Our Daily Cup

Responding to the desire of the ambitious mother of James and John for Jesus to place them at his right and left, Jesus poses a question:  "Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?" Not fully aware of what that cup might contain, they eagerly answer, "We can."  (cf. Mt 20: 24). 
If the question were posed to us, we might give the same answer.  It is asked of us, however, as we begin each day.  We don't know what lies ahead for us and we might think that we can handle anything, but we might be biting off a bigger chunk than we can handle.  Best to say humbly, , "With your help, Jesus, I will do my best to swallow what's in my daily cup, for with you I can do anything, but without you I can do nothing."
Bro Rene

Our True Self

Polonius tells Hamlet, "To thine own self be true", echoing the advice of Socrates, two thousand years before.  Jesus decries the hypocrisy he sees in the scribes and Pharisees who do not practice what they preach. (cf. Mt 23:1-12). They were not being true to themselves.  We might ask, "What is my true self?"  Can I describe it?  If not, then how can I be true to it?  Ego has  way of raising its "ugly head" in all of us, and it takes careful reflection and self-examination to sort through the images and projections of ourselves that we present to the world.  We tend to exalt ourselves in lieu of being what we really are.  Jesus says, it works the other way:  "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.." (Mt 23:12).  When we realize that we are not the center of the universe, and that others have gifts and talents equal to, if not better than mine, then we can begin to see our true selves and act out of genuine humility.
Bro. Rene

Living With Imperfection

Life's experiences with people and institutions teach us daily that we live in an imperfect world.  Indeed, we don't have to go much further than our nose to realize that as part of the human race, we too lack the perfection we seek to impose on ourselves or on others.  Would that the world would be a tidy place, where everyone is on time, where meetings are short and to-the-point, where it rains only at night, or where I accomplish everything according to the time-line in my head. Not so, Magee!
The injunction against judging others in today's passage from Luke (6:36-38) begins with a command to be merciful:  "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Lk 6:36).  Leave room for the imperfect, be forgiving of self and of others and there will be no room for judging.  We are grateful that God's mercy gives us chance after chance, otherwise we would be the first to suffer.  As he is merciful to us, so too are we to be to others.  There is a Lenten "task". goal, sacrifice, if ever there was one.
Bro. Rene

"It Is Good For Us To Be Here"

God is never bested in his timing.  Here on the Second Sunday of Lent, we listen to Mark's version of the Transfiguration,.  Peter's comment, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here."(Mk 9:5) rings in our ears.  Yes, it is good for us to be here, still at the beginning of Lent, and to reflect on the Transfiguration...a preview of the resurrected Jesus.  Wisely, the Church sets apart these 40 days for us to STOP, take stock, renew, and be transfigured, so that on Easter we may rise again in the newness of the  God-life we received at Baptism. We have set aside time for more prayer, reflection, sacrifice and charitable works that will help us to be better disciples of Jesus and more like the ideal self that God has created us to be, and for which we long.  More than working out in the gym tones and builds up our muscles, Lent brings us to the heart of the matter:  being transformed into the likeness of Jesus, so that our every thought, word and deed might come from him, make us more like him, and bring others to him.
Lord, THIS IS the time for us to take our faith seriously, and IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE.
Bro. Rene

Stretching

Anyone who has had physical therapy or worked with a personal trainer knows the benefits of stretching as we discover that a lot of our aches and pains are the result of over-tight muscles that seem to affect every part of the body, especially the back.  When "doing the stretches" we feel that we can't go any further, yet our instructor insists that we push a little further.  We do, and day by day we find ourselves able to go far beyond what we thought were our "absolute limits."  Our whole being becomes more limber and our feelings about ourselves and others take a noticeably positive turn.
In today's Gospel passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to stretch beyond loving just those who love us, to loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. (Mt 5: 44-45). Yes, he's asking us to go beyond what we think is our limit, with the ultimate challenge to be "perfect" (well rounded, complete, the best that we can be), as our heavenly Father is. With Jesus as our  "personal trainer", how can we go wrong?
Bro. Rene

