Never Easy

The Jesus, who had crowds so large following him all day long, met with such skepticism in Nazareth, that he could not work many miracles there. (Mk 6: 1-6).  As others have discovered, it's not easy for the "hometown boy" to be effective among the folks who know his family background and knew him growing up.  Native American deacons on the Pine Ridge Reservation had the same experience and suffered hurt and frustration as the past was flung into their faces.
It's not easy for any of us to put the teachings of Jesus into practice, for there is always an opposing voice that dwells on some imperfection, real or imaagined, to distract us and divert us from our desires and efforts.  We might take heart from knowing that Jesus suffered this fate and that in true imitation of him, so must we.
St. Marcellin's story of being opposed even by fellow priest who tried to disband the brothers or dismiss him as a rough "country boy" with no business sticking his nose into education, is well known.  St. John Bosco, whose Memorial we observe today, did not succeed in helping "street kids" without opposition.  Yet, both, with admirable faith pushed forward, with the grace and strength provided by Jesus. Can we do any less?
Bro. Rene

Attentive to Details

At the end of today's spectacular Gospel narrating the cure of the hemorrhaging woman and the daughter of Jairus, stories of compassion, faith and trust, we catch a glimpse of the Jesus who is more attentive to details than we might suspect.  "and said that she should be given something to eat." (Mk 5:43).  Yes, he realized that the "come-back-to-life kid" might be hungry after all those days of illness.
Doesn't this warm the heart to know that Jesus, after bringing the girl back to life, would also be attentive to such a minute detail?...but that's Jesus,  that's our loving God in action. Sometimes we hesitate to ask for small things, thinking that God only takes care of the big ones, but not so, evidently. May we feel more and more comfortable with the God who feeds us and cares for us better than we take care of ourselves. And may we try to be as attentive to those with whom we live and work.
Bro. Rene

Learn Serve, Lead, Succeed

Our National Catholic Schools Week in the United States begins today, as always with a positive note, despite the annual statistics of increased school closings.  The week seeks to bolster awareness of the contributions made by the strong faith community that surrounds our Catholic Schools, highlighting their mission to bring the love and light of Christ to the darkness in which we find ourselves. Schools will be assembling to give thanks to God through a school liturgy; service projects, open houses and media coverage will help publicize the effectiveness and need for support of our Catholic schools.  Fortunately, increased efforts are emerging to prevent further closings.
St. Marcellin addressed the challenge facing an un-churched  post- revolution population by founding a congregation of teaching brothers whose primary purpose was to "make Jesus known and loved."  He wisely saw that educating the young in their faith as well as in other subjects would turn around a society that had become almost completely secularized and even hostile toward the Church.
Let us pray for such a movement to come to our aid now.
Bro Rene

Jesus Speaks With Authority

he people of Capernaum were "astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes." (Mk 1:22).  When Jesus spoke, demons came out of the possessed, leprosy and blindness were cured.  He speaks to us today with that same authority in the Word and the events of the day.What is he saying to us today? .It's up to us the LISTEN with open hearts.  "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (Ps 95:8)
Bro. Rene

Storm After Storm

The Sea of Galilee is located between high hills, "mountains of sorts" and is susceptible to winds getting caught between them and thus creating the sudden squalls we read about in today's Gospel (Mk 4:35-41).  Even today, such squalls erupt and put boats in jeopardy.  Generation after generation has dealt with them, but ; this doesn't mean they are not still frightened by them.. A squall is a squall.
Jesus asked two telling questions upon being awakened by the panicking disciples: Why are you afraid? Do you not yet have faith?" (Mk 4:40).
The storm scenario keeps replaying in our own lives. They come again and again under different forms:  the flu, an injury from a fall on slippery ice, an unwelcome diagnosis, the loss of a job, the breaking up of a friendship, a period of depression, and on and on.  Jesus asks us"  Why are you afraid? Do you not yet have faith?
 Think of past "storms"...terrifying, yes, but with God's help, we reached calm waters.  That pattern too repeats and repeats itself. Jesus, remove our fears when the storms arise; remind us of how you calmed them in the past;  assure us that you will calm them again and again.
Bro Rene

