Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

Homily

Palm Sunday

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Vigil of Palm Sunday

 

The contemporary author Thomas Moore writes: “The whole point of a good story is to give birth to other stories and to deep reflection.” The Palm Sunday liturgy, it seems to me, is a potpourri of themes and a roller-coaster of emotions: high hosannas, a supper with friends, an example of loving humility, washing of feet and later washing of hands, betrayal and mocking.  A temptation may be to try to reflect on these events too much.   So, a good choice may be to simply “sit with” the story as told by the evangelists.  I’ll share a little of one of my reflections with you.  It is a story of watching and waiting … and waiting … and waiting.

A crowd gathers as Jesus enters the holy city on this special day.   It’s not unusual for this crowd but today they are “over the top” with exuberance. “Hosanna!” rings from the crowd. They frantically wave branches, spread their cloaks on the street and shout with joy.  Then, days later the crowd does an about-face. Their shouts of joy turn to murderous clamor. No longer do they sing, “Hosanna in the highest.” As if from a snap of fingers, now the crowd shouts, “Crucify him!”  Then suddenly in a flash, there is no crowd.  There is only the tomb and two of his closest friends. 

We linger with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they remain sitting there facing the tomb. It seems the end.  There is only the Lord, placed in the tomb.  We sit quietly, silently.

And waiting, waiting, waiting.  One can only imagine the depth of our sorrow.  We must appear to be graveyard statues blending with the gravestones.  Mystified. Not understanding the work of the Lord.  But we are so bound to him by love that not even death can pierce our loyalty.  Oh! The wonders we have seen (even still see) bind us all the more to him. Now is not the time to abandon him. Now is not the time to turn from faith. Now is the time to cling to him – to comfort Him. We refuse to be cut off from our Lord!

The Lord has so much more for us. The Lord will not be bound by death!  Yes, we are two of his friends seated beside the tomb donated by the rich man Joseph of Arimathea.  We are shaken by our loss and what we’ve witnessed.  We can’t take in what is happening because we do not yet see all that will come to be. However, we are determined we will not turn our backs on Jesus. We will not be among those who forsake him.

These last few days of Lent 2024 we will use our precious time alone.  We will spend time with our King, our Jesus. May our hearts reach out to him. May our minds gaze upon him. For if we remain with him, watchful and waiting, we will not miss the glory He intends to reveal to us at Easter.

  ~by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

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Fifth Sunday of Lent

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Jesus must have been a visual learner – His words are so visually clear: “If a seed is planted into the ground and it does not die, it remains a seed.  But if it dies, it produces many seeds and seedlings and those seeds and their seedlings produce much fruit.”

We may think of seeds as a sign of new life, but the process really begins with the seed dying.  Could it be that the key to life is death?  Could it be that the key to living is dying?  Could it be that dying is important to living?  Listen once more to Jesus’ words: “Unless a seed dies, it remains a single seed, but if it dies, it produces many seeds and therefore much fruit.”

So, what happens when a seed dies?”   Inside every seed is an embryo, and in that embryo is a root which goes down into the ground; and a shoot that rises above. Every embryo has a root and a shoot; and inside (this is really a miracle), an “on” and “off” switch.

When a dormant seed is immersed in a growing medium, in optimal conditions, the switch goes “ON.”  The seed takes in water, and miraculously begins to expand.  I suspect you’ve seen it happen when as a youngster you put a lima bean in a wet paper towel inside a see-through container.  Anxiously, you watched to see whose seed would be the first to show signs of the miracle of growth.  That is what Jesus was describing: “Unless a seed dies, it remains a single seed; but if it dies, it produces many seeds and then much fruit.”

Isn’t this the story with us and our good intentions?  Some behavior must die, it must give way to a new “me.”  When conditions are just right, the switch goes ON, protective fear breaks loose, and we begin to practice a new way of conducting ourselves.  Like new seeds, without greenhouse coaxing, it takes 40 days to acquire a new habit.  Mmmm …  Did that figure into the reason there are 40 days in Lent?

A similar miracle of nature happens with salmon.  Salmon make their way ever so slowly along the water bottom, their noses worn white from abrasions by rocks and pebbles.   They travel hundreds of miles to their spawning fields.  My father, a career Coast Guard man, spent months at a time on patrol along the U.S. Pacific coast protecting spawning salmon from poachers.

Salmons’ instinct bring them back to the place of their birth. After spending a year or two or three out in the ocean and swimming back up to the stream of their birth, the salmon are preparing to die. At the end of their long laborious journey, they dig a hole and lay their eggs.  And, they die.  And out of those eggs comes new life.  For it is ONLY through dying that there is new life among the salmon. And so there is a parallel is there not, between the seed and the salmon?  For both, death is necessary for life.  In dying, new life springs forth.

