2020: Just When You Thought It Couldn’t Get Worse
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Continue ReadingEverything is Ready, Come to the Feast!
The posters have gone up. The invitations were mailed; the Facebook word spread, it’s all over social media, the parish bulletin insert was published and the homemade summons posted on the town bulletin board. The word has spread, maybe further and wider than you really wanted. The “www” prefix in our website address was true to its meaning: “world wide web.” Almost literally EVERYBODY has heard about it. “Everything is ready, come to the feast!” What feast? Well, in the Gospel story it’s a wedding feast.
A word of caution! Don’t be too quick to conclude that the only kind of “feast” this parable is referring to is the Eucharistic banquet. In our everyday lives, it may well be a Eucharistic celebration. Or it could be the daily Divine Office or a Communal Prayer service or maybe a Community party or meal or – please NO, a meeting! Or perhaps, (for many of us) it’s a T4 (DVDs) viewing and discussion. Or maybe a ZOOM invitation to a spiritual topic conversation, or an invitation to engage in an enrichment or professional development topic dialogue. Could also be a call for help with a volunteer project, a driver needed, help in the kitchen or garden, or someone to do laundry or clean a bathroom. Perhaps a listening ear, or little tech assistance, or a walking companion.
Paul in his letter to the Hebrews presents the word of God as a “consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29). We’ve all witnessed – at least on TV – the all-consuming nature of fire. It ravages and devours everything in its path including animal and human life who cannot outrun its unpredictable path. The wind shifts and one house is saved while a nearby structure goes up in flames.
But you’ve also heard of “controlled burns” – fires that are deliberately lit, protected and coaxed along – for a number of reasons. By ridding forest areas of dead leaves, tree limbs, and other debris, a prescribed burn can help prevent destructive wildfires, reduce insect populations, destroy invasive plants and rejuvenate the forest floor or a huge farm field.
When to extinguish? When to coax the flame? Does it have to remain static? Listen intently! Because in the case of God’s word, YOU – can’t – control – it! The “burn” is in God’s control. And, it’s “burning” to be heard.
Listen intently – with the ear of your heart. God’s word; your special word, probably won’t be broadcast with stereo amps or scrolled along the bottom of the TV screen. Most likely it’s being whispered in your dreams, as you waken, and everywhere you turn. Hear it? “Everything is ready, come to the feast!”
As today’s parable ends, we are reminded we’d best do our homework – come prepared. Jesus says, “Remember to bring your party garment.” So, you better check out the party theme: is it a costume event or a black tie affair or a “come as you are” gathering? And, I dare say, in the case of this party – God’s party – you better come on time. When the door is closed, it will be locked from the inside – you can’t use your key or whisper a password. There is no back door to seek in. You can’t ride on the Blessed Mother’s cape tails. When the door closes, “outside there will be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
All the while, be comforted, and assured, by the words of Paul in the Second Reading: “My God will fully supply whatever I need, in accord with God’s glorious riches.” “Everything is ready, come to the feast!”
~Reflection by S. Roberta Bailey, O.S.B., Prioress
Maternity of Mary Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10 Second: Philippians 4:13-20 Gospel Matthew 22:1-14
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The Book of Nature
A Little Trivia to Help Focus Prayer
A LITTLE TRIVIA to HELP FOCUS PRAYER
October 4 is the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Faustina whose name is forever linked to the feast of the Divine Mercy. It is also Fire Fighters Memorial Day and Respect Life Sunday. In the past month we experienced the Fall Equinox, when the sun slipped over that imaginary line we called the equator and the sun appears to be moving southward. Also, in the past month, the church celebrated the Fall Ember days – the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday following the feast of the Holy Cross. Ember Days were placed at the beginning of the traditional four seasons of the year for fasting, abstinence, and prayer to thank God for the gifts of nature and to bless the Fall crops. They were intended to teach us to exercise moderation in our consumption of the fruits of the fields and to come to the aid of the needy. Knowing this, we can begin to see the prudence of the liturgical commission in placing the “farmer” parables right now in cycle of readings.