Sowing the Seed

Today's Gospel focusing on the mustard seed along with the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, reminds us of how God works...small seeds first, patient tilling and then harvest.  We might find the most difficult phase in the "patient tilling", for we seem to be programmed for quick results, even more so these days of fast and faster internet service and instant communication.  The mustard seed, like any other, needs time to reach its destined stature, and so do we.  Looking back at our lives, we see that the seeds were there all the time but we certainly were much different then than we are now as adults. We have to admit that without those seeds we would not be who we are.
Timothy was a young man brought up by a Jewish mother who had converted to Christianity.  She taught him carefully about Scripture and the teachings of Jesus, but when he met Paul and became his associate, he learned much more and grew accordingly to the point where he became the Bishop of Ephesus and eventually a martyr.  Titus, another convert, through Paul's guidance came to full stature and became the Bishop of Crete. The seeds had been planted early and bore fruit in due time.
So too with us and those with whom we associate...opportunities arise, present choices for growth and eventually we produce the fruit for which we were destined in God's plan, even before we were conceived.  Let us renew our trust in God and our commitment to allow the seed he planted in us to grow and blossom.
Bro. Rene

Apostle To The Gentiles

Saul of Tarsus was not a man steeped in sin, but a zealous defender of the Law.  His conversion is a turn to a deeper understanding of the Truth and a commitment to conform his behavior to it.  Thus, the feared persecutor of those who followed "The Way" became the zealous missionary and teacher who has left us 14 letters included in the canon of the New Testament. He is the man, the "chosen instrument" (Acts 9:15) who brought the Way to the Gentiles in cities that bordered the rim of the Mediterranean and continues to bring it to us in our readings during Mass and Worship.  Where would Christianity be without Paul?
God's ways are mysterious but always seem to contradict human logic. How could a man change so drastically from one direction to the complete opposite? Again, the Power of God is evident.  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,"  Paul says (Phil 4:13). When he met Jesus face to face on the Road to Damascus, he literally saw the light and knew he must follow it.  Jesus still comes to us as we walk our road. What is he saying to us today?
Bro. Rene

The Seed Is Jesus

The familiar parable of the Sower and the Seed (Mk 4: 1-20)comes to us today to provide food for our reflection, and fittingly, for avid gardeners in parts of the United States have already begun to start plants from seed in their homes by sunny windows..  It's always astounding that only days after planting, little shoots spring up and then just "take off" from there.  Transplanted into proper beds, weeded and watered, they bear fruit or flowers in due time.  In due time...there's the key.  The growth of the Word within us takes time.  Our relationship with the Word, Jesus, takes a lifetime to reach full fruition.  Those who sow the seed, teachers, preachers need patience.
St. Francis de Sales, whose memorial we observe today spent three years preaching, even knocking on doors and  made no converts.  He lived an austere life, devoting himself totally to the Word, but it was only when he began to put his thoughts into simple writings and slipping them under doors that the seed that he was sowing  broke open.  He is credited with 40,000 conversions!
 The Word is powerful, Jesus is powerful.  We need to have confidence in that power and patience that in due time, the Seed will blossom.
Bro. Rene.

Brothers and Sisters of Jesus

Jesus meant it when he said that those who do the will of God are his brothers and sisters. (Cf. Mk 3:35). This becomes apparent when we look at the recent saint,  Marianne Cope, otherwise known as St. Marianne of Molokai, canonized in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Accepting the invitation of the King of Hawaii as an expression of God's will, she spent 30 years caring for lepers, seeing them as her brothers and sisters, loving them, treating them (with the minimal medications available in the late 1800's and early 20th century), and bringing a :"little more sunshine" into their lives. Simple but heroic, and certainly an inspiration for us.  Most of us will never go to Molokai or have the opportunity for such dramatic service to "the least favored", but taking the words of Jesus seriously and seeing the people in our lives, our work, our communities, as our brothers and sisters, loving them and treating them as such, we too can bring "a little sunshine" into their lives. St. Marianne, pray for us that we may see how we can be brothers and sisters to those in need of family love,  and pray that we might follow through on what we see.

