Open Eyes and Burning Hearts

We hear the Emmaus story again today, familiar enough, but always the key to new insight.  Jesus opened their eyes not only to recognize him in the "stranger" who joined them as they walked, but opened their eyes to see and comprehend the hidden messages in the Scriptures and in the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  They were blinded by the the reversal of their expectations, perhaps by their disappointment bordering on depression. Certainly, these had been stressful days as well.  No wonder they did not see and found their only recourse in retreating home.  It took time with Jesus who opened their eyes in the "breaking of the bread".  In looking back at what had just happened, they realized how much their hearts had been burning when he was with them.
So too with us:  we are blinded by our busyness, our worries and disappointments, and often in the failure of colleagues and friends to meet our expectations.  We cannot see that Jesus is there with all of us in all circumstances.  We need him to help us to see; we need him to set our hearts ablaze with his loving presence. Taking time each day with the Scriptures, or in plain silence with him, allows him to open our eyes to see what we have been missing.  Especially in "the Breaking of the Bread", the Holy Mass, we have the opportunity to hear the Word broken open for us and to experience the presence of Jesus in our hearts at Holy Communion. May we commit ourselves to taking advantage of these easy means to open eyes and burning hearts.
Bro. Rene

Stormy Seas

John gives us a frightening scene in today's Gospel:  A dark night, howling winds, stormy seas, desperately rowing and frightened men, and Jesus walking on the choppy waters.  "It is I, do not be afraid." he tells them, and before they know it, they are safely on the shore to which they were heading. (Jn 6: 16-21).  A fitting Gospel selection for our turbulent times across the globe.  Even seniors in our schools facing the unknown as graduation unleashes them into the unknown seas of jobs or further schooling.  Each day when we put our feet on the floor, we know not what storms might arise later in the day. Sometimes none, sometimes ferocious winds and waves.  How do we face them?  The same way as the disciples:  with Jesus.  "It is I, do not be afraid."  He is always there and our boat will always arrive safely to the shore.
Bro. Rene

He Feeds Us Too

The feeding of the multitudes in John 6 precedes the discourse on the Bread of Life. As we listen to this tale of wonder, we might ponder the great miracle of the Holy Eucharist in which Jesus feeds us daily (if we wish) with his own Body and Blood.  Let us thank God for this great gift and do our best to take advantage of it more often.
Bro. Rene

Waiting By the Beautiful Gate

Often we are like the beggar at the Beautiful Gate, asking for STUFF we think will make us happy.  He asked for money, Peter had none to give him, but gave him something better:  the ability to walk.
Just a brief thought, that in our petitions, we think we are asking for the "right stuff", but miss the substance of what will really help us in our need.  Perhaps our prayer should be: Lord, Grant me what you know is best for me ...or so and so.
Bro. Rene

John 3:16

This popular Scripture citation begins today's Gospel:  "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish, but might have eternal life." Jn 3:16).  Indeed it captures the message of the Gospel and the Mission of Jesus in a convenient nutshell, a quote to be memorized and digested over and over in the course of a day.  With faith in Jesus, there is no darkness nor condemnation, but light and clarity.  May it also move us to gratitude for the priceless gift of salvation.
Bro. Rene

Like A Prowling Lion

After telling us to be humble in our dealings with one another, and to cast our cares and worries upon God, St. Peter sternly warns us to be "sober and vigilant," for our opponent, the Devil is
 prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Pet 5: 8). Yes, 2,000 years later, this advice still rings true.  The pressures on all of us, and especially on youth, to stray from the straight path of self-discipline, faith-informed morals, and even the most basic kindness and politeness seem to grow strong as the months go by.  By humbly asking God for the grace to resist and by supporting one another in our efforts to live as the Gospel describes, we shall overcome this lion.
Bro. Rene
















































-

Wind/Spirit

(Note:  I hope you found yesterday's slice...scroll far down and you'll find it)

Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night to seek further information for his personal search for his identity
He must have been surprised when Jesus turned the conversation to being born, born from above and born of "water and the Spirit."  Was Nicodemus able to understand?  Are we?  Jesus likened this new- born life to the wind which blows unpredictably where it wills.  If we are to live, we need to detach ourselves, free ourselves to accept the unexpected that barges into our routine or scheduled day.  Like the wind, we need to be able to respond to requests or circumstances that might draw us far afield from our "normal" course.  It gives us the freedom to react as God would have us react and grow as he would have us grow.  Holy Spirit, free me to ride the windy currents you blow into my life.
Bro. Rene

Divine Mercy

In the year 2000, Pope John Paul II (now St. John Paul II) established the Sunday of Divine Mercy to be celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter in response to the private revelation received by Sister Faustina Kowalski, a Polish nun, in which Jesus asked for this feast to honor his tender desire to share his mercy in a special way through the sacrament of reconciliation.  This celebration fits right into today's Gospel where we hear of Jesus imparting the Holy Spirit to the Apostles and commissioning them to bring forgivness to the contrite:  "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sines you forgive are forgiven thenm, and whose sins you retain, they are retained." (Jn 20: ) It is also the passage in which Thomas recants his doubt in the Risen Jesus and professes his faith in him with the beautiful and simple prayer, "My Lord and My God."  The Jesus of Divine Mercy urges us:  "Trust in Me," to counteract any Thomas-like doubts we might have. The popularity of this feast has grow enormously over the years and it has become customary for overnight vigils and pilgrimages to take place. In Rwanda,thousands will gather at the town of Ruhango where priests will hear confessions all night long and Mass will be celebrated outside since there is no church in the area large enough to welcome them all.  In Massachusetts, the Marian Center Stockbridge will host busloads of pilgrims who come to confess and attend Mass.   Parishes will open their doors for holy hours and confessions and people will be urged to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at home, if they cannot attend the holy hours or make the pilgrimages. All of this is to underscore the Mercy of Jesus and the Power of His Resurrection.
Bro. Rene

Hardness of Heart

In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus upbraiding his disciples for their "hardness of heart.Mk (16:14) .This phrase appears frequently in the Old Testament...in Exodus, as the Hebrews constantly complain and bicker despite the wonders God works for them.  In Psalm 95, God chides them for their hardness of heart at the waters of Meribah at Massah in the desert where they had heard and seen his works. (cf. Ps 95: 8-9).  We hardly think of his disciples as being hard of heart, especially after they had witnessed his power and goodness for three years, and after his clear and visible appearances on Easter and the days following.  We might n be more inclined to accept our OWN hardness of heart rather than theirs, yet as we so easily fall into this pit, so did they; it comes with the human territory.  Let their weakness be a source of encouragement for us.
But after the scolding, Jesus commands them to "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." (Mk 16:15).  This is hardly the mark of  Jesus's lack of confidence in them or in us, but a remedy for our hardness of heart.  Think about it.
Bro. Rene

Gentle Shepherds

Another post-resurrection apparition today and a saint who followed the Master's gentle and compassionate understanding, St. Anselm.
 Jesus comes upon the tired disciples who had been fishing all night without a catch, and tells them where to cast their net again.  It miraculously fills so full with fish that they cannot pull it in.  Peter, in a burst of his typical enthusiasm, leaps out of the boat and rushes to the shore where he finds Jesus preparing fish and bread.  The others arrived and feast on the breakfast served by their Master. How this meal must have warmed and assured their hearts that Jesus still cared so much for them.
St. Anselm, in like manner, while upholding monastic discipline for himself and his monks, nevertheless won hearts by his care and compassion. One story is told of how, through kindness, he won back a young monk who had left the monastery to live on his own, but responded to Anselm's loving outreach to him and returned to the community.  Anselm even cared for him personally when he took ill, and guided him to a happy death.
The message is clear...simple things, like preparing a meal or visiting the sick, or attending a wake or funeral can have a significant impact and remind people that God is present and caring through our presence and actions.
Bro. Rene

