Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

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Gun Violence Awareness Day

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The Peace and Justice Committee at Holy Name Monastery suggested the Sisters and volunteers wear orange on June 7th, Gun Violence Awareness Day, in support of groups working for an end to gun violence.  It seems that orange is the chosen color because it is the color hunters wear to protect themselves.

There are more guns than people in the United States. Since 1994 the US Catholic Bishops’ Conference has supported “reasonable measures to address the problem of gun violence.”  “We have seen too many shootings and much too often of late,” said Sister Mary David. We Benedictine Sisters of Florida do what we can – pray, sign petitions, call legislators … wear orange.”

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“Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to do greater works than I have done.”

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Can you recall a time (or 2 or 3) when you were anticipating with dread a hard conversation you felt compelled to have with a confrere or co-worker, maybe an aging parent, a good friend? You just did not know what you were going to say. You ask yourself: How can I be both diplomatic and kind; tactful and yet honest? You imagined every possible scenario. Picturing how your words would come out; how the other person would react? Then, when the actual conversation took place, you hardly recognized what came forth from your own lips – it was tender, persuasive but firm; you weren’t sweating or tense … the right words just sort of flowed out of you and rained gently on the loved one. That was a “SPIRIT MOMENT.” Remember, in Luke, Jesus tells us: the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Do we really believe Jesus?

The Holy Spirit is probably the least understood Person of the Blessed Trinity.   The Holy Spirit is not an “it.” The Holy Spirit is a Person – not someTHING, but, SomeONE. In 1st Corinthians we read that the Holy Spirit is in you.  That means a personal relationship – a special, intimate relationship with the Spirit.  Maybe you are not really comfortable praying to the Spirit – your relationship has been mainly with Jesus or God the Father.  Don’t start squirming …  you already know the Spirit of God.  Jesus told you: The Father and I are one…. and, I will send you the Spirit.  You affirm this every time you bless yourself “In the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.”

If I knew how, I’d send you a recording of the theme music from a TV show you may remember.  And, I’d borrow the opening words from “Mission Impossible!”  “Good morning, my friends!  Your mission, should you choose to accept it…”  Just before He returned to heaven, Jesus said essentially the same thing.  He charged us to do something which seems like a “mission impossible.”  Recall His words – it’s one of the most amazing verses in the Bible.  “Verily, verily, I say to you: You that believe the works I do, you also shall do – and even greater works than these shall you do.”  Surely sounds like mission impossible to me!  And yet, our God, who cannot lie, has said it.

But how can we make it a reality?  To put “flesh on our mission” we must have a vision of what Jesus meant by “greater things.”  How well do I personally espouse the values of our family, our community, our company, our parish?  How well do we put them into practice?  Which ones do we do well – to which might we give more attention?

Jesus fed 5,000 people with a lad’s lunch.  He walked on water.   How can we do “greater”?  Jesus raised the dead.  How can we top that?  Exactly what was it that Jesus said?  Oh, He did not say we’d work greater miracles than He, but that we’d do greater works!  What greater works can we possibly do?

First, calm yourself.  Jesus’ primary work was not walking on water, healing people physically, raising them from the dead…though He did do all of those things.  His primary work was to seek and save that which was lost.  The miracle of Pentecost convinces us of the greater work the Spirit accomplished through the disciples.  Now, they can be worked through us.

In this season of Pentecost, let me ask you: when was the last time you had the courage to stand up for your convictions?  To sign a petition, write to your senator, or fire up a committee to action.  In some parts of the world having the courage to live the Gospel means risking your life. It may not ordinarily be that extreme but standing up for what you believe could cost you that promotion or disrupt relationships with family members. The stirring of the Holy Spirit compels us to every good action – to bless not curse – not to use God’s name lightly.   However, we only recognize the Spirit’s prompting if we are attuned to the signal … not in a dead zone where there are no lines to indicate connection or there is too much static to understand what is being said.

