How We Should Pray

 

Matthew 6: 7-15

 Pray As Jesus Taught US

⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.’

¹⁴ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

This beloved and oft repeated prayer focuses on our relationship with God and our everyday needs; no wonder it is so popular, as we acknowledge that it comes from the lips of Jesus himself. Simply to call God Our Father reminds us if the blessing and privilege to have the Creator as MY father, MY creator...who wishes to establish a kingdom where his will is done and can be my true  home. Then the prayer turns to our needs, food, material and spiritual, forgiveness of our sins as we forgive others, and deliverance from temptation and the wiles of the evil one.  A template for living the life for which God created us. May we come to revere and pray this prayer from our hearts, not simply from rote, but with all the conviction and sincerity we can muster, as if we were praying it for the first time in the presence of Jesus who just taught it to us.

Bro. Rene

Our father in heaven, you are infinitely forgiving and merciful. Help us to live lives of forgiveness that your name may be hallowed throughout all the earth. Grant this through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

  Rev. Adam Booth, C.S.C.

You Did It to Me

 Matthew 25: 31-46

The Sheep and the Goats

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

This popular passage never ceases to challenge us to put words into actions and is especially relevant in these early days of Lent.  Yes, we are going to pray and reflect more, give us some of our favorite comforts, but can we also put "love your neighbor as yourself" into the concrete actions Jesus describes? With high prices for food hurting people, with the challenges of winter cold and snow, with the homeless multiplying daily, Jesus reminds us the HE is among those in desperate need.  "You did it to me!"  How can we refuse to serve him? What would our Lent become if we put this parable into practice today?

Bro. Rene

Lord of love, suffering abounds in our world. Give us true, merciful, and compassionate hearts that do not ignore the poor, sick, and ignorant, nor view them as the enemy. Give us your grace to live the commandment of love: to love our neighbor as ourselves, for what we do to them we do to Christ your Son. Amen.

Rev. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C.

We Are Tested

 Matthew 4: 1-11

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Our First Sunday of Lent and fittingly we are fed with the story of the Temptations Jesus  faced in the desert, where he went to prepare for his mission..He sought clarity, strength, inspiration, courage, openness to his Father's will. The three temptations he faced remind us that we might easily be diverted from our Lenten goals, set only a few days ago.The Devil wants us as much as he wanted Jesus, and if Jesus faced questions about his purpose and mission, might we also face questions about our Lenten sacrifices?  Excuses arise easily and subtly, even convincingly..."You're doing too much...Cut back."  "Others aren't being so hard on themselves, why should you?"  The list of temptations is endless, but we have the example of Jesus to keep us strong and focused.  We have six weeks to go, let us daily affirm our Lenten commitment and ask Jesus, who overcame the Tempter, to help us refute him as well.

Bro. Rene

Almighty and ever-living God, as we step into this holy season of Lent, show us the way. Bless and guide our every effort that we might navigate the tempest of temptation. May our hungers, our ambitions, and our misguided affections not distract us from your promise and our purpose revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of your Son Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Rev. Bill Dorwart, C.S.C.

Our Call

 

Luke 5: 27-32

Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners

²⁷ After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, ²⁸ and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

²⁹ Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

³¹ Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ³² I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

The captivating and popular TV series, THE CHOSEN, spends a long time developing the character of Matthew (Levi), his inner struggles, as well as his unpopular position as tax collector, so that when Jesus invites/commands him to follow him, Levi does not hesitate.  He wasn't sure what "Follow me" meant, but it afforded an opportunity to leave his unpopular position and begin a new life.

What is Jesus calling me to do? Am I as open as Levi to the call to follow Jesus more closely during Lent and beyond it?  Can I be as brave, daring and trusting as Levi to follow Jesus more closely than ever before?  Jesus, open my ears and heart to hear and answer your call.

Bro. Rene

Lord, you knew each of us before the foundation of the world and called us each by name. Free us from narrow, prejudicial thinking, attitudes and actions. We are all sinners. Inspire us to humbly serve You and all your creation. We ask this through Christ our Brother Amen.

  Rev. James Bracke, C.S.C.

