Stumbling Blocks

Water, stumbling blocks, scandal and salt.  Mark includes these apparently unrelated things in one short passage: (cf. Mk 9:41-50). to create a "wow" effect.  Jesus speaks strongly about removing stumbling blocks and in typically Hebrew hyperbolic style, proposes  the cutting off of hands and the plucking out of eyes, if they become the occasion of sin, and of scandalizing the young.  He lauds the sharing or a cup of water, which also implies that if we neglect to offer water or some of life's basics to those in need, we scandalize the young by such acts of selfishness. We are then the salt that has lost its saltiness and which should be discarded. 
With Ash Wednesday fast approaching (next Wednesday, if you haven't noticed), it's time to face the stumbling blocks which we need to name, and discard, lest we scandalize others or live a Christian life that is as flat as an unsalted cracker.
Bro. Rene

For or Against?

The division between those who are FOR Jesus and those who are AGAINST him existed even in his lifetime, as we see in Mark's account. (cf. Mk 9:38-40).  Jesus does not seem upset by the presence of someone driving out demons in his name, who was not part of the chosen Twelve. History records centuries of battles between groups, heretics, conservatives, liberals, Catholics, Protestants, atheists and believers.  What do we do with this?  Somewhere in the middle, there is common ground, often neglected, but in need of careful scrutiny and study, and, if possible, discussion, sharing, mutual prayer and friendship.  Relationships based on knowledge of others and understating of viewpoints can be the catalyst of healing and eventually a friendship that is stronger than the heat generated by senseless argument and division. 
Bro. Rene

A Child Shall Teach Them

Ambition slips into the lives of us all, subtly or overtly.  Even the men Jesus chose as his special Twelve, had to deal with this natural phenomenon.  When Jesus became aware of some arguing that had been going on, he challenged the Apostles with a child whom he set before them, tenderly embracing it and with these penetrating words admonished them (and us): "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives the One who sent me." (Mk 9:37). Such a simple solution to their bickering and prideful ambition.  Working with children can be an eye-opener as well as a good lessons in humility and true service. May we put aside our vanity and ambition to follow the lessons taught by our own children or those with whom we work.
Br. Rene

Increase My Faith

"Lord, I do believe, help my unbelief." (Mk 9: 24).  We've  heard this many times and prayed it ourselves over and over, and yet it always seems appropriate, for our faith never gets to the point where we ask with such total confidence that our prayer is answered, either in "our time", or God's. It would help if we made this our mantra today, and our daily mantra in the days ahead.  Eventually we might "get it."
Bro. Rene

Be Merciful

The theme of forgiveness and mercy runs strong in today's readings.  David, spares Saul, but lets him know it by leaving his speark stuck in the ground near the head of the sleeping king. (1 Sam 26: 7-9; 12-13, 22-23). Paul reminds us that as we are created in the image of the material man, our destiny is to bear the image of the spiritual man, Jesus, who is the exemplar of love and mercy. (1 Cor 15:45-49).  Luke presents the Sermon on the Plain with the injunction, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Lk 6: 36).  This is clearly our calling if we are to be disciples of Jesus, who challenges us to rise about doing the minimum.  "Even sinners love those who love them."  No, love even your enemies! (Lk 6:32).  A step higher.  How do we take it? Through God's grace, an open heart, prayer  and a commitment to try as best we can till we reach it. Never underestimate the power of prayer and grace. "With God, all things are possible." (Lk 1:37)
Bro. Rene 

A Path Out Of Darkeness

Mark's account of the Transfiguration mentions the clothes of Jesus becoming "dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them." (Mk 9:3)  The fuller's job was to pound and bleach cloth to as white as he could get it before it was dyed.  Early readers of this gospel would have readily known that, but perhaps only  few of us today are aware of the fuller's work. Jesus's garments certainly must have been dazzling and brighter than the sun.  Light dominates, and casts a shadow from the cloud that hovers above the apostles.
Light, shadows, light, darkness...Jesus transfigured and we too facing a possible path from darkness to light.
A recovering addict;  moving from sickness to health, weakness to strength, sinfulness to sanctity.  Tabor entices us, assures us that it is possible to walk this path. It is good to dwell on this scene and build our tent there. Transformation happens.
Bro Rene

