The Power and Need of Faith

 

 
 Mark 5: 21-43

Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter

²¹ And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. ²² Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet ²³ and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” ²⁴ And he went with him.

And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. ²⁵ And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, ²⁶ and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. ²⁷ She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. ²⁸ For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” ²⁹ And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. ³⁰ And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” ³¹ And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” ³² And he looked around to see who had done it. ³³ But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. ³⁴ And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

³⁵ While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷ And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus^[b] saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹ And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰ And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴² And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. ⁴³ And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Two healings from those needing and seeking a cure. Jesus does not hold back, but admires their faith as well as granting their requests. How deep is my faith?  Do I fit this picture? It seems so simple, yet we find ourselves so far away from it.  We might need a physical healing, but perhaps we might pray first for an increase of faith.

Bro. Rene

 
Christ the healer, you returned Jairus’ daughter to wholeness, as she lay on the brink of death. You healed the hemorrhaging woman when all the doctors had failed. We pray today for the healing that only you can give—the healing of our souls, the very center of our being, which is totally dependent on you. Open us to your healing presence in our lives. Amen.

 Rev. Louis DelFra, C.S.C.

 

Our Daily Struggle

 

Mark 5: 1-20

Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man

5 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. ² When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. ³ This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. ⁴ For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. ⁵ Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

⁶ When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. ⁷ He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” ⁸ For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

⁹ Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” ¹⁰ And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

¹¹ A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. ¹² The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” ¹³ He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

¹⁴ Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. ¹⁵ When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ¹⁶ Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. ¹⁷ Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

¹⁸ As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. ¹⁹ Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰ So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

A careful reading of this passage causes fright and confidence. This demon-possessed man seems beyond help as "Legion" torments him and all who come into contact with him.  What would it be like to meet him face to face on a narrow path? Yet, Jesus does not fear him and sacrifices the large herd of pigs for this man's freedom.

We find here a great cause for hope that no matter what evils, what struggles we face daily, none is beyond the power of Jesus to free us and normalize our lives. We need to be reminded of this, for we can get lost in daily "tortures" (mostly self-inflicted) and become paralyzed, thinking "there's no way out."  Jesus assures us that with him, there is always relief, freedom, salvation. Let him call the shots in our lives as he did with this possessed man.

Bro .Rene

Our days, O God, are often spent in the midst of a world that is filled with the mystery of human weakness. We experience bewilderment and disorder as we attempt to decipher the contradictions of mind and spirit. Many of our brothers and sisters often give up hope of rediscovering peace of mind and right judgment. With the help of your divine grace, O Lord, help us to understand that our daily life is not to be understood as conflict and confusion, but rather as an opportunity to grow in tranquility and holiness. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Rev. LeRoy E. Clementich, C.S.C.

 

 

 Matthew 5: 1-12a

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What a wonderful way t o begin the week, especially a week dedicated to Catholic Schools.  Jesus in this beautiful and poetic passage, describes the norms the subjects of his kingdom are to follow: poverty of spirit, mercy, righteousness, peacemaking, cleanliness of heart, and, yes, even persecution. A follower of Jesus will stand out as "different," and rightly so, for just look at the world and the unhappy, "out of control" people who do NOT follow his teachings. May we take some time today, as familiar with this "Sermon on the Mount:, as we might be, reflect on in again and again and let it sink into our hearts, that we might live it as naturally as we put on our shoes and socks.

Bro. Rene

Gracious God, you know how deeply we long for wholeness and a deeper happiness than we find in things and possessions. Teach us to take your Son’s beatitudes to heart, so that in letting go of those things that bind our hearts and minds, we may experience something of the joy and wonder now being experienced by all the saints in heaven. Amen.

Rev. Herb Yost, C.S.C. 

Why Are You So Afraid?

 

 Mark 4 35-41

Jesus Calms the Storm

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

As always, a look at today's news stories: brutal and fatal beating by police, frigid cold, suicides on board a carrier, etc...and like the apostles in the boat during the storm, we feel we are on the brink of perishing. We need this gospel daily with it's calming presence of Jesus who brings peace to the turmoil. May he not only calm the storm, but calm our agitated hearts, filling them with faith and  his peace.

