Two Spirit-Filled Women

Today's Feast of the Visitation celebrates the visit Mary made "with haste" to her cousin, Elizabeth in what is now the little village of Ain Karim, not far from Jerusalem. While sparks did not exactly fly, each was "filled with the Holy Spirit" through whom Elizabeth was to recognize that the Mother of her Lord was standing before her.  Even the infant in her womb leapt for joy.  Mary, truly filled with the Holy Spirit as she was carrying his child, let out a song of joy that we repeat daily at Vespers, the evening prayer of the Church, and which has been immortalized in many settings by composers over the centuries.
This year, the Feast comes the day after the Ascension, a period of waiting until the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, and models for us what we are to be, bearers of the Holy Spirit with the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord, which yield the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, modesty, self-control, and chastity (Gal. 5:22–23).  So gifted, we have the ability to recognize the Holy Spirit in others and sing our own Magnificat as Spirit-filled visitors.
Bro. Rene

Separation Time

Note:  This slice was intended for Ascension Thursday, but there was no time after our Mass to write and post it.  BlogSpot send out an older slice (May 5), for your reflection so you were not left totally hungry.

40 days have elapsed since Easter Sunday, and after 7 weeks of reflection on that event, and two weeks of hearing Jesus prepare his disciples for his departure, it has now happened.  Of course, it happened 2,000 years ago, but in our present Easter Cycle of reliving those days, the separation they experienced we now relive.  It is a joyous feast, celebrating the return of Jesus to the right hand of his Father, that part of the mission being accomplished.  It is also a grieving period, as for the next nine days, we'll see a confused group of disciples wondering "what comes next?", despite the promise of the Spirit having been made clear.
How often do we find ourselves with that same question, especially after a death in the family, or after a graduation, or loss of a job?  It's a difficult position in which to be: no answers, only promises.
We don't give up; we trust, we keep moving forward with faith increasing and hearts being purified. The Holy Spirit gives us all we lack, as Jesus promised.  A fast-forward to Pentecost tells us that.  Since then, through the centuries, this Spirit has never left us, even in the darkest times and will continue to do so.  Though separated from the physical Jesus, he walks with us as ever, through his Spirit.
Bro. Rene

Our Guide

With so much left unsaid, and so much to be done, (a case in which we often find ourselves), Jesus assures his disciples (of all times and places) that "the Spirit of truth will guide [us] to all truth.  He will not speak on his own, but will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.  He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you." (Jn 16:13)
This is the Spirit who has guided the Church through 2,000 years of spreading the teachings of Jesus to all continents, through ups and downs, ecumenical councils, theologians like St. Thomas Aquinas, and all of us with our everyday needs and concerns. What God is as great as our God?  No wonder St. John Paul II took "FEAR NOT" for his motto.  Pray to the Holy Spirit to guide you through today's  "impossible agenda" and see how he comes through for you. At the end of the day, you'll be thanking him and singing for joy.
Bro. Rene

To Our Advantage

It's hard to say good-bye to a dear friend, but most often these good-byes are because the move causing the separation is for the benefit of one of the friends, and ultimately for both.  So it was with Jesus and the Eleven (and the accompanying women) and us!  Jesus told his them it was better from him to leave, otherwise the Spirit would not come.  How blessed are we for that "move", for the Holy Spirit lives within us and guides us as no other can..
Bro. Rene

Remembering, Honoring

All across the United States, flags will be waving, prayers offered, wreaths placed in cemeteries to honor those who have given their lives to preserve the liberty and freedom we so enjoy.  We remember the trenches and barbed wire of the Argonne and Verdun, the shock of Pearl Harbor, the thousands how perished in the South Pacific and Europe, the jungles and napalm of Viet Nam, the dust of the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.  We express our gratitude and love for the men and women who sacrificed their future so that we may live our today.  We pray for an end to all conflict and the establishment of a lasting peace, which will not be achieved without sacrifice and effort similar to the sacrifices and efforts of those who served in active duty.  May we make it a point today to offer prayers of gratitude as well as prayers for the courage it will take to change the course of our world from war to peace.
Bro .Rene