Peter's Chair

February 22 was chosen to give honor and renew respect for the leadership and teaching authority of the successor of St. Peter because it is believed that this is the date on which Jesus gave Peter the "keys", the commission to carry on his work: Peter had just confessed that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the Living God, and Jesus responded, "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (cf. Mt 16:13-19)
While Peter traveled, a chair was kept for him on which he sat and anointed the newly baptized when he was back in Rome.  Hence, today's feast sees the chair as the symbol of the Pope's role as leader, having  the same obligations Jesus placed on Peter.
Today, as the Synod of Bishops, addresses  the scandal of sexual abuse in the Church and seeks to bring closure and healing to its victims, this feast is even more significant: a reminder for us to pray  that the synod accomplish its purpose and that future abuse be prevented. 
As Peter was not "perfect", for even after receiving this commission from the mouth of a trusting Jesus, he denied him three times. Yet he repented and spent his life feeding and leading the early flock. So too, may we as Church, along with our leaders, repent and continue feeding and nourishing one another.
Bro. Rene

A Humble Giant

It's almost a thousand years since this giant of the 11th century lived, (1007-1072) so the name, Peter Damian, is not part of our household vocabulary as is Francis, Anthony, Therese or more recent saints such as Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II who lived within the lifetime of many of us. Yet his life and accomplishments had a huge impact on the Church in an era where reform was much needed.
Orphaned at an early age, Peter  knew poverty and hardship, even to the point of feeding the swine of one of his brothers. Rescued from this plight by another of his brothers, he received an education, became a Benedictine monk noted for his scholarliness and asceticism. He accepted the role of Cardinal Bishop of Ostia, and worked tireless to correct abuses rampant among the clergy. After 10 years in this role, he returned to the Monastery of Fonte Avellana, though still a consultant to the pope.  His writings stress the primacy of the spiritual over the secular; after his death, he was proclaimed one of the 36 Doctors of the Church.
His life serves as an example of how God, over and over again, chooses the humble and unknown to do things they never dreamed they could do. Responding to a call which slowly evolves over a lifetime, as it did with Mary, Marcellin and other saints canonized or not, we can do "marvelous things" when we turn our talents, passion and lives over to God.  Each day God makes the call.  How do I answer?  Food for thought as Lent approaches around the corner.  (March 6th).
Bro. Rene  

Healing in Stages

When we are looking for a healing answer to a physical or spiritual problem, often, as in the case of the blind man from Bethsaida (cf. Mk 8:22-26), the answer doesn't come immediately or totally.  As in this case, sight was returned in stages.  We see progress, but there remains a blurr, and yes, we see "trees walking." for awhile.  Our faith, our persistence, is being tested.  God knows what he is doing, and we learn from these partial answers that we must hold on in faith for the total cure. Not easy, but worth it in the end.  Lord, increase my patience and trust as I present my needs to you.
Bro. Rene

Facing Frustration

The author of the Noah  story in today's reading from Genesis (6: 5-8; 7:1-5,10) shows  a frustrated Creator, regretting that he had created us, bringing him to the verge of cashing it all in, along with the innocent animals and vegetation on which the out-of-control generation depended. End it all and be done with it. In rhw gospel for today, we find the disciples fretting because they had forgotten to bring along bread with them in the boat.
Don't we also find ourselves more often than not "down" on the antics of people, even our own families, or kicking ourselves for forgetting some essential after our grocery shopping, or misplacing a phone number, or the phone itself?  In the Genesis story, God's attention is drawn to the one righteous man whose goodness diverts the vengeful God from destroying the entire world, but through the Ark, gives the human race a second chance.  And Jesus reminds the disciples and us, that there are more important things on which we should focus our attention, and not let petty concerns throw us for the proverbial loop.  It bears repeating that keeping our eyes on Jesus, his love, his power, his past "rescues" we need not "lose our cool."
Bro .Rene  

Asking for a Sign

After working innumerable miracles including the feeding of the 5,000,  no wonder Jesus said directly to the Pharisees, "Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." (Mk 8:12), and left in frustration by boat to the other shore. What more SIGN did the Pharisees need?
We too have a bit of this desire for signs to reassure us, or in Gideon fashion, ( cf.Jdg. 6) to point us in the right direction to what God wants of us. But if we are looking for "proofs" to remove our doubts, we might hear Jesus say, "Just look backwards a day or two...or even further.  How did everything work out so well, if I were not there at your side?  Don't insult me with your mam-by-pamby faith, but take what's there in front of you as the sign you crave. Is not the miracle of my Presence in the Eucharist enough?  Instead of asking for a sign, pray for a deeper faith in what I have already done or said."
Bro. Rene

Won't Be Crushed

Life has a way of throwing monkey wrenches into our plans, fallen trees across our paths, moments of ups and downs...the "yo-yo" effect..or  when we seems to be in a rhythm of productivity, wham, the bottom falls out.  We wonder if we can make the count to nine and get up on our feet again.
Luke's version of the Beatitudes (Lk 6:20-26) reminds us that in these moments when we are stripped of all, or mourning and weeping, bearing insults, even hungry, the reverse will happen, there will be food, laughter and success again.  We will not be crushed.  Jesus has walked among us, borne all these "woes" and rose above them, as we will when we put our faith, hope and trust in him.  JUST DO IT!
Bro. Rene