Bro. Rene 

Lord Jesus, as your Church—the barque of Peter—sails the sea of time, it is often beset by the storms of division and persecution. In our lives, too, we encounter headwinds and squalls: physical illnesses, wounded relationships, the grief of loss, and the shame of our sins. When we can feel as if the waves breaking over us are too much and are filled with fear, rouse our faith in you whom even wind and sea obey, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

 Rev. Stephen Koeth, C.S.C.

Small Beginnings, Greater Ends

 

 Mark 4: 26-34

The Parable of the Growing Seed

²⁶ He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. ²⁷ Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸ All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹ As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

³⁰ Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. ³² Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

³³ With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. ³⁴ He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

 Our small deeds of kindness, our simple :"presence" with a friend or someones in need, the common, the unspectacular, the everyday routine, these are not the things that make the headlines, but they are what constitute to our dowry, our legacy.  These are what add up and bring with us as we stand before God who will ask, "And what have you done with  the gifts I gave you? How have you used the tools I put in your tool box,? How have you lived your life? These two parables remind us that we all don't have to be a Rembrandt or A George Washington, but simple people who put whatever gifts they have at the disposal of God, and as small as they might  seem in our sight, they are capable of making a lasting contribution to the building up of God's kingdom.  May we never underestimate the power of the small.

Bro. Rene

O God, help us grow in holiness and peace. Without your heavenly nourishment, we are bound to wilt and wither. With the aid your Son’s example, we shall grow a hundred fold in all that enriches your kingdom, now and forever. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

Rev. LeRoy E. Clementich, C.S.C.

Let Your Light Shine

Mark 4: 21-23

A Lamp on a Stand

²¹ He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? ²² For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. ²³ If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

²⁴ “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. ²⁵ Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

As we celebrate the lives of Saints Timothy and Titus, we are reminded of our own call to be evangelizers, teachers, preachers, witnesses of the LIGHT, Jesus.  We have not been given the gift of faith to keep it under the bed, but to let it shine so that others may see, may believe, may live in joy.  We are called to share what we have, not hide it.  Today there is so much fear of rocking the boat, upsetting others; so much "political correctness" that we feel compelled to live our faith in private and let others do whatever they want.  What if the disciples of Jesus or the countless saints and teachers over the centuries had done that?  There would be no Church today. But they lived their faith and shared it with others;  so must we.

Bro. Rene 

Heavenly Father, through the incarnation of your Son, the Church bears the divine light of the anointed one. Let each of us bear the infinite measure: Christ alive in us. Overflowing with infinite grace, may we offer more than our life's work. Give us courage to share the living Christ for all to see, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen

  Aaron Morris, C.S.C.

Our Mission

 

 Mark 16: 15-18

Preach and Fear Nothing

¹⁵ And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. ¹⁶ He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; ¹⁸ they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Mark's Gospel tends to be simple and direct, and so it is with the great commissioning of the Apostles.  The mission is clear, preach the Gospel, not only locally, but to the whole world. Great signs will accompany the preaching and there is nothing to fear. How many times have I written JUST DO IT.? Paul was a DO-ER!

As we celebrate the conversion of St. Paul, who, among other things was my choice of patron saint when I was confirmed, may we look at this man's conversion and zeal reversed from a persecutor of Christians, to an indefatigable and effective promoter of the very religion he was trying to eradicate. I am honored to bear his name, and keep his example before me as one who never stopped preaching and teaching the Good News "in season and out." May we all find our inspiration in this "Apostle Come Lately",  and a man for whom the whole world was not large enough.

Bro. Rene

Lord God today we join with the Church throughout the world to celebrate the feast of the great apostle to the Gentiles. Called by the risen Christ, Paul no longer lived for himself or for his own justice but only for Christ and with Christ. May we who follow in his footsteps never seek to build up ourselves but always to give of ourselves in building up the body of believers. Amen.