Seeking Peace

The commandment to "Love one another as I have loved you", upon first reading, seems simple and easy to accomplish and is enticing with the promise of a peace that the world cannot give that comes with such loving. Our weaknesses, our fears, our human prejudices rear their ugly heads, however, making such love a lifetime challenge and peace illusive and apparently unobtainable. The more we strive for it, the more stressed and  up-tight we seem to become. Our consolation and assurance that the love we desire to experience and share as well as the peace we seek are indeed obtainable, for they come from God, not us.  "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him" (Jn 14:23). And in addition, "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom he Father will send in my name, will each you everything and remind you of all that I told you." (Jn 14: 26). This is the "secret weapon" that obliterates any obstacles that come from within or without. Jesus further gifts us:  "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." (Jn 14: 27).   We do not go empty handed, but have God himself with us.  "Nothing is impossible with God." (Lk 1: 37). No wonder Paul can write, "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13) So fortified, let us face the day, life itself, with courage and confidence.
Bro Rene

A Clear Message

Apart of his final discourse with the Apostles, Jesus warned them (and us) that persecution would come. "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." (Jn 15:20).  The history of the Church bears this out.  Indeed Saul began persecuting followers of the Way while the Apostles were still living; Stephen was stoned to death with his approval.All of the Apostles, except John, were martyred. For 300 years off and on, the Romans tried to stamp our Christianity.  It goes one today, as we know.  We can be sure, however, that the power and assurance resulting from the Resurrection guarantee that despite the rejection, persecution and pain, which are part of discipleship, "all shall be well."
Bro. Rene

Jesus Chose Us

In our fervor to develop our relationship with Jesus, we often act as if the effort must come from us, forgetting that he chose us (Jn 12: 16).  We don't have to be the one reaching out to him all the time. Our call is to allow Jesus to to come into our lives, in his time and in his way.  We can be more effective instruments when we are flexible responders to his love.  John, as an old man, legend has it,  when asked to elaborate on the teachings of Jesus, would simply repeat: "Love one another."  That's what it's all about..If Jesus has chosen us, then we let his love flow with all its power through our personalities, talents, and ability to love, and become far more effective instruments of his love than if it all came from and depended on us.  Jesus, love me, fill me with you love and let it flow naturally from me to all I meet.
Bro. Rene

Complete Joy

Where do we find complete joy?  Not in things, trips, academic degrees or even in a lifetime of marvelous achievements and contributions to society, but in the love of Jesus. "Remain in my love." ...I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete."  (Jn 15: 10, 11).  How do we remain in his love?  By  keeping his commandments (love God, love neighbor). (Jn 15: 9).
A simple formula made complete by daily practice over a lifetime.  Let us proceed with determination, confidence, and love.
Bro. Rene

Pruning And Bearing

No one has ever asked a plant if it likes being pruned. Wine dressers and fruit growers know which branches must go and just cut and hack.  When harvest time arrives, their judgments are justified by and abundance of healthy fruit.  Instead of diving its energy into multiple weak or aged branches, the tree pumps its juices into fewer, stronger branches that produce more and larger fruit.  If such a process is so successful with plants, how much more successful is the similar process with us and our spiritual growth.  Some of our habits, thoughts, diversions and distractions have "got to go" if we are to bear more effective witness and example, or develop a closer relationship with Jesus by carrying out his commands and wishes with less obstruction.  Who does our pruning?  Our Divine Vinedresser?  We ourselves?  Both together? Sometimes circumstances, reduction in pay, loss of job, illness force the pruning upon us.  Though painful and not fun, it's what makes us better.  Bring on the pruning shears, I want to bear fruit that will last!
Bro. Rene

Do Not Be Troubled

Note:  Yesterday's slice of bread, now corrected, mentioned Judas, the betrayer, but I had missed the clear indication, "not the Iscariot".  Thanks to Br. Brice Byczynski for calling this to my attention.

