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A Message from President Jeff Senese – Saint Leo University – Tragedy in Pitsburgh

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Dear colleagues, friends, and community members,

I write at this time to express our collective solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh at the Tree of Life synagogue, as well as with their families, friends, and the larger community.

We are all members of this society, and when one of us is hurt, we all hurt. As a university committed to practicing Benedictine Catholic values, we have the distinct privilege to embrace others when they are hurting, troubled, or in need. We are also part of a learning community, and as such have resources that can help us learn, as individuals or groups, ways to make this troubled world better.

To offer one example, we are home to the Saint Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS), which actively teaches people about interreligious dialogue. That means listening deeply to those of different faiths and honoring their experiences, as we hope others will honor ours. This is the kind of work that helps individuals and communities engender respect and compassion—an antidote to bigotry and violence. CCJS connections extend into our classrooms from time to time, including, by chance, this week.

I was so grateful to learn that in spite of what happened Saturday, Rabbi Emeritus Richard Birnholz of Congregation Schaarai Zedek, a community friend of CCJS, came to campus to continue a previously scheduled team-teaching engagement in two sections our World Religions course. These particular sections are being taught by Dr. Matthew Tapie, an assistant professor of theology and director of CCJS. Rabbi Birnholz, I am told, on Monday recounted to our students numerous attacks on his own synagogue in the 1970s in Jackson, MS. Rabbi Birnholz emphasized that in this time of division, we need to recognize that we are all one human family.

We thank him for responding to our students’ questions, and moreover, for his leadership and example in time of distress. If the rabbi can extend himself to us during this time of enormous grief, surely we can do that for others. So, I implore each of us to continue to reach out to our Jewish brothers and sisters, to hold them in esteem, our warm embrace, and to offer the victims and families our prayers, as we work with them and others to build a more peaceful society.

Like Anne Frank, I hold that, “Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.” Further, she directs us from her time to ours, and this incident, in her instruction that it is wonderful “that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Sincerely,

Jeff Senese, Ph.D.

President
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Leadership through Service

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This lesson we just heard from Mark is interesting in that it differs from how Matthew related it.  Maybe it tells us something about the two evangelists.  In Matthew’s version of the story, it was the mother of James and John, who asks Jesus to give her sons positions of importance in the coming Kingdom.  Matthew must have thought that it was unbecoming for an apostle to make such a bold request.  Mark, however, appears to be more honest.  He wants us to understand that the disciples were very ordinary people.

Mark also gives us some insight into the character of James and John.  They may have been lowly fishermen but they certainly were not shy about taking this opportunity to look out for their future.  Like the other disciples, they believed in Jesus.  They were confident of his leadership – they just wanted be sure they were included.  They wanted to ride on his coat tails.  We all have seen that … people who are impressed with titles – who want to be buddy-buddy with the boss just because she has the title and they think she has the power.  Jesus did have the power but He wanted to impress upon the two brothers the price they’d have to pay for the privilege they wanted …  the service they’d have be prepared to render.

Jesus’ response to James and John reveals what He means when he speaks of greatness.  His definition is inevitably linked to service.  That which makes a person great is not their ability to rule over others.  Rather, it is the ability to invest one’s self for the welfare of others.  In a world where most people want to put as little as is possible into life and to get out as much as possible, our Lord speaks of a better way.

Jesus calls us to that “better way” today.  Only when we are willing to put more into life than we take out – to put service to others in a place of honor-only then, Jesus tells us, are we worthy to be called his followers.

The author Sue Monk Kidd says in her memoirs: we humans need stories almost as much as we need the air to breath.  Jesus often began: Sit down, let me tell you a story.  So, listen now to a new story with the same meaning as the gospel we just heard.

Once upon a time (that tells you it’s going to be a pretend story or a fable)… Well, once upon a time, in a far-off country, a king had twin sons.  One was strong and handsome.  The other was intelligent and wise.  As the ruler aged, everyone speculated about which son would be the king’s successor – the strong son or the wise son.

