A Humble Giant

It's almost a thousand years since this giant of the 11th century lived, (1007-1072) so the name, Peter Damian, is not part of our household vocabulary as is Francis, Anthony, Therese or more recent saints such as Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II who lived within the lifetime of many of us. Yet his life and accomplishments had a huge impact on the Church in an era where reform was much needed.
Orphaned at an early age, Peter  knew poverty and hardship, even to the point of feeding the swine of one of his brothers. Rescued from this plight by another of his brothers, he received an education, became a Benedictine monk noted for his scholarliness and asceticism. He accepted the role of Cardinal Bishop of Ostia, and worked tireless to correct abuses rampant among the clergy. After 10 years in this role, he returned to the Monastery of Fonte Avellana, though still a consultant to the pope.  His writings stress the primacy of the spiritual over the secular; after his death, he was proclaimed one of the 36 Doctors of the Church.
His life serves as an example of how God, over and over again, chooses the humble and unknown to do things they never dreamed they could do. Responding to a call which slowly evolves over a lifetime, as it did with Mary, Marcellin and other saints canonized or not, we can do "marvelous things" when we turn our talents, passion and lives over to God.  Each day God makes the call.  How do I answer?  Food for thought as Lent approaches around the corner.  (March 6th).
Bro. Rene  

Healing in Stages

When we are looking for a healing answer to a physical or spiritual problem, often, as in the case of the blind man from Bethsaida (cf. Mk 8:22-26), the answer doesn't come immediately or totally.  As in this case, sight was returned in stages.  We see progress, but there remains a blurr, and yes, we see "trees walking." for awhile.  Our faith, our persistence, is being tested.  God knows what he is doing, and we learn from these partial answers that we must hold on in faith for the total cure. Not easy, but worth it in the end.  Lord, increase my patience and trust as I present my needs to you.
Bro. Rene

Facing Frustration

The author of the Noah  story in today's reading from Genesis (6: 5-8; 7:1-5,10) shows  a frustrated Creator, regretting that he had created us, bringing him to the verge of cashing it all in, along with the innocent animals and vegetation on which the out-of-control generation depended. End it all and be done with it. In rhw gospel for today, we find the disciples fretting because they had forgotten to bring along bread with them in the boat.
Don't we also find ourselves more often than not "down" on the antics of people, even our own families, or kicking ourselves for forgetting some essential after our grocery shopping, or misplacing a phone number, or the phone itself?  In the Genesis story, God's attention is drawn to the one righteous man whose goodness diverts the vengeful God from destroying the entire world, but through the Ark, gives the human race a second chance.  And Jesus reminds the disciples and us, that there are more important things on which we should focus our attention, and not let petty concerns throw us for the proverbial loop.  It bears repeating that keeping our eyes on Jesus, his love, his power, his past "rescues" we need not "lose our cool."
Bro .Rene  

Asking for a Sign

After working innumerable miracles including the feeding of the 5,000,  no wonder Jesus said directly to the Pharisees, "Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." (Mk 8:12), and left in frustration by boat to the other shore. What more SIGN did the Pharisees need?
We too have a bit of this desire for signs to reassure us, or in Gideon fashion, ( cf.Jdg. 6) to point us in the right direction to what God wants of us. But if we are looking for "proofs" to remove our doubts, we might hear Jesus say, "Just look backwards a day or two...or even further.  How did everything work out so well, if I were not there at your side?  Don't insult me with your mam-by-pamby faith, but take what's there in front of you as the sign you crave. Is not the miracle of my Presence in the Eucharist enough?  Instead of asking for a sign, pray for a deeper faith in what I have already done or said."
Bro. Rene

Won't Be Crushed

Life has a way of throwing monkey wrenches into our plans, fallen trees across our paths, moments of ups and downs...the "yo-yo" effect..or  when we seems to be in a rhythm of productivity, wham, the bottom falls out.  We wonder if we can make the count to nine and get up on our feet again.
Luke's version of the Beatitudes (Lk 6:20-26) reminds us that in these moments when we are stripped of all, or mourning and weeping, bearing insults, even hungry, the reverse will happen, there will be food, laughter and success again.  We will not be crushed.  Jesus has walked among us, borne all these "woes" and rose above them, as we will when we put our faith, hope and trust in him.  JUST DO IT!
Bro. Rene

Feeding The Hungry

Mark's account of Jesus feeding the 4,000 (Mk 8: 1-10) reminds us of how he continues to feed us daily through his Word, the actions of others and, if we choose, the Eucharist.  He knows of our need, our hunger and thirst, not only on the material plane but on the spiritual as well.  He provided so abundantly for these people who were so enthralled at his teaching and by his miracles that they had stayed with him for three days and at the end had nothing left to eat. What power Jesus had that people would go without food just to be with him! So attentive and loving was he that he "over-compensated" multiplying seven loaves and a few fish so that there wer seven baskets of left-overs. This miracle should assure us that he takes care of our needs simirlalry, and iti should motivate us to share as lavishly to those in need around us.  There's  a challenge, yet daily in goes on in soup kitchens around the world. How can I help?
Bro. Rene

"He Has Done All Things Well"

"He has done all things well" (Mk 7:31a) Wouldn't we all like this kind of a reputation tagged on to our name? People saw the deeds that Jesus did, "He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." (Mk 7:31b) and gave their approval.  Jesus addressed visible needs and touched people on this level to lead them to receive the message he would later deliver in words.  The old adage, "Actions speak louder that words" rings true here, for his miracles gained attention and made people more receptive to his message.
We can do more good, bear more effective witness to Jesus through our good deeds, our acts of kindness, our simple presence, than by long apologetic discourses. Let's keep it simple and pour our energy into our actions rather than into our words.
Bro. Rene