It's Time To Fast

Matthew 9: 14-15

Jesus Is Questioned About Fasting

¹⁴ Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁵ And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

As we prepare for Easter, these 40 days of Lent provide us the time and the motivation to fast and abstain.  Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent, recalling the death of Jesus on what we now call Good Friday.  The whole Lenten season is devoted to some sort of sacrifice or extra effort, including the "giving up" of certain routines and enjoyments." We do something meaningful that will strengthen our spiritual lives and our union with Jesus. The Church highly recommends prayer, fasting and almsgiving. What do I need to do to "feel the pinch" and align myself with Jesus who gave up so much to be one of us and give us a chance to share eternal happiness with him? What small paltry thing can I do to walk more closely with Jesus, to empty myself as he emptied himself for us, and eventually, to share eternal joy with him?

Bro. Rene

Heavenly Father, in Christ’s presence is endless joy. He is the bridegroom and the Church his bride. Though the risen Christ is with us always, we live in that age before his final manifestation and coming in glory. Give us faith and hope as our hearts yearn with spousal love for the bridegroom for when he will come in glory and we partake of the heavenly wedding feast. Amen.

 Rev. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C.

Take Up Your Cross

 

Luke 9: 22-25

Deny Self

²² And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. ²⁵ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

As we enter this first full day of Lent, may remember that it's not picnic time. The cross faced Jesus and it faces us as well.  We cannot "make a good Lent" without it. Let us then seek strength to carry it by our extra time in prayer and reflection, our big or little self-denials and our giving of alms to the needy. Let us be partners with Jesus, and take up our cross alongside him, willingly and quietly, without fanfare or seeking to draw attention to ourselves. Let us focus on him, not me.

Bro Rene

Jesus, my Lord, all too often we define ourselves by what we have or what we do, instead of who we are. All I will have left is me – and you. Oh Jesus, I wish I valued you as much as I value other things or people in my life. During these 40 days let your words change me: "What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?"

 Rev. Herbert Yost, C.S.C.

Forty Days of Preparation

 (Note:  we're back! Just a tap of a key, thanks to the advice of my friend, Joseph Lamontange, and we are able to share a daily slice of bread again...How fittingly, on Ash Wednesday!  Be on the Lookout for the book, Brother Rene's Daily Bread which will soon be available,  a happy companion for our Lenten Journey.)

Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18

Giving to the Needy

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer

⁵ “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Fasting

¹⁶ “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Some of us dread Lent because for 40 days we give up some of our favorite things; others are frustrated because a few days into the season and already they have failed to keep their Lenten sacrifices and promises; others bite off a bit that they can manage for the whole of Lent, stick with "the program" and find they have renewed their relationship with God, have served others, and have prepared their hearts for a worthy celebration of Holy Week and Easter.  Wherever we may find ourselves, let us make a sincere effort to embrace prayer, fasting and almsgiving during this season, when the Scriptures and the example of one another give us the strength and encouragement to become more faithful and visible disciples of Jesus. He gave his life for us, can we not give him even a small piece of ours?

Bro. Rene

 
Lord Jesus Christ, you instructed your disciples not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them. May our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving this Lent be motivated by a genuine desire to love and serve God and others. Amen.

  Br. Pablo Quan, C.S.C.

 

Listen To Him

 

 Mark 9: 2-13

The Transfiguration

² After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. ³ His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. ⁴ And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

⁵ Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” ⁶ (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

⁷ Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

⁸ Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. ¹⁰ They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.

¹¹ And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

¹² Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? ¹³ But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”

The Church presents us with the Transfiguration just before we begin Lent this coming Wednesday, to remind us that there is another side to Jesus and the Christian Life besides suffering. Jesus is Divine, Chosen One, the Son of God.  We are called to believe in him to listen to him  and to serve him. No matter how ugly human behavior has become (as daily news broadcasts attest), there is ONE who is above all that, he has conquered it and shares his victory with all who give their lives to him. We too can be transfigured and can help Jesus transfigure the ugliness into beauty.  Our Lenten journey, with its attention to prayer and sacrifice can transform us, and in turn, we can help others in the process of transforming themselves.  Let us absorb the lesson of Tabor and bring it from the mountain top to the valley of everyday life.