In this land, the sign of kingship was a royal ring.  Just before the king died, he had a copy of the royal ring made and presented one ring to each of his twin sons.  The chief advisors to the king asked him, “How shall we know which son wears the authentic royal ring?”

“You shall know,” answered the king, “because the chosen one will reveal his right to rule by his self-giving service to our people.”

[Richard Carl Hoefler, Insights, October 1988]

Sitting down, Jesus called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
First Reading   Isaiah 53:10-11             Second Reading   Hebrews 4:14-16    
Gospel Reading  Mark 10:35-45 (shorter form Mark 10:42-45)
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Are You a Stumbling Block?

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Last week we heard Jesus chastise his disciples for their arguing about who was the greatest in the group.  Today they take offense because they perceive a stranger’s action as a direct threat to their exclusive calling by Jesus.  Their attitude is clear: “you have no right; He gave us that job.”   They guard what they feel is their gift and they’re not about to share it.   Envy and jealousy raises its ugly head.

It seems we are witnessing how Jesus deals with this ages-old human condition.  We saw it first in the story of Cain and Abel.  In our own lives we may have been victim or culprit of it with our siblings or classmates.  St. Benedict guards against inroads of it in describing the Qualities of the Abbot, in the Tools of Good Works and the Steps of Humility; the distribution of labor and his directives about property and gifts.  The psalmist even applies the trait to God, and St. Paul says he experiences “a godly jealousy.”  We sing of it in our hymnody: “Our God is a jealous God.” And, here in this Gospel we hear the disciples grousing (Benedict called it “murmuring”) “How come they’re trying to use the gift you gave to us?”

So far they’ve missed the point of Jesus teaching about true discipleship.  That it’s how we relate to each other especially our interactions with the little ones and the least ones.  Jesus has shown by example that true disciples are to “forbid not the little ones to approach” and warned that true followers are not to “cause little ones to stumble.”

He’s been saying that who is included in the Kingdom is not within our authority, it’s not even within our concern!  Who is included in the Kingdom belongs alone to God.  Jesus makes it quite clear: whoever is not against us, is for us.  I think that’s why I struggle, and I know it really rankles with some, when an announcement is made at Mass about who can and cannot receive communion.

In this instance, Jesus in fact, immediately turns the tables on the disciples.  He warns them that they are the ones in danger of doing harm.  It’s as though Jesus says, “The problem is not those folks, guys.  Don’t worry about them — they are not the problem.  Rather, look at yourselves.  How are you getting in the way of the gospel?  Are you a stumbling block?”

We get a clear message that finger-pointing will not get us far with Jesus.   While the disciples are eager to bring judgment on the outsider who is acting in Jesus’ name, Jesus himself wants the disciples to pay attention instead to their own behavior.  Jesus couldn’t be more clear with his vivid example: a dire image of drowning to get his point across.  Better to drown (be thrown into the sea with a millstone around one’s neck) than do harm to “these little ones.”

He warns us that scrupulosity about others behavior or a judgement about their motivation can distract us so that we do harm and cause others to stumble.  Sometimes, even our best intentions to reprove others can have unintended consequences.  Jesus turns the focus back to our own behaviors, the ways we speak and reflect an image of Gospel living.  How authentic is it?

This gospel challenges us as individuals, and as community, to a self-examination.  What are the stumbling-blocks, the mind-fields we scatter before others that often unwittingly impedes the spread of the Good News?

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
First Reading Numbers 11:25-29           Second Reading James 5:1-6
Gospel Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48
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That’s What Were Supposed To Do

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Jesus teaches his disciples that the greatest are those who serve all.

Today the disciples are uncharacteristically silent, afraid and ashamed, seemingly unaware that Jesus had overheard their arguing.  A small child, like an eager puppy, has managed to squirm his way through the crowd and is waiting for Jesus to notice him.  Jesus lifts him up and the child settles comfortably onto his lap.  The child unknowingly becomes the lesson.

