Tying Up Loose Ends

On this final day of the Octave of Christmas and of the year 2018, if we can make the time, despite anticipation and preparation for New Year's Eve and "First Night" festivities, it would be helpful to our spiritual journey, to stop, look back over the year, see what loose ends persist, give thanks for them and for all that we actually did accomplish, and more importantly, acknowledge with gratitude what God did for us.

Tying up the loose ends could also mean setting goals (resolutions) for the coming year.  We sometimes shrug these off as exercises in futility, for so often in the past we have found ourselves abandoning them just a few days or weeks after initiating them.  We might add some weight to this year's resolutions by asking Jesus to give his HIS power and grace to stick to them, remembering what St. Paul said to the Philippians, "I can do all things in him who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13).
God's blessing on all for the New Year.
Bro. Rene.

The Holy Famly: A Model For Us

The Church honors the family Jesus, Mary and Joseph by recalling the incident when Jesus was separated from  them and was then found after three days amidst the rabbis and teachers in the Temple. There is a calmness in the story, despite the anxiety of "not knowing" and the tension in the exchange of words between Mary and Jesus: "Son, why have you done this to us?  Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (cf. Lk 2: 49). Even not understanding what he meant, Mary and Joseph did not get angry, but  took him back to Nazareth, with Mary, no doubt, pondering this answer for the rest of her life.  There "he was obedient to them and advanced in wisdom age and favor before God and man."
 As with all families, there were times when sensitivities and priorities had to be worked out. This is only one chapter in the 30 year period when Jesus lived at home. We can only imagine the daily routine of finding work in distant villages, bearing with the July heat, and parting with Joseph as he took leave of his life on earth.  Yes, the comforts and stresses faced by any family. We look to the Holy Family for faith, trust, and love to help us live a holy family life.
Note:  The Holy Family is the patron of the Province of the United States, so we Marists also need and profit by the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Bro. Rene. 

Simeon's Prophecy

When Mary and Joseph fulfilled their duty to the Law by taking the 40 day old Jesus to the Temple to be consecrated to the Lord, and themselves purified,  they met a rather astonishing elderly man who had been waiting for "the salvation of Israel",  and who gave not only a blessing to the child, but a prophecy to Mary that her soul would be pierced (that she would suffer greatly) "that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Lk 2:35). Indeed, she did suffer seven major sorrows  and still works alongside Jesus that we might come to see him as he is and love him with our whole being. When she gave her YES to the angel Gabriel, she opened her heart to the Holy Spirit and to whatever followed, even to the pain of watching her Son die on the cross, as gradually the significance of that YES and her calling unfolded.
If we can also, alongside Mary, give our YES to the Holy Spirit, we will find God's plan of joy and suffering unfold before us, for the prophecy of Simeon is meant for all of us who give their YES to God. I pray we can do it!
Bro. Rene   

The Slaughter of Innocents

The appalling slaughter of the innocent baby boys of Bethlehem by by King Herod's soldiers sends chills up our spines as we hear the story again today. (Mt 2:13-18)  Yet reflecting on it, we come to realize that children throughout the centuries have been abused, neglected, left to starve to death, tortured, gas chambered, or hacked to death, as we saw in the major genocides of the 20th century. Children of great beauty and potential as adults are the victims of rampant evil, for they have no way to defend themselves and too often, no one to defend them. Does it always have to be this way? How can I prevent some of this in "my world"?  I can begin with myself and my tendencies with tongue and temper to "slaughter", in a sense, my neighbor, the homeless, those who do not agree with me, or those whom I label as "weak" or  just "different."  Unfortunately, we all have this tendency to be slaughters, but fortunately, healers and helpers as well.  May the Holy Innocents help us to choose the latter.
Bro. Rene  

The Beloved Disciple

Two days ago, swaddling clothes warming a babe laying on hay in a manger; yesterday the blood of the martyr, Stephen; today, burial cloths in an empty tomb; tomorrow, blood again, and the wailing of mothers over the slaughter of their innocent children.  Is this the Joy to the World, Peace on earth to people of good will we have been singing about?  It is; it is the full picture of the Nativity:  God made human, entering our imperfect world in order to redeem it and make it holy.  John, the disciple whom Jesus loved ((Jn 20 1a) was not present at Bethlehem but was there at the tomb and bears witness to what he saw.  The man he loved and who loved him, was not just a man, but God.  John saw, believed (cf. Jn 20::8) and told us about it.  It is now our role to see, believe and proclaim that Jesus Christ is God.
Bro. Rene

St. Stephen: A Light In The Darkness

There is nothing comparable to the soft light of a candle glowing in a dark room or chapel. It is so soothing, with its glow, neither too bright nor too dim.  It adds a golden touch to the darkness it chases away.
When we look at the martyrdom of the deacon Stephen. the first to fulfill the prediction of Jesus that his followers would be let to courts, governors and kings, being hated because of the allegiance to his name, we see the glow of the candle in the darkness of this world. Yes, so soon after celebrating the night when the heavens were aglow with the heavenly host, darkness creeps in, but one that cannot overshadow the light.  "A light shines in the darkness,/ a darkness that did not overcome it." (Jn 1:5). There's no cause for shock or dismay that the day after our Christmas festivities, we celebrate the death of the first martyr, who shows us in depth how we find light:  by witnessing, by commitment to the adult, mature, full-grown Christ.
May Stephen help each one of us be a candle to illumine and soothe our darkened world.
Bro. Rene

Midnight Mass

We know not what time Jesus was born, and whatever time of day it was, it seems it was not in December, but traditions have grown up around Decembrr 25th and in the Northern Hemisphere, it's a dark "winter cold night".  The full moon of a few days ago is on its wane, but still lighting up the sky as did the host of heavenly beings, according to St. Luke.  The tradition of a Mass at Midnight adds to the reverence, solemnity and drama of the birth.  The world is can be country quiet at that time, the perfect moment for the Son of God to make his entry via a stable into our world.  The animals, the shepherds, the wonder of it all.  Midnight is the perfect backdrop and stirs the heart, melting away anxiety and replacing it with peace..the peace of the Son of God's Presence....the peace that only he can give.  If you were at a crowded, noisy 4 pm Vigil  Mass just be aware that some of us were in the mysterious middle night where Silent Night is a perfect description of the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem.  May the beauty, quiet, simplicity, earthiness, power and magic of this night bring heavenly peace to you.
Bro .Rene

Zechariah Speaks

After nine month as a mute, Zechariah speaks when he gives his newborn son the name, JOHN,  He Blesses God and predicts that his son will prepare the way for the One who will take away sin and show the tender compassion of God as the light of a new dawn breaks upon the world of darkness. (cf. Lk 1:67-79). On this  last day of Advent and Christmas Eve, may we join with Zechariah in his morning song of praise and with the angels this evening as they sing "Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace  to people of Good Will."  Merry Christmas.
Bro .Rene

Ark of the Covenant

The Fourth Sunday of Advent brings us the Gospel of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, the "prelude" to yesterday's Gospel which featured the Magnificat, Mary's response to Elizabeth's greeting, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." (Lk 1:42 ) Hearkening back to the Fathers of the Church, Bishop Robert Barron reminds us that Mary is the living Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tables of the ten commandments, manna and Aaron's Rod, concrete reminders of God's Presence.  Mary now bears the Presence of God within her, his own Son, and is the true Ark.  As David danced before the Ark, so John leaps for joy in his mother's womb.  Mary is the God Bearer.  We too, through our Baptism, are God-Bearers, Arks,  who, like Mary carry him to others.  May we be conscious of our privileged role and act on it as we, in these final days of Advent prepare for the entry of God's Presence, his Son,  into the World. 
Bro. Rene

Giving Praise and Thanks With Mary

We continue with our spotlight on Mary.  Today it's her Magnificat, the beautiful update of the canticle of Hannah who rejoiced at her long-desired pregnancy (1 Sam 2: 1, 4-7). Mary sums up for all of us the reasons why we should turn the spotlight away from ourselves onto God, the Giver of all our blessings.  He knows our innermost desires, from the big and little things that make us happy, and grants them, sometimes surprises us with them, again and again showing us how much he regards and loves us.  Nothing seem to be too good for us. An apparent disappointment is reversed into a cause for joy, a longed for reunion with a friend happens "out of the blue." Our days are full of these "signs" .  Like Mary, we need to acknowledge  them, tell others about them, so that they too might rejoice in God.  Let our prayer today be Luke1:46-56,  Mary's Magnificat, and make it our own Magnificat..
Bro. Rene

In Haste

Note:  Lack of time and some tech difficulties with the computer have forced me to miss posting the slice of daily bread for today, but this will appear with tomorrow's slice.

"Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town in Judah..." (Lk 1:30).  What was Mary's hurry?  Despite her own recent pregnancy, she wanted to get to her cousin Elizabeth's as fast as possible to be of help to her before she delivered her child, her typical other-centered focus. The town of Ain Karin, not far from Jerusalem is the accepted place of the encounter with Elizabeth and Zechariah where Mary spent three months helping as much as she could.  She has never stopped traveling here and there to be of help to others, particularly of us, who need her help so much.  /whether is be at LaSallette, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje. or a private appearance as in the case of Roy Schoeman, a Jewish Harvard professor whom she guided to the Catholic Church, she is there for each one of us.    (Google Roy Schoeman for a four part fascinating story). She is not always "in haste", but takes her time, respecting our freedom and the power of free choice God has given us.
Although we are "in haste" mode to be ready for Christmas, we might follow Mary's example of allowing the element of TIME its proper place, despite the over-powering sense of urgency that so often propels us "in haste."
Bro Rene

Perfect Submission

In the familiar Gospel Hymn, "Blessed Assurance" we come across the phrase, "perfect submission", one that might well summarize the Gospel passage selected for today. (cf. Lk 26-38).  Yes, from the sinless Virgin Mary, whose heart was readily expectant to accept and do whatever God asked of her, comes her obedient compliance to Gabriel's message from God to be the Mother of Jesus.  Perfect submission from  a perfectly open heart, yes, but even more:  an active, generous, courageous leap into the unknown to do, in her own life, what she told us at Cana:  "Do whatever he tells you." (Jn 2:5). More than submitting and receiving, it was also a dynamic reach to be totally at the service of God, a model of behavior we to which we too are called and strive to imitate.  If we consecrate, dedicate, our wills, our lives, to Mary, she will help us to unite with Jesus in carrying out the will of the Father as they did. "Holy, Mary, Mother of God, pray,  for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death."  Amen.
Bro Rene

Doubt and Belief

Today's recounting of Gabriel's appearance to Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, in the Temple with the announcement of his birth somewhat parallels Gabriel's appearance to Mary announcing the birth of Jesus, with one big difference.  Zechariah doubted, Mary believed. (cf. Lk 1:5-25 and Lk 1: 26-38). Zechariah was forced into silence to digest the message, and eventually came to believe.  Mary believed, accepted and bravely bore her Son, herself he first to proclaim the Lord's greatness, and to this day still bearing witness to it.
Our celebration of the Nativity is less than a week away.  We have time to test our faith.  Do we doubt or believe?  The silence imposed on Zechariah might be a good thing for us to embrace, somehow in these frantic last days, to ponder where we stand.  A prayer to both Zechariah and Mary would be helpful, lest the "noise" of the season stand between us and the child in the manger.
Bro .Rene

The Silence of Joseph

The Scriptures do not record any words, of Joseph, husband of Mary, yet his actions speak loud and clear.  A man of quiet strength, his faith was strong enough for him several times to change the course of his life.  He accepted his pregnant betrothed, married her, and without complaining took her to Bethlehem where the Child was born.  Not long after he took his family to Egypt for their safety and began a new, but temporary life there. Called back home out of Egypt. he settled in Nazareth as a craftsman, teaching his son his trade. Words are not necessary for us to see his integrity and to want to spend time beside this "pool of silence," this man whose strength came from a comfortableness with himself and a sureness that came with doing the will of God. Fortunate are we to know a person like Joseph; even more fortunate, to BE another Joseph.
Bro. Rene

Generations

In this third week of Advent, with the rose candle of joy burning in our Advent wreaths, our liturgical readings focus more on the actual birth of Jesus, now that we've heard the promising prophecies of a Messiah and a new age.  St. Matthew gives us the genealogy of Jesus in three segments of 14, ending with "Jacob, the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ." (Mt 1:17).  Family histories were very important in ancient tribal culture and still are among Native Americans and Africans.  It is important to know WHO you are marrying, to avoid marrying relatives who might be too close, and also to become aware of the traditions and wisdom accumulated by the families. 
Today, the first of a series of Antiphons used at Vespers this week, referred to as the "O" Antiphons, addresses Jesus as "Wisdom coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end, and sweetly ordering all things" and begs him to "come and teach us the way of prudence."  Jesus. divinely the Son of God, but also the heir of generations of family wisdom, certainly has something  to teach us.  May we follow him prudently along the path of knowledge, good order and wisdom.
Bro. Rene

A Cause For Rejoicing

The Third Sunday of Advent, AKA, Guadete Sunday, from the Latin for "Rejoice", the first word of the Entrance Antiphon at Mass, is also called "Rose Sunday" as the purple of Advent morphs into Rose, a step closer to the white (or gold) of Christmas (no, not red or green). in anticipation of the joy at the coming of Jesus. We are moved to joy and gladness for the Holy One, the Promised One has truly dwelt among us, or in another translation, "has pitched his tent" among usl  Yes, actually become one of us.  A lifetime of reflection on it will never help us fully fathom how ineffable this is.  Yet we take it so much for granted, it hardly enters into our preparations for Christmas that occupy so much of our time in December. Today is a good day to STOP and just imagine what it means for God, the Almighty Creator, to BECOME one of his creatures.  It's comparable somewhat to one of us becoming a carrot to show our love for it.  Not the usual way of demonstrating love, but one that God has chosen so that we someday will "get it."  May our spirits rejoice and be glad as we reflect on this "mystery" and  come to a deeper love and gratitude for our God who has spared nothing to show his love for us.
Bro. Rene

Making the Turn

It was not easy for Jesus to get his message across, and not surprisingly. The prophets had proclaimed, lectured, written repeatedly over the centuries, and people and not understood, at least had not demonstrated by their actions that they did.  :"Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.: (Mt 17: 12 ). John the Baptist, a voice screaming in the desert about repentance and physically bringing people into the Jordan to wash them in a baptism of repentance to make it very clear that preparation was needed for the immanent arrival of "the one who is to come," the Messiah.  And still they, even the disciples, did not get it.  A dense fog clouded their understanding, and it would take the Holy Spirit to clear it..  Still the fog returns, so annually, the practices, reflections  and promises to which we have we have been  exposing ourselves help to clear our minds and hearts to make the turn away from what fails to satisfy to the true source of life and happiness: the One who saves us from our sins and invites us to walk and live intimately with him. One week and a few days remain in this holy season.  Are we ready to make the Big Turn?  The grace to do so is available...all we have to do is ask for it and be open to receiving it.
Bro. Rene

Resistance

If it doesn't exist already, there should be a book called, "You Can't Win", subtitled "Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't." We've all experienced the dictum, "You can't please all the people all of the time."  Even in the experience of Jesus. he saw it:  People criticized his cousin, John the Baptist for not eating nor drinking, claiming he was possessed by a devil. Jesus ate and drank, and he was called a glutton. Jesus compare the people to children who played the flute but still  could not get others to sing or dance (Mt 11:16-19).  All of this demonstrates that you can't make people do what you want, or what you'd like to seem them do, or what would be good for them and others. There's a natural resistance that throws up a barrier to keep the "intruder" out. Parents know this from their children, and teachers, from their students.  And if we look into our own hearts, we see the same pattern.  Does God get as frustrated with us as we do with others?  Apparently not.  He keeps trying over and over again to move us to respond to his love, giving us signs, wonders, and "lollipops" to entice us to follow his way and mature into the fullness of what he created us to be.  Dear God, break down my resistance and draw me into full compliance with your plan for me. Amen.
Bro. Rene

Fear Not

It seems to be part of our DNA to be fearful, perhaps that's why "daredevils" are so fascinating, fearlessly bunji jumping off bridges over ravines or rivers hundreds of feet below; sky diving, jumping over rows of cars on a motor cycle, and whatever else the imagination can devise to display fearlessness.  Yet, as deep as our faith might seem, we recoil from time to time as fear wells up from somewhere deep within.  The words of Isaiah today address that fear:  "Fear not, I will help you. Fear not, O worm, Jacob,/ O maggot Israel: / I will help you, says the Lord;/ your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel...." (Is 41: 13-14). This message comes at an appropriate time as we move further into Advent, with Christmas 12 days away. We could be worried that we haven't made the best use of Advent, or getting jittery about having all in place, "everything done", for Christmas. We are our own worst enemies... God tells us not to worry, to fear not.  Time with Isaiah 41:13-20 would help put those fears to rest.  Find the time.
Bro. Rene

