Beginning and End

This last day of 2019 could be the occasion of looking backwards as well as forwards.  Our Gospel for today is the Prologue of John's Gospel ( Jn 1:1-18)... a profound, philosophical, theological and spiritual meditation on the Mystery of the Incarnation, looking at the LOGOS being expressed in the flesh and "pitching his tent" among us..."And the Word (Logos) became flesh/ and made his dwelling (pitched his tent) among us. (Jn 1: 14).  He who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, is one of us, knows us and loves us to our core.  Yes, on this day we review 2019 and try to generate hope and confidence for 2020.  We end one year to start another.  Jesus did the same and reminds us by his Presence among us, that he is always at our side and is the foundation for our hope in a better future, not only in our personal life, but in the lives of ALL.  May we find strength, comfort and courage in having HIM as our Beginning and our End.
A happy and blessed New Year to All.
Bro Rene

The Sixth Day

This is the sixth day in the Octave of Christmas.  Six days ago, we celebrated the birth of Jesus, an event so great that the Church recognizes it for a week as ONE DAY, the Octave of Christmas. We have seen that suffering and death are part of the message of Christmas in the martyrdom of St. Stephen and of the Holy Innocents. We took a good look at the Holy family yesterday, and today we hear of the "ancient' widow, Anna, and the return of the family to Nazareth.  Anna spent her days and nights in prayer ad fasting, using the time and the gift of life as a widow to concentrate on drawing closer to God.  She was rewarded by actually seeing the child whom she knew was the One to bring redemption to Israel...and all of us.  How do we fill our days?  With prayer and fasting?  What would we be like if we did...even just a bit?  Would we have a clearer picture of Jesus in our lives, in the hearts of others and amidst our daily busyness?
Then the Family settled eventually in Nazareth, (in Matthew, we read of the sojourn in Egypt first) where Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and touched by the favor of God. A model family,  As an old country saying puts it:  "If there are more mothers like Mary and more fathers like Joseph, there will be more children like Jesus."  Amen!!! (Magnificat, December 2019, p. 446)
Bro Rene

Faith, Love and Obedience

The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph stirs up several themes stemming from the refugee crisis of 65 million displaced persons so prominent in headlines and in our thoughts, as well as the disarray in millions of families as this fundamental foundation stone of society struggles to remain intact.  Right from the beginning, the Holy Family was displaced by a fearful, jealous, immoral king, and forced to flee to a foreign land for safety.  Who would have expected such a demand on the family of the Son of God?  Yet, in becoming human, God experienced all aspects of the human condition, even to "exile", temporary though it was. Even in such a dramatic situation, God's care was evident:  an angel warned Joseph in a dream, and Joseph and Mary immediately responded, obediently in faith, trust, as love binding them closer to their heavenly Father and to each other.  Again we see growth coming from crisis. What an example for us, as we use our imaginations to fill in the details. Rooted in the faith that God guides every step of the way, the Holy Family eventually returned to Nazareth for a respite before the next dramatic chapter when Jesus began his pubic ministry and fulfilled the purpose of his coming among us. May our faith, love and obedience grow to the point of bringing us through all the unexpected events of life to our final Amen, Alleluia.
Bro Rene

The Slaughter of the Holy Innocents

More martyrs.  Following the trend set on December 26th, the martyrdom of St. Stephen, two days later we celebrate the atrocious slaughter of boys two years old and younger from the Bethlehem region by the angry and fearful King Herod.  He was afraid of losing his throne, his power, to this "newborn king" announced to him by the Magi.  When they did not report back to him as to the whereabouts of this child as he had requested, his wrath let loose, and he who had ordered the murder of two of his own sons, had no qualms about slaughtering these innocent children, who never knew Jesus nor saw him in action, but nevertheless died in his place.  Yes, "Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be comforted, because they were no more." (Mt 2:18).
We weep over the untimely death of any child, and in today's world, those numbers are staggering.  In 2018, 6.2 million children age 15 and younger, died, and 5.3 million were under the age of 5. Many are not victims in place of Christ, but simply victims of the same fear and lust for power that motivated Herod. The sickness of our world, believe it or not, has been healed by the death and resurrection of Jesus. If each one of us put our faith into practice from the depths of our hearts to the minutest of our actions, the power of the resurrection would surely over-power the forces of evil that seem to have control, but don't.
Bro. Rene 

