After Healing

Healing Masses, healing services...all becoming very popular with our aging population and it seems more priests are open to this ministry.  We have not changed much from the days when Jesus was traveling the countryside with his reputation for healing growing with every cure. Like the poor, the ill will always be with us...and so will the compassionate, healing Jesus.  There may be a successful surgery that we have prayed for, or a calming of a restless soul, or the return of a "stray" to the fold, but, indeed, prayers for healing are answered...miracles still happen.
Today's Gospel gives us the scene at the house or Peter, where his mother-in-law was ill.  Jesus immediately helped her back on her feet and she began to wait on the guests right away. Amazing and admirable reaction.  Instead of basking in her cure, she turned to serving others.   Might this not be a hint for us?
Bro. Rene

Good To All

The Psalmist reminds us that "The Lord is good to all/ and compassionate toward all his works." (Ps 145: 2).  We certainly see this in Jesus as he drew the line for no one, "ate and drank with sinners." Yet he did, out of love, challenge the self-righteous, the Scribes and Pharisees...those who were called to be teachers, and yet contradicted their teachings by their actions, as all of us are prone to do.  Looking at ourselves with compassion might be the place to start in our attempt to be honestly, authentically compassionate to others:  to see the goodness in ourselves that God sees, be able to see more clearly the goodness in others and then treat them accordingly.
Bro. Rene

Speaking Out

We remember the beheading of St. John the Baptist today; his voice crying in the desert earned the ire of King Herod and his "wife" and eventually cost him his head.  John spoke directly and fearlessly of the evil he saw in the Palace and serves as a model for us, especially now when "things are so bad", not only in palaces, but in the market places as well.  In his exhortation,  The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis advises us to "Go Forth! Proclaim!  The joy of the Gospel is something to be known and lived only through giving it away, through giving ourselves away."  He tells us to embrace those who have lost the joy of living, to show mercy to those whose lives feel empty, distraught and upset by what's going on in the world,  He urges us to confront error, deceitful illusions and falsehood as well as to soothe wounds and heal hearts."  It's as much by actions as by words... perhaps more so.
Sometimes just allowing people to talk and vent brings about more healing than advice or sharing experiences.  At any rate, may we not hold back, even at the prospect of losing our heads!
Bro. Rene

Take The Lowest Place

Humility is one of the virtues that characterizes a Marist. We follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who humbled himself as a "slave", taking on the will of his father rather than his own. We walk "in the way of Mary", again, humbly putting herself at the service of God to bring forth the Son of God and setting the pattern of the service we vow to live. We model our lives after the humble simplicity of St. Marcellin who knew and accepted his limitations, yet put all at God's disposal to bring to the world effective educators whose impact is beyond measure.
Today's Gospel contrasts the guests invited to the banquet who sought the places of honor with the ideal proposed by Jesus: taking the lowest seats. It may be that they will be moved up, but that's for the host to determine. Our Marist spirituality directs us to those lower places, to inviting the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, those who cannot repay us. In this respect, we stand akin to St. Francis of Assisi who dramatically demonstrated that this Gospel ideal is possible to live.
Yesterday, Br. Brian Poulin pronounced his Final Vow before a large gathering of brothers, family and friends, humbly committing his LIFE to this ideal while Br. Patrick McNamara, our Provincial unabashedly referred to St. Francis as the model for Br. Brian (and for all of us) to follow. May we walk humbly with all these models to the lowest places and serve God's poor.
Bro Rene

A Determined Mother

St. Monica is no stranger to the Catholic Church and to the world, for that matter.  As mother of the famous Bishop of Hippo, she has been given her own high place of honor for her steadfast prayers and sometimes more than gentle nudging of her "wayward" son to become a follower of Jesus through baptism.  How many of us would continue praying in the face of rebuff and rejection?  She believed the power of prayer and the grace of God was more powerful than the most stubborn wall of refusal, and in the end, she was proven right.
Countless families today find themselves in the same situation where children and young adults have drifted from the faith of their grandparents and have sought solace in the shallow glitter of "the world."  Some of these "lost" never make the full circle as the alarming increase of death by overdose sweeps this new generation indicates.  All the more reason to follow the example of St. Monica, and despite the apparent lack of results, to keep on praying.  In God's time, in God's way those prayers will be answered.  Let us add a prayer for patience as well as determination for ourselves to these prayers for conversion.  Our own impatience can get in the way of God's plan.
Bro. Rene