Patroness of the Americas

Today, millions will gather at the Basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City to honor the Mother of God who appeared to the poor native, Juan Diego, and asked that a shrine be built on Tepeyac Mountain where there had been an ancient shrine to a pagan goddess of the Aztec religion. Because of the Bishop's request for a "sign", Mary left her imprint on Juan Diego's tilma, which still exists today.  The coarse material should have deteriorated 20 years after this event, but continues to puzzle scientists and artists who cannot' explain why it didn't and how the image was imprinted on it.  A miracle.  And further,  10 years after the apparition, between 8 and 9 million people were converted to Christianity, (another miracle) and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe remains as strong today as it was then.  She has been declared Patroness of the Americas and Patroness of the Right to Life movement, for she appeared pregnant, in native dress, skin color and speaking the native dialect. Could she have done more to show her love of and solidarity with the poor and oppressed?  May she continue to inspire and offer hope to all of us who are poor because of our weak faith and oppressed by a materialistic, Godless culture. May she continue to point the way to her Son.
Bro. Rene

Going After The Lost Sheep

Surprisingly, owners of large sheep ranches will not go after the missing four or five sheep at the annual roundup, noting that the time and effort involved is not worth it.  This is not the way the Good Shepherd operates.  His is a more personal touch with each of his named sheep and he will not spare any effort to recover one which is lost. How we need such a shepherd!  Where would we be if he did not care enough for us to leave the others who are safe and sound to come and find us? As much as we might resent such intrusiveness in our lives, it's what we have been taught and what we have come to expect.  Something would be missing without the image of the Good Shepherd hovering over us as does the sun. We do not have to fear being abandoned; he will seek us out, and not rest until we are safe on his shoulders.
Bro. Rene

Urgency

While Advent is a season of patient waiting, watching, reflection and preparation, this morning's Gospel, Luke 5: 17-26, presents another important element:  urgency.  Friends of a paralytic are trying to approach Jesus to obtain a cure, but the crowd makes it impossible to enter the house where Jesus is teaching. With a touch of "Yankee Ingenuity" the men take the pallet to the roof, move the tiles and lower their friend to within the reach of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus at first proclaims the man's sins forgiven, and then to respond to the objections of the scribes and Pharisees, cures the man, who immediately stood up, picked up his pallet and went home glorifying God.
Translating this to us today:  Do we have that faith and sense of urgency to get closer to Jesus and to help others come to him for healing (of soul or body) which would call from us extraordinary efforts to remove obstacles that stand in the way? To push through the distractions, sidebars and excuses that stand between us and Jesus?  Or that make us hesitant to help another approach him?  Perhaps we should pray to those friends of the paralytic to give us the faith and gumption to make a dramatic move in our lives to draw closer to Jesus ourselves or to help others to do so.  What a preparation for Christmas that would be!
Bro. Rene

Preparing Our Hearts

John the Baptist appears on the scene this second Sunday of Advent, urging up to "prepare the way of the Lord and make straight his paths." (Lk 3:4). John certainly "walked his talk," proclaiming a baptism of repentance and washing penitents clean in the waters of the Jordan.  His fierce urgency reaches us even today, lest we waist any of the remaining time of preparation for Christmas.  We find time to shop, send cards, decorate. bake, attend Christmas parties and concerts, but is there time for those quiet moments when we can hear Jesus say, "I love you..This is why I came, and I would have done so if you were the only human on this planet, so great is my love for you.  Will you let me into your heart, let me touch and soothe it?  Just give me some of "your" time, and I will change your life.  I thirst for you; let me drink of your goodness and beauty. I'm waiting for you."?
Bro. Rene

The New Eve

The early Fathers of the Church we quick to pick up on Mary as the "New Eve", playing even with the reversal the Ave of the angel Gabriel and Eva, the wife of Adam. Mary's YES, for the "good of all" reversed the YES of Eve who sought the glorification of self:  "You shall be like gods." (Gen 3:5) Mary's humilty would "magnify the Lord" by bringing the Son of God to humanity and opening the door again for humanity to enter the divine.
Today we celebrate Mary's Immaculate Conception, that is, HER own conception without sin in the womb of her mother Anne, as the vessel prepared from all eternity to bear the Son of God, even as today we place his body and blood in golden vessels on our altars.  We place him in our best, and Mary is the Best that our human race can offer. A great day to reflect on God's preparation for the coming of his Son as we, in these days of Advent,  prepare our hearts to give him "the best" at Christmas and at his Second Coming. May Mary help us today and in the days ahead to join our YES to hers so that we may be the best and most worthy vessels of her Son.
Bro. Rene

Faith Needs Challenge

On the morning of December 7, 1941, "a date that will live in infamy," planes from the Empire of Japan blindsided the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with a devastating attack that took 2,335 lives, wounded 1,143 and plunged the United States into a four year "challenge" of enormous proportion, taking thousands of more lives, to avenge the attack and bring Japan to surrender.
Interestingly enough, 77 years later the Gospel passage for today is about two blind men seeking a cure from Jesus.  His first question to them was "Do you believe that I can do this?"  Before he acts, he demands faith. Jesus requires faith, which is often accompanied by doubt, forcing us to look into ourselves to see if we really do believe. Overcoming these inner challenges may not require a major war effort as in the Pacific; it's much more subtle and may require more than four years, perhaps even a lifetime, to subdue the powers that seek to undermine our faith.  But, if Faith is not tested, is it really Faith?
Bro. Rene

Beloved St. Nick

St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (a city in what is now Turkey) and patron of Greece and Russia, lived in the fourth century and was noted for his generosity and for his defense of the faith.  Legend has it that he provided the dowry for three young women so they would not have to be sold into slavery by tossing bags of gold coins through their father's window.  He was also imprisoned for his faith and later took part in the Council of Nicaea where he staunchly defended the faith, even, as the story goes, to slapping an opponent bishop in the face!  As we know, he is the basis for "Father Christmas" in England, "Pere Noel" in France, "Sinter Klaus" in Holland, and Santa Claus in the United States, where  "Santa Mythology" has created a home on the North Pole, a wife, Mrs. Claus, a workshop, elves and a sleigh with eight tiny reindeer, all with names, led by a red-nosed reindeer named Rudolf.  All a far reach from the generous and defender of the faith, from whom we take inspiration for generous gift-giving (especially to those in need) and firm adherence to the Faith.  Perhaps this prayer will help restore him to his proper place in our own faith life:

Prayer for Saint Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas, you were an orphan with a large inheritance, and instead of using your wealth to serve yourself, you saw it as an opportunity to support those who lacked what they needed. As bishop, you fearlessly defended the faith, and were willing to suffer for what you believed.

We ask for your blessing during our Advent journey towards the Christ-child. Help us grow in generosity and in our awareness of the needs of others, especially those who are suffering. May we awaken to the spirit of simplicity and joy that led you to share God’s surprising love through the giving of gifts. Amen.

Bro. Rene

A Great Feast

Continuing his description of the idyllic mountain, Isaiah describes a sumptuous feast or rich wines and juicy rich food.  Death will be no more and all tears be wiped away.  Makes us hunger and thirst for this "promised land". (cf. Is 25:6-10).  Fast forward 800 years or so, and there's another banquet scene on a mountain, this time by the Sea of Galilee, the food, simple fare of bread and fish, but the host, Jesus, the Savior, the Messiah, the ONE foretold by Isaiah. (cf. Mt15:29-37).  The prophecy is not quite fulfilled, as this meal is a precursor to the meal to be shared on the night before he died and which we still celebrate daily, the Holy Eucharist. Again, this is but a foretaste of the Heavenly Banquet, but we certainly are getting closer. 
Reflection on these readings is appropriate food for thought during Advent, a time for the expression of gratitude and appreciation for so great a gift.  A time to prepare our hearts for the Great Feast, and to invite others to it by radiating hope and joy as well as through our words and actions.
Bro. Rene

Jesus and Children

The scene of Jesus and the children clamoring around him and scolded by the Apostles if familiar enough so that when Jesus speaks about the mysteries of the Kingdom being revealed to the childlike, (cf. Lk 10:21), we can easily understand that he understands and loves children so much, that he sees them as the ideal models for all desiring to understand and enter that Kingdom.  Children ask, believe and take newly acquired information as "gospel truth".  Try to "enlighten" them or change their minds later, even as adults, and they will hold to what they were first taught.  Would that adults would keep that tenacity, and oh, what a responsibility for parents and first teachers!  Must be truth, not fables.
As we proceed through Advent, let us listen to Isaiah and Jesus, taking to heart and embracing what they say with that childlike willingness to believe and childlike tenacity to hold on to it and act upon it.
Bro. Rene

Are We Willing?

