Leaving In Peace

Note:  I will be away till Tuesday and won't have internet access...No slices till Tuesday morning...Happy New Year!!!

Today we read about the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the remarkable reception by Simeon, the old man who had been awaiting the coming of the Messiah, blessed him and prophesied to Mary about the impending swords of sorrow.
The blessing of Simeon is recited every evening at the end of Complin, the Church's Night Prayer...It's one we might all say and might be one with which to end 2017.
Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled,/
my own eyes have seen the salvation /
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations/
and the glory of your people Israel. (Lk 2:29-32)

Bro. Rene

The Beloved St. John

Today is the Feast of St. John, the Beloved Disciple, but the Gospel is about Mary Magdalene, another beloved and loving disciple and "the other disciple whom Jesus loved" (Jn 20:2), whom we assume is John.  Both see the empty tomb and come to believe.  It takes awhile to sink in and for them to realize that Jesus is alive, but their joy becomes full when they share this new with others, even though they are slow to believe and take some dramatic convincing.
We are now two days from Christmas and perhaps find our Christmas enthusiasm and joy waning or warning off, but we can regain it by putting ourselves in Mary's and John's shoes at the empty tomb and sharing this good news and our faith with our families and those with whom we work.  Just talking about Jesus in simple and familiar terms is enough...we don't have to preach an eleoquent sermon, but just let our faith surface and be a living part of our day.
Bro. Rene

Note:  I will not have access to the internet tomorrow morning, so there will be no slice of bread.  Will serve up anoher on Friday morning...

Facing Hatred With Forgiveness

In contrast to the joy and peace of Christmas, the jolting juxtaposing if Stephen's martyrdom the very next day is jolting, to say the least.  It is, however, a sobering reminder of the mission of Jesus, to teach us to love our enemies and to forgive those who persecute us.  Stephen's stoning and his final words do just that.  "He fell at their knees and cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord do not hold this sin against them.'" (Acts 7:60).
In our own day, when such brutality against Christians is rampant, or when subtle or not so subtle encroachments of our secular culture belittle, mock or attack our beliefs, do we react with anger or forgiveness?  Or, how patient are we within our families when our attempts to speak and live the Truth are challenged?  St. Stephen teaches us that from the beginning, living as Christ taught is not easy, even dangerous.  This lesson is part of the Christmas package, and it's not something that can be exchanged for another more to our liking as we might do with an unwelcome gift.
Bro. Rene 

Good News Of Great Joy

Our short Advent is over and the Day for which we have been preparing has come.  Think back to that First Sunday of Advent...plans, attempts to "make this a good Advent" distractions from routine duties and always those unexpected demands, last minute cooking, decorating, and, of course, shopping...Is this what Advent is about? 
Mary and Joseph journeyed by donkey to Bethlehem...no reservations awaiting them, and worse, "no room at the Inn"...And Mary about to deliver.  Could it have been a worse preparation for the birth of the Son of God?  And so HE entered our world of unpredictables and unfulfilled plans to assure us that he understands and is with us at every step of the way.
So with assurance let us listen again to the greetings of the Angel to the shepherds.  DO NOT BE AFRAID; FOR BEHOLD I PROCLAIM TO YOU GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY THAT WILL BE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE.  FOR TODAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN FOR YOU WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD. (Lk 2: 10: 11)
This is what today is about...the rest is all secondary.  Let our joy stem from the presence of Jesus among us forever.
Bro. Rene

Yes To The Unkown

This fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve finds us centered on Mary's "Fiat" (Yes). as we listen to the familiar tale of the Annunciation.  Reflecting on Mary's answer to Gabriel, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word," (Lk 1:38), we see Mary making a tremendous leap of faith...Gabriel leaves her when he hears her acceptance of his brief description of what is being asked:  to be the Mother of the Savior, the Mother of God, by the mysterious action of the Holy Spirit.  He gives her no manual or "how to do it book".  No she is left with her faith, her trust, and seems more concerned about her elderly cousin, Elizabeth and her unexpected pregnancy, leaving as she does with haste to go and help her.
Mary's YES is a continual example, a continual thorn in our side...to accept whatever God is asking of us, even when we don't have all the details laid out for us, even when so much is unknown. It's not the way most of us act...we plan, we bury ourselves with details and schedules...it's against our grain, it's countercultural, but it works...Where would we be if Mary had hesitated, deliberated, or brought it to committee?  The beautiful Christmas song repeats, "Mary did you know?  No, she didn't but she still said YES!
Bro. Rene   

A Time For Rejoicing

Gift exchanging will soon begin, and with it, smiles, surprises, thank you's hugs, kisses...a glad time, a time for rejoicing.
Today's Gospel passage  (Lk 1: 57-66) relates the birth and naming of John the Baptist.  What joy that this barren woman, Elizabeth, brings forth a healthy baby boy! His father rejoices and surprises the family by breaking custom and naming him John, the name proposed by the angel and with this, he begins to speak:  Further rejoicing.  And soon we'll be welcoming the Christ Child...and be singing our Glorias with the angels.  Yes, a time for rejoicing...  These words of the Psalmist are appropriate today:
Come to me, Lord, with your help
that I may see the joy of your chosen ones'and may rejoice in the gladness of your nation
and share the glory of your people.
Despite our last minute hustle with Christmas preparations, let us remember that the joy in our hearts is a gift and is much more important than our tasks...They need to be done, but let them be done with joy..
Bro. Rene
 

"The Greatmess of the Lord"

In Ten verses, Mary gives us the appropriate words as we grope for them to express our response to the birth of her Son.(Lk 1: 46-56)  We might find a Christmas card here and there that puts our thoughts into words, but Mary's do it best:  they are focused on the greatness of God, which, when we think about it, is greater than this whole universe, that, according to the most powerful telescope, has no end:  vast and limitless....truly a material extension, expression of its Creator, this Creator who humbles himself and shrinks himself into the tiny body of an infant!  Mary sees herself as simply the instrument for this miracle which confounds our understanding, and she praises the blessings that come from it: mercy to every generation,  strength that dethrones the proud  and mighty, and compassion that  lifts the poor and lowly and fills the hungry with good things..  Let this be our prayer today and as we kneel before the crib on Christmas Eve and during the Christmas season.
Bro. Rene

O Radiant Dawn

The "O Antiphon", O Radiant Dawn, falls appropriately on the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere...where, although the mornings are still very dark, and daylight, very short, the HOPE of the return of the sun and more daylight, makes the Radiant Dawn already visible in our imaginations.  In our minds we become the "lover" of the Song of Songs who leaps over the mountains and bounds over the hills, like a young stag or a gazelle (cf. Song 2: 8-9).  New energy, new joy fills us.  Or we become Mary, "setting out in haste" to visit Elizabeth so that both mothers-to-be can share their joy and be of service to one another.  If that is the joy, the energy, that comes with sunlight or motherhood, what level of joy should fill our hearts at the birth of the Son of God as one of us?   That is the energy, the force,  that propels us to spend the weeks of Advent in preparation, that spurs us to shop for gifts, that brings families together to worship the "Babe" and celebrate with a scrumptious meal.  As Mary responded to Elizabeth's greeting with praise of God, may we sing our own Magnificat as we leap toward the great day four days from now. "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior."  (Lk 1: 46)
Bro. Rene

Searching for a Sign

In today's reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we hear him tell the young king Ahaz to ask for a sign from God, "as deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky." (Is 7:10).  Evidently God had set no limits to the sign, but Ahaz refused, not wanting to tempt his God.  The sign was given: the young maiden (presumably his wife) would conceive and bear a son whose name would be Emmanuel. (Is 7: 14)
In the light of Gabriel's invitation and explanation to Mary, this prophecy was truly fulfilled in her miraculous conception of a child, a boy, to be named Jesus (Yahweh saves). 
How appropriate it is so close to Christmas itself to look back and see again how this plan came to completion.  Again we see the wisdom and care of God, who is with us and for us, and who reminds us to trust and not to be afraid.  Luke tells us that Mary was greatly troubled by Gabriel's message, rightly so, but Gabriel, sensing her concern told her, "Do not be afraid." (Lk 1:30)
At this point in Advent, we too have many concerns, and questions about being ready for Christmas, both spiritually and materially, for Advent has been shorter that usual, and our lives, busier.  We need not search  for a sign:  it has already been given.  Let us be at peace as we proceed in these final days; let us fear not, calm our anxieties and repeat "All Shall Be Well."
Bro. Rene

Following God's Plan

Today's Gospel brings us another story of God's intervention, this time to the "advanced in years" Zechariah, husband of Elizabeth, kinswoman of Mary, betrothed and later, wife of Joseph. Zechariah and Elizabeth were "righteous in the eyes of God" (Lk 1: 6), but having no children to this point, were most likely resigned to remaining a childless couple.  Not in God's plan, however.  As with Mary, an angel appears and announces that a boy will be born to them who will be great in the sight of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit, and will turn many to God. (cf. Lk 1: 14-16).  The news was so startling, that Zechariah hesitated in doubt, and was struck dumb until the child was born and indeed, as the angel had announced, named John.
We might think that extraordinary interventions such as this, no longer happen, but how often do "angels" appear to us at moments of sorrow, frustration, confusion, or even despair to lift us to safety?  And, we can't forget that our guardian angels are very real, and although never acknowledged or thanked enough, they still guard and protect us. Mine deserves a constant "shout out" for the countless times he has protected me for a serious auto accident, just by delaying a move by a second, a second that has saved my life!
We can pray and we do pray for specific needs or wants, but perhaps the best prayer is to ask God to let his plan come to pass, and trust that it will be for the best.
Bro. Rene 

