Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

Christ

Solemnity of Christ the King

by Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever had the good fortune to be in Rome.  And found yourself In St Peter’s square, you surely have seen the great obelisk that stands in the middle of the square.  [Whether you’ve been to Rome, or not, – it is really there.]  It about four and half thousand years old and originally stood in the temple of the sun in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis.  But it was bought to Rome by the dreadful Emperor Caligula and it was set right in the middle of a Roman racetrack known as the Circus of Nero.  It was in that Circus that St. Peter was martyred, and the obelisk may well have been the last thing on this Earth that Peter saw.  On top of the obelisk there now stands a cross representing the cross of Jesus’ crucifixion. But in ancient times there was a gold ball representing the sun.  On the pedestal of the obelisk there are two inscriptions.  The first of them in Latin, “Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat”, freely translated in the words of a hymn “To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King:” Christ Jesus Victor! Christ Jesus Ruler!  Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer!  The other inscription, “The Lion of Judah has conquered.”  In the two we have the language of victory.  Christianity has triumphed by the power of the cross and triumphed over even the greatest power that the ancient world had known, the Roman Empire.  Here in the middle of St. Peter’s square stands the obelisk bearing those triumphant inscriptions.

In 1925, Pope Pius XI universally instituted the Feast of Christ the King to be celebrated on the last Sunday of October.  However, since the reform in the liturgical calendar in 1969, the feast falls on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Sunday before Advent.

At the time of the institution of the feast, secularism and dictatorships in Europe were on the rise.  Respect for Christ and the Church was waning.  Today, we witness the same sense of distrust of authority – accelerated by political situations and the rise of individualism.  Some reject the titles of “lord” and “king” for Christ believing that such titles are borrowed from oppressive systems of government.  History proves that some kings have been oppressive.  Others have been converted to a more Christian style of ruling … often by the influence of a woman.

In 2015, during the Jubilee year of Mercy, Pope Francis added another part to the title: “…the living face of the Father’s mercy.”  The combined readings this year for the solemnity give us a glimpse of how Christ is at the same time both king and the face of the Father’s mercy.  In contrast to the oppression so prevalent in Jesus’ day, he connected his role as king to humble service, and taught his followers to be servants as well.  “You are my disciples if you do what I command you: love one another as I have loved you.”

As we observe the feast of Christ, the King, we are celebrating a ruler who was willing to die for us, for all humanity, to give us true freedom.  Jesus radically redefined the concept of kingship.  His example of love and kindness is lived out by us, his followers, in our reaching out to those in need – beginning with those we live with.

At the opening of every Eucharistic gathering, the celebrant greets us with the words: “The Lord be with you.”  In tomorrow’s opening hymn we will sing: “Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven.”  And in the responsorial psalm we’ll proclaim: “The Lord is my shepherd.”  We profess in the Creed: “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ.”  We often raise a hand in benediction as we sing: “May the blessing of the Lord be upon you.”  Deep down do we believe JESUS IS LORD or is it just from force of habit that we say or sing those titles for Jesus?  If we believe it’s true Jesus is Lord, why do we sometimes scramble to find a substitute to replace the word “Lord?”

It strikes me that while we may struggle with the concept of Jesus as king … somehow, especially like on today’s feast (the Presentation of Mary) most of us have no problem calling Mary queen: queen of the universe, queen of heaven, Regina Caeli.

Our prayer intention this week is for the gift of a grateful heart.  Look at the person on either side of you – and across the aisle – with eyes filled with the compassion of Christ.  Let us pray that we can portray to the world the beneficence of a humble king, truly putting flesh on our Corporate Commitment “to respond with compassion to the hungers of the people of God.”

~Reflection by S. Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

First Reading Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17             Second Reading1 Cor 15:20-26, 28
Gospel Matthew 25:31-46

 

Continue Reading

A Line from Star Wars

by Leave a Comment

In the 2nd reading for this 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Paul says to the Thessalonians: Pray that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified.”  Sounds like a line from Star Wars or the Narnia Chronicles.  “Speed the Word of God forward.”  Paul continues – “I am confident that you are doing and will continue to do as the Lord directs your hearts to the love of God and the endurance of Christ.”  The “endurance of Christ.”  A reminder that, yes, we are the hands and heart of Christ in our world.