 Rev. John Conley, C.S.C.

Here Is My Mother

Mark 3: 31-35

 Whoever Does God's Will

³¹ Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. ³² A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”

³³ “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.

³⁴ Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵ Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

We don't realize how important and what an honor it is to do the will of God. Yes, we've heard that doing God's will is the key to holiness and a place in heaven, but even before that time comes, we can be FAMILY with Jesus!  May we seek to know God's will for us TODAY pray for the guts to JUST DO IT!

Bro. Rene

Father, help us to see and hear your presence in the events of this day. Fine-tune our minds and hearts to pick up the often subtle signals of your guidance. Bless our efforts this day so that we may be a blessing to those for whom and with whom we work. Amen.

Rev. Herb Yost, C.S.C. 

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

 

Mark 3:22-30

 

A House Divided Cannot Stand

²² And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”²³ So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? ²⁴ If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵ If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶ And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. ²⁷ In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. ²⁸ Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, ²⁹ but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”³⁰ He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”

This powerful Gospel passage challenges us to choose right over wrong, God over Satan, and in the context of today's day of prayer for the unborn, guides us to their side as their protectors and saviors. Certainly our "kingdom", our country, our world, is divided over this question:  the right of the mother over the right of the unborn child. It is estimated that over 63 million children have been aborted since 1973 in the name of their mothers' rights. They have been treated as inconvenient "nothings" that can be discarded like as old gum wrapper, sad to say. It will take a lot of prayer to change attitudes toward these innocent and helpless children but the voices of the abortion survivors speak loudly in their defense. They are not just "tissue" to be scraped away like an unwanted wart, but living human beings.  End of argument.

Bro. Rene

 Collect for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

God our creator, we give thanks to you, who alone have the power to impart the breath of life as you form each of us in our mother’s womb; grant, we pray, that we, whom you have made stewards of creation, may remain faithful to this sacred trust and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Work To Be Done

 

Matthew 4: 12-23 

Jesus Begins to Preach

¹² When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. ¹³ Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— ¹⁴ to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁵ “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
    the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
    Galilee of the Gentiles—
¹⁶ the people living in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
    a light has dawned.”

¹⁷ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him.

²¹ Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²² and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Jesus Heals the Sick

²³ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Once Jesus was sure of his calling and purpose for being with us, he wasted no time preaching his core message, "Repent, for the kingdom of heave has come near." He then called his first four disciples and began his healing ministry, which was the fastest way to win the hearts of his listeners. A man with a purpose, a man for others, a model for us. As his disciples, we too are called to preach the same message and to win the hearts of those who listen to or observe us. Our kindness, our sincere efforts to put others ahead of ourselves will win more followers for Jesus.  There's a lot of work to be done, more than ever.  Let's JUST DO IT!

Bro. Rene

Misunderstood, "Crazy"

 

 Mark 3: 20-21

Jesus Accused by His Family and by Teachers of the Law

²⁰ Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. ²¹ When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

Jesus spent his days healing the sick and possessed, bringing peace and solace to all at an enormous pace, and for this he is accused of being crazy. How do I look at Jesus?  As a "crazy man" or as a teacher, healer, savior?

How do people look at me?  Is my faith active and alive enough that people might look at me as "crazy"?  Better "crazy" than limp or dead. Lord stir up my faith that it may show in my actions and that people might take notice. Then, let some of it rub off on others

Bro. Rene

 

The Mystery of Vocation

Mark 3: 13-19

 Jesus Appoints the Twelve

¹³ Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. ¹⁴ He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach ¹⁵ and to have authority to drive out demons. ¹⁶ These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), ¹⁷ James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), ¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot ¹⁹ and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Jesus called twelve men to the mission of learning the core of his teaching and of sharing it with others.  It began first with the selection of these Twelve, their "grooming" through observation of his deeds and a careful listening to his words. Then he commissioned them to go out and spread his message and confirm it with miracles. They learned slowly, and surely; especially fortified by the Holy Spirit, they continued the work of Jesus, even giving their lives for it.  What a marvelous transition, as often noted, from fishermen, to fishers of men! 