Love and Respect

Today we honor St John the Evangelist, the "Beloved Disciple" by recounting the scene at the empty tomb when he outran Peter to arrive first, but then waited for him to catch up with him and be the first to enter. (Jn 20: 1a, 2-8).  Being young and having more leg and wind power than Peter, it's no surprise that he outraced him, but also, we can get a sense of his great love for Jesus spurring him on to run as fast as he could, after all, he was the man who would lay his head on the breast of Jesus, so great was their mutual love. And that love was what motivated him to run so fast, take Mary into his home, and spend the rest of his long life spreading the message of love in his Gospel, three letters and the Book of Revelation.
And we see another aspect of John's love:  respect...Peter was older, and the designated leader of the Twelve...He should go first.  John defers to him out of respect...a virtue that seems to be losing ground in our current society of insult and violence May we foster both love of God and neighbor and their corollary, respect, in our families  with our friends and colleagues, and with those who may not get along with us.
Bro. Rene

A Stark Reality

From the peace and glad tidings of Christmas to the brutal stoning of Deacon Stephen, the first Christian martyr!  What a stark contrast in just one day,  but also a reminder of the stark reality that the Babe in the manger would soon be nailed to a tree and that all his followers are to expect similar treatment:  "You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved." (Mt 10: 22).  Our salvation, though "purchased by Jesus, " is not automatic.  There is a necessary commitment and a transformation of heart that must take place in us as well.  St. Stephen, totally following in the footsteps of Jesus, shows us the way we are to walk, whether it be "death to self" or even physical death. By his life and words he loudly proclaimed the Son of God, made no bones about it, and suffered the crushing of his bones to stand by him. (cf. Acts 6;8-10; 7:54-59). 
With the glitter of Christmas lights and decorations, bundles of discarded wrapping paper perhaps still around the house along with trays of cookies and plates of delicious left-overs, let us not forget that pain and suffering are also an essential part of the Christmas package.
Bro. Rene

Bethlehem, The House of Bread

After three and a half weeks of Advent preparation, we arrive at this day when 2000+ years ago, the tiny town of Bethlehem, "the house of bread" welcomed the child who would indeed become the Bread of Life, our Savior and the nourishment of our souls. His first bed was the manger, the feeding trough of the animals that found shelter in the cave where this child was born.  He remains on our altars to feed us weekly, even daily, if we so choose. Today is dedicated to celebrating that wondrous event when the Son of God became bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh, a mystery so far-reaching that we cannot fully comprehend it.  "Yet, the Word did become flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory a of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth." (cf  Jn 1: 14). Let us take some time amidst the family activities and merriment of this day, to pause by the manger, to worship, and thank Jesus for this great act of love.
Bro. Rene

The Canticle of Zechariah

In one of the most beautiful canticles in the New Testament, one which finds a place daily in the Official Prayer of the Church, Lauds, Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, loosed from his nine month muteness, sings the praises of God, his merciful and loving care and a a mighty savior who sets people free sin.  He sings of his son, John, who will prepare the way for the Savior. (cf. Lk 1:67-79). Take time to pray this poetic canticle slowly with  Zechariah, even commit it to memory so that it becomes part of your every day prayer and thinking.  This is the story of our salvation  in 12 verses, a fitting gift on which to ruminate the day before Christmas.
Bro. Rene

The Birth of the Baptist

Appropriately,  we read today the birth of John the Baptist, the Precursor of Jesus, the one who came before Jesus to prepare the way for him, to lower the mountains, fill in the valleys and prepare a highway for our God-man. Even John's birth has some parallels to that of Jesus that help "prepare the way: The angel Gabriel, the same one who appeared to Mary, appeared to John's father, Zechariah to announce his birth to a couple long past childbearing age. Gabriel gave Zechariah the name for the child, John, as he gave the name Jesus to Mary. Both boys led "hidden lives" until their appearance on the public stage: one announcing the Lamb of God, the other Being the Lamb of God...
We might take this day to reflect on the many details of both births and missions and see again the cleverness of God's plan, and find assurance for his taking care of the plans we have.
Bro. Rene

