Peter's Brother

Matthew's account of the recruitment of Peter and his brother Andrew has them leaving their nets and boats at the behest of Jesus to follow him, "Come after me and I will make you fishers of men" (Mt 4:19).  John has  Andrew and another disciple of John the Baptist spending an afternoon with Jesus and then telling Peter, Andrew's brother, that they had found the Messiah.  The next day, Andrew brought Peter to Jesus. (cf. Jn 1: 35-42).  Peter, James, and John accompanied Jesus to Mt. Tabor and to the Garden of Gethsemane, but Andrew was not included.  He assumed a quiet role among the Twelve, though he brought attention to the boy with the five barley loaves and two fishes in John 6: 8-9.  He seemed to avoid the spotlight and take care of practical details.  After Pentecost, tradition says he preached in Greece where he died a martyr upon an X-shaped cross, which adorns the flag of Great Britain today, since his relics were said to have been brought to Scotland.
There is a place for quiet folks behind the scenes among the followers of Jesus. Not all have to be great preachers or miracle-workers, but simply faithful care takers of details, or crumb sweepers.  If done in the spirit of St. Andrew, they might not merit a martyr's crown nor a national flag, but certainly a crown in heaven.
Bro Rene

Looking For A Sign

In his usual simple way, Jesus calls our attention to a simple sign from nature:  the budding of the fig tree and other trees...Even we know this ageless sign:  the buds mean that Spring is right around the corner, as the falling leaves signal, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the coming of Winter.  Signs indicate wonderful things to come, or bad, but always seem to be there.  We wonder if our prayers will be answered, or we wonder what decision we should make and wish we had a sign to help us know the answer.  It's not forbidden to ASK for a sign, and God, as he did with Gideon and so many of his Old Testament prophets and Judges will give us the sign. It's not hocus pocus but really works...Try it.  God is right there and will hear us...Believe, Trust!
Bro. Rene

Thanking God

 In the United States, this day is dedicated to thanking God for the blessings we receive daily and often take for granted.  Stemming from a tradition dating back to the first settlers in Massachusetts who celebrated a successful year along with Native Americans, setting aside ONE day for an official thank you has become a national event.  Families gather around a traditional meal and gratitude, and the recognition of God's generosity are the theme for the day.  No matter where we are, it helps to pray in thanksgiving, for we thus acknowledge that without the help and grace of God, we would have very little, or nothing.  The following prayer by Fr. Herbert Yost, CSC,  puts the appropriate words on our lips and in our hearts:

God of abundant generosity, source of all blessing, on this celebration of Thanksgiving, we call to mind the blessings of this year. Many of us have much to be thankful for—loving relationships, good health, meaningful work and time to spend with family and friends. Bless all those who go without these gifts today, especially the poor, sick and lonely. May we share what we have been given with others, mindful that all that is good comes from You.
Please accept our feelings of gratitude and make those feelings our prayer of thanksgiving. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving..
Bro. Rene

The World That Will Never End

We continue today with Luke's description of the "Eschatological Discourse" of Jesus, the passing away of this world as we know it. (Lk 21:12-19) This has been a hot topic for centuries, with groups periodically appearing with the "definite date" of the end of the world, mistakenly taken so seriously be some that they have divested themselves of all belongings to be ready for "the end." The words of Jesus, are, however, a stark warning that we have not here a permanent kingdom, and the time will eventually come, in the life of each of us, and for the whole world, to move onto the next world.  Yes, we are to make every effort to help bring this world to its best possible state, but we also must be aware that the World That Will Never End, heaven, is our final goal.  Let us not forget that, especially as we accompany each other along the way.
Bro. Rene

Nothing To Fear

St. Marcellin Champagnat, who lived in a time of turmoil, from the Revolution of 1789, and through the revolution of 1830, in the clutches of poverty, borrowing and begging, would constantly remind the brothers to fear nothing for we have God as our defender.  In that same light, Jesus admonished his followers there was nothing fear, even though the temple be destroyed, nations rise against nations, famines, earthquakes, and plagues ravish the world. (Lk 21:5-11). The important thing is to trust and keep focused on him.  How true for us in the age of unrest and division in which we live..  God is faithful and ever remains our defender.
Bro. Rene

