiant with joy." (Ps. 34:5). May our inner joy show on our faces and bring the light of joy to others.
Bro. Rene

Startling Grace

French novelist, Georges Bernanos, in his famous, DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST, sums up the experience of his young protagonist, with the oft quoted, "Tout est grace", everything (all) is grace. Today's feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, reminds us, as Bishop Robert F. Morneau wrote in his reflection on Advent and Christmas, Waiting in Joyful Hope 2016-2017 p. 40, that grace is invasive, up-setting, and life-changing.  Indeed, a new beginning.
On December 9, 1531, while on his way to Mass, the simple peasant, Juan Diego saw a woman, whom we have come to call Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her appearance changed Juan into a courageous and faithful son, and changed the hill of Tepeyac and the history of Mexico as Mary's intervention enabled the natives to see themselves as her children and embrace the faith with such fervor, that it has survived persecution and thrives even today.  Millions come to the Shrine annually to pray before the miraculous image imprinted on Juan Diego's tilma over 500 years ago; healings of soul and body continue as does awareness of the poor and the need to help them.
Grace startled Mary at the Annunciattion, Bernadette at Lourdes, the children at Fatima:  new, undreamed of beginnings were initiated.
How has grace startled us, in the past, and during this Advent? In what ways can we be agents of grace to startle others?
Bro. Rene

Help Over The Long Haul

The Third Sunday of Advent continues to bring us the list of Isaiah's promises of watered parched land and the blooming desert. (Cf. Is 35: 1-6a, 10).  Where is this transformed garden?  If we take Isaiah literally, we will be looking in vain, but figuratively, the likelihood of finding it is more possible: the spiritual transformation of our own souls and the coming of the Lord's Kingdom.  Nevertheless, it's still a long process, as we know from our up and down experience.  St. James encourages us to look at the farmer and his patience from seed to harvest,  something that does not happen overnight.
Elsewhere, Isaiah spoke of "The Spirit of the Lord being upon us" (Is 60: 1, cited in Luke 4:18). With that Spirit as our aide, we have an ally who is at our side to "give us a hand", take up our cause, and work with us over the long haul of cultivating the garden of our souls, and of the Church.  The presence of the Spirit is a relief, a consolation--we are not alone.  Even in our bumbling prayers and efforts, the Spirit is there to interpret to the Father, "This is what he or she means to say."  Today is called "Rejoice Sunday", because we are half-way to Christmas...but thinking of the Spirit in this light is another major reason to rejoice!
Bro. Rene

Enjoying the Presence of Jesus

As we come to the end of the second week of Advent and closer to Christmas, sitting back and relaxing in the aura of Jesus's friendship, or anybody's at this stage, is most likely not our first priority, nor does it seem like a viable one. Yet, the first reading of  today's Mass from the book of Sirach, honoring the prophet Elijah,  while speaking of a flaming furnace, a whirlwind of fire, a chariot with fiery horses, a   "Mission Impossible" and apparently contradictory, a peaceful sleep, indicates there is need for both action and rest. "You were destined, it is written, in time to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons,/ and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you/ and who falls asleep in your friendship." (Sir 48: 10-11).  Perhaps our mission is not as dramatic as that of Elijah, but the image of falling asleep in friendship has a special appeal.
Our goal in life is to grow in friendship with Jesus, a fundamental necessity before we can accomplish anything worthwhile.  Even when our mission seems impossible because we have let too much pile up on our "plate", that is precisely when we need to stop, calm down and enjoy the presence of Jesus, so much so that our fatigue might even allow us to fall asleep in his friendship. Thus, he can speak to us while we are more receptive and not distracted by our busyiness to hear what he is saying to us.  We will then awaken truly refreshed and with greater strength to carry out our mission more fruitfully.
Bro. Rene

You Can't Please Everyone

How often have friend and foe confronted us with this ancient dictum, "You can't please everyone." We read in today's Gospel passage from Matthew (11:16-19), that Jesus encountered the same dilemma:  No matter what he did, there was cricism.  The people he dealt with were like "children who sat in the marketplace and called to one another, 'We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.'" There was cricism of John the Baptist and displeasure with Jesus over the food they ate and the company they kept.  Don't we often feel in the same boat?
Isaiah offers a solution:  "I the Lord your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go." (Is 48: 17).  Being attentive to what God teaches leads us to inner peace.  Psalm 119 goes on for 176 verses extolling the benefit of meditating on God's Law, digesting it, delighting in it and following it.  In so doing, a person cannot go wrong and need not dread nor fear the opinion of others.  Indeed, those who follow the the Lord will have the light of life. (Cf. Jn 8:12). Advent is the time for such reflection and renewal of confidence.  May we use these precious days to listen to and deepen our appreciation for the Word of God.
Bro. Rene

"Tricked"

In her answer to God's inquiry, "Why did you do such a thing?" (Gen 3: 13) the woman given to Adam answered, "The serpent tricked me into it,  so I ate it." (Gen 3:13).  Thanks to that "trick" we celebrate today the woman who undid the "trick"  by her "Yes" to the request to be the Mother of God.  But even before that request was made, she was prepared for this honor by being conceived without the blemish of  "original sin," the reality we commemorate today. The trick is turned on the serpent whose head is crushed by the heel of a woman (Mary) who is at emnity with it.  (Some translations use the masculine pronoun, indicating it is Christ who crushes the head. Evidently both references are valid since  Chris'ts heel wouldn't exist if it did not come from the womb of Mary).  The point is the table was turned,  the trick undone, and evil conquered.   Hence the high honor given to this feast as a Solemnity, and for Marists and other congregations dedicated to Mary, one of the major feasts of the year.  May it be the cause for singing, rejoicing and gratitude.
Bro.Rene

Pearl Harbor Day

75 years after the infamous December 7, 1941 and since November 2, commemorations have been taking place in Hawaii, especially at Pearl Harbor Naval Base.  Survivors, diminishing in numbers each year, will be there to honor  fallen comarades; parades, concerts and speeches will recall the shock and destruction that prompted "the sleeping giant" to awaken and find revenge.
Isaiah today reminds us that the Lord God, the Holy One, leads the army, giving them strength and protecting them.  He does not grow weary and gives strength to the fainting and weak:  "Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall,/ They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength,/ they will soar as with eagle's wings; / they will run and not grow weary,/ walk and not grow faint." (Is 40:11)
Jesus, in this familiar Gospel passage tells the crowds, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and Iwill give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mt 11:28-30).
How can we incorporate the ideas of Isaiah and Jesus into our lives to help us find peace in ourselves, our families, communities and nation so that future Pearl Harbors may not happen again?
Bro. Rene

God Comforts Us

When we grow weary from routine or over-extension and feel flat and out of steam, God comes to us in his Word, as he does today through the prophet Isaiah (40: 1-11) and the Gospel of Matthew (18: 12-14).  The prevailing image is that of the shepherd feeding and gathering his sheep, even leaving the ninety-nine to save the one which has strayed from the flock. The Book of Consolation in Second Isaiah begins:  "Comfort, give comfort to my people," says your God "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem...." a verse popularized in Handel's Messiah,  and verse eleven gives us another verse sung beautifully in the same Oratorio:  "Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;/ in his arms he gathers the lambs...."  In the Gospel, Jesus describes the comfort and joy of finding the lost sheep.
As we honor St.Nicholas today, we think of the kindly bishop of Myra who, according to legend, rescued, protected and gifted children, bringing them needed comfort.  God's comfort does come to us through people, through gifts...even an unexpected piece of candy under a cup on the table.  This comfort is an invitation,  a motivation to us to comfort all who come to us for help.
Bro. Rene