God calls each one of us who believe to a similar mission, leading and fortifying us along the way. May we listen carefully, and follow readily and generously.  We will be doing his will and at the same time will find much peace and happiness beyond our expectations.

Bro. Rene

Lord, Heal Me, Please!

 

 

Mark 3: 7-12

Crowds Follow Jesus

⁷ Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. ⁸ When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. ⁹ Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. ¹⁰ For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. ¹¹ Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” ¹² But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.

Who among us doesn't need some sort of healing, be it of body, mind or soul? No matter what age we are, there is something that needs rectifying.  We can just picture the crowds reaching out to Jesus for his healing touch;  we can see ourselves in this crowd.  Why wait for the crowds?  Why not reach out from our quit prayer today and ask in faith for the healing we want, the healing we need?

Bro. Rene

Lord, in you we trust, and you will not allow this trust to be in vain. You rescue us from stumbling so that here on earth we will walk in the light of your hope and in the strength of your grace. May we always through faith hear your voice and be ready to do your will. Amen.

 Rev. John Conley, C.S.C.

Note:  This is our 4,444th post!

To Do Good or Evil?

 

 Mark 3: 1-6

Cure of the Shriveled Hand

3 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. ² Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. ³ Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

⁴ Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

⁵ He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. ⁶ Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

We are not usually faced with crippled people seeking a cure, but daily we face people in need of an uplifting word or a prayer for strength to face some difficulty. Jesus demonstrates that the good deed, even if it means "breaking the Law", is the course we should take. May God give us the grace to make the right choice.

Bro.Rene 

Lord God, the fact that your detractors were observing you, hoping for you to make a mistake, did not deter you from being compassionate and loving as you healed the man with the withered hand. Give us today the same boldness to be compassionate and loving, no matter the cost. We pray this to you, Our God and our Teacher. Amen.

  Rev. Thomas O’Hara, C.S.C.

Keeping the Sabbath

 

Mark 2: 23-28

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

²³ One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. ²⁴ The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

²⁵ He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? ²⁶ In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”

²⁷ Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. ²⁸ So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Keeping holy on the Sabbath is command that certainly has gone by the wayside in our modern world. With parents working all week, when are they going to buy food? In this passage, Jesus breaks the law in view of a greater necessity. But for us, the question keeps moving from one necessity to another with God sitting in empty churches Sunday after Sunday. The drift is obvious and detrimental as daily headlines attest.  It's obvious that a society without a place for due honor to God is doomed, albeit by a slow, subtle death.  May we examine our lives and see how we can comply with God's command.  :Where there's a will,  there's a way."

Bro. Rene 

 
Lord God, how marvelous are your deeds, holy and awesome is your name. You are Lord and master of all things, of even the Sabbath. May we always strive to keep holy the Lord’s Day and live every day as the gift it is from you. Amen.

  Rev. John Conley, C.S.C.

New Wineskins, New Beginnings.

 

Mark 2: 18-22

Jesus Is Questioned About Fasting

¹⁸ The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁹ And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. ²⁰ But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. ²¹ No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. ²² And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”

For most of us, the days of storing wine in wineskins are over, but the need to fast remains necessary. We need to renew and purify our intentions, our relationships with Jesus and others, and our prayer life.  We can't just let these sit on the shelf, for they will stale, sour and lose their ability to nourish us. Fasting helps us put the kick back into our hearts and makes us aware of the need we have for Jesus, rather than for "success" popularity,  or wealth.  It helps us get back to the foundation stones, support beams and steel girders of our spiritual life. In a little over a month, Lent, a special time for fasting, will begin.  Can we start now and ramp up as we get closer to Ash Wednesday?  New wineskins, new beginnings.

Bro. Rene

Lord, give us time today to be silent and prayerful, conscious of your personal presence, moment by moment, sustaining us in all our experiences and relationships. Call us to new decisions for faithfulness and generosity, and whenever you call us by name may we reply, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Amen.