And, therein is our Lenten lesson – it is in dying that we begin living.  In the words of St. Francis of Assisi’s famous peace prayer; “It is in giving that we receive; it is in dying that we are born again.”

How is your Lenten “dying” going?   On Holy Saturday evening, at the Easter Vigil service, as we ignite the new fire we will watch our Lenten resolutions go up in smoke.  What will have died in us?  Will self-will have resigned its place to deference?  Will compulsive appetites have given way to mortification?  Will my prompt to choices be less “what’s good for me” and be more “what’s good for the community?”   Will infidelity have yielded to loyalty?   Will self-pleasure have conceded to service to others?  Will the needs of others more likely motivate my actions?  Will I finally have relinquished a life-long destructive habit?  Will I have surrendered my quick tongue to gentleness of tone of voice?  What will have died?  What will spring up in its place?

Jesus summed it up for us:  “Whoever will find life must lose it, but whoever loses life will find it.  If anyone would serve me, they must follow me.”  Where?  You must follow Me in death to self.  The seed must first die.  Only then will Jesus “Easter” in us!

 

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), St. Joseph (March 19) and St. Benedict (March 21)  

Rejoice with me when on March 23 as I mark 65 years since I pronounced my vows as a Benedictine Sisters of Florida.

 

 

First Reading:   Jeremiah 31:31-34       Second Reading:  Hebrews 5:7-9
Gospel:   John 12:20-33
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Fourth Sunday of Lent

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What’s weighing heavy on your heart? I’m here. Let’s talk.

 

In John’s Gospel, the evangelist has (already before Lent) walked us through the story of the Wedding at Cana.  Jesus, at a nudge from his mother Mary, interacted with the servers who followed his directions to fill the empty stone jars with water, only to be mystified when the water turns into the best wine in the house.   Now, John is the only evangelist who relates this story.  And, he is exact in some details: there were six jars, each 2-3 feet tall, each holding 9-10 gallons. That’s approximately 55 gallons of wine – which makes for quite a wedding!

Last Sunday, we witnessed an interaction of a different sort.  Jesus calls a halt to the desecration of His father’s house, the temple in Jerusalem.  Today’s Gospel takes a leap that skips over an interaction that sets up today’s teaching.  In that gap, we hear about the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisee Nicodemus who came to Jesus under the cover of darkness.  Nicodemus was struggling with some big questions.  As he said to Jesus: “I know you came from God.  Maybe you can shed some light on my quandary.”

Puzzled by what Jesus says, Nicodemus questions how an old man can be born again???  Jesus cautions him: “Don’t be amazed that I told you, ‘you must be born from above.’”  Here comes a sentence that I love: “The wind blows where it wills, you hear the sound it makes but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.”  [Like Benedict said, Listen with the ear of your heart.”] Reminds me of a 70s folk song: “Blowin’ in the Wind” – “How many times must we look up before we can see the sky?  How many ears must we have before we can hear people cry?  The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”

John reports that Jesus assures Nicodemus: “In all truth I tell you, we speak only about what we know and witness, what we have seen and heard.  And yet people reject our evidence.  If you do not believe me when I speak to you about earthly things, how will you believe me when I speak to you about heavenly things?”

Jesus calls Nicodemus’ attention to the story in the Book of Numbers, when the people were in the desert and they complained against God and Moses. “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent … so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  John reminds us: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.  God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

Today, I believe, God is telling us: “What’s happening today: natural disasters, people against people violence, starvation and selfishness, dread illness …   It’s a wake-up call.  Like I said to the prophet Isaiah, yea these many years ago:  “I am the designer and maker of the earth.” Remember in Genesis, at the creation of life on this earth, I looked on all that had been created, and I said: “It is good. …  For, I am God, there is no other.  I will not speak in secret nor from some dark place.  I did not say: Look for me in chaos.  I promise justice, ‘the public face of love’.  I speak the truth.  Turn to me and be safe.  Say: From God alone comes my strength and safety.”

God continues speaking to us.  “All time is temporary in My eyes until you rest in ME eternally.  Today I tell you, just as I welcomed a midnight conversation with Nicodemus, I am here – day or night – for you.  What’s on your mind or weighing heavy on your heart?  Let’s talk.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

First Reading:   2 Chronicles 36:14-16      Second Reading:  Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel:   John 3:14-21
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Third Sunday of Lent

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It is to US that Jesus Entrusts Himself

 

Today we have by far the most famous story of Jesus’ anger, yet none of the gospel writers mention the word anger in it. They said rather that Jesus was “consumed with zeal.”   Zeal sometimes wears the face of persistence.  This is akin to four-year Jude who, when his mother asked him what he wanted for breakfast, replied: “Soup.”  His mother explained: “Son, you know that we don’t eat soup for breakfast. We eat soup for lunch. So, what would you like for breakfast?”  “Lunch,” he replied. Now that is certainly enthusiasm in pursuit of an idea!