Joseph, Husband of Mary

As we approach the Nativity of Jesus next Monday, we focus on Joseph, who accepted his role as husband of Mary despite her "mysterious" pregnancy. A bold move, a generous and faith-filled move. Matthew calls him a "righteous man" (Mt 1: 19), but we see him also as a man of quiet strength, deep faith and trust, reassured by the message of an angel and, like his spouse, responding with a yes shown by his actions.  We do not hear a word from him, yet he obeys and does what is asked of him, even to giving the name, Jesus (Yahweh saves) to the boy as directed by the angel.
He serves as a model for us who fret and worry over much less monumental assignments or requests that stretch us beyond what we deem our limits. Would that our relationship with God were as strong; what further good could we accomplish with such obedience, trust and faith?    Saint Joseph, give us your strength, your quiet willingness to accept and DO "the impossible."
Bro, Rene

Rose Sunday: Rejoice Always

In a full four-week Advent, this would be the halfway point, and in anticipation of Christmas, the Church slides away from Advent purple to Rose...almost white, but not quite!  St. Paul urges us to "rejoice always"as well as "to pray always and give thank in all circumstances"... (1 Thess 5:16) . A tall order.  But again, in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, we can't hold back...And, anyway, this is a wonderful approach to life for all seasons...Seeing the world through "rose colored glasses" is not as bad as it's taken to be by some.   Yes, we live an an imperfect world, but doom and gloom are not way to make it any better. 
In the joyful spirit of this day, we might take heed of this little gimmick:  The hymn, O Come, O come Emmanuel has been sung off and on for two weeks since Advent began, but today with the introduction of the first "O Antiphon", O Come thou WISDOM from on high, we might find wisdom and reason for rejoicing if we substitute OUR name for Israel in the refrain:  Emmanuel, Emmanuel, shall come to thee O...(your name)...  Very moving...even to tears of joy as we recognize our unworthiness that is not too unworthy for Jesus to come to us.  Truly a cause for rejoicing today and always.
Bro. Rene

Turning Back to the Father

In today's Gospel passage, Jesus tells his disciples indirectly that Eljah has returned, that John the Baptist ws the new Elijah. (cf. Mt 17: 9a, 10-13). This puts John on a high level of respect and obligation.  John knew his mission and worked tirelessly to turn hearts back to the Father, to the point where he made enemies "on high" and eventually lost his life.
The first two weeks of Advent end today; one more week to go.  Have we been applying the oil of prayer to our squeaky or rusted joints enough to enable our hearts to start a turn, even if it be a slow, turn to the Father?  Is our prayer time still filled with planning, schedules, calendars, preoccupations with things we want to do, have to do? Are we working at our mission as tirelessly as John? The ideal is to use our prayer time to connect with our God, even if it be without words...to quiet that over-stimulated brain and ler out hearts hear and find rest in God.  We need to put the brakes on and sweep out the clutter to appreciate the great gift of Jesus...God made human, God with us, Emmanuel.
Bro Rene

Let's Not Be Fickle

Jesus refers to "this generation" as children sitting in the market place, never satisfied, always wanting something else or more.  Even he couldn't satisfy them, accused of being a drunkard or glutton because he socialized normally with others. (Mt 11: 16-19).  Do we find ourselves making the same complaints?  Too hot, too cold, too busy, not busy enough???
Centuries ago, Isaiah said it clearly and simply, and his words bear repetition and reflection:
"I, the Lord your God,
teach you what is for your good
and lead you on the way you should go.
If you would hearken to my commandments,
your prosperity would be like a river,
and your vindication like the waves of the sea.
Your descendants would be like the sand,
and those born of your stock like the grains
Their name never cut off
of blotted out from my presence."   (Is 48: 17-19)
May we follow the Ways laid out for us each day, and not be looking from side to side for something "better."  God knows what is best for us.
Bro. Rene

Desert Into Marshland

I will turn the desert into a marshland,/ and the dry ground into springs of water. (Is 41:18).  These are consoling words that balance the sobering words of Jesus in today's Gospel that "the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force." (Mt 11: 12).  Jesus saw violence in his own life: his passion and death, and Christians have suffered violence through persecution even till  today, but as Jesus rose from the dead, the prophecy of Isaiah still stands, that the "desert" of genocide and terrorism in which we live will someday be turned around into verdant and productive land.  Isaiah is the prophet of promise and hope; his message is still relevant today and needs to be reiterated to those of us who might be tempted to cynicism or skepticism.  Advent is the time to renew that hope, to listen to the voices of the past and look toward the promise of the Second Coming of Jesus, guaranteed by the first coming at Bethlehem.. As Jesus said, ""Whoever has ears ought hear." (Mt 11:1 5).
Bro. Rene

Come To Me

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn f rom me, for I am meek and mumble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. (Mt 11:28-30)
In Sweden, December 13th is the longest night as the sun will rise and set a bit earlier from the 14th on.  It is also called Lucia Night, (Lucia meaning LIGHT) and coincides with the Memorial of St. Lucy (Santa Lucia).  A young girl wearing a crown of candles and wearing a white robe makes her appearance to dispel the darkness, and special dishes and sweets are served.  Truly a celebration of LIGHT.
Jesus offers himself as one who is willing to take  upon himself our burdens, to lighten our load, to fill us with the light of hope and love.  He invites us during Advent to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as to seek quiet moments of communion with him so that we may unload what's bothering us on him, and find that rest, that peace that only he can offer.  Take time to reflect on, to chew on, to digest the verses above, and welcome the invitation of the Light of the World to come to him.
Bro. Rene

Our Mother

Note:  Again, I missed yesterday's deadline...apologies...today we are on schedule and a double "slice" awaits you.

We Marists, picking up on a favorite reference of St. Marcellin, invoke the Blessed Virgin Mary, as "our Good Mother."  In so doing we are echoing the words of Mary herself spoken to Juan Diego during her apparitions on Tepeyac, a hill outside of the old Mexico City,  in December, 1531:  I am your merciful Mother, the Mother of all the inhabitants on this land and all the ret who love me, invoke and confide in me.  I truly will listen to their cries and their sadness in order to remedy all their sorrows, their miseries, and their pains.
Mary has kept her word:  seven years after her appearance to Juan Diego, 8 million Aztec Indians converted to Catholicism, stopped their practice of human sacrifice, and their descendants have remained passionately devoted to La Morena ever since.  The image placed on Juan Diego's tilma continues to be venerated by millions, not only this day in Mexico, but all around the world.  She is patroness of the America's and of pregnant women, for she appeared as such, with a symbol of her great love for all on her garment just over her heart.  With bended knee, she appears to be dancing, a sign of her joy at being with her children.  She is warm and loving, a true mother, but with the sun behind her, she clearly indicates that her Son is the true object of our worship. Her subsequent apparitions at Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje demonstrate her persistent presence and care.  If devotion to her could convert a country and a short time, why are we not calling upon her to convert us at this critical period when society, civilization.  seems to be disintegrating?
Bro .Rene

Saving Faith

The cure of the paralytic, who was lowered by his friends through an opening they made in the roof of the crowded house, and the forgiveness of his sins were the fruit of their faith (cf. Lk 5: 20). His faith was so strong that it enabled his friends to find a way to come into contact with Jesus.  They too must have believed a cure was possible otherwise they wouldn't have gone through all that trouble. Believers can have a strong influence on others, particularly their family and friends, if they live it and express it. What can I do today to spread the faith?
Bro. Rene

A Call To Action

The words of the Prophet Isaiah hit us directly at the beginning of today's Gospel, and for those of us familiar with the popular musical, Godspel, we can still hear the haunting, Prepare ye the way of the Lord" ringing in our memories. John the Baptist came proclaiming "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." (Mk 1:4)  The one "mightier than he" was coming and John was preparing his way.
John calls to us as well, to prepare the way in our hearts for Jesus; he is coming toward us, no doubt about it, and we must be ready.  This short Gospel passage is full of "action words" which provide us food for our prayer today and the remaining weeks of Advent:  “Sending,” “prepare,” “make his paths straight,” “appeared,” “going out to him,” “confessing,” “proclaimed,” “coming after me” – that is a lot of movement! May we respond with energy and actions which will help us be ready,
Bro. Rene

A Missionary Church

(Note: yesterday's slice of bread will appear below.  Missed the dealine by less than a minute!  Not today...will post this early!!!  Apologies again.) 