Two Coins Are Enough

When the rich poured their hefty gifts into the treasury, they did not receive any recognition nor accolade from Jesus, but a poor widow who gave two small coins has been immortalized as the model of generosity. (Lk 21: 1-4). Why?  Because she gave from her poverty, not from her abundance. This kind of giving says that love  does not count the cost, and that trust assures that in some way these coins will be replaced.  It's not  uncommon for a double-sized gift to appear out of the blue when one has given the last coin. The "coin" might not be just money, but time, advice, a kind word, a smile, a hand shake, a hug...something that on the surface is just "a small coin", but to the recipient, a treasure. No "coin" is too small when given with love and trust.
Bro. Rene

Christ Our King

The Solemnity of Christ the King, which we celebrate today, was introduced by Pope Pius XI in 1925 as a means in counterbalancing the drift toward secularism which was already making sharp inroads into traditional Christian beliefs and practices.  If it were needed then, how much more NOW?  The Gospel for today is not very regal, on the contrary, it presents the King of Kings hanging on the cross in a "discussion" with the two thieves hanging on their crosses besides him. (Lk 23:35:43). Yet it is fitting for the feast, for that death on the cross was the ultimate sign of the love the King of the Universe has for us, and the door to our salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of God.  It was a dramatic way of saying, "I love you."  He has left us with a mission to spread that love and will come again at the end of time to establish that Kingdom of Love in its definitive form.  It is up to us to carry on the mission, to ward off the powers of evil that still work so diligently to counteract our task by attacking us from within and without. Let us continue to work for our King, the King of Love and of the Universe, and tell him over and over again, "I love YOU!"
Bro. Rene 

Lookkng Ahead

Today's readings deal with our life here and our life hereafter. (1 Mac 6:1-13) and (Lk 20:27-40).  In the first reading, a defeated King Antiochus falls into depression and eventually death, looking back at his life and the crimes he has committed as the reason for his "punishment", defeat and death in a foreign land. A terrible way to make one's exit, but as one has lived, so one dies.  On the other hand, Jesus answers the question of multiple marriages on earth and what happens to them in the next life. Jesus answered (for the record) that there will be no marriage then. The point is, that we use our time here to "become the best version of ourselves", keep the Law of Love, meditate on it and live it, stay focused on the future while doing our best here, remember that our salvation comes through Jesus, not ourselves,  and leave the rest up to God. 
Bro. Rene

Cleansing of the Temple

We read today of an angry Jesus cleansing the Temple of merchants and money changers: "My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves" (Lk 19: 46).  It was a just and righteous anger reflecting the sentiments of the Psalmist, "The zeal for your house consumes me."  (Ps 69 10 ) and we might easily chime in when we look at the corruption being daily exposed in the Church. But before pointing the finger at the institution, it might be better to look closer at ourselves and find the thieves and money changers in our own hearts.
Bro. Rene

Totally Dedicated

Note:  A phone call just before the deadline prevented this slice from being posted yesterday.  It appears today as a bonus

Today's Memorial of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple highlights several facets of Mary's life for our contemplation today.  Although the presentation is not found in the Bible, it has become part of our tradition stemming from the Protoevangelium of St. James, an apocryphal work of the 1st century. According to the story, Mary is born to Anna and Joachim, and elderly couple,  similar to Abraham and Sarah, and Zechariah and Elizatbeth, recalling the special intervention of God in her birth...for a purpose:  to be the Mother of God.  She is presented in the Temple, yet later becomes the Temple of the Holy Spirit from which comes the Son of God.  She is totally dedicated to God her whole life and particularly from the moment of her "FIAT"...let it be done to me when Jesus is conceived in her and shares in his role of Savior of the World.  The grace of salvation comes to us to us through this totally dedicated woman who also serves as a model of dedication to us as dedicated disciples of Jesus.
Bro. Rene