The author of the book “Angry Like Jesus” (2015) writes “When I began to study Jesus’ anger, I was struck by the observation that every time Scripture says Jesus was angry, he’s the only one who was. Conversely, every time others were angry, Jesus was not.”  Notice in today’s story that no one except Jesus was “consumed with zeal” when money changers overtook the temple.

What can we learn from this?  First, we have to understand that anger is an automatic response which tells us to take care of ourselves.  If we stuff our anger, and blow up later at someone who has no clue what set us off, who’d want to be friends with us?  I could find nowhere in Scripture or the Rule of Benedict where anyone says: “Don’t get angry.”  One of Benedict’s Tools of Good Works tells us: “Do not act in anger” and in the Prologue he cautions: “Keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; let peace be your quest and aim.”  Chapter 4 has this admonition which covers a multitude of situations: “Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way.”

To understand Jesus’ anger that day, we need to get a handle on how important motivation is.  It was not wrong for the merchandisers to sell animals and doves. Nor was it wrong to change money.  That was helpful to the people who came unprepared to the temple.

Notice that no one stopped Jesus when he used his whip of cords.  Notice, too, the Gospel writer did not say Jesus did bodily harm to anyone.  He overturned tables, He spilled money and swung the whip of cords so all in his path scattered.

Then, like a child who has witnessed the fury of a disappointed parent l look up calmly and ask: “So, Mom, are we still going to McDonald’s?”  The Jews overlooked Jesus angry display and asked: “What sign can you show us for doing this?”  Jesus, probably shaking his head in amazement, answered: “If you destroy this temple, which took 46 years to build, I will raise it up in three days.”  They’d remember this later when Jesus was raised from the dead.  They didn’t ask why Jesus cleansed the temple because they knew they were guilty of wrongdoing.

The Gospel tells us while Jesus was in Jerusalem for this Passover many began to believe in his name.  But still he did not trust Himself to them.  It is to us that He entrusts Himself, in Sacrament and Word.  Individually and as a faith community, we are the sanctuary where Jesus has chosen to reside.  When He enters the temple each day, will he find it oriented to the purpose for which God has created you and me?  Or will he find cause to do some cleansing and cleaning?  We pray: Jesus, cleanse us as your temple and restore us, and keep us true to the purpose for which you created us.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

First Reading:   Exodus 20:1-17       Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Gospel:   John 2:13-25
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Second Sunday of Lent

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The story (I believe) calls each one of us to examine what mountain we must climb to see God’s glory.  You can call the mountain whatever you will – it’s your personal mount to climb.  Everyone’s mountain is different; but, to witness God’s glory, we must climb our “mountain”.  When we reach the mountaintop, we must stay alert, and have the insight to know that we are at the top.  The disciples could have missed Jesus’ transfiguration if they:

  • had been too busy taking in the view
  • were gloating over their status or talking about those they’d left behind
  • wondering about what was on the agenda for tomorrow
  • how long were they going to be up on this mountain anyway
  • wondering if there would there be time to finish what they had started when Jesus summoned them
  • were bickering over who was going to get use the walking stick going down the mountain
  • and, asking who’s going to provide the fish for tonight’s supper?

You fill in the blanks. You know what it is that keeps you from seeing God’s glory.   Our reading reminds us that Jesus went up the mountain to pray and as he was praying his appearance changed.  Prayer changes us too when we move away from telling God how to run the world. Prayer may or may not change the situation, but it most certainly will change us.  The only difference between the written word MOM and WOW is our perception!  On the mountain Jesus did not change His shape but suddenly the disciples’ perception changed and they were able to see Jesus in a whole way.

So, what causes you to miss the “small miracles”, the “everyday transfigurations” in nature, in yourself, and in each other? We need to thank God when we get to the top of the mountain; but we can hardly stay there.  There are more mountains to climb.  While you are at the top, if only for an instant, don’t miss the transfiguration.

Jesus did not become “more God” that day on the mountain.  I don’t think the change was so much in Jesus, as it was in the disciples.  They were ready.  They had climbed the mountain.   And their eyes were open to witness the miracle of the moment.  Transfigurations we sometimes call “miracles” are all around us IF we but have the eyes to see.