God's Foolishness

Saint Paul startled the community at Corinth when he compared God's "foolishness" to our "wisdom"...saying "the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom",  and furthering his point, "the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (1 Cor 1:25).  We certainly rate a place with the foolish virgins of the Gospel, priding ourselves that "we know what we have to do and can take care of ourselves." It's only when our lamps run low on oil and the door is locked in our face that we realize that God's ways are the best, really, the only ways.  In his wisdom he has chosen us foolish ones, sinful people like Peter, to do his work.  Peter admitted his unworthiness which appears many times before Pentecost, yet God remained faithful to his choice of this man as the leader as he chose the cross and its message to confound the wise. St. Marcellin would be the first to admit his "foolishness" in founding a congregation of teachers, himself lacking a polished education, but again God's foolishness proved wiser and this foolish enterprise begun in a remote village in Southern France 200 years ago is now a major contributor to the Catholic education of youth throughout the world.  May God bless us with a touch of his wisdom so that what we deem as foolish and impossible in human terms, we might come to see as wise and doable in his terms.
Bro. Rene

A Boost For The Church

Appropriately on the Memorial of St. Bartholomew yesterday the Archdiocese of Boston gained two new Auxiliary Bishops, Bishop Robert Reed and Bishop Mark O'Connell.  In a liturgical pageant of beauty and piety, these two energetic and compassionate men joined the long list of successors of the Twelve to continue the work commissioned by Jesus.  As the newly ordained each spoke as a post-script to the splendid ceremony, the focus was on Jesus, and their goal to serve him as well as bring others to him. Their words brought us back to the encounter of Jesus with Nathaniel Bartholomew somewhere in the country where fig trees abounded where Philip's enthusiasm was matched by Nathaniel's declaration that Jesus was truly the Son of God.  His life changed to the point that he gave it up willingly to those who opposed his preaching and put him to death.  These men are filled with that same spirit and by their warmth, their smiles, demonstrating their eager desire to get on with their ministry, were an inspiration to the 30 or so Bishops and hundreds of priest present as well as to a Cathedral packed with lay people and consecrated religions.  It was a boost not only for the Archdiocese of Boston, but for the whole Church.  May God be praised and may he bless and make fruitfull the ministries of these two new Good Shepherds
Bro. Rene

From Doubt to Faith to Zeal

We honor St. Bartholomew today who appears in St. John's Gospel as Nathaniel, the friend of of Philip. When Philip tells Nathaniel that he, Peter, James and John have found "the one" Moses and the prophets foretold, Nathaniel queries, "Can anything good come our of Nazareth?", such was the reputation of this poor village.  Yet, when he meets Jesus who describes him as a true child of Israel in whom there is no duplicity and says he saw him under a fig tree before Philip called him, Nathaniel bursts out a a confession of faith rivaling Peter's:  "Rabbi, you are the Son of god; you are the King of Israel." (Jn 1: 47).  Later traditions have Bartholomew carrying the Gospel to India and Armenia, and giving his life in martyrdom, being flayed alive and beheaded.  This is what his encounter with Jesus did to him, a total transformation.
Each day in prayer, reflection on Scripture, or participation in the Eucharist, we encounter Jesus. May we be transformed into zealous witnesses like Bartholomew and carry the Good News of Jesus to our families, our workplaces, our communities.  St. Bartholomew, please give me just some of your zeal, if not all of it!
Bro. Rene

Hypocrisy

We all say we hate hypocrites...something insulting and disrespectful as they pawn themselves off as something they are not.  Jesus certainly spoke strongly against this vice and called out the Pharisees about their hypocrisy in no uncertain terms as we read in today's Gospel, Mt 23:23-26.
In startling contrast to these deceivers, St. Rose of Lima stands out as a model of authenticity and simplicity, having led a life of prayer and service to others.  She hid her physical beauty but the beauty of her life shone forth to the people of Lima and still shines to us today.  May we, like she, strive to "die to self" and put Jesus first, emptying from our lives anything that stands in the way. May we strive to be genuine and eliminate any traces of hypocrisy we find within ourselves.
Bro. Rene