Every Coin Counts

We have been conditioned to make sure we "get our money's worth."  Ask any shopper.  Today's Parable of the Gold Coins (Lk 19: 11-28) fits right into that kind of thinking, but it's not just about money, it's about the gifts or talents God has given us.  Some have received in abundance, others lesser amounts, but the point is they all have to be used. Hiding them out of fear not only spoils God's plan, but kills us and hurts those around us.  We do not know nor cannot measure the effect of our presence alone has on others, nor of something we say and don't even remember afterwards.  The slightest thing, a simple "hello" can make a difference in someone who's feeling isolated or unappreciated.  God does not want us to compare our stock of talents with others, or to hide it but to use whatever "coin" or gift he has given us, and let the results be determined by him.
Bro. Rene

The Beauty of Conversion

We reflected on the story of Zacchaeus not too long ago, but it comes up again in today's Liturgy. (Lk 19: 1-10) as an example of how conversion is a consequence of our longing and God's merciful grace.  Our efforts alone won't bring about the change of life and closeness to God we desire, for "all is grace".  It's God's gift that converts us; we simply prepare our hearts for it by longing from the depths or our soul for that tranquil union which entices us to keep yearning. St. Augustine spent at least 20 years searching for Truth with his mother's prayers watering the soil of his parched heart. When the moment Truth overpowered him and Beauty overtook him, he yielded in tears and turned his long search into a blending of his will, heart and soul with God's and experienced a joy and beauty that until this moment had eluded him.  Zacchaues had a similar desire which took him up a tree above a jeering crowd, so he could simply see Jesus.  Then grace descended upon him with the  self-invite of Jesus to dine with him. The floodgates of repentance and conversion opened, moving him to come up immediately with a plan of action for his new-found joy.  A moment of Beauty as we see a man born again.  Let us pray for our own on-going conversion as well as for those who are searching for it that we too may "walk in beauty."
Bro. Rene

"Lord, Please Let Me See

The prayer of the blind Bartimeus, "Lord, please let me see" (Lk 18:42). could easily be ours.  Some of us might need physical sight, yes, but the rest of us seek to know God's plan for us, how best we can use the marvelous gifts of grace he has given us: our humility, tenderness, compassion, patience, endurance, strength, insight, presence, desire to help others and love. What is God's plans for our best use of them? Our plea will not go unheeded, though the answer may not be as swift as was granted to Bartimeus. He called out so loudly and persistently that others rebuked him and tried to shush him, making him shout all the more until Jesus noticed him. Like his, may our prayers be as strong and persistent that we too may SEE.  Bartimeus, help us to pray as you did.
Bro. Rene

Patient Endurance

The Gospel selection for today warns of persecution and violence (Lk 21:5-19) and concludes that "By your perseveance you will secure your lives." (Lk 21:19).  Persecution was not simply something back in "Roman Times:, nor in 16th century Japan and England, not 19th century Korea and Vietnam, but goes on even today.  Since 2003, 500,000 Christians have been forced out of Iraq, many were slaughtered before they could leave.Suffering and pain come in the footsteps of Jesus,  who endured rejection and death himself.
In light of this "bigger picture". what is a back ache or upset stomach? Even more serious setbacks, such as job loss, or untimely death, all become part of the Patient Endurance Picture that we need to move ahead in this "Beautiful World" described by Louis Armstrong, or in this "vale of tears" mentioned in our beloved Salve Regina (Hail Holy, Queen). Saint Nilus of Sinai calls  Patient Endurance "The queen of virtues, the foundation of virtue, a haven of tranquility.  It is peace in time of war, calm in rough waters, safety amides treacher and danger.  It makes those who practice it stronger than steel." (Magnificat  November 2019 p. 265).  Dear God, grant me the grace of patient endurance, when I think I can't stand one more disappointment or trial.
Bro.  Rene

Persistance Pays Off

Today's thin slice of bread focuses on the need to persevere in prayer, even though the answer seems to be hidden under a rock.  The classic example is the twenty year prayer of Monica for the conversion of her son, Augustine.  How many of us would persevere for twenty years?  Yet, the conversion came, and it ways mighty.  He became a bishop for the next 40 or so years.   She died soon after his baptism, her mission in life accomplished.  Sometimes the wait is that long, other times the answer comes at the most unplanned time, such as on a walk when grace floods in and overflows with tears...of joy, of realization that God has been there all the time.  Gratitude of huge proportions follows... Moral:  STAY WITH IT, for we know not the day nor the hour when the answer will come.
Bro. Rene

