Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

Homily

“I Will Teach You How to Fish for People”

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A variety of motives influence people to exchange their old lives for new ones. What convinces a “seeker” that it’s worth leaving behind life as they know it?   Most of us know from our own and each other’s vocation stories, it’s the relationships we witness and experience within a community much more than our ministries that prompt newcomers to “test the waters.”

We, (individually and as a community), can put our full energy into the production all kinds of “lures” and “bait” … retreats and workshops, attractive vocation materials, holy cards, videos, websites and other social media … but that’s only part of what Jesus meant when he promised to teach us how to fish for people.  But, keep in mind that vocation – to any and every state in life – is GIFT!   And, remember fishing from our boat requires that each one has to do her assigned task of mending the nets, casting the line or preparing bait … no slackers allowed.  And, all of us have to row in sync lest we tangle oars or go in perpetual circles.   Look to Jesus – how did He fish?  He taught, He gave witness, He invited; He did not disappoint, He was (and is) faithful to His word.

So, what kind of witness do we need to be constantly giving?  What do we need to leave behind (individually and communally) to convince an observer that our community is worth a further look?  It’s an exceptional challenge in these pandemic times.  But the phone calls and email messages; the ZOOM Oblate Meetings, the videos on our website, the personal letters, the eblasts from our Advancement Staff keep our readers coming back.  In current lingo, the “soft touches” are ways to seal the friendships and supportive interest that last a life time.  What is the bait, the lure that will prompt more questions, extended visits, developing relationships and finally prompt someone to dare to say, “This is where I feel God is calling me; I’m willing to follow His lead, to leave all behind for the sake of Jesus’ call, with these Sisters (whom I now call my own) here at Holy Name Monastery.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Have a good week…   Be good Fishers for Christ…   God Bless

 

 

First Reading:   Jonah 3:1-5,10         Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel:   Mark 1:14-20

 

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Come and You Will See

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This weekend we have two familiar stories in our Scripture selections: the dream-like vision of Samuel and the calling of Andrew and his brother Peter.  One of the risks we have with familiar stories is that we can be overconfident that we recall all the details.  But were all the details that surround the story included in the version we learned?   For instance, consider the line in Scripture that immediately precedes the opening of the story of Samuel: “When the boy Samuel was serving the Lord under the direction of Eli, there were few messages from the Lord, and visions were quite rare.”  This phrase “visions were rare” (some translations say “precious”) does not appear anywhere else in the entire Old Testament.  It’s no wonder it did not dawn on Samuel his summons might be from God.

The story tells us that Samuel is confused, not just your average sleepy-head befuddled, but really confounded.  Three times, Samuel responds to a calling – or is it really four times?  Three times he responds to what he thinks is Eli calling him: “Here I am.”  It’s not until Eli becomes more fully awake and realizes what is going on.  Then, he instructs the boy if he hears the voice again to respond: “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  Although Samuel’s obedience and quickness of response are to be admired, he mistakes the aging, ailing Eli for God’s actual voice.  Remember, that although Samuel had been anointed, Scripture says he was still very young in faith.

So were Peter and Andrew in the Gospel.  They were disciples of John the Baptist whom Jesus once called the greatest prophet who ever lived.   John had a few disciples, people who were devoted to him as their spiritual leader.  This day Jesus shows up. John realizes that he is now in the presence of One whose sandals he is not even worthy to untie.  John may be a prophet, but this man is the Lamb of God, the Son of the Most High, the very Savior of the world.

But, how’d we get here from Eli and Samuel, to John, Jesus, Peter and Andrew?  One of life’s challenges is recognizing and accepting your role at each stage of life.  You may have heard the term: “the grace of office”.  A smooth transition into or out of various roles in life is reliant on the kind of grace that Eli and John the Baptist showed in directing their disciples to turn their focus to Someone else, Someone greater. Eli and John were forerunners who knew, and fully accepted, that very role.

In her presentation on “Servant Leadership” S. Lynn McKenzie writes of this dynamic.  We know (She says) “One does not begin monastic life as a prioress but begins as a member of the community.  And one usually does not end monastic life as a prioress but as a member of that same community.”

This applies across the board despite what the person identified in the Rule of Benedict’s Chapter headings might lead one to believe.  The directives are addressed to the “rank and file.”  It’s not just the cellarer (buyer) who needs to give a gentle response even when the answer is NO.   Nor is it just the deans (assistants/councilors) who are reminded to keep confidential information sacred.  It’s not only the members sent on a short journey who should not broadcast every sight they’ve seen.  Nor are hospitality ministers the only ones who should be prompt to answer the door or phone.  Benedict is writing for all members when he cautions artisans not to be become “puffed up by their skillfulness”.  It’s not just the sub-prioress who should carry out her assignments with respect.  Kitchen servers aren’t the only ones that should be gracious in accepting help so they can serve without distress.  And it’s not only the sick who should not make excessive demands.  Nor is the prioress the only one who should practice what she preaches and keep in mind to Whom she will give an account.