It's not easy to say good-bye to a friend when occupation, sickness or death might separate us.  After the three years together, the learning, the healings, the experiences of food and fellowship with Jesus, we can imagine the bond between these men was very strong.  Jesus attempts to console his friends with these touching words in John 14: 27-31.  He offers them his peace, the promise of reunion, and banks on their love to allow him to fulfills his Father's will.  A model for us to follow as schools graduate students and families experience sons and daughters, brothers and sisters to off to college or move to other locations for work. A mixture of joy, satisfaction and sadness as chapters end and new ones begin.  May we put ourselves back with the disciples and absorb the comforting words of Jesus.
Bro Rene

Helping Our Understanding

In another telling excerpt from the last discourse of Jesus to his Apostles (and to us), he elaborates more on the commandment to love:  loving Jesus is loving the Father who sent him and merits the love of the Father along with more intimate love and knowledge of Jesus who reveals himself more and more to those who love him.  When Judas (Jude), not the betraying Iscariot,  questions  him about revealing himself only to them and not to the rest of the world.  Jesus responds with the consoling words, ""Whoever loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him." (Jn 14: 23.)  One might dwell on these words forever, thinking  they are explanation enough, but in typical fashion, Jesus goes beyond, promising the Paraclete, the Advocate. the Holy Spirit "who will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have told you." (Jn 14: 26).  Jesus leaves us, but leaves us in good hands.  The Holy Spirit continues to teach us and work through us. make a mark that cannot be denied nor ignored.  Come, Holy Spirit, fill is with the Fire of your love, assure us of your presence and guide us along the road to life eternal.
Bro. Rene

Commanded To Love

Today's brief gospel passage, John 13: 31-33a, 34-35) contains the core of all the teachings of Jesus:  love one another. All is summed up in these three words.  Later on in the First Epistle of John we read, not just to talk of love, but to love in "deed and truth" (1 Jn 3:18).  By loving, people will know that we are the disciples of Jesus.   In St. Marcellin's Spiritual Testament, he clearly states, :"Let it be said of the Little Brothers of Mary as it was of the first Christians, :"See how they love one another."  God shows us how to do this...he gives, gives, gives...he is a "giving God" and asks us to be "giving people".  There is not limit to his over-the top giving and there can be no limit to ours.  Lavish giving of time, of self, of what is most dear to us, is what shocks people (in a good way), to say: That's how I want to be."  So, let us love, give and send needed shock-waves to our self-centered world.
Bro. Rene

Ask In My Name

We're always looking for things as in a "handout"..asking for things... Look at our daily prayer.  What percentage is asking, what percentage is thanking and praising?  Embarrassing, right?  Yet, Jesus said, "And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it. (Jn 14: 13-14)  Jesus invites our prayers of petition and promises they will be granted.  We have learned that they are not always answered When and How we would like, but we've seen that Jesus keeps his promise.  So, even though we overload our prayer time with requests, we are keeping connected with God who sees and knows what is best for us and will answer HIS way, in HIS time.
Bro. Rene.

A Place For Us

Leonard Bernstein's "There's a Place For Us" from West Side Story, has become an American classic with its comforting melody and strong thread of hope.  It is no surprise that today's gospel passage from John, 14: 1-6, is a popular staple at funerals with its consoling message that Jesus has prepared a place of each of us. Some preachers like to dwell on the "mansions" that await us as well as the golden cobbled stone streets, taking symbolic images a bit too literally.  Some translations tone down the mansions to dwelling places for this reason, but nevertheless that thought that there is a place for each of us and the Jesus will come for us and lead us there is most consoling to a dying person in hospice or to the family at a funeral Mass or service. When Thomas asked for the Way to this place, Jesus answered that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  (Jn 14;6).  We don't have to wait for death to release us to the "other side', we can have the close relationship we seek right here and now if we make him the focus and center of our lives. The Place for Us is right under our noses!
Bro. Rene

Indifference

Just after washing the feet of the Disciples at the Last Supper, Jesus warned them that his betrayal was close at hand,  that his followers should expect opposition but those who receive him will receive the one who sent him. (cf. Jn 13:16-20).   A mixture of good news and bad news.  Opposition and betrayal are obvious, but indifference, absence of passion, as subtle as it might be, is as painful to watch or experience.  Teachers, parents, those who try to pass on the faith, struggle in every age to engage their children and students with Jesus and pass on faith in him to them.  One wants to shake them into consciousness, to make them aware of the LIFE that is possible with a relationship with Jesus.  Not so easy to stir their hearts.  Judas spent three years with Jesus, and betrayed him; Peter denied him.  God never gives up on us; we can't give up on those entrusted to our care.  Let us pray for those who walk in darkness that God's light, even through our feeble efforts, might reach them.
Bro. Rene