Mary's Queenship

Pope Pius XII instated the Memorial of The Queenship of Mary during the Marian Year of 1954, and as Marists. though it is not a major feast, it is the occasion for us the celebrate again the place of Mary in our lives.  As Mother of Christ the King, she not only deserves the tile of Queen, but also works side by side with him for the building of the Kingdom and the salvation of souls, as evidenced by her place in the early Church and in her dozens of apparitions since her Assumption into heaven.  Indeed, every time we pray the Glorious Mysteries of the rosary, we reflect on her as Queen of Heaven and earth.  May we, as her disciples and disciples of Jesus, reflect her virtues of compassion and tenderness as we too work for the establishment of he Kingdom of God.  Let us recall her love and presence as we go about our Monday labors and those of the rest of the week.  Mary, our Queen and the Queen of Peace, help us to be instruments of peace and justice and witnesses of God's tenderness.
Bro. Rene

The Narrow Gate

On his way to Jerusalem for the final act of his visit on earth, his death and resurrection, Jesus does not saunter like a tourist, but makes it a point to teach along the way. In responding to a question about the number who will be saved, Jesus doesn't answer the question directly, but insists that laxity will not bring about salvation.  Rather, it is the "the narrow gate", the demanding life of: "Be compassionate s your Father is compassionate;  Do not judge and you will not be judged; Forgive seventy times seven as your Father does; Seek first the kingdom of God and its justice."  This slim, trim and demanding life-style is THE WAY through the gate. Can we do it?
Sundays are a built-in reminder that such a life is possible:  Jesus rose from the dead on this day, guaranteeing the truth of what he taught and lived and assuring us with unbounded hope that the victory is already won.  If we take Sundays seriously, we will receive the weekly boost we need to continue pursuing the way that will lead us through the narrow gate.
Bro. Rene

Actions, Not Words

Jesus, in today's Gospel passage from Matthew, 23: 1-12, is very clear on actions over words, as he tells his disciples to follow their teachings, but not their actions, which are  evidently in opposition to each other.  He would have his followers be DOERS of the Word, and let these actions speak loudly the message their words might convey.  Most telling is his teaching: "The greatest among you must be your servant" and "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Mt 23: 11-12).
How fitting a Gospel for the Memorial of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot, Doctor of the Church and model, especially for Marists.  He was known as "Mary's faithful chaplain" as well as renowned for putting his faith and theological insights into ACTION.  He resolved disputes in a schismatic Church, founded several monasteries in addition to his own at Clarivaux, and at the behest of Pope Eugene III, preached what turned out to be the disastrous Second Crusade.  His life might be summed up in his own teaching and special advice for us:  "What we love, we shall grow to resemble."
Bro. Rene

Dry Bones

Today, the prophet Ezekiel presents us with the striking image of a plain filled with dry bones, symbolizing the state of the house of Israel. (Cf, Ez 37:1-14)  The symbolism could easily apply to our world today.  It also could apply to the state of our own soul or spiritual life.  Frightening at first, but Ezekiel assures us that God will send his Spirit which will put flesh and sinew on these bones and raise them to life.
Jesus teaches in today's Gospel passage, the very foundation of the spiritual life: the two great commandments, love of God and love of neighbor,  (Cf, Mt 22: 34-40) These are what bring life to the dry bones, for God's Spirit is Love. 
St. Marcellin sent his followers to be teachers of the Word, of the Truth and to do so through loving those we teach.  We are the instruments to bring life to the dry bones around us, in front of us.  Let us do so with confidence, with the assurance that God will work through us to raise up a vast throng on living, loving citizens of his Kingdom.
Bro. Rene

Clean Hearts and Missing Wedding Garments

Consolation and Desolation are major themes in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and can be found in today's readings.  Ezekiel speaks of the cleansing water that purifies the heart and changes it from stone to "natural" with a dose of God's own spirit. Ah...how good it feels to have this inner transformation! (cf. Ez36: 23-28) The parable of the wedding garment, on the other hand, speaks of the expulsion of the guest from the wedding feast because he lacks the proper clothing.  He is cast, bound hand and foot, into darkness where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth. (cf. Mt 22: 1-14).  What a fate!
We don't know what state his heart was in, but can guess that it might have been at the stoney stage. The garment might symbolize mercy, compassion, love, and that too was missing, hence this guest was certainly in a bad state of desolation.  It would seem that the ideal stance in the Kingdom, is to have that pure heart and proper "garment", that is a life of mercy,, compassion and love.  These we can strive for, but the utter consolation is that the clean heart and good works come from God...his gifts to us.  Let us open our hearts and lives to receive and live them.
Bro. Rene