A House Divided

Jesus tells us bluntly that a house divided against itself, will not be able to stand. (cf. Mk 3: 25).  As we observe the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, we recognize a major source of division, not only in the United States, but across the world.  The recent March for Life in Washington, DC. met with protestors of the opposite persuasion, and legislatures trying to establish laws to respect life from conception to natural death continue to mount the division. 
One of the remedies is to promote a "culture of life." to stress the positive aspects of being human, of being alive.  A  simple way is to give thanks on gray days, instead of complaining, or to give thanks when we drop things, lose them, or break them.  It starts with us, with little things.  Then "positive reinforcement" of a colleague's accomplishments or plans helps boost spirits, which, in turn, boost other people's spirits.  When we look carefully, we will find a bright side in even the worst situations.  Norman Vincent Peale's  book, THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING, is still relevant today.  Such an outlook can help to heal the division of the house divided.
Bro. Rene

The Core of the Gospel

Evangelist Mark is noteworthy for his succinct style, no wasted words...Indeed, his is the shortest of the four Gospels. This morning's passage, Mark 1:14-20, gets immediately to the heart of the matter as Jesus inaugurates his public ministry after the arrest and imprisonment of John the Baptist. "This isi the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe in the gospel.:" (Mk 1: 14).  Now is the time for the culmination of prophecies and centuries of preparation for the arrival of the Messiah. The message:  repent, believe, follow.  After Jesus had spoken these words, he invited four men to leave their work and families and walk with him.  James, John, Peter and Andrew did just that, not knowing to what they were committing themselves, but compelled by the presence and person of Jesus, they took a huge turn from their accustomed lives and moved ahead into the unknown. Amazing to contemplate how these four upon hearing the message to repent and believe, left all in the drop of a fishnet!  At this point, did they even know what the gospel, "good news" was?
Yet, Jesus inspired them with the strength of his sureness about himself and his mission enough for them to make this change and eventually to be transformed into evangelizers, miracle workers, martyrs and saints. Where am I when I hear the call to repent, believe and follow?
Bro. Rene  

Crazy?

"Crazy" has become the new teen "in-word" as "awesome" has been for several years. It's old meaning of "insane" has mutated to "something beyond imagination" or "inexplicable."   In any case, it's rather jarring to have it applied to Jesus as we read this morning's Gospel (Mk 3:20-21). Although translated a bit more softly as in "out of his mind"  the implication of insanity remains.  From observing the pattern of Jesus's behavior....curing folks daily, followed so intensely by crowds that he didn't even have time to eat (Mk 3:20), it's no wonder it appeared as insanity;  People of passion whose energy level rises above normal when engaged in "their thing" do appear to have "lost it" and earned the label, "crazy'.
 Jesus was not "mad", however,  but so filled with love and compassion that he drove himself beyond measure to cure the sick and put their well-being before his. We do see a balance, however as he rose early to pray and frequently enough called the disciples aside to rest awhile.  When we look at current headlines or hear of the great need in our local communities, we might begin to pray for more "crazy" people, including ourselves, to step up to help.
Bro. Rene

March For Life

For 44 years people who recognize the dignity and gift of LIFE from conception to natural death have been gathering in Washington on or as close to January 22 (Roe vs Wade)  as possible to raise consciousness about the priceless value of human life.  Today, students and adults from all over North America and even Europe are marching to the Supreme Court in peaceful prayer and song as the culmination of long travels, vigils and rallies for life.  Those of us who cannot make the physical trip might join the marchers in prayer today.  Here is a prayer composed by Father William Dailey that we might use in addition to our own:
Lord Jesus, Son of God, Son of Mary, you came that we may have life, and have it more abundantly. You are the Word through whom we were made. Teach us to live the Gospel of Life. Soften our hearts that we may be compassionate toward the most vulnerable. Embolden us to be voices for the voiceless. Help us always to remember that what we do for the least ones, we do for you—never to forget the incomparable value of every human person. In your Holy Name, we pray. Amen. (Faith ND)   
Bro. Rene
Some noteworthy facts related to the purpose of this day:
 Abortions are down – 2018 projections are below the usual 1 million+ for the first time since the 70s.

 

     Killing mills are closing across the country.

 

     The 2,159 in operation in 1991 have been reduced to around 500.