Disbelief

Despite God's daily interventions in our lives, the wondrous resurrection accounts, the never-ending verifications that God is near and cares about everything we do, like the Apostles, we find ourselves struggling to believe.  In today's resurrection story, (Lk 24:35-48) Jesus appears but the disciples think it's a ghost and are terrified.  Jesus assures them that it is he and encourages them to look at the wounds in his hands and feet, and to touch him.  He even eats in front of them.  Their disbelief becomes the springboard for further instruction from Jesus and a deeper understanding of their mission as his witnesses.
The same is true with us, our disbelief can help strengthen our faith and make us more convincing witnesses of it to others who are struggling to believe.  Our doubts are an invitation to deeper inquiry, study, prayer and faith.  If we never doubted, never passed through the crucible of disbelief, how would we then be able to claim that we do believe?
Bro. Rene

Burning Hearts

Another Resurrection story today:  The Disciples Headed to Emmaus.  Confused, and evidently not convinced of the tales told by the women and the disciples who had seen the empty tomb, they were overwhelmed with the events of the past weekend and, perhaps even having given up hope, left Jerusalem to find peace at home. All this changed as they welcomed the "stranger" who upbraided them but also patiently explained the "why" of these things and later fully revealed who he was "in the breaking of the bread." The disciples admitted that all along while he spoke, their hearts were burning within them.
We might, as others have done, see a parallel with this story and the Mass where the Word of God is heard and explained and then Jesus becomes sacramentally present at the words of consecration. But, are our hearts "burning within us" while this is going on or do our minds drift to the past week, past day, or plans for the coming day or week, or even what we will have for breakfast?  Admittedly, most of us find ourselves somewhere outside the action that is taking place right in front of us. and miss the excitement that can inflame us and move us to spread the message of the Risen and ever Present Jesus to others.  For this zeal, for these burning hearts, let us pray.
Bro. Rene

Stop Holding On To Me

This morning's account of the Resurrection focuses on Mary Magdalene, whose grief keeps her staring at the empty tomb and weeping profusely despite the words of the angels and the "gardener".  The missing body was plaguing her and blocking her comprehension of what had happened.  Of course, this is understandable insofar as bodies do no usually disappear from graves.  Her reaction to hearing her name in a familiar voice evidently throws her to the feet of Jesus and she clings lovingly, desperately to them, to the point where Jesus has to tell her to "stop holding on". (Jn 20: 17).  Isn't it astounding that this line should be remembered and included in this account written 60 years after the actual event?  It might lead us to ponder its meaning then and for us now.   Are we clinging to the euphoria of Easter Morning, or do we need to turn and carry the message to others?  What would Jesus mean if he told me to "stop holding on to him?"
Bro .Rene

"Do Not Be Afraid"

As we continue to enjoy and reflect on Easter during this week-long extension of the resurrection, we hear the different accounts passed on orally for a generation or more until finally written down into the Gospels as we know them now, and different aspects of this event will leap out at us, despite our familiarity with it. Today, for example in Matthew's account, it might be the assuring command to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary who became fearful at the sight of the empty tomb, "Do not be afraid."(Mt 28:10), that we need to hear, or that hits us.  What are our fears now that Lent is over and the climax of Easter is upon us?  Are we afraid that we might lose what we have gained during Lent?  Are we afraid of facing what we put off while celebrating the Triduum?  Fear has a way of making it's way clandestinely back into our lives. But Jesus says, again and again, especially in these post-resurrection accounts:  "Do not be afraid." Why not take him at his word and just drop it now. not even think about it, just drop it entirely for today?  Then do the same tomorrow, and the next day, and the next until it never rears its head again.
Bro. Rene

Christian Hope

Whether we are ready or not, it's Easter.  Our six weeks' journey has climaxed with the breaking of the seal and the rolling back of the stone which had imprisoned the body of Jesus since Friday. The tomb is empty and HE IS  RISEN. How we need this news, perhaps more than we can remember in our lifetimes, for Easter means HOPE. We need hope, we need to move ahead into the Spring of Hope.  Pope Francis reminds us that "Christian hope is a gift that God gives us if we come out of ourselves and open our hearts to him."  We need to break he seal of doubt and cynicism that imprison us in our gloomy pessimism. "Today is the celebration of our hope, the celebration of this truth: nothing and no one will ever be able to separate us from his love." (cf. Rom 8:39). --Pope Francis.  Our Alleluias, our Easter lilies, eggs and dinners are reminders of the real cause of our joy and hope: Jesus lives, has cleansed us with the waters of baptism,  given us new hearts to replace our stony hearts and filled them with his love.  Alleluia!
Bro. Rene