It's God's Call

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, Matthew 20: 1-16, which appears as today's Gospel resonates with us as we wrestle with the question of fairness:  Why DID those last hour laborers receive the same wage as those hired first?  Many's the time when envy surfaces as we look to the Powerball winner, the person getting the raise, the aches and pains we carry, while others course through life pain and illness free?  Where is the fairness? 
The answer is simple:  It's God's call. And we are not God!
Bro. Rene

Good Things Happening

Coming off our Marist Mission Appeal in the three Catholic Parishes in New Albany, Indiana, Holy Family, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Mary's, Br. John Byrd and I can vouch that despite the universal struggles that plague our church communities currently: declining numbers, financial stresses, lack of priests, and threats of mergers, these happy communities are alive and very well...Amazing to see young families, lots of children, all singing during Mass...an active Catholic School whose 350 students reverently participated in Mass for the Assumption. It was a breath of fresh air to meet such energetic Catholics so far from home who love their faith and Church and who work so hard to live their faith beyond Sunday! It certainly was an inspiration for us Marists to persist in our mission to make Jesus known and loved. It's possible to spread that knowledge and love and it's happening...Lots of good things are happening!
Bro. Rene

Mary's Assumption

Pope Pius XII established this feast, now a Solemnity, in 1950, a time when the world was still reeling with the effects of WWII and searching for the meaning of human existence. Visible signs of the war scarred Europe (and would for decades), Japan and the Islands in the South Pacific, but the worse scars were left on the human psyche. Materialism and secularism began to spread wildly to fill the gaps left by the war. However, by holding up Mary's Assumption as a dogma of faith, Pope Pius affirmed the dignity and destiny of the human race: we are God's creation and destined to live with him in eternity, body and soul. There is meaning and place for both the material and the spiritual; both must complement each other. Again, Mary is the teacher, the sign, the source of hope, for we shall, if we hold faithful to her Son, follow her, body and soul, to heaven in God's appointed time. May we continue to keep our eyes fixed on this woman clothed with the sun, standing on the moon and crowed with twelve stars. (Cf. Rev 12:1) and not lose faith nor hope.
Bro. Rene

Fire, Division, Peace

Jesus declared that he had some to set the world on fire and was eager to see it blazing. (Cf. Lk 12: 49). His message of love and forgiveness, he knew, could burn through the selfishness and lies that have plagued the human race since the Fall...itself a victim of self-centeredness and deceit, but he also knew that his message would not be well received, that it would cause division and even violence between those who accepted it and those who rejected it. And so it has been from the martyrdom of Stephen to the current martyrs around the world; from families divided to a Church divided. Yet, the "carrot" of peace lures us forward and encourages us to seek to love and forgive. What can we do in our circles today, our families, our parishes, our schools, our workplaces? How can we stir enthusiasm for Truth, for Love, for Forgiveness? How can we live in such a way that others see these virtues in action? Jesus, set my heart ablaze and let the fire from me help bring about the peace that is so absent in our divided world.
Bro. Rene

St. Charbel At Work

The Roman Church knows little of the popular hermit and Miracle Worker, St. Charnel, who has been venerated in the Maronite Rite since his death in the late 19th century. A simple monk, ascetic, spiritual guide who left his monastery for a cave, but returned as the result of a stroke and continued to minister through prayer and presence until his death. A strange light appeared in his tomb after his burial, and an even stranger liquid oozed from his incorrupt body for 50 years. Hundreds of miracles have been attributed to him. Here is the tale of two of them:
My Godson, Marcellin, who is seven years old and lives in Pittsburgh suffered rather sudden and truly deadly attack of influenza, causing his heart to stop while in the care of several cardio specialists at Children's Hospital there. They were able to get the heart beating again, though feebly while machines circulated the blood and enabled him to breathe. A priest brought in a holy card of St. Charbel that he had touched to the reliquary from Lebanon that was making a pilgrimage in the US and Canada. The family prayed the prayer for healing on the card, and the next day, there was noticeable improvement in the heart. This continued at such a fast pace that even the doctors and nurses cried, "Miracle!" Marcellin has no brain damage and continues to regain his strength.
After the family told me this story, told them that earlier in May, that reliquary had been in Methuen, MA, and I had prayed for the healing of a cyst that was pressing on my spinal column. On the third day, the cyst was gone and I was spared surgery, recovery and therapy. We marveled at how St. Charbel took care of Godfather and Godson in the same month. Readers might want to learn more about this humble man and come to him with confidence for healing not only for themselves but for the moral decay, increasing addiction and suicide rates as well as the violence that plague our world. St. Charbel, pray for us.
Bro. Rene