The Need For Reconciliation

In the Sermon on the Mount,  Jesus speaks directly about the need to forgive and be reconciled with those who have offended us (Mt 5:20-26), an elaboration of the words from the Our Father, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." (Mt. 5:12). Anger against another is included as well. (Mt 5: 22). Before laying our gift at the altar, we must seek reconciliation with our brother first.(M5:23-24).
Even from a psychological point of view, it has been shown that bottling up anger or  not forgiving another does harm to both and allows resentment to build and last for years.  No, get it off your chest now and peace will come internally as well as with the other.  Something else that might draw our attention during Lent.
  The following prayer by Fr. Herbert Yost, C.S.C. sums up the proper attitude:
Lord, as we get older, we realize more and more the truth that anger exacts a high price. Anger that stews and ferments, day after day, is a prison of our own making. So please help us in a special way today. Grant us the grace of reconciliation where it’s needed. Or maybe we need to go a step back, and ask for the grace to desire to be reconciled. Either way, we yearn to be free from the angry prison in which we've placed ourselves—help us grow towards your kingdom. Amen.  
Br. Rene

Taking A Clue from Peter

The Church honors the "chair of St. Peter today," that is, his primacy among the disciples and, as Jesus declares, the Rock upon which he will build his church (Mt 16:19). He give Peter the "keys of the kingdom" as a symbol of his authority, which his chair in Rome also symbolizes.  This feast is celebrated today, which scholars have determined to be the anniversary of the exchange between Jesus and Peter.  Roman Catholics trace the linage of the Popes from Peter to Francis from this moment as well.  For all Christians it is the occasion to identify Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, fully God and fully human, who has come among us to show us the Father and the best way to live in communion with him. Spontaneous Peter answers the question, "Who do you say that I am? by blurting out what was in his big heart: "You are the Christ, the Son of God." (Mt 16:16).  This too must be our response....one that is a gift, (faith is a gift) and one that takes a lifetime to fully understand and appreciate.  May we take a clue from Peter's lead, and acknowledge Jesus for who he is and ask for the grace to live accordingly.
Bro. Rene

Being A Sign

Jesus is the Ultimate "Sign" who makes the Father and the Spirit visible to the human eye.  Yet, like the people in his own time, we seek a "sign". The sign we seek is of our own making, or what we would like to see, but if we have been attentive, we've learned that God's signs are not what we expect.  Again and again, he comes in the "little things", the every-day people and events that come our way...from a brilliant sunrise to a simple violet or a kind word from someone we've helped. 
And as all of us are looking for signs, we might, especially during Lent, focus on being a sign for others, by our own kind words or gestures, by our own generous giving of ourselves. God is in us and works through us; by imitating the love and forgiveness or Jesus, we too can help people see what God is like.
Bro. Rene

Keeping It Simple and Direct

When teaching the disciples how to pray, Jesus warned them not to "babble like the pagans" who thought that the multiplication of words word make their prayers more effective. (cf. Mt 6:7)  On the contrary, Jesus honed it down to seven direct and simple petitions. We can scoot through these in less than ten seconds, but there is too much food for reflection in each to skip like a robot to the Amen, . If we find ourselves  rattling off words and at the Amen before we even realize it, we are not praying.  Ir is here that we should stop, sweep our minds clear and start over, praying as much as possible from the heart and chreshing what we are saying...This is the prayer that Jesus, the Son of God, taught us...We owe it as much reverence and attention that we cam muster.   Not a bad practice to add to our Lenten resolves to connect  more deeply to Jesus.
Bro. Rene 

Putting Substance Into Lent

More than just pious words and prayers, more than giving up desserts, Lent it a time for personal, spiritual renewal...as deep as we can male it at this time.  Amazing how each year, we try to do more, and seem be be able to; we never go deep enough, but let's not look ahead, but look at NOW.  In our efforts to eradicate distractions and impasses' to our friendship with Jesus and spend more time with him and give more service to our neighbor, we are on the right track toward developing a "best friend"-ship with Jesus and working towards giving him the "best version of ourselves."
Today's Gospel passage, the famous "Matthew 25"...the sheep and the goats at the last judgement, outlines a meaty Lenten (and beyond) program for us, reminding us that service to these "least favored" is service to Jesus. Time, effort, sacrifice are entailed in carrying out these words.  What can I do to fulfill even ONE of these services today, this Lent?
Bro. Rene