Feeding The Hungry

Mark's account of Jesus feeding the 4,000 (Mk 8: 1-10) reminds us of how he continues to feed us daily through his Word, the actions of others and, if we choose, the Eucharist.  He knows of our need, our hunger and thirst, not only on the material plane but on the spiritual as well.  He provided so abundantly for these people who were so enthralled at his teaching and by his miracles that they had stayed with him for three days and at the end had nothing left to eat. What power Jesus had that people would go without food just to be with him! So attentive and loving was he that he "over-compensated" multiplying seven loaves and a few fish so that there wer seven baskets of left-overs. This miracle should assure us that he takes care of our needs simirlalry, and iti should motivate us to share as lavishly to those in need around us.  There's  a challenge, yet daily in goes on in soup kitchens around the world. How can I help?
Bro. Rene

"He Has Done All Things Well"

"He has done all things well" (Mk 7:31a) Wouldn't we all like this kind of a reputation tagged on to our name? People saw the deeds that Jesus did, "He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." (Mk 7:31b) and gave their approval.  Jesus addressed visible needs and touched people on this level to lead them to receive the message he would later deliver in words.  The old adage, "Actions speak louder that words" rings true here, for his miracles gained attention and made people more receptive to his message.
We can do more good, bear more effective witness to Jesus through our good deeds, our acts of kindness, our simple presence, than by long apologetic discourses. Let's keep it simple and pour our energy into our actions rather than into our words.
Bro. Rene

Strong, Persistent Love

Commercialism has taken over the legends attached to two saints named Valentine, but liturgically, we honor Saints. Cyril and Methodius, brothers who evangelized he Slavic people in the ninth century, while today's gospel recounts the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman, a "pagan", who approached Jesus in great faith to ask a cure for her demon-possessed daughter.  All three of these "major characters" show us the power of strong, persistent love. One of the Valentines was a priest during the Roman persecutions, who while imprisoned, performed marriages and healed fellow prisoners.  It's not easy to move to a new country, learn a new language, and teach the gospel s did Cyril and Methodius; it takes thick skin and the strength of a mother's love, to persist in making a request of Jesus, in the face of his initial refusal.  The tenacity of their love made a difference, for sure, and reminds us that the strength of our love can do the same.  Along with the outward trappings of cards, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, flowers, home-made cookies or expensive diamonds, it's the love beneath that carries the power. May we remember this when we wish each other Happy Valentine's Day.
Bro .Rene

Chosen People

Way back in time, the author of Deuteronomy reminded the Hebrews that they were "a people sacred to the Lor:d"  chosen from all the nations to be a people peculiarly his own...because God loved them (cf. Deut 7: 6-8). This is meant for us now as we read in today's Gospel that there are things that come from within and cause us to forget the sacred relationship God has established with us. We need to take precautions to avoid a separation from our Creator, one of these being the renewed awareness of our being chosen, selected, by God for this special relationship. Praying the Our Father, an Act of Contrition or the Confiteor during the day can help us remain faithful to our call as chosen people.
Bro. Rene

STOP

On this 12th day of February, the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, and formerly a holiday, now combined in our overbearing efficiency and need for another "long weekend" with Washington's birthday into One holiday, our readings call attention to an even more fundamental need for weekly Sunday rest, so that indeed we can enjoy this "Wonderful World" as described in the Genesis Creation Story (Gn 1:20-2:4a) and with the Psalmist's praise God for his magnificent handiwork.(Ps 8).
O Lord our God,
How wonderful (awesome) is your name through all the earth!
When I behold the moon and the stars which have set in place--
What is man that  you should be mindful of him
or the son of man that you should dare for him? (Ps 8: 2, 4-5)
These verses alone call attention to what we take for granted because of our frenetic busyness.
We are missing the opportunity to see things in perspective, and the nudge to slow down and take advantage of our short time on this magnificent planet.  Let us take time to wonder at the beauty of falling snow (not worry about shoveling or how to get to work)...or the peace of a spring day with birds again singing from greening branches.  So much is there, we need to STOP and take it in.\
Bro. Rene