Wading Through Depression

People suffering from depression seem to be everywhere; they feel helpless, unable to pull themselves out of it, have recourse to medication and counseling, sometimes to no avail. Friends and family also feel helpless; nothing seems to work to "cheer them up."
St. Jane France's de Chantal, whose Memorial we celebrate today, fell into a deep depression when she was left a widow at the age of 28, the single mother of 5 of her 8 children, three of whom had died before her husband. Her prayers were answered with the vision of a man she did not recognize, but later met and learned that it was St. France's de Sales. He became her friend and spiritual director, encouraging her to found an order of religious sisters who would devote themselves to humble and gentle service in the spirit of Mary's Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. She wanted her Sisters to live without the cloister, but Rome insisted for their "protection" the would have to be cloistered. Nevertheless, by running schools and being available to those in need, they were able to carry out their Mary-like mission. Despite many sufferings and more depression, St. Jane, through God's grace, was able to wade through the storm and tragedies that filled her life: the death of her children and the death of her spiritual guide, St. Francis. Her life demonstrates that even in the most trying circumstances God makes it possible for people to accomplish the "impossible." Wherever we find ourselves today, whatever challenges face us, whatever mood we are in, let us keep St. Jane in mind and not wallow in our depression of problems, but wade through them. St. Jane France's de Chantal, pray for us!
Bro. Rene

Poor and Forgiving Hearts

Jesus challenges us to forgive over and over, "seventy times seven" (Mt 18: 22). Is this possible? Doesn't our patience run out? Aren't we tempted to think that this endless forgiveness might simply be "enabling" and not really helpful? Yet, when we put ourselves into the shoes of the one asking for forgiveness, how many times do we find ourselves seeking forgiveness for the same things" We are banking on God's everlasting forgiveness, and even take it for granted. If he so forgives us, should we not then do so for others? Lord, give me a patient, forgiving heart that measures not the number of times I forgive someone else. Thank you for your patient and consistent forgiveness of my faults and sins.
Bro. Rene

St. Lawrence, Patron of Cooks

Today's short Gospel passage from St. John, 12: 24-26, presents the image of the grain of wheat which must die to produce fruit, the challenge to lose life in order to find it, to serve and follow Jesus. It is a fitting selection for the Feast of the Deacon Lawrence, who diligently served Pope Sixtus II, sold Roman Church goods to help the poor, defied Roman authorities and received the crown of martyrdom on the gridiron. He truly let the seed die and became a catalyst for the growth of the Church in Rome. Indeed, one of his prison guards, Romanus, having witnessed the faith and joy of Lawrence, became a believer and was martyred the day before Lawrence. Because of being roasted on the grill, he has been selected by chefs as their patron.
In our Marist Lore, Brother Lawrence, one of the first brothers, while not literally dying to spread the Word of God, did indeed die to comfort and convenience as he trekked weekly over the mountains to teach catechism. One can live out this Gospel without being subject to flames or sword. May our prayer, reflections and participation in the Eucharist help the seed planted within us die and produce new life and abundant fruit.
Bro. Rene

Who Is The Greatest?

