Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

John

Believing Can Bring Sight

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This week we begin the Third Week of Easter and the third MONTH of the war in Ukraine.  Thursday past was an International Day of Prayer for peace – very much needed in these times.  And, generally since 1955, when May 1  does not fall on a Sunday, we celebrate St. Joseph, the Worker.

Liturgically, each day since Easter we’ve heard post-Resurrection stories of personal encounters.  The Resurrected Christ has appeared to Mary and called her by name, visited the disciples and his mother Mary in the Upper Room to breathe peace upon them.

We’ve heard the story of how Jesus slipped in and out of the company of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.  In John’s narrative Peter’s head was whirling at all that was going on.  It appears his message to the others was: “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 appeared to these disciples who’d 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.  And, lo and behold, the nets encircle 153 large fish!  No one dared ask him: “Who are you?”  To their astonishment, Jesus invites: “Come, have breakfast.”

By Saturday (a week ago) we step back to the day following the resurrection.  We meet up with Mary, faithful witness to the end and first to meet the Resurrected Christ.  She is on her unsuccessful mission to tell the companions of Jesus: “He is alive!”

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, 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 can keep Jesus away from those who have been his companions for 3 years.  Jesus has become comfortable enough with them to expose his vulnerability: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by.  Nevertheless, let it be as You, not I, would have it…. I thirst.  When tiredness overtakes him he sleeps in the boat until cries for help rouse him to alertness.

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.”

Monday, this past week found us with the eleven off on our life’s mission having witnessed Jesus being taken up to heaven to be seated at the right hand of God.  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 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 evening grows long, the disciples went down to the sea.  It grew dark as they rested and rowed and drifted in the boat.  When, they were 3-4 miles from shore, one after the other perked up and pointed to a silhouette of a man who appeared to be walking on the water toward them a calming voice was heard: “It is I.  Do not be afraid.”  Those who are familiar with the voice of God will immediately recognize when Jesus speaks.

For today we hear a curious detail.  John relates that before Peter jumped from the boat into the sea, he grabbed his clothing “for he was lightly clad.”  He put on more clothes to jump into the water?  Isn’t that typical of what we tend to do?  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

 

We’ve learned from the family of Shawnn Leach (our cook) who died at home on Thursday, April 21, that as an organ donor Shawnn’s “gift of life” benefited 25 individuals.   God bless them and God reward Shawnn with eternal rest and happiness!

 

First Reading: Acts 5:27-32; 40-41             Second Reading: Revelation 5:11-14
Gospel: John 21:1-19
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Miracles Happen Everyday

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I feel fairly certain that I am not the only among us who has awakened one day with an urgent feeling to call a particular person for a reason you can’t figure out.  Or have you found yourself driving a route that was not exactly the one you usually follow only to learn later on why your guardian angel planted that idea?  Do you think it possible the day Jesus asked three of his disciples to go with him up the mountain to pray was one of those days?  He just knew in his bones he HAD to go to that place and felt a need to invite Peter, James and John to accompany him.  It was only after they got to that level spot that He realized his Father’s intention.  It’s not quite clear to me if Jesus wanted company while he prayed or was hoping they’d join him in prayer.  In either case they were gifted with a glimpse of His glory.

But, first they had to agree to hike up that mountain with him.  Jesus calls each one of us to examine what mountain we must climb to see God’s glory.  You can call the mountains whatever you will – it’s your personalized mount to climb: hurdles, challenges, enticing temptations, near occasions of sin, quirks of personality, broken resolutions, pet peeves… Some days they are like a little pebble on our path that we casually kick aside.  And some days they’re tiny grains of sand inside our shoe.  They’re no bother when you are sitting still but the instant you start to move it quickly makes itself felt.  Other days, they are like boulders we can’t move with a backhoe.  Everyone’s mountain is different; but, to witness God’s glory, we must climb the mountain with our name on it.

And, when we reach the mountaintop, we must stay alert, have the insight to know that we are at the top.  The disciples could have missed Jesus’ transfiguration if they:

  • had not awakened at the right moment
  • had been too busy taking in the view
  • were wondering how they going to be up on this mountain anyway
  • and, who’s going to catch the fish for tonight’s supper.

You fill in the blanks…you know what it is that keeps you from seeing God’s glory.  What causes you to miss the “small miracles” of “everyday transfigurations” in yourself, in each other, in nature.  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 now their eyes were opened to witness the miracle of the moment.  Transfigurations or “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 mercy when a mistake is not challenged in public
  • Miracle of God’s steadfastness when day after day others gather with me 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 an offer is extended before the favor is voiced
  • 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, thank you, God, 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.  Jesus invites us to follow His lead going up the mountain where we just need to open our eyes to witness the transfiguration.

~ Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

Have a pleasant week.  Celebrate “wearin’ of the green” with the Irish on Thursday, St. Patrick’s Day and the Italians on Saturday, St. Joseph Day – St. Joseph bread for the poor.  May God bless all peoples with cause to celebrate Divine Goodness.