Remember what Jesus asked the disciples who were trailing him: “What are you looking for?” His response was the same answer we’ve heard: “Come and you will see!”   Who has helped you along the way?  Who today gives you a hand to grasp, a “pointing finger” to follow, a prayerful nudge when life throws you a curve ball?  Who is there to keep track when Jesus seems to disappear just around the bend in the road ahead? Who reminds you, “Come and you will see?”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

First Reading:   1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19         Second Reading:  Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Gospel:   John 1:35-42
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Epiphany Sunday 2024

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In the stories of Jesus’ birth, two special groups of people came to visit the new-born babe: the shepherds and the magi. The church has no special feast to commemorate the visit of the shepherds although the Christmas liturgy at dawn is sometimes referred to as the Shepherds’ Mass.    The shepherds learned of the birth of Jesus through a direct, supernatural revelation from angels. The magi, on the other hand, learned of the birth of Jesus by observing the stars. The stars did not speak in the same way the angel had so the wandering Magi had to interpret this natural sign. It is a unique story that represents all peoples of all nations and opens our eyes to the fact that God is not limited to any one religious tradition.

This solemnity has so long been associated with the image of “Three Kings” that it’s easy to forget that Matthew, who is the only evangelist who relates this particular story, nowhere mentions either the number of visitors or their kingly rank.  He does, however, call the visitors “magi,” which, in those days, could have meant anything from “wise man” or “sorcerer”; from “astrologer” and “astronomer” – all learned men respected for their wisdom.

With the Greek community, Tarpon Springs is so close to us that we are well aware of the tradition of young men diving into the bayou (no matter how cold the waters) in hopes of being the one to retrieve the cross believed to bring them a year of special blessings.

In Spanish-speaking countries, the tradition had long been to observe Christmas Day as a solemn religious occasion, reserving Three Kings Day for partying and exchanging gifts.  Similar to the new world custom of leaving a cookie on Christmas eve for Santa Claus, children leave a treat of hay in hopes that the camels will bring the Kings with a gift.

In India, the Epiphany is not a moveable feast.  It is celebrated on the 12th night after Christmas, January 6th.  It marks the manifestation of Jesus in a religious celebration honoring the Baptism of Jesus by John in the River Jordan.  It is also a reminder of St. Thomas, the Apostle, who brought Christianity to India in the living waters of the Sacrament of Baptism.  The church commemoration includes the sound of a generous pouring of water that can be heard by the congregation and live-screen audience.

The custom in Germany is that of a children’s festival. After a church service the children, dressed as kings, go from house to house to gather offerings for the poor.  At each house, they paint “20+C+M+B+the numeral for the year” (this year 24) which is Latin for Christ bless this house). Coincidentally the letters are the first letters of the names of the wise men: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar.

In England, the traditional Yule log is kept burning until Twelfth Night (Epiphany) in order to bring blessings and good fortune throughout the upcoming year.  Several countries – most notably Italy and Russia – share the long-held tradition of a kindly old witch who makes her annual visit on the night of January 5, climbing down the chimney to bring presents to children.

The Irish people, (Google told me) know how to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany with deference to women.  On this day it is the tradition in Ireland for the women to get together and enjoy their own Christmas.  The men folk stay at home and handle the kids and the many chores their wives do daily.

The history of the King Cake has its roots in pre-Christian religions of Western Europe. During pagan harvest celebrations it was customary to choose a man to be the “sacred king” of the tribe for a year. That man would be treated like a king for the year. Then he would be sacrificed, and his blood returned to the soil to ensure that the harvest would be successful. The method of choosing who would have the honor of being the sacred king was the purpose of the “King’s Cake” in which a coin had been baked. Whoever got the slice that had the coin was the chosen “king for a year.”

The custom evolved and migrated from France to Louisiana. The ceramic baby hidden in the oval-shaped cake speaks to the fact that the three Kings had a difficult time finding the Christ Child. Whoever finds the ceramic baby hosts “King Cake parties” each day from Epiphany until Mardi Gras.

So, why would we be of interest to any of us?  It matters because we are a nation, and a community, from a variety of backgrounds.  Jesus’ arms were widespread on the cross to embrace all cultures, all peoples through all times.  As we enter a new year, our prayer is that it will be the dawning of a new day that will bring the gifts of a warm welcome, peace, financial security, equitable access to health care services and food; worthy companionship for migrants, immigrants, displaced placed person and all for whom we have promised to pray.  In fact let us pray for these things for the entire world – and let’s not overlook each other… As Tiny Tim says in Dickens’ A CHIRSTMAS CAROL: “God bless us everyone!”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6              Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

 

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New Year 2024

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“I Hope You Dance”

 

“The shepherds made known the message that had been told them about this child.  All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them.”  (Luke 2:17)

Those shepherds accepted the challenge of allowing God’s glory to be seen in their lives.  That same challenge is ours!  And when we manage to perceive God’s working in our lives, amazing things can happen! People behold the divine glory present and working in and through us. That’s why we dare to commit “ourselves and our resources to respond to the needs of our times with the very compassion of Christ.”  We respond not simply with Christ-like compassion, but with the very compassion of Jesus, our new-born savior and Lord of our lives.

I perceive that’s our challenge at this point in our history as individuals, and as a community.  On the cusp of one year, and the dawning of a new one, we have come to a greater acceptance of the reality of what Joan Chittister describes in her book THE WAY WE WERE: (Joan says) “Only one thing I know for sure.  I know we have to do more with less.  (I know) We are getting older.  And, we are getting smaller.  Most of all, I know we have to do it together.”  Think about it: (I am not the first to says this) the miracle of the Red Sea was not that the waters parted.  The miracle was that the first Jews dared to step into the open chasm. And others followed their lead.  And, miracle of miracles, they came out on the other side.

Recently I got a new purse.  That meant emptying the old one, digging to the bottom where I found a crumpled scrap of paper.  I smoothed it out as best I could.  What I read scribbled there must have been important the day in the past when I first wrote it.  And it seems to me it’s a good directive as we contemplate the days ahead in our unfolding future: “Look to the past.  Look to the future.  And, then do the dance in the middle.”  And I’ll add:  don’t be afraid to be the first one on the dance floor.  But neither do you have to be the first one – just don’t be a wall-flower. Heed the words of the Dan Schutte’s hymn: “Join in the dance of the earth’s jubilation! This is the feast of the love of God.”   Join the dance, be it a two-step or a three-step waltz, the twist, the Bunny Hop, a line dance, a square dance or a reel; a gentle swaying of the body or drumming one’s fingertips. Do not fear, others will eventually join in.  Remember, we’re together in the rhythm of the dance of community life.  We’re the ones who give expression to the music of creation that we call Community.

Dance to the rhythm of communal prayer and meal times. Dance to the call for extra service when substitutes are requested or extraordinary tasks need doing.  Dance to the silent beckoning of objects you spy out of place – return them to their usual home.  Don’t ignore the nudge of a soiled surface and dusty corners.  There’s a reason why God let you see their longing for a cleaner’s touch.  Dance lightly when a person’s distracted or has a blank look, a pinched brow, or seems to be waiting for a smile or a “hello” or “want to talk?”  Bend low with a ballet dancer’s grace as you offer gesture of gratitude.  And, when you feel like you’re dancing as fast as you can but the whole world is spinning beneath you, it is. In the words of Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” 

Singer-Song writer Lee Ann Womack put words on my wish for you, for each, and all of us.  I paraphrase her life-affirming message that invites us to step out and embrace life, in her uplifting song, “I Hope You Dance.”

“I hope you never lose your sense of wonder but always keep that hunger.
May you never take one single breath for granted.

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.

Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance;
And when you get the choice to sit it out, or dance? I hope you dance.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances but they’re worth takin’. 

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you’ll dance.”

Please, “when you have the choice

to sit it out or dance, I hope you’ll dance.”

 

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

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Third Sunday of Advent

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LOOK for JOY!

 

This Third Sunday of Advent is familiarly known as Gaudete Sunday – a Latin word that means “rejoice” – the first word of the Entrance Antiphon (at Mass): “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.  Indeed, the Lord is near.”  As you know, we mark Gaudete Sunday by lighting a pink candle (in the Advent wreath).  Also, the celebrant at Mass wears rose colored vestments.  The church – we –  rejoice because the Promised One is little more than a week away.

We are called to live as people of joy. But in everyday life, I get the impression that “joy” is on the decline.  What is often the response when someone asks: “How was your day?”  My sense is that the theme of joy is something of a rare commodity.  I hear responses such as “It was OK” or “Could have been better.” or “I’m just so tired of so and so doing such and such.”  Or, “I’m exhausted.  Or “Don’t ask.”  To have joy or – or as they would say in slang – to do joy – is to have a deep sense of delight. The Greek origin of the word literally means “for the heart, in its deepest place of passion and feelings, to be well.”  That’s what it’s like to have joy.