Yesterday and today provide us with ample material for a nourishing and challenging slice of bread.  Yesterday Jesus warned us about becoming "drowsy from carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life." (Lk 21: 28- 35) Today, Isaiah invites us to "climb the Lord's mountain and learn the ways of the Lord. He describes the ideal world where people beat their swords into ploughshares and one nation does not rise against another, nor do they train for war again." (Is 2:4). In the Gospel, we see the centurion beg for the life of his servant in complete faith and trust. (Mt:5-11). And we celebrate the memorial of St. Francis Xavier whose passion to teach the Gospel brought him to India and Japan where he "set all on fire." The questions for our pondering today:  are we willing to let go our hurtful behaviors, and  our anxieties? Are we able to trust as the centurion did?  Are we willing to intercede for today's equivalent of our "servant"?  Are willing to work for peace in our hearts, families, workplaces, communities?  Are we willing to set all on fire with our zeal not necessarily across the globe but again, in and among the places and people close to us?  May Advent be a time of willingness and readiness to make whatever changes we can to clear the obstacles for the full reign "The Prince of Peace.
Bro. Rene

Watching and Waiting

Advent begins today, 23 days of watching and waiting for the celebration of the birth of Jesus on December 25th.  It is a time of preparation , a time to make an effort to ponder, as did Mary, the meaning and implication of God-becoming-human, a time for silence (even in the midst of our usual frenzied life with Christmas shopping, decorating, parties, Christmas cards and concerts thrown in), and a time for penance, not as stringent as Lent, but something that will demand "sacrifice" and effort, as does serious house-cleaning.  Seems like a Big Order for so short a time, and really a set-up for failure.  But somehow, we'll do SOMETHING to make these days different and pointed toward the coming of Jesus. We need to try to do what we can, and while bulldozing through this hectic time, think of Mary and Joseph on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph afoot and Mary on a donkey., a slow, perhaps anxiety ridden trek, as Mary was nearing her time to give birth.  They made it, so can we.
Bro .Rene

Night Will Be No More

In the concluding chapter of the Book or Revelation, chapter 22, we find a symbolic picture of what awaits us "on the other side". Crystal water, ever blooming and producing trees; night will be no more, the sun will no longer be needed, for all light will come from God who will reign forever and ever.  It goes beyond our imagination and certainly beyond our experience: our thirst slaked, hunger satisfied, eternal day, pure contentment. (cf. Rev 22:1-7).  A fitting reflection for the last day of the liturgical year and the eve of Advent.  With darkness encroaching upon us earlier and earlier each day in the Northern Hemisphere, the promise of "no more night" is most appealing, as are the other promises.  God certainly knows us and what makes us happy. Indeed, These words are trustworthy and true, and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon... "Behold I am coming soon." Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book. (Rv 22: 6-7)
A prayerful, fruitful and blessed Advent to all.
Bro, Rene  

Fishers of Men

Walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus interrupted two fishermen, Peter and his brother Andrew, and invited them to drop their nets and become "fishers of men." (Mt 4:19). Andrew, whose Feast it is today, was the first to approach Jesus when John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God and pointed him out to the crowd.  Andrew then introduced Peter to Jesus.  Now both were invited to be "fishers of men", part of the close band of Twelve who were later sent to carry on the mission of Jesus and suffer martyrdom.
The invitation to become "fishers of men" is usually associated with the call to the priesthood, and by extension to the Consecrated Life, but today, it is seen as an invitation to All to keep the Word alive in the family, community and workplace.  For some it may mean a call to go into "unknown territory"
in a parish group or organization, or even to volunteer work with the poor, or to a foreign land.  The door to ministry of some sort is now open to all.  Not all can answer the invitation to join the choir, for not all can sing well enough, but all can answer the invitation to bear witness to Jesus and introduce him to others...by our words or our works...
Bro. Rene

Frightening Imagery

Both Readings today, verses from  Revelation 18 and 19 and Luke 21:20-28, contain terrifying images of destruction.  Babylon, Rome, is emptied of music, industry, and happy voices as punishment for her long reign of conquest and oppression, and the entire universe crashes in utter destruction as the Son of Man returns in power and glory.  Writers and  movie makers have never tired of returning to these gruesome sights and sounds. 
We cannot help but feel some of the terror as we read these symbolic descriptions of the end of time as we know it.  Fittingly these appear at the threshold of Advent, the new beginning, the new coming.  Rather than induce fear, they invite us  to trust and love, that indeed the Son of Man will return to erase all hatred, violence, division and evil. May we find hope rather than despair as the plan of God eventually comes to fulfillment.  At this time we are just on another page in a larger chapter.
Bro. Rene

Pattern of Persecution

Jesus warned his followers that adhering to him and the way of life he proposed, forgiveness, love of all and self-sacrifice, would not insure popularity or success, but rather, hatred and persecution.  As it was with him, so with us. Saul (later Paul) began the first persecution of the followers of The Way, the Romans continued for centuries to eradicate Christian, missionaries suffered beatings, tortures and even death over the centuries as they tried to spread the Gospel, and in our own times, direct or subtle forces challenge, oppose and even kill in attempts to stamp out faith in Jesus. This is the way it has been, and according to Jesus, the way it will be until the reign of peace, the Kingdom of God is finally established.  What to do?  Persevere, trust, ponder the resurrection, remembering that Good Friday ended in Easter Sunday.
Bro. Rene

Facing the End

(note:  this is our 3001st slice of bread!)

Endings are difficult.  We resist as long as we can;  if it's a fight for life in ICU, or salvaging a beloved monument, our reluctance to change tightens up on us like a vice grip.  When Jesus told the people that the Temple they so admired would one day no longer exists, it was a shocker.(Lk 21:5-11).  People asked when this would happen, as if, having his timeline, they could work to prevent its destruction, which did, occur in 70 A.D. (before the Gospel of Luke was written). Jesus went on to describe the end of this world as we know it, giving signs of earthquakes, famines, and plagues. For centuries these omens have come and gone, sometimes causing people to sell all to be ready for "the rapture."  But we are still here.  The end will come, but no one knows when, only the Father. Our task is to be ever ready, as if it could occur today.  It is not something to be feared or dreaded , but the turning of a page to the final and best chapter.  Come, Lord Jesus!
Bro. Rene

Givng From Our Poverty

The example of the unnamed widow in the Gospel (Lk 2`-1-4) haunts, and inspires us even today.  She gave not from her excess, bur from her substance.  After giving the two coins, what was left?  We don't know, but she certainly she won the praise of Jesus and pokes at us to dig deeper, even to our poverty, be it material or spiritual.  Mother Teresa advised simple giving...giving up a loaf of fine bread and using the saved money to buy bread for a local soup kitchen.  Not much, but it could inspire others to do the same.   Thanksgiving made us aware of all the gifts we have received and encouraged us to say a simple "thank you."  Now with Advent almost upon us, what might we do to prepare for the Ultimate Gift, Jesus Christ, whose total Gift of himself has brought eternal life to us?  Can we find a gift from even our weakness or spiritual poverty to give hope to another?  Can we dig deeper into our financial resources to help provide a bright Christmas for a family in need? Can we give time to visit the sick or elderly?  Christ did not spare the cost, can we?
Bro. Rene

Christ Our King

Americans are known for their fascination with  the "Royals" of Great Britain; magazine racks abound with cover photos of the Windsors and their  lives make the headlines almost daily it seems.  Today we look at another "Royal", Christ our King, not your ordinary king, but one who seeks to rule our hearts and who calls us to follow him in creating a kingdom of peace, justice, love and truth.  He has shown the way and continues to send "the forces" of grace, saints and dedicated leaders to guide and inspire us. We take time today to honor this benevolent, loving and compassionate king, whose sword is the cross upon which he died and which he asks each one of us to bear. Let us renew our allegiance to him and do what we can day by day to strengthen his reign in our hearts  and in our world.
Bro Rene

The Dead Will Rise

The Sadducees in the time of Jesus did not believe in life after death, a stance which continues today and is growing in popularity, it seems, questioned Jesus about it provoking him  to give a clear reply, "...the dead will rise," citing Moses and his encounter with the God of the living in the burning bush. (cf. Lk 20:  37).  It is not only comforting to know that our lives continue beyond the grave but it is also the basis for hope which thus motivates us to bear up with trails, but also to do our best, even when not being tested.  The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate basis for belief in the resurrection of the dead, This belief requires faith, and with it everything falls into place. Sharing our faith, living it. spreads this hope and final purpose of our existence to others.  Lord, increase our faith, and grant it through your mercy to those who struggle with believing.  May the example of believers help to wipe their doubt away.
Bro. Rene