Soon after he was elected the Chair of Peter, Pope Francis said that the Church was in dire need of "shepherds who smelled like sheep."  We might apply these words to ourselves.  If we are to be Christians, followers of Jesus, we can't just talk, we need to dig in and get our hands dirty.  Today's
gospel gives us a clear description of what Jesus expected of the Twelve (and us): "Cure the sick raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give." (Mt 10:6-8)  As St. Teresa of Avila put it, "Jesus has no hands now but ours." If HIS work is to continue in our day, it's up to US to carry it out   We may not literally raise people from the dead, or drive our demons, but we can lift spirits by a kind note, call, e-mail, text...We can be sources of hope by our optimism, our faith, our joy.  We can preach louder with our actions than our words.  We are a missionary Church;  our attitude cannot be "let Father Joe do it", but rather, I can and must do it, or as Nike says:  JUST DO IT!
Bro. Rene

Full Of Grace

The Gospel for today's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the story of the Annunciation, with the familiar words:  "Hail full of Grace" (Lk 1 26), which Catholics around the world repeat millions of times a day. This Solemnity celebrates that fullness of grace, that from the earliest instant of her conception, Mary was without stain of original sin, a dogma proclaimed in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, but believed from the beginning of the Christian era. This fullness of grace was a gift in view of Mary's Motherhood of God, and is reflected in her FIAT, "Let it be done to me." (Lk 1:38).  As Christians and as Marists, we strive to imitate Mary's openness to the calls that God gives us daily.  May she help us become more like her.
Bro. Rene

A House Built on Rock

As children of all ages and countries who have the opportunity to spend a day at the beach love to build sand castles, learn that these magnificent edifices are susceptible to the crashing waves or the heavy feet of an "enemy", so we see that a spiritual house built on sand cannot stand.  A house built on rock is able to withstand wind, waves, and enemy attacks because of it's strong foundation.  A spirituality based on a firm commitment to God and his plan for us, a working in concert with him, allows us to withstand the blasts of the culture or the subtle forces that seek to undermine it from within and without.
Advent is the time to solidify our commitment to doing God's will and to purging ourselves of the obstacles that stand in the way.  May we continue to seek ways to eliminate the influence of the internet, films, and gossip that take up and waste so much of our time, and use the gained time to talk to God from the heart and build our house on the Rock.
Bro .Rene

Generous Sharing

(Note...looks like the posting time has changed again so that this slice will appear a day late.  Sorry.)

Appropriately, the Gospel story of  the multiplication of the loaves and fishes occurs today, the Memorial of St. Nicholas, so noted for his generous gift-giving that he has taken a place in the Christmas observances in several countries, as Father Christmas, Pere Noel and  notably in  our own, as Santa Claus.
 Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish to feed the great crowd who had been with him for three days with nothing to eat.  Jesus asked what food was available and learned they had seven loaves and a few fish, according to Matthew's account. (cf. Mt 15:29-37).  No where enough to feed everybody.  He took what they had, blessed it and watched the disciples distribute it.  All were satisfied, leaving seven baskets of left-over fragments.
St. Nicholas, according to tradition, inherited a substantial fortune, which he distributed to people in need even before he became bishop.  He is remembered for providing the dowries for three young women whose father was considering prostitution as a financial recourse due to their poverty, by tossing bags of gold coins through their window.  Even today, "gold" (chocolate filled) coins are distributed on this day.  St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia and Greece, and is one of the major saints in the Eastern Church. We might follow his generosity by sharing whatever we can ...spiritually and materially with those who have less during this Advent Season.
Bro .Rene

"Blessed Are The Eyes..."

Since childhood, most of us have no doubt been warned by our parents about taking care of our eyes:  "Don't read in the dark."  "Turn on the Light"  Our eyes are the precious windows to the beauty of the vast ocean or the "Big Sky (out West), or to the delicate snowflake or spring crocus, as well as to the people around  us.  When Jesus spoke the words, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see" (Lk 10:23), he was referring to himself, his loving relationship with his Father, the forging of the Kingdom of God and the miracles he was performing.  Truly a blessed sight, one which we envy.  Yet, blessed are our eyes for they see these same things through faith.  With prayers answered, we see Jesus working among us, especially when hearts are changed or our own understanding and appreciation of Jesus is widened.  Advent is such a time for us to use our eyes well and see the miracles being worked among  us and in our own hearts. Lord, that we may see more clearly, remove the scales on our eyes, increase our faith.  Help us to see what you are revealing to us as we go through each day.
Bro. Rene

Building Trust

The words of the unnamed centurion in today's passage from Matthew have been encased in the Mass and continue to pose a challenge for us: "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed." (Mt 8: 8).  Jesus commends him for his faith and cures the servant.  The centurion's faith led him to utter trust in Jesus.  All he needed was a word, not a visit, and the servant would be healed.
Are we so trusting?  Would Jesus find such faith and trust in us?.  We say these words every time we receive Holy Communion, but are they ours? On this first Monday of Advent, reflecting on them might be a way of determining how deep our trust is, and how we might ask with the centurion for the healing, not of our employee,  or friend, or family member, but of ourselves, for our lack of trust.
Bro. Rene

Waiting

Advent is here, can Christmas be far behind? Well, this year Advent is only three full weeks, so yes, Christmas is not far behind, even closer than usual.  We are admonished to "be watchful, be alert" (Mk 13:33) and to wait for the time unknown when the Lord will come. (Mk 13: 36), for Advent waiting is two-fold:  for the birth of Jesus and for his Second Coming. One has historically taken place, the other is somewhere in the mystery of "when".  What does this mean in a culture where answers are found in minutes by the touch of a screen?  Where horns beep as soon as a traffic light changes, where impatience flares at a slow check-out line?  We are not good at waiting, yet this is the season of waiting, of watching.
We might have to work at forcing ourselves to wait, to put something else aside so that we can reflect on our lifestyle that overworks, overtires us and gives us little time to appreciate the "little signs" of his Presence that God gives us through others.  Or how our preoccupation with the events of the coming day block our personal prayer or our attentiveness during Mass.  We need to pray for the grace to slow down, to turn our daily "musts" over to God and be assured again and again, that what we finally accomplish each day is sufficient, and what God wanted, (which is never, it seems, what WE wanted!  In the end, we see that his way was best and our fretting was for nothing.)  The expectant mother cannot force her child to come when she wants, but must wait for the time when God in his wisdom and plan wants it.  Let this be our Advent stance and help us to take full advantage of and enjoy the waiting.
Bro. Rene

"Be Vigilant At All Times

Be vigilant, be alert, Jesus warns.  This morning the pre-sunrise sky was layer upon layer of lavender, rose, and pink, fast moving and changing before the eye:  the perfect Advent sky, one that would have been missed if a misbehaving internet connection had not forced a trip upstairs to the router.  So often we miss the signs, the warnings, the PRESENCE because we are more alert to other things: the beep that indicates a text or an e-mail, for example.  What a great Advent it would be if we were as alert to the lessons and rhythm of this beautiful season as we are to those pings on our i-phones! 
Yes, Jesus wants us to be alert, to be vigilant, to be watching, but also to be praying.  Watch and pray.  Wait and pray "that you may have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." (Lk 21:46)  That is the reason for this season, that is the gift of Advent.
Bro. Rene

Signs of Joy and Hope

We are approaching the season of Advent, which signals the eventual arrival of Jesus at Christmas. The Birth has already taken place, but symbolically and prophetically we celebrate with three weeks of preparation for it, with an eye toward the Second Coming. The Advent wreath, the color purple, the readings from Isaiah serve as Advent signs of the coming of Jesus as do the buds on the fig tree, signal the coming of summer. In our current culture where Christmas Carols and decorations already saturate our stores, radios and homes, it is hard to "fit in" and give this waiting time its proper place.  We have "jumped the gun", albeit too soon, and miss the point of adequate preparation by way of times of silence, prayer, a visit to a church or chapel, a quiet reading of Isaiah or some other devotional book which will slow us down and stir up our realization of what the coming of God as a human being really entails.  Again, taking so much for granted, moving too fast (as we do with everything) and losing the significance of this most important event,  how can we find joy and hope, hungering and thirsting, if we don't take time to delve into the Mystery?
Bro. Rene

Leaving All

Note:  I apologize for the absence of yesterday's slice of bread, Perseverance.  I waited to long to start writing and missed the 9 : 47 deadline by even less than a minute...posted it as soon as the clock hit 9:48, but it was too late.  Hence, I'm getting an earlier start today in case I run into technical problems which also delayed me yesterday.  

Today we remember St. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter and the first to respond to John the Baptist's recognition of the Lamb of God.  According to John's Gospel, Andrew, and another disciple of John, followed Jesus and spent such an impactful afternoon with him, that even years later, the precise time of four o'clock was remembered and recorded in Jn 1: 39. Andrew then found Peter and brought him to Jesus, and the next day brought Philip to him. Andrew is regarded in the Greek Church as the "Protoclete, the  First Called.
Legends abound about Andrew after the Resurrection, having him preach in Greece, and hanging from an X shaped cross from which he preached for two days before dying. It seems that such a cross only came into existence in the 14th century, but it has remained part of the iconography and St. Andrew lore that we all love, so much so that St. Andrew's cross adorns the flag of Great Britain.
And although St. Andrew never reached Scotland, his relics did, carried by St. Regulus and he is highly regarded in Scotland as one of its patrons.
Without looking ahead for immortalization in fact or legend, Andrew stands as a model of one who recognized Jesus and left All, his business, his father, to follow him. How keen is our eye-sight, our insight, and how daring are we that we might recognize Jesus as he comes to us daily and follow him with such abandon? St. Andrew, pray for us poor blind and weak Christians who have so much to learn from you and who need your faith and courage to live the life of a disciple of Jesus.
Bro. Rene

Perseverance

"By your perseverance, you will secure your lives." (Lk 21:19).  We don't have to wait to be persecuted to put this word of Jesus to use.  Just going about our daily duties, with time running out, with important papers hiding away under piles of other papers; with disagreements and differing points of view, it's hard to keep calm and rational.  We might fly off the handle for a minute and then realize that bending to our frustrations is no solution.  It is steadfast perseverance, based on faith and trust that will calm us down and keep us focused on what really matters.
Bro. Rene

When Will The End Come?