We have to make a concerted effort to develop, or continue, the habit of having conversations with God.  Psalm 139 asks us to ponder: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”  The Holy Spirit has all knowledge, sees everything that goes on, knows what’s in our hearts and minds.

Pope Francis writes (isn’t he a breath of fresh air – would that some of his charisma could rub off on our politicians) in The Joy of the Gospel, “The point is that we seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit’s power at all times.  But we can only experience this in the divine fullness by yielding ourselves and our will to God.”

Living (that is, literally “walking”) with and in the Spirit is the key…. If we turn our focus to the Spirit, we will be able to stand firm.   As Pope Francis reminds us: “Jesus said, “Run the way, not walk.  We must live with “one foot raised” ready for the journey, the path God has already trod for us.

That brings to mind the words of Paul to Corinthians:  “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God working in all of you.  To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

God has given each of us Spirit-gifts – you are to use them for the spread of God’s kingdom.  But be patient. It might take a while to get a good idea of how God has gifted you. One of your tasks is to discover which are your gifts.  To help with this, try different kinds of ministries to see which you do best. You will find that others will affirm you in your ministry in certain areas. You are also likely to find great joy and fulfillment in the areas where you have a spiritual gift.

This week let our prayer for each other echo Paul’s prayer for the Colossians: (1:9b-12) “May you be filled with the knowledge of God’s will for you in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, full pleasing to God as you bear fruit in every good work and you grow in the knowledge of God.  May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from God’s glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who as enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”                                                                                                                                      Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress    

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What Was Plan B for Jesus?

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The Angel Gabriel asked Jesus, “What’s your Plan B?”

In the Ascension story Jesus tell his disciples, and us: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” Really – the “whole world” and to “every creature?” And, Jesus, that part about picking up serpents with my bare-hands – it will take very special graces for me to comply. The Gospel is reminding us we have to remain in a state of readiness for a challenging, exciting trip. We need to set aside fear and trembling and any hesitation. We’re on a mission! We are those commissioned to go forth and proclaim the Gospel of life and love, of hope and peace. And, although Jesus says: “GO” we really don’t have to travel anywhere. We preach by the witness of our lives and as St. Francis of Assisi said: “When necessary use words.”

We sing about our commissioning in the hymn-text (by Jeffrey Rowthorn) “Lord, you gave the great commission … with the spirit’s gifts empowering us, for the work of ministry.” We are entrusted and (here’s the key word) enabled to continue Jesus’ own work – to share the news of God’s love in word and deed. Not only that, we are instructed to invite our co-workers, our oblates and guests and others to help bring God’s kingdom to fruition. We have a shared mission, a common goal.

The challenge of sharing the Good News, of spreading peace throughout the entire world must begin with our humble acknowledgement that it is the Spirit of God that will lead the way. Relay racers will tell you that the critical moment in the race is the passing of the baton from one runner to another. More relays are won or lost at that moment than at any other time in the race.

The feast of the Ascension might be compared to the passing of the baton. On this day over 2,000 years ago, Jesus passed the baton of responsibility for the Kingdom of God to his followers. Jesus commissioned them, and us, to complete the work he had begun. Practically speaking what does this mean? In any role in community, in any ministry and in employment settings we must discern when it is time to “pass the baton” – when is it time to let someone else (a new-comer, an upstart, a confrere) take on the ministry that’s been mine “forever.” How can the other use their God-given talents if I hold tight-fisted to a position God is calling that person to minister in? What opportunity am I rejecting because I am too intent on clutching a task that God is beckoning me to let go of? Christ’s Ascension, his return to his Father was his “Mission Accomplished” – the culmination of God’s divine plan for Christ. Let us pray for the insight and courage to know when our mission – mini or final – is accomplished.

On this day of hope, encouragement and commissioning, let us renew our commitment to be true disciples everywhere we go, beginning with our pew partner, our community members, our families and our parish, “living in a manner worthy of the calling we have received.”