World Day of the Sick

Pope St. John Paul II initiated the World Day of the Sick in 1992 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, and designated February 11th, the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes,  as the day of its annual celebration, because of the long history of pilgrimages to the shrine, and the large number of miraculous healings.  The gospel passage chosen for today, Mark 6: 53-56, depicts Jesus at Gennesaret healing the sick who were brought to him there and in all the villages and market places he visited.
It has become the custom to dedicate the day to a person known for tending the ill, and this year we honor St. Teresa of Kolkata (now the name of Calcutta) because of her renowned care of the sick, poor and destitute. Linking Mother Teresa with Lourdes and the World Day of the Sick leaves us little excuse not to examine our own attitude toward illness and the many people in our circles who are bearing some illness, pain, disability or addiction. We can pray for them and if, possible, visit or call them.  Jesus paid special attention to them and the millions of visitors to Lourdes indicate that as with the poor, the sick we will always have with us. As Jesus gave them so much of his time, can we not give them some of ours?
Bro. Rene

Who Is Worthy?

Today's readings feature three great religious leaders and teachers, Isaiah, Paul and Peter, all of whom declared their unworthiness.  "I am a man of unclean lips", laments Isaiah (Is 6:5); "I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God"  writes Paul, (1 Cor 15: 9), and Peter declares, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." (Lk 5:8). Indeed each one of us could reiterate these or other reasons why we are not worthy of the immense, boundless blessings we have received from God. But the startling truth is that despite our weaknesses and unworthiness, he lavishes gift upon gift on us and calls us, uses us, to bring his truth, his love, himself to others.  Our weaknesses keep us humble, having to admit that all comes from God, and helps other people see, that it is not we who are speaking and working, but God himself through us. Each time we receive Holy Communion, we repeat the prayer of the Centurion, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." In the shadow of these three men, this might become a prayer we repeat often during the day, for none of us is worthy, but God continues to overlook our unworthiness and spoil us to the hilt, so great is his love for us..
Bro .Rene

Rest Awhile

After feeding the "first missionary adventure", Jesus calls the Twelve to go away to Rest Awhile...Good advice for all of us, who can be so occupied with work and "things to do", that we never stop...Not the best for on-going ministry.  Let's take the advice of Jesus this weekend and find the time to "rest awhile.".
Bro. Rene

Saint For Our Times

The life of St. Josephine Bakhita, canonized in 2000 by Pope St. John Paul II, provides inspiration and hope not only for the people of the Sudan, where she was born, but for the rest of the world. She was kidnapped at the age of eight from a noble family and sold into slavery. Until she was bought and given to a family in Italy, she suffered brutally under some of her "owners".  She became a Catholic and eventually a Sister and for 42 years in a convent in the Sudan cared lovingly for others.  When asked what she would do if she ever met her captors, she said she would thank them because if it were not for them she would not have become a Catholic nor a Sister.  Appropriately, she is the patron of the Sudan and of trafficking victims, both in need of a special intercessor in heaven.
St. Josephine's forgiveness, gratitude and humble, loving service to others serves as an example for all, who, because of our pain, can easily lose sight of the message of forgiveness and love which is at the heart of the teachings of Jesus.
Bro. Rene

On A Mission

Mark's Gospel (cf. Mk 6:7-13) gives us a succinct description of the "first missionaries', the Twelve.  Jesus sent them two by two with authority over unclean spirits to preach repentance, and take with them nothing for the journey.  They were to go unencumbered, in trust that God would provide and thus more able to focus on their mission. And so they drove out demons, anointed the sick and cured many of them.
It sounds easy, and almost magical, but as any missionary will tell you, time, patience and dealing with apparent lack of success or effectiveness are all written between the lines. Mark is in a hurry and often just summarizes the salient points so that he can keep the picture of Jesus moving.
Although the commission was initially to the Twelve, it applies to all of us who are disciples as well.  Our "mission field" might be our own family, colleagues or circle of friends. Do we believe we have the "authority" to follow the example of these courageous men, who must have been intimidated as they first set out?  Success gave them confidence, and so it will with us, but we must make the effort first...and keep on making it when it seems to be going nowhere. 
Bro. Rene

Rejection

As painful as it is to be rejected, it is even more so when it's by friends or family. Jesus was rejected by the people of Nazareth with whom he grew up, who knew him as a child. Painful indeed, but they were the ones to bear the consequences...no miracles were worked there as lavishly they were elsewhere.  Their lack of faith amazed Jesus and they bore the price for it. (cf. Mk 6: 1-6)
We often find ourselves rejected when we are trying our best to live our faith, especially today, when there are strong opinions against beliefs and practices Christian and Catholic.  To stand up for the unborn or the elderly is seen as "narrow" and "old fashioned" and can be the cause for ridicule or rejection.  No one likes to be beaten up, but it is never out of fashion to stand firm in the truth and for one's faith. Martyr have given their lives for it. Can we not stand a little pain for it?
Bro. Rene

