Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
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Advent is about learning to wait

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It’s Advent again!  ‘Tis the season that too often is too little appreciated, misunderstood and commonly ignored.  Advent is about learning to wait. It is about not having to know exactly what is coming tomorrow.  Advent teaches us the difference between expectation, anticipation and waiting; suspense, eagerness and “twiddling your thumbs to pass the time”.

I invite you to take a stroll down memory lane.  Feel again the anticipation and impatience you felt for the night Santa Claus would come.   That’s the feeling we still need to be filled with as we await the coming of Christmas – the commemoration of the night Jesus opened His eyes as a human being.  His first smile lit up his eyes as he beheld the tender love of his earthly mother and his foster father Joseph.  That was the night when he first heard, with human ears, the sweet sound of angels’ voices.  He experienced the comfort of his first hug.  Snuggled in his mother’s arms, he felt the warmth of the breath of curious animals who gathered ‘round the Holy Family.

In your reverie, live again the moment you discovered the reality of the Santa myth.  You’d probably had plenty of hints for a long time from older siblings or classmates.  In fact, you might have suspected who the REAL family Santa was. But you were slow to relinquish the fantasy of the jolly fellow enjoying the cookies you’d left for him.  Feel again the childish delight you knew as Santa emptied his sack of toys to find the gift with your name on it.

This Advent season, in place of eager children looking forward to Santa bringing us gifts, may we dream up creative ways to be “Santa” to others.

“May the God of Israel increase our longing for Jesus our Savior and give each and all of us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of Jesus’ coming may find us rejoicing in his presence and welcoming the light of Truth.”

  ~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 2:1-55         Second Reading:  Romans 13:11-14
Gospel:   Matthew 24:37-44
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“Christ the King, the living face of the Father’s mercy.”

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This weekend we observe the solemnity of Christ, the King. The celebration was first was proclaimed universally as a feast in 1925 by Pope Pius IX. In 2015, the prescribed date was moved from October to the last Sunday in the church year and the commemoration was raised to solemnity. At that time Pope Francis added a phrase to the title of the day.” (see title of reflection)

As the liturgical year draws to a close, we consider how Jesus is more than just a king. He is the King, the King of the Universe. We celebrate a ruler who, in mercy, was willing to die for us to give us true freedom. Jesus willingly exchanged the trappings of a king for a place among the poorest of the poor. In place of a red carpet, he’d had a rude stable floor strewn with hay. Later in his life, it was palm branches that lined the way beneath a donkey’s feet. His crown was not one of gems but a crown of thorns. His choice of transportation was usually on foot. In speaking of his home, Jesus said: “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

Some may wonder why we read a scene from the passion today. How does that help us understand what Jesus’ kingship means? We may always sense a vague uneasy feeling in calling Jesus “king” partly due to the changing attitudes toward kings throughout history. Today, distrust of authority is rampant – accelerated by the rise in belief that the only authority is the individual self. The idea of Christ as ruler, as king is resisted by many who believe that such titles are borrowed from oppressive systems of government. History proves that some kings have been oppressive. But when we allow this type of thinking to overtake us we miss the point that Christ’s kingship is one of humility and service. In contrast to the oppression so prevalent in Jesus’ day, he saw his role as king as one of humble service. He teaches us, his followers, to be servants as well. This is the behavior we must imitate. As Benedict teaches “Anticipate the needs of others and put them before our own; anticipating others’ needs in doing good works.”

This leads us to ponder: how is it that Jesus can be, at the same time, both Suffering Servant and King? That’s the very question that Jesus turns on Pilate: “Do you ask this (are you a king?) on your own? Or have others told you about me?” It pushes us to question ourselves: Is Jesus my King? Do I know him on my own, from my own experiences? Or is my relationship with Jesus based on borrowed thoughts from books I’ve read; homilies and retreat talks? Do I sing with conviction the sentiments of the kingly hymns that spring to mind: “Come, Christians, Join to Sing”; “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, “Hail, Redeemer, King Divine”, “The King of Glory”, “At the Lord’s high Feast”, we sing, praise to our victorious King”? And, let’s not overlook the triumphant echoing of a favorite Christmas carol: “Joy to the World! Let Earth receive her king!”

At the other end of this week, we will be jump-started into the Season of Advent: an experience of an “ending” that is a “beginning” – a time of waiting for the One who will come. He is the One who is promised to us in the Book of Revelation: “Behold, he is coming and everyone will see him; the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is and who was and who is to come.” In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he writes: “He is before all things, and in him all things are held together; in him all the fullness is pleased to dwell!”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Second Reading: Colossians 1:12-20
Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
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“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

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“Remember you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.  … By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”  In another translation we read: “This will be your chance to tell the Good News. Do not worry about what to say in court. For I will give you wise words. None of your enemies will be able to prove that you are wrong. They will not be able to say that your words are false.”