So why is joy so rare? Well, it occurs to me (and not me alone), that to experience joy in one’s life four qualities must be found.  First, joy takes time. Joy comes of living a “savored” life.  It comes of having time and taking time to smell the roses, to observe the pace of a sandhill crane as it crosses the street, to glory in a sunset.  Joy needs time. There is this old monastic saying about living a joy-filled life.  If you are sipping tea or watering a plant, or gazing at an icon, do just that.   We call this “being there” or being “in the moment”.  We know – and more than that, we believe, that each moment is pregnant with God’s real presence and promise and providential care.   Look for it; wait for it; savor it. Don’t just visit life; life needs time to be lived abundantly.

Joy requires acceptance – a “yes” to life, the life we’ve been given. We may have discovered at some point that the script we’ve been handed in the play of life is not the part we thought we were trying out for. We have to be content that “where God has placed us, that is our pulpit.”  Joy requires a deep willingness to accept we are God’s creature and that God is at work according to God’s good pleasure.  Joyful persons accept the good gifts of life that actually are there.  They do not live in a state of resentment for what might have been or what “used to be.”  In God’s plan, there is a reason why today is not tomorrow. We need all of today to prepare us to receive the promise of tomorrow.

So, being joyful takes time and acceptance.  Joy, a gift of the Spirit, has to be desired. If you want the gift of joy, ask God for the gift with open heart and hands to accept the gift as God shapes it.

To be joyful we need stability, patience and endurance.   Maybe that’s why Jesus says: “Truly I tell you: you will have sorrow, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

Life for most people is not picture perfect, but there is so much joy to be found If we simply look for joy.  Be on the lookout – See and reflect the joy right before your eyes.  The more we dwell on our everyday blessings, the more they seem to multiply. And by experiencing more joy in my own life, I have more joy to give away.  Joy is a beautiful gift to embrace, celebrate and give away at Christmastime.  And, in doing so, we increase our own joy.

 

~by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

First Reading  Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11                       
Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24  
Gospel Reading  John 1:6-8, 19-28
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Second Sunday of Advent

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Our God of the Promise

 

In Advent, like the child we once were, we eagerly await the coming of Christ as an infant in Bethlehem.  At the same time, we invite him into our hearts in the present, the “now” of our lives. And we look forward to his future coming as king of glory. Dwelling in the past or wishing for a perfect future can keep us from hearing the will of God NOW, in our today.  Many recognize in Pope Francis a voice that is, like that of John the Baptist, crying in the wilderness … urging us forward in the present to mend the past as we confront the life as it greets us today, in the NOW of our lives.

The opening lines in Mark’s gospel greet us with the words: “the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.  But, the first character we meet is not Jesus, but John the Baptist, the fiery preacher who came out of the desert where he lived on honey and locusts.   And, he is no fashion plate, with his camel’s hair clothes, leather sandals, and leather girdle around his waist. His diet was very simple: locusts (grasshoppers) and wild honey. This is important, or it would not be here.  It is symbolic. But what does it symbolize? Well, you cannot wear anything more fundamental in the way of clothing, or eat a more basic diet, than John did. It is representative of his ministry — one of simple beginnings. It is not the end; it is the beginning.

John is very honest. He says, “Don’t look to me for answers beyond what I have already told you.  That must come from another, who is coming right after me. He is so much greater than I.  I am not even worthy to untie his shoes.”  Remember, this was Jesus’ cousin, his elder by six months, that he was talking about!  You’ll recall John jumped for joy, (maybe he was dancing) in his mother’s womb when he was introduced to Mary and Jesus.  John could bring people to God, but he could not take them beyond that.   Something drew these people into the desert to listen to this strange and rugged young preacher proclaim good news.  That’s all he did! He never told how it worked, or why; he just announced it.  And, this was in a desert in the wilderness.  But it worked, in part because In John’s day, as now in ours, people needed to know they can begin again.

But, keep in mind what the prophet Isaiah said about John’s message. This business of reconciliation will resemble a great bulldozer, building a highway in the middle of nowhere.  (I wonder if they put in roundabouts?)  John was God’s bulldozer to build that highway.  We know how roads are built; we see the process in almost any direction we go on the highway.  Isaiah says: “Every mountain shall be brought low, and every valley shall be lifted up; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places plain.”  And, that is what repentance does. It bulldozes down all the high peaks of pride that we stand on and refuse to admit we’re wrong. It takes the depressed areas of our life and lifts them up. It takes the crooked places and straightens them out. And it makes the rough places plain. Then, there is God!  God comes to us so that we can come to God.

Our hope is in the promise of God; in our God of the Promise.  It is a promise that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  It is a hope that will not be disappointed because God, although He may delay or tarry, He will not forget His promise.  Be assured: God will never let us down!

 

~by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

First Reading  Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11                        
Second Reading 2 Peter 3:8-14  
Gospel Reading  Mark 1:1-8
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