Health and Happiness

The prophet Isaiah again presents a poetic picture of health and happiness, and as we are perhaps writing Christmas Cards these days, we are most likely wishing these promises to our family and friends. Are these just words, or is there a deeper dimension that gives a fuller meaning in the context of Advent?  The Jesuit priest, Fr. Alfred Delp who was imprisoned and executed by the Nazis in 1945, gives us a key insight into where we find true health and happiness: "...man becomes healthy through the order of God and in nearness to God.  That is also where he becomes capable of joy and happiness.  Establishing the order of God, and in announcing God's nearness, and teaching it and bringing it to others: that is what my life means and wants, and what it is sworn to and abides by."
Emmanuel, God is with us...allowing that nearness to direct our lives in God's way, then spreading our discovery to others will bring health of mind and body and as much happiness as we can know on earth.
Bro. Rene

Having Hope

Isaiah presents us with the gifts of the Spirit and the idyllic scenario of the wolf and the lamb being guests of one another, the cow and the bear being neighbor, and the baby playing by the cobra's den. (Cf. Is 11: 1-10) A time and place of peace. Paul tells the Romans that what has been written in the. Scriptures is to encourage us to have hope. (Cf. Rm 15: 4).  If this is to happen, we urgently need to "repent", says John the Baptist: "Repent,  for the kingdom of. Heaven is at hand." (Mt 3:1).  Where there is discord, unrighteousness, gloom and lifelessness, there is need for repentance.
The Church prays for repentance and the Season of Advent encourages it.  If we can change even one behavior, one attitude...or even just BEGIN to change it, then there is hope.  Our prayers ARE answered:  The God who gives us each breath and strength for each step, knows our hearts, minds and desires.   We have nothing to fear.  Ask God for the grace you need and live in the hope that he will give it to you.
Bro. Rene

Count Not The Cost

As we remember St. Francis Xavier today, a verse from today's Gospel fittingly applies to him,
St. Francis and ALL who aspire to live a holy life: "Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." (Mt 10: 8).  These and others received the gift of God's love along with the gift to love him in return with their whole heart and strength. It was this love that enabled them to give so totally of themselves. They did not count the cost and the consequences of their gift are still being felt today.
God wants to give us the gift of his love; may we accept it and respond with generous hearts ready to do whatver God wants, without counting the cost.
Bro. Rene

The Time Will Come

Centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet, Isaiah proclaimed, "But a very  little while,/ and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard,/ and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear/ the words of a book;/ And out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see." (Is 29:17-18).  We are still waiting for this idyllic scenario to be played out, and these Advent days remind us that God works, but works slowly.
Here in Assisi yesterday, a tall Franciscan brother reminded us that the conversion process of St. Francis, covered two and a half years.  Slowly, God made known his desire and plan for him and gave him TIME to grow into it.  Our speaker, Br. Andreas, experienced something similar as a law student who had strayed from the Church, but who found himself led slowly and gently back and then on to the Franciscan. Brotherhood.  And what a happy man he is.  When he received "sight", his whole world changed.
We are all "blind" but with God's grace working through time, we too shall SEE.  Let us proceed patiently through Advent to the insight and love God passionately wants to give us.
Bro. Rene

The Pope of Mercy

At his regular Wednesday Audience yesterday, November 30th, Pope Francis finished (for now) his catechesis on the works of mercy addressing the four thousand people assembled in the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall on the final work or mercy, on the last day of the month of the Holy Souls,  burying and praying for the dead.  "Even though the Year of Mercy is over", he said, "let us continue to practice mercy."  He urged us to make prayer for the deceased a regular part of family prayer even  beyond November.  He encouraged comforting the sorrowful,  prayerful visiting of cemeteries and attendance at wakes and funerals as visible acts of this spiritual work of mercy.  Translators gave a summary in at least 10 languages, to make sure everyone understood.
The formal part of the hour-long audience concluded with a papal blessing extended through us to our families and communities (readers, consider yourselves included), and then the Pope spent another hour praying over the sick and handicapped who were wheeled to the front of he hall, and then blessing babies and as many as he could reach as he slowly made his exist up the main aisle.  No hurry, but a sincere attempt to make sure he touched everyone. He is an amazing example of compassion and personal interest in, and care for everyone.  He resembled, as we might imagine Jesus, working his way through the crowds gathered on the hillsides of Galilee.
Let us imitate our Shepherd as best we can, and pray that his health remains strong so that he can continue to teach and show us how to be merciful for many years to come.
Bro. Rene

Tragedy in Colombia

We come to the end of November, the month of the Holy Souls, with 76 more souls to pray for: passengers on a plane carrying soccer players, coaches and reporters to a soccer match in Brazil.  In seconds the dreams of the team shattered and grief descended like a thunderstorm on the five survivors and the families of the deceased.  We cannot imagine or describe what that grief must be like, but we can join with the mourners in prayer for their comfort and the eternal rest of their loved ones.   May St. Andrew, crucified on an X cross, intercede for all; may Mary, "Soother of Sorrows", gently drop her mantle of peace over the mourners, and intercede with her Son for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
Bro. Rene

Simply Seeing

The gift of seeing comes before us today as Jesus reminds us:  "For I say to you, many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, but did not see it...." (cf. Lk 10:24).  We take our sight for granted, and in a society where speed and movement hit us from the internet to the highway, we sometimes fail to SEE what is right in front of us.  How often do we look into the eyes of someone we love and just drink in the beauty of his or her eyes and do so for several minutes, without saying a word.  We did such an "exercise" during one of our sabbatical sessions and all of us found it rewarding and peaceful.  Feelings of admiration arise as the windows of the eyes enable us to see into the soul of the person before us.  Being looked at and accepted as we are arouses  a childlike affection in our hearts.
Doing this with an image of Jesus, such the Prince of Peace by Akiana, (available on Google) is even more powerful as the loving, green eyes of  Jesus invite us into deeper communion with him.  The purpose  of such a prayer is to become like Jesus simply by daily absorption, daily looking at his face.
In this Advent Season, we ask God to " enlighten the eyes of his servants".  In the song by Donavan as the theme for the classic BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON, about the life of St. Francis, we hear:
Brother Wind and Sister Air,
Open eyes to visions pure and fair,
That I may see the glory around me.
I am God's creature,
Of him. I am part.
I feel his love awakening my heart.
Brother Sun and Sister Moon,
Now I can see you
I can hear your tune,
So much in love
With all that I survey.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of sight.  Let me use it to see your beauty in the hearts of others and in all of your creation.
Bro. Rene

"He Was Amazed"

In today's Gospel about the cure of the centurian's servant (Mt 8: 5-11), we read that Jesus was "amazed" at the faith of the Roman which was so deep that he believed Jesus could heal his slave and and from a distance at that!  Don't even come to my house, just say the word from here.!  Yes, amazing.
Do we pray like that?  Is our faith "amazing"?  What if having prayed for months for healing, as in the case of two young men paralyzed in freak accidents over the summer, they are not so far  healed, can I come to know with certainty the love that God has for them and that what he desires and plans for them is for their greater good?  Can I say, "Lord you are answering these prayers in a way that is best for them, even if I can't see it"?
Lord, increase my faith so that like the faith of the centurion, it will amaze you.
Bro. Rene

Be Attentive

St. Paul's advice to the Romans, "...it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.  For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand"...is good advice for us as we begin the four weeks of Advent.  Yes, we are preparing for the coming of the Lord in his nativity, his birth at Bethlehem, which has already taken place, and for his Second Coming, at a time we know not, but there are also surprise, unexpected "comings" when people or events nudge us to a deeper level of prayer or service, or from our insensitivity to others, or to receive the grace to desire to walk more fully in the light Jesus' love. Starkly said, "Wake up!"  Open your eyes and ears.  Be Attentive.  Jesus is near at hand; don't miss him.
Bro. Rene

Come, Lord Jesus

As we end the Liturgical year and begin the season of Advent this evening, we will be hearing the Greek plea, "Marana tha," often in the next four weeks.  Yes, Come, Lord!  That we need Jesus as our Savior becomes more and more evident in the face of the false values and false prophets promising us  happiness and satisfaction.  We must not reject the beauty and comfort the material world gives us, for indeed, the clothing on our backs, the cars we drive, the mobile phones we use to communicate with one another have become necessities.  No, as long as we keep the material world in perspective, recognizing that it is there as a tool to enable us to live in peace and harmony with ourselves, one another, and with God, we are giving praise to God the Creator.  When we misuse these gifts,  when we make them into "gods", then, indeed, we need a Savior.  And he has already come. So, today and in  the weeks ahead before Christmas, let us examine our hearts, pray, reflect and make an effort to reach out to others to prepare a fitting welcome for the God who wishes to be with us and share his love with us.
Bro. Rene