Fair Warning

The words of Jesus concerning "the day the Son of Man is revealed" (Lk 17:26 ) serve as a fair warning that complacent eating and drinking, buying, selling planting and building, the ordinary things we do each day can easily be disrupted.  Jesus was speaking about his Second Coming, but remind us, as we so often experience, that a stroke, heart attack, accident or surprise stage four cancer diagnosis are possibilities that don't hold high priority status in our daily comings and goings. A popular stance used to be:  "Live each day as if it were the last day of your life."  Without dwelling on the morose, or arousing unnecessary fear, it is good and wholesome to remind ourselves, that truly we "know not the day nor the hour", so living the best we can at any given moment will keep us prepared for the surprise "intrusion." Jesus gives us this paradox which could and should serve as a cardinal principle in our lives:  "Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it, will save it." (Lk 17:33)   The more we "die" to self, the more we live in God.
Bro. Rene

Where Is The Kingdom Of God?

When the Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come,  he answered, "The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will ever announce, 'Look, here it is'; or, 'There it is.' For behold the Kingdom of god is among you.'"  (Some translations read, "within" you.) (Lk 17:20)
The Book of Wisdom sheds some light on what makes the Kingdom alive among or within us:  When we see "the spirit of Wisdom, intelligent, holy, unique,/ Manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unstained, certain, / not bashful, loving the good, keen,/ unhampered, beneficent, kindly,/ Firm secure. tranquil,/ all-powerful, all-seeing,/ and Pervading all spirits,/ though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle", we have a clear description of what life in the Kingdom is meant to be. Peaceful, quiet ( no noise stimulating or annoying us at every turn), free of anxiety, worry or stress...a world we long for and can have if we but put the skids on our busyness and take time during each day to STOP, REFLECT,  DELVE INTO THE DEPTHS OF OUR SOUL and  give the spirit of Wisdom a chance.
Bro. Rene

Gratitude

We meet the Ten Lepers again today in the gospel passage that never grows old,  as neither does gratitude.  (Lk 17: 11-19).  How often do we say "I can never thank you enough." or reiterate that sentiment in our prayer when God has graced us with a surprised or asked-for favor?  Yet, only ONE of the TEN returns to thank Jesus for his life-changing cure. Jesus assured him that in addition to his cleansing from leprosy, his salvation was assured. "Stand up and go; you faith has saved you." (Lk 17: 19).  Notre Dame graduate, David Boudrot sums up the effects of gratitude even on a simply human level:
Recent research in positive psychology has turned our attention to the role of gratitude in our overall wellbeing. Gratitude helps us note and appreciate positive experiences, build strong relationships, deal with adversity, improve our health, increase our resiliency, and view the future more confidently and optimistically. When that gratitude is directed to God, our intentions move beyond our own wellbeing toward the well being of others. Gratitude is an essential Christian tool for orienting ourselves towards the kingdom of God with hope, longing, and joy. (Faith ND reflection, Nov 13, 2019).
May we bond with the one leper who said thanks, and never let ingratitude separate us from the God whom we cannot thank enough.
Bro Rene

Humble Service

Jesus give us a dose of humility in today's brief gospel passage, one that fits right into our Marist love of doing good quietly.  The role of the servant is to serve the will and needs of others.  Any one who lives or works with others knows that there is no limit to service.  Day after day, time after time, we repeat the same little tasks, attending to details no one else seems to notice, and receiving no thanks for our un-noticed efforts. Jesus tells us, we are "unprofitable servants, having done what we were obliged to do." (Lk 17: 10).  And so we are.  Do we deserve accolades for doing what we are supposed to do? When did God die and we take his place?  Indeed, we are not worthy of anything; it is all gift. May we go about our daily duties with love and this humble recognition of who we are, then joy will abide.
Bro. Rene