Deliverance

Mark devotes all of two verses to what Matthew and Luke elaborate in several: The Temptations in the Desert.  Yet, his skeletal description contains the essence of all three versions:  Jesus passes the temptation test and assures us that we too can be delivered from the onslaught of the Evil One's wiles.  In the Hebrew tradition, great personages go through a period of trial before they arrive at their mission:  Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, David., were all prepared, strengthened and fortified before their "real work" began...So too with Jesus, (who had no need for preparation, but was led by the Spirit to experience what we go through) so that when we are tempted, we might find strength in relying on him who understands temptation. 
Mark does not mention the three temptations, but we are familiar enough with them to know that the devil doesn't stop with one.  As we begin this first full week of Lent, it is good to remember that temptation, failure and "rebooting" are part of the pattern of spiritual growth, as recovering addicts learn that relapse is part of the process of recovery.  We might have failed to keep a Lenten resolution already, but we take heart and strength from the example of Jesus, that deliverance awaits us as long as we don't give up.
Bro. Rene

The Call to New Life

As we read today's Gospel about the call of Levi, (Lk 5:27-32), which we've heard many times, we might picture the busy tax collector at his table dealing with lines of people awaiting to pay their taxes, albeit, begrudgingly. A life of routine with more than ample compensation, yet something sparks him to leave his station at the table to get up and follow Jesus.  It turns out to be more than a change of job, but an entrance into a new life. The Greek word used here for "got up" is anastasis, the same word used to describe the resurrection of Jesus who rose (got up) from the dead into new life. Levi entered that new life, with a name change to Matthew and a mission to spread the message of Jesus in such a way that it still reaches to the ends or the earth today.
The same call is give to us, more emphatically and urgently during Lent, to get up and start a new life, one of closer union with Jesus not only in word but in deed, through our prayer, fasting and almostiving. May we not hesitate to answer this call and , like Levi, get up and follow Jesus into this new life.
Bro. Rene

Fasting

When asked why his disciples did not fast, Jesus answered that while he was with them, there was no need to fast, but there would be a time when fasting would be part of their lives. (cf. Mt 9:14-15).  The Church has encouraged fasting for centuries, not to help us lose weight, but to clear the path to union with him of unnecessary clutter....be it food or other "distractions."   If we take a look at the patterns of our lives, we begin to see that certain routines, foods, habits, etc. have almost become addictions.  We realize how dependent on them we are when we try to give them up.  But there's more to fasting than giving up chocolate.  We want to eradicate, if possible, the BIG THINGS that stand in our way between us and our neighbor and God.  It's from those things or people that we must fast....and fill the time or use the energy for greater service to our families, our neighbor, the poor, ...and even to self...giving ourselves the rest and time for prayer that our busyness or distractions prevent us from doing.  What is the biggest log across the path that I need to remove to have clearer access to Jesus?
Bro. Rene

Our Daily Crosses

Note:  As you will notice below, the Ash Wednesday slice of bread appears...missed the deadline by less than a minute...on track for a similar snafu today as Microsoft decided it was time for some sort of update that took a LONG time.  Apologies again.   

Yesterday we began with Ashes, reminding us of the shortness of this life:  "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return."  Sobering, to say the least.  Today we are his with the CROSS.  After explicitly telling his disciples the he is going to suffer, be rejected, killed, and will rise again on the third day, (cf. Lk 9:22), he tells all who hope to follow him that suffering lies in wait for them too. "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.  What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?" (Lk 9:23 -25). Being a Christian is not for sissies, and despite the various intensities of the crosses we bear, they are inevitable.  Lent is here to help us digest and absorb this reality.
Bro. Rene

Why Ashes?

Christians, especially Catholics, will be receiving Ashes on their foreheads today as a sign to all that Lent, a time for penance, transformation, conversion, deepening of a relationship with Jesus and preparation for the renewal of baptismal promises on Easter, has begun.  The Gospel read today emphasizes the need to pray, give alms, and sacrifice in "secret" so that the God who sees in secret will reward us in secret.  The need for "secrecy" seems contrary to the public display of Ashes, be they blessed or not.  So, why Ashes?
Well, they remind us first of all that indeed we are "dust, and to dust we shall return."  They also remind us that we are sinners and need this time to repent and try to live the Gospel better than we have been living it.  The Ashes don't make us holy, but they remind us that the next 40 days need to be devoted to becoming holy through  the means suggested in the Gospel. This is the focus, rather than trying to "show off" or call attention to ourselves.  We're calling attention to our "self" to buckle down and do something concrete to build up our union with God by becoming more like Jesus.
Bro. Rene