As The Father Tells Us

We all seem to be "Searchers".  Why was I put on this earth?  What is the plan of God for me?  Is God calling me to do some special work?  If so, what is it?  Why does he delay in making it known to me?  I'd do whatever he asks, if he would just hurry up and tell me!  I want to get going on it while I still have the skill and energy to do it.  Yes, these are some of the questions that haunt us and try our patience. Jesus too had his questions for his Father.  Why did he get  up early so often to go and be alone with him?  Nevertheless, their tight relationship was strained to the breaking point when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane snd hung on the cross in excruciating pain and feeling totally abandoned. Yet he did what he heard the Father tell him and held fast to the Father's timeline, not his own.  He is our model.  Like him we need to check in daily with the Father, asking what HE wants of us and waiting for his answer so that we can do whatever he tells us.
Bro. Rene

Intimacy With Jesus

This week and those following up till The Ascension, we will be reading from St. John's Last Supper Discourse, perhaps the warmest, most tender words in the entire New Testament.  No other religion presents such an intimate relationship between "the Godhead' and his creatures. Jesus speaks unabashedly of his love for his friends, of how he chose them, and how he expects them to bear fruit and love one another. (cf. Jn 15: 9-17).  He spoke not only to those gathered around the table with him, but to us as well.  He is grateful for us, delights in our love and stops at no boundary to express and show us his.  We need to ponder this more, use our relationship with our spouse or intimate friend to realize what he is saying. The feelings  commitment that bind us with one another are similar to those the bind us to Jesus, but also so much more, for we are talking about the Source of Love, the Infinite Love that no words can adequately describe.  This is the ONE who offers that everlasting and intimate love to us.  What power and joy that gives us!  May we open our hearts to receive it, return it and share it with ALL.
Bro. Rene

Mary's Request

In mid-1916, three children in Portugal were visited by an angel who taught them how to improve their prayer as a preparation for six apparitions of the Blessed Virgin, the first of which began on this date in 1917. Mary appeared once a month on the 13th of the month  from then on until the final apparition on October 13th, when the "Miracle of the Sun" occurred.  There was one exception in August when the children were in prison on the 13th being questioned by the non-believing mayor.  Mary appeared to them after their release later that month.  Mary asked the children to pray the rosary daily for the conversion of sinners and for peace. She also asked that the world be consecrated to her, which St. John Paul II did on May 13th, 1982. His attempted assassination took place in St. Peter's Square on May 13th, 1981, and he attributed his survival to Our Lady of Fatima.
Mary's request for prayer and reflection on her Son through the Rosary continues,  but a look at today's world indicates that more prayer, more praying people need to answer the request. Could we not find time today to honor it?
Bro. Rene

Dying For the Sheep

Known as "Good Shepherd Sunday", the Fourth Sunday of Easter is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and in the United States, Mother's Day.  The theme of "laying down one's life for another" underscores all three. We see the all-encompassing love Jesus has for us as he compares himself to the dedicate shepherd who knows each of his sheep,  even calls them by name and goes to all ends to protect them or find them if they lose their way.  Those who have entered the priesthood or consecrated life, aspire to follow the model of the Good Shepherd.  Faced with diminishing numbers in these ranks, we dedicate our prayers today for more to respond to the call which Jesus continues to make. May the din of today's secular and materialistic world not make the call impossible to hear, but may hearts accept it with confidence and joy.
And finally, our Mothers...are they not the best of "shepherds"?  Do they not tend to their children with loving care in countless, unseen and such generous ways, that indeed, they "decrease" so that their children might "increase"? May this be a day to express love and gratitude for all the "Shepherds" in our lives.
Bro .Rene.

To Whom Shall We Go?

Thank God for Peter.  Yes, he often spoke before he thought, was brash and even vehemently denied Jesus.  He is so much a part of each of us.  Once in awhile, however, speaking from the heart, something good, something classic came out of his mouth, as in the situation presented in today's Gospel Passage, Jn 6:60-69. When many of the disciples of Jesus declared they could not accept the "hard saying" of Jesus, that they must eat his body and drink his blood to have eternal life, and returned back to their old way of life, Peter spoke up to ask and declare: " To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God." (Jn  6:69).
When we face "hard things", doubt, discouragement, loneliness,  depression, we need to ask from our brokenness, "Where else, Lord, shall I go, except to you? We need to remind ourselves, or be reminded through the words of a family or friend, that Jesus is the answer.  It may seem that he too has closed the door on us, but the reality is that he is constanly reaching out to us to pick us up, mend us, mold and renew us, "rebirth" us, and make us better and happier than we ever were before.  He has the words, the formula,  for everlasting life.  When we give ourselves over to him, a joy, and excitement that we never experienced before assures us that we have made the right choice.
Bro. Rene