Cleansing The Temple

St. Luke gives us an abbreviated version of the "cleansing of the temple", but his point is aptly made:
God's house is a house of prayer not a den of thieves. (cr. Lk 19: 46).  The Temple is a sacred place for worshiping the Almighty, the All-Holy God, Creator of heaven, earth and all that is in the universe.  Should it not be maintained as a place of reverent silence  in order to hear the tiny whisper of the Lord? (cf.1 Kgs 19:13). Yet, in the time of Jesus, it became a market place and a lucrative branch for the money changers.  Have our churches lost their aura of the sacred and become social meeting halls for petty conversation?
And can we extend this disrespect for the Temple of God to the Temple of the body?  There's a place that can use the force of Jesus to drive out the "thieves, deceivers and liars who have convinced us that these are not longer Temples of the Holy Spirit, but spas catering to our ever whim and desire.
Come, Jesus,, cleanse our temples and our hearts.
Bro. Rene

The Power of Gratitude

A recent study has affirmed a long standing belief based on experience most of us have shared, that saying "thank you" helps one feel better.  Indeed, the study reveals that expressing gratitude can lift and even dispel depression.  Saying thank you is an alternative to taking a pill!   Parents used to teach their children from the beginning, to say thank you, and hopefully still do. It makes everyone feel better, the receiver as well as the giver.  Note the hurt when it is omitted:  "They didn't even say thank you!"  We've heard that too often.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving across the USA today, we recall the blessings we have received: the family sitting around table and  the traditional and scrumptious  food on it.  As we count our blessings, we see that they are almost too numerous to list.  And, of course, the greatest blessings are on a spiritual plane, faith, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mary, the Mother of God, and the saints, formally canonized or not, who set the bar for us on how to live a holy life.  May we dig deep into our hearts to find the reasons for our gratitude and truly experience a powerful and  Happy Thanksgiving.
Bro Rene

Presenting Ourselves

Today's Memorial of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, although based on the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James, nevertheless foreshadows Mary's total dedication to God as she accepted the invitation to allow God to take her entire being to himself and bring forth his Son, Jesus.Her total gift of self is the model for all of us to embrace, to present and make ourselves available to him for whatever purpose he may have in mind.  Little did Mary know that entering the Temple would one day make her the temple which God himself would enter and dwelt for nine months.  Little do we know what putting ourselves totally at the disposition of God will yield, for "he fills the hungry with good things and lifts up the lowly" (cf. Lk 1:52-53).  As he worked through Mary to send Jesus to the world, so, weak, wounded and broken as we are, he can work through us to make Jesus present to it.  This is Mary's day, but it is ours also.  Happy Feast Day.
Bro. Rene

Climbing A Tree

The story of Zacchaeus (Lk 19: 1-10) fits well into the recent pre-Advent readings we have been reflecting on.  He bears visible witness to the longing for the coming of Jesus that comprise a major theme of the "End Times"  and the coming of Jesus.  Zacchaeus desired to see Jesus so much, for one reason of another, that he even climbed a tree to compensate for his short stature and allow him to see Jesus.  His desire, his effort was rewarded not only by recognition but also by a self-invitation to share his supper with Jesus, much more than he bargained for.  It also resulted in a major change in his life as he promised to repay those whom he had cheated and give money to the poor.  He stands as an example what longing for Jesus can do. 
The question for our Advent prayer then comes to us, "How deep is our longing to make Jesus the center of our lives, to make him our focus and purpose?"  Do we want to see him, serve him, love him enough to be willing to climb a tree to give him THE place of honor in our lives?
Bro. Rene

How To Ask

The blind man who encountered Jesus on the road to Jericho (Lk 18:35-43) had to shout for attention, bear with the crowd who urged him to shush, and then explain to Jesus, who knows all things, what exactly he wanted.  In a sense, he had to "work" for his cure.  It didn't just come to him out of the blue.
So it is with us, we need to show with faith and persistence that what we are asking for in our prayer is worth shouting for, bearing rebukes, and explaining clearly what we want.  This blind man passed the "test", displaying a depth of faith that moved Jesus to cure him immediately. And he simply did not see and run away, but "followed him, giving glory to God, moving the onlookers to praise God." (Lk 18: 43). His cure was not for himself, but for the glory of God and the inspiration of others.
As we pray for healings, conversions, and safety, we might keep in mind the need to "shout" and pledge a "follow-up" of praise,  thanksgiving and witness to others of the goodness of God and the power of prayer.
Bro. Rene

Nothing to Fear

Today's Gospel, with its imagery of falling stars, darkened sun and moon, presents a frightening picture of the end of the world as we know it.  It is meant to startle us out of complacency and remind us that there is a plan and a power far above ours, and that the course of events in God's good time will change...It is also a call to work in unity and to provide hope as we look at a world, already in chaos and darkness, for there are individual "Spiritual Seals"  and battalions of them living their faith with vigor and strength from above to "prepare the way of the Lord", to give us hope that the "New Order" brought to us by Jesus can and will take place.  Let's not wait for the planets to fall, but take up the challenge now to live and act according to the plan of God, and be channels of love that will dispel the darkness and evil that constantly attempt to consume us.
Bro. Rene

Weariness in Prayer

In today's Gospel passage, Jesus speaks about persistence in prayer, giving the example of the widow who plagued the local judge for a favorable decision.  Her relentlessness finally moved the judge to grant it, if only to rid himself of this woman...Not that God plays deaf to our pleas, though sometimes it seems that way, but he does not always answer us immediately, or in the way we want.  St. Augustine tells us that they delay is intended for us to expand our hearts.  We truly discover if we are seeking God's will, or simply playing out our whims. God's ways are not ours, and we need to be assured that he is not there to torture us, but to help us grow in deeper compliance with his will, his ways...Weariness may set in , a feeling of futility; this we need to guard against and grow in our trust of God's unlimited mercy.  He will answer our prayer in his time and in his way.
Bro. Rene

No Escape

As we prepare for the end of the Liturgical Year and the Beginning of the New, with the First Sunday of Advent on December 2, the words of Jesus leave no doubt, that he will be coming, no one will escape, and that, as Shakespeare wrote, "the readiness is all."  The author of the second letter of Saint John warned the people of his time (and ours) that "many deceivers have gone out inot the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.: (2 Jn: 7)  ).  The deceivers of our day try to melt down the message of Jesus and the very person of Jesus, the Son of God.  Jesus warns them and us that  we must be ready, that is, practitioners of his Gospel.  Be ready at all times, for we know not when he will come.
Bro. Rene

Where Is The Kingdom of God?

When Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he replied: "The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, 'Look, here it is,' or 'Thee it is', for behold, the Kingdom of God is among you." (Lk 17:20). Yes, it is present in the love that Paul had for the runaway slave, Onesimus, whom Paul converted and instructed in the faith.  He called him his brother and urged his "owner", Philemon to accept him back, not as a slave, but as a brother.(cf. Philemon7-20).  It is present in the life, learning and good works of St. Albert the Great, teacher of Thomas Aquinas and Bishop of Regensburg, whose Memorial we celebrate today.  It is present in the outreach and financial aid we give to those who have less; it is present in the acts of kindness, compassion, understanding and forgiveness that punctuate our daily interactions with one another.  Truly, we are not far from the Kingdom of God; it is among us in the simplest acts of love.
Bro. Rene

Gratitude

Today's passage describing the cure of the ten lepers, only one of whom returned to say thank you, (Lk 17: 11-19) reminds us that gratitude should always be part of our prayer.  Our busyness and our need (real or created) to move quickly through our activities tend to cause us to rush through prayer, and often eliminate this essential ingredient. Jesus doesn't chide or punish the 9 who didn't say thanks, but his treatment of the one who did certainly indicates that he appreciates, as we all do, an acknowledgement of the gifts he daily showers upon us.  We might stop between tasks to look back, see that hand of God in what has transpired already, and say thank you.  At the end of the day, as we offer our night prayer, gratitude should be a major thread.  If we haven't been doing this, or if it's only half-hearted, and fast, we might start, and give ample time for our gratitude to resonate within us and in the heart of Jesus.
Bro. Rene

Unprofitable Servants

Day in and Day out, we strive to remain faithful to our loving God; some days are more successful than others, and we might tend to feel entitled to a treat of some sort for our good behavior. Jesus reminds us today that we are entitled to nothing.  If we do receive a "treat", it's because of God's goodness and generosity, nothing we have earned or deserve.  "We are unprofitable servants, we have done what we were obliged to do." (Lk 17:10) This is the humbling truth and bears repeating often, lest we fall into complacency  or arrogance, and it will help us appreciate God's benevolence and our call to be uncomplaining servants.