Much is written in support of the practice of imagining or role-playing various scenarios before actually confronting someone or being caught in a confrontational situation.  I don’t mean to belittle the value that might have to ease the knots in your stomach but these words of Jesus quoted by Luke remind us, when we actually get in a situation we can depend on God for Jesus says: “I myself will give you a wisdom, wise words, in speaking.”

A few months back my sign (Scorpio) read: “Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.”  Sometimes that “rocking chair” could work ruts in the carpet…

One group of researchers have evidence to proof that we worry about – (commentary is mine.)

40% of our worries are things that will never happen [Whew, that’s a huge chunk we can let go of]

30% are about the past – which can’t be changed anyway – so dump the gunny sack and look to today

12 % are about criticism by others, mostly untrue – and many imaginary – why do we so often assume that other people are going to spend time their precious time thinking about “me”?

10% are about health, which only gets worse with stress – better to relax, loosen up and let our bodies work their own magic on the knots (I hear you: “that’s easier said than done.”)

8% are about real problems that can be solved – so here is where we need to spend our energy and focus our prayer.  Remember Jesus’ promise (and He is a person of his word): “By your perseverance you will secure your lives!”  So, “hands off” and “zip the lip” offering God the right solution because our limited eyesight most likely will see only a rather self-serving solution …  “God-sight” knows the key to the best fix for all concerned.

 Worry and fretting allows what we see as problems to come between us and God.   It is the view that God has somehow lost control of the situation and we’ve lost trust in God’s omnipotent care for us.  A legitimate concern should draw us closer to God and cause us to rely on His providential love for us.

By our Corporate Commitment we profess to respond to the needs of the people of God with the “compassion of Christ.”  But how can we do that if we have not learned to depend on the compassion of Christ?   Saying the words is one thing; living with a firm conviction that compassion begets compassion is all together another matter.   Let us seek ways to be compassionate. Not wishy, washy – for COM-passion means “with passion” – with fervor, excitement, enthusiasm, even obsession.  Compassion is a component of the good zeal our Holy Rule commends.

Mother Evangelista Kremiter – founding superior of the Atchison Benedictines and certainly was a mover and shaker in founding our federation – is quoted as saying: “Our lives, not words, make us credible.  Words move but example motivates.”  May our lives, individually and collectively, be an example that motives all who meet us to be people of compassion.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving ….   Consider what you are doing for someone(s) less fortunate that you and your family ..  donate money or canned goods to a food bank or place a surprise in their mailbox or on the doorstep, work a church event ….. or invite a live-alone person for a meal and conversation ….  or  how long has it been since  you’ve worn some things hanging in the closet for eons ….

  “Bend a knee”  a whisper THANK YOU!

 

 

First Reading:   Malachi 8:19-20a         Second Reading:  2 Thess 3:7-12
Gospel:   Luke 21:5-19
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You don’t need a building to represent God’s presence – God is ever near

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Have you ever had the experience of talking to someone who is behind you?   You think you are having a really good conversation only to discover the other person has long since left the room or fallen asleep in the back seat.  Not long ago I experienced this when trying to converse with a friend as we walked down a long busy hallway.  What my friend did not realize was that someone had stepped between us while she continued speaking over her shoulder. “Let’s go into town tonight, find a good dancing place; maybe have a drink or two.”  Imagine her surprise when a male voice responded: “I’d like that – Is it OK if I bring my wife?”

That’s similar to what is happening in this Gospel story.  Folks are going through all kinds of activities directed to a God who has long stopped paying attention to all of their religious rituals, performances and pretenses.  What was taking place in the Temple was all the outward activity with none of the genuine reality. The motives had become mixed: it was much more about what they could get from the Temple rather than responding in gratitude for what God has done for them and their ancestors.

The picture here is not a gentle, soft-spoken Jesus – not the smiling Jesus calmly confronting the religious establishment with authoritative teaching and divine wisdom.  He does not ask the vendors to kindly remove their display tables outside the temple.  Nor does he ask the buyers to hold on to their money and put it in the donation basket.  Rather, he appears with His sleeves rolled up ready for a fight. He makes his own whip and chares through the heart of the religious establishment striking forcefully and aggressively at a religious system that has become skewed. Imagine it! Jesus is opening the cages of sheep, and doves with one hand, while, wielding a whip of cords in the other. He is driving animals and people alike into confusion and retreat.

The Jewish leaders ask Jesus for his credentials: what sign does he offer for taking this radical action?  Their demand is amazing but it seems a fair question.  They are checking what right He has to clear the Temple. Even among those who trusted Jesus, there is something that is not trustworthy. Jesus knew that even among those who believe, there is something fundamentally wonky. We are prone to get it wrong. Even among those who have true faith in Jesus, there is the possibility that we will let ritual replace reality.