 

     908,000 abortions is still 908,000 too many; 500 killing mills still need to be shut down. 

 

     The war is far from over; but battles are being won —

A Crushing Crowd

Mark tells us in today's Gospel that not only did a large number of people follow Jesus from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, Tyre and Sidon, but that Jesus asked for a boat to keep these crowds from crushing him. (cf. Mk 3:7-12).  Sounds like the frenzy stirred up by today's Rock Stars.  Yes, they were looking for healing, a "quick fix", but nevertheless, they came and Jesus accommodated them.  Where are such crowds at our weekend Masses and Worship Services?  What has happened?
No one seems to be able to pinpoint the reason for the "Rock Star's" decline in popularity.St. John Paul II, showman that he was, drew large crowds; Pope Francis similarly, and spiritual healings, conversions and vocations have resulted, but not on a large scale. 'Blockbuster" movies take in millions for a few weekends, but after three weeks or so, sink from the headlines as the crowds rush to the next attraction.  Perhaps whimsy, a penchant for the latest fad or gadget are bred into our bones, and only a firmer faith will allow us to build on a rock bottom foundation. Something to ponder as we visualize those Jesus-crushing crowds of yore.
Bro. Rene

God's Ever Perplexing Plan

The Memorial of St. Antony the Abbot (AKA St. Anthony of the Desert), and the reading from the first Book of Samuel, in which David defeats the giant Goliath with a sling and five smooth stones (1 Sam 17: 32-51) come together on this day to remind us that God's plan for each of us is usually far different from the ones we make.  God chooses the most unsuspecting people to do his work, as a reminder, it seems, that HE is really the power behind all of us and gives us the power and support to do things of which we never dreamed we could accomplish.
 Antony inherited a fortune and a large farm...was set for life...but heard the Gospel to give all to the poor and follow Jesus...Not in his game plan until he heard God Calling; Antony laid the foundation of Christian monasticism.
David, the youngest of Jesse's sons, a shepherd far out in the fields away from his father and brothers, is yanked from his halcyon existence to find himself anointed at the hands of Samuel as the king of Israel.  His first job, far beyond that of herding sheep, is to face and "dispatch" the giant Philistine and rout his army. From his offspring came Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of the world. 
Can't resist adding that St. Marcellin, not unlike David, was a shepherd, a farmhand, and unschooled, yet called to a work far beyond his imagination and perceived capabilities, to found a religious congregation of teaching brothers. 3,500 brothers strong,wbo conduct schools in 80 countries.
 Our mouths drop in wonder that these unlike-lies should have such an impact on the world. Yet, this is God's way, his ever perplexing plan.  What fears of excuses can withstand the compelling  plan of God?  What is God calling me to do today?
Bro. Rene

Keeping the Sabbath

As the disciples of Jesus walked through a grain field on the Sabbath and plucked heads of grain on which to munch, they invoked the criticism of the Pharisees who watched this with disdain. (cf. Mk 2:23-24). Jesus reminded them that when necessity demanded, the law of charity or of common sense prevailed.  Hunger is certainly an imperative that would justify the "bending of the rules."  As Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made of man, not man for the Sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath." (Mk 2: 28)
Why the Sabbath rules?  To remind us of our connection with God, with our Creator; they allow us to separate from ordinary routine to give some conscious reflection on who God is, who we are and what we are doing to heed and follow him.  If we did not stop once a week, we would soon be acting totally independently...not good.,  Better to give some time to the Lord of the Sabbath.
Bro. Rene

Living In The Present

So often we find ourselves preoccupied with "What comes next?", "How will this happen?" "Where/when will the money I need come?" "Am I on the right path?"  "What more should I be doing?"  We could drive ourselves crazy. 
In Act 5, scene 2, Hamlet says,  "the readiness is all." We beg permission of the Bard of Avon for a paraphrase below which might bring us peace of mind.
When confronted by the Pharisees about why he and his disciples did not fast, Jesus compared his presence among them as the bridegroom at whose wedding the guests would not think of fasting...not at a wedding!  The timing is all.  There is a time for fasting, but certainly not at a wedding!  Christianity teaches us to find joy, to be joyful in the present moment and to let God handle the future.  A young Notre Dame graduate, John McMackin '16, said it well (Faith ND for January 15, 2018):
We have been given the great gift of time to draw closer to our Creator and Redeemer by giving ourselves more and more to God. The present is a gift, gratuitously given—one that calls for thanksgiving and sanctification to God. Just as new wine is meant to be stored in skins designed for that wine, each moment is meant to be lived out in its own manner, free from the impending concerns and worries on the horizon. When trials come, we must face them, but when joy appears, we must embrace it all the more.
May we enjoy this day and all days with this wholesome, Christian outlook.
Bro. Rene

What Are You Looking For?