For centuries, the advent of earthquakes, famines, wars. and natural disasters of all sorts, have caused panic, for these were the very "signs"  Jesus used to answer the age-old question, When will the end come?"
People have sold everything, homes and property, to be completely free for the Second Coming, and never has it arrived on the predicted date, or any date, for that matter.  Truly, no one knows the day nor he hour.  The message is that being ready for it at any time, is the way to live.
With Advent on the horizon for next Sunday, this is the time to start preparing our hearts for the Coming of Jesus, not only at Christmas, or the end of time, but right now, as he comes to us in the people and events of every day.  Most of the time we miss him, so busy and unfocused are we, but St. Marcellin's advice to live in the Presence of God, will help us to refocus and be alert to his nearness.
Let's be attentive; be awake, be ready.
Bro. Rene

The Widow's Mite

Reading about the widow whose gift of two coins, all she had to live on (cf. Lk 21:1-4) makes us stop and wonder if we could do the same.  Some people give begrudgingly as the collection basket comes around, or a request comes through the mail or on the telephone; some give out of guilt, or frustration, "just to get them off my back."  We don't know exactly the widow's motivation, but her generosity certainly caught the eye of Jesus and merited his commendation, not that she was looking for it. She evidently trusted that somehow her gift would "come back" and that she'd be able to buy food or whatever she needed. We might have noticed that God will not be outdone in generosity, and often our gift to others is counter balanced by an unexpected gift to us.  Perhaps more important in our self-examination is to see whether or not we are giving out of love and compassion, as Jesus gave so freely of what he had and of who he was.  If not a financial gift, it might be the gift of time, advice, encouragement, companionship; large or small it can make a difference. 
Bro. Rene

A Different Kind of King

Today's celebration of The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, presents us not with the usual authoritarian monarch, but with a shepherd who is engaged in compassionat service to the poor, the naked, the hungry, prisoners, etc, as we read in Matthew 25: 31-46.  He calls his followers to the same kind of compassion and reminds us all that when we treat or mistreat others, we treat oor mistreat him. He is not your ordinary king, nor is this an ordinary kingdom.  It is built on love and service to one another, not on fear and neglect of the rights and dignity of others.  As such, it is not a popular approach to "governance" and often finds itself at odds with the prevailing attitudes toward power, even to the point of persecution.
The Knights of Columbus are focusing this week on praying for these persecuted Christians and invite us to join them.
Bro. Rene

Prayer for Persecuted Christians

O God of all the nations,
the One God who is and was and always will be,
in your providence you willed that your Church
be united to the suffering of your Son.
Look with mercy on your servants
who are persecuted for their faith in you.
Grant them perseverance and courage
to be worthy imitators of Christ.
Bring your wisdom upon leaders of nations
to work for peace among all peoples.
May your Spirit open conversion
for those who contradict your will,
that we may live in harmony.
Give us the grace to be united in truth and freedom,
and to always seek your will in our lives.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!

 

Reflecting On Our Resurrection

We continue to pray for the "souls of the faithful departed"  even after the joy of being with family over Thanksgiving, for the WHOLE month of November is dedicated to them.  We most likely remembered deceased family members, especially those who died in the past year, as we prayed before our meal, and today's Gospel about life after death brings to mind our own future. Jesus was clear about resurrection and certainly his own was the definitive model for what awaits us.  As we get older, "the end" becomes more of a reality, as we see more and more of our family, friends, and colleagues leave us, for what we say at wakes or in eulogies, "a better place."  Today we might reflect on our own limited time and the glory of the resurrection, the new and fuller life, that awaits us.  Such a reflection will help us to put "things' in perspective and to realize that the invitation of Jesus, "Come to me all who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest," (Mt 11:28) is meant for NOW, not just at the end of our life.
Bro. Rene

Cleansing the Temple

For our post-Thanksgiving and Pre-Advent reflection, the Church provides Luke's brief version of the Cleansing of the Temple (Lk 19:45-48) and the Memorial of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs canonized in 1988 by St. John Paul II, two rather sobering contrasts to the joy and gratitude of yesterday, but nevertheless nourishing to our spiritual life.
What was once a necessary convenience to Jews who came to worship at the Temple, where Roman coins were not allowed because of the "graven image" of Caesar on them, had become a wholesale disgrace to the sanctity of the temple, and raised the ire of Jesus which motivated his forceful action and their quick expulsion. We might reflect on how "things" attitudes, and behaviors, once innocently part of our daily routine, have become detriments to our relationship with God and others, and need purging.  Advent is the perfect time for the cleansing of our "temples" in preparation for the birth of Jesus.
Reflecting on he suffering of the Vietnamese martyrs might help curb our whining, when we find the "purge" too painful.  As Father Paul Le-Bao Tinh testified, "In the midst of these torments, which usually terrify others, I am, by the grace of God, full of joy and gladness, because I am not alone--Christ is with me."  May we find that same Presence, joy and gladness as we "cleanse our temples."
Bro. Rene

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is a marvelous holiday. Families reunite to share the love that continues to grow even when distance separates members for most of the year.   There's no joy like seeing eyes light up and smiles stretch from ear to ear, a scene that tops the tastiest turkey.
Today's Gospel recounts the joy one man experienced, and took time to acknowledge and thank the author of that joy, Jesus Christ.  The tenth leper, cured of his disease, returned praising God aloud and thanking Jesus.  For his gratitude and his act of FAITH he was promised salvation .(Lk 17: 19).  This is the day when we can do the same:  Shout out praise and thanks to God, the Giver of all Good Gifts!
Happy Thanksgiving, Good and Faithful Followers of Bro. Rene's Daily Bread.
Bro. Rene

Opportunities to Love

(Note:  Yesterday's slice will appear as a second post (or vice-versa); I posted it too late to appear yesterday);

How many times a day or a week does someone ask for a favor, or do we come across a situation that requires our assistance?  Like the servants who received gold coins to trade from their master, we have been given the gold coin of a loving heart.  Do we invest it, as did the first servant, or do we wrap it up in a napkin as did the third servant? (cf. Lk 19: 11-28).  This parable parallels the parable in Matthew, which we read last Sunday, and, despite some minor differences in detail, gives the same message:  Do not be afraid to invest, to give, to love.  Investing in the opportunities to love can only multiply and expand our "treasury"  The more we give of our hearts to others, the more will they come to us, seeing our generous hearts and knowing that we will find a way to give to them too.  Jesus did not hold back, neither should we.
Bro. Rene

The Presentation of Mary

Paralleling the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd, the Presentation of Mary, though based on the story in the ProtoEvangelium of St. James, is one of the 12 Major Feasts in the Eastern Church, was introduced into the Roman Church in the Middle Ages, and as Marists has particular interest for us. We imitate Mary's total dedication to God, symbolized by this presentation, which enabled her (and us) to accept with her resounding FIAT, (Be It Done Unto Me) to the invitation to be the Mother of Jesus. As such, she was eventually proclaimed Mother of the Church by Blessed Paul VI, three days after the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council. As Marists, we look upon Mary as our First Superior and Ordinary Resource; she is our Mother too, in a special way. She nourishes us by drawing us always closer to her Son, and guides us in our mission to make her Son known and loved.
As St. Marcellin  put it, "She has done everything for us."  We accompany her today as she is presented in the Temple, remembering that we are Temples of the Holy Spirit, whose doors are open to the students we teach and those with whom we work, and invite them to enter and share the blessings of being part of the House of God.  As we list those things for which we are grateful and will celebrate on Thanksgiving, may we include Mary our Good Mother and Mother of the Church as one of them.
Bro. Rene

Healing Blindness

Jesus performed many miracles, only some of which are recorded in the New Testament.  The healing of a blind man appears in today's Gospel and reminds us of our need for the healing of our own blindness:  our pride, our sense of self-sufficiency, our self-centered willfulness,  our insensitivity, and on and on. 
Recently, on November 18th at Ford Stadium in Detroit,  the humble Capuchin, Father Solanus Casey, was beatified before a crowd of 66,000 people for leading the simple life or a doorkeeper and Pray-er for the thousands who came to him for spiritual and physical help. He led a life of faith, hope and charity.  He struggled through the seminary and was ordained as a "simplex priest", that is allowed only to say Mass, not preach or hear confessions, yet through him, the light of Christ was visible, because in his humility, he did not stand in the way but saw clearly his limitations as well as the power of God to work in and through him.
Such a path to clear vision is open for us if we focus our attention on Jesus through frequent repetition of the Jesus Prayer:  Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Miraculous healings and changes have taken place through this simple prayer.  The life of Blessed Solanus shows us that the way to sainthood unfolds for the humble and simple. 
Bro. Rene

Risk Taking

The  Parable of the Talents (Mt 25: 14-30) challenges us to use our gifts and talents in a way that they multiply and bring greater profit to their owner.  In the parable, each person acknowledged that these talents really belong to the Master, yet each, except the third, took risks in somehow doubling them. The third was afraid to take a risk, simply burying his and awaiting the Master's return. This does not win him praise, but rather a place in the "darkness outside...wailing and grinding of teeth." (Lk 25:30), not a happy place!  Where would we be, where would Christianity be, if this very cautious approach were taken to it?  It would have dried up centuries ago.  No, the point is, it's got to grow, we've go to make it grow.  Pope Francis reminds us:"He (God) knows us personally and entrusts us with what is right for us;....Let us not disappoint him! Let us not be misled by fear, but let us reciprocate trust with trust!"  Let's be risk-takers!
Bro. Rene

Do We Give Up Too Soon?