Bro. Rene

God of wisdom and truth, make yourself known to us and to all people, as the one God, living and true. Affirm your truth in our lives that we may be witnesses of your unchanging presence and shine with your glory. May the life and teachings of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, be our salvation and guide. Amen.

 Rev. Brad Metz, C.S.C.

 

Mark 8: 34-9: 1

 

Father, give us the courage to be faithful to Christ and his words in the midst of our own faithless and sinful generation. May we never be ashamed to be called Christians, servants of the kingdom of God and not of the world.​​

 Rev. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C.

You Are The Messiah

 

 Mark 8: 27-33

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

²⁷ Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

²⁸ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

²⁹ “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

³⁰ Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Jesus Predicts His Death

³¹ He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. ³² He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

³³ But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Jesus was on a mission; he needed belief in him and support for the plan to save us all by sacrificing his life, a plan so drastic that Peter could not accept it, and got a scolding for his disbelief. Peter was brave and insightful to recognize and name Jesus as the Messiah, but he was slow to accept that this Messiah would have to die to accomplish his mission. Peter's denial and subsequent rebuke by Jesus is a gift for us, in case we have doubts and denials of God's plan for the world and for me in particular.  Many times, if not most of the time, God's plan is not my plan and I have to learn to let go of it and trustingly comply with his.  May Peter, who learned his lesson from the lips of Jesus, help us to overcome our rebellious impulses and recognize that Jesus, the Messiah, just might have a better plan than I have.

Bro. Rene

Jesus our Teacher, you challenged your disciples to know you more intimately, and so come to recognize you as the Christ. Help us never to be content with our knowledge of you, but always to desire to know and love you more. Bring our hearts to rejoice in Peter’s confession that “You are the Christ” – our salvation and the fulfillment of our lives. Amen.

  ​​Rev. Louis DelFra, C.S.C.

Slow Cure

 

Mark 8: 22-26

Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

²² They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. ²³ He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”

²⁴ He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

²⁵ Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. ²⁶ Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.”

 Jesus certainly has the power to heal the blind man, but does it in two stages. We ourselves want an instant cure and tire of asking repeatedly, but reflecting on this short passage may we take heart, that our loving Jesus will eventually grant our request. We are subjects of God's time not ours.

Christ Jesus, you touched the eyes of the blind man twice before he was fully cured. Grant us confidence in your persistence in the face of enduring troubles or sin in our lives. Help us to know that you never leave us, that you will continue to heal us, that your love is greater than our weakness. Grant us faith that we will one day see your love for us clearly and distinctly. Amen.

 Rev. Louis DelFra, C.S.C.

Many Legends

 

 Mark 8: 14-21

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod

¹⁴ The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. ¹⁵ “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”

¹⁶ They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”

¹⁷ Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? ¹⁸ Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? ¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

“Twelve,” they replied.

²⁰ “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

They answered, “Seven.”

²¹ He said to them, “Do you still not understand?

Today the church celebrates the Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two brothers who evangelized the Slavic peoples in what is now the Czech Republic, but the world, especially the United States, goes overboard with flowers and chocolates to honor spouses and loved ones in honor of St. Valentine. Who was St. Valentine?  There are many legends surrounding him, but because there is nothing substantial, other than that he was a bishop, he was removed from the liturgical calendar.  He certainly remains a solid fixture in the custom of honoring loved ones and friends with cards, chocolates, flowers and red hearts.  In this spirit, may we express our love in some way to those we love or with whom we work, remembering the Great Commandment, to love God above all and our neighbor as ourselves. Yes, it's all about love!

Bro. Rene

Just Believe

 

 

 Mark 8: 11-13

 No Sign

¹¹ The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. ¹² He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” ¹³ Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.

We might find Jesus' reaction a bit hasty and curt,but what he wanted was for people to have faith.  A sign removes the faith component and weakens the commitment. "Blessed are they who have believed, but have not seen." (Jn 20: 29)  Jesus wants adult followers, not babies.

Bro. Rene

Loving God, like the crowd in today’s Gospel, we too seek signs of your presence in our daily life. Like them, we sometimes do not recognize your presence through your Son, who is close to us in word and sacrament. Open our eyes and hearts to all the ways you reveal yourself to us. Give us the consolation of your presence, for we yearn for it daily. Amen.