The Hiddenness Of God

Is God hiding on us?  Seems like it.  Tabernacles devoid of their usual Guest.  No Mass celebrated today. The absence of God. The Burial of God. The darkness of God.  Yet, the light looms on the horizon as the Pascal Moon, now already waning, brightens the morning sky. "We need the darkness of God, the silence of God in order to experience the abyss of his greatness and that of our nothingness which would open up if he were not." (Cardinal Josef Ratzinger). As much as possible, may we create a sense of emptiness during this day so that we might experience the fullness of the Risen Life at the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday Mass.
Bro. Rene

The Cross

Note:  Today's slice features guest writer, Sister Aemiliana Lohr, O.S.B. a German nun who wrote about the liturgy and died in 1972.

The Church's life is a life of he cross, a continual dying. Yet her speech is joyful; her liturgy is the festival of life. She suffers death, but she already lives the Resurrection, for her food is the meat of immortality; she has part in the risen Christ, and cannot perish.  Rather, as she shows us today, when she keeps only the prayer for the people and the Holy communion from the Mass of Holy Thursday, she remains alone in the world's decline, daily suffering death, daily awakened to life, praying for her murderers and making petitions, in the song of the joyful cross, for the tortured world.  With her hands outstretched in prayer, wholly one with her Lord, she is herself the cross, of which it should be said until the end of time, "Through the cross joy entered the entire world."
Sister Aemiliana Lohr

The Washing of the Feet

Holy Thursday's Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper has three distinct parts:  The washing of the feet, and the institution of the Eucharist and of the Holy Priesthood, these latter being two essential sacraments, which we might too often take for granted.  Our appreciation of them might grow if we look at them in the light of the washing of the feet.  This simple gesture is a bit foreign in our western culture, but is foundational in middle eastern culture.  It was necessary, for one thing, in a dusty climate where sandals were worn; it was a sign of honor and respect, as we would treat a handshake, embrace or kiss. And, how soothing it is to have one's tired, aching, sore feet soak in warm water, or better, washed and attended by a pair of loving hands?  And so, this simple act contains more than just a symbol of service, it also serves to remind us of the loving care of the body.  The Eucharist, and the Priesthood elevate this bodily care to the care of the soul, as Jesus lovingly provides for its nourishment with his own body and blood.  Tonight we see his love expressed in the simple act of the washing of the feet; tomorrow we will see this love expressed in his death on the cross.
Bro. Rene

What Have I Gained?

As we look at today's Gospel, we see Judas asking haltingly, "Is it I, Rabbi?" and then running out  to do "what he has to do."  We might ask, how could this man who spent three years with Jesus, face to face, miracle after miracle, plot to betray him?  Yet, here we are, knowing and loving Jesus, being known and loved by him, for much longer than three years, and yet often, maybe even daily, betraying him?  How can we do it?
As we look back over the six weeks of Lent, we might search for the gains we have made, latch on to them and give them a permanent place in our lives, so that the risk of betraying Jesus might be less as we go forward toward Easter and beyond.  If we have been earnest during Lent, these gains should last.  Jesus, help me be faithful to the progress in my spiritual life that you have helped me make.
Bro. Rene

Betrayal /Denial

Drama mounts at the Last Supper...Judas leaves to "sell" Jesus to the Chief Priest and Pharisees, and Peter protests his loyalty to Jesus, but is warned of his denial: a scene that portrays our own inner tendency to to both betray Jesus and deny him....Judas and Peter live in each one of us, as much as we, like Peter, might vehemently declare our everlasting loyalty..  Sad to say, but it is part of the human condition.  When we are frustrated when our ideas of how things should be, or how we or others should behave, and don't,  we just want to give it all up and "sell" our friendship to Jesus for some immediate gratification.  In the face of the arguments of agnostic or totally materialistic "friends" or acquaintances, how often do we deny Jesus in order not to "stir the pot" or get into an argument.  We "cave" for the sake of a false truce and leave our convictions or professed loyalty in the trash, until the coq crows and reminds us of our disloyalty.  We cringe and beg for mercy and forgiveness.  Jesus looks upon us, and gives us yet another chance. We pray that we might be less a traitor and continue to make an effort to be a true and loyal disciple.  "Have mercy on us, Lord, for we have sinned."
Bro. Rene