Nothing to Fear

We take another look at how the birth of Jesus came about, this time from Matthew 1: 18-24. Mary, the betrothed of Joseph we found to be with child. The betrothal year meant no sexual relations between the engaged couple, and certainly not with anyone else.  Joseph was deeply disappointed, hurt and confused. After wrestling with the question, he had just about decided to end the relationship quietly, "divorce Mary quietly," (Mt 1: 19), his best option until an angel came to him in a dream and explained how the child was of the Holy Spirit and would save people from their sins. He told Joseph to take her as his wife, and so he did.
We don't have angels coming to us in our sleep with the answers for which we search, but we do have assurances all through Scripture that God watches over us, and leads us every step of the way. Reflect on Psalm 139 today...see why there is nothing to fear.  God knows when we sit and when we stand, is aware of our  inmost thoughts, hopes and dreams.  Nothing escapes him, and we cannot escape from his loving care.
May we proceed with confidence into the unknowns of this day and the days ahead, with confidence that God is watching and providing all we need.
Bro Rene

Bringing Christ To Others

As we draw closer to Christmas Day, we again focus on Mary whose "YES" made all this possible.  Today we see her "travel in haste" to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, also with child, to help her before her child is born. (Lk 1:39-45).  Mary could have sat home, relishing the astounding news of her pregnancy and the Divine Child within her, and playing the role of the" Queen Mother" to the hilt. But no, she, the Ark of the New Covenant, carries the Divine Presence to Elizabeth, whose womb-bound child leaps for joy in recognition of the Holy One within Mary.. A selfless act of Mary, the beginning of her mission to bring Jesus to others, to all of us.  She goes in haste, not wasting a moment, making the hundred mile, 4 day trip to bring Jesus to others, and she hasn't stopped since. She lays out the template for all disciples of Jesus:  bring him to others without any concern of the cost to yourself: Waste no time, sacrifice yourself, carry him to all by acts of thoughtfulness, kindness, compassion and love.  Help the souls you contact jump for joy at the encounter with Jesus living within you.
Bro Rene

Mary's Pivotal Yes...and Ours

Note:  time limited, slice thin, but powerful.

Eve said NO, Mary said YES.   What do I say when asked to enter the unknown, to take a risk, to bare my soul, to lay down my life for the sake of others?
Bro. Rene

The Importance of Silence

When Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, received the news in the Holy of Holies that his wife, Elizabeth, although past the age of childbearing, was to have a son, his disbelief imposed a forced muteness upon him until the child was born and called John. (Lk 1: 5-25). Understandably in shock at the news, he might justify his "loss of words" as we find it happening to us at some startling announcement, but this silence persisted and gave Zechariah a chance to ponder the working of God and the plan he had laid out for this child of promise. Cardinal Robert Sarah, noted theologian, points out that "In silence, not in the turmoil and noise, God enters into the innermost depths of our being....God's being has always been present in us in an absolute silence. And a human being's own silence allows him to enter into a relationship with the Word that is at the bottom of his heart.  Thus, in the desert, we do not speak. We listen in silence; man enters into a silence that is God....Silence is not an absence.  On the contrary, it is the manifestation of a presence, the most intense of all presences."  (Magnificat, December p. 288). In his imposed silence, Zechariah found God  We have been seeking ways to prepare for Christmas during this Advent.  Let silence be one of them. There is still time.
Bro. Rene

Joseph's Consternation

Today's gospel from Matthew (Mt 1: 18-25) gives us a clear picture of Joseph...torn between his commitment to Mary and puzzled by the pregnancy of his betrothed: What to do? We can imagine his consternation, perhaps sleepless nights and many prayers as he wrestled with this decision.  God, in his infinite goodness provides the solution through the message of an angel in a dream. "Take and marry Mary who is the bride of the Holy Spirit through whom she is with child." Obediently, though perhaps he did not fully understand the message, he took Mary into his home and raised the child as his own.. Dilemma resolved.
While an angel might not come to us in a dream, giving a problem time and prayer, and trusting what comes to us by night in a dream or "little voice" often provides a solution that stress and duress do not provide.  Trust that God hears our prayers, as he did Jospeh's, and turn away from consternation to peace.
Bro. Rene