The Day After

The day after a big holiday is a challenge.  Fatigue, necessary chores, and "clean up" can force the joy of the celebration into the abyss of "history".  Catching up and moving ahead can blunt the joy of the holiday.  Taking time to remember, to talk to family and friends about it can keep it alive for awhile until we come to the next "big day", and happily, there always seems to be one on the horizon.
So we proceed in our Liturgical Year through the final days of reflection on "the last things" and ready ourselves for a new beginning:  Advent.  Four wonderful weeks of preparation for the Nativity of the Lord.  All have their proper place and all, every second, can be a rich experience.  May we find a way to blend our memories of the past with our experience of the present and anticipation of the future.  God is with us at every moment, each one is holy and enriching.  May we be attentive to what is being GIFTED to us right now!
Bro. Rene

Giving Thanks

For citizens of the United States, the focus of this day is gratitude.  Rightly called Thanksgiving. Day, it gives us the opportunity to gather with family, (indeed, it is the most traveled time of the year), where we first experience God's love and generosity, for a meal dating back to the time of the Pilgirms, who gathered with the Native Americans who had helped them adapt to the life and climate of New England.  It was a time of sharing, joy and gratitude, and so should it be today.  Let differences and divisions cease as we recognize that all is Gift from our Heavenly Father; let peace and confidence replace stress and fear.  Let the words, Happy Thanksgiving mean just that.
Bro. Rene

Remaining Faithful

"Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev 2:10c).  "By your perseverance you will secure your lives." (Lk 21:19).  Needed admonitions for us, nearly two-thousand years after they were written.  It's never been easy to be God's faithful follower, we would like to live up to this ideal, but because of our "wounded human nature," we never reach total fidelity and are forced to be humbled and accept our weakness.  God understands and helps us along the way.  He sent Jesus who gave us himself in the Eucharist so that he could nourish us; he gave it to us because we NEED it.  Pope Francis in "The Joy of the Gospel" tells us:  "the Eucharist, although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect, but powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak" (#47).  It is offered to us weekly, even daily as God's pledge to be faithful to us.
We will celebrate Thanksgiving in the USA tomorrow...a day set aside to look at the blessings we have received and to give thanks for them.  Despite all the time devoted to the family gathering and meal, how fitting it would be to begin the day with the Eucharist. (Which means THANKSGIVING), to give thanks for our blessings and to ask for the help we need to persevere in our quest to be more and more faithful to our loving God of faithfulness.
Bro. Rene

Jesus the Healer

The readings today speak of the Harvest with images from Revelation of the. "Grim Reaper" (cf. Rev 14:14-19) and the destruction of the Temple and this world as we know it (Lk 21: 5-11).  Sobering thoughts as we wind down the Liturgical Year and open the door to Advent this coming Sunday.  Jesus, the healer, want to make it clear that the world as we know it will "pass away", be transformed, and the new world of love and complete happiness forever will replace it.  The sufferings we bear now, united to those of Jesus, which "take away the sins of the world," will be no more.
Even now, before the end of time, we can experience some of this healing as we use our sufferings to forge us into ministers of compassion and healing for others.  Our own aches and pains give us real empathy with others, as we too experience the pains and inconveniences caused by physical ailments.  We can be true companions on the journey with the suffering and by our understanding and presence make those sufferings a tad more bearable.  Jesus, the Healer, can work through us.
Bro. Rene

The Presentation of Mary in the Temple

Tradition has it from one of the apocryphal Gospels that Ann and Joachim presented Mary in the Temple, as evidently customary, for a period of service and education. Even though there is no basis in history for this Memorial, it stresses her dedication to God from the beginning; God dwelt in her in a marvelous manner and prepared her for her unique role in God's saving work.
 The Gospel relates the story of the widow presenting her two small coins into the "collection box", causing Jesus to remark at how this small mite meant so much, "more than all the rest." (Lk 21: 3).  When I would visit the homes of the "workers" at the school in Rwanda on a Sunday afternoon, I would be given the ONE folding chair to sit on, while the family sat on the floor, and soon a bottle of Coca Cola "for the American" would arrive.  These poor people stretched their last franc to buy me a coke!  Humbling, yes, and giving a deeper dimension to "thank you", for sure. If God so appreciated the widow's last two coins, how much more did he appreciate the little girl on the steps of the Temple!
We might ask ourselves what we can give today from our own need and poverty to help others appreciate their worth and the love God has for them.
Bro. Rene

Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Not robed in splendor nor housed in a sumptuous palace,  the King of the Universe comes to us in today's Gospel, hanging bruised, battered and bloody, as THE REPARATION made to the Father for our sins, having emptied himself fully that we might receive the fullness of life. (Cf. Lk 23:35-43).  Worthy indeed is this sacrificial lamb "to receive power and divinity, / and wisdom, and strength and honor." (Rev 5:12). This is the Christ whose love compels us to follow him step by step to bring to completion the establishment of his kingdom.
We have been observing the Jubiliee Year of Mercy, which concludes today, so fittingly, for God's mercy and forgiveness are foundation stones of the kingdom. The year has been fruitful, but not enough.  May extend it by living in the Way of Mercy through our love, patience, forgiveness, joy, understanding and compassion as long as we still breathe.
Bro. Rene

God Is Great

A popular Christian "Rock" song blasts over and over, "Our God is an Awesome God."  "Awesome" has been the inword with Teens for a generation, it seems and covers a multitude of situations.  When in doubt, say "awesome" and no one complains.  Such is the limit of language when trying to describe the "Ineffable", as Thomas Aquinas would say, the indescribable.
Tha author of Psalm 135 makes an attempt that has "held up" for thousands of years:
"Praise the Lord, for the lord is good, gracious, great, high above all gods.  Whatever the Lord wills is accomplished, or in the very terse Latin, "Quod voluit, fecit." Zing...right to the heart of the Truth about the Lord whose name stands forever.  (Cf. Ps 135:2-6).  Mystics like Sts. Gertrude the Great,  Mechtild of Magdeburg,  Mechtild of Hackeborn, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, in visions and exctacies experienced "The Incomprehensible" but found no words to adequately describe   God.  We take in and accept the stumbling  words of the. Psalmist and these saints, and lift our hears, yes, in AWE of the God they present to us.
Bro. Rene

St. Rose Philippine Duschesne

As we end our pilgrimage in France today, it is fitting that we honor another stalwart French missionary, much in the vein of our Marist Founders:  St. Rose Philippine Duschesne.  She was a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart, founded by Madeleine Sophie Barat, and like Marie-Franciose Perroton, at the age of 49, began life as a missionary in the huge diocese of New Orleans.  She settled in St. Louis, opening schools for the daughters of pioneers, and later a school for Potawatomi girls when she was 71!
From her determination and tireless energy spread over a long life (she died at age 83), we catch a glimpse of her approach to life, which can serve as an inspiration for us not to set limits or think we have done enough.  She wrote: "We cultivate a very small field for Christ, but we love it, knowing that God does not require great achievements by a heart that holds back nothing for self."  May we grow daily in love for what we do, and just keep on giving.
Bro. Rene