 Rev. Louis DelFra, C.S.C.

Our Sunday Sermon

 

Matthew 5: 17-37

The Fulfillment of the Law

¹⁷ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸ For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹ Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

²⁵ “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. ²⁶ Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Adultery

²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’²⁸ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Divorce

³¹ “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’³² But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Oaths

³³ “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ ³⁴ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. ³⁶ And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

This long section of the Sermon On The Mount provides much food for reflection. We are usually as busy on a Sunday as we are during a work day but this is such a rich passage, it really demands time for reflection and application to our everyday living. We are here to know and love God and to become as "God-like" as we can with his help.  Here is a clear blue print, or even better, a road map on how we can and ought to be doing that. May we set aside some time to reflect on these words, see what we can do to apply them to our lives, and with Lent a week and a half away as a possible motivation, make a sincere attempt to mold our lives in accordance with them.  

Bro. Rene

Dear Lord, you remind us that it is not just our actions, but our attitudes and thoughts that can lead us astray. Be with us this day; send your peace into our hearts and minds so that throughout this day we are ever more aware of your gentle and loving presence in our lives. For we know our awareness of your presence within us keeps us from those thoughts, actions and attitudes that can too easily lead us astray. We pray this to you, Our God, forever and ever. Amen

Rev. Thomas O’Hara, C.S.C.

Jesus Feeds and Heals

 

Mark 8: 1-10

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

8 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ² “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. ³ If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”

⁴ His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”

⁵ “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.

“Seven,” they replied.

⁶ He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. ⁷ They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. ⁸ The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ⁹ About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away, ¹⁰ he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.

 As we read about this miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes, we also remember the appearances of Mary at Lourdes, France where millions of pilgrims have prayed for healing and many have been healed physically or spiritually.  How simply God works. feeding thousands with a few loaves and fishes, or by a simple bathing in a tub of water!

The God who made us, this whole, ever-expanding, it seems, universe, certainly can cure us of our ills or supply us with what we need to grow in our faith, or simply to survive.  May we take advantage of his largess, laying our needs and desires before him and trusting that his answer is what we really need.

Bro. Rene

Be Opened

Mark 7: 31-37

Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Man

³¹ Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. ³² There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.

³³ After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. ³⁴ He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). ³⁵ At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

³⁶ Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. ³⁷ People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Can we imagine the joy of this deaf and mute man when miraculously he could hear and speak as well as the amazement of the crowds who witnessed this? A real cause for joy and celebration!  How could they keep silent about it?

Is our faith at the point where we can bring our needs trustingly to God for an answer, a resolution, be they physical or spiritual needs? As we pray over this incident, may our faith deepen and open us to the cure that only Jesus can give us.

Bro. Rene

Lord Jesus: The people begged you to heal the deaf man with a speech impediment. At your touch and your word, he heard and he spoke plainly. In your compassion, Lord Jesus, help me to hear your word and to speak it with conviction. Amen.

 Rev. Jim Lackenmier, C.S.C.

Convincing Persistence

 

Mark 7; 24-30 

Jesus Honors a Syrophoenician Woman’s Faith

²⁴ Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. ²⁵ In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. ²⁶ The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

²⁷ “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

²⁸ “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

²⁹ Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”

³⁰ She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Nothing was going to stop this woman's demand for her daughter's cure.  Rather than dismiss her as a bothersome mother, Jesus rewards her faith and her convincing persistence, and shows us how to pray. 

Dear God, I have so many needs, hopes and wishes.  You know them all.  See my faith;  hear my prayer, and grant a favorable answer to my request.  Thank you.

Bro. Rene

 

What Comes From Within Defiles

 

Mark 7: 14-23

Do We Not Understand?

⁴ When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: ¹⁵ There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. ¹⁶ If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”

¹⁷ When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. ¹⁸ So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, ¹⁹ because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” ²⁰ And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. ²¹ For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, ²² thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. ²³ All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

 Sometimes we  are blind to the obvious.  Jesus clearly points out that it is the thoughts and feelings within us that defile us, not dust nor dirt from without. Evil lurks in our hearts and that is what defiles us, that is what we must cleanse and for which we must ask forgiveness. as in AA recovery mode, we first need to acknowledge the evil things so clearly enumerated by Jesus in verses 21 and 22, and then we can proceed to eliminate them.Admission of guilt is the first step to spiritual recovery.