In our day of high speed internet and just about everything else, we've become "spoiled", as our whining underscores our impatience when cyber or auto traffic slows down our operations or brings them to a halt.  It's not wonder, then, that this attitude carries over to our prayer life.  When we hear Jesus tell us "to pray always without becoming weary," (Lk 18:1)  we can't digest it.  We immediately think that the answer is NO, or that God simply doesn't hear us.  Not a new phenomenon; people have experienced this for centuries.. St. Augustine offers some consoling advice:  God sometimes DELAYS his response so that our prayer might become more fervent, or that in spending more time with him without results, we come to know him better, and through this knowledge, come to love him more, a result more desirable than the answer to our prayer.  Such time spent with Jesus also teaches us more patience and more acceptance of God's plan, and helps us mature to a greater level of trust and faith in him.  In the end, whether or not our prayer is answered the way and when we want, we are blessed by the experience.  The message:  Don't give up too soon...or even better.  DON'T GIVE UP AT ALL!.
Bro. Rene

Losing Life To Save It

A Paradox:  ""Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it, will save it." (Lk 17: 33). At first glance, this doesn't make sense, but squeezed through the filter of experience, it makes a lot of sense.  "Life" is often understood as fun, fame, freedom to do "whatever feels good," but as time goes on, this approach is less and less satisfying, and eventually comes to a dead end. Truth to tell, separating ourselves from our material possessions or positions of control or power brings more peace that we can imagine; losing our SELVES in the service of others, and certainly of God, brings a deep and lasting joy that carries us through the worst of trials.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary learned this in her short life; she lost her husband after six years of a happy marriage, was ostracized from the court when she refused to remarry, but gained great peace and happiness in giving  her wealth to feed the poor as well as to build a hospital that was readily accessible to them. She even worked there herself. In divesting herself of the trappings of the royal court, she found an new "court" and true.  She brought joy and health to others by :"losing her life" and such a degree of holiness that four years after her death, she was declared a saint.  May she help us lose what's holding us back from following in her footsteps.
Bro. Rene

The Kingdom of God

These dark days of November and the ever frightening situation of our world foster questions about the coming of the kingdom of God.  Nothing new...The Pharisees asked Jesus the same questions, but Jesus said it cannot be observed or announced, "For behold the Kingdom of God is among you." (Lk 17 21). It's where we are and where we make it.
We remember St. Margaret of Scotland today, a remarkable woman who built the Kingdom of God in her family and country.  Shipwrecked while escaping England from William the Conqueror, she landed in Scotland, met King Malcom III, fell in love, married him and bore 8 childlren,, one of whom was St. David, later King of Scotland. Her piety, austerity, generosity and patience helped her to make Christianity REAL and set the example for the people of Scotland, her family, and especially her husband, whose rough nature was sanded down to civility and gentleness through her efforts.  One person CAN make a difference!  May we do our part today and the days ahead to bring about the Kingdom WHERE WE ARE by our fidelity to Jesus and our acts of kindness,love and compassion.
Bro. Rene

Giving Thanks

As we approach Thanksgiving Day in the United States, the theme of gratitude begins to emerge in planning for the celebration of the day, the food, the cards, travel plans, etc., and even our liturgical readings have been focusing on gratitude, although independently, of the national holiday.  Today we read of the ONE leper who returned to Jesus to say thank you, while the other nine, elated by the cure, continued on their merry way without a word of gratitude. (Lk 17: 11-19). 
Do we need a major cure or event in our own lives before we offer, thanks, praise and glory to God, the Giver of All Good Gifts?  What about the little things, the ones we take for granted, and in our haste or preoccupation with self or the next item on our "To Do List" ?  We might stop on the hour to say thank you for the little gifts of the past hour:  the good mornings we received from others, our working internet, the air we've been breathing, our breakfast...it doesn't take long to make a long list.  Why should our gratitude be relegated to one day?  A good habit would be to offer thanks frequently during the day...for the good things, and for the "bad" things, as we perceive them, which later often turn out to be good things.  God's gifts come in abundance, in all sizes, shapes and forms...May our eyes be open to see them, and our hearts open to give thanks for them.
Bro. Rene

Faithful But Unprofitable Servants

Jesus speaks to us today about avoiding the "frills and thrills" of service to him and to others.  All is gift, and when we use them to help others or to bring attention to Jesus, we are not doing something special that deserves fanfare and lights. Our talents are not ours, they come from God.  Therefore,  Jesus tells us our attitude should be, "We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do." (Lk 17:10). 
In this light, then, may we use our talents to their full extent and thus draw attention to the Giver of  all good gifts, as well as through our kindness, and compassion be a help to others in their need. The following prayer by Fr. Herbert Yost, CSC might be our prayer today:
Let us not boast, Lord God, about our accomplishments in your service. What good we have done has been due to your help, grace, and inspiration. Let us be aware of your assistance through fidelity, honesty, courage, and faith. If we are at peace both with ourselves and with others, it is due mainly to your help in keeping us from bitterness, hate, or jealousy. Let our kindness to others reflect your kindness to us. Amen.   
Bro. Rene

Tall Order

Today's brief passage from Luke 17:1-6 contains a tall order:  avoid scandalizing the young and forgiving others seven times seven.  No wonder the disciples asked for an increase of faith!   How else could we comply with these difficult demands?  It is faith in God's power and grace that will make I possible for us to carry them out.  We  haven't seen many mulberry trees transplanting themselves to the sea,  have we? So it would seem that our faith is not even the size of a mustard seed! Lord, increase our faith, help our unbelief,  lest we be overwhelmed by our sins and lack of forgiveness.
Bro. Rene

Keeping Our Lamps Full

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, (Mt 25: 11-13) appears in the same chapter as "the Last Judgement" when the sheep are separated from the goats. The Wise Virgins and the sheep are rewarded and the Foolish Virgins and goats receive no commendation nor reward.  It is clear that the goats deserve their punishment, for they did none of the things, such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, etc., that the sheep did  It would seem that the Foolish Virgins were just irresponsible, and distracted from their mission, but one writer suggests that like many of us, they were so busy helping others that they neglected to keep an eye on their own oil and thus were running on empty when the bridegroom arrived.  This is perhaps a pertinent, if not as grim" a warning to "do-gooders" or victims of a "messiah complex" to be careful and to balance their good deeds with time to replenish their oil supply.  The best example of the Wise Virgin is the Blessed Virgin, who, obviously had a full lamp when Gabriel approached her with the proposal to be the  Mother of God.  How else could she have so readily agreed?
Each week we have one day set aside for an "oil fill," and this is it:  Sunday.  May we be wise enough to fill up and be ready for the Bridegroom when he calls.
Bro, Rene 

Serving One Master

Jesus warms is in Today's Gospel that we cannot serve two masters and sets up too opposite poles:  God and wealth.  The Pharisees, Luke tells us, "loved money." (Lk 16: 15) and evidently had lost sight of the ONE MASTER, choosing wealth and esteem over God.
St. Martin of Tours, whose Memorial is today, faced a similar choice:  he was a soldier, but refused to fight and was imprisoned for his disobedience.  However, upon his release the opportunity to choose service to God arose when he saw a beggar shivering with the cold and gave him half his cloak.  In a dream, he saw that the beggar was Jesus.  Martin sought Bishop Hilary as his spiritual guide and became a hermit, but was eventually pressed into becoming a Bishop by the acclamation of the people and served God faithfully until his death.
On this Veterans Day, we salute the men and women who have chosen to serve God by serving their country.  We pray that the examples of St. Martin and St. Michael the Archangel inspire them to keep their focus on the ONE MASTER while doing their best to comply with the demands of military life.  We pray for all those who have given their lives, the ultimate gift, in the line of duty.
This Verterans Day Prayer might help us serve them:

St. Michael the Archangel, you are the prince of the heavenly host of angels and the guardian of souls. You watch over us and protect us as we strive to live with faithfulness. As patron saint of soldiers, we ask you to look after those who have served our nation in the military. Guard our veterans, who have placed themselves in harm’s way to defend our country, and help them find meaningful work and relationships. Bring us all safely to our final heavenly home. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
 Bro. Rene

Standing Firm

Pope St. Leo, whose Memorial we observe today, is one of the three Popes known as "the Great":  Gregory and Nicholas, being the other two.  He was elected Pope in 440 and died on this day in 461. He is noted for standing firm to support the dogma that Jesus both God and Human, possessing two natures in one person. It was Pope Leo's letter to the bishops of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 that convinced them to accept this succinct formula.  The story goes that upon hearing his letter, they all cried out at once:  "Peter has spoken through Leo!"
Not long after, the dreaded Attila The Hun and his army were approaching Rome, and the people begged Pope Leo to negotiate with him. Attila spared Rome and accepted Leo's compromise of an annual payment for the next three years.  When the Vandals came a few years later, Leo negotiated with them but not quite so successfully; they looted the city but spared the people and the buildings.
Pope Leo's courage, firmness and diplomacy serve as an example in our own time when Attilas and Vandals of all sorts threaten us at our gates. Pope St. Leo the Great, help us stand firm in the face of the temptations and forces of evil that plague us as much now as in your day. Amen.
Bro. Rene