Understanding the Leaven of the Pharisees

Again the disciples are short on bread; they had forgotten to bring it and discovered they only had one loaf.  Surprisingly, Jesus is not concerned about that, but warns them not to be taken in by the "leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod", that is, their skepticism that led them to ask for "signs", despite the obvious signs of the multiplication of the loaves not long before this conversation took place.  This kind of skepticism prevents them from comprehending the obvious.  And it can creep into our own lives and we read headlines and listen to pessimistic conversations about the dire situation of the world.
As we slide from Mardi Gras celebrations of varying intensity into "the rigors of Lent" we might reflect on what we might do to shake "the leaven of the Pharisees" from our minds and focus on the positive "signs" that Jesus has given us, the most dramatic, or course, being himself.  Our Lenten observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving should, after 40 days, bring us at least a few steps closer to him than where we are now.  Let not a defeatist skepticism prevent us from taking those steps. "Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees..." (Mk 8: 14)
Bro. Rene 

Looking For Signs

In our age of "Fake News", we might be more prone than ever to, as did the Pharisees to "ask for signs"(cf. Mk 8:11).  What is the truth?  Show it to me. Give me a sign."  Like the Pharisees who witnessed the miracles of Jesus,  we have the signs before us all the time, but like them, we don't make the connection.  Solution:  walking in the presence of God, as recommended by St. Marcellin, separates us from our non-stop activity which blinds us to the signs and wonders that come to us in the simple things.  Brother Lawrence, whose masterful, The Practice of the Presence of God, reminds us that "our sanctification does not depend upon changing our works, but in doing for God's sake that which we commonly do for our own.  In "working for God", not self, we are apt to see his wonder-working hand in the ordinary things right in front of us, and have, then, no need to ask for signs...They are right there!
Bro. Rene

Publicizing The Whole Matter

After being cured of his leprosy, the anonymous man, despite the request from Jesus not to tell anyone about the cure, "began to publicize the whole matter.  He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly." (Mk 1: 44). How could this man contain his exuberance  at having this lifelong plague lifted from his shoulders? If this happened today, he would be tweeting to the whole world!
We cannot but admire his understandable enthusiasm, and perhaps should examine our own behaviors. So many good things happen to us each day.  At Sunday and weekday Mass, we participate in the ultimate act of worship, receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus as nourishment for our weekly journey. Why aren't we spreading our excitement about that? We wake up each morning, alive and well (for the most part)...do we shout thanks?  Do we show enthusiasm when someone asks, How are you? Just to be alive and walking...what a gift...Let's be "publicizers" of the good, the great things that happen to us each day, even though they seem so "ordinary" or routine.  They are God's gift.
Bro .Rene

Slow Learners

Today's passage from Mark recounts a second  "miracle of the loaves."  The first appears in Mark 6: 34-45. One would think when confronted again with a large hungry crowd, the disciples would have suggested to Jesus that he multiply the loaves as he had done previously.  But no, it is Jesus who again asks how much food might be on hand and when he sees it, he gives thanks, breaks the loaves and tells  the disciples to distribute them in the same way as he first time...Not only is Jesus compassionate on the crowd, but patient with his "slow learners."
If we look at our own experiences with need, suffering or problems, we see that God has always taken care of them, yet we panic, fear and doubt at each new "test".  And God remains patient with us, coming again to our rescue. and, no doubt, hoping that we will finally "get it"...that there is never any need for such fear and panic.  We might ask ourselves how many times to we have to see before we believe?  Let's begin today (again) to put our trust in the Creator of the universe, who surely can well take care of our little problems.
Bro .Rene

"Be Opened"

Often in our spiritual reading or in welcoming students or adults on retreats, the phrase, Be Open is one of the key ideas that is necessary to benefit from what we are reading or from the retreat experience.  In today's Gospel,  (Mk 7:31-37)esus cures a deaf man with a speech impediment with the word, Ephphtha!, "Be opened."  He literally meant for the man's ears and mouth to be opened, but symbolically we might hear him say to us, "Be opened to receive what I'm going to teach you through my Word,  through the words of others, or through the experiences that will come our way today.  The deaf man found a whole new existence from the healing word and touch of Jesus. so too will we, if we but open our eyes, ears and hearts to the healing word and touch that Jesus will give us today.  Be opened, Be Open!!
Bro. Rene 