This particular Gospel invites us once again to focus on agriculture – a familiar topic here in Florida. A little information (trivia?) in hopes it will help you realize the magnitude of a problem and the importance of the farming industry. In the latest statistics Google could find for me, 2017, Florida ranked first in the U.S. in value of production of cucumbers, grapefruit, tangerines and tangelos, oranges, squash, sugarcane, snap beans, and tomatoes. The state ranks second in production of bell peppers, strawberries, watermelons, cabbage and sweet corn. At that time (in 2017), Florida had 47,000 commercial farms and ranches, using a total of 9.5 million acres of land. Aquaponics and hydroponic farming are both on the rise in Florida with the Google map showing 20 licensed farms across central Florida. (Readers can go to our website to read about the Benedictine Sisters program coordinated by Sister Miriam Cosgrove. See www.benedictinesistersoffl.org)
I can see your wheels turning … “So, what is your point?” Well, maybe you’ve noticed that this is the third Sunday in a row that Jesus and Matthew have shared parables calling our attention to tilling the earth: the mustard seed, vineyards, lazy workers, late hires, wishy-washy sons, disappointed overseers and generous owners. We are invited to consider the difference in attitude between tenants and owners; sons and indentured servants; wise waiting for growth and rash action to weed out suspected imperfection.
We, here in fertile, though sometimes drought ridden, Pasco County can help us empathize with the farmers and ranchers in the fire-ravaged areas in California and the far west. Also, sense the feelings of desolation and devastation of farmers in the mid-West as they stand overwhelmed (once again) and survey their flooded acres and acres of lost crops. How do the people of India – second largest producer of wheat and rice, the world’s major food staples, recover when their prospect of annual income is washed away by the monsoons and the gushing waters from the dams that were opened upstream, miles away? And what are the ripple effects in our country and throughout the world?
How is it in the richest country in the world we see food sacristy and insecurity? Before the pandemic, in the U.S. more than 35 million people, including 10 million children, suffered from food insecurity, meaning they have uncertain access to enough food to support a healthy life. Since the pandemic began more than 54 million people, including 18 million children, are experiencing food insecurity. Insufficient income, due to loss of employment and low wages, is a major cause of food insecurity. “Food deserts” are also a problem … lack of nearby food markets – and lack of transportation to food stores – especially for persons who are home bound or are not on public bus routes. Couple that with schools that are closed or families who choose to have virtual classes for their children.
Let’s look at our “back yard” here in Pasco County. 54% (or 42,000) of the children (in Pasco County) are eligible to receive free or reduced meals at school. Agencies and churches strive to staunch the tide of hunger and “fill tummies”: Daystar, Meals on Wheels, Pasco Feed, Suncoast, Homeless Ministries, Feeding Tampa Bay, others. There must be times when these volunteers feel like they are putting a finger in the dike only to watch another crack appear. Fear and anxiety weigh heavy on many: will their food stamps be cut off, will they lose rent subsidies, “my children – what will they eat tomorrow.”
The problem is HUGE. What can we do? More specifically, what can I do? Some simple things – (maybe they even sound simplistic) –
+ Be grateful for what we have; make do with what is available
+ Be conservative in purchasing; be patient when supplies run out
+ And, yes, pray! There is a saying, “When all else fails, pray.” But let’s don’t wait for “all else to fail” – pray for wisdom and discernment; examine where election candidates stand on issues – not just what they are saying, but what is their record, what are their actions telling you? Don’t be complacent or fail to exercise your right to vote. Be wise voters.
In Proverbs (4:6-7) we read: “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” We just celebrated our Guardian Angels (October 2nd) – call on yours for the gift of wisdom.
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
1st Reading: Isaiah 5:1-2 2nd Reading: Philippians 4:6-9 Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43
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Even When You Say You Did Not Believe
I’ll repeat the last line of that Gospel reading: “Yet even when you saw, you did not later change your mind and believe.”