Relating to the Gospel seems a bit more tricky.  The Sadducees are once again challenging Jesus…  describing a most unlikely situation and quoting Moses as their authority.  One woman being wed, in turn to seven brothers.  Often Jesus answers a question with a question.  He responds differently this time.  But this time he uses the occasion for instruction.  Actually, Jesus makes four points.

First:  life here on earth and life after death are not alike.  The kingdom of heaven is not simply an extension of the good things in this life.  Even though some give the impression “if ice cream will make you happy, yes, you’ll have it in heaven.”  Jesus makes it clear that eternity is more than just an extension of what we have here.

Second: Jesus explains that there is no marriage in “that age.”  He doesn’t say that a married couple won’t know each other in the age to come, but, Jesus let us know rather that the relationship will be different.

Jesus’ third point, is that there is no death in “that age.”  Jesus identifies the quality of life when He says “neither can they die anymore,” it’s all about eternal life.

The fourth thing Jesus points out, is that the redeemed will be “like” the angels in heaven – not that they will be angels, but “like” the angels they will be forever praising and serving God.

And, if we drill deeper into the Jesus story, we’ll discover that the Sadducees were impressed with Jesus.  Like the twelve-year-old in the temple who amazed the people with his knowledge.  The Sadducees congratulated Jesus on his logic and his use of Scripture.  Jesus proved, from Scripture, that there are some references to life after death.

As we wrestle with questions about resurrection and after life, especially in this month when we honor our deceased Sisters and our loved ones.  And, at times like this week’s Veterans’ Day celebrations, we confirm our belief in Jesus’ promise of life beyond this one.  The trivia of this life loses much of its importance, while the values, the important things take on added meaning.  Living with the assurance of heaven, we live differently, we live for God.  The promise of eternal life is not just some pie in the sky hope for us. In eternity, in the everlasting life, we’ll be ourselves at our ultimate best and will be more loveable and more capable of loving than ever before.  [And it would serve us well, also, to think about the one who just jostled our nerves: she’ll/he’ll be more loveable in the life to come.]

[I’ve a story to share but could not figure out how to slip it into the body or the reflection….]

A newly-assigned young pastor had just received his first visitor.  The parish council president came by to visit him on a Sunday afternoon.  The man was a highly respected member of this congregation for over 25 years and president of the Parish council.

It was a balmy – not too humid kind of day – unusual for a day in August.  Taking advantage of the nice day, they were sitting on the back porch of the rectory.  The man seemed uneasy but slowly started to speak, “Father, first off I want to tell you this is a personal matter – nothing to do with Parish council business.  I want to share this with you, and seek your advice.  I’ve never told this to a soul, it’s extremely difficult to tell you this now.  Well, here goes:  “My wife and I have had a fight almost every day for the past 30 years of our marriage.”

The young priest was taken aback.  He nervously took a sip of his sweetened Southern iced tea.  He didn’t know what to say.  He had never personally experienced that kind of thing growing up.  Of course he’d taken counseling courses in the seminary.  He wanted to respond with compassion.  This was real life, not a set-up scenario from seminary days.

After a brief pause, he asked:  “Everyday?”  “Yes, just about every day.”  “Did you fight before you came to church this morning?”  “Yes.”  “Well, how did it end up?”  “It was different this time. She came crawling to me on her hands and knees.”

Trying to hide this shock, and keep his voice calm, Father ask:  “Oh, my goodness what did she say?”  “She pounded the floor with her hand and said in a voice that I’ve never heard before.  It was low and commanding as she growled: “Come out from under that bed, you coward, and fight like a man!”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

32nd Sunday, November 10, 2019
2 Macabees 7:1-2, 9-14   2 Thessalonians 2:16-3::5
Gospel Luke 20:27-38
Continue Reading

Lord, where are you going?

by Leave a Comment

Here (in this Gospel) we see Jesus troubled with the knowledge of who is about to betray him.  It is more troubling when you realize that Jesus truly did know who would betray him.  We may say: “I know what she’s thinking; I know why she did that.”  But, we don’t really – we’re second-guessing or assigning a motive based on our own behavior.”  Yet still knowing full well Judas’ heart and what would happen when they stepped into the garden after supper – watch what Jesus does.  He announces the imminent betrayal, and then proceeds to feed the betrayer:  “When he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.”  With the flavor of the morsel still in his mouth, Judas leaves to do his dirty work.  The narrator adds, “… and it was night” – the deed is done under the cover of darkness.  In this dark moment Jesus says: “Now is the Son of Man glorified.”  He speaks of being glorified and focuses on preparing his disciples for what is to come.