St. Damien of Molokai: Above and Beyond

For 15  years, Fr. Damien de Veuster, a Belgian missionary priest, lived and worked on the island of Molokai, Hawaii,  among people suffering from Hansen's Disease, popularly known as Leprosy, and dreaded as much as it was in the time of Jesus. The disease had reached epidemic proportions in Hawaii by 1873, and the only solution then known was to isolate the victims from the rest of the population. Molokai became synonymous with death, for not only were living conditions abominable, but no one ever emerged alive. Fr. Damien asked to be the chaplain for these victims, and not only provided spiritual nourishment, but also improved living conditions by building homes  and improving hygiene and sanitary care.  Knowing that he would most likely contract the disease, he nevertheless was not afraid to wash and treat infected areas and show his love by spending time visiting with his "patients'.  He build a little chapel, then a larger church to which the lepers flocked. He felt even more at one with them when he became a leper himself. "I make myself a leper with the lepers to gain all for Christ," he wrote. His self- sacrifice and discipleship went above and beyond the ordinary and for this he was canonized in 2009.  He stands as a model for us who might think we have reached our limit and have nothing more to give.
Bro. Rene

God's Mysterious Ways

Today we hear the fascinating story of Philip's conversation with a court official of the Queen of Ethiopia which led to his baptism. Who is this Philip?  Is he the apostle Philip?  No, he is the deacon Philip, who was chosen to serve when the Apostles found themselves overwhelmed with serving tables. Evidently, as we read earlier in chapter 8, he was not just a "waiter", but a successful evangelizer.  It's no wonder that he was chosen to aid the courtier understand the passage from Isaiah that he was reading. After he had baptized him, his work was done and he was "snatched away" (Acts 8:39), but continued his evangelizing two town after town.  God works in mysterious ways still today as we often find ourselves in the company of someone we don't know or hadn't planned to talking to, and we find ourselves filling in a need we had been unaware of, and then we just get "snatched" away.
Bro. Rene

Not My Will

Today's thin slice of bread focuses on a thick, chewy reality:  the relinquishment of "my" will to the will of God.   Our model is Jesus who told the crowd, "I came down from heaven not to do my will but the will of the one who sent me." (Jn 6: 38).  Luke echoes this as Jesus prayed in the Garden on the night before his death: "Father, if you are willing,  take this cup away from me; still not my will by yours be done." (Lk 22:43).  Can we make this our prayer today?
 Bro. Rene

True Bread

When the crowds asked Jesus for a sign, citing the manna in the desert that God, working through Moses gave the Hebrews, a pretty spectacular sign, they did not anticipate  the "true bread" that Jesus offered them. (cf. Jn 6: 30-35). Naturally they were thinking literally of bread, and who wouldn't want bread that came down from heaven (heavenly bread), that was available daily, and that guaranteed (along with faith), eternal life?  As this discourse continues, the crowds hear that Jesus is that heavenly bread, and objections arise. Some leave in disbelief.  But for those who do believe and accept, this is the food for the journey, the access to Jesus that puts us as close to him, as the crowds were, and even more so, as he becomes part and parcel with us as the sacred bread is absorbed into our systems.  We can't live long without eating, and certainly we cannot sustain much of a spiritual life without eating this true bread.  What a thoughtful, caring gift, one for which we cannot thank Jesus enough!
Bro. Rene

Food That Endures

The beautiful song, "Come to the Water", by John Foley, S.J. contains the haunting question, "Why should you spend your life, except for the Lord?"  So much of our energy is spent not for the "food that endures" but for the food that perishes" (cf. Jn 6: 27). ( Food, being a metaphor for pursuits, careers, projects.)  Is a material object something that fully satisfies, or is it faith, love, the gift of self to another, hours of caring for someone, hours of listening to someone who is searching, who is depressed, hours of service to feeding the hungry, or raising funds to help veterans...something intangible, but enduring unto eternity? Jesus gave us the ultimate Food that endures, himself in the Eucharist. A faithful diet of the Bread of Life will help us make the correct choice of the best way to spend our lives.
Bro. Rene