There is an ancient beautiful story (maybe you’ve heard before) about the ascension of Jesus into heaven. When the grand welcome ceremony was over, the angel Gabriel quietly approached Jesus and shared some doubts. “I know that only very few in Palestine are aware of the great work of human salvation you have accomplished through your suffering, death and resurrection. But the whole world should know and appreciate it and become your disciples, acknowledging you as their Lord and Savior. What is your plan of action?” Jesus answered, “I have told all my apostles to tell other people about me and preach my message through their lives. That’s all.” “Suppose they don’t do that,” Gabriel responded. “What’s your Plan B?” Jesus replied, “I have no other plan; I am counting on them.”

Jesus is counting on each one of us to make him known, loved and accepted by others around us. He has no other plan than to depend on us! How well do we measure up to the task? If we believe that in Baptism we became part of the Body of Christ, and if Christ has no hands but ours in this world, how can we figuratively sit on our hands or keep them in our pockets?

 

Solemnity of the Ascension – June 2, 2019                                            Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

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Judgement vs Judgmental

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During World War II, from 1941 – 1944 Oxford University theology professor C.S. Lewis published a series of three pamphlets: “The Case of Christianity,” “Christian Behavior,” and “Beyond Behavior.”  A BBC radio producer had read an earlier book that impressed him by the same C.S. Lewis and invited Lewis to give a series of talks based on the material in the pamphlets. In 1952, the talks were compiled and adapted for publication in the book we know as Mere Christianity. Herein is the quote that (I believe) relates to today’s Gospel story of the meeting between Jesus and a woman accused of adultery. In Lewis’ words:

     “If anyone thinks that Christians regard unchastity (sexual sin) as the supreme vice, he is   quite wrong. The sins of the flesh are bad, but they are the least bad of all sins. All the worst pleasures are purely spiritual: the pleasure of putting other people in the wrong, of bossing and patronizing and spoiling sport, and backbiting; the pleasures of power; of hatred. That is why a cold self-righteous prig who goes regularly to church may be far nearer to hell than a prostitute. But, of course it is better to be neither!”

Jesus never says: Don’t judge. That would be a denial of our human nature and a gift from God – and what God makes is all good. What Jesus warns us against is jumping to conclusions and judging others’ motives – being judgmental. (“I know why she/he did that!”) There is a significant difference between making a judgement and being judgmental. People make judgements all the time; it’s part of a balanced personality. It’s how we decide what constitutes a good or inappropriate choice. It’s how we are able to make clear decisions and avoid potentially dangerous ones. It helps us help others who come to us with a problem or a dilemma.

On the other hand, judgmentalism is a defensive stance. It makes us feel superior and protected, safe from being hurt by the other by pointing out his/her faults.

You’ll know you are slipping into judgmental mode if:

  • You assign motives and skip right to conclusions.
  • You struggle to tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty.
  • You’re generally pessimistic about life and you believe people are with ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
  • You struggle to see the beauty in others.
  • You are anxious and intolerant when you’re around people who are different from you.
  • You’re suspicious and untrusting; have a strong inner critic who judges you.

Did any of that list make you cringe? Be honest: did you get any uncomfortable feelings … did any symptoms raise your hackles? When you are tired, feeling overworked or overly busy, the tendencies will be worse. We seek to protect ourselves, inflate our ego with false self-worth and disown our own faults. This points back to our own feelings of low self-worth. The more you are rejecting of yourself – the real you – the more you will tend to reject others.

So, what to do? Self-talk can work wonders. When you are feeling upset, depressed, insecure or anxious, pause and focus on your inner talk. Accept the messy parts of yourself – be realistic – accept that you are human. But be wary of thinking: That’s just the way I am – they’ll just have to accept that!  Take care of your health, remove toxic people and situations from your life, do one self-loving thing each day: sit in the sun, read a book, seek out conversation with a friend, shampoo your hair, absorb the sunset … do something that makes you happy. Work on showing compassion rather than judging – look beneath the other’s behavior … where is the inner pain? Is there, perhaps, fear or sadness?