Jesus Weeps

The Scriptures record only two instances of Jesus weeping:  over the death of his friend, Lazarus, (Jn 11) and over Jerusalem (Lk 19:41).  Anyone who has lost a loved one can easily understand the tears of Jesus for Lazarus, but what level of frustration or sadness provoked the tears for Jerusalem?  He knew the city would reject him and that later it would be destroyed, but above all, Jerusalem had turned it's back on the immense love he offered them and the good that such love opened up to them.  We get a glimpse here of how Jesus longs for our friendship, our willingness to allow him to rule our hearts and follow, as Mary did, a life of faith, trust and love. Earlier in Luke, Jesus compared his love to a mother hen who gathers her chicks under her wings (cf. Lk 23:27-31), a touching and inspiring image. May we turn those bitter tears to tears of joy as we follow Mary, Champagnat and our other Marist Founders who did not run or hold back from the love that Jesus offered them.  They have shown us that the joy that comes from that love outweighs any excuse we might offer to reject it.
Bro. Rene

Faithful Even In Small Matters

Luke's parable of the Ten Coins echoes Matthew's Ten Talents, and except for the gruesome slaughter of those who opposed the king who distributed the coins, it bears the same message:  Take whatever you have and make it double.  Don't hold back or you'll be "cast out."  This is a life-long challenge, for the tendency is to set limits or to procrastinate "for another time".  It's almost as if we believe or hope that in time we'll forget what we've been asked to do and thus won't have to do it.  It's natural to say "I've done my part, I can't or don't need to do any more."  The lesson of the parable is that there is  always more for God never sets limits on his generous and abundant giving.  And, we're not taking just money here, but even the smallest gift we have from a joyful spirit, to the ability to help another realize how loveable he or she is.  What can I do to multiply my "coins" today?
Bro. Rene

Serving With Happiness

The Church offers this Collect, or opening prayer, for the weekday Masses this week:  "Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good."  The Gospel recounts the joy of Zacchaeus whose enthusiasm propelled him to a tree limb to watch Jesus approaching.  Minutes later his joy jumps to another level when he hears Jesus say he MUST eat with him.  St. Albert the Great, whose Memorial we observe today, devoted his entire life and great intellect in joyful service as teacher and preacher.  Passion and fire enlighten our hearts and faces when we give ourselves to persistent service to the All Good God.  Happiness radiates and touches others.  May we find our joy in giving ourselves over to whatever service God will ask of us today.
Bro. Rene

The Gift of Life

Today we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the death of Joseph Cardinal Bernadine, beloved Archbishop of Chicago, who was noted for his understanding, compassion and pastoral sensitivity.  He understood and lived what it means to be a Good Shepherd. Even when his was Archbishop of Cincinnati, he was known for being approachable and human,  but when he came to Chicago, these qualities became futher evident and appreciated.
When all was going well, a former seminarian accused him of sexual abuse, launching a long period of painful investigation and casting the cloud of doubt over his credibility.  The accuser, dying of AIDS, eventually withdrew the accusation, clearing Bernadin who met him and forgave him.
Soon after this, Bernadin learned he had pancreatic cancer, but kept working as long as he could, keeping notes for a book entitled A Gift of Life.  His empathy with the sick and dying where he was in hospice care increased as did his appreciation for the gift of life.  He left us an example of how to accept graciously life on this earth as well as life in the world beyond.  May his example help us to appreciate the gift of life we enjoy as well as to accept the invevitabilty of leaving it behind to enjoy the greater gift of life that comes from being with God.  Let us continue to remember Cardinal Bernadin and all the souls of the Faithful Departed this month of the Holy Souls.
Bro. Rene
Note:  In the nine years since these slices of Daily Bread have been served, we have 80,057 recipients!

A Call To Realism

The theme of a tumultuous world continues in today's Gospel, but rather than being discouraged or frightened at the situation Jesus described, which undeniably can be applied to our times, let us look upon it as a call to realism...to accepting things as they are.  We are indeed still deeply involved in major cultural and political changes, not to mention a religious crisis hitting Christianity like an earthquake.  Rather than frighten us, they should push us to seek Jesus as our light and strength as we try to respond to the needs of our times in an intelligent, responsible and bold way.
Again referring back to the Marist Founders, they did not bury their heads in sand, but attacked their realities head-on.  Franciose  Perroton, founder of the Marist Missionary Sisters, heard God's call to be a missionary and answered it at age 49, boarding a ship without any money to pay for the trip and sailed several months until reaching Wallis Island in the South Pacific.  The ship could not get close enough to land, so the native people waded out and carried her to shore on their shoulders.  The king ordered a little house for her on the shore and she lived there for 8 years, a quiet, prayerful presence.  Eventually more women came from Lyon and some of the local women joined her but it wasn't until 1932, long after the deaths of Franciose and the other 10 Pioneers, that the group was given pontifical recognition.  Today there are 441 sisters on three continents whose work is the work of Mary:  to make Jesus known and loved.
God is still calling; he never stops. Are there people chewing on this daily slice of bread who also have the courage and generosity of Franciose Perreton to face today's realities and do something about them?  People are searching; the time is ripe. Pray for courage for yourself  or for others  to take up the challenge to help others find THE WAY.
Bro. Rene

Tumultuous Times

Reading headlines in our country and around the world, or listening to "analysts" trying to predict the future or make sense of what happened in the US elections, one gets the overwhelming impression that these are tumultuous times, to say the least.  Yet tumult is not new to our planet. Ben Sirah and other bililical writers experienced the same thing.
Our recent delving into the history of the Society of Mary reveals an era of revolution after revolution, widespread poverty and ignorance.  One wonders who could have had any kind of hope in such times.  Yet, Ben Sirach reminds us to "Consider the generations long past and see:/ has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed?....Has anyone called upon him and been ignored?  For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; forgives sins and saves in time of trouble." (Sir 2:9-11),
So it was with St. Marcellin and Sister Jeanne Marie Chavoin, founder of the Marist Sisters.  They faced the tumult of their era and obstacle after obstacle, and their work remains today, thriving yet across the globe.  No, this is not a time for despair, but for enormous hope and trust in our God who hears and knows our sighing and stands by us to keep up from harm.  Let us again renew and pledge our trust in him.
Bro. Rene

Jour du Souvenir

November 11th in France is a holiday known as Le Jour de Souvenir, or Le Jour de l'Armistice:   banks are closed and parades held as the nation remembers the Armistice signed at the 11th hour of  the 11th day of the 11th month, 1919.  Honor is paid to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier buried beneath the Arche de Triomphe in Paris.
Much the same takes place in the United States on what is now called Veterans Day in order to include those who have died in all wars, not just The War to end All Wars.  People wear paper poppies to commemorate the fields of poppies that sprung up where the fighting took place and the lime spilt on the fields encouraged the growth of these blood red flowers.
98 years from the Armistice, violence, warfare even more insidious that the brutality of the four years when millions were slaughtered still take place.  War has definitely proved it is not the solution to conflict.  The teachings of Jesus about forgiveness and love neighbor and loveof enemies 2000 years later have not been seriously heeded either.  Until they are, there will be no lasting Armistice.
Our Lady, Queen  of Peace, help us to establish a lasting peace among all peoples, and may God grant eternal rest to all who have given their lives for their countries.
Bro. Rene

The Kingdom of God is Among You

As the readings towards the end of the liturgical year focus on the last judgement and the end of the world, we might find them frightening and negative.  However we can't forget that as in today's Gospel Jesus said, "The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, 'Look, here it is,' or, 'There it is.' For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.'" (Lk 17: 20-21).
Yesterday, as we drove a good distance further and further into the Haute Loire region to the hamlet of Le Rosey, just outside of the city of Marlhes, where St. Marcellin was born, baptized and spent the first 15 years of his life, it amazed me to think of how God chose this remote place, this boy, one of ten children, to be a saint and the founder of a congregation of religious brothers who have effectively been spreading the Kingdom of God for 200 years to millions of children.  It is assuring to know that our God ever chooses the poor and lowly to do astounding things so that people cannot brag about themselves, but have to admit, "This is God's work' I could never have done it myself."  Who knows the next place of person that God's grace or call may "strike".  It could be your or I.  Yes, the Kingdom of God is among us...let us be open to do our part to make it grow.
Bro. Rene