Bro. Rene

Increase Our Faith

When besieged by problems to the left and to the right; when demands made upon us seem impossible to meet, and our world seems to be falling apart, we can hearken back to this morning's Gospel when the apostles themselves seemed overwhelmed, even with Jesus right there with them, and join them in their prayer-request, "Increase our faith." (Lk 17:5).  Even if it were faith the size of a mustard seed, it would suffice to straighten out our lives, take away our anxieties, calm our fears and give us the confidence we need in the loving care of the Father.  We just can't take this faith for granted; we need to ask for it repeatedly.  The God who created us, knows and gives strength for every step of our day will not let us down...Dear God, increase our faith.
Bro. Rene

Armistice

A hundred years ago on this date at eleven am an armistice was signed ending the horrific hostilities of the Great War, "the War to End All Wars." It was a world war and the world remembers it today;  it will be officially observed in the United States tomorrow.  So many generations removed from those dark days, we cannot fully appreciate the the bloodiness and faith-shattering impact of so many deaths, the cruelties visited upon the souls psyches and bodies of those who served, and even those who observed. We admire the men and women who, like the poor widow in today's Gospel, (Mk 41-44) gave all they had for the benefit of others.  In Flanders Field, the poppies still grow and widows and the like still give of themselves to make this a better world.  The Great War did not end all wars, as we know all too surerly, but the notion of the complete gift of ourselves for the good of others still holds true. What sacrifice can I make today so that another might benefit?
Bro. Rene

Strength For Everything

Looking at Saul's life after his conversion on the road to Damascus, we might wonder where the reborn Paul got his strength.  His zeal took him around the Mediterranean basin three times, he preached tirelessly, wrote extensively, and even when housebound in Rome, never stopped being a source of inspiration and encouragement.  His letters carry on his mission 2000 years later.  A man for all seasons, a man for others, from whence came his energy, power, and strength?  He tells us in his letter to the Philippians:  "I can do all things in him who strengthens me " (Phil 4:13).  This could be the mantra for all of us who are called to discipleship through our baptism.  We too are to go out to all the world bearing witness to Jesus.  No excuses allowed, no hesitation, no fear, not if we allow Jesus to empower and strengthen us...Let this simple verse become part of our daily prayer, one which we repeat often during the day as we move from one task to another.  We'll find that everything falls into place and we can do more than we ever thought we could.
Bro. Rene

We Too Are Temples

We celebrate the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, the Pope's official church as Bishop of Rome. It dates back to the time of the Emperor Constantine who built it on land donated to the Church by the Lateran family, and it was the residence of the Pope until the 1300's. It is a magnificent building and houses what is said to be a portable altar used by St. Peter.
As we remember this holy edifice we might also remind ourselves that we too are "holy edifices," temples of the Holy Spirit, of more value than this revered church.  As such, with what respect, dignity and care should we treat bodies? All the attention given to our health, to exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, etc, takes on even greater importance when we look upon ourselves and others as sacred temples where God dwells...a needed view in light of the multiplication of mass shootings, increased drug addiction and frightening frequency of suicides, which, among other symptoms, display a total disregard for the reverence and respect owed to these temples.
Bro. Rene

Keep Searching

Who of us has not lost something?  From keys, to checks, to addresses, glasses and cells phones, it seems like we never stop searching.  If we had a dollar for all the hours we spend looking for things, we'd be rich.  Seems to "come with the territory", the busier we are, the more things we have and the older we get.  Jesus touches this basic instinct  to find what we lose when he answers the Pharisees and scribes who criticize his  hobnobbing with sinners."This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." (Lk 15: 1).  He reminds them that people would go to any means to find a lost sheep or coin.  How much more important is it to encourage people who have "lost their way", sometimes not even aware of how far from the right path they have drifted, or what exactly they are searching for?  As we would not stop until we found that lost sheep, coin or key, so we should not stop searching for ways to help people find their way again.  God never stops searching for us or helping us find our way back
Bro. Rene

Terms of Discipleship

Jesus lays down stiff terms for his followers: He must come FIRST, before family, and even self; the cross is an essential part of the relationship, and possessions must be renounced. (cf. Lk 14:25-33).  Is it possible for anyone to be a disciple under such conditions?  Evidently, yes...Look at the list of saints, look at the people today striving to fulfill these requirements in our parishes, families and religious communities.  Becoming a Marine requires discipline, strength, effort, conviction, determination, but there are and have been men and women who have successfully complete the training and proudly wear the honor of being United States Marines. The same with being a disciple:  not something to be accomplished over night, but over a lifetime.  The morning star rises in the darkeness before dawn and grows brighter the higher it rises, slowly, gradually and surely illuminating the sky until the rising sun takes over. Let us take heart and be assured that with our acceptance of these terms, we too will join the ranks of disciples that have served faithfully till they were taken up by the Son.
Bro. Rene

Spurning the Invitation

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses.  Today's parable about the invitation to the wedding feast (Lk 14:15-24) sounds like a replay from our own dialogue with Jesus when he invites us to treat us to a new level of relationship with him. Because we are entrenched in our own ways, our own will, we often spurn his invitation and turn our backs to what can be a new delight, but one we'll never see because of our fear of change or our complaisance with the status quo. We fail to realize that God wants nothing but good for us and would rather risk becoming an outcast than by taking the risk to accept his invitation. It's time we examine those fears, those blocks to a freer life in Jesus, and ask for the courage to come to the table that HE sets, rather than our own.
Bro. Rene 

Nationnal Vocation Week

As the Church sets aside this week to promote awareness to the need for good leaders, priests and consecrated religious, and actually to do some inviting, the selection from Paul's letter to the Philippians as the first reading in today's liturgy fits perfectly (cf. Phil 2:1-4)  And in light of the scandals and abuses that have come to light, presents an ideal and needed picture of the kind of Church we should be:  a community of love, compassion, mercy, joy, unity, unselfish, humble, not self-promoting, but always seeking to promote the good of others.  Indeed, this is what our Bishops, priests and religious should be, not to mention each one of us. We are urged to pray for such leaders, as well as to  recruit, invite, and encourage.  This is not a "let Joe do it" time, but one for positive action.  God works in his time and in mysterious ways, but he also works through us.  Let's not be shy about broaching the topic of priestly or religious vocation to someone who has the qualities Paul singles out.
Bro. Rene

Linking The Two Commandments

When one of the Scribes asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment, Jesus gave him a bit more than he might have expected.  The Shema, from Deuteronomy 6:14,  yes, he probably expected that, but Jesus linked it with Leviticus 19:18, the commandment to love one's neighbor. Jesus binds these two together, which makes eminent sense, for how do we love God, whom we do not see, unless we love those whom we see and with whom we live? The two match and complement one another. We cannot love God without loving our neighbor, without loving one another.  How do we measure up to this commandment?   Food for reflection on this day set aside for rest and reflection.
Bro. Rene

Humility and Exaltation

Today we hear the familiar, haunting and ego-pinching passage that is meant to guide us in the right direction:  "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Lk 14:11).  When things are going well, it is easy to slip into self-exaltation, thinking that because we are so good, so "perfect" that our good fortune is due to us.  A  humbling, sometimes humiliating  "take-down" of some sort gets us back on track and  realize that it's NOT simply by our
actions or self-righteousness that things are falling into place in our favor, but that it is all gift from God.  God is the one who feeds, nourishes, supports and guides us along the right path.  Humility lies in recognizing this and giving God the credit rather than claiming it for ourselves and thus falsely exalting ourselves.  Dear God, help me to see and accept myself as I am and to realize that it is you, working with so little who accomplish so much.
 Bro. Rene.