Not included in the text for tomorrow, but in John’s Gospel, the conversation continues, with Peter asking, “Lord, where are you going?”  Jesus responds, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward”.  Peter argues, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now?  I will lay down my life for you.”  But Jesus knows before the sun comes up, that Peter – one of his closest companions – will deny him three times.  Yet his parting words to his disciples focus not on blame for their failures.  He assures them that although he will no longer be physically present with them, they will not be alone.  He reminds them of their need for community.  “Love one another,” He counsels, “as I have loved you.”

Seems to me this is what Benedict means in RB 72 …  “Show pure love to each other…. don’t pursue self-interests… rather seek to anticipate what is better for someone else …. supporting each other with the greatest patience.”

Jesus demonstrates the kind of love he preaches.  He shows no partiality.  He does the same for the one who laid his head on Jesus breast as he does for the disciples who will fail him miserably.  Jesus washes and feeds Judas who will betray him, Peter who will deny him, and all the rest who will fail to stand by him in his hour of greatest need.  The love that Jesus demonstrates is not based on any earned merit or reciprocity.  He asks only that we freely love others in the same way He loves us.

It could not be any clearer!  Jesus to telling us it’s not by our knowledge of the church law, liturgical rites, the catechism, or even by our sense of morality, our ministerial service, attendance at funerals or obeying driver safety rules; not by my formation experience, nor by how I was brought up; it doesn’t depend on how neat or clean we keep our personal spaces, our table manners,  or whether we practice an exercise routine.  Simply put: (as the hymn says) “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.”  We won’t be tested, evaluated or judge by any measure other than this: Have our actions and interactions been loving – has our manner of living exuded love… at all times: not just when there are guests, or we are sporting a Benedictine Sisters logo shirt, or we think others are watching or that we may be overheard.

It comes down to a choice.  Like Judas, we’ve seen the evidence – we’ve witnessed Jesus’ miracles in the Scriptures and in our own life-time.  Along with other Christ-followers we’ve read and pondered and puzzled over Jesus radical teachings.  We’ve been there in spirit with the Marys who sat at the feet of Jesus absorbing his words.  We’ve stumbled and been raised up by the same Lord whose teaching we chose to ignore, disregard or just never delved into to.  We’ve followed others’ lead when we knew full well the ugliness of gossip, tittle-tattle and unacceptable language or jokes.  We forgot Jesus and our guardian angels were in the same room with us … and heard and saw it all.  We may have snubbed the prompting of the Spirit.  But, that still small voice will keep pestering us until we pay heed.  [Persistence must be one of the Spirit’s major virtues…]

As Benedict says in the Prologue, “The labor of obedience will bring you back to God from whom you have drifted.”  Ever noticed how a stick thrown into a body of water seems to flounder until it is grabbed by the drift forcing it in a particular direction.  It just can’t continue for very long going in circles or struggling against the current.  That’s you and me …  searching for a direction …  striving to give up self-will …  awed by all we’ve witnessed of God’s goodness.  Now, roused from sleep and equipped with good zeal and a determination to prefer nothing whatever to Christ, we are ready – we’re perked up and prepared to heed Benedict’s first word:  LISTEN!

At Noon Prayer earlier this week God spoke to us from long before Jesus walked this earth – long before he endured disappointment and betrayal and death.  To this day God promises:  “I will never take back my love; my faithfulness will not fail.  I will never break my covenant or go back on my promise.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

5th Sunday of Easter (May 19, 2019)
First Reading Acts 14: 21-27 Second Reading   Revelation 21:1-5a
Gospel John 13: 31-33a, 34-15
Continue Reading

Who do you say that I am?

by Leave a Comment

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
Continue Reading

Pope Praises Evangelization Through Prayer, Care For Creation, Welcome

by Leave a Comment

Pope Francis speaks during a Sept. 8 meeting with a group of Benedictine sisters at the Vatican. Forming a community of women from different backgrounds and uniting them in prayer, in care for the earth and in hospitality to others is a powerful witness of Gospel values, Pope Francis said. (Credit: CNS photo/Vatican Media.)

