Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

God

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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16th sundayHere in Mark we see an example of the kind of tension that exists in the life of every committed Christian.  On the one hand, there is the need to draw away to a quiet place and to recharge our batteries, to regenerate our spiritual energy.  At the same time, there are constant demands on our commitment to serve. We want to respond generously where there is real need.  But, how do we know what is a ‘real need’ and what is just another’s whim or our own desire to be in demand.

To be in touch with the difference calls for a life immersed in discernment.  There are times when, no matter how weary we feel, we know we should say ‘Yes’. There are other times when, in spite of the criticism it may generate, we know ought to say ‘No’. There are human limits to the quality of service we can give.  In the life of Jesus, we see him at times leaving the people, in spite of their demands, and going away to pray.  This kind of rest is not laziness or irresponsibility.  This is the Sabbath rest our retreat director called us to.

Last weekend the apostles were sent out two-by-two. Today, they are re-gathering two-by-two.  They had had exhilarating, but exhausting, experiences. For the first time they had been on their own without Jesus.  They had preached, casted out demons, anointed the sick, and called people to respond to God’ message.   Now Jesus invited them to “come away to a deserted place all by themselves and rest a while.”  Notice there are four parts to the invitation:  “Come away – to a deserted place – all by yourself – and rest a while.”  Each phrase means something on its own, but none stands alone … we have to accept the whole package.

We are reminded that we must be on guard not to make busy-ness a badge of honor.  That blinks an implicit message:  I’m worthwhile because I’m so busy.  I’m always tired equals “I’m important”.  Busy-ness is not a badge of honor!  On the contrary, it is the mark of a life way out of balance.  It is NOT Benedictine!

It’s good to keep in mind about the idea of busyness that one person’s “work or drudgery” may be another’s “leisure or pleasure-filled activity.”  That I enjoy ironing may seem very strange to those who bless the one who invented wash-n-wear fabric.  Kneading bread may be a spiritual experience for you but your friend may find it stressful and just something she HAS to do to put bread on the table.  Pulling weeds may offer one a chance to commune with God and nature and to another it’s just a hot, sweaty job she was told to do.  Yes, it’s true one person’s pleasure is another’s pain.  So, be slow to judge “she’s always so busy” – she might be using her hands to free her mind to get touch with the Spirit.

Jesus said: “Come away.”  He did not say “Go away.”  His is an invitation to a communal experience.   It’s “coming away” to be with Jesus.  What a beautiful words …  Come away and rest … an invitation to step out of all the bustle and activity of life.  Rest … a chance to slow down, to change the pace.  If we don’t rest, we won’t be able to take care of others. If we don’t slow down, we will be of no use to anyone, especially God.

As Jesus listened to each of the two-by-two teams give their reports, he was moved by their tender stories of healing children, inspiring people, and boldly witnessing to Jesus. But the Lord must have also seen fatigue in their faces and so, in a gracious moment of concern, Jesus said to them: Come away for a while and rest. I know a place close by ~ just across the lake ~ a deserted place, a bit of wilderness.  Jesus made no suggestion that their ministry of witness and compassion was over but he offered them a respite from busyness.  They got into a boat and headed off for the first Christian retreat.

And you know what greeted them!  Mark says, over 5000 figured out where the boat was going and got there ahead of them.  You can probably imagine how the disciple felt when they saw that waiting crowd.  They had had visions of having a little quiet time with Jesus.    And, now, my, oh, my you’ve got to be kidding!  Can’t we have any break?  Or, maybe that wasn’t their reaction.  Maybe they saw the same thing Jesus saw: sheep without a shepherd.  It was clear that the needs of the people called for a positive response.  Like Jesus, their Shepherd, the disciples’ hearts were moved to pity – to reach out, setting personal wishes aside in deference to the needs of others.

To be sure, there is weariness in ministry.  We know this is true, but weariness is no excuse to quit, and weariness is no excuse to back-off and let others pick up the torch. Like a runner or a swimmer, we need to catch our second breath and snuff out the rising murmur: “I’ve done my part; I’ve served my time – it’s someone else’s turn!”  Somehow we must discover Jesus’ compassion for the crowd within our own heart.

It’s just not as easy as it sounds.  Sometimes life just gets too serious…too busy…and too complicated. We don’t mean for it to happen, but we wake up one morning to discover the fun has slipped away.

Several years ago a health study determined there are 3 main reasons people can’t cope with the demands in their lives:   They live in the past.   They have a low self-esteem.  They can’t laugh at themselves.

In fact, the study indicated that we need approximately 12 laughs a day to stay healthy! Yes, life throws us curve balls just when we least expect it (like being paged to a guest just when we finally got a chance to zone out for a few minutes).  To stay sane we need to sit back and enjoy a good laugh.  So here’s your laugh-vacation for today.

Not long ago a lady I know sent flowers to her friend who had opened a new restaurant. When she arrived at the grand opening, she looked for the flowers. Imagine her consternation when she found them, and saw that, in her haste in placing the order, she had sent a white wreath that said, “May you rest in peace.” She panicked, of course, and called the florist who said, “Honey, I’m not worried about you because as we speak, there’s a lady being buried across town who got a dozen roses that said, ‘Good luck in your new location!’”