Christ the Healer

Looking closely at Jesus and the two miracles presented to us today in Mark 5:21-43, we see his sensitivity and compassion on "the big screen."  In I-Max proportion, we see him curious about who touched his garment, but he does not renege on the cure of the woman with the hemorrhage, nor scold her, just merely wanted to see her face to face so he could tell her that it was her faith that saved her.  When he hears that the daughter of Jairus has already died before he could get to her side,  he doesn't brush off the news, with "Oh, well too late. Nothing we can do now."  No, seeing the grief this news  must have caused the loving father, he proceeds directly to the home, knowing that he has power not only over illness, but of death as well,  brings her back to life and gives her to her parents.
This is the Jesus we love, to whom we pray, a man who knows us, feels for us, can help us and so wills. Why doubt?  Why fear?  Why not approach the Healer and expect his loving response?
The woman and Jairus did.
Bro. Rene

Dismissing "Legion"

Two thousand demons fled from the possessed man into a herd of pigs which, in turn, hurled themselves down a steep bank into the sea where they drowned. A dramatic stampede in obedience to the firm command of Jesus to leave, it stirs the imagination and assures us that Jesus is, indeed, "in charge." (cf. Mk 55:1-20).  While we might not be the actual hosts of "Legion", at times, and at the most inappropriate times, we feel besieged by fantasies, temptations, outrageous desires and images that force us to call out to Jesus for deliverance. It is consoling to know that Jesus will do this, and that these attacks are not sinful, as long as we don't consent to them, but they come with such force that we can't fight them off alone.  Remaining calm is important, as well as turning our attention to something else but asking Jesus for help should come first. If he handled Legion with such power, he can dismiss him from his attacks on us.
Bro. Rene

:Love Places No Boundaries

St. Paul's magnificent "Ode to Love" from 1 Cor 12: 31-13:1 is read at 90% of weddings, it seems, and appears in today's liturgy.  It's a passage that never grows old and always finds a place in our day to day lives.  When given more than a cursory glance, it reveals the need for a strong will, if it is to be taken seriously, for love is an act of the will, and not just a heightened feeling.  It is a commitment to indeed give of self for the sake of another in patience, humility, endurance and generosity.  It certainly motivated Jesus throughout his life and even to his death on the cross, his ultimate act of love. Even today, when we remember St. Blase, Bishop and Martyr, known for his effectiveness with illnesses of the throat, we see that it was through love that he reached out to heal and in the end give his life as a martyr.  The love we have received from our God who is LOVE, is meant to be given to others to uplift  and bring them healing when they are "in a funk" from disappointment, rejection or lack of self-esteem.  Love says, "I love you, no matter what." JUST DO IT!
Bro. Rene

A Feast of Light

February second, formerly the official end of the Christmas season, the Purification of Mary and Candlemass, now the Presentation of the Lord, Consecrated Life Day, and non-liturgically, Groundhog Day, this year predicting an early Spring, serves us a tableful of delights on which to munch. The Jewish Law required that forty days after the birth, a child should be presented to the Lord and redeemed by an offering.  Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to fulfill this law, and were surprised by the presence of Simeon and Anna, who both recognized the presence of the long-awaited Messiah, blessed God, and Simeon went a step further, predicting the sword of sorrow that would pierce Mary's soul.  He referred to the child as a "light to the Gentiles and the glory of the people of Israel." (Lk 2:32) Indeed, Jesus referred to himself as "the light of the world"
As believers and followers, we too are the light, and as the cancles for the next year are blessed on this day, we live each day of the year ahead shining a small but significant flame in a world darkened by infidelity, dishonesty and immorality.:
Bro. Rene

God Will Act

In the beautiful and consoling Psalm 37, we read of God's abiding care and presence; we need but "commit our way to the Lord, trust  in him and he will act." (cf. Ps 37: 5).  Yes, our caring God, our Refuge, lets nothing go unnoticed, and as the seed described by  Jesus  (cf. Mk 26-29) grows during the night and eventually bears fruit, so is it with out spiritual growth and with that of those to whom we are trying to show and teach "the ways of the Lord."  It is always amazing to see glimmers of what we think we have been pounding into the heads of our "charges" begin to emerge.  The seed is sprouting, slowly, and God's grace is at work in his time.  It takes weeks, months, for an amaryllis bulb to bloom, but oh, the wait is so worth it, so beautiful a flower it produces.  All it took was  a bit of water, sunlight, TIME and PATIENCE.  We need to renew our commitment daily to God, and, surely he will act...IN HIS TIME.
Bro. Rene