"The disciples approached Jesus's and said, 'Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?'" (Mt 18:1). The answer was in a little child that Jesus called over and set in front of them. What a surprise that must have been...not one of them, not a diplomat, entrepreneur or solider, but a child! The innocence, the openness, the unconditional love and comfort that a child gives serve as reminders to us that in so approaching life we can turn what seems to be a hopeless journey into a "wonderful life." Our service with a smile to others evokes smiles from them; our gentleness passes on peace in turmoil; our simple presence brings a comfort that words cannot give. We may not end up as the "greatest" in the kingdom, but we will be great!
Bro. Rene

Setting the Word Ablaze

St. Dominic, whose Memorial we observe today, lived in an era when the Albigensian heresy was rampant and causing much turmoil in France. His own preaching, along with his fellow preachers of the Order he founded--the Order of Preachers-- was a major force in containing the heresy and restoring orthodoxy. He attributes his success to the power of prayer, adopting the formula: "To contemplate and to give to others the fruits of contemplation."
In our own day of global and national turmoil, turning to prayer will give us the solution, as simplistic as it might seem, for it is the tool that nothing can refute. Spending time with the God who is love, will fill our hearts with a love that will overflow and soften the hearts filed with anger and hate. St. Dominic, pray for us!
Bro. Rene

The Enormity of God's Love

(Note: Not sure when this will appear...Took a long time to connect to the Internet at the Marist Brothers' Residence in Wheeling, WV, but finally made it and hope to be back on schedule tomorrow. Sorry for not warning you ahead of time, but when I heard the Brothers now have Wi-Fi, I didn't think there would be a problem...but there was a glitch with the password...now straightened out.)

Fans of Startrek have to wonder about the size of the universe as the Enterprise continues its five-year mission to explore it and never reaches the border. It just goes on an on. Put this fictional account together with what the Hubble telescope has shown us and what its replacement will further reveal and connect it to the Psalmist who reminds us in Ps 104 about Creation and its Creator who holds the whole shebang in the palm of his hand. And not only that, but knows the number of hairs on our head and the number of sparrows who fly randomly over the numberless acres on this planet. And God's love exceeds all of this! We cannot measure it nor exhaust it....It is infinite! This alone is motive enough for our gratitude, for our trust and hope, but even more "awesome" is the miracle of love that binds a couple in marriage and brings forth new life. Humbling indeed, it is to reflect on this, as well as to lead us to praise and thanksgiving.
Bro. Rene

Glorious Transfiguration

The preview of the Resurrected Christ on Mount Tabor was for the three chosen Apostles, Peter, James and John, a preview of Jesus in his Glory to fortify them (and us) when it seems the world, and ourselves cannot sink any lower. The Apostles didn't quite understand its significance at the time, but knew they had seen something spectacular.  After the Resurrection and after Pentecost, its meaning was clear, Jesus was, as the voice proclaimed, the beloved, the chosen Son. May this scene be seared in our minds and hearts as we face the tests of the  human condition, as well as spur us on to live the teachings of Jesus as best we can each day so that we too might be transformed into chosen sons and daughters.
Bro. Rene

Dedication of St. Mary Major

Today's optional memorial honors the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the four basilicas in the city of Rome and the first Roman church dedicated to Mary.  A beautiful legend has it that a Patrician named John had a dream in which Mary indicated she wanted a church dedicated to her on a hill in Rome that would be covered with snow...an anomaly in the hot Roman summer.  John told Pope Liberius about the dream, and the Pope answered that he too had had the same dream. They went to the snow-covered hill where the pope outlined the dimensions of the church in the snow. Hence, the title Our Lady of the Snow(s). A century later after the Council of Ephesus at which Mary was declared the "God-Bearer", Theotokos, the enlarged Church was dedicated, the event we celebrate today.
The presence of this magnificent basilica which contains a relic of the manger in which the infant Jesus was placed after his birth, is a reminder of Mary's presence among us, as our Mother, and the woman who represents the ideal disciple of Jesus, who willing takes up the cross daily, willingly "loses" his or her life for the sake of Jesus, and finds true life in Jesus. As Marists, this is a further reinforcement of our call to BE Mary, BE PRESE NT in acts of mercy, kindness, compassion and forgiveness and joyfully take us our cross with Jesus in order to find life and  to help others find it as well..
Bro