Recall Jesus’ response to his critics in the temple?  “You want proof that I have the right to condemn religious pretension.   Let me give you the sign that I have the authority to condemn the Temple. You are going to kill me, and when you destroy me, I will raise it up again.” He is saying that resurrection is the ultimate authentication that he is who he says he is.  The religious leaders were incredulous.

He’s telling them and us: You don’t need a building to represent My presence because I am the connecting point between you and God.  In just a little more a month we will be celebrating Christmas and singing about Emmanuel, God with us. Authentic worship is not attached to Jerusalem or any other place. It is attached to Jesus. You / we won’t be making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. But, we will be moving through Advent – a movement of the heart.  Turn away, Jesus says, from all that detracts from Me and our relationship.

So, if the Gospel message is that we don’t need a building to find and worship God, why are we celebrating the dedication a basilica today?  Parishes commemorate their founding dates but that’s usually a local celebration.  Why does the dedication of a building in a faraway city supersede the 32nd Sunday liturgy?  This church, the Lateran Basilica, not St. Peter’s, is a diocesan cathedral, the pope’s church, in his role as bishop of Rome.  It was built in the 4th century on donated land.  The structure has suffered fire, earthquake and ravages of war.  The present structure was commissioned 1200 years later, in 1646.  Beneath its high altar rests the remains of a small wooden table, on which according to tradition, St. Peter celebrated Mass.  The building may have been repaired and its role changed since the fourth century, but Jesus Christ remains its cornerstone.  This is our mother church, the spiritual home of the people who are the church.

Shortly before his death, Pope Francis give us insight into his concept of Church:

“I would like a more missionary church, not so much a tranquil church, but a beautiful church that goes forward in joy.”    At the opening of the Synod on the Family Pope Francis made it clear no question would be out of place, Discussion was not to be censored; no topics or questions were to be off the table. He wanted full, robust debate.   Then, in his closing remarks at the Synod he challenged the bishops with homework: “We still have one year to mature, to find concrete solutions to so many difficulties and innumerable challenges to confront; to give answers to the many discouragements that surround and suffocate.”

Our gospel is not a bedtime pretend story about some long-ago hypocritical religious leaders. It’s really our story too.  Our covenant relationship with Jesus, with God is not just about becoming a better version of ourselves through self-improvement.  It’s not about following a set of rules, reading the words of someone else’s prayers, being on our knees or sitting down, genuflecting or bowing.  It’s about becoming the best we can be – living to our full potential – not putting ourselves down in false humility or denying God’s free gifts to us.

A very real question is whether we believe that the resurrection fact or fiction?  Do we truly believe the sign that Jesus gives us, that He rose after three days buried in the earth?   If you believe He did, then we need to pay attention, because this is no ordinary man.  Let us, pray, then THAT our community, that every community of faith gathering to worship, may go forth from church buildings into their everyday lives to share their faith and resources with those in need.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

 

 

First Reading:   Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12        Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 3:9-13,16-17
Gospel:   John 2:13-22
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A Reflection on the Beatitudes

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THE BEATITUDES: Looking Back Through a Long Lens – I Was There that Day

Yesterday we celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints and today, the Commemoration of All Souls. It feels to me like a two-day celebration of all God’s people: those above the “grass” and those behind a very thin dividing wall but dancing to the same tune: “Great things happen when God mixes with us!”

This weekend I offer you a reflection from my journal on the Gospel often used for the Solemnity of All the Saints. When you settle into a few moments of leisure, you might read Luke and Matthew’s accounts of Jesus delivering the Beatitudes.

In his Gospel the evangelist Matthew tells the story of the day Jesus offered us a bequest.  This bequest gathers many of His lessons into one gift-wrapped package we call the BEATITUDES.  The evangelist Luke, too, relates his version of that afternoon on the mountainside.  Both men may have been there but Matthew’s version contains more details.  I know that Luke gleaned an insight into Jesus’ home life from Mary, Jesus’ mother.  This particular day I know Matthew was there, hearing Jesus firsthand.  He was seated right beside me.  I can conjure up his image now.  He wasn’t very agile so he kept squirming to find a comfortable position on the grassy sloop.

LISTEN UP NOW!  Jesus is getting ready to speak.  Look around you. The Beatitudes that he’ll share are not some pie-in-the-sky sayings.  What Jesus says reflects what He has seen so often.   He gives us a gift to unwrap and remember in our everyday life.  “Blessed are they.”

He spots a rich man and his wife who live very simply.  Did you notice her peasant style dress?  She got it at the Jerusalem Good Will store.  This couple has a reputation for generosity.  Raising his hand in blessing over the crowd, Jesus says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, the kingdom of God is theirs.”

See that family there?  They are mourning the death of their infant daughter.  Hear Jesus when he says: “Blessed are the sorrowing, they shall be comforted.”