Being Flexible

Mark gives us gives us a glimpse of Jesus that is often overlooked in the story of the healing of the Syrophoenician woman's daughter who was possessed by a demon. "He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it..." (Mk 7:24).  Evidently he needed some "me time", but, as Mark says, "he could not escape notice." The woman found him and intruded on his private time, demanding a cure...and arguing that "even the dogs under the table eat the children's scarps." (Mk 7: 28), This one-liner won the heart of Jesus, and despite his abrupt first response, he relented in a humble display of flexibility and announced the cure.
We see a dramatic change in the life of Jerome Emiliani, whose memorial we observe today.  Orphaned and homeless as a teenager, he was headed down the "wrong path", but wisely joined the military and returned to a life worthy of a soldier.  However, more was in store for him.  When captured and imprisoned he made a pact with Mary that if he were freed he would  lead a more Christian life.  The shackles fell from his arms and legs and he walked out of the prison behind Mary.
He began to care for homeless orphans, became a priest and founded a congregation devoted to the care and education of orphans. Quite a switch from his own dissolute path.  His flexibility in the hands of God, through Mary, made all the difference.
As Marists, dedicated to Mary as we are, may we be open to the cries of the needy, especially those we hear today, and be flexible enough to change our plans to go out of our way to help them.
Bro. Rene

Countering the "Evils From Within"

In today's Gospel, Jesus describes what defiles us:  the "evils from within", not those that enter from the outside.  (cf. Mk 7:14).  Further on in this passage he lists them, lest there be any question:  "From within the man , from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly." (Mk 7: 23).  Frightening, as we recognize one or more as having too much power over us in our lives.  Yet, they need not dominate, conquer nor discourage us.
We read in the first reading at Mass from the fist Book of Kings, (1 Kgs10:1-10) how the Queen of Sheba, having heard of the wisdom of Solomon, came to see for herself if the stories were true, and was not disappointed.  In her awe and amazement she showered him with treasures of jewels, talents and spices...not realizing that these material things could not come close to matching his true wealth, a wise and discerning heart.  At this point in his life, Solomon seemed to have conquered the "evil from within", but his later life shows that he too succumbed to its overpowering influence ..until he repented on his deathbed.
St. Richard, the Pilgrim, who lived in the early 700's in England, on the other hand, although little known about him  by  people outside of the British Isles, shows us that goodness and good example can do miracles against the power of evil.  He died on a pilgrimage to Rome, but had already directed his three chilldren toward the path of holiness.  All three are recognized as saints:  Willibald, Winebald and Walburga, along with himself. All four faced these same evils within, but remained faithful to God.  If they could do it, with God's grace, so can  we.  That's why so often in the Scriptures we read, "Fear Not...I am with you." That's what we must do to counter the evil from within.
Bro. Rene

Breaking Tradition

This will be a "Brady Two Minute Drill" as post time is drawing closer.  (Missed the deadline...slow computer, a visitor, research taking too long.  Sorry).

We see Jesus breaking tradition and upsetting the Pharisees.  (Mk 7:L1-13). We celebrate Paul Miki and his companions who broke away from traditional Japanese customs to embrace Christianity, become religious priests and give their lives for Jesus.  We see athletes like  Quaterback  Nick Foles planning a career in ministry.  Gaps can be breached, big steps can be taken. Courage, conviction, trust and immense love enable even the "weak things of the world" to follow Jesus.  With Lent approaching next week, what "traditions" can we break to help us come closer to Jesus?
Bro. Rene

St. Agatha

One of the most popular of the early virgin martyrs, St. Agatha, highly venerated in her native Sicily, as the patron of breast cancer and sexual assault victims. she has a special relevancy in our day when breast cancer and the many recent disclosures of sexual assault have been made public.  Her story is clouded with legend...someday we'll find out the truth behind these legends....but evidently refusing the marriage proposal of a wealthy man, she was placed in a brothel, in hopes that she would lose her virginity there and agree to marriage.  She warded off the clients in the brothel, much to the anger of her suitor who then had her tortured which included the removal of her breasts and burning over hot coals.  She stands as another model who put the love of God first to the point of sacrificing her life to remain faithful  May she inspire us to do likewise.
Bro Rene