Feed My Sheep

When Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, (cf. Jn 21: 15) he was asking us as well.  Three times he asked, and three times Peter protested that he did.  And in response, Jesus told him to feed his sheep.  And the same goes for us.  We love, and Jesus delights in giving us the best gifts possible but at the same time, these gifts are not just for us, but for others who hunger and need to be fed.  Our commission is to love and to give our love, whatever we have totally, without counting the cost to all who come into our lives.  Seems simple, but demands a "death to self" a willingness to put aside our plans, our time, our material goods, for the sake of the other.  Only the love of Jesus can make this possible.  And it's not just a one time deal, but for life.
Do you love me?  Feed my sheep.
Bro. Rene

Do Not Be Afraid

St. John Paul II chose this admonition as a major theme of his pontificate.  No wonder.  He had lived through the Nazi occupation of Poland, and later under communism.  He studied for the priesthood in secret and learned to be bold when surrounded by "unfriendly" governments and policies; as Bishop of Krakow, he carried out his role fearlessly; when shot by an assassin's gun, he recovered and continued his pontificate with even more conviction and vigor, audaciously supporting the Solidarity movement in Poland, which eventually ended  the communist regime. He told the world over and over again, Fear not...as if he had been in the boat with the Apostles who had seen Jesus walking on water and were terrified, but also were assured by Jesus, "It is I.  Do not be afraid." (Jn  6: 20). 
As we look at our world, our culture, our "Milenials" our families, we might easily be frightened.  Chaos, transition and challenges confront us on every side. Yet, when we hear Jesus say, "It is I.  Do not be afraid,"
how can we not find peace, and like the Apostles, "want  to take Jesus into our boat."  (Jn 6:21).
Bro. Rene

Greater Than These

As we celebrate the feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles, we tune in to the Last Supper and the final words of Jesus to his Apostles. Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, assuring him that they would then be satisfied. (cf. Jn 14:8).  Similarly we ask Jesus for direction in our lives, success in our work, or the solution to a problem, with the proviso: "and I won't ask for anything else."  Even though Jesus assures us that we will do greater works than he performed (cf. Jn 14: 12) and that anything we ask he will grant (cf. Jn 14: 13), we are never satisfied. Oh, how we need to deepen our faith, really believe and follow Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.  When we do, we find that yes, we are doing things far beyond our natural capabilities, because he is working within us and through us. The more we become like him, the greater things we will do. Let us ask for that deeper faith, die to the selfishness that blocks us from giving our lives totally to him, and boldly act in his name.
Bro. Rene

Rationing The Spirit

As we continue with the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, we hear Jesus explain the extent of the Father's love for his Son:  "The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him." (Jn 3: 35)  In like manner, Jesus does not "ration" the gift of the Spirit, (cf. Jn 3:34),  but gives totally of himself, not to just a select few, but to All. Crises often bring about temporary rationing, as when water is rationed during a drought, or for those of us who remember life during WW II, sugar, coffee, gasoline and other items were rationed, so that there would be enough for everybody, albeit in smaller amounts than normal.  But with Jesus, with the Father, there is NO RATIONING, but rather LAVISH GIVING that knocks us over.  We cannot fathom such generosity, because we lack it ourselves.  However, we are called to imitate this great love and generosity and give totally of ourselves to God and to neighbor.
Bro. Rene

St. Joseph the Worker

Today is the optional memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, established by Pope Pius XII to counter the May Day celebration in the USSR as well as to honor all workers.  Looking at St. Joseph, reminds us that the ability to work is a gift from God and can be made holy as we use our skills and talents to support our families and build a strong, healthy and just society on the two great commandments, Love of God and Love of Neighbor.  With that commandment in mind, no work is too menial, nor so important that it overtakes our relationships with one another and with God.  Balance is needed to retain a healthy perspective so that our personal lives and relationships don't suffer, nor do :"idols" emerge to divert us from the true purpose of our existence. God worked for six days, and on the seventh, rested, and told us to do the same.  Surely, Joseph kept the commandment and kept the Holy Family in tune with God.  May his example and prayers help us do the same.
Bro. Rene