Fishers of Men

Walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus interrupted two fishermen, Peter and his brother Andrew, and invited them to drop their nets and become "fishers of men." (Mt 4:19). Andrew, whose Feast it is today, was the first to approach Jesus when John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God and pointed him out to the crowd.  Andrew then introduced Peter to Jesus.  Now both were invited to be "fishers of men", part of the close band of Twelve who were later sent to carry on the mission of Jesus and suffer martyrdom.
The invitation to become "fishers of men" is usually associated with the call to the priesthood, and by extension to the Consecrated Life, but today, it is seen as an invitation to All to keep the Word alive in the family, community and workplace.  For some it may mean a call to go into "unknown territory"
in a parish group or organization, or even to volunteer work with the poor, or to a foreign land.  The door to ministry of some sort is now open to all.  Not all can answer the invitation to join the choir, for not all can sing well enough, but all can answer the invitation to bear witness to Jesus and introduce him to others...by our words or our works...
Bro. Rene

Frightening Imagery

Both Readings today, verses from  Revelation 18 and 19 and Luke 21:20-28, contain terrifying images of destruction.  Babylon, Rome, is emptied of music, industry, and happy voices as punishment for her long reign of conquest and oppression, and the entire universe crashes in utter destruction as the Son of Man returns in power and glory.  Writers and  movie makers have never tired of returning to these gruesome sights and sounds. 
We cannot help but feel some of the terror as we read these symbolic descriptions of the end of time as we know it.  Fittingly these appear at the threshold of Advent, the new beginning, the new coming.  Rather than induce fear, they invite us  to trust and love, that indeed the Son of Man will return to erase all hatred, violence, division and evil. May we find hope rather than despair as the plan of God eventually comes to fulfillment.  At this time we are just on another page in a larger chapter.
Bro. Rene

Pattern of Persecution

Jesus warned his followers that adhering to him and the way of life he proposed, forgiveness, love of all and self-sacrifice, would not insure popularity or success, but rather, hatred and persecution.  As it was with him, so with us. Saul (later Paul) began the first persecution of the followers of The Way, the Romans continued for centuries to eradicate Christian, missionaries suffered beatings, tortures and even death over the centuries as they tried to spread the Gospel, and in our own times, direct or subtle forces challenge, oppose and even kill in attempts to stamp out faith in Jesus. This is the way it has been, and according to Jesus, the way it will be until the reign of peace, the Kingdom of God is finally established.  What to do?  Persevere, trust, ponder the resurrection, remembering that Good Friday ended in Easter Sunday.
Bro. Rene

Facing the End

(note:  this is our 3001st slice of bread!)

Endings are difficult.  We resist as long as we can;  if it's a fight for life in ICU, or salvaging a beloved monument, our reluctance to change tightens up on us like a vice grip.  When Jesus told the people that the Temple they so admired would one day no longer exists, it was a shocker.(Lk 21:5-11).  People asked when this would happen, as if, having his timeline, they could work to prevent its destruction, which did, occur in 70 A.D. (before the Gospel of Luke was written). Jesus went on to describe the end of this world as we know it, giving signs of earthquakes, famines, and plagues. For centuries these omens have come and gone, sometimes causing people to sell all to be ready for "the rapture."  But we are still here.  The end will come, but no one knows when, only the Father. Our task is to be ever ready, as if it could occur today.  It is not something to be feared or dreaded , but the turning of a page to the final and best chapter.  Come, Lord Jesus!
Bro. Rene

Givng From Our Poverty

The example of the unnamed widow in the Gospel (Lk 2`-1-4) haunts, and inspires us even today.  She gave not from her excess, bur from her substance.  After giving the two coins, what was left?  We don't know, but she certainly she won the praise of Jesus and pokes at us to dig deeper, even to our poverty, be it material or spiritual.  Mother Teresa advised simple giving...giving up a loaf of fine bread and using the saved money to buy bread for a local soup kitchen.  Not much, but it could inspire others to do the same.   Thanksgiving made us aware of all the gifts we have received and encouraged us to say a simple "thank you."  Now with Advent almost upon us, what might we do to prepare for the Ultimate Gift, Jesus Christ, whose total Gift of himself has brought eternal life to us?  Can we find a gift from even our weakness or spiritual poverty to give hope to another?  Can we dig deeper into our financial resources to help provide a bright Christmas for a family in need? Can we give time to visit the sick or elderly?  Christ did not spare the cost, can we?
Bro. Rene

Christ Our King

Americans are known for their fascination with  the "Royals" of Great Britain; magazine racks abound with cover photos of the Windsors and their  lives make the headlines almost daily it seems.  Today we look at another "Royal", Christ our King, not your ordinary king, but one who seeks to rule our hearts and who calls us to follow him in creating a kingdom of peace, justice, love and truth.  He has shown the way and continues to send "the forces" of grace, saints and dedicated leaders to guide and inspire us. We take time today to honor this benevolent, loving and compassionate king, whose sword is the cross upon which he died and which he asks each one of us to bear. Let us renew our allegiance to him and do what we can day by day to strengthen his reign in our hearts  and in our world.
Bro Rene

The Dead Will Rise

The Sadducees in the time of Jesus did not believe in life after death, a stance which continues today and is growing in popularity, it seems, questioned Jesus about it provoking him  to give a clear reply, "...the dead will rise," citing Moses and his encounter with the God of the living in the burning bush. (cf. Lk 20:  37).  It is not only comforting to know that our lives continue beyond the grave but it is also the basis for hope which thus motivates us to bear up with trails, but also to do our best, even when not being tested.  The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate basis for belief in the resurrection of the dead, This belief requires faith, and with it everything falls into place. Sharing our faith, living it. spreads this hope and final purpose of our existence to others.  Lord, increase our faith, and grant it through your mercy to those who struggle with believing.  May the example of believers help to wipe their doubt away.
Bro. Rene