Temples of the Spirit

Today we celebrate the. Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope's official Church built on the site of the palace of Constantine who turned it into the first basilica in Rome.  It was dedicated to "Our Savior", but when it was rebuilt centuries later, it was dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
Today's Feast reminds us of the importance of "worship spaces", recalling Solomon's Temple where the Jews believed God was especially present.  Jesus's referred to himself as the Temple and continues his Presence among us in the Eucharist.  St. Paul reminds us that we are Temples of the Holy Spirit because of our Baptism.  In turn, we are to reverence our bodies as we would a sacred building, and also reverence the presence of the Holy Spirit in one another.  If we truly did this, how different our relations with each other would be, how different the world would be.  Let's begin today by praising and thanking God for the privilege of housing his his Spirit in ourselves and in our neighbor.
Bro. Rene

From Our Roots

This slice of Daily Bread comes from Notre Dame de L'Hermitage, the "Mother House" of The Little Brothers of Mary built in one year by St. Marcellin, twenty young brothers and four professionals using pick axes and wheelbarrows.  Recent renovations, which have keep the spirit of the original building while making it "user friendly" to contemporary pilgrims, took two and a half years with a large team of workers and the latest modern equipment.  One has to marvel at the contrast.  But even more, one cannot help but marvel at being in the simple room where St. Marcellin lived, wrote hundreds of letters to his "Little Brothers", prayed, suffered through his illness in 1826, and eventually died on June 6, 1840, the Saturday before Pentecost.  His desire was to die on a Saturday (dedicated to Mary), and, like so many of his other wishes, was granted.  To walk up the flight of stairs he used daily; to feel his determination as he and the brothers carved their way into a cliff to build a five-story building; to see the clothes he wore, his confessional, and to hear the tender words of his letters and last will and testament, is to touch and be touched by our roots that can only lead to greater love of him, Jesus and Mary, and to greater dedication to his mission to make Jesus known and loved.  His presence is here in a unique way and is rubbing off on us who have gathered from three continents, and through these humble words and our presence "back home" will rub off on generations to come.  Thank you, St. Marcellin for welcoming us home and rekindling the fire that forged us into your service so many years ago. May that fire burn more brightly than ever before.
Bro. Rene

Mustard Seeds and Mulberry Trees

Again another comparison to the mustard seed stands before us in today's Gospel (Lk 17:1-6).  Looking at my faith where it is now, is it even as big as the tiny mustard seed?  What am I doing with it?  Can I increase it?  How?  Is it visible in my actions? Do I share it, as weak it might seem?  Asking for an increase is a start.  Reading and praying over the Gospels and reading a good book on a saint is another way.  Somewhere, there's a mulberry tree challenging us to cast it into the sea,  and all it takes is the faith the size of  a mustard seed.  Lord I do believe, help my unbelief!
Bro. Rene

God of the Living

As we draw to the end of the Liturgial year, the Chuch reflects on the life to come.  In the second century before Christ, the notion of life after death had gained momentum and had become accepted in some circles.  It is one of the few things Jesus shared in common with the Pharisees, and explains further as he refutes the question of the Sadducees around the question of seven husbands for one wife in the world to come. For one thing, Jesus recognized the "hook" in the question, for the Sadducees did not believe in life after death.  Then he says that in the life to come, all will be different: there will be no marriage and the "children of God" will be like angels. (Cf. Lk 20: 36)
This might give us pause to ask, "What will life-after death be like?" St. Paul told the Corinthians that "no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what Do has prepared for those who love him."  (1Cor. 2:9). We can imagine, but we cannot know until we get there, but we are assured that "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living;l because to him they are all alive." (Lk 20:38) We trust his word and live with faith in the promise of everlasting life.
Bro. Rene

Lavishly He Gives to the Poor

There's a lot of "money talk" in today's readings.  St. Paul tells the Philippians that he knows how to live in "humble circumstances" as well as in lavish; Jesus says that we cannot serve two masters, God  and mammon.  We must choose one. (Cf. Lk 16: 12).  The Psalmist that God gives lavishly to the poor. (Ps 112: 8a).  Where does today's disciple of Jesus stand?  In the same place as always.  With hard earned wealth comes the responsibility of using it properly:  keeping it from replacing God, and sharing it with those who have less.  If God, the Creator can lavish his gifts upon the poor,  so much more do we, who are only stewards of wealth have the duty to help those who have less, despite their efforts to work, earn, or be self-sufficient.  At times a kind sharing can be just the link that puts them in a position to take care of themselves.  My we be sensitive to how and where we can help.
Bro. Rene

Deciding For Christ

The reprehensible steward in today's Gospel (Lk 16:1-8) has one redeeming quality amongst a list of negatives:  When push came to shove, he was decisive and took immediate action.  Jesus commends him for his prudence, and, although not condoning his innate cunning, offers him as an example to be admired: in our case, to make a decision for Christ.  Too often we can be wish-washy, "lukewarm" and thus even more disappointing than one who is out rightly dishonest.  Our choice should be clear, definite and timely.  With Mary's example, of attentiveness and sensitivity, we can be the ones who notice that "they have no wine", that something is bothering a family member, friend of colleague, and instead of allowing the situation to get worse, step in and do what we can to help...even if it's just listening or bringing it to the attention of Jesus who is the One who can really do something about it.
Let's not hesitate, but move in trust, as Mary did.
Bro. Rene

Rejoicing Over the Lost

Jesus tells us in today's Gospel passage that "there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Lk 15:10).  We might know the feeling when someone we know comes back from treatment for an addiction and remains clean and straight, or when a friend or family member returns to active practice of the faith.  Happiness at such a retur can cause us to want to dance,  shout for joy or, like the "Prodigal Father," throw a party.  Such is the joy of finding the lost sheep or the lost coin.  Such is the joy promised to us.  Such is the challenge as well, to help those who may be temporarily "lost", not to give up on them, but, thinking positiviely, continue our prayers for them and outreach to them.
Bro. Rene

Pathfinders

The Universal Church commemorates All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) today, a necessary time to remember and pray for the pathfinders and guides in our lives who have brought us to the place on our journeys where we find ourselves today:  Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, friends, and for some of us, younger people, even our children, who in some way have made us aware of what life is really about and taught us what really matters. There is a wisdom to setting aside a day such as today for reflection and for gratitude, as well as for imploring their assistance as we make our ways forward.  In many countries of Europe, this is the day for visiting cemeteries and decorating graves with chrysanthemums. Some of these departed might still be detained for complete purification before seeing God face to face, and for them we pray as well.  The Church encourages Mass attendance today and has set aide the whole month of November to pray for our beloved deceased.  It is a fitting time to do so as the Liturgical year winds down with reflection on the "Last Things", death, judgement, heaven, hell,  and in the Northern Hemisphere, even the hours of daylight are shorter.  Let us pray that our  deceased relatives and friends pass to a place of light and peace, and that their prayers and example help us to do so as well when our times comes.

Bro. Rene 

Saints Alive!

More than just an expression of astonishment, "Saints Alive" can help us remember that we are surrounded by saints, good people at all stages of spiritual growth.  "God doesn't make junk" as the banner saying goes, so all of his creation is good, even if at various stages of development.  Honoring All Saints today is just that, those officially canonized and recognized as being in heaven, and all those who walk with us, sharing wisdom, experiences, joy, failures, hardships, disappointments, mistakes, and efforts to keep moving forward.  The wheat grows with the weeds, and even they can provide good for the field.  Let us praise and thank God for surrounding us with such goodness and let us pledge to keep moving toward that "perfect version of ourselves" that God has planted in each one of us.  Happy Feast Day!
Bro. Rene

Unity

St. Paul's convincing exhortation to the Phillipians, chapter 2:1-4, compliments the the lesson of Jesus about welcoming all, especially the poor, to our tables. (Cf. Lk 14:12-14).  "If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.  Do nothing out of selfishnesss or out of vain glory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others." (Phil 2: 1-4).  "Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed will you be decades of their inability to repay you."  A unity of heart with and service to the "least favored" creates an atmosphere of unity and love in which we can make Jesus known and loved.   This is what it means to be truly Christian, truly Marist.
Bro. Rene

Too Late to Change?

For those of us who might be asking at this time of our lives, "Is it too late or can I still change?  Can I undo patterns that have dominated me most of my life, for example, my inbred pessimism or self-doubt?"  A look at the story of Zacchaeus in Luke19: 1-10) demonstrates that it's never too late.  Zacchaeus, although a son of Abraham, was well established as a despised tax collector, indeed, the chief tax collector and a man of wealth as a result of taking money for himself from the taxpayers. Hearing that Jesus was coming to Jericho, a desire to see him, perhaps at first from curiosity, led to something deeper.  So much did this desire grow, that he had to run ahead of the crowd and like a child, climb a sycamore tree to see him, for Luke tells us that he was short in stature. Then the turning point, he hears Jesus tell him to come down for he MUST stay with him at his house.  As Zacchaeus longed to see Jesus, he learns that Jesus longed to see him!  Confrontation from the murmuring crowd about a sinner welcoming the revered Jesus, moves Zacchaeus to promise to take drastic action: to give half his possessions to the poor and to pay those he cheated four times the amount.  What a change, and reinforced by the assurance from Jesus: "Today, salvation has come to this house." (Lk 19: 10).  How assuring for us who are asking the above questions:  seek him and you will find a Jesus who is seeking you.  With him as the focus of our desire to change, "salvation" (Jesus) will come to our house.
Bro. Rene

Totus Tuus

St. John Paul II, noted for his devotion to Mary, chose as his papal motto, Totus Tuus, (Totally Yours),  St, Louis de Montfort, centuries earlier, was also a proponent of totally entrusting his prayers and good works to the Virgin Mary.  Marist's proudly proclaim,  All to Jesus through Mary; all to Mary for Jesus.  We thus honor her not only as his Mother, but as his First Disciple who gave herself entirely to him. In becoming his Mother, but in following him all his life in a discipleship of faith, trust and total commitment.  She now leads the way for us to follow in her footsteps in that same faith, trust and commitment.  No matter what our place in life, we can imitate her faith, trust, humility and fidelity and, by our example, lead others to do the same.  It is time for "Mary's Way" to be adopted and spread to a generation who are in search for models to imitate and for connections to what (who)  makes life meaningful and satisfies their hunger and thirst for Truth. Mary is the door to Jesus and awaits our willingness to let her open it by giving ourselves totally to her.
Bro. Rene

God's Call

As we celebrate the feast of the two apostles, Simon Zealot and Jude, it reminds us that we too have been called, called above all to holiness, which entails the work of evangelization as it did for the Twelve and those who followed in their footsteps.  We don't have a clear picture of these apostles from the New Testament and writers who chronicled the early church, but evidently they brought the word of God to as far west as Lybiya and other countries bordering the Meditarranean and eventually suffered martyrdom.  Of course, when Jesus first called them, they had no idea what was in store for them, but taking it one day at a time, it all became clearer and grace made it possible to live out their call to the end.
So too with us; our call first came at Baptism then became clearer as we matured into adulthood and listened to the subsequent calls that have led us to where we are, in most cases, far afield from what we imagined as children or teenagers.  If we have continued to answer each call faithfully, we have been growing in holiness, even though we don't perceive it. By being living witnesses of the Gospel, we have even been evangelizing.   May we trust that having been called, we will be given the grace to fulfill that call.  May we help one another by our prayers and example to help bring our call to fruition.
Bro. Rene

A Message For Our Time

In one of my favorite passages from Paul's letters, today's first reading from Ephesians 6:10-20, he uses military terms to describe our battle against the tactics of the Devil. It would be good to read these 10 verses, but if a Bible is not handy, here is a paraphrase.  Paul first admonishes us to draw our strength from the Lord, not from ourselves or any weapons.  It is God who gives us the power, but realistically, we need to put on the armor of God with our loins girded in truth, our bodies protected by the breastplate of righteousness, and our feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace. We are to use faith as a shield, wear the helmet of salvation. And carry the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Armed with these tools, we need to pray at every opportunity and be on the watch with perseverance.  Let us support one another and pray for one another that we may have the courage to speak as we must in our time of confusion, anger, contradiction and desperation.  We must be the ones with the positive message, with the confidence to overthrow the naysayers and boldly proclaim the victory of Jesus over the powers of darkness: the same task Paul and the early Christians faced 2,000 years ago.
Bro. Rene

Doing God's Will Wholeheartedly

St. Paul speaks of obedience to the Ephesians: children obeying their parents, and slaves obeying their masters.  Slavery was an accepted practice at the time, and while distasteful to us, the analogy of the obedience of slaves to their masters as a model for service to Christ still applies to us.  The phrase which gives it added significance, "doing the will of God from the heart", (Eph 6:6), is the key to entering through the "narrow gate", which only few choose to do. (cf. Lk 13: 22-23).  Adhering to the will of Christ with a willing heart,  or wholeheartedly, as some translations have it, makes the difference.  Our model for this is, of course,  Mary, who accepted the invitation to Divine Motherhood, with a willing heart and gave herself wholeheartedly all her life, and continues that role today as Mother of the Church, as Our Good Mother.  Rather than look upon the laws and rules of the Church as tests of willpower and endurance, we might think of embracing them from our hearts as a means of achieving greater intimacy with our loving God.  We might even learn to embrace the will of an employer or manager from the heart,  our as spouses talk over our plans or ideas and then embrace them from the heart as a key to greater harmony in the workplace or the family.
Bro. Rene

The Growth of the Loaf

Note: after a long absence, Bro. Rene's Daily Bread will now appear as usual, thanks to help and instruction from Br. Sean Sammon.

When yeast is mixed with basic flour, water and a bit of sugar, kneaded and allowed to rise in a warm place, the mixture will double in size, if not triple. An amazing phenomenon to a first-time bread baker, but to a veteran, something expected and rarely disappointing.  There are days when the kneading, rolling and rising are exceptionally easy.  A lot depends on the mood and disposition of the baker:  when stressed, he or she tends to have to fight a dough which seems to have set up its own resistance. Other days, when the baker is peaceful and calm, the dough is supple and compliant and yields a large loaf of light, airy bread.
So it is with the "Kingdom of God" or the work of evangelization. When the evangelizer is at peace and in concert with God's will, the results grow beyond expectation; when under pressure or stress, the evangelizer finds limited success.  It's all God's work, but there is something to be said about the disposition of his intermediary.  If chosen for this task, (and we all are to varying degrees), the first step is to prepare for it by "relaxing in the Lord":  turning the job over to him and letting our hands be his instruments. It is then that God's work can be done most effectively without interference from us.
Bro.  Rene

Preach to All

Fittingly, today´s Gospel from Luke 10: 1-9, underscores Luke´s beautiful proclamation of Jesus' mission of healing to a vast collection of sinners, the ill, and the grieving.  He shows the compassionate, warm, understanding and loving side of Jesus who takes time to touch, be touched, and forgive.  We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Luke, the physician and artist, whose feast we celebrate today,  for this picture of a sensitive, very human Jesus and for details about is mother and birth that we don´t find in the other Gospels.  Knowing who Mary is, helps us to understand Jesus, and helps us as Marists to further appreciate who we are and what our mission is: to proclaim him to ALL, excluding no one,  by our sensitivity, warmth, presence, compassion, forgiveness and healing.  We teach about him by who we are and by our actions more than by our words.  St. Luke, thank you for helping us to see Jesus as approachable and compassionate, and help us to become more like him so that we may be effective witnesses and proclaimers.
Bro. Rene
Note:  tomorrow is "moving day" to Manziana...not sure if there will be time to post a slice of bread, or access to the internet until we "get settled."  Will try, but no promises...

Mary's Love

Note:  After a week of vain attempts to send a slice of daily bread, Eurika...in Rome, I have finally succeeded in typing without losing a word after hitting the space bar.  I don´t know what happened to my I Pad, but until I got "on board" with this PC, I have been frustrated and disappointed.  Let me now share my joy with you all.

Three days at Fatima overlapping the Vigil on October 12th and the International Mass on the 13th, assured me of Mary´s unending love for all of us.  The little Cove where Mary appeared in 1917 has become a splendid shrine dominated by an imposing basilica, an underground museum and series of chapels, a huge square,  and a second modern church seating 8,600.  The original chapel constructed after the apparitions is still there and the location of the bush on which Mary appeared is marked by a marble pillar on which stands the revered statue of Our Lady of Fatima with a crown in which the bullet that nearly killed St. John Paul II is encased.  Pilgrims pray on their knees, sing, an honor Mary´s request by praying the Rosary.  Whatever the village of Fatima was 99 years ago, it has now become a welcoming city with hotels, restaurants and religious goods stores to accommodate the thousands who come each year.  As at Lourdes and Medjugorje, the local economy has benefited from Mary´s presence and the faith of her followers.
But over and above these material things, her plea for prayer, penance and a more complete adherence to the teachings of Jesus and the loving compassion with which she has repeated her request over the centuries is the most compelling justification for Fatima and the other major centers of Marian devotion.  Her love for us is so great that she tries with loving patience to help us "get it."  Few have tried harder than Pope St. John Paul II and now Pope Francis.  May we, in the best way we can, begin today to put our faith into practice, live it publicly as well as privately and let the world know that our only help, hope and happiness are in God.
Bro. Rene

Seeking Signs

The desire for a "sign" resides in all of us.  We seek a sign in making a career choice, answering a call to the priesthood or religious life, or even who to vote for.  The people who heard Jesus and saw his healings also asked for a sign, exasperating him who was present right before their eyes.  Humans can be "blind",  I can be blind and miss the obvious. Thank God that he is patient with us and from time to time does give us a sign that seems to pop up from the nowhere, or from the obvious.
Today I leave for Fatima, where I've never been, and then go to  Manziana, Italy, where I visited briefly in 1999, and this Scripture verse just "happened to pop up" this morning:   "I will lead the blind on their journey;/ by paths unknown, I will guide them./ I will turn their darkness into light before them,/ and make crooked ways straight. These things I do for them,/ and I will not forsake them." (Is 42:16).  These words were written 700 years before Christ, yet they apply to me TODAY and to what lies ahead on this Sabbatical!  God's love is always present and, knowing us intimately, gives us a boost now and then to reassure us that he's with us.
You will all be in my prayers and I will try to send a daily slice of bread.
Bro. Rene 

Praise and Gratitude

From our youth we have been taught to "say thank you."  If the message has "stuck" it is a way of life.  It's amazing, however, to read in today's Gospel of the Ten lepers, of the ingratitude of the Nine.
St. Bernard has some rather harsh words to describe the lack of gratitude:  "Ingratitude is the enemy of our souls, the annihilation of our merits, the scattering of our virtues, the loss of our benefactions  Ingratitude is a burning wind, drying up the fountain of piety, the dew of mercy.  Nothing so displeases God, especially the children of grace, For ingratitude obstructs the pats of grace, and where there is ingratitude grace no longer finds access and has not place." Wow!
Yet, the one leper, having had a physical healing, an amazing experience in itself, as anyone who has been healed through medicine or prayer (or both) can attest, first glorifies God and then says thank you to Jesus.  Praise comes first, then thanks.  He acknowledged the power of God, the grace of God even before concentrating on his own healing.  He teaches us the true place of gratitude, as the occasion to acknowledge and praise God.
Bro. Rene

The Power of the Rosary

While Christians were fighting the Turks at Lepanto in 1571, St. Peter's Square was filled with people praying the Rosary.  The Turks were defeated and the Pope instituted the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, attributing the victory to Mary's intercession.   A few years later, the feast was changed to Our Lady of the Rosary and has become a universal commemoration to honor Mary and Jesus through the repetition of the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be and meditation on the life of Jesus and Mary.  What a combo!  Mother and Son before us, in our hearts and on our lips for as long as it takes to pray the five decades.
Mary's presence continues in our world through various apparitions and she always recommends the Rosary.  At Fatima 99 years ago, on the 13th of this month, Mary appeared for the last time, wowing (even scaring) the 79,000 people gathered there with the "Miracle of the Sun"...when it seemed that the sun was dancing and  plunging to the earth.  Her message of praying the Rosary has been perpetuated with some degree of success, but evidently, we need to put her request into action more faithfully.  Our days are so busy that we find if hard to set aside 15-20 minutes for this powerful prayer.  A look at today's world should be motivation enough for us to MAKE time for it
Bro. Rene
Note:  As providence would have it, I will be in Fatima on October 13th this year, and you can be sure I'll be praying for all of you.      

This slice somehow ended in "draft" and I just noticed it this morning... Naturally, it was meant for October 7th...Sorry!   

Pondering in Faith

Again we look at Mary's Way and find Jesus praising his mother for hearing the Word and observing it. (Lk 11:28).  She accepted the Word when Gabriel announced God's plan/invitation to her, and as she raised the child, watched him grow into manhood, then leave to work his mission, she accepted.  Perhaps there were many questions going through her mind, but she learned to live without the answers, pondering all in faith.
How many times do we look for answers, not having yet learned to live without them?  May Mary's example penetrate our hearts and free us to find peace in accepting God's invitations, plans, and the diverse paths he asks us to follow.  As Mary did, we will find all converges in HIM.  Blessed then will we be.
Bro. Rene

Ask and Believe

Note, because I'm using a borrowed laptop, I used up a lot of time trying to "get in."  Please forgive this thin slice today.  Persistence has yielded at least this much.

Not everything goes the way we want or plan, but repetition, trial, persistence prevail.  That's why Jesus advises us to ask with faith, and it shall be given to us.  Our heavenly Father will not refuse our constant knocking.   "For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Lk 11: 11). 
Bro. Rene

As We Forgive

St. Luke's "short form" of the Lord's Prayer pushes us into forgiving those who have trespassed against us with the words, "forgive us our sins, /for we forgive everyone  in debt to us." (Lk 11: 4).  Do we?  We'd like to, we've tried to, and are still trying, but it's too risky an assumption unless we really take this statement and absorb it into the depths of our hearts and pray it from there.  Just looking at offenses we have suffered, can we say that we've truly forgiven those who caused us hurt or insult, or who have ignored us?  Grudges are long lasting and easier to carry than to release and dissolve.  This one line, perhaps the most difficult in the prayer, deserves our scrutiny and sincere effort to put into practice.  God help us do to so.
Bro. Rene

Everybody Loves Francis

People still speak fondly of the TV sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond, but even more fondly remembered by Catholics and non-Catholics alike is St. Francis of Assisi.  His simplicity, his childlike dependence on God, his love for everyone, his peaceful soul continue to inspire all, so much so that even our Pope has taken his name and his example as the model for his papacy.  Animals will be blessed in parishes today in imitation of the love Francis had for them,  and a few weeks ago, leaders of several world religions met in Assisi to pray for peace.  The Franciscans are the largest group of religious in the world and have always included lay people in their Third Order or more recently,  Lay Franciscans.
The appeal of Francis is his desire and effort to live the Gospel literally, an ideal which has set the bar too high to be lived as such today.  Mitigations of his Rule occurred even during his life time, and several reforms have occurred over the centuries as attempts to return to that ideal have led to the Capuchins, and more recently, the Franciscans of the Renewal, and the Primitive Franciscans.  This last group lives as close to the style of St. Francis as possible in our day.
For most of us who love Francis, living his spirit of detachment from things, roles, positions, locations,  focusing on the beauty of all of creation, and with child-like simplicity embracing all people, help us to live his spirit.  St. Francis, pray for us.
Bro. Rene

