Friday, December 30, 2016

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.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

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

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

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

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

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

Monday, December 26, 2016

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

Sunday, December 25, 2016

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

Friday, December 23, 2016

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

Thursday, December 22, 2016

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

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

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

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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

Sunday, December 18, 2016

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

Saturday, December 17, 2016

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

Friday, December 16, 2016

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

Thursday, December 15, 2016

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

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

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

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

Monday, December 12, 2016

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

Sunday, December 11, 2016

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

Saturday, December 10, 2016

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

Friday, December 9, 2016

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

Thursday, December 8, 2016

"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

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

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

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

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

Monday, December 5, 2016

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

Sunday, December 4, 2016

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

Saturday, December 3, 2016

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

Friday, December 2, 2016

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