Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

disciples

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Wow!  Talk about conflicts!  Jesus keeps teaching us to love our neighbors as ourselves, love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.  Now he says, “Hate your mother and father, your brother and sister, your wife and children, even your own life.”   Obviously, you cannot have it both ways: Love everybody and hate your family.

Jesus is inviting us to think it over seriously.  Listen to Him: “To be my disciple is unusually difficult. You must make a TOTAL commitment.  Nobody, absolutely nothing, can come before me. I am your one Lord and God. In case of conflict, your nearest and dearest must take second place.”

I’ll share now what Richard Rohr has to say on taking that first step to discipleship: recognize, acknowledge and accept the truth that we are everywhere and at all times in the presence of God.

We cannot attain the presence of God because we’re already totally in the presence of God. What’s absent is awareness.  Each time you take another breath, realize that God is choosing you again and again—and yet again. We have nothing to work up to or even learn. We do, however, need to unlearn some things, and most especially we must let go of any thought that we have ever been separated from God. Religion is to help us let go of illusions and pretenses so we can be more and more present to what actually is. We have to learn to see what is already here.

Such a simple directive is hard for us to understand. We have a “merit badge” mentality. We worship success. We believe that we get what we deserve, what we work hard for, and what we are worthy of. It’s hard for Western people to think in any other way.

Experiencing radical grace is like living in a different world. It’s not a world in which I labor to get God to notice me and like me. It’s not a world in which I strive for spiritual success.  Unfortunately, many good people are afraid of gratuity.  But God cannot be seen through such a small and dirty lens.

I suggest that this week we check our spiritual spectacles, clean off any smudges and be open to receiving the radical graces God has ready waiting for us.   In the Gospel, the two brief parables (a person constructing a tower and a king marching into battle) make Jesus’ lesson obvious – don’t start what you cannot finish. Jesus is asking us for TOTAL commitment.  We can only commit if we are prepared to put God before everything else.

We pray with words of the Responsorial Psalm: “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge; teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.  Fill us at daybreak with your kindness that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Please remember in prayer our Sister Jerome Leavy whose funeral we will celebrate Tuesday morning, Sept 9th at 10am.  Wake service and visitation will be 7pm Monday in our monastic chapel.

May Sister Jerome rest in eternal peace!

 

 

First Reading:   Wisdom 9:13-18b         Second Reading:  Philemon 9-10, 12-17
Gospel:   Luke 14:25-33
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Fifth Sunday of Easter

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Jesus is troubled by the knowledge of who is about to betray him.  He announces the imminent betrayal to his disciples.  Take particular notice of how he responds. He proceeds to feed the betrayer.  Judas then leaves to do his dirty work, and the narrator adds, “and it was night” (13:30).

Jesus continues – focusing on his mission and preparing his disciples for what is to come. He tells them (and us)  in tender words (“little children”) “I will be with you only a little longer.  Where I am going, you cannot come.” The conversation continues after our lectionary text, 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 speaks up: “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”  Jesus gently responds by predicting Peter’s denial of him.

In the coming chapters Jesus will talk about the Paraclete, the Advocate who will teach and advise and comfort them and us.  But for now he focuses on the need for his disciples to live in community, to love one another as he has loved them (and us).

Jesus could not be clearer: It is not by our theological or liturgical correctness, not by our moral purity, not by our impressive knowledge – that everyone will know that we are his disciples. It is quite simply by our loving acts — acts of service and sacrifice, acts that point to the love of God for the world made known in Jesus Christ.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

 

 

First Reading:   Acts 14:21-27         Second Reading:  Revelation 21:1-5a
Gospel:   John 13:31-33a, 34-15
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Believing Can Bring Sight

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Each day since Easter we’ve heard post-Resurrection stories of personal encounters. The resurrected Christ has visited the disciples and his mother Mary in the Upper Room to breathe peace upon them.  We’ve heard the story of how Jesus slips in and out of the company of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.   In John’s narrative Peter’s head is whirling at all that was going on.  It appears his message to the others is: “This is too much for me; I’m going to clear my head. I’ll be back later. I’m going fishing!” A few of the others jumped aboard.  At daybreak a very human Jesus appears to these disciples who’ve spent a night of non-productive fishing.  We know that Jesus must have known this but still he calls to them: “Children, have you caught anything to eat?”  Then he suggests to them that they toss the nets on the other side of the boat.  Lo and behold, the nets encircle 153 large fish!”  No one dares ask him: “Who are you?”  To their astonishment, Jesus invites: “Come, have breakfast.”

Last Sunday the church made sure that we heard the message that Jesus came a second time to the group in the Upper Room.  Again, He came right through “locked doors.” He greeted the fearful group: “Peace!”  And He turned to address Thomas to quiet his fear that the one the disciples claimed they had seen a week ago might be an imposter.   Nothing could keep Jesus away from those who had been his companions for three years.

At that 2nd visit in the Upper Room Jesus praises those who do not seek proof.  On the other hand, neither does He condemn those who seek a sign.  He meets us where we are on our faith journey. He does not condemn Thomas for wanting to see proof in the nail marks.  Instead, he offers living proof to help his unbelief.  “See my hands; put your finger here.”  And then He nurtures maturity in faith when he says: “Blessed are they who have not seen but have believed.”

In Monday’s gospel there is an exchange with Nicodemus about the wind. From whence does it come, and where does it go?  Jesus gently tries to explain, “If I tell you of earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?”  If only if we understood that seeing may not be believing but believing can bring sight.

 The lessons remembered by John continue.  “God does not ration the gifts of the Spirit; the Father gives everything to the Son.”  As the evening grows long, the disciples go down to the sea.  It grows dark as they rest and row and drift in the boat.  When they are several miles from shore, one by one the Apostles perk up and point to a silhouette of a man who appears to be walking on the water toward them A calming voice is heard: “It is I.  Do not be afraid.”  Those who are familiar with the voice of God will immediately recognize when Jesus speaks.

Today we hear a curious detail. John relates that before Peter jumps from the boat into the sea, he grabs his clothing “for he was lightly clad.”  He puts on more clothes to jump into the water?  Is that typical of what we tend to do?  If you think about it, it probably is.   We don’t want to leave anything behind even when it only adds weight to our journey.  What does Jesus tell us to do?  Not, grab all your belongings, we’re going on a journey of a lifetime.  Rather he says: Feed my sheep; feed my lambs.   Follow me!

What is your excess baggage?  What needs to be left behind?  We have to clear out old expectations if we are to have room to welcome new experiences.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

 

 

First Reading:   Acts 5:27-32; 40-41         Second Reading:  Revelation 5:11-14
Gospel:   John 21:1-19
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Second Sunday of Lent

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“Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John off by themselves and led hem up a high mountain.”  This transfiguration account appears just after Jesus has reminded the disciples, “Whoever loses your life for My sake, and the gospel – will save your life. Jesus lets these remarks soak in and take root for six days before he sets off up the mountain with Peter, James and John in tow.

The story (I believe) calls each one of us to examine what mountains we have yet to climb to see God’s glory.  We could apply the story to death or a near-death experience, but if we do that, we miss the everyday mountains that we must scale.  Call those mountains what you will, we must climb them to witness God’s glory: hurdles, challenges, enticing temptations, near occasions of sin, quirks of personality, Lenten resolutions, pet peeves…   They can be like a grain of sand inside your shoe.  Other times, they may feel like huge boulders that we need a backhoe to lever inch by inch.  Everyone’s mountain is different. To witness God’s glory, we must each climb our own “mountains”.

As we become aware that we are nearing a mountaintop, we must relax take a breather, yes, but with our spirit-eyes open to see God’s glory.  Stay alert, careful not to misread the signs; have the insight to know that we are at the top.  Gaze on the God of the Revelation.  In awe we may wonder: Why did God choose me?  Why does God love me so much?

What causes us to miss the “small miracles”, the “everyday transfigurations”?  The “Emmaus” moments along the path to Life? Gently remind yourself, that Jesus and the disciples also went back down the mountain.  Thank God when you get to top and do not be distracted with worry over “what’s going to happen next?”

Jesus did not become “more God” that day on the mountain.  It seems to me the change was not 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.   What are those moments in your life?  Maybe it happens at the Consecration of the Mass or when you look across the dining table or at confreres across the aisle in chapel.

God is already there; is right here NOW.   Jesus invites us to go up the mountain with Him.  He leads the way.  We must open our awareness to witness the transfiguration. God reveals the Son little by little to those who take the time and interest to stay with him.  When we follow His lead, stay with the experience, do what it takes to build our relationship, foster life with the Other; in essence we live out our vow of stability; our promise of “stick-to-tive-ness.

 

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

First Reading:   Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18        Second Reading:  Philippians 3:17-4:1
Gospel:   Luke 9:28b-36

 

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We are called to BE the Good News

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Last weekend we observed Jesus as he sat in the temple quietly taking in what was going on around him.  We heard His remark about the contributions being made to the temple treasury.  We saw what he saw.  A widow, as unobtrusive as she could be, slipped (almost unnoticed) among the other donors to deposit her “two cents” that settled softly with the rich folks’ paper money. And if you’ve read Mark’s gospel continuously from that incident to today’s Gospel you also know Jesus’ prediction about the destruction of the Temple, his teaching about the cost of discipleship, the woes that will accompany the end times and Jesus’ instruction to his disciples about the need for watchfulness so that they will not be caught unprepared for the final judgment.

Jesus says: “Learn a lesson from the fig tree.”  Jesus could have said citrus tree or olive tree.  They grew nearby, too.  But, he says “fig tree” and happily for us we have fig trees to observe.   When the branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, we know that another season of fruit is near.

After Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree, He gives several brief parables. We know that Jesus’ words are not spoken to frighten his disciples, nor should they frighten us.   The prophetic Word of God is as sure and secure as the rest of His message.  It is offered to prepare us for the changes we will experience during our lifetime and at the end time. Our consolation and hope are found in the lasting nature of Jesus’ words and God’s never-ending love for us.