The Family Tree of Jesus

Ancestry.com and other ancestor search engines are helping people today to reconnect with their roots.  In tribal societies, where records were not kept on paper, memory and constant repetition of family ancestry, particularly at weddings or funerals, kept the family tree before the eyes of its members.  It is still an important facet of life in most countries in Africa.
It is no surprise, then, that St. Matthew begins his gospel with the genealogy of Jesus. (Mt 1:1-17) He arranges it in 3 groups of 14 from Abraham to Joseph, the husband of Mary.  It's consoling to know that Jesus has a family tree, although most of the names mean nothing to us. We recognize David, and that is enough to legitimize his connection to royalty, though his kingdom is not of this world. The genealogy also affirms the humanity of Jesus, his membership in a human family with a long, established ancestry. He's not just someone who popped out of nowhere.  It helps bring us closer to Jesus, the Man, our brother, with whom we too share a family.
Bro. Rene

On The Authority of Jesus

It's hard these days to put credibility in anyone, it seems; so much has been uncovered as false or biased, in the political arena, and in the Church itself.  Where does one turn?  To Jesus, the ultimate authority, who is Truth, and cannot deceive.  His authority comes to us between the pages of a comprehensive book called, The Holy Bible, and in the teachings of the Church, guided in the truth by the Holy Spirit.The core of the Rock of Peter, remains strong and faithful to the Truth, although tarnished on the exterior by the frailty of the humans in whose hands the deposit of truth has been entrusted.  As we approach Christmas and the coming of our God to dwell among us, let us ask him to help us "keep it simple," relying on his authority, the force of his presence, consistency of his teaching, and magnitude of his compassion for all.
Bro. Rene

Rejoicing at All Times

The Liturgy calls us to rejoice on this Third Sunday of Advent, as we cross over the "hump" to Christmas despite our aches and pains and the wounds our Church and world are suffering.  John the Baptist was in prison, and no doubt rejoiced when he listened to the list of deeds Jesus sent him:  "The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the dear hear, the dead are raise, and trhe poor have the good news proclaimed to them." (Mt 11:5).  May we use this day to reflect on the good things going on in our lives and world, and rejoice, again, I say," rejoice!
Bro Rene

Hint Of Suffering To Come

After the glorious experience of the Transfigured Jesus, Jesus casually mentioned that suffering awaited him in the months ahead: "So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands." (Mt 17: 12). The disciples seemed to have missed the hint, focusing on John the Baptist. In the midst of Advent when we are reflecting on the coming of our God among us, we are not ready to hear about his leaving, particularly, as it turned out, so painfully.  Yet, from the beginning this was the plan, and we see it in the swaddling clothes in which the infant was wrapped.  These were the cloths wrapped around a newborn lambs, to dry them off and keep them warm  Later, John the Baptist would announce Jesus as the Lamb of God, "Behold, the Lamb of God," (Jn 1:29) the sacrificial lamb that was offered for the remission of our sins.
The Advent Season has its pressures:  our desire for time to reflect on the meaning of God With Us, the search for quiet, peaceful moments of prayer and pondering of the beautiful texts from Isaiah that flood us daily, all opposed by shopping, baking, decorating, gift shopping and wrapping, attending concerts and parties. Not "suffering" per se but undo tension, or so it would seem, that we could do without.  It might be, however, a cause for "letting go," relaxing in God a truly Advent stance, and putting into practice these words of Jesus: What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving....Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative , God-provisions.  Don't worry about missing out.You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. (Mt 6:31 The
Message)
Bro Rene

Was Blind, But Now I See

Note:  It's good to be back home after a successful operation and days of healing in the hospital.  Good to be able to cut slices of daily bread with all of you...God is GOOD!

St. Lucy's Day used to be considered the day of the Winter Solstice in the old Julian calendar but now, according to the Gregorian Calendar, it's December 21, and can't come soon enough.  Living in this darkness with the sun setting at 4 pm does not help to keep "spirits bright."  The darkness, however, does remind us of our own "blindness" as we let so many things unimportant, non-essential concerns blind us to the mystery and wonder of these days of preparation for Christmas.  Once in awhile we're given "light" and the scales fall from our eyes and we can sing as our own, the words of AMAZING GRACE:  "Was blind, but now I see."  May St. Lucy intercede for us so that we may see the real meaning behind gift-giving, decorations, festivities and family gatherings and appreciate the wonder of EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US.
Bro. Rene