ROME – Forming a community of women from different backgrounds and uniting them in prayer, in care for the earth and in hospitality to others is a powerful witness of Gospel values, Pope Francis told a group of Benedictine sisters.

“Today there are many people in the world who seek to reflect in their lives the tenderness, compassion, mercy and acceptance of Christ,” the pope said Sept. 8. “To them you offer the precious gift of your witness, as you are instruments of God’s tenderness to those who are in need.”

The pope met about 120 Benedictine nuns and sisters from a variety of independent monasteries and congregations participating in a symposium in Rome. The theme was the admonition from the Rule of St. Benedict, “Let all be welcomed as Christ.”

Making a monastery a place of “welcome, prayer and generous hospitality” is an “essential work of evangelization” that always must be expanded and strengthened, the pope told the women.

He also thanked them “for the special care you show toward the environment and for your efforts to protect the gifts of the earth, so that they can be shared by all.”

Many of the Benedictine monasteries are found “in places of great beauty where people go to pray, to find silence and to contemplate the marvels of creation. I encourage you to continue this style and service, so that God’s wonderful works can be admired and speak of him to many persons.”

The life the women live within the monastery walls, lives and relationships that visitors can observe and sense, also is a Gospel witness, the pope said.

“Your life in community bears witness to the importance of mutual love and respect,” he told them. “You come from different places and experiences, and each of you is different, and so the way you accept one another is the first sign you offer in a world that finds it hard to live out this value.

“We are all children of God,” Francis said, “and your prayer, your work, your hospitality, your generosity, all combine to reveal a communion in diversity that expresses God’s hope for our world: a unity made of peace, mutual welcome and fraternal love.”

Continue Reading

Just Like Kneading Dough

by Leave a Comment

Have you read the reflection for tomorrow in THIS DAY?  Or, if not, do you remember watching someone, maybe your mom or grandmother making bread and kneading the dough – making biscuits or rolls or maybe you’ve seen someone tossing pizza dough?  Just thinking about it, don’t you get that feeling???  You can’t just “watch” – you have to get your hands on it, in it.  That reflection in THIS DAY continues with a quote from C.S. Lewis, “If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.  Thomas couldn’t just nod his head and blindly accept the news his friends excitedly shared that Jesus had visited them.   He had to put his hands on Jesus …  feel the warmth of His body, trace the scars.  The NASA engineer, a woman of color, I heard recently at PHSC, speaking of aspirations said it this way: You can’t aspire to something you’ve never seen.”  Thomas had to feel Jesus to know He was really, REAL.  You know what it is like when we haven’t seen a friend for a long time, we have to clasp hands, hug each other to assure ourselves us the moment is REAL.

This weekend we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday.  How can we learn mercy if we never see mercy in action?  That thought alone should be an impetus to model a spirit of mercy in all our interactions.  Mercy isn’t weakness – it takes patience, insight, control of your tongue, a peaceful spirit to be merciful.

The celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday is a relatively new addition to our church calendar.  It was first promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 2000, the day that he canonized Saint Faustina.  Christ appeared to a Polish nun, Sr. Maria Faustina Kowalska, in a series of visions that took place over almost eight years.  In one of the visions Christ asked Sister Faustina to pray for nine days, beginning on Good Friday and ending on the Saturday after Easter—the eve of the Octave of Easter.  Thus, since the 9 days of a novena are commonly prayed in advance of a feast, the Feast of Divine Mercy—Divine Mercy Sunday—was born.

Sister Faustina is quoted from her diary:

“Oh, if only all souls knew Who is living in our churches?”  This belief is a taste of what Thomas experienced when, in his presence, Jesus appeared the second time to his disciples.  He was invited to “touch and believe”.  He recognized Jesus, his doubt was vanquished, and he professed His belief in Christ.

Do we recognize the Christ among us?  When the Eucharistic minister looks you in the eye to greet you: “Body of Christ.  Blood of Christ” is our AMEN simply a rote, expected response?  Or does your AMEN signify a true conviction that “yes, you and I are Christ for each other?”  If we cannot greet Christ in each other, how will we recognize Jesus at the pearly gates?

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

First Reading  Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35    Second Reading   1 John 5:1-6
Gospel John 20:19-31
Continue Reading