True Bread

When the crowds asked Jesus for a sign, citing the manna in the desert that God, working through Moses gave the Hebrews, a pretty spectacular sign, they did not anticipate  the "true bread" that Jesus offered them. (cf. Jn 6: 30-35). Naturally they were thinking literally of bread, and who wouldn't want bread that came down from heaven (heavenly bread), that was available daily, and that guaranteed (along with faith), eternal life?  As this discourse continues, the crowds hear that Jesus is that heavenly bread, and objections arise. Some leave in disbelief.  But for those who do believe and accept, this is the food for the journey, the access to Jesus that puts us as close to him, as the crowds were, and even more so, as he becomes part and parcel with us as the sacred bread is absorbed into our systems.  We can't live long without eating, and certainly we cannot sustain much of a spiritual life without eating this true bread.  What a thoughtful, caring gift, one for which we cannot thank Jesus enough!
Bro. Rene

Food That Endures

The beautiful song, "Come to the Water", by John Foley, S.J. contains the haunting question, "Why should you spend your life, except for the Lord?"  So much of our energy is spent not for the "food that endures" but for the food that perishes" (cf. Jn 6: 27). ( Food, being a metaphor for pursuits, careers, projects.)  Is a material object something that fully satisfies, or is it faith, love, the gift of self to another, hours of caring for someone, hours of listening to someone who is searching, who is depressed, hours of service to feeding the hungry, or raising funds to help veterans...something intangible, but enduring unto eternity? Jesus gave us the ultimate Food that endures, himself in the Eucharist. A faithful diet of the Bread of Life will help us make the correct choice of the best way to spend our lives.
Bro. Rene

Feed My Sheep

When Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, (cf. Jn 21: 15) he was asking us as well.  Three times he asked, and three times Peter protested that he did.  And in response, Jesus told him to feed his sheep.  And the same goes for us.  We love, and Jesus delights in giving us the best gifts possible but at the same time, these gifts are not just for us, but for others who hunger and need to be fed.  Our commission is to love and to give our love, whatever we have totally, without counting the cost to all who come into our lives.  Seems simple, but demands a "death to self" a willingness to put aside our plans, our time, our material goods, for the sake of the other.  Only the love of Jesus can make this possible.  And it's not just a one time deal, but for life.
Do you love me?  Feed my sheep.
Bro. Rene

Do Not Be Afraid

St. John Paul II chose this admonition as a major theme of his pontificate.  No wonder.  He had lived through the Nazi occupation of Poland, and later under communism.  He studied for the priesthood in secret and learned to be bold when surrounded by "unfriendly" governments and policies; as Bishop of Krakow, he carried out his role fearlessly; when shot by an assassin's gun, he recovered and continued his pontificate with even more conviction and vigor, audaciously supporting the Solidarity movement in Poland, which eventually ended  the communist regime. He told the world over and over again, Fear not...as if he had been in the boat with the Apostles who had seen Jesus walking on water and were terrified, but also were assured by Jesus, "It is I.  Do not be afraid." (Jn  6: 20). 
As we look at our world, our culture, our "Milenials" our families, we might easily be frightened.  Chaos, transition and challenges confront us on every side. Yet, when we hear Jesus say, "It is I.  Do not be afraid,"
how can we not find peace, and like the Apostles, "want  to take Jesus into our boat."  (Jn 6:21).
Bro. Rene

Greater Than These

As we celebrate the feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles, we tune in to the Last Supper and the final words of Jesus to his Apostles. Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, assuring him that they would then be satisfied. (cf. Jn 14:8).  Similarly we ask Jesus for direction in our lives, success in our work, or the solution to a problem, with the proviso: "and I won't ask for anything else."  Even though Jesus assures us that we will do greater works than he performed (cf. Jn 14: 12) and that anything we ask he will grant (cf. Jn 14: 13), we are never satisfied. Oh, how we need to deepen our faith, really believe and follow Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.  When we do, we find that yes, we are doing things far beyond our natural capabilities, because he is working within us and through us. The more we become like him, the greater things we will do. Let us ask for that deeper faith, die to the selfishness that blocks us from giving our lives totally to him, and boldly act in his name.
Bro. Rene

Rationing The Spirit

As we continue with the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, we hear Jesus explain the extent of the Father's love for his Son:  "The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him." (Jn 3: 35)  In like manner, Jesus does not "ration" the gift of the Spirit, (cf. Jn 3:34),  but gives totally of himself, not to just a select few, but to All. Crises often bring about temporary rationing, as when water is rationed during a drought, or for those of us who remember life during WW II, sugar, coffee, gasoline and other items were rationed, so that there would be enough for everybody, albeit in smaller amounts than normal.  But with Jesus, with the Father, there is NO RATIONING, but rather LAVISH GIVING that knocks us over.  We cannot fathom such generosity, because we lack it ourselves.  However, we are called to imitate this great love and generosity and give totally of ourselves to God and to neighbor.
Bro. Rene

St. Joseph the Worker

Today is the optional memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, established by Pope Pius XII to counter the May Day celebration in the USSR as well as to honor all workers.  Looking at St. Joseph, reminds us that the ability to work is a gift from God and can be made holy as we use our skills and talents to support our families and build a strong, healthy and just society on the two great commandments, Love of God and Love of Neighbor.  With that commandment in mind, no work is too menial, nor so important that it overtakes our relationships with one another and with God.  Balance is needed to retain a healthy perspective so that our personal lives and relationships don't suffer, nor do :"idols" emerge to divert us from the true purpose of our existence. God worked for six days, and on the seventh, rested, and told us to do the same.  Surely, Joseph kept the commandment and kept the Holy Family in tune with God.  May his example and prayers help us do the same.
Bro. Rene