Speaking in St. Petersburg (FL) on Friday (September 25) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted all restrictions statewide that were imposed to control the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. In his words: “Every business has the right to operate.” The executive order will stop cities and counties from fining people for not wearing mandated face coverings. The governor says there are no signs of a possible “second wave of infections.” I am a bit skeptical of what signs of the times this man and many others are reading? And, who or what advice are they listening to?
In our country – in the U.S. – there have been more than 7 million confirmed COVID cases – and God only knows how many more unreported. There have been more than 200,000 deaths. In Florida there have close to 700,000 reported, confirmed cases (not counting those that go unreported) and 14,000 COVID-reported deaths. That is approximately 4500 more than the combined populations of (nearby) St. Leo, San Antonio and Dade City.
The daily reading from the Holy Rule, this Gospel, and other words we’ve prayed this past week, warn us about paying mere lip service to directives and about the danger of letting our diligence slip.
We heard Jeremiah say: The Lord searches the heart and examines the mind, to reward each one according to what their deeds deserve.” And the psalmist who reminded us: “God searches the hearts and minds … The Holy One knows our thoughts.” In the words of Benedict: “The disciple’s obedience must be given gladly, for ‘God loves a cheerful giver.’” If the disciple obeys grudgingly and grumbles, not only aloud but also in her heart, then, even though the order is carried out, their actions will not be accepted with favor by God, who sees that she is grumbling in her heart. She will have no reward for service of this kind.”
The evidence is all around us – the virus is still present in our world. We can’t dispute the fact that there is confusion, fear and challenges that cause us to reflect on how we interact with each other and the greater community. There is much soul-searching and a heightened awareness of the “hungers of the people of God.” (BSoFL Corporate Commitment) We need look no further than across the highway to witness the challenges of having university students on campus.
Yet, we still hear comments like: “it’s all a hoax – it’s only another form of the flu – I’m strong, I can fight it – She is my friend, they wouldn’t be here if she thought she was sick – the virus can’t be passed if we’re outdoors – it’s not in our part of the county – I’ll take an ibuprofen tonight, just in case – I don’t follow rules I don’t agree with or don’t like.” What is not said is: “I’m scared – I can’t think about it – I have too many other health issues – there is so much confusion, I gave up – it’s like climate change; the scientists will figure it out – I followed the CDC and our house restrictions for a while, but not anymore; if it comes, it comes – if God wants to take me, that’s OK – if I get sick it’ll be someone else’s problem – they’ll take care of me.”
That’s the sticking point. In truth, in time of illness, death or distress, we do care for each other. The question before each of us each day is: am I taking care of, not just myself, but am I taking the most solicitous care I can of the 14 others I live with? Do I keep in mind Jesus’ admonition: “Don’t do to others, what you would not want done to you. Love others as you love yourself.”
These are times when the yoke of obedience and submission can really pinch – more for some personalities than others. Listening to the “abbot” is one thing – listening to an external source, quite another: the bishops, local governments, the CDC, health departments, medical professionals … where do they rank in our promise of obedience??? Our “conversion of life”?
Hospitality to each other is another whole package. But, we know we are (like it or lump it) in these times -TOGETHER – either we will survive it without scarring OR the enemy: lack of diligence, carelessness, or disregard for others (the REAL fatal virus), will break through cracks in our walls. Even hands held tightly can weaken – so hold tight…. Try not to be the one who loses grip. Let us hold each other tightly in prayer and patience in the trials of “Safe at Home.” We’ve a “mile to go before we can sleep” – i.e. let up on our vigilance. Know and believe that God has a plan. Be patient with the divine timing in day-by-day revealing that plan. Remind yourself “the best IS yet to come.” Our ancestors in community got through the 1918 pandemic – so will we!
Peace – and good health and many blessings.
We’ll be praying in particular all this week for all health care workers and on Monday joining in spirit the Bishops for International Day of Prayer for Migrants, Refugees, Immigrants and Sojourners.
God bless you each!
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress