Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

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The Kingdom of God is Open to Everyone

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Have you ever watched a make-over program on TV?  I’ve watched a few on house make-overs.  But recently when I was channel surfing, I was attracted by a young lady’s plea to get her boyfriend to dress appropriately for a wedding. This was one of those make-over shows where a person gets their entire wardrobe revamped.  As these shows go, they took him – he seemed to go without protest – to an up-scale clothing store for a new wardrobe that would make him acceptable at the wedding – at least in the eyes of his girlfriend.  He watched helplessly as his favorite clothes were thrown in a heap and replaced with more “fashionable items.”

The party in today’s Gospel would have been a highlight in many people’s lives. free food, hobnobbing with people whose names they’d only heard in passing.  Why would they not jump at the chance to be a guest at such a fantastic occasion?  But you just throw a party yourself and you will quickly figure out that some who say “yes” won’t show up and a goodly number will figure you knew they’d come so they did not really need to RSVP.

The people to whom Jesus was telling this parable understood the absurdity of the situation. They knew that Jesus was not simply telling them a strange story but that he was telling them something about their own lives.  He was in essence telling them that they were the invited guests and that they had refused the invitation. They understood that Jesus was telling them that the kingdom of God is open to everyone: to the outcasts and the sinners and to them.

But Jesus doesn’t stop his parable with that. He goes on to say that once the street-people had been invited into the banquet, the king spotted someone who wasn’t properly dressed.  When asked why, the man was speechless. The king demanded that he be handcuffed and thrown into the outer darkness. How are we to understand this part of the parable?  Why was lack of a certain type of garment such a big deal?

Some may say the king invited everyone so people should come just as they happen to be when they decided to join the banquet.  Others argue it means we should be given a special robe at the door of the church to wear during the service.  Of course, these answers miss the point. This is a story that has a deeper meaning. Yes, it is a story, but remember parables are earthly stories with heavenly ­meanings.

I find it intriguing that while the last group brought into the wedding came from the hedgerows and by-ways, the main character was still expected to be wearing a wedding garment.  This lets us know, doesn’t it, that we better be ready at all times to come to the wedding.  The point, of course, is not what type of clothing covers our nakedness. At some stage in life we’ve all learned that although not the most important thing in life, fashion is not something to be totally ignored either.   Just ask anyone who is getting married, or celebrating a jubilee or going to a funeral, if what people wear isn’t of some significance.  At one end of the spectrum, there are folks who believe brand name labels are the key to admittance into their coveted social circle. But for others, fashion is just not a big deal at all.  They may not even own a full-length mirror.

The wedding garment Jesus was talking about was like a choir cloak that was provided at the door.  To the listeners, this guest was one who snubbed social rules, the significance of the occasion and the prestige of being included on the guest list.

Even though everyone is invited into the banquet of the kingdom of heaven, there will be some who simply don’t send back their RSVP card. There will be those who show up but do so without the proper spiritual clothing and are sent away. The reading leaves us with that same probing question we first heard in our mother’s voice: “You’re wearing that?!”  We quickly recognized it was not really a question but an order.

Maybe a good place to start re-doing our spiritual wardrobes would be to heed St. Paul’s admonition to the Colossians (3:13):  “As God’s chosen people …  clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Just be sure you’re wearing the proper attire when Jesus says: “Come in, Friend, I’ve saved a seat with your name on it.“

~ Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Pray for peace in the world and people’s safety; for justice and access to health services; and protection from all forms of violence. 

 

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a     Second Reading:  Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel:   Matthew 22:1-14
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A Call for Peace

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A Call for Peace in the Holy Land

In response to the continued tensions and violence that erupted into warfare between Gaza and Israel on October 7, Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, calls for prayers for peace in the Holy Land:

On October 7, the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary, the world watched the operation launched from Gaza and the rapid call to arms from Israel that ensued. Almost 50 years to the day of the launch of the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, once again war is spilling out in the Holy Land. With it brings the mounting casualties and hostilities unfolding on all sides, and increased threats to the Status Quo of the Holy Places among Jews, Muslims, and Christians further dimming any hope for peace.

The world is once again shocked and horrified by the outbreak of ferocious violence in the Holy Land. Reports have surfaced indicating large numbers of wounded and dead, including many civilians. 

I join with Pope Francis in his call for peace and his condemnation of this widespread outbreak of violence. As he stated in his Sunday audience, “May the attacks and weaponry cease. Please! And let it be understood that terrorism and war do not lead to any resolutions, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people.”

May all who love the Holy Land seek to bring about among all the parties engaged in the fighting a cessation of violence, respect for civilian populations and the release of hostages.

As we pray urgently for peace, we recall especially all the families and individuals suffering from these events.  We call on the faithful, and all people of good will to not grow weary and to continue to pray for peace in the land Our Lord, the Prince of Peace, called home.

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The Gift of Wisdom

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This Gospel invites us one more time to focus on agriculture – a familiar topic here in Florida.  Surely, you’ve noticed that this is the third Sunday in a row that Jesus and Matthew have shared parables that call 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.

Here in Pasco County many fret when we experience a long dry period.  Our soil longs for rain and we can empathize with the farmers and ranchers in the fire-ravaged areas in California and the far west.  We 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.  During and following the pandemic more than 54 million people, including 18 million children, continue 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 holiday periods when schools that ordinarily serve meals are closed.

Let’s look at our “back yard” here in Pasco County.  Last year 54% (or 42,000) children in Pasco County were 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, and 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 congress get their act together for the people or will there be government shutdown, 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; be prudent in meal-planning so you have few unplanned left-overs

+ And, yes, pray!  There is a saying, “When all else fails, pray.”  But let’s don’t wait for “all else to fail” – pray frequently for wisdom and discernment; examine how 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 2) – call on yours for the gift of wisdom.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 5:1-2         Second Reading:  Philippians 4:6-9
Gospel:   Matthew 21:33-43
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It isn’t over, til it’s over!

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The dynamic in this Gospel is an ages-old story.  It happens in families, between friends, in the work force and in monastic community.  The situation Jesus poses is rather straight-forward.  Two sons are given the same task by their father: one asserts his objection, right up-front but in the end obeys his father’s wish.  The second son signifies obedience in his words but his actions betray his words.

The question that Jesus poses is direct: Which son did what the father wanted?  Jesus could ask us the same question.  Do our words reflect our obedience to God?  God desires a full conversion of heart –  that our actions (and our words as well) will give evidence of our love for God.  The older brother had no intention of working and had the honesty to say so.  He was in the wrong, but he was honest.  The younger brother was the opposite.  He said the expedient thing knowing what his father wanted to hear but he had no integrity.

For Benedict obedience is central.  As postulants when we officially knocked on the door and asked to be received as a candidate we were greeted with the question: “What do you seek?”  We declared that we’d come to the monastery to hear and seek God.  To do that you have to be willing to listen and then obey God’s voice as heard in personal prayer, in the voice of the superior and in interactions with each other.  Benedict asks that our obedience be open, honest, prompt and positive, (even if it is painful) and given without murmuring.

We would do well to recall both this gospel story, and Benedict’s words about obeying with alacrity, when we are asked to do a favor for one of our sisters or a co-worker.  We know that for Benedict, murmuring was an abomination, anathema, a curse in community and any sign of grumbling was to be censured.

In one of her first commentaries on the Rule, Joan Chittister suggests: Say to the member who signs up for a task but then complains, “Please don’t sign up.  Kindly give the community the gift of not murmuring about it.  The rest of the community will get the work done.  Please just stay home and keep a smile on your face.  Don’t do the work and then poison the environment of the house with murmuring.”

Oh, you may think: it’s easy for you to talk about obedience.  You’re the prioress, who do you have to obey?  Bear in mind that the leader, any leader, may have some authority with her position, but the power lies in the hands and will of the membership.  Obedience in monastic life is mutual.  It springs from the bloom of mutual respect.  Without both, there is no community.  There is just a group of women living under the same roof.  Thankfully for all of us, in life, growth is always possible.  It’s not how we start that matters, it’s how we finish!  “It isn’t over, til it’s over!”

 

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Have a pleasant week!  Happy feast of your Guardian Angel and the Feast of the Holy Rosary!

 

 

 

Readings: Ezekiel 18:25-28    Philippians 2:1-Be like
Gospel:   Matthew 21:28-32
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Go Into My Vineyard

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“Go into my vineyard and I will give you what is just.”

 

It strikes me that this Gospel must be a source of reassurance to those that some describe as “late-in-life or delayed vocations”.    When the 5 o’clock whistle blew the persons in the parable figured they’d been overlooked AGAIN.  “I don’t I look strong enough?  What will I say to my wife and children?”  The parable describes these hopefuls as “standing around.” But if you have ever seen day-laborers gathered, hopefully waiting for a grove owner’s bus, you’ve seen people weary and discouraged before the day begins.   They sit on a bench or crouched on their haunches.  Some perk up when the bus pulls in. Hope rises, then falls, as the boss chooses a handful of workers for that day.  Experience warns the overlooked once again that there’s no room for them on the bus.

But they don’t completely give up. They live in hope.  They wait well into the day.  Until 5 o’clock, the parable says.  Staring into space, once again picturing their children with hunger in their eyes.  But wait!  Maybe (just maybe) they could pick up a few hours work before dark.  Their ears pricked up when they hear the voice of the landowner, the Master, speaking to them: “Why are you still here?  You, too, go into my vineyard.”  They labor until the whistle blows marking the end of the day in the fields.

Those who came late have worked only a small ratio of the day compared to those who were on the first bus. What a surprise when they discreetly peeked into their pay envelopes.  They’d been thinking, “This owner’s usually generous.  Wonder how much I got? Will it put supper on the table?  Whoa!  Look again.  It’s not possible that’s a full day’s wages.”   But it is!

The whole Gospel story harkens back to a line in the First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah: (God speaks) “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways.  The Master continues emphasizing how far apart God’s thoughts are from ours. “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.”  With that consideration in mind, (that God’s thoughts are a far cry from our earth-bound thoughts) make the jump to the last line in the Gospel parable: “Am I not free to do as I wish with my own riches?  Are you envious because I am generous?”  Has God ever had to asked you that question: Are you envious because I am generous?

We shouldn’t be found sitting idly on the bench we call life.  Or worse, grumbling over “poor me”.  Nor can we stand around idle waiting to be hired.  The Rule of Benedict offers us a good personal check list:

Benedict exhorts us: Honor all persons with respect.   Accommodate a diversity of personality styles.  Do not hold your Sisters hostage with any form of tyranny or tardiness nor weigh down the group with grumbling.  No favoritism will be awarded due to rank or status, between rich and poor.  Any favoritism should be afforded to the weak and the sick.  Follow what you consider better for others.   Respect all equally!

In regard to respect for individual pathways to holiness, Benedict says in RB 73: there is always more you can do. Those who can do more, should do so.  “As observant and obedient monk, we blush for shame at being so slothful, so unobservant, so negligent.  Are you hastening toward your heavenly home?   Then, with Christ’s help, keep this little rule.  After that, you can set out for the loftier summits of teaching and the virtues, and under God’s protection you will reach them.”

Can you hear the landowner asking you: “Why are you standing here idle all day?  Go into my vineyard and I will give you what is just.”

 

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

Welcome to Fall 2023…  cooler weather and

beautiful change of season

 

 

 

 

Readings:  Isaiah 55:6-9    Philippians 1:20-24, 27a
Gospel:   Matthew 20:1-16a

 

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Forgiveness is always a choice

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In this Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, the disciple Peter comes to Jesus asking a question that’s troubling him. “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?  Up to seven times?”  Part of the Rabbinical teaching was that people should forgive those who offended them three times.  So, Peter, was trying to be more generous than the Rabbis.  Maybe trying to impress Jesus by suggesting seven times which was considered a perfect number.

Jesus’ response (seventy times seven) surprises Peter.   Seventy times seven!  Seventy times the perfect number is an endless number of times.  We should forgive with sincerity, no matter how many times someone asks.  True forgiveness doesn’t keep records.  True forgiveness does not say: “Sure, I’ll forgive you, but I’ll never forget this!”  Or, “Yes, I can forgive you this time but this is the last time.”

The servant in Jesus’ story seemed so sincere when he begged for mercy, a little time to repay his loan, that the king gave him more than he requested.  He erased the man’s whole debt. And what did the servant do?  He went out, found one of his co-workers who owed him money, laid into him and began to choke him.  When his co-worker begged for leniency, a little time for repayment, the unforgiving servant refused the gift he had just be granted.

When the king heard this, you can imagine his reaction.  He became furious, called the unforgiving servant in, and turned him over to the jailers to be tortured until he paid back all he owed.  One wonders how being thrown into prison enables one to pay back a debt.  It’s next to impossible unless the person sells off everything they own, or if their relatives and friends set up a “Go Fund” on Facebook.   Jesus’ point is that forgiveness is not about quantity.  The lesson is clear.  If we hoard God’s mercy for ourselves while showing no mercy to others, we risk forfeiting the effects of God’s mercy in our own lives.

Forgiveness is always a choice.   When we realize how much God has forgiven us, over and over without keeping a record, shouldn’t that realization alone produce in us a generous spirit of empathy and compassion toward others?   Twenty-four hours a day, day in and day out, we hear and see evidence of acts of domestic and national terrorism and violence as well as devastation wrought by natural disasters.  We see how violence begets violence, and hate begets hate.  This practice of an “eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” only results in everyone ending up blind and toothless.

We can each begin where we are, in our little world, our family, our community, our friends.  We can make a start with the first step Jesus gave us. GO!  Don’t wait for the other to make an approach.  Jesus assures us if we follow this first directive Jesus gave us, we’ll come to be like the child who was saying her bedtime prayers. As she went down the list of family members, asking God to bless them one-by-one, she omitted her sister’s name. Her mother injected:  “Why didn’t you pray for Susie?” She looked up but paused.  What didn’t her mother understand?  “I’m not going to ask God to bless Susie because she broke my doll’s arm.”  “But,” her mother said, “Don’t you remember Jesus said to forgive your enemies?” “That’s the trouble,” the child said with a sob.   “Susie isn’t my enemy.  She’s my sister.”

 

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

Readings:  Sirach 27:30-28:9       Romans 14:7-9
Gospel:   Matthew 18:21-35
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