  Rev. John Conley, C.S.C.

Recognizing Jesus

 

 John 1: 29-34

John Testifies About Jesus

²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ³¹ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

³² Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. ³³ And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

How blessed was John to recognize Jesus and present him to the world to us! Are we able to recognize Jesus   in one another, in the events of our daily lives, and are we able to point him out to others?   Do our words and actions bear witness to him and make him visible?  We are not John the Baptist nor Jesus himself, but by modeling our lives after theirs, we can make him visible, and achieve our Marist goal of making him known and loved.

Bro. Rene 

 

 

Follow Me

 Mark 2: 13-17

Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners

¹³ Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. ¹⁴ As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

¹⁵ While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. ¹⁶ When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

¹⁷ On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

 With these compelling two words, Jesus gains a new disciple, Levi, otherwise known as Matthew, whose gospel continues to influence the lives of millions around the world.  What power Jesus has in his simple but direct commands!  Something must have been going on within Levi, Jesus knew it and jumped on it.      

He knows us too.  What would is he calling me to do?  He's always looking for followers.  Can I be as receptive and trusting as Levi?  With God, anything is possible.

Bro. Rene                       

Authority To Forgive Sins And Heal Bodies

Mark  2: 1-12

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

2 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. ² They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. ³ Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. ⁴ Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. ⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

⁶ Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ⁷ “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

⁸ Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? ⁹ Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? ¹⁰ But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, ¹¹ “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” ¹² He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

How astounding it must have been to hear Jesus forgive this man's sins when all he wanted was to be healed physically. Jesus showed that he could do both!  We all suffer from the ailment of our sinfulness and have the sacrament of penance readily available to have them forgiven. Many of us alsosuffer from some ache or pain and would love relief.   Dare we ask Jesus for a cure? Do we have the faith of the men who cut through  the roof? Perhaps that's the healing we need most.   Lord,  I do believe, help my  unbelief!

Bro. Rene

Heavenly Father, those who love you bear witness to this love by sharing it with others. Help us to grow in love, and strengthen us to reach out to those in need and lead them to you, so that all who are burdened in this life may experience healing in body and soul. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

  Rev. Stephen Lacroix, C.S.C.

Desire for Healing

 

 Mark 1: 40-45

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

⁴⁰ A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

⁴¹ Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” ⁴² Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

⁴³ Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: ⁴⁴ “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” ⁴⁵ Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

How many of us need the healing hand of Jesus, but how many of us have the faith to ask for it as directly as this man? The Latin for this verbal exchange highlights its terseness and directness.:"Domine, si tu vis, tu me mundare." "Volo. Mundare." We all need cleansing and healing, may we follow this leper's example and ask with directness and faith.

Bro. Rene

Protect us, Lord, from thinking that our healing depends on the strength and frequency of our prayers. Help us remember and proclaim to the world by our lives that through your Son you will it now and always that we be made and remain clean of heart and spirit. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

  Rev. John Pearson, C.S.C.

A Prayerful Healer

 

Mark 1: 29-39

Jesus Heals Many

²⁹ As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. ³⁰ Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. ³¹ So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

³² That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴ and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place

³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ³⁶ Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷ and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

³⁸ Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” ³⁹ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

 From the healing of Simon's mother -in-law to the hundreds waiting patiently, Jesus does not restrain his healing powers, but unlike some other "do-gooders", he takes time to step aside and be with his Father. For any ministry to be effective, it must be rooted in a strong and vibrant relationship with God. It's not the work of the healer, teacher, or preacher, but the work of God THROUGH  his chosen vessel. When heads swell and disconnect from God, danger lurks in pride and self-aggrandizement.  Now it's time for the healer to be healed.!

Lord, in healing Simon’s mother-in-law you restored his family. We need you to restore health to us, and to our family and friends. Please guide us to do all we can to bring healing and comfort to our minds and bodies and to those we love. Remove our anxiety and give us that peace and hope that surpasses human understanding. Amen.

Rev. Herbert Yost, C.S.C.

What Is This?