It is a curious twist in the Gospel story that Jesus is the only one who is qualified to stone the woman (He is the one without sin). And, he didn’t do it. According to the law, two witnesses were required for a death sentence. And, all the so-called witnesses had disappeared. Jesus wasn’t the one who had brought the charge against the woman. You’ve read that saying – “Every saint has a past; every sinner has a future?”  So, “case dismissed” – the woman is free to go.

Fifth Sunday in Lent – April 7, 2019

Ezekiel 37:114               Romans 8:8-11               John 8:1-11

Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

 

 

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No Once and For All Answer

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Yes, I mean you – Jesus is asking you: “Who do YOU say that I am?” He’s not looking for the answer you learned at your Mama’s knee or the Catholic catechism answer; Not what the says say or the bumper stickers, or the easily accessible Internet.

Jesus made his first question easy – who do people say I am? The disciples parroted back what they’d heard others say, but Jesus pushes them to move to what they are hearing without their own being: “But you, who do you say that I am?” Like the disciples, each of us must answer the question for ourselves based on our own lived faith experience AND God’s word revealed in the privacy of your lectio-moments of intimate conversation with God.

Jesus commends Peter for his profession of faith but notice: He credits the insight coming from God. He does not say: “Finally, you get it!” No, ever the humble Son, he gives deference to his Father. There’s no display of false humility with a reaction like “You really think so?” He doesn’t deflect Peter’s words as if denying them. He models for us a loving example of understanding: “It’s not all about me.”

The answer to Jesus’ query is always within a context. Here’s what I mean –

  • Who do we say Jesus is in light of the violence in our country?
  • Who do we say Jesus is in the wake of the killing of police officers and smashing cares into crowds of people and the continuing unrest between nations?
  • Who do we say Jesus is when a loved one dies, the doctor gives news we didn’t want to hear, when days are grey of our life seems to be falling all apart?
  • Who do we say Jesus is when we are faced with decisions that have no easy answers, when the night is dark and the storms of life overwhelm us, when faithfulness means risking it all and taking a stand against a louder and seemingly more powerful voice?

Who we say Jesus is has everything to do with who we are. In some ways our answers says as much or more about us than about Jesus. It reveals how we live and what we stand for. It guides our decisions, and determines the actions we take and the words we speak. We need constantly remind ourselves: “It’s not what people look at, it’s what they see; not what we say but what they hear.” Like the TV ad for a local hospital “What they remember is the feeling.” One harsh words can undo all the holy words we said in chapel. One snub in order not to sit next to someone or refusal to give up “my seat” for a guest will not go unnoticed. One unkind deed will stick tighter in the memory than all the hugs and kisses, and smiles and compliments and good-bye blessing songs. If visitors stay long enough they may see us in our most embarrassing moments, but they also see the love and acceptance we experience in our community life. One writer puts it: the community loves us and keeps us anyway despite all our warts.

In some sense there is no once and for all, finally and forever answer to Jesus query. We are always living the questions: Who am I? Who do you say that I am? Who Jesus was when I was a child is different from who he was when I was in my 30s or who he is for me today. Hopefully, who he is for me next year will be different from who he is today. It’s not that Jesus has changed, or will change. I have, or will. We are constantly engaging his questions in so doing, we not only discover Jesus anew we discover ourselves anew.

Try holding up the mirror – turn the question around, ask Jesus: “Who do you say that I am – why do you love me so much?

Jesus’ life and presence among us calls into question everything about our lives, our world. That’s why we ought not answer his question too quickly, too glibly, or with too much certainty. It’s not a question to be figured out as much as it is a question to be lived. “You, who do you say that I am?”                                                             S. Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

First Reading Isaiah 22:19-23  *  Second Reading Romans 11:33-36

Gospel Matthew 16:13-20 

 

 

 

 

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