Note:  No slice of bread appeared yesterday due to a change in entering the "blogspot".  I figured it out later in the day, so here we are...apologies again!

When Andrew, the brother of Peter and another disciple of John the Baptist heard him point out Jesus as "the Lamb of God", they began to catch up to him, and turning, he asked them, "What are you looking for?" (Jn 1:38). A telling question, worthy of our reflection today.
What are we looking for when we turn on our e-mail or social media?  What are we looking for at the movies, games or clubs where we spend so much time?  Companionship? Affirmation? Security? Distraction? Satisfaction?  We might also ask, "Why spend your time on what fails to satisfy?  Would not five or ten minutes of silence or conversation with Jesus profit us more?  What are we looking for?
Bro. Rene

Helplessness

The story of the helpless paralytic who had to be lowered through the roof to reach Jesus (Mk 2:1-12) reminds us of our own helplessness.  We may not be paralyzed ourselves, but know of someone who is physically, emotionally, or chemically paralyzed by addiction. Or, it might be someone who has hit the brick wall in his or her faith journey.   How do we help these people? What doors do we need to breech in order aid them?
We see that the paralytic had four friends who carried him to the house and, finding obstacles gain entrance through the door, proceeded to the roof and lowered him to Jesus, the one who could actually help him.  Making the effort to find unconventional ways of gaining access along with prayer and a strong faith in Jesus takes time, patience, love and a community effort that will eventually lead to an unfolding of God's plan.  We can't do it alone but our persistence will pay off.
Bro. Rene

Riding the Waves

One of life's simple pleasures is "riding the waves" as they endlessly crash onto the beach.  There's a feeling of exhilaration, as well as a helpless sense of having no control and of being totally at the mercy of the surges: up and down, pushed and pulled, until being duly deposited on the shore. Like being addicted, we run back out and let the waves takes us again, and again and again.
Our growth in the spiritual life is similar.  We ride on the waves of God's plan, God's providence, having little control, yet learning to develop greater trust in the ups and downs, our choices versus God's choices for us.  Like the leper in today's Gospel, we might express our desire for healing and ride on the crest of it's fulfillment (Mk  1: 40-41), Jesus told the leper to keep his cure a secret, but he couldn't restrain his enthusiasm and rode the wave further by telling everyone so that that the crowds came to Jesus in such droves that "it was impossible for him to enter a town openly" (Mk 1:48) and the crowds kept coming and coming.  It was Jesus who had to experience a change of plan because of the leper's enthusiastic response.  We are all subject to the force of the tide!  No doubt, this turn of events was a reminder to Jesus of why he had come, so he must have rejoiced in being tossed by this wave. May our prayer and reflection free us up to be so tossed and tussled by the waves that come our way today.
Bro. Rene

Be Healers

Note:  For some reason I don't think yesterday's slice was posted.  It should be below this brief reminder.   

As part of his busy day, Jesus cured the mother-in-law of Simon Peter and then went out to heal those who had gathered outside Peter's house.  Jesus might have been tired, but nevertheless, pushed himself to bring healing to those who came to him.  We might be tired too, and feel like pulling back, but in imitation of Jesus, may we push ourselves, even a little, which might be all it takes for us to be a healer at that time.
May this be our prayer:
Father Herbert Yost, CSC
Lord, in healing Simon’s mother-in-law you restored his family. We need you to restore health to us, and to our family and friends. Please guide us to do all we can to bring healing and comfort to our minds and bodies and to those we love. Remove our anxiety and give us that peace and hope that surpasses human understanding. Amen.
Bro. Rene