Now, don’t fail to understand the significance of this action.  You see, in first-century Palestine, children were without status or power, possessing no legal rights whatsoever.  They were totally subject to the authority of others.  Most often, when children are mentioned in the Scripture, they’re lumped together with the others considered lowest on the food chain: women, cattle and foreigners.

Using the child as an example, Jesus is teaching us that when we serve the least ones among us, we serve Jesus himself.  Who are the people today without power or status in our society that Jesus is calling us to serve?  Do we do so willingly?  Does our hospitality extend to the people Jesus would choose?  This is the criteria upon which we will be judged.

Jesus says: “See, the greatest people in the kingdom of God are not the rich and powerful.  They are the weak and powerless; not the ones with the most servants, but the ones who serve others the most.  The “greatest” are the servants of others … wash the dishes, do the laundry, sweep the floor, pull the weeds, visit the sick, sign up to read, take non-drivers shopping – you know the list … it goes on and on filled with everyday tasks that help make community life run smoothly.

What is the one human quality that was underlying the argument among the disciples?  The quality that drives us to success while causing all sorts of problems at the same time?  Ambition.  Ambition is one of the driving forces in our lives.  It propels us to excel in our jobs.  It pushes us to reach our goals.  It can give us a reason for living.  Ambition is one of the tools that the world uses to measure success.  But, it is only one tool.

If we measure success the way the world does, we will overlook some ordinary people who did extraordinary things.  They probably did not realize what a role they played in the “Greatest Story Ever Told” until perhaps they looked back on history form God’s heavenly perspective.

Just to name a few, let’s look at a some of the Scriptural figures we know – what do we remember them for?  Noah built; Abraham moved; Moses led; Josiah restored; David conquered; Nehemiah repaired; Ruth stayed; Jeremiah preached; Mary said “yes”; Joseph accepted; the poor widow gave; the Apostles went; the early church persevered.

An everyday example presented itself recently in a back-page news story about a couple of school children.  One had gotten into some minor trouble and was going to have to walk a few laps instead of playing at recess.  She wasn’t taking the news very well.  Another student, a by-stander who wasn’t even a close friend stepped up quietly to offer encouragement.  She whispered to her peer that she wouldn’t have to walk alone; she’d walk with her to cheer her on.  When the teacher remarked what a wonderful thing she had done, the student shrugged and replied, “It’s no big deal.  It’s what we’re supposed to do.”

Can you image our world if everyone had the same attitude?  It’s those kinds of thinkers who are changing the world.  Those who forgive, love, go the extra mile, and live righteously, not out of a sense of obligation, not to be seen and applauded by others, but simply because “that’s what we’re supposed to do.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
First Reading  Wisdom 2:12,17-20               Second Reading  James 3:16—4:3
Gospel  Mark 9:30-37
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Who do you say that I am?

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This is an interesting reading, and even a bit odd, giving us another insight into Jesus’ teaching methods.  First with those who are closest to him – who have been traipsing around the country for almost three years.  This is the group who believe in him so he is quick to correct their human thinking that gets in the way of their perception of just who he is.

I can see him (can you?) walking casually along with the twelve … the mix of who is nearest him changing every few minutes – as the group shifts, they compare notes about what he said to their group with what the others heard.  He stops and turns to the group and queries: Who do people say that I am?  Was He really in the dark?  After all he is God, doesn’t he know everything?  Was he simply opening an opportunity for the disciples to express their loyalty to him? 

At first, the disciples do not offer their personal feeling.  They repeat what they’ve been hearing: some say John, the Baptist (why they’d mix up the cousins, I don’t know), others say Elijah, or one of the prophets.  When Jesus continues: “But, you, who do you say that I am?”  A pregnant pause …  waiting for a brave one to speak up.  Heads turn to Peter who seems to be never afraid to offer an opinion.  He doesn’t fail them: “You are the Christ, son of the living God.”

Jesus seems quick to caution the disciples: “Don’t tell anyone.” (Doesn’t he know by now that this is a sure-fire way to get the rumors flying?)  Does Jesus want us to hold miracles we experience or witness close to our hearts?  To be like Mary after the shepherds’ visit – pondering all these happenings in her heart?”  Or are we to be like the disciples, quick as Jesus said, don’t tell until after the Son of Man has risen, shouted their Alleluias and spread the Good News?