  • Miracle of God’s graciousness when a person holds a door open for another
  • Miracle of God’s loving-care when a chair is vacated to give another a seat
  • Miracle of God’s inclusion when we make space at table
  • Miracle of God’s mercy when a mistake is not challenged in public
  • Miracle of God’s hospitality when an open invitation is extended
  • Miracle of God’s steadfastness when day after day we gather for communal exercises
  • Miracle of God’s perseverance when we come through tough times – individually and as a community
  • Miracle of God’s humility when reconciliation occurs
  • Miracle of God’s generosity when we give from our need
  • Miracle of God’s compassion when an offer is extended before the other has to ask
  • Miracle of God’s humor when it rains on our picnics
  • Miracle of God’s artistry in the beauty of nature that surrounds us
  • And always, God, thank you for the miracle of tomorrow: the gift of a new sunrise, a new slate, a new beginning.

Make your own litany of miracles.  God is already there, is here.   Jesus invites us up the mountain and leads the way.  We just need to open our eyes to witness the transfiguration.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

First Reading:   Genesis 22:2-9a        Second Reading:  Romans 8:31b-34
Gospel:   Mark 9:2-10
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First Sunday of Lent

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In the liturgical cycle of readings, this Gospel from Mark was originally only two verses – later the church added two more verses – but it is still one of the shortest Sunday readings.  It tells us only that, immediately after His baptism, Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil, for 40 days.  You’ll notice that Mark, unlike Luke and Matthew, does not outline for us the three temptations of Jesus.  He simply lets us know that the conflict between Jesus and Satan only begins in the desert. The ultimate test will be in Jesus’ final hours on the cross.

We are now six days into our Lenten journey of 40 days.  When did you last walk in the wilderness?  Are you in the wilderness now?   Passing through deserts is an unavoidable part of life.  We do have to pass through them; not get stuck in them.  In the desert, we soon find out we are too weak to go it alone. According to St. John Chrysostom: “The Spirit drags Jesus into the desert, since he wanted to draw the devil there; and Jesus gave occasion to him not only on account of his hunger but also on account of the place: for then most especially does the devil attack when he sees people isolated and by themselves.”  No wonder Benedict urges us not to be isolated in our Lenten journey: “Let the entire community during these days of Lent (together strive) to keep their manner of life most pure.”

We’ve heard the expression “practice makes perfect” so often that the meaning may have lost its impact on us.  Each year at the beginning of Lent we may feel like a skater or a musician who’s been laid up for a year without practice. Lent gives us a jump-start of courage to pick up the practices that will support the values we profess and hold dear.  The biggest temptation most of us have to face is to “give up” because we stumble.  What would you think if you dialed a wrong number and got this recording: I’m not available right now, but I do thank you for caring enough to call me.”  (How sweet!)  But it continues: “I am making some changes in my life.  Please leave a message after the beep.  If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes.”

Lent is God’s call to us to make God and godly values the center of our life.  It is a time for honesty and stability.  The desert of life can be a vast expanse of sand and rock, punctuated by ragged hills, blistered by a relentless sun; a barren land in which little grows.  But, depending on our outlook, the space can be filled with mysterious unexpected experiences.   It can be a place not only of testing but of beauty where faith can grow.  Mirages give us false hope.  A welcome pool of water or a dripping cactus can reveal to us, in the blink of an eye, a reflection of what we really look like.   During Lent we are simply being asked to dare to be convinced that this is a wonderful opportunity to rediscover our true self-worth and the wonder of being the child of a loving God.  We are challenged not to focus on the storm clouds of chronic health conditions or what we DON’T have.   We do well to focus on all that we DO have: our faithful supporters, the friends who DO make contact, the companions who DO treat us gently, our God who, even with all the concerns and pleas that are raised for attention, remembers ME and loves ME with unfailing love.

Personal deserts are unavoidable; they’re part of life. We need Christ and we need the ministry of others if for nothing else than to teach us lessons of dependence and interdependence.  We’ll never be as strong or wise as we’d like to be. We need the grace of God in Christ. We need the ministry of each other and all of God’s people to strengthen us by their prayerful support and good example so that we, too, might take up our crosses and follow Jesus.   We pray that like that voice message said mentioned earlier, we do take the opportunity of Lent to make changes on our lives.  But unlike that voice mail message, may we never hear God’s voice and choose not to return the call.

Let us pray in the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “O God, open my eyes to my weaknesses and my heart to your merciful love.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

We are six days into Lent …  how are you doing with your resolutions?  Had to make any adjustments?  Remember don’t try to outdo the pace of grace.  It’s not a contest.  The finish line for Lent is still weeks to go – a blur in the distance.

The Sisters’ anniversary of the day our 5 founding Sisters landed to Pasco County FL from Pittsburgh, PA will be celebrated on February 28.  If you are inclined to send an e-card or a greeting in the mail, you can use the address below …   With much gratitude for your loyalty to the Benedictine Sisters. 

PO Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574 

 

First Reading:   Genesis 9:8-15         Second Reading:  1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel:   Mark 1:12-15

 

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