Unclean Spirits

Mark relates the cleansing of an unclean spirit in the synagogue where Jesus was teaching. (Mk 1:14-20).  It is interesting that this first encounter with a demon is in a holy place.  But, often, isn't it the case that in a church or at Mass the most unclean fantasies run through our imaginations?  Even sacred space, it seems, doesn't have enough power to protect us form the onslaught of the Evil One.  Wisely we pray with the words of Pope Leo XIII, "St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in the battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snare of the devil." The demon prowls about the world anywhere and everywhere seeking the ruin of souls.  Be it noted that he (or they) attack the fortress rather than the unprotected open spaces, knowing that what lies within the citadel is the prey that matters most.  We might be flattered to be so attacked, but it's not a pleasant experience. With the aid of St. Michael invoking the power of God, however, we can rebuke the unclean spirit and cry victory...until the next attack!  They end only after we've been cold and dead for 15 minutes!
Bro. Rene

Immersed In His Death and Resurrection

Jesus came to John to receive his baptism, not the same as we receive, but one which identified him with those who were looking for a way to live their calling in the best way possible.  Jesus received the confirmation of his identity from the voice that came from above the dove that hovered over his head:  "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." (Mk 1:11).
Baptism to Christians signifies adoption as children of God and the entrance into the Body of Christ. In the ancient church, catechumens entered a pool and were submerged and raised up, signifying union with Christ in his death and resurrection.  Baptism by immersion is becoming more popular again, and in some churches the baptismal pool has steps leading down into it, and steps on the other side leading out of it.  Again, death and new life, resurrection.  We don't hear a voice declaring "you are my beloved", but the truth is, we are.  May we use this day to give thanks for this great gift and ask for the grace to live and act as beloved children of God.
Bro. Rene

Reliable Guides

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord tickles our imagination and poses many questions:  Who where these Wise Men? How far did they travel? How did they know about the newborn king of the Jesus?  Was there really a star that guided them?  Is this story true, or is it just "Midrash"?  We may never find satisfactory answers, but among the applications that flow from this story is the truth with which we all can identify: the need for "reliable guides."  There was something compelling about the star the Magi followed that kept moving toward it until it finally rested over the home where the Holy Family lived in Bethlehem.  Don't we too look for reliable guides in our families, communities, churches?
A step further, do we see OURSELVES as reliable guides for others, especially the young?  If nor us, WHO?  We have gifts to lay before the younger generations, not gold, frankincense or myrrh, but faith, wisdom, truth, stability and love.  Are not these what the Millennials,or the latest generation,  the "I-Gens", of today are seeking?  Legend has followed these Magi, describing their conversion and baptism by St. Thomas.  Their relics, found by St. Helena, were taken to Constantinople and by the fifth century, were in Milan. Later, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa brought them to the cathedral of Cologne where they are venerated to this day as Sts. Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior. May they guide us in our role as reliable guides to others.
Bro. Rene

Grace In Our Imperfect World

As we approach the end of the Christmas Season, (Monday, the Baptism of the Lord) we reflect again on the Mystery of the Incarnation:  God, the Creator, entering into the body and humanity of the epitome of his creation. We have prepared ourselves by prayer and reflection during Advent, celebrated with gifts and family gatherings and reflected on the nativity narratives in Matthew and Luke.  Today in the Episcopal Church and  tomorrow in the Catholic Church, we observe the Epiphany of the Lord:  a feast focusing on the truth that this God-man has come to reveal his love for us as well as to open the door to full union with him.  The Magi bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, symbolizing the kingship, divinity and death/resurrection of the holy child.  Compared to the divinity which is enfolded in human flesh, what are these gifts?  Like all that we can offer, they pall in comparison, but yet serve as a reminder that God accepts even our imperfection and limitation and loves us nevertheless.
Today we remember St. Andre Bessette. a small, humble man of frail health, not able to read or write, yet a powerhouse who worked hundreds of miracles of healing through the intercession of St. Joseph, spread devotion to him, built a huge Oratory on Mount Royal in Montreal, dedicated to St. Joseph, were millions of pilgrims come each year to pray and seek healing. A prime example of how God works through our human limitations and imperfections.  St. Joseph, St. Andre, pray for us that we might allow God to work through us!
Bro. Rene