Bro Rene

Lord Jesus, you teach us the way of the pure of heart, that we might see God more clearly, and so love God more fully. Help us to overcome the weakness and sin in our lives that prevent us from loving you and others with all our heart. Give us patience, perseverance, and confidence in your loving mercy for those sinful habits and behaviors that we find particularly difficult to overcome. Help us to know that your love for us is greater than our capacity to sin. Amen.

Rev. Louis Delfra, C.S.C.

 

 

Love, Not Rules

 

 Mark 7: 1-13

That Which Defiles

7 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus ² and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. ³ (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. ⁴ When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.)

⁵ So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?”

⁶ He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:

“‘These people honor me with their lips,
    but their hearts are far from me.
⁷ They worship me in vain;
    their teachings are merely human rules.’

⁸ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”

⁹ And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! ¹⁰ For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ ¹¹ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— ¹² then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. ¹³ Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

Structure and rules are necessary to guide and clarify behaviors, as we see more and more in our society where "me", not "you" is the guiding force in a society declining more and more each day into an ineffective muddle of near chaos. Jesus points out that simply keeping the rules is not enough, for their is a greater rule, a deeper law, the "Law of Love," that is the most binding and life-giving. Verse 9: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions." Do I see this tendency in my own life? Or can I say that I seek the path of love of my neighbor, his greater good rather than my own,  and try to live by "the law of love:" and implement it as best I can in my daily interaction with others?  Let us not be with the "lip servers", but with the "heart servers".

Bro. Rene

God, bring our hearts close to you. There is much in this world that makes us feel steady and in control, but we know that ultimately our strength will fail and our grasp on the things in our lives will not stand the test of time. Only you, Lord, are unmoving, solid and sure. And yet, you give us an example that is flexible and open, a witness that loves through thick and thin and will not become calcified or rigid. Soften our hearts to love in that way and bring our hearts close to you. Amen.  

Rev. Matthew Kuczora, C.S.C.

Seeking and Giving Healing

 

 Mark 6: 53-56

Pressing Jesus For Healing

⁵³ When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. ⁵⁴ As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. ⁵⁵ They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. ⁵⁶ And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

If we were in the crowds seeking healing from Jesus, wouldn't we too be pushing as hard as we could to get near him? We all have our aches and pains, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and here's someone who can cure us. Or, to turn the table, if we had healing powers, would we be as generous as Jesus and cure all who came to us?  We all have gifts, even the gift of healing, to some degree, through our prayers, through listening and offering advice to those seeking help, or simply by our presence, by "being there" for others.  May we become more aware of the healing power God has given us and readily share it with others.

Bro. Rene

Jesus the Christ, when the people of Gennesaret saw you, they recognized your healing power and the love and power of your teaching. Wherever you enter our lives, help us to recognize you and to be open and responsive to the healing and the Gospel message you offer us. Give us the grace to be instruments of your healing and grace in the lives of others. Amen.

Rev. Louis Delfra, C.S.C.

Our Calling, Our Mission

 

 Matthew 5: 13-16

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

There's enough darkness and unsavoriness in our world to warrant a wake up call to us to live our mission to be the light and the salt so badly needed. Today's three verses remind us, demand of us, to replace the darkness and tastelessness of our lives, our families, communities, and ultimately, our world, with lives that reflect the Gospel, shed light and zip to our weary world.  May not just lament what's happening, but do something about it as best we can in our corner of the community, living out the words of the popular song, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!" 

Bro. Rene

Almighty and ever living God, your people long to taste and see the goodness of your love. Bless our hands and our wits that we might become your beacon of hope in a darkened world. Make our voice your own that your children may savor the presence of your promise and peace revealed in Jesus who is Lord forever and ever. Amen

 Rev. Bill Dorwart, C.S.C.