 

 Mark 1: 21-28

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

²¹ They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. ²² The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. ²³ Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, ²⁴ “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

²⁵ “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” ²⁶ The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

²⁷ The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” ²⁸ News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

We begin Ordinary Time with Jesus preaching to and astounding his listeners because he spoke with authority and cast out an evil spirit from a man possessed.  We might say this was indeed a powerful premier performance, but it indeed set the tone for the years ahead. Jesus would continue to speak and act with the authority that was his as the Son of God.  Most would be captivated by him, yet others, particularly those in authority, would challenge, and ultimately reject him.  Where do I stand?  Do I see him and accept him as "The Holy One of God"?  We have just celebrated his birth with great to do.  Now comes the challenge, to accept and serve him as the Son of God, or to ignore or reject him as so many are doing today. 

Bro. Rene.

Lord Jesus, you healed the sick, cast out demons, and cared for the lost and hopeless. Heal us from the damage caused by our sins, and cast out all hatred, jealousy, lust, and wrath from our hearts. And when we have experienced your healing touch, make us ready to serve you joyfully and to share your peace with others. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.

  Rev. Stephen Lacroix, C.S.C.

My Beloved Son

 

 Matthew 3: 13-17

The Baptism of Jesus

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” ¹⁵ But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. ¹⁶ And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; ¹⁷ and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

This dramatic moment in the Jordan River brings the Christmas Season and Festivities to an end.  But at the same time, it's a beginning, for from this time on, Jesus becomes more aware of his mission.  He will spend 40 days in the desert, a retreat, so to say, where he becomes more aware of himself, his relation to the Father and the purpose for his becoming a man, one of us.God's plan for our salvation baffles us when we try to unravel it, so we need to contemplate it to get to its core. Our Advent meditations and prayers, our Christmas preparations and celebrations each year help us in the real task now ahead of us: to learn more what Jesus came to teach us, and to put it into practice, in the days ahead, Ordinary Time..but really Extraordinary Time, for we are called to be different, to be disciples of Jesus, no ordinary task. With the Spirit hovering above us, we, as beloved Sons and Daughters,  can do it. Let's follow Jesus and take up our mission as he did.

Bro. Rene

Spirit of God, give us grace to recognize the ways you live in our midst. Trusting that we are your beloved, may we have the courage to work for righteousness and truth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Aaron Morris, C.S.C.

Finding Jesus

 

Matthew 2: 1-12

The Magi Visit the Messiah

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

³ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

⁶ “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. ⁸ He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

⁹ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

For centuries the story of the Magi has inspired followers of Jesus who want a closer relationship with him, no matter how long it takes. Their journey, guided by the star, the Light of the Gospel, might bring them in many directions and find them asking for help along the way, but once they find him, worship him and gift him with the best they have, they return to living their lives now a different way, changed forever by their encounter with the Child Jesus, the Risen Jesus, the Savior.  May we never falter nor abandon our journey to Bethlehem, guided by the great star of the Scriptures, teachers, and the Holy Spirit himself.

Bro. Rene 

Almighty God, on this feast of Epiphany may all Christians remember their consecration to a life of holiness and so live their lives in imitation of your Son. May his light be revealed to every people and every nation. We ask this in his name. Amen. 

Rev. Bob Loughery, C.S.C.

Trust His Mother

 

 John 2: 1-11

Jesus Changes Water Into Wine

2 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, ² and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. ³ When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

⁴ “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

⁶ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

⁸ Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, ⁹ and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside ¹⁰ and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

¹¹ What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

This is one of the few passages where we see the influence of Mary on Jesus, and by extension, on us.  She notices that the wine has run out and knows how the problem can easily be solved: Go to Jesus.  She does, and even when apparently rebuked, she moves on to tell the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."  She knew the heart of Jesus, that he too would not want the newlyweds  to suffer embarrassment, and felt confident when she spoke to the servants.  He took his cue from her.

In our own lives, when we are "out of wine", out of "steam", low on energy or overwhelmed with deadlines or too much to do, may we turn to Mary and trust that she will present our "case" to Jesus who will then come to our rescue as he did in Cana. May we learn to trust in his mother who is our mother too.