A Focused Jesus

Again we are with Jesus and the fist disciples as we see him cure Peter's mother-in-law and all the people waiting outside that evening, a Gospel Passage we read just recently for a weekday Mass. (cf. Mk 1: 29-39).  Today's passage, however, extends to the next day where we see Jesus up early to go to a deserted place to pray.  In typical fashion, the disciples find him and tell him that the crowds await him...word had evidently spread during the night that cures were there for the asking.  Jesus reacts by suggesting that they move on to the nearby villages where he will preach and cast out demons.  His mission is endless, it seems, at this point, but he doesn't back track.  Fortified my his morning prayer which gave him uninterrupted contact with his Father, he was able to focus on this part of his mission:  preaching, healing, and casting out demons.
Our mission is similar, for Jesus gave it to his disciples then and now.  To carry it out energetically and joyfully, we too NEED TO TAKE TIME EACH MORNING IN A DESERTED PLACE (quiet room...attic?  basement??  chapel???...wherever...to refocus on our mission. Without such daily renewal, we soon run out of steam, lose our joy, and negate what we are all about, what we are called to do.
 Bro. Rene 

Time For Others

When the apostles returned to Jesus from the healing and preaching, Jesus suggested that they take some time apart for themselves. (Mk 6:30).  This is a good model for us, who so often get caught in a long line of events and duties that it seems we no sooner have gotten out of bed, but that we are returning to it later than we wanted to without a moment's "break."  Yet the example expands as the crowd anticipates the destination of the "escape boat" and greets them when it lands. Jesus's heart was moved with pity for them, and began to teach them many things. (cf. Mk 6:34). So often our plans for rest or "retreat" are thwarted in similar fashion.  Jesus puts others ahead of himself, trusting that at yet another time, the rest and renewal he seeks will be given.  Can we do the same?
Bro. Rene

A Light For Revelation

The Feast of the Presentation is filled with light and joy.  It is the day, referred to in the past at "Candlemass Day", the day with the candles to be used in liturgical worship for the next year were blessed, and takes its cue from the words of the old Simeon who, in his joy at recognizing the Messiah, referred to him as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles,/ and glory for your people Israel." (Lk 2: 32).  Can we imagine this man's joy when after being told he would not die until he had seen the "salvation of Israel," the Messiah and waiting many years, actually recognized this child as the promised one?  He certainly was now ready to take his leave in peace.
And what did Mary feel?  Doesn't a mother always hope for the best for her child, even when still carrying him or her in her womb?  Then to have this holy man speak with such authority, not only about the child, but about her fate as the bearer of a sword of sorrow, and as we know, seven swords!  Mixed emotions for sure as the prophetess Anna also gives praise and thanks for this baby.
We pray that we might so recognize Jesus, and be willing to continue bringing his light to the world, even with the swords of sorrow that accompany the joy that fills our hearts as it did those of Simeon and Anna..
Let us pray with Simeon:
Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.   
Bro. Rene

Tools For Our Mission

We begin this short month of February with Marks version of the dispatching of the Twelve two by two on their first mission (Mk 6:7-13).  They were to take "nothing for the journey" , bless the families who welcomed them, and shake the dust from their feet where they were not welcomed.  Jesus wisely warned them that their mission would not always be successful.
We are all called to such a mission, perhaps not in as dramatic of direct way as these Twelve, but nevertheless, wherever we work, wherever we find ourselves, and especially within our families and communities, we are to be witnesses of the Word.
To be effective "missionaries" Bishop Robert Barron suggests that we need two qualities:  fear of the Lord and piety.  Fear of the Lord does not mean being afraid of God, but of giving him the first and principal place in our hearts.  We cannot "preach" what we do not hold within us. Along with this is piety, the desire and practice of honoring God above all, even ourselves and our wants and needs. Both "tools" go hand in hand and require a lifetime to hone and polish.  Even when they still require some work, we must use them as they are and in humility, let God fill in what's missing. Working with a community or with a companion in faith gives added impetus to our efforts.
We might find strength and inspiration in this prayer composed by Fr. Louis DelFra, C.S.C.

Lord, today you send your disciples out in mission, to spread the good news that the kingdom of God is now among us. You sent them two-by-two. Grant us both the zeal to spread the message of your Gospel wherever you have placed us in life, and grant us the support and encouragement of companionship in faith, that we may never lose heart in our daily efforts on your behalf. Amen. 

Bro. Rene