Love In Deed and Truth

Evidently the author of the First Letter of John faced a problem we face today:  people not "walking their talk.: After expanding on the command to love one another, he concludes by saying: "If someone who has worldly means  sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?  Children, LET US LOVE NOT IN WORD OR SPEECH BUT IN DEED AND TRUTH." (1 Jn 3: 17-18).  Another translation reads, "and not merely talk about it."
We might look at the life of St. John Neumann, whose Memorial we celebrate today for an example of loving in deed and truth. As Bishop of Philadelphia from 1852-1860, he founded a new parish a day month and increased the Catholic schools from two to one hundred. A Bohemian by birth, he had a gift for languages and learned six before learning English and when he saw the need, working with Irish immigrants, he learned Gaelic to accommodate them in the confessional. He lived simply and energetically to love in deed and truth. His life invites us to examine our lives to see how we too might do the same.
Bro. Rene

Searching? Come And See!

Along the East Coast of the United States, a severe blizzard has shut down schools, some public offices and forced people to stay off the roads. A day of quiet (if we so choose) imposed on us by Mother Nature...What will we do with it?
Today's Gospel recounts the first meeting of Jesus with Andrew and another disciple. They spent the whole afternoon together, so moved by the experience that the time, four o'clock was noted years later in John's Gospel, written perhaps 60 years after the event...It certainly made a lasting impact on them. Peter was invited to join them at another meeting, one that changed Peter's name, Simon to Cephas, and his life.
We might not be fully aware of how we too are searching, and that the poignant question, What are you looking for is being addressed to us.  So too the invitation, Come and see.  Do we have time?  Can we MAKE the time?  For those "imprisoned" at home today, this might be the perfect time. It might not change our names, but it could change our lives.
Bro Rene

The Holy Name of Jesus

Note:  Apologies again.  I didn't realize I had gone past the deadline time of 9:46 am as I was writing yesterday's slice.  It will be posted along with today's.  I'm watching the clock!   

Today's commemoration of the Holy Name of Jesus will probably be overlooked at most weekday Masses, but it is an important one, for the name Jesus, means SAVIOR.  It was the name given by Gabriel (Lk 1:31) and, according to Matthew,  Joseph is directed by an unnamed angel to name the child Jesus. (cf. Mt 1:21).  St. Paul tells us in Philippians 2: 9-11:  "Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  The Jesuits promoted the Holy name with the familiar monogram IHS, the first two and last letters of the spelling of Jesus, IHESUS.  So much we take for granted, so often do we hear this sacred name uttered in anger, as the most powerful swear word we can find.  Certainly it is a good thing to repeat the name of Jesus often, but not in this context.  On January 1st, formerly the feast of the Circumcision of Jesus when he officially received his name,  due reverence was given to it on that day.  We rely now on the Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus to restore that Holy Name to its proper place.  May we say it, pray it, and even as we used to do, bow when we speak or hear it.
Bro. Rene

Crying Out In the Desert

Having bid farewell to 2017 and the "Days of Auld Lang Syne, and celebrated the arrival of a New Year with its dreams, hopes and promises, we appropriately, for us Marists, hear "the voice of one crying out in the desert" (Jn 1: 23) as we commemorate the fateful day when the young curate, Father Marcellin Champagnat, moved two young men into the house he bought and renovated with borrowed money and set in motion the dream he had been nurturing for several years, to establish a congregation of teaching brothers.No doubt he breathed a sigh of relief that first night around the supper table, but little did he know what demands, trials, disappointments and hard work awaited him.  For that night, all was well:  he and the young men had taken a major first step.  Eventually, they would begin teaching and, like the voice of the Baptist, would be heard crying out in the desert of ignorance, indifference, and even hostility a message of hope, of challenge and of love.
The voices of Marists today in concert with the "greats" of the past, St. Basil, St. Gregory Nazianzen whose memorial it is as well today, ring out to a world hungry for truth, for answers, for direction, meaning and love, and by word and example attempt to lead the youth of today and their families to a loving relationship with Jesus, enlisting the faithful, loving and nurturing aid of Mary, his mother. This is a day for all of us to be rejoicing and rededicating ourselves to this mission.
Bro. Rene