Wisdom

The Book of Wisdom begins with call to justice and integrity:  "Love justice, you who judge the earth;/ think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in integrity of heart;" (Wis 1:1).  Jesus warns us of the opposite:  to beware of leading others, particularly the young into sin. (Lk 17:1).  A just life, a life of integrity, charity, forgiveness and faith, demands commitment and discipline, not just momentary warm feelings, and certainly not self-seeking.  It is a God-centered life, based on a loving relationship with him which gives us the courage, fortitude and strength to live for God and neighbor. We have examples throughout our history of saints and soldiers, laymen and religious who have lived this way, such as St. Martin of Tours, whose Memorial we keep today, or the countless men and women who have served in the military to preserve our freedom and values, whom we honor today.  A selfless life, is possible.  The bar is set high; we can reach it with the help of God and one another. This is living out wisdom, not just talking about it or wishing for it.
Bro. Rene

Encouraging One Another

As we approach the end of the Liturgical year in two weeks on the Solemnity of Christ the King, we begin to prepare our hearts for the "End Times".  Today's gospel passage raises questions about life after death.  What happens to us? (Lk 20: 27-38).  Jesus does not elaborate much beyond saying that there is life after death, and that in some way we will be "like angels" and children of God"  Is Jesus implying that we need not spend too much time imagining our future, but rather use our time and gifts NOW to give hope and encouragement to others, and to lighten the burden that we experience daily through our worries and stresses?
Paul wrote this to the Thessalonians who were also wondering about the future:  May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.  (2 Thess 16-17). What difference can I make in my attitude and in the life of someone else, if I make encouragement my goal today?
Bro. Rene

God's Temple

We the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, AKA St. John Lateran, we honor the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Faith, a large and beautiful basilica dating back to the time of Emperor Constantine, the first emperor to grant freedom of worship to Christians.  The building came to him as part of his wife's dowry and sections of it include the original building. It was used by the Pope as his seat. Additions over the centuries have enhanced it, making it a showpiece of art as well as a place of worship. It is still today the Pope's official church as Bishop of Rome.
One might look on it as a sign of the temple of the Holy Spirit, our bodies...made of many parts, enhanced over the years,subject of attacks and pillaging, and always in process of rebuilding. Both buildings and bodies need attention, care, renovation and renewal, if they are to preserve their beauty and endure the ravages of time.  Our Annual Feast reminds us of this beautiful temple as well as that even more beautiful temple, our body, in which dwells the Spirit of God. Because of this, may we treat it with utmost care.
Bro Rene

Prudence

The Parable of the Unjust Steward might cause us some confusion unless we take some time to delve into it.  We wonder why the unjust steward's master praises him for feathering his own future nest by lowering the debts owed his master without his knowledge or permission.  The master commended him for his cleverness, even though he was cheating him.  (Lk 16:1-8).  Obviously he was not commended for his deceit, but for exercising prudence in looking after himself.
How prudent are we in caring for ourselves?  Do we overstuff ourselves with the wrong foods?  Deprive ourselves of sleep and family time to make "the extra buck?" Neglect exercise to insure mobility and prevent excess weight gain?   And speaking of neglect, how about prayer, Sunday worship, and service to others?  How about even simple acts of kindness?  The virtue of prudence can help prevent or resolve problems in our lives if we use it.  The unjust steward has a lesson for us.
Bro. Rene

Finding the Lost

Yes, when we lose things, St. Anthony immediately comes to mind, not Jesus, but today's gospel passage, (Lk 15:1-10) gives us two parables of the three in this chapter, which remind us that God himself, like a shepherd leaving the 99 to find the one lost sheep or a poor woman searching for a lost coin, will not give  up until what is lost is found. Jesus, the good Shepherd, reflecting  God's persistence, makes every effort to bring back that one lost sheep.  Francis Thompson in his poem, THE HOUND OF HEAVEN, goes to great lengths to describe the determination of the "Hound" to bring back the stray. This might be comforting to some, but scary to others, or causing others to ask, "Does this really happen, since I see to many 'lost' or straying far from the flock?"  We do not see the whole picture, and need to trust that if Jesus said it, it happens.. Free will might prevent a happy ending in every case, but rest assured, God is making every effort to gradually, if not dramatically, retrieve the lost.
Bro. Rene