Hope For Eternal Life

All Souls Day asks that we pause, remember our beloved deceased and pray for their entrance into Eternal Life.  Consoling words from Jesus assure us that a happy ending is his intention:  "Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven 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 on the last day." (Jn 6:37).  The abundant love of God for us overrides our weakness and sinfulness and gives us the solid hope that if we believe, in Jesus, we shall have Eternal Life.  We pray with this in mind as we offer our prayers for the souls of all the faithful departed.
Bro. Rene



































































































































































39)

Let The Saint Within Grow

Today is the second day of the "Allhallowstide" Triptych on which we honor those who have publicly been declared as citizens of heaven, but we also include those who have not been so publicly acknowledged.  We don't have to dig too deeply to bring up family members, teachers, and people whose lives have inspired us to be better persons.  Of course this day and these memories remind us that "the saint" dwells within us and our job it to let that holy person develop into full stature as God has intended for each of us.  Every smile, every little act of kindness, every second spent listening to another, or in some way giving of ourselves and our time, allows that inner saint to come closer to the door of public eye.
Bro. Rene

All Hallows Eve

Halloween has become big business in the United States, a billion dollar holiday between costumes, extravagant house and lawn decorations and candy.  Its origin and evolution provide a fascinating study of the blending of Christian and pagan customs. Briefly, it stems for the vigil that was held on the eve of All Saints, All Hallows, an old English word for "Holy" which we retain the in the Lord's Prayer, "hallowed be thy name."  There were so many martyrs, named and unnamed, that the Church decided to lump them all together to be remembered at Mass on November 1st, All Saints and to commemorate all the deceased the next day on All Souls Day. October 31st signals the beginning of "Allhallowstide." Costumes and "trick or treating" derive from the pagan celebration of mischievous spirits and cakes that were baked, collected and begged by those who were not able to bake them.  In the excitement generated by our current customs, especially among children, it would be good to research this day, explain to them its true religious meaning and origins and offer a prayer for the souls of the faithful departed before they hit the neighborhood to loot and spook.
Bro Rene

Mustard Seed and Yeast

Mustard seed, tiny and insignificant; yeast,unimpressive as a solid or a dried grain, yet when planted in soil or warm, wet flour,they release enough force to yield a nine foot bush or at least one large  loaf of bread. Power contained in these humble and modest grains released under the right conditions produces amazing results.  God working in us, broken, fragmented, yet "feeding so many with so little", as poet John Kinsella wrote. Let us not be too proud or arrogant to see ourselves as that small, insignificant seed, grain or fragment that God has chosen to bear fruit, feed or strengthen our neighbor.  "Less is More" the weak and broken of the world he has chosen to confound the proud (cf. 1 Cor 27) and to assure the skeptics that is it HIS doing, not ours.
Bro. Rene

Miracles Still Happen

The cure of the crippled woman in Luke 13:10-17, assures us that miracles are possible, even today. Our prayers are answered with physical miracles as in the story of a young boy who needed a delicate heart operation to close holes in his heart.  His church congregation prayed for him the night before the operation, and when the doctors began the surgery, they found that the holes had already closed up. How a Rwandan boy came to study physical therapy in the United States through impossible  hoops and obstacles and is now a successful physical therapist, with a family, home and ever grateful heart is another example of how God continues to work miracles...May our prayers be offere in earnest faith, with persistence and trust that they will be answered, even when miracles are the only solution.
Bro. Rene

Pleading For Sight

today we hear the story of the blind Bartimaeus, (Mk 10:46-52) who did not hesitate to shout out his request to be cured of his blindness. He caused such a commotion that Jesus asked for him to be brought to him, and in a simple and direct exchange, Jesus granted him his sight.  How many people cry out daily for cures, how many do we pray for?  The need never ends.  Is there a secret as to why some are cured immediately and others not?  The answer lies in the mystery of God's will, but the lesson that Bartimaeus gives us is to put our request blatantly, and simply before God...yes, even to shout it out, acknowledging who Jesus is and in the faith that if it be the will of the Father, the cure will come.
Bro. Rene

Tending the Fig Tree

Luke's Gospel today presents the parable of the fig tree that was barren, so much so that it's owner was about to cut it down. (Lk 13:1-9)  The gardener,however, made a plea for another year so that he might tend it with loving care, cultivating and  fertilizing the soil around it so that it might come to life and bear fruit again.  If the fig tree were a human being, it would be grateful for the extension and most likely do all it could to respond.
How many times do we need that extension; where would be be without the many extensions God gives us, overlooking our failures and interested more in our striving?.  Our spiritual growth is a process requiring time and "rebooting" as mistakes and failures plague us daily. We as persons and we as Church need to place our complete trust in Jesus, the One who tends our progress with tenderness and patience. St. Paul puts it this way.: Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the Body's growth and build itself up in love. (Eph4:16). 
Bro. Rene

Called To Be Humble, Gentle And Patient

Paul sets the bar high for the Ephesians and us when we writes:  "I a prisoner of the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call your received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace..." (Eph 4: 1-2) Most of us cannot meet the standard in all of these admirable qualities, and when we do meet such a person, our hearts beat in admiration and desire to emulate such an outstanding Christian.  We wonder why this quiet, humble person can cause such a stir with people of all ages.  Perhaps it's because his or her mere presence is an inspiration and stirs a desire to be like that, or gives us confidence that it is possible for a human being to have such qualities.  Whatever disposition we have been given, there is hope that striving to be humble, gentle, patient and an instrument of unity and peace is not a waste of our time but a noble effort that will bear fruit "in due season.".
Bro. Rene

We Need Fire

Jesus said to his disciples and repeats again to us today:  "Ii have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wishit were already blazing." (Lk 12:49).  He must have been fed up with the lack of passion, indifference or lukewarmness he encountered as he preached...Yes, there were countless numbers seeking cures, but how many really took his teaching to heart?  What would he say to our world that shows no interest in his teachings and in many places resists them with violence and hatred?  Would that the passion exerted against him were turned into passion FOR him!  That is the fire he is seeking.   It may begin small, as is the wont with fires, but then turn into a blaze. The fire ignited by Benedict of Nursia began in a cave outside of Rome, but eventually burst into the monastic movement which saved Europe from self-destruction, preserved the learning of the past and spread Christianity to the globe.  One man, who, fed up with the lifestyle of his era, rejected it and built a fire that burns steadily today.  We need that fire, we need to tap into it and get it roaring again. May God help us to be the spark to spread the fire, even in our own quiet and simple ways...
Bro. Rene

An Antidote For Stress

Various degrees of stress invade our lives daily.  The more we get involved, the longer we live, we can't seem to avoid conflicts in schedules, interests, involvements, and the pains that come with each advancing year of our lives.  As an answer, a relief, to our anxiety-laden lives, we hear in today's Responsorial Psalm taken from the Prophet, Isaiah:
 "God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the Lord,
and he has been my savior 
You will draw water joyfully
 from the springs of salvation." (Is 12:2-3).
May we find peace from those waters, and confidence that all will work out in God's time and in God's way, which is always better than ours.\
Bro. Rene

Being Vigilant

We're coming to the end of the Liturgical Year and not wasting a minute of preparation time, our Gospel today speaks about vigilance.  Jesus warns his disciples to gird their loins and light their lamps to be like servants awaiting their master's return from a wedding, ready to open the gate for him when he knocks. (cf. Lk 12: 35)  We tend to think of this as the final knock calling us to the next life, but it could also be the knock calling us to a new level of friendship with Jesus, a new level of service to our families or communities, a new job, a new role, and invitation to "something different." Would we be ready?  Could we leave our familiar routine, our comfortable life-styles and take up something more bold and daring?  Growth in our spiritual lives means readiness to move, to change, to venture into "uncharted territories".  We have nothing to fear; it's Jesus who calls.  May we be vigilant, ready and willing to answer with a positive and confident YES!
Bro. Rene

Opening Our Eyes and Hearts To The Poor

Today's Gospel passage begins with a squabble over a family inheritance (cf. Lk 12:13), a not uncommon battle from time immemorial. Jesus responds with an illustration of how shallow and unsatisfying it is to store up, hoard, and  cling to material wealth.  Yet, we look around and see large houses, garages, and storage facilities multiplying in order to meet the seemingly insatiable urge to accumulate, and not part with things we never use, but keep "just in case."  We are all guilty of this in varying degrees.
As we honor St. John Paul II today,  we might listen to his views on mercy, charity and solidarity with the poor.  He saw poverty as an imprisonment of people and nations who are saddled by debt and helpless dependence on others for sustenance. He called for action on debt forgiveness,  aid to help people stand on their own again, and a sharing of wealth in order for this to happen.
Perhaps on a local level, we could open those garages and storage sheds and see what we could sell or distribute to those who have less, or even nothing, a gesture which would help them "get on their feet" and free us from the prison of our own abundance.
Bro Rene

A Healthy Ambition

We never seem to be satisfied with ourselves, and are always looking for something more. Not a bad thing, but WHAT we are looking for might not be a healthy quest.   James and  John, as we read in today's Gospel, are looking for the high places at the right and left hands of Jesus. (Mk 10: 35-45). A dangerous request, as Jesus warns them that they do not understand the full ramifications of being in those positions.  Rather, he tells them that being the"servant of all" is the way to being great.  He knows what's in us, our egos, our "impossible dreams", our self-centeredness, and does not dismiss us but rather with compassion invites us "to approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help." (Heb 4:16).  Such a healthy ambition will enable us to be the leader we aspire to be, the "servant leader."
Bro Rene