Zeal For God's Temple

Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, otherwise known and the Basilica of St. John Lateran.  It was built by the Emperor Constantine, on property bought from the Lateran family and was dedicated in 324 AD as the Basilica of the Most Holy Savior.  It was the seat of the Bishop of Rome where the Popes resided until the 1300's, and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries and been rededicated to Sts. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, but remains "the Pope's Church."This Feast recalls the excitement over the building of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem and the Temple rebuilt after the Babylonian Captivity in 538, as well as for the dedication of this basilica.
 Having a "house for God" has been a long tradition; people take pride in their churches around the world.  In Rwanda, as the Catholic population swells, existing churches are being enlarged, and new ones built.  I some areas of the United States, magnificent structures built with the pennies and labors of immigrants are now being closed, yet where the Catholic population has shifted, new ones are rising.
The future of the Church, however, is in the youth of today, and although many are from non-practicing Catholic Families, they are hungering for "something more" and are turning back to the Church to satisfy that hunger.  Let us pray that the zeal for God's house, God's Family, the Church continues to grow and spread.
Bro. Rene

A Call To Deeper Discipleship

Today's Gospel passage is another one of the "hard sayings" of Jesus:  to be his disciple, we must hate our families and give up all our possessions. (cf. Lk 14: 25, 33).  What?  Become an OGRE?
Not quite.  Carrying our cross, as Jesus also tells us, is part of this deeper discipleship to which he is calling us. Perhaps not all can follow to the extreme extent he outlined, but the truth of sacrifice as necessary is clear.  Nothing, no one can stand between the disciple and the master. Sometimes "hard things" have to be said to a family member; a choice between some new gadget or "toy" and the pleas for aid to Puerto Rico, or the hungry in our own communities, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas face us and force some "stretching" and sacrifice.  Jesus is saying that discipleship costs us plenty if we take it seriously.  The reward of closer union with him makes the sacrifice palatable, even joyful
Bro. Rene

One Body

St. Paul reminds us that we are not just individuals floating around on our own, but members of ONE BODY and thus part of one another.  When one of us suffers, we all do, and when one of us is successful, we all share in that success.  We dont't think that way in our very individualistic culture, but in truth we cannot survive without being part of this Body, this community.
So, "Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor."(Rm1210)
Bro. Rene

Marist Martyrs

Prayers  are being offered globally for the 26 members of the Baptist Church outside of San Antonio, Texas who were shot to death while attending a Sunday Worship Service, as well as for the many wounded.  We choke at yet another atrocity, evil taking place in a sacred space. It brings to mind the atrocities in Civil War Spain in the 1930's when a staggering number of priests, religious, and lay people were martyred.  Pope John Paul II beatified 233 from all walks of life who were killed for professing their faith during a time of persecution, not for any political involvements.
. This group of martyrs is only a small portion of the more than 10,000 people killed and include 13 bishops, 4,154 priests and seminarians, 2,365 religious, 283 nuns and about 4,000 lay people killed for helping or hiding nuns or priests. Among the religious, 47 were Marist Brothers. Although the Thirties seem long ago, wholesale slaughter finds its niche in our day as well. These Texans, simply by being present in their Church, never expecting such a final Amen, can now join can now join them in singing Alleluia, Praise and Glory to our God.
Let us pray for the happy repose of their souls, those who mourn them,  for God's mercy on all, including the shooter, and for an end to such senseless acts of violence.
Bro. Rene

"Whoever Feeds On Me"

Today's Gospel again advocate humility and will reach a wider audience because of Sunday Mass attendance.  Jesus speaks of servant leadership, "The greatest among you must be your servant." (Mt 23:11).  Leaders with this quality appeal to us and are the most effective, for the lead by example more than by word.  How do they get that way? They take to heart the example of Jesus, himself the greatest Servant Leader.  "Just as the living Father sent me/ and I have life because of the Father,/ so whoever feeds on me shallhave life because of me."  (Jn 6: 58).  Jesus is speaking of himself as the Bread of Life in St. John's Eucharistic discourse in Chapter 6, but we can alse read it with the idea, of yes, the more I feed in Jesus, follow his teachings, observe his ways, spend time with him, the more I will feed myself on who he is and the more I will grow to be like him.
As we receive the Eucharist today, may we be filled with the Essence of Jesus and become stronger, more confident, more humble and more like him.
Bro. Rene

Learning Humility

In today's Gospel, Jesus concludes his parable with the haunting truth: "Everyone who exalts himself witll be humbled, but the one who humbles himself, will be exalted." (Lk 14:11). When we accept our limitations, when we come to know what they are through failure, but see that "there is life after failure," when we recognize our gifts as well as the gifts others possess and learn to be content with ours and not jealous of theirs, then a true confidence comes to us and we can now genuinely BE OURSELVES and assume a leadership role that will be respected and followed.  We can then take our place with the "exalted"...those who are respected as role models and leaders.
Bro Rene 

God Our Healer

All Souls Day "continues" as we pray for the souls of our loved ones throughout the months of November.  Aside from Thanksgiving, this is a fairly mournful month, including Veterans Day in the USA.  We are approaching Advent and our Scripture Readings will be dealing more and more with "The Last Things", the end of the World, the Second Coming of Jesus, etc...We are starkly reminded of our mortality and the long hours of darkness don't help keep our spirits on a high level.  The cycle of life is important to remember again, lest we delude ourselves with visions of man-made immortality.
However, we DO have some consoling words from the Scriptures which should keep hope alive, and even foster it, as well as bring us comfort:  "I will restore you to health, of your wounds I will heal you." (Jer 30:17).  "I will heal their defection,/ I will love them freely." (Hos 14:5)
This prayer too will help:
O God, our Healer and our Good, you sent your Son to cure the world's sickness by taking upon himself the burden of its guild.  Heal the diseased vision that causes us to mistake evil for good heal the sickened mind that causes us to mistake selfishness for love; heal the unhealthy habits that we have made our own, so that we may stand before you, whole in body, soul and spirit, to sing your praise  forever with all the saints, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.      
Bro. Rene

"Hope Does Not Disappoint"

St. Paul tells us today that "hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Rm 5:5). Jesus assures us that "Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. 
And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it up on the last day." (Jn 6: 37-39). 
This is why we pray ardently today, All Souls Day, for those whose journey to heaven is not yet finished as they await our prayers and the purifying effect of being temporarily separated from complete union with God.  They will not be "lost", but eventually will enjoy heavenly bliss.  Let us pray with hope and confidence that our prayers for the souls of the faithful departed will be heard.
And let us continue these prayers the whole month of November, which is dedicated to them.
Bro. Rene

Blessed Are We

As we celebrate with great joy and festivity the Solemnity of All Saints and hear the Beatitudes read to us, we might pause to reflect on the great GIFT of having the example of so many "recognized" (canonized) people whose holy lives from all spheres of life serve as models for us.  These have lived the Beatitudes and show is that certainly with God, all things are possible.  They struggled as did St. Marcellin, with personal limitations and opposition from others.  St. Therese of Lisieux lived a secluded life as a cloistered Carmelite Nun, suffering greatly with tuberculosis in the  final months of her short life, and even in the darkness of those days, was able to turn herself over completely to God.
It might be helpful today to review the lives of our favorite saints and ask them for the grace to understand and follow the command of God:  "Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy." (Lv 19:2)
Bro Rene 

All Hallows Eve

Halloween, the popular October observance which promotes costumes, tricks or treats, and now ghoulish yard and house decorations, has become a billion dollar commercial success, but was originally intended in a much simpler form to honor those "hallowed", holy souls who had not yet reached heaven, and were serving a time of purification in what came to be known as purgatory. Tomorrow we will honor the saints in heaven and the day after, All Souls Day, is officially the day to remember the souls in purgatory, in fact, the whole month of November is devoted to praying for them.
In the eighth chapter of his letter to the Romans, St. Paul reminds us that "the sufferings of the present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us." (Rm 8:18) He continues using words such as expectation, groaning, waiting, redemption hope and endurance.  Take a moment to look at Romans 8: 16-25.  These verses will cast Halloween in proper perspective and will also help us face today and the day of our own imminent death with HOPE.
Bro. Rene

Curing On TheSabbath

In today's Gospel passage, our compassionate Jesus releases a woman bent over for 18 years, of all times, on the sabbath.  (cf. Lk 13:10-17).  He knew what he was doing and that the leader of the synagogue would be angry.  Jesus is quick to reply: "This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?" (Lk 13: 16).  May we be moved by this story to remember that the works of charity, of healing, override the letter of the Law. The sabbath is "God's day" and certainly the works of love have a place there, of all places.  May the Holy Spirit free us from the constraints that keep us from performing acts of charity "even on the Sabbath!"
Bro. Rene

Passion for God; Compassion for Humanity

When questioned about which commandment is the greatest in the Law, Jesus responded with the commandment to love God with the total heart, strength and being, and to love neighbor as self. (Cf. Mt 22:34-40) It makes sense that loving God should be paramount as loving things or even other people leaves us still longing for "something more." And, it makes even greater sense that the love of others should be next, for the love of God is inseparable from the love of neighbor.  As Jose Pagola asks, who could possibly profess to love God passionately, totally, without having compassion for the suffering children, or someone in need?  May we reflect on our own love of God and how it shows in our care for others. May grace help us move from passion to compassion.
Bro. Rene