Healing Our Blindness

When  two blind men asked Jesus for a cure, he responded with the question: "Do you believe that I can do this?" (Mt 9: 28). They answered in the affirmative and Jesus, and Jesus restored their sight, as he said, because of their faith. (Mt 9:29).
So often we are so blind that we don't even see it...(pun intended)...and even more, when we do begin to see what's blocking our vision, be it ambition, pride, or half-heartedness,  when asking for help we don't have the same faith that these two had, and our blindness continues. Again, it comes to FAITH...Jesus' question, "Do you believe I can do this?" is key to all aspects of our relationship with him.  Do we believe he knows us, is with us, loves us? Do we believe he can heal our faults and  weaknesses, forgive ours sins, and help us to become the person God created us to be?  When we approach Jesus with a full-hearted faith and trust, the scales that blind us will begin to fall off.
Bro Rene

On A Rock

God is often referred to as a Rock in the Bible:  "May the Lord be our Rock and our fortress, protect us from all distress, Amen." ( cf. 2 Sm 22:2) "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one beside you; thee is no Rock like our God." (1 Sm 2:2).  "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.  A faithful God who does no wrong; upright and just is he." (Dt 32:4).  Being familiar with the Scriptures and being a carpenter, it is not surprising that Jesus should use the analogy of a solid rock foundation for the building of a house and the building of a solid relationship with God.  If the foundation of such a spiritual life is God, then indeed it will survive the storms of life, the big and the small.  Anything less than God is sand and the "spiritual house" is doomed to collapse
Bro. Rene

Jesus Feeds the Hungry

Appropriately at the beginning of Advent, we have a picture of our compassionate, hands-on Jesus healing all who were brought to him and feeding the crowd with seven loaves and a few fish. (Mt 15:29-37). Jesus was moved inwardly, that same groaning of spirit that he experienced at the tomb of Lazarus, his friend. This picture of Jesus is comforting to us, who also come to Jesus in need of healing and hungering for food and drink. As we step back during this season to reflect on the promise of salvation, the coming of Jesus, we ready our souls to receive the healing and nourishment that Jesus alone can give.  Look at Jesus in action during this scene and know that that same concern and compassion is there for us.  He knows what we need and will take care of us, even when the odds are against us.
Bro. Rene

To The Childlike

"Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, 'I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike'." (Lk 10:21)  What does it mean to be childlike, if not trusting, spontaneous, enthusiastic, optimistic, welcoming, loving, guileless, energetic and joyful?  Without the crust of skepticism or cynicism, the childlike play freely, running with the ball no matter what people say or think of them. Talk to anyone who has been "born again", and see the enthusiasm that made Ignatius a great leader and attract-er of followers, such as Francis Xavier.  When Francis turned away from his sarcasm, doubt, and self-centredness, there was not stopping him.  He went "wild" for preaching and baptizing in India, Ceylon, Malacca and Japan...in just ten years,,,He wore himself out because he let the Holy Spirit turn him into a child for Christ...May he help us to follow that same path.
Bro. Rene

Humbly Entreating

This second day of Advent, we encounter the Roman Centurion who asks Jesus for the healing of his, and in so doing has left us a prayer that we use every time we approach the altar to receive the Holy Eucharist:  "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed." (Mt 8: 8).  Jesus is astonished at the man's faith and humility and cures the servant at that very hour. None of us is "worthy" or entitled to receive anything for which we ask, but in God's immense love, he grants our requests because of HIS goodness,  his WORTHINESS, not ours.  May we approach God, not with fear, but with the confidence, trust, faith and humility of the centurion.
Bro. Rene

Stay Awake

Advent has begun as of 4 pm yesterday. St. Paul and Jesus both greet us with the admonition to be awake during this season:  "You know the time: it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep." (Rm 13:11).  "Therefore, stay awake!" (Mt 24: 42). Easy to say, but work to do.  Perhaps looking at this First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the new liturgical year, we might make some Advent Resolutions as we do on New Years' Day.  What will help us prepare or hearts to receive Jesus not only on Christmas, because he has already come, but also each day?  How will we blend our wills with his?  How will we return his boundless love?  How will we see him in our neighbor, in ourselves?  What will take us a step closer to being like him?
We might begin by "slowing down"..taking our time when we do things, pray, or talk with people.  We might take little "retreat breaks" during the day, shutting off the noise around and within us, and simply pray, "Come, Lord Jesus."  We might, like Mary, ponder the events of the past year, past  Advents and Christmases, and give thanks over and over for the immeasurable blessings God has given us.  The readings for Advent, the Music, the little Advent booklets we might find, service to Lazarus House, Cor Unum or the St. Vincent de Paul Society, all of these are ways to STAY AWAKE!
Bro. Rene