Discipleship Requirements

Here are a couple of startling thoughts on Discipleship:

"...everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple."  (Lk 14:33)

"If we do not have love in our hearts,
our words will have little meaning.
If we do not truly enjoy our faith, nobody is going to catch the fire of enjoyment from us.
If our lives are not actually centered on Christ, we will not be Christ-bearers for others."
Madeleine L'Engle
Bro. Rene

Excuses

"Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God." (Lk 14:15).  Despite this happy prospect, Jesus went on to explain how people made excuses not to attend.  Human nature seems to be like that:  Something precious is offered to us, and we turn away to the paltry. Jesus doesn't force us, but we shortchange ourselves.  Free Will.  What we turn down, he offers to others.  May we have the wisdom, and, if necessary, the guts, to accept the invitation that comes our way...daily we are asked to attend the feast which might mean giving  up and old habit, or something we cherish, but in the end no comparison to a seat in the Kingdom.
Bro. Rene

Vocation Awareness Week

We are asked to consider God's Call and to help others hear that call as well.  The basic call is to holiness, to be a saint...one who simply gives over his life to God and allows God to complete the work begun even before we were conceived.  It's a life-long process, but we find encouragement in saints such as St. Charles Borromeo, who at first appeared to be learning and speech impaired.  He diligently set his mind to improve his speech and methodically achieve a Doctorate.  Working for the Church, as Cardinal of MIlan, he lived the Gospel, reformed the clergy and was instrumental in the  success of Council of Trent.  He serves as a model for all who think they "can't make it."
Bro. Rene

Never Too Late

Today we read the story of Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, whose curiosity to see Jesus made him climb a tree from where he received a life-changing directive. (Lk 19:1-10) Not only did he see Jesus, but later dined with him in his own home and so moved, made major revisions in his dealings with others.  What power lies in contact with Jesus.  We don't have to climb a tree, but we can ask Jesus to come into our homes, our hearts and transform our behavior to match as much as possible the re-formation of Zacchaeus. He wasn't afraid of what others thought, as evidence by his perch in the tree; neither was he ashamed to admit his bad behavior and rectify it.  If he could do it, why can't you and I?
Bro. Rene

Remembering Our Deceased Loved Ones

Note: yesterday was Slice  3333!

Fittingly, our Scripture passages for today are filled with hope to balance our sorrow as we honor our many deceased family members and friends. "The souls of the just are in the hand of God and no torment shall touch them." (Wis 3:1) "Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out inot our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Rm 5:5)  "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him up on the last day." (Jn 6:40).  Those who have gone before us, even if delayed for further purification, are in a safe place, "a better place," as the current expression goes.  We need not fear for them, but do need to take the opportunity today and this Month of the Holy Souls, to remember and cherish them, as a means of healing our sorrow and reminding ourselves that one day we shall follow them. Remembering, cleansing, preparing and giving thanks are fitting themes for the dark days of November, but may we find consolation, courage and hope as we look forward to Eternal life with God and with our loved ones and all the saints.
Bro. Rene

All Saints: A Call To Holiness

The Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints, to honor the host of disciples of Jesus who have lived according to his teachings and through miracles obtained through their intercession, have demonstrated that they are indeed in heaven.  Over the last 60 years we have seen a vast number of these faithful declared saints, many of whom were in the news during our lifetimes.  St. John Paul II canonized over 1,000 saints; Pope Benedict XVI, 45 and Pope Francis, another 45+. to show us in this age of doubt and indifference that holiness is possible.  Our gospel passage today is the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the...."  or in another translation, "Happy are the...." (Mt 5:1-12a).  What brings blessedness and happiness?  Living our lives with the compassion of God and with his love that desires the good of others. Through the prayers and witness of these who have lived this way, may we make it our goal to follow in their footsteps, for we are all called to holiness, to sainthood.
Bro Rene