The Need Is Never-ending

 

 Mark 6: 30-34

No Rest For the Weary

³⁰ The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

³² So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. ³³ But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. ³⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

We can see and hear the crowds eager for healing, starved for teaching,, starved for food!  A burden so heavy that even when Jesus and the apostles seek a quiet place for rest, the crowds follow and their work continues. No rest for the weary here, for sure. Although we are not one of the Twelve and the demanding crowds our lives are not as large as those who followed Jesus, it seems that "there is always something else" in our lives that keep us from the rest we seek, the rest we need. Like Jesus, may we find the grace to continue responding to people and needs and trust that "our time will come." Let us call on Jesus for the strength to continue.  He has been there, he understands, he will help.

Bro. Rene

Dear Lord, as we go about our homes and work, let us bring your presence with us. Let us speak your peace, your grace, your mercy, and your perfect order to all we meet. Give us a fresh supply of strength to do our work. Let even our smallest accomplishments bring you glory. When we are confused, guide us. When we are burned out, infuse us with the light of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for being our source of life! Amen.

​​Rev. Herbert Yost, C.S.C.

Living The Hard Line

Mark 6: 14-29

John the Baptist Beheaded

¹⁴ King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

¹⁵ Others said, “He is Elijah.”

And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.”

¹⁶ But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!”

¹⁷ For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. ¹⁸ For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” ¹⁹ So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, ²⁰ because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.

²¹ Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. ²² When the daughter of  Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.

The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” ²³ And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

²⁴ She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”

“The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.

²⁵ At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

²⁶ The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. ²⁷ So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, ²⁸ and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. ²⁹ On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

John's message of repentance and change of life was welcomed by the many he baptized in the Jordan, but his straight-arrow message to King Herod about his public adultery incurred a wrath so powerful that it cost him his life.  Preaching and living the truth is not easy, and yes, many after John have lost their earthly lives because of it. Even in today's "Anything Goes World" , there are people who stand by the "hard line" of truth and virtue, and suffer ridicule, isolation, persecution and even death.  The world and it's values are not fair, but even deadly. What do I want, an easy life that kills my soul or a disciplined life that gives me eternal life?

Bro. Rene

Lord, you suffered the news of the death of your herald and companion John the Baptist. Yet you also discerned in his death the power of his faith, for he was willing to give everything for his belief in God. Be close to us and those we love in all our trials. Help us to rely on the power of our faith in you, that our witness in times of trial may be a light for others. Amen.

  Rev. Louis DelFra, C.S.C.

The Presentation of the Lord

 

 Luke 2: 22-40

Jesus Presented in the Temple

²² When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), ²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

³³ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵ so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

³⁶ There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷ and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.^[d] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. ³⁸ Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

³⁹ When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

 Prophecies  of greatness and suffering mark this special day:  the long a waited "consolation of Israel" had arrived but not without a prediction of sorrow for him and his mother.  Simeon gave us the "Benedictus" which is recited at the end of Compline, the Church's night prayer as we put our lives in God's hands for the night...as if asking him to tuck us in. In the old Liturgical Calendar, this day signified the end of the Advent/Christmas cycle and still for us today reminds us that this child whose birth we celebrated with gifts and sparkling decorations came for a specific purpose...to save us from our sins.   May we join with Joseph and Mary, this time offering OURSELVES as sacrifices pleasing to the Lord.

Bro. Rene

Where Is My Faith?

 

 Mark 6: 1-6

A Prophet Without Honor

6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. ² When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? ³ Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

⁴ Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” ⁵ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. ⁶ He was amazed at their lack of faith.

If Jesus came to my  hometown, would I accept him or dismiss him?  What if he came but did not appear as I pictured him, or asked me to do things I thought were beyond my ability, "unnecessary"?  We might chide the people of Nazareth for their unbelief, but let us remember that they saw this man growing up, playing with their children and working with his father as a carpenter. Who was he to be "teaching" them?  Yes, we might understand their dilemma, lack of faith and rejection of him, but where do I stand when I hear his "hard teachings", i. e. love my enemies, do good to those who do ill to me?  Believing and acting on beliefs are a challenge. Where is my faith, in the depths of my heart or on the shallow shores?

Bro Rene  

Lord Jesus Christ, give us today a faith to believe in you. You are the one sent by the Father to reconcile the world and to forgive us of our sins. Perfect our doubts, purify our lips, that we may only speak and act for your glory and praise. Amen.

Rev. Mr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C.