Our scene in today’s reading, turns from Jesus conversation with the disciples and his followers to what is to come.  Peter quakes in his boots conjuring up what Jesus is describing.  This is his friend!  So, he takes Jesus aside and in shock rebukes him, criticizes the one he has just acknowledged is the Son of God.  “No! No you’ve got it wrong …. That can’t happen to you.”   

Have you ever done that …  told Jesus he’s got it wrong?  The hurricane can’t hit here.  My friend, my parent, my child can’t die now.  Please tell me that (whatever it is) didn’t happen.

Jesus cautions Peter, and us: “Wait a minute.  You are not thinking like God… you’re thinking like a human being.”   

With that, Jesus summons the crowd.  Did you ever notice the settings that Scripture describes when Jesus speaks to the crowds on the plain, on a hillside or from a boat … and there were thousands of them?  No mic, no PA system, no big screen TV …  How did he do it?  I wonder, did the people really hear his voice or did they hear him in their heart …  or was it like the game of Gossip …  his words spread rapidly from person to person???  (Just an aside.)

 (Back on track)  Jesus next lets us know what it will take to continue to be a disciple of His.  Three qualities: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.  Easy as one, two three?  Not quite.

 First: deny your worldly ways, drop your egotistical thinking and self-seeking and cease all the ifs, ands and buts you that raise in opposition to Jesus’ message. 

 Second: take up your cross.  It is fashioned for, personalized for just for you.  No two crosses are exactly the same.  You know the story of the person who rejected her God-given cross.  She asked God to exchange it for another.  So, God showed her his treasury of crosses.  You know which one she chose …. The very one God knew all along would best fit her shoulders. 

 Third: This is the good part …  follow Jesus.  You don’t have to invent the way – Jesus has already cut the path for you.  Knock and the door will be opened.  Seek and you will find.  Listen and you will hear. 

 So, when at Mass, just after the homily, be ready to answer God in the words of the Creed: Who do YOU say that I am?

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
First Reading  Isaiah 50:5-9a                Second Reading  James 2:14-18
Gospel Mark 8:27-35
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Community Not Disunity

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C O M M U N I T Y   2 0 0 0  A . D .

(REFLECTION FOR COMMUNITY DAYS, September 09, 2018 –  S. Roberta Bailey, O.S.B.)

First written in 1984 when I was challenged to envision our community in year 2000.  The Word of the Lord came to me thus:

I will take you away, my people, from any disunity to which you have come, and gather you from all sides to bring you back to your charism.   I will make you one community in the hills of Pasco and you shall have one aim, one goal in life.

No longer shall you defile yourselves with uninformed opinions, opinionated statements, or long-standing grievances.  I will deliver you from all your small-mindedness and lead you, if you will follow, to single-mindedness.  I will cleanse you so that you may be your own person, each freely united to all the others.  Let yourselves be my people that I may be your God.

You shall live by my statutes and carefully observe my decrees: those you hear in the quiet of your own heart, and those you discern with others of my people in those holy spaces which you call chapel, chapter room, conference room, community room. . .  You shall live in the place which I gave to your mother Dolorosa, the land where your predecessors lived; you shall live here long years, you and your followers and your followers’ followers.

I will make with you a covenant if peace; it shall be an everlasting covenant, and I will make your number multiply and increase and I will dwell with you forever.  I will be your God, and you shall be my people.

Thus, all who see you shall know and come to believe that it is I, the Lord, who make you holy when you give me sanctuary among you.

They will report to others what they see and hear in this place.

They shall ask: “What are we to do?”  These people are performing all sorts of signs.

They speak and act with a respect and love unmatched anywhere.”

This is my promise to you, my people, says the Lord God: if you love one another, accept and support one another, openly and honestly challenge one another to grow, give me sanctuary within and among you, then you shall truly be my people, and I will be your God.

 

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