 

First Reading:  Deuteronomy 26:4-10     Second Reading:  Romans 10:8-13
Gospel:  Luke 9:28b-36
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“Men Take Charge; Women Take Care”

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There is an old saying – well, not as old as Jesus’ time on earth, but an adage that might be a good title for a talk on the Wedding at Cana: “Women take care; men take charge.”  Mary took care of the problem of the young couple whose wedding planner miscalculated the amount of wine needed for the after-party.  Mary took care and put Jesus in charge.  The significance of her directive to the wine servers resounds down through the years – “Do whatever He tells you!”  The challenge to us is to hear what He says; what He tells us individually and as a community.

You may notice that, (like some other places in Scripture) in this particular story, Mary is not mentioned by name; the writer simply says, “The mother of Jesus was there.”  There is a current ZOOM webinar entitled: “Women Erased.”  The series offers online presentations that uncover the many ways women’s leadership, witness, and ministries have been erased from Scriptures and our Lectionary [https://www.futurechurch.org/women-erased-series]  These are women who are referred to, but never afforded the dignity of being named – “The wife of; the mother of “ … etc.

There is no parallel report of this miracle at Cana in the other three Gospels.  It seems significant that John included the story – about Jesus and his disciples at a wedding – at a PARTY!  The occasion of the very first miracle Jesus performs?  Of all that Jesus said and did in his three years of ministry, this is the first – Jesus at a party, turning water into wine (and not communion-size wine but party-size wine!)

John must have kept his eye on Mary whenever he was in her company.  Even after Jesus’ death, at Jesus’ behest he took Mary into his home and heart until her own death.  Though in relating this story he does not call her by name, he must have been deeply touched by her keen observation.  She discretely and gently offered a tip, a hint to Jesus so as not to embarrass her hosts or the wedding planner.  And, she was comfortable staying in the background.

She steps aside once she points out to Jesus the awkward situation that the absence of wine could create.  Her exemplary discretion and timing pay huge dividends.  Jesus responds by getting involved in a BIG WAY – those six jugs of wine could fill close to 900 table bottles.  That’s a lot of wine, even for a wedding party that could have lasted a week.  And, was it the guests’ imagination – isn’t this wine better than the wine served earlier?!  After the Last Supper, did folks recall this miracle when Jesus said, “Take and eat, this is my body.  Take and drink, this is by blood.”  Does the story help us accept the magnitude of the miracle of the loaves and fish, the gift of the Eucharist?

Jesus’ lavish response to a simple human need is a vision for us of the abundance of God’s kingdom.  It challenges us to respond generously when confronted with everyday human need.  We respond as best we can.  Sometimes, often, it is directly.  But at other times we know who to contact or a referral we can make and let those who are more skilled or have access to a wider array of services to respond to the expressed need.  We step back, fully confident that in such cases I am an instrument in God’s hands, I am not God.  Others can better transform my efforts in bringing the Kingdom of God to fulfillment among us.

As Paul reminds us in the Second Reading, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, there are different forms of service but the same Lord, different workings but the same God who produces all of them.”  A recent example of this is the gift from the Knights of Columbus who donated over $1000 in grocery gift cards.  They only passed through our hands but we did not purchase them.  We were only the distributors of the Knights’ generosity to Daystar Food Bank recipients.

Later on in John’s gospel, he will remind us that “Jesus did many other miraculous signs, which are not recorded in this book.”  What we do have in the Gospels was written that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  And, that by believing we might have life in His name.”

As we reflect on this wedding story, let us seek to heed our Mother Mary’s directive -“Do whatever he tells you.”  Hold that thought side by side with John’s exhortation “believe that you may have life in Jesus’ name.”  And give voice to the words of the Responsorial Psalm – “Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 62:1-5         Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel:   John 2:1-11
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What Shall We Do?

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Two phrases jump out to me in this Gospel: “What should we do?  and “Exhorting them in many ways, he preached the GOOD NEWS to the people.”   Good news, Luke says???  The Scriptural reading we’ve been hearing for the past two weeks isn’t quite what I’d term “good” news.   We’ve been hearing predictions of occurrences of unimaginable proportions … taking down mountains, flattening hills, wiping out valleys, hearing voices crying in the desert, watching for signs in the sun, the moon, the stars, dismay, perplexity, roaring sounds and people dying of fright.  And this is GOOD news?  Seems a little too real with daily news alerts of COVID spinning off variants of the virus and active cases on the rise.  Snow storms are billowing across the northern states and this morning we learned of the loss of lives and devastation from tornados in Kentucky and Arkansas.  There are floods and toxic drinking water in Hawaii.  Fires are deliberately set and ravaging our forests; wildlife and residents escaping for their lives.  Threat of war, discord, political “cat fights” and gun violence is a growing reality.

And, we find ourselves striving for Benedictine peace at the half-way point in Advent 2021.  We sense it in the rose colored liturgical appointments and candles.  They all symbolize “relax” – be joyful!  In the days when it was popular to use the Introit of the Mass, we sang – “Guadete!  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!”  Storms, conflicts, disease and dissension call us to give voice to the petition in the opening prayer for tomorrow’s Mass.  We beg for a gentle rain on the earth.  “Drop down dew from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior.”

John’s message today is simple.  He doesn’t ask the tax collectors to stop collecting, nor does he encourage the soldiers to go AWOL.  He says, Share what you have, be honest