 

                                                                                                               Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
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Real Wealth

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jesus-sending-out-disciples-2-by-2We’ve just heard another version of a “sending out” gospel story.  On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we heard the event from Matthew’s memory.  Here from Mark we hear that Jesus sent out THE twelve.  Without an understanding of Scripture and the difference between APOSTLE and DISCIPLE it could be difficult to comprehend just who it was that Jesus sent out.  This little nugget will help:  disciples are called; apostles are sent.  So it was the 12 apostles that Jesus sent out unimpeded with totes, snacks and carry-on luggage.  Some scholars will tell you there were 86 DISCIPLES – the original 12 who were called by Jesus and whom we know by name plus the 72 that were later sent out by Jesus to spread the good news.  All apostles were once disciples, but not all disciples became apostles.  Disciples are learners; “apostle” comes from the Greek word for ambassador or messenger.   The number twelve is symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus, showing that Jesus’ mission is a continuation of God’s to and among the Israelites.

Jesus’ instructions to these apostles are very specific. There is the idea here is that they were to go as they were, without making any special preparations for their travels.  There is also the idea here of urgency. Jesus wants them to go now!   He repeats that their mission is to preach and to share his authority to heal and to drive out demons. He sends them in pairs, establishing that his mission is a communal endeavor. He instructs them to travel lightly, without the customary food, money, or an extra set of clothes. They will be dependent on others’ hospitality, just as Jesus depended on others to provide for his needs.  Remember, his words: “foxes have their dens but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

[Jesus sent them out two by two …. I guess because this is the summer feast of our holy founder Benedict,]     The two-by-two concept reminds me of Benedict’s description of “good monks” – cenobites – who of their own free will choose to belong to a monastery … living with others of similar mind and attitude … under a Rule and a superior.

It seems pretty obvious, too, that this Gospel story prompted Benedict’s directives to monks on a journey: Chapter 51 “Monastics on a Short Journey” should not presume to eat outside, even if they receive a pressing invitation…” thus emphasizing our dependence, and interdependence on community.

Chapter 55 on clothing of monastics … this one may cause the listener to smile: “monastics going on a journey should get underclothing from the wardrobe.  On their return they are to wash it and give it back.”   Forget the jockey or boxer shorts, or for the ladies the panties and bra kind of under clothing … Benedict’s monks probably wore next to nothing under their monastic tunics.  The clothing from the wardrobe may well have been a pair of trousers and a coarse undershirt.  Benedict made provision also for a better than daily quality of tunic, we’d say habit and, as needed some better foot wear (sandals for summer; lined boots for winter).

Perhaps because Benedict came from a wealthy or noble class family, he retained his concern that his monks not look shabby on a journey.  He calls the superior to take notice of the fit and cut of the members’ garments.   Ever-concerned about the vice of murmuring, he reminds the members not to complain about the color or coarseness of their clothing, but to use what is available in the vicinity at a reasonable cost – as long as the measurements of their garments are “not too short but fitted to the wearer.”

So, the TWELVE went out two by two and what did they do?  It wasn’t for a leisurely afternoon stroll.   Two by two, they sought hospitality from strangers, they cast out demons and they anointed many with oil.  Two by two is still the best method today. When two people go out to share the Gospel together (eg Jehovah’s witnesses and other door-to-door, or street corner preachers) it provides companionship, encouragement and they can pray for each other – it makes the job easier especially for shy, reticent, introverted evangelizers.

Probably, most of us have never seen a genuinely possessed person as described in the Scriptures.  But, in our own time, there are many other kinds of demons which can control people, where people become the slaves of these things.   For instance, there is the demon of nicotine, the demon of alcohol, gambling, promiscuous sex, or materialism and consumerism as well as the demon of gossip or murmuring or any other activity which somehow can take control of our lives. All of these, or any one of them, can reduce our freedom and turn us into slaves of the particular vice.

When we are not enslaved, when we are free, we can do what Jesus wants us to, what the apostles did:  “anoint many.”  When we are free of busyness and busy-body-ness we can more liberally anoint others through our ministry of hospitality … anointing each other – and our guests – with the oil of kindness, compassion, sharing of joy and mutual respect.

Let there be no doubt: it takes a constant effort to practice the self-disciplines that ensure our freedom as children of God:  …  the disciplines of custody of the eyes, custody of the ears, custody of the tongue and curbing our curiosity to be the “eyes and ears” of the community.

Like the first apostles and disciples, we are not sent alone. Jesus has given us the companionship of the Holy Spirit and the community of the Church, which strengthens our life of discipleship. And more than that, we are blessed with the community of our Benedictine family.  The companionship we share can help free us from worries and anxieties in our heads which can paralyze us and prevent us from living rich and enriching lives. It would be worth reflecting today on how free our lives are and where our real wealth is to be found.