Not Too Busy To Stop

The Good Samaritan, traveling between Jerusalem and Jericho, where two other travelers, a priest and a Levite, had also passed the wounded victim left bleeding on the roadside, interrupted his trip to cleanse the wounds of the victim, take him to an inn, spend the night there and then stop back on his return, demonstrates what it means to be a good neighbor.  He adapted his plans to help a complete stranger, and has left a lasting example of compassion and mercy.  Besides not being bothered by the ethnicity of the victim, he treated him as his own family, trustingly cast aside his "schedule" for the day to help, not just token help, but  help that demanded more than just money, but his precious time.
I would guess that not many of us are willing to go as far as this Samaritan did; he set the bar very high, perhaps too high, but has left us an example and model for which we need to strive if we are going to keep the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Good Samaritan, help me to be as generous and selfless as you when I come across an unexpected situation that demands my care and my time.
Bro. Rene

Increase Our Faith

The simple request of the apostles, "Increase our faith," (Lk 17:5) must be  our prayer too.  If they, who were with him daily, heard his word and saw his actions, needed more faith, how much more we!  Digressions make their way into our faith-lives;  distractions, busyness, doubts, depressions and discouragements attack us daily.  We need Jesus to keep our faith firm, to help us embrace the cross, to help us embrace the mission to a world that needs faith as much as it did in his time.  Let us repeat this prayer often; let it come from the heart; let it lead us to a deeper relationship with Jesus and a firmer commitment to the baptism which made us children of God and sharers in the mission of Jesus. Lord, increase MY faith!   
Bro Rene

Childlike Simplicity

We celebrate the memorial of the ever-popular St. Therese of the Child Jesus, whose "little way" has made sanctity accessible to all since the publication of her autobiography, The Story of A Soul, in a limited edition aimed at other Carmelites in 1898, year after her death. It made such an impact that further editions appeared and won the hearts of readers around the world.  Its simplicity, honesty and beauty are still captivating today and St. Therese remains not only one of the most popular saints, but she has been declared a Doctor of the Church (1997) and her message is more relevant than ever.  Her spirituality is based on being childlike, on being transparent, unselfish, fearless, loving and loveable, as opposed to being childish, pouting, or self-centered.  She bore the criticism and annoyances and even intolerance of some of the members of her community as well as her physical suffering from tuberculosis with patience and in union with the suffering of Jesus for the sake of others.  She corresponded with missionaries and offered her sufferings for them.  She looked for nothing extraordinary, but just lived with  the ordinary day-to-day aggravations that are part of the human condition, and accepted and embraced them as the path to sanctity and union with Jesus. Her motto, taken from St. John of the Cross, "Love is repaid by love alone." sums up her life perfectly and poses a challenge for us.
Bro. Rene

Getting Off The Fence

Jesus up-raids the towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida for ignoring the deeds he did in front of them and refusing to change their lives. (cr. Lk 10:13-14).  We too can be blinded by our own vision of how things should be, how others should live their lives, and what would be best for everyone if they followed our suggestions, and miss the point of what God is trying to tell us.  At best, we see-saw between accepting or rejecting God's plan.  Perhaps the following prayer by Fr. Herb Yost, C.S.C. might help us "get off the fence."
Lord Jesus, thank you for your patience with us. We are so slow—or maybe even unwilling—to believe that your way is the only way to peace and wholeness, both for ourselves and for our world. We’ve heard the Gospel so many times; we are aware of all our blessings, mostly undeserved; we are aware of how you protect us and care for us. Still we dither. Jesus, please give us the grace of actually wanting to follow you.   
Bro. Rene

God's Messengers

The Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael have played prominent roles in the history of our salvation:  Michael cast Satan into hell, Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, and Raphael brought healing to Tobit, his son Tobias and Sara, the wife of Tobias.  These archangels make it clear as God's messengers, that God is deeply involved in our human history and our individual stories. They act as guides and protectors for us as they faithfully carry out God's will. They are the patron saints of those who protect us, such as the military and the police force, paramedics, doctors and health care workers, vital areas of human life. As we honor them, let us also express our gratitude to them, for their work continues to our day. The prayer to St. Michael continues to be a favorite and each time we say the Hail Mary, we repeat the words of Gabriel.

"I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
In the presence o the angels, I will sing your praise;
and give thanks to your name."   (Ps 138: 1-2)

Following Unreservedly

When we offer ourselves to follow Jesus unreservedly, we most likely have in mind doing anything, even walking to the ends of the earth, for him, but most of the time, the "unreservedly" means that we have to follow a path we did not have in mind, or that did not match our ambition or expectation. We hope for job interviews to get us where we want to be, or a healing prayer service to cure us or a friend immediately, but the job goes to someone else, and no apparent healing takes place.  Are we still willing to "follow unreservedly"?   We have to adjust our prayer, our hopes, our dreams to mean, whatever YOU want, Lord, not what I want.  Disappointment is a teacher and leads us to a deeper level if we can put aside our expectations and follow without any conditions, and hidden agendas, any reserve.  Jesus, teach me to follow you unreservedly as you followed the will of your Father.
Bro. Rene

Journeying With Jesus

Jesus "resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem" (Lk 9:51), but as most of us discover, our goals are not always as easily met as when we first formulated them.  The Samaritan village where he stopped would not welcome him, so he went on toward another.
We honor St. Vincent de Paul today whose journey took many turns not anticipated at his ordination and plan to be a chaplain to the wealthy.  One encounter after another with the poor, especially his years as chaplain to galley slaves changed his mission from the wealthy to the poor. However, he used his connections with the wealthy to influence them to help the destitute.  Indeed, the example of "Monsieur Vincent" still influences us today and reminds us that journeying with Jesus can often lead to "the path less traveled by."
Bro. Rene

Faith and Healing

Cosmas and Damian: two names listed in the First Eucharistic prayer, but who were they?  They were brothers who were physicians in third century Syria.  Called "the money-less ones" because they ministered to the health of their clients without taking any compensation and  uniting their skill with their faith, they succeeded in bringing healing to many before their martyrdom and after.  They are the patrons of physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, chemists, and the blind.
Good health is on the minds of everyone, it seems, especially Senior Citizens who fill doctors offices around the world.  Medicine is a billion dollar "industry" as the pursuit of bodily health keeps its wheels turning.  More and more it is being demonstrated that faith plays a bigger role in healing than was previously admitted, though Cosmas and Damian were very aware of it 17 centuries ago and based their health care on it.  May they help us as well as those in the medical field, give it its proper place in our "scientific world."
Bro. Rene

Faith and Healing

Cosmas and Damian: two names listed in the Fist Eucharistic prayer, but who were they?  They were brothers who were physicians in third century Syria.  Called "the money-less ones" because they ministered to the health of their clients without taking any compensation and  uniting their skill with their faith, they succeeded in bringing healing to many before their martyrdom and after.  They are the patrons of physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, chemists, and the blind.
Good health is on the minds of everyone, it seems, especially Senior Citizens who fill doctors offices around the world.  Medicine is a billion dollar "industry" as the pursuit of bodily health keeps its wheels turning.  More and more it is being demonstrated that faith plays a bigger role in healing than was previously admitted, though Cosmas and Damian were very aware of it 17 centuries ago and based their health care on it.  May they help us as well as those in the medical field, give it its proper place in our "scientific world."
Bro. Rene

Reversal of Fortune

We read today the story of two contrasting characters, the nameless rich man dressed in purple and the poor man, named Lazarus, which means, "God is my help."  As the story ends, that name is verified and could become a mantra for us. The rich man lives in luxury, never having any question about what to eat or what to wear, but in the next life, becomes the destitute beggar, while Lazarus luxuriates in the bosom of Abraham: a reversal of fortune for sure. (cf. Lk 16: 19-31)
The question posed to us by this story of contrasts is: Where am I in this picture?  Ther.e are an increasing number of Lazaruses standing on the streets with their "HOMELESS VETETRAN" signs.  What can we do to really help them?  I want to stop and encourage them to seek work or help from organizations established to help them, but, of course, the flow of traffic most often prevents a stop.  They have a story which begs to be heard before we ignore them.  We need to seek guidance ourselves on the best way to treat them as fellow human beings... Guide us, O Lord..
Bro. Rene