Anoint the Feet of Jesus

Note:  A series of events this morning is forcing me to offer a thin slice of Bro. Rene's Diet Bread!  Apologies..

Our six weeks: Lenten Journey is almost over, concluding with the Liturgy of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday.  Our focus this week is on JESUS, not on us...  As Mary of Bethany anointed his feet with precious oil and wiped them with her hair, we might seek ways in which we too can anoint his feet...through our loving prayer,  and service to others.  This is usually a busy week, or a "business as usual week,"
 but we still can invite Jesus to be present in our hearts in a special way as we go about our ordinary tasks.
Bro. Rene

Fake Hosannas

The world "fake" has been bantered about so frequently these days that even a four year old might  have no trouble comprehending it's meaning.  As we hear the shouts of Hosanna to the Son of David in the reading of the Passion today, we might wonder if these were "fake" acclamations from the same lips that screamed "Crucify him" at the end of the week. The question has been posed many times over the centuries and the explanation has leaned toward a small group of disciples who were not the same as those who pleaded for his death. We hope that this is true, but the question brings to mind our own loyalty and consistency.  How many ups and downs does our life of faith experience?  On one day we are fervent in our acceptance and welcome of Jesus, but can turn "on a dime". it seems, into inappropriate behavior for a loyal disciple. As we sing our Hosanna's today at the beginning of Mass and then shout out "crucify him" during the Gospel, may we realize how fickle and fake we can be and ask Jesus for the grace to live what we say.
Bro. Rene

Better To Sacrifice One Man

As we approach Palm Sunday, the plot against Jesus becomes clearer:  "it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish." (Jn 11:50). The rationale was presented and accepted. "So from that day on they planned to kill him." (Jn 11: 53).
By the end of the week the plan would be accomplished and the prophecy of Caiaphas, fulfilled.
But this was really why God sent Jesus to us, to die for our sins and open the door to new and everlasting life.  His suffering and death were mandated by the Father and Jesus accepted this "mission impossible."
This path becomes the model for our lives, so filled it seems, with pointless and endless suffering.  Everywhere we turn, every word we hear, always seems to have an element of pain and suffering attached.  We wonder why.  The answer is that it all leads to our eventual reunion with God, our Creator, and Jesus leads the way.  He walked these same steps of suffering and death to rise victorious, and so shall we. Indeed, the sacrifice of one man has saved more than a nation, it has saved us all!
Bro. .Rene

Whatever Works

Having a little fun with this title...Jesus spent the years of his ministry doing good works, using them as a means for people to see that indeed he and the Father are one.  However, as we know, the Scribes, Pharisees and Chief Priests did not see it that way.
We too are called to perform "the works of the Father,", be they big or small.  We might find ourselves limited to the small, but, "hey," as the expression goes, "whatever works."  Yes, be the big or small, we are called to perform them.
Today, we remember St. John Baptist De La Salle,  who founded the Institute of the Christian Brothers of the Schools,  a century before St. Marcellin founded the Marist Brothers of the Schools. Both men, though beginning small, ended up accomplishing a Big Work.  Both institutes have touched the lives of millions of youth by providing the means for their human and Christian formation.  What role can we play to have a positive effect on the lives of those with whom we live and work?  Big or small, it will work with God's grace.
Bro. Rene