 

                                                                                                              Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
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Being Opened Minded Enough To Listen

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PopeFrancisThis reading reminds us that God sends prophets into our midst for our benefit.  The question is: Are we open-minded enough to listen to new ideas and insights, to allow our attention to be re-directed to things we have ignored or taken for granted?   Can we listen to Pope Francis’ invitation to care for all of creation, human and non-human?  Normally, papal documents are addressed to the bishops of the Church or the lay faithful. But, similar to Pope Saint John XXIII’s Pacem in Terris, Pope Francis addresses his message to all people.

In the few weeks since the release of the papal encyclical there has been much debate – surely more to come – about whether the pope has any place speaking out on issues that some consider should be no concern of his because they are not about religion.     But, keep listening because more and more are expressing the opinion that environmental issues are not simply scientific, or economic, or political issues — they are moral issues as well. There is a connection between changes in our earthly environment and what happens to human life and dignity around the world – especially to the poor and vulnerable.

You’ve heard the expression: “You can’t tell a book by its cover.”  All too often we judge the “cover.” We get so bogged down in appearances, in the humanity of the proclaimer that we refuse to listen to the proclamation.  Who does she think she is?

This was the unanimous reaction recently by the judges on “America’s Got Talent.”   Three fellows looking like they’d just rolled out of bed came on stage.  When they opened their mouths, spell-binding tenor music poured forth into the auditorium where hundreds sat open-mouthed, on the edges of their seats realizing what a terrible presumptive judgment they’d made.

Perhaps what is even worse is when we view ourselves in such a negative way that we say: “Who am I to tell anyone what to do or not do, when I know that often I do things far worse?”   The reality is that every one of us, simply because of our baptism, has been called to be a prophet. There are some things over which we cannot compromise. There are some times when we cannot keep silent.  We cannot be dissuaded by our own shortcomings.  God will stand by us and give us what we need when we need it. We don’t have to live tomorrow on today’s graces.

No one wants to be seen as self-righteous. But we don’t claim that the wisdom of the Gospel is a product of our own.  We humbly proclaim what we have received. Not to proclaim it would be ungrateful to God who revealed it to us. We need to hand on the heritage that has been passed down to us. Without a heritage, every generation has to start over.  If we fail to share the prophetic message of the Gospel other louder voices will be happy to impose their godless vision of society on us.

It’s difficult to be a prophet because we’re afraid of appearing to be judgmental.   Keep in mind the message Fr. Joseph preached last week: “It is better to be loving than to be right.”  Mentally, step back and ask yourself – in the overall view for eternity, is what you are insisting on even worth the so-called “hill of beans.”

It’s not easy to prophetic. It never has been and it never will be, but nevertheless that’s what God calls us to be and He promises a prophet’s reward for fidelity to our mission. On the other hand if we prefer not to rock the boat, as Aristotle said “To avoid criticism…say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing.”

When Jesus preached, His words were filled with divine authority. He did not speak like the local rabbis. When the people of Nazareth heard Jesus speak, they were amazed.  But, his enemies could not explain Him, so they rejected His message.  They thought they knew everything there was to know about Him. They knew that He had never been to divinity school. They knew that He had no formal training.

They also knew His occupation. They saw Him as a common craftsman. They looked at Him and said, “You are no better than we are! Why should we listen to you?”  They knew everything there was to know about Jesus, or so they thought!   To them, Jesus was just another boy from Nazareth.

These people did what all people do when they cannot understand someone. They resort to rejection or ridicule – the final refuge of a small mind! They called Him “the son of Mary”. This was never done in that society! A male was always referred to as the son of his father, even if his father was dead. To call a boy the son of his mother was to imply that His mother had been a harlot.

Jesus was amazed that these people had heard the truth, seen the truth and still turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to that truth. As a result, He left Nazareth, and there is no record that He ever returned there.

We may sum up the story in the words of William Barclay: “There can be no preaching in the wrong atmosphere. The listeners are responsible for at least half of every sermon. In an atmosphere of expectancy, the least effort will catch fire. In an atmosphere of coldness or indifference, the most spirit-filled of sermons will fall flat.”

To be a prophet is difficult because the message of the Gospel is challenging and sometimes controversial, but it’s a message that people (we) need to hear whether or not we want to hear it.

 

                                                                                                               Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
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How is God Asking Us to be “Bread” for Others?

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bread_wineJesus says: “I am the bread of life.”  A familiar saying is: “Bread is the staff of life.”  Interesting isn’t it that both describe Jesus who is our Staff.    In Scripture the word “bread” is used too for both actual loaves of bread and for any type nourishing food – sometimes to describe a whole meal.

In our community, hospitality very often includes food for the soul at community prayer; and, food for the body at a meal.  Remember the two disciples on their way to Emmaus?  It was in the “breaking of bread” that they suddenly were enlightened.  They thought they had been talking with a stranger but at their meal their eyes were opened.

This weekend, as we celebrate the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, is a good time to dwell on the question of how well we do hospitality.  We know we want to be hospitable, welcoming.  But, more than that, how is God asking us to be “bread” for others?  Our corporate commitment says it succinctly.  We talk about that statement and acknowledge this commitment often … today is a good opportunity to examine it one phrase at a time. [Read more…] about How is God Asking Us to be “Bread” for Others?

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