Patrons of Lost Causes and the Zealous

The Catholic Church honors two apostles, Simon and Jude, about whom we know very little.  St. Jude, however, is very popular as the patron of hopeless, or impossible situations.  Novenas, statues and prayers to St. Jude abound, and a famous children's hospital is name after him (thanks to the actor, Danny Thomas, who prayed to the saint when he was in desperate need of work.  His prayer was answered and he then donated heavily to the hospital and worked for its growth.)  St. Jude is often confused with the author of the Epistle of St. Jude, which was written by a nephew of Mary and Joseph; the name Thaddeus is added to his first name to distinguish him from the betrayer, Judas Iscariot.
Simon is called the Zealot to distinguish him from Simon-Peter and, according to legend, preached in Mesopotamia where he was martyred.  He might have belonged to the Zealots, a group advocating for the overthrow of Roman Rule in Palestine at the time of Jesus.
In dedicating this Feast in their honor, the Church reminds us of our mission to carry on the spread of the faith with conviction, zeal and confidence.  Nothing is impossible with God
Bro. Rene

Two Sides

This morning St. Paul reminds us that we all carry two forces within, one for good, the other for evil. They seem to fight each other as long as we have breath. "For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want." (Rm 7: 19).  It's almost as if we have a split personality: the outer person is the good one publicly viewed and acclaimed, but the hidden shadowy person with base and unseemly thoughts and desires does not, thank God come into the public eye, but certainly makes us wonder who we really are.
Edgar Allen Poe's, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is based on this dichotomy and the classic 1920 silent film starring John Barrymore is a graphic, frightening depiction of the destructive power of that inner evil. if allowed to reign freely.  Dr. Jekyll runs out of the antidote to Mr. Hyde and finds himself a victim of his unbridled evil tendencies.  "Mr. Hyde has killed Dr. Jekyll" a colleague proclaims.  So it will be said of us if we do not encourage our "shadow side", but emphasize the good that we show to the public.  Perhaps our prayer should be, "Lord, help me to BE (through to the core), my public self,  that person which people see."
Bro. Rene

Setting The Earth On Fire

The blazing words of Jesus about setting the earth on fire and sowing division can be disconcerting until we stop and reflect on them. (cf. Lk 12:49-53).  Sometimes, the only way to rebuild, is to start from scratch; an easy way to do this is to burn down the old, bulldoze away the ashes, and build anew.  Sometimes we are lulled by a false peace, and need to be shaken by truth to a real and lasting peace.  Painful and scary, but necessary.  Jesus is also looking for a world ablaze with love, and would give his right arm to see that happen.  He is not one to stand for mediocrity or lukewarmness, so he speaks harshly and graphically so that we get the point.  We might search our souls and look for the dead wood that needs to be burned away; we might look and see if complacency and lukewarmness have seeped in and dulled our desire to help Jesus establish his kingdom.  His words are a wake-up call for us. May we hear them and follow through on them.
Bro. Rene

Much Will Be Required

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much." (Lk  12: 48).  We might like to think we have been especially gifted, and truly we have been, which naturally leads to gratitude.  But there is another hitch:  we are to use these gifts for the good of others, for the common good, and to give glory to God.  As we move to the end of Ordinary Time and approach Advent, the words of Jesus regarding the "last things" become somber and foreboding.  Accountability, responsibility become major themes.  Preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus demands that our "house" and our "books" be in order.  As Jesus reminds us and as we see so often, the personal coming of Jesus is like a thief in the night.  How many people daily die suddenly?  A sobering thought, but a reality.  Today and in the days ahead we will be reminded of the "shortness" of this life, and the need to render a full account of our gifts.  May we take some time daily to look at them, thank God for them and measure how we are using them.
Bro. Rene

Be Vigilant

Jesus is very clear:  "Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks." (Lk 12:30).  Jesus always comes, his love is so great, that nothing can hold it back, except our indifference or stubbornness.  We intentionally or unintentionally through our busyness or distraction keep the door locked or our lamps out, while he knocks or tries to inflame the lamps of our souls. Somehow, his persistence will penetrate as oil seeps in through the cracks.  He will not give up.

St. Marcellin advocated being in the Presence of God as much as possible and initiated the "Prayer of the Hour" so that the Brothers might pause from their studies, teaching or manual labor, to offer a prayer..a Hail Mary, an Our Father, a Glory Be.  At least it was something. but he also encouraged developing a sense of God's presence with us as we go about our daily tasks, as if he were working alongside with us.   Cultivating this habit would surely make us ready for Jesus' coming, no matter when.

Bro. Rene

Against Greed

Note:  I will be at the Oblate Retreat Center in San Antonio, Texas for the next two days...I may or may not be able to "cut" a slice of bread...If not, there will be bread on Thursday.

One of the Capital sins, Greed has never found favor with Jesus or any spiritual teacher since.  Jesus puts it simply:  "one's life does not consist of possessions." (Lk 12:15).  Another translation reads, "possessions do not guarantee life."  Being greedy is not necessarily tied in with money, but THINGS, attachments cars, houses, antiques, can be imprisoning and blinding, preventing us from seeing ourselves, others, the world, with the eyes of God. Jesus urges that we store us "treasures" in what matters to God. May we be able, through grace, to discern just what they are, and may God grant us the courage to act on what we discover.
Bro. Rene

Mercy Changes the World

Besides being the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, today the Catholic Church observes World Mission Sunday.  It is also the Optional Memorial of St. John Paul II.  The theme for Mission Sunday is, "Mercy Changes The World." a concept close to the heart of Pope Francis. St. John Paul II, with over 100 trips around the world, and with his personal charisma, was a powerful evangelizer.  It is fitting that his Memorial falls on this day.
 The Church is expanding rapidly in "Mission Countries", Africa, Asia, the South Pacific and Central America; prayers and fiances are requested throughout the world to help support these new missions. The Marist Brothers work untiringly and creatively in these areas and are supported by generous contributions from our summer Mission Appeal talks in various dioceses of the United States.  Requesting prayers for our missionaries is always part of our appeal, so today,  with an emphasis on mercy, might we pray that we ourselves become more merciful. and  that those "in the field" be blessed with the gifts of patience and fortitude to  meet the relentless demands for mercy among the people of these missionary parishes.  May we also pray for more vocations to fill the ever-increasing  pastoral and educational needs in these mission countries. "Mercy Changes the World."
Bro. Rene

Mother of Mercy

":Hail, Mother of Mercy and of Love, O Maria." These words from a popular hymn honoring Mary remind us that Mary shares a mercy role with her Son to whom devotion as the author of mercy has grown with the spread of the Divine Mercy Chaplet devotion and the image of the Jesus of Mercy. The story goes in the Revelations of Saint Bridget, that Jesus urged his mother to ask some favor of him. She, like Queen Esther, asked for mercy for all people; Jesus assured her that whoever asked of mercy through her, would obtain it.  Pope Saint Leo wrote, "Mary is so ready to show mercy that she merits to be called not only merciful, but mercy itself." How much do we need mercy?  Does the world need mercy?  Mother of Mercy grant us the gift of mercy which we so desperately need and and fervently seek.
Bro. Rene

Worry

"What me worry?"  Mad Magazine's Alfred E. Neuman has made this a classic question, but the truth is, we all worry.  Jesus frequently argues that there really is nothing to worry about, citing the lilies of the field, the birds of the air, the hairs on our head and our worth compared to the many sparrow that fly undaunted daily, finding all they need to eat and nest.  Yet we persist in our obsession with worry fear and anxiety
Noted spiritual author, Caryll Houselander, wrote many years ago that trust is accepting that "whatever God allows to happen, is, in his plan of love, what is really best for you and those whom you love." (Magnificat, October, p.296).  She continues:  "The more you say, 'I must not worry,' the more you will: I think it better simply to offer the worrying to God...." (op.cit.)  She dealt with worry by imagining the worst that could happen and then asked, "So what?"  If it worked for her, it might just work for us.
Bro. Rene

Layiing Down One's Life

From 1642-1649, St. John de Brebeuf, St. Isaac Jogues, St. Rene Goupil and their companions were martyred for their faith in what is now upstate New York.  A large, peaceful tract of land near Auriesville, (actually Fultonville) is dedicated to the memory of these North American Martyrs and serves as a reminder that the faith we celebrate in this country came at a price,  The example of these French Jesuits who with great passion and conviction taught, suffered beatings, mutilation and finally, death reminds us that indeed, there is not greater love than to lay down one's life for another. Rather than cling to the great gift of life, they "threw it away" so that others might live.  The faith did grow and spread in that area, and ten years after the death St. Isaac, in a village near where he was martyred, St. Kateri Tekakwitha was born.
When pain, illness, disappointment or even failure enter our lives, we might remember the example of these men, whose memorial is today,  and these words of Bishop Robert Baron:  "Cling to your life and you will lose it; invest it, throw it away in love, and you will get it back thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."
Bro. Rene

Lambs Among Wolves

As we celebrate the Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist, artist, physician, companion of Paul, we hear Jesus instructing the 72 disciples whom he sent out in pairs to prepare the towns for his own visit.  He warns them that their task will not be easy, "Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves." (Lk 10: 3).
Vatican II made it clear that all are "disciples", evangelizers, carriers of the good news.  It is not simple the mission of the clergy or those in consecrated life, but all the baptized have this same call to bear witness by word and example, to heal (in whatever way we can), to forgive, to show compassion and acceptance, to act with justice.  We may find resistance, mockery, indifference and rejection, but if we remember Jesus' warning that we are lambs among wolves, we will find joy in these negatives as much as we find it in our successes.
Bro. Rene