To Serve Rather Than Be Served

Today, the Church honors St. Jean-Marie Vianney, the beloved Cure d'Ars, Patron Pastors and model for priests (and all of us).  He was a contemporary of St. Marcellin Champagnat,  Fr. Jean-Claude Colin, and other members of the Twelve who made the Fourviere Pledge to inaugurate the Society of Mary, desiring himself to join them, but denied by the Bishop. He is noted for his humility, simplicity and extraordinary gifts as a confessor, spending up to 18 hours a day in the confessional where people from all over France and Europe came to confess. 
We might ask what kind of life did he have for himself?  In today's standards, the answer would be NONE!  His life was dedicated to his parishioners and all who came for spiritual healing.  His surviving homilies demonstrate his simple, direct style that was effective in changing the life of a "dead parish" into one that was very much alive...However, it was his EXAMPLE more than his words that moved people to change their lives.  So much did he live for others that his vesting table in the church sacristy is worn down where he used to lean on it to catch a few winks between the confessional and the altar.  One could guess that he did not get the "recommended" hours of sleep!
He was tempted to give up and tried to "escape" from this demanding life, but each time, grace turned him back.  He died at the age of 73 after over 40 years of serving rather than being served.  St. Jean- Marie, when I'm tempted to give up or run away from serving others, obtain for me the grace to continue as you did.
Bro. Rene

Satisfied with Crumbs

The Canaanite woman who begs for her daughter's healing with persistence and faith stands as a model for us. (cf. Mt 15: 21-28).  She asks BIG, and evidently repeatedly, to the annoyance of the disciples who want Jesus to send her away.  She persists and eventually gets the attention of Jesus, with her simple, "Lord, help me." It was, however, her reference to the "crumbs" that turned Jesus to recognize her faith and grant her request.
So often when we pray, we expect the answer to be exactly as we have asked for and immediately after our first prayer.  It seems Jesus doesn't always work that way.  There's a reason for the delay which becomes clear in time.  Not only does he grant our wish, but also helps us deepen our faith.  We might grow discouraged when for three or four (or more--look at St. Monica) years it seems our prayer has not been heard but that is no reason to stop asking.  Perhaps the lesson is for US to be satisfied with the "crumbs" God gives us, most of the time the better part of our interaction with the God who knows us and what is best for us.  Help me Lord  to see the value in the crumbs as well as the full loaf.
Bro. Rene

Calmness in the Storm

It seems that a day doesn't go by without headlines of some controversy or violent attack.  Even in our daily doings, we hear of illnesses, or "impossible situations" others are suffering; and our own moods of ups and downs churn steadily, leaving us feel like the disciples in the storm-tossed boat.  Jesus was often confronted by the Scribes and Pharisees, or strongly criticized, even  abandoned by some followers when his teachings were "too hard." We  are not alone.
Today, we honor St. Julian Eymard, once a Marist Father and Provincial, but, following his deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist, left the Marists and founded a new congregation devoted to the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:  the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, and later, the Blessed Sacrament Sisters. In addition to their parish work, teaching and works of mercy, the spend a good deal of their day in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.  Perpetual Adoration is available in their churches and chapels.  It is there that they find calm in the storm and strength to carry out their work, and obtain the graces we need to carry out ours.
Most parishes have a day or a time when Adoration is available; we might find excuses to avoid it, but on the other hand, we might try spending some time there.  Fifteen minutes eventually slides into a half an hour; and the peace that comes recharges our worn batteries and spurs us on to face "the impossible" with hope and confidence.  Try it; Jesus will not let you down.
Bro. Rene

A Patron For Us

We might have heard of St. Alphonsus Ligouri from his Stations of the Cross booklet used in many parishes during Lent, but he has contributed much more than those little reflections to the life of the Church.  He was a lawyer before becoming a priest, but even then in his spare time visited the sick and elderly.  He founded the Congregation of the Redemptorists and was later consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese of St. Agatha in Italy.  Like the Cure of Ars, he spent long hours in the confessional despite his rheumatoid arthritis, and for many years had to use tubes to drink because his head was so bent forward.  He had taken a vow never to waste time, but found time for prayer and the works of mercy, such as  his devotion to the sick and infirm.  Thus he came to be  regarded as the patron of the work of lay people and serves as a model for us whose work and service to others does not allow long periods of contemplative prayer.  St. Marcellin, in the same vein, proposed that Marists recall the presence of God as well as BE a presence to others, as we go about our daily work. Using both men as models, may we give a new tone, a new lift to the many tasks that face us today.
Bro. Rene