When you see the things happening that Jesus talks about, know that he is near, at the gates.   “But,” says Jesus, “of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”    Then He assures us: “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

So, how, as followers of the Jesus, do we prepare in the face of struggles not unlike our times as community and as a nation?  How well do you read signs?  Can you train yourself to be more observant of the signs?  Do you naturally notice signs in nature?  Road signs?  How well do you read nonverbal body language?   Do you work to sensitize yourself to recognize everyday signs?  How do you heighten your sensitivity to spirit signs?  Do you use Scripture, the Rule, the example of a favorite saint? What helps you to listen more keenly to your heart in the quiet of the night when sleep eludes you?  Maybe your quiet time is walking, working or driving along a familiar road; passing through the hall at a leisurely pace; setting the table, readying yourself for communal prayer in the chapel – do you hear God’s whisper in your heart?

Cultivation of the inner spirit helps prepare us to see the direction of the cultural winds we face, whether agreeable or frightening.    God does not usually shout to us in fury or in a tumultuous hurricane.  Much of the time God speaks softly.  So stay tuned.  In the face of cultural garbage and shifting government structures or a changing church, we steady ourselves not to be tempted to hoard food and possessions.  We guard against the temptation to build a hermitage and hide out.  We pray to be strengthened to stay in the fray.  Many things will just happen in our lives – things not scheduled by the calendar, or watch, or clock or a computer “ding”.  With all the scheduled things we have to do, we are called by today’s Gospel to keep our hearts attuned to the significant things that just happen.

How can we do this day in and day out and year after year?  Can we do it by heeding Jesus’ directive to the disciples who accompanied Him in the garden the night before his death:  Stay here, watch and pray.   Watch: ask for God’s Wisdom to let us see God’s perspective so we discover our moment within our cultural context.  And, pray!  Remember, “to pray” is not simply to read books about God, spirituality or prayer, or to think about those topics.  To pray is simply – to pray!  We don’t even have to start the conversation.  Simply let God in.  Let us strive to keep in mind that we are called not so much to do the Good News.  We are called to be the Good News.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

First Reading:   Daniel 12:1-3         Second Reading:  Hebrews 10:11-14,18
Gospel:   Mark 13:24-32
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Such a simple message

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When Jesus and His disciples got to Capernaum, they entered into (some scholars say) the house of Peter and Andrew. Jesus asks them what they were disputing about as they approached the house and waits for them to ‘fess up.  No luck! They are like children who don’t want to tell their parents what they’ve been arguing about. The disciples had started out disputing over the meaning of Jesus’ prediction of his death and resurrection and ended up arguing over who would be the greatest when Jesus was no longer in their number. They were certain it would be one of them, not someone outside their circle.  They got caught up in the idea of being a follower without having a sense of what it takes to be a true disciple.  But Jesus knew these fellows had the capacity to refocus their energy on what was really important instead of promoting themselves as the “greatest” above everyone.  They (and we) might do well to heed the advice of Joe Kennedy to his son Ted: “Don’t look for credit.  If you succeed, there’ll be plenty of credit.  If you fail, you won’t want the credit”.

The greatness Jesus is talking about lies in welcoming one who is viewed as powerless.  This requires sensitive awareness to those around us.  Who is being left out of the conversation, who enters a room and seems unsure where she might be welcome to sit?  Who is listening to a conversation about a plan to go off-campus hoping to be invited?  Are we alert to welcome the visitor into the chapel, to lift a bundle for a struggling elder, to smile at a child in the shopping cart?   We can list hundreds of moments of random acts of kindness similar to those that Jesus is talking about.

Could it be that Jesus can so easily welcome children because he has personal memories of his own childhood experiences? Children in our 21st century America are in precarious, fragile, and dangerous places.  More than ever, children are abused, snatched, neglected or the opposite: over-protected by ‘helicopter’ parents.  There are latchkey kids; underfed, lonely, ignored children and many are victims of inadequate health care.  Now, more than ever, children need to be embraced by the church.  If the church leaves out children, it is leaving out God. If policy makers leave out children, they are leaving out God and they are placing the future of our world in jeopardy, forgetting who it is that is going to be caring for them (or not) in their sunset years.

Notice that Jesus did not say “receive this child.”  Rather he said, “Receive one such as this child.”  With a child in his arms, Jesus says that to welcome persons such as this little one is to welcome Him.    Our accomplishments and accolades, the certificates, the awards, as impressive as they might be, do not exemplify discipleship.  It’s our ability to be of service to others, to attend to the most vulnerable in our society, that makes us good disciples.  It is such a simple message that it is at the same time so difficult to put into practice!

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

This weekend we welcome our Oblates! Thirteen Oblates will join at the monastery for their quarterly meeting and for Mass and noon meal.  Wondering what’s an Oblate?  Contact S. Mary David at 352-588-7176 or mary.david.hydro@saintleo.edu.

 

 

First Reading:   Wisdom 2:12, 17-20         Second Reading:  James 3:16-4:3
Gospel:   Mark 9:30-37
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