Keeping the Cup Clean

When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for not observing the prescribed washing before the meal at the home of a Pharisee, Jesus turned the complaint back to them and retorted: "Oh, you Pharisees!  Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil." (Lk 11: 39).  He explains that by giving alms, "everything will be clean for you." (Lk 11:41).  We've heard the expression, "Charity covers a multitude of sins." And surely it does, for when it comes to meeting our God, he will not ask how many "little laws" did you keep or break, but how much did you love?  Our human weakness keeps us from scoring less than perfect on the details of the Law, but the spirit of the law is to love as Jesus did.  Yes, keeping the law will help us do that, but if we concentrate on loving our neighbor, reaching out to help the needy, giving from our need as well as from our abundance of our time, talent, and resources,  we'll find true cleanliness of heart, our "cup" will be clean and flowing over.
Bro. Rene

Someone Greater

An angry Jesus speaks to the crowds and to us, warning us that seeking a sign leads nowhere.  How tempted we are to look for a sign of relief from the natural disasters of the past month, even the past week; or a sign of deliverance and peace from the threats inside and outside of the United States.  No sign appears, and as Jesus said, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.  Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation." (Lk 11:20-30).  Jesus, the Son of Man is the SIGN...the something, someone greater, to whom we are to look.  For some, this is too simple; they want something more spectacular. Not going to happen. Wasn't the Incarnation enough?  God becoming Man?  Or the Resurrection?  Jesus rising from the dead and returning to the right hand of the Father? May our hearts and minds be open to this "sign" and look nowhere else for another.
Bro.  Rene

The Invitation

The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Mt 22:1-14) continues to "hit home" today as much as it did when Jesus first told it.  The invitation to share a feast with God, whether it be at Sunday Eucharist or Worship, or to closer intimacy with God through prayer, or to more generous giving of our time or finances in the service of others,  is always on the table, but our terrible, terrifying freedom leaves the choice up to us. How many  times do we find it easier to slither away with some excuse (usually a lame one), reject the invitation and deprive ourselves of one great opportunity after another?  We rely on God's infinite patience and mercy  but also risk the possibility of being cast into the darkness, "where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." (Mt 11:14).  A fearful image, but sometimes fear is needed to move our sluggish engines into positive motion. If we can spend hours, week after week, pasting hard-to-find stickers on Publisher's Clearing House forms, in the mostly futile hope of winning a million dollars a day for the rest of our lives. can't we find the time to RSVP affirmatively to God's invitation where so much more is promised?
Bro. Rene

Listen and Observe

Today's brief Gospel Passage, Lk 11:27-28, contains a simple message:  "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it." (Lk 11:28).  As the woman interrupted Jesus to shout her praises of him and the mother who nursed him, so too should we shout out by our actions how we have listened to HIS word and made it part of our lives.  We might not hear anyone praising us or our mothers (yes, maybe we would), but at least people will take notice, and, we hope and pray, do likewise.
Bro. Rene

Searching For Peace

Last night at St. Monica's Church in Methuen, Massachusetts hundreds of people gathered for an Ecumenical Vigil Prayer for Peace sponsored by the Methuen Police Department. It was a simple service with prayers offered by representatives of the Catholic, Congregationalist, Jewish and Muslim traditions, as well as by the Methuen's chief of police.  A strong desire for peace, reconciliation was expressed  and a sense of "family" love prevailed.  It was an "oasis of peace" in a world where violence, division and hate continue to grow.
In Fatima, thousands gathered last night as well for a huge Vigil honoring the hundredth anniversary of the sixth apparition of Mary and the famous "Miracle of the Sun." That celebration continues today and will for several days as Rosary Rallies will be held around the globe.  Mary pleaded for prayer for the conversion of "sinners" (all of us).  If that conversion would go global, the peace that has so far eluded us will fall into place. The search for peace is not great mystery; it begins with the conversion of each one of us. May we pray for that grace for ourselves and for the world.
Bro. Rene

No Prayer Is Lost

How many times are we asked to pray for someone who is seriously ill, looking for work, depressed, struggling, or in some need or other?  Sometimes, it is apparent only a miracle will answer our prayer, and we begin to wonder if our prayer will actually have an effect. It's natural to think this way, we are not saints with the "gift of healing," yet in today's Gospel, Jesus urges us "to ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. " (Lk 11: 9).  He goes on to remind us that we are not dealing with a robot, but with our compassionate Father.  Further, he gives the example of the wicked who give gifts to their children.  If they do it, how much more will our heavenly Father?  (cf. Lk 11:12) .  The answer may not be what we want, always, but nevertheless we will receive the Holy Spirit, who will enlighten us eventually as to what was really the best answer to our prayer.  In any case, our prayer is not a waste, it is not lost.
Bro. Rene

"Teach Us To Pray"

Luke's Gospel gives us a succinct version of what we now call "The Our Father".  Interestingly enough, it comes to us via the request of the disciples who had been observing Jesus at prayer.  No doubt he was in deep communion with his Father and they, no strangers to prayer, wanted to move  to the level where they perceived Jesus to be.  We all ask  at some time or another, "What's the secret of good prayer?"  A good question and a good place to begin, for it leads to ask as they did, "Lord, teach us to pray." (Lk 11: 1).  The answer:
Father, hallowed be your name,
your Kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins
for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,
and do not subject us to the final test.  (Lk 11:2-4)
Praying this version slowly today and in the days ahead will help us reach that deeper level we seek;
it will bring us to the level of praise, acceptance of God's Way,  the humble realization that God provides our daily nourishment, and the need for forgiveness.
Bro. Rene

"The Better Part"

We join Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary this morning and see Martha busy with many tasks, and Mary simply listening to Jesus.  (Lk 10: 38-42).  At Martha's complaint, Jesus tells her (and us) that being distracted, multi-tasking, as we would say today, is not what life is about, but it is as Mary is doing, being quiet in the presence of Jesus, hearing his word, learning who we ARE and how we relate to him: this is the better part.
When days get so full that we begin to forget where we put things, or don't have time to return calls or e-mails, we might as well be in the kitchen with Martha, slinging pots and pans around, trying frantically to put supper on the table.  Being fragmented, a slave to work and the demands of other people, is not the ideal way to satisfy the longing for peace and union with God that harbors deep within us.  Saying NO more frequently so that we might have a bit more time to sit quietly and hear Jesus speaking within us will help us to become who we are meant to be.  Our worth is measured not by what we DO, but by who we ARE.
Bro. Rene

Jonah and the Good Samaritan

Today' readings provide two opposites: One man runs away from his mission, the other, literally bends over backwards to help a person in need.  God has to show Jonah rather dramatically by a near ship wreck and three days and nights in the belly of a large fish that he'd better get back on track and do what he had been commanded to do.  The Samaritan, on the other hand, needs no prodding.  He simply sees the need and attends to it with compassion, and generosity, interrupting his own journey, spending his own money and taking time, even on his return, to make sure this stranger is on the mend. 
How much of Jonah, and how much of this Good Samaritan do we harbor within us?  If we lean more towards Jonah, then today is a wake up call, before our ship is wrecked to change our course and follow in the footsteps of the unnamed, but now immortalized, Good Samaritan.  Starting with "little things", what can I do to respond with generosity of time and treasure to help the "victim" who might be wounded in the ditch as I pass by?
Bro. Rene

Mistreating God's Gifts

The Parable in today's Gospel is scary.  It reminds us of how out of control we can get.  After providing all that the workers needed for a good harvest, the landowner faces a rebellious group who refuse to give him his harvest, kill his slaves, and finally his son. (Mt 21: 33-43). We think immediately of the Hebrews, the prophets sent to them to remind them of the connection to God, and finally, Jesus himself, killed by them.  On another level, however, it could be us, who can so easily develop an attitude of "entitlement", that all the goods we enjoy are ours:  the fruit of our labor, or talents. We owe nothing to anybody. With this thinking, we forget the basic principle that all is gift...gift from God.  We are stewards who must use these gifts as God wants, and certainly not hoard or refuse to share them with others.  God has not been stingy with us; we cannot be stingy in sharing our bountiful gifts with others.
Bro. Rene

Our Lady of the Rosary

When the Turks and Christians were engaged at Lepanto in 1571 St. Peter's Square in Rome was filled with pilgrims praying for a victory.  Their prayers were answered and the Pope instituted the Feast of Our Lady of Victory.  Three years later, he extended the Feast to the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary.  In 1917, Mary told the children she was the Lady of the Rosary and repeated over and over again her desire that the Rosary be the prayer to combat the forces of Communism and to bring sinners to repentance.  Devotion to the Rosary has continued to be strong, especially this year, the 100th anniversary of the Fatima Apparitions.
We might make it a point to include the Rosary in our prayers today and in the week ahead, to take part in vigils and community Rosary gatherings commemorating the "Miracle of the Sun" on October 13th..  The simple but powerful repetition of the Hail Mary frees the mind to concentrate on the events in the life of Jesus and thus bring us closer to him as does meditating on passages from the New Testament.  That is Mary's focus, and ours as Marists:  to draw ever closer to him, and become more and more like him.  Our Lady of the Rosary,  pray  for us and obtain this Victory for us!
Bro. Rene