Bro. Rene

Almighty God, may we, like the servers in Cana, have the trust to follow the words of the Blessed Mother: “Do whatever he tells you.” When things do not go as planned or when we are disappointed and frustrated by the world around us, you are still capable of showing us your love. May we always turn to you in prayer, trusting in your providence and love, even in our moments of doubt and discouragement. Grant this, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Brian C. Ching, C.S.C.

The Beloved Son

 

Mark 1: 7-11 

⁷ And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

The Baptism and Testing of Jesus

⁹ At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

John the Baptist was a powerful preacher and brought many to repentance and a change of life, but in all humility he points to another who will do even greater things than he. Yes, he set the stage for Jesus, who in all humility submitted himself to the Baptism of John.  The Voice from heaven verifies that Jesus is the Son of God and is the One to be followed. We are still celebrating the arrival of Jesus, from his birth to the beginning of his public life and the reason he became one of us.  Many families have already taken down their Christmas decorations, but let us not put aside "the reason for the season", and continue our efforts to deepen our faith in Jesus and live according to his teachings. He came to bring us God's love; let us not forget this great gift, live it and share it.

Bro. Rene

 

Philip's and Nathanael's Call; Our Call

 John 1: 43-51

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

⁴³ The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

⁴⁴ Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

⁴⁶ “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.

“Come and see,” said Philip.

⁴⁷ When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

⁴⁸ “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

⁴⁹ Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

⁵⁰ Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” ⁵¹ He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

"Follow me."  How compelling is this direct and simple call! Can it be that Jesus is calling me and because of my brain stuffed with "things to do" that I don't hear him?  It might seem more likely that Jesus is calling people younger than I to give a whole lifetime of service to him, but even "us elders" who know many things and have lived out our lifetimes (or so we think) might still have something more to give.  Let us not be fooled in thinking that we've done all we could; there is more and perhaps the best that we can still give.  Let none of us draw the line of "enough", but always be open to "more".

Bro. Rene

Loving God, the followers of Jesus were filled with zeal to lead others to Christ. Help us to grow in faith and love, so that all Christians might zealously proclaim the Gospel. Inspire our words and our actions so that others may see our love for you and long to know you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Rev. Stephen Lacroix, C.S.C.

The Call

 

 John 1: 35-42

John’s Disciples Follow Jesus

³⁵ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

³⁹ “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

⁴⁰ Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. ⁴¹ The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter.

 We might marvel at this simple first encounter with Jesus based on curiosity but later became a vocation which took these men from their fishing nets and made them pillars of the Church we belong to today. As members of that Church, we too are called to leave our nets behind, some in greater degrees than others, but nevertheless, called to bring others into his  net as believers and disciples of Jesus. As we continue to reflect during Christmas Time on the implications of the Birth of Jesus, let us pray to hear what God is calling us to do and follow with the same generosity and trust of James, John, Andrew and Peter.

Bro. Rene

Good and gracious God, when the apostles responded to Jesus’ invitation to come and follow him, they recognized him as the Messiah. Grant each of us the grace to follow Christ, who calls us each by name. We ask this in his holy name. Amen.

 Rev. Stephen Lacroix, C.S.C.

God's Chosen One

.

John 1: 29-34

John Testifies About Jesus

²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ³¹ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

³² Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. ³³ And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

John points his hearers and us to Jesus, the Chosen One, He who takes away the sins of the world.  John did great things during his preaching career, but  only to prepare the way for his cousin, Jesus, who would do even greater things. As we proceed through this Christmas Season and approach it's end on Sunday, may we listen to John and focus on Jesus. Our secular world has already removed its Christmas decorations (put up too soon) and is now promoting Valentine's Day, and in some places, the Easter Bunny!  All wrong as far as the meaning of Christmas goes.  Let us continue and increase our dedication to the Son of God, and allow his Spirit to work in us to continue his work of  preaching the Good News and saving souls

Bro. Rene.