Turning to make eye contact with the family whose only child is in a wheelchair and has many special needs, Jesus says: “Blessed are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.”

Seeing some of John’s disciples, Jesus senses the people’s hunger for His words.  But, the sun is high in the sky.  Some have traveled far and Jesus knows they must be weary and hungry.  But they wait with an air of expectancy to see if He will offer than a word.  Jesus does not disappoint them as he says: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness, they shall have their fill.”

Oh, look over to your right.  Do you see the older woman gently soothing a fretting infant so a young mother can rock her fretting toddler to sleep?  Hear Jesus when he says: “Blessed are they who show mercy, mercy shall be theirs.”

Why is Jesus looking over there?  He seems to be focusing on some who’ve lost interest in his sermon.  He knows that they’ve heard this before in different ways.  This time it might soak in if they’d just listen.  He knows their deep desire to be always in his presence.  He reminds them: “Blest are the singe-hearted, for they shall see God.”

Why is He smiling now?  Oh, I see.  It’s that young father rolling a yarn ball back and forth to his two young sons.  A moment ago they were squabbling over the ball. Gently flicking the ball in the direction of each boy in turn seems to a habit of his. And all the time Papa’s listening so intently to Jesus’ words.  “Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called children of God.”

Jesus’ expression changes.  Mmmm.  He is looking at those church officials who  have dared to follow him.  They know they’re going to be the object of tomorrow’s gossip fest.  Jesus speaks directly to them.   “Blessed are those persecuted for holiness sake; the reign of God is theirs.”

Slowly scanning the entire crowd, Jesus goes on to say: “Blessed are YOU when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me.  Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven.   You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

 Again, I remind you: ”You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Recall all the folks whose paths you’ve mutually crossed… Happy memories.

 

Gospel Reading:   Matthew 5:3-12 and Luke 6:20-23
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Mercy Over Merit

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It is important to note at the outset of this particular reading just who it is that Jesus is speaking to.  Luke says: “Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt.”

But, then there’s this.  Elsewhere in Scripture, Proverbs tells us: “To do righteousness is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” and “Blessings are on the head of the righteous.”  Turning to Isaiah we read: “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.”

So, why does Jesus seem to be criticizing the righteous one?  One little word makes the difference.  Jesus is talking to the self-righteous; those who trusted in themselves. They’re a little too sure they are right and anyone who thinks differently must be wrong.  They (or is it we?) are so full of self that there’s little room for God’s grace to filter in.

It’s interesting when you think about it that everything the Pharisee says is true. He has set himself apart from others by his faithful adherence to the law. He is, by the standards of his day, a righteous man.   It isn’t that the Pharisee is speaking falsely, but rather that the Pharisee misses the true nature of his blessing. As Luke says he has trust in himself. His prayer of gratitude may be addressed to God, but it is really about himself. He credits his righteousness entirely in his own actions.

The tax collector, on the other hand, does not even raise his eyes to heaven.  He knows that he possesses no means by which to claim righteousness. He declares he has done nothing of merit. So, he stands back, hardly daring to approach the Temple, and throws himself on the mercy of the Lord.  He seems not so much humble as desperate.  He stakes his hope entirely on the mercy of God.

At the end of the day, the Pharisee will leave the Temple and return to his home the same virtuous, honorable man he was when he came to the temple.  That hasn’t changed.  The Pharisee’s mistake, as Scott Peck says, is that he thinks that whenever he wants, he can pull “God out of his hip pocket.”   On the other hand, the tax collector will go back to his home exalted in God’s eyes because he humbled himself.

If you’re spiritually alive, and give credit where credit is due, you’re going to love this take on the parable.  If you’re spiritually dead, you won’t even want to hear it.  If you’re spiritually curious, there is still hope!

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of his hometown newspaper and complained that it made no sense to him at all to go to church every Sunday.  He wrote: “I’ve gone for 30 years now, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons, but for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them.  So, it’s been a waste of my time and on the part of homilists a waste of their time by giving sermons at all”.

This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column.  Much to the delight of the editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote a real clincher:  “I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.  But I do know this: they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work.   If my wife had not given me those meals, I would be physically dead today.”

We might say: I’ve been in community x number of years.  In that time, I’ve been nourished and supported by my Sisters thousands of times in hundreds of different ways. But sadly, I can only recall a few, if any, instances in full detail. This much I DO know, without their support my spirit would have withered long ago.  Likewise, if I had not gone to Mass and been faithful to my time of private and communal prayer, I would be spiritually dead today!

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Sending from home of OSB sisters in Pittsburgh PA where I am on vacation for a month – sunny 43 degree, some Fall colors.

Unsure if for next few weekends will be sending reflections …  Know that I will remembering you and your intentions in prayer.

 

 

 

First Reading:   Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18         Second Reading:  2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Gospel:   Luke 18:9-14
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