Proclaiming Christ Crucified

"We proclaim Christ crucified;/ the power of God and the wisdom of God" Paul wrote to the Corinthians (1 Cor 1: 23-24).  Jesus assured us  that "the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say." (Lk 12:12). Our tumultuous times demand witnesses to the truth, living examples of the power of God at work (yes, believe it or not, God is still at work amidst the scandals, violence and division that characterize so much of life today).  There is no power greater than the power of God and the wisdom of God. Trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide us in our daily conversations, we can be effective bearers of the truth that seems to be lacking so much in our world.  May we open our hearts as Mary did, to welcome that Holy Spirit and become Christ Bearers to a world that sorely needs him.
Bro. Rene

Worth More Than Many Sparrows

As we celebrate the Memorial of the North American Martyrs, Saints Isaac Jogues, John de Brebeuf, Rene Goupil and companions, let us pray for the courage to stand up for our faith, live it and share it with others as these men did, giving even their blood.  Within and without the Church, there is division, pain, and deviation from the path laid out by Jesus, but he promised that "the gates of hell would not prevail", so let us do our best today to live in faith, hope, love and confidence to make his promise come true.  We have nothing to fear: are we not worth "more than many sparrows?" (Lk 12: 7)
Bro. Rene

Our Debt To St. Luke

The Church honors St. Luke the Evangelist, traditionally recognized as the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. St. Paul refers to him as "the physician, Luke", and author, Taylor Caldwell, entitled her novel/biography of him as the Dear And Glorious Physician, a moving work, popular in the '50's and still worth an engaging read today. From what we know, Luke was a Gentile, writing for Gentiles; a masterful writer who described Jesus as healer, a man of compassion, tenderness and sensitivity,  who paid special attention to the poor and needy and remained focused on his mission to carry out the will of the father.  It is Luke who gives us the detail of Jesus sweating blood during his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and it is he from whom we learn  most of what we know about Mary, the Mother of God, including her beautiful hymn of praise, The Magnificat,  (Lk 1: 46-55) and the Canticle of Zechariah, (Lk 1: 68-79) at the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Tradition has it that he was an artist who painted the first icon of Mary, some believe is the famous Our Lady of Czestokowa treasured by the people of Poland.
St. Luke inspires us to use the talents God has given us to evangelize, that is, bear witness to Jesus and spread knowledge of him via our actions (and if necessary, our words), by imitating the tenderness, compassion, and sensitivity of Jesus to a world which knows him not, but which hungers for him.
Bro. rene

A Tree Near Running Water

Psalm 1 compares the person who follows the Law, a Just Person, to a tree planted near running water. Such a tree remains green, is fruitful in due season and prospers.  Following the Law demands reflection on it, avoidance of the counsel of the "wicked", and the company of the "insolent."  This formula remains true today: daily prayerful reflection, mixing with good company, which provides authentic joy, and contentment with the plan God has outline for happiness.  Sounds simple, and is.  All we have to do is live and act this way, not just talk or read about it.
Bro. Rene. 

Keeping The Cups And Dishes Clean

Today we find Jesus confronted by a Pharisee who noticed that Jesus did not do the usual ritual washing before the meal.  Jesus retorts that it is more important to give alms than to be concerned about insignificant details of the Law.  He uses the example of dirty dishes to illustrate his point. (cf. Lk 11:37-41).  We all know how disgusting dirty cups and dishes are, but even worse is the person who does not take care of the visible needs of others, be it tuition money, food money, clothing, shelter, comfort or encouragement.  To ignore these while spending time with the dirty cups is missing the opportunity to put the commandment of love into action.
Bro. Rene

The Great St. Teresa

St. Teresa of Avila, whose memorial we celebrate today, is often referred to as the Great Teresa, not only to distinguish here from St. Theresa of Lisieux, the "Little Flower", but also because of her amazing life and writings.  She set about to reform the Carmelite Order of Nuns in 16th century Spain, was vigorous in establishing reformed convents, and wrote several monumental books on prayer, contemplation and spirituality, The Ascent of Mt. Carmel, and The Interior Castle, to name two. She was the first woman, along with St. Catherine of Siena to be named a Doctor of the Church.  St. Theresa of Lisieux was later given this honor herself.
We sometimes shy away from St. Teresa because of the loftiness of her writings, and gravitate toward St. Theresa of Lisieux because of the simplicity and accessibility of her "Little Way", a spirituality for the "ordinary" person. Nwevertheless,  she was familiar with the writings of the Great Teresa and found them helpful in her own spiritual growth.
The important lesson for us, garnered from both these women, is that prayer is possible for us all, and must be an central part of our daily lives if we are serious about being a disciple of Jesus. If our yearning for "something more" or something to fill "the void" in our lives, is strong enough, we will find the time for quiet prayer, even if driving to work, or walking from one office or job to another. Our lives are busy, electronic "gadgets" smother us with messages by the minute, but can also be the gateway to soothing, uplifting, prayerful music, readings, or lectures.  "Imprisonment" by long commutes in heavy traffic can be a blessed time of prayer and communion with God.  What would the Great Tereasa or the Little Flower do?
Bro. Rene

The Next Level

When the rich young man asked Jesus what he had to do to inherit eternal life (cf. Mk 10:17-25), Jesus looked upon him with love and approval for his fidelity to the the commandments and challenged him to take the next step by selling his treasures, give the proceeds to the poor and follow him.  A BIG STEP...too steep, it turns out, for the man to accept.  He turns and goes sadly away.
At times, we who think we are doing our best to keep the commandments and lead a decent life, come to a similar point of desiring or being invited to step up to the next level, be it at our work, or church or community. Then we realize there are "things" in the way, habits, possessions, securities of multiple sorts, on which, consciously or unconsciously, we have come to depend.  Breaking away from them would require much, perhaps too much, and we squiggle to find an excuse to escape the challenge.  Are we condemned to remain where we are because we can't find the strength or courage to do more, or BE more?  If we go it alone, we just might remain in that comfortable rut, but with God's help, we can move to the next level.  When teetering on such a move, asking God  for the grace to help us make it will  help us do what we think is impossible. Without God, it IS impossible
Bro. Rene

Mary's Womb

"While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, 'Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed'." (Lk 11:27).  Such was her enthusiasm over her encounter with Jesus.  An earthy compliment, one that only a woman, a mother could make...One that also recognized the influence a mother has on her child, from the moment of conception, the nine-month gestation period and all that follows.  How fertile the womb of Mary, even today as we look upon the Church as a continuation of Mary's womb, continually bringing forth new Christs...Yes, we who hear the Word and observe it, are blessed and destined to be other Christs. May we, like Jesus find our nourishment, example and encouragement in so powerful and nurturing a Mother.
Bro. Rene

Dealing With Demons

The discussion Jesus had with the crowd who accused him of driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul himself, (Lk 11:15-26) calls to mind our own dealing with demons, be they within or without.  In the shadows of our inner self, the demons work with astounding cunning to trip us into uncharitable, judgemental or lascivious thoughts which then pass our lips and become public, often leading others to chime in with us. Hence the world in which we live with so much tangible hatred provoking violence and shocking immoral behaviors from trusted governmental or institutional leaders.  But we don't have to look far beyond our own noses to find similar shocking words and behaviors. We pray "and deliver us from evil" each time we pray the Lord's Prayer, for good reason. Let us realize how much we need that prayer, and let us mean what we say.
Bro. Rene

The Power of Prayer

Prayer Works.Today's Gospel passage, Lk 11:5-13, bears reading and carries the assurance that if we ask we shall receive. Why? Because of the Father's untamed and unlimited goodness.  Nothing can restrict it or limit it.  Why then does it seem that our prayers are not answered?  Perhaps it is because they are not always answered the way WE want them to be answered. God's plan is broader, better, beyond our limited view.  If we ae praying with true faith, we will be ready to accept HIS response. albeit different from our expected and desired response.  What is our alternative?  To stop praying?  Hardly.  Where then would we be but in a barren desert, alone and helpless.  It's best to stick with prayer and have our Loving Father on our side.
Bro. Rene

Short Version

St. Luke provides us with a streamlined version of The Lord's Prayer.  We are accustomed to praying it as presented by St. Matthew, but this shorter version might help us touch the essence of this familiar prayer a little bit better:  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: 1-4).  Bishop Robert Barron's summary might also help us to pray this prayer from the heart rather than in our usual rote, fast paced manner.
 Can you see how this prayer rightly orders us? We must put God’s holy name first; we must strive to do his will in all things and at all times; we must be strengthened by spiritual food or we will fall; we must be agents of forgiveness; we must be able to withstand the dark powers.--
 Take a few deep breaths and pray this prayer slowly, and attentively,
Bro. Rene