Hearing The Voice Of God

For hiders with a contemplative bent, a mountain top with full view of other mountains and valleys in the range, with the sky closer enough to touch, and the silence this ideal place provides, or even the hike up through the woods with only the birds or a rushing stream to break the silence, these are a welcome relief to the cacophony of the daily journey at home or at work.  It is in this natural silence that God seems unmistakably present and his voice,  more audible.  But these ideal locations are accessible only a few times in a year, or in a lifetime.  How do we hear God's voice amidst the noise of everyday life?  Admittedly, it is not easy, but it is there amid the noise as much as it is in the quiet of the forest or mountaintop.  We need simply to quiet our outer ears and open our inner ears to listen well.  It's amazing how God can be heard even within the noise.
Bro. Rene

How We Look At Things

Be still and take heart, "Behold, I am making all things new." (Rev 21:5)
We might look at a bouquet and see only the dying daisy and not the rest of the brilliant colored flowers; we might look at a cocoon and see only the home of an ugly caterpillar and not the vehicle for a beautiful butterfly to make it's way into the world.  We might look at a headline about a teen overdose and miss the thousands of teens who are doing their best to "stay straight" and live up to the high moral standards offered to them at home, Church and school.  We need to be awakened to the beauty of what's right under our noses, and remember that God's infinite love makes anything possible.  Faith needs to grow, and for this we ask in these days before Holy Week, so that we can appreciate the great demonstration of love God gives us in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.  Let us open our eyes and see the goodness and beauty all around us.
Bro. Rene

The Saving Power of the Cross

Moses lifted up a replica of a saraph serpent and all who looked upon it were saved from the poisonous venom; Jesus, lifted upon the tree of the cross has brought salvation to all who believe.
We see the crucifix so frequently that the suffering involved with death on the cross falls on dulled hearts.  Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, was criticized for being so brutal, but was probably the closest view we have of what crucifixion was really like.  It was bloody, painful, and long-drawn out.
When we think we have it bad, a long gaze at a crucifix and the recollection of the pain Jesus endured for us should put our sufferings in perspective.
Bro. Rene

Judge Not

Our readings for today warn us of the mistakes that can be made in judging others...the Susanna story with Daneil's fascinating defense of the innocent woman and condemnation of the "dirty old men" and Jesus' forgiveness of the woman caught in adultery.  How willing were the "authorities" to condemn these women to death, but in both cases, time, investigation and compassion allowed them to live.
In our own rush to judge, we might take heed from these stories to take time to investigate and most likely discover circumstances that might bring to light reasons for forgiveness.  We thus participate in God's limitless mercy
Bro. Rene

Another Chance

Not only is the raising of Lazarus a preview of the resurrection of Jesus, but it also a reminder to us that we too have a "second chance"--even chance after chance.  Jesus has the power to call us out of our tombs of self-doubt, of sin, of selfishness, or whatever else binds us and blinds us.  During Lent, we have been attempting to free ourselves from those things, those behaviors and attitudes that separate us from God and one another.  Perhaps we have been more or less successful to date, but today's Gospel (Jn 11"1-45) is a clear sign that Jesus can call us to come out into the light, into life.
For the next two weeks may we put ourselves more totally into the hands of Jesus, may we heed his call to "come out."  May Martha,  Mary and Lazarus himself help us to grow closer to Jesus, and find our life made new in him as they did. Then Easter will truly be our resurrection as well as his.
Bro. Rene

Seeing Clearly Through The Clouds

Confusion and division reigned over the question of the place of origin, the native town, of Jesus.  Was it Nazareth of Galilee or Bethlehem?  No thought was even considered of his heavenly origin, for that was yet too far-fetched for anyone, especially the chief priests and Pharisees.  It's as if Jesus were speaking in a cloud, a cloud of misunderstanding. The ensuing argument could reach no conclusion, and despite the effort of Nicodemus to bring reason to the discussion, each went to his own house. (Cf. Jn 7: 40-53).
So often in our discussions and expression of differing opinions, we arrive at an impasse, and desiring not to pursue the topic any further, we withdraw to the safety of our own group of like-minded friends or familly.  Perhaps we don't recognize the narrowness of our opinions, or the extent of our bias; perhaps  we are operating in a cloud and cannot see clearly.  As we seek purification during Lent, this might be an area for examination and reflection as well as for prayer for clarity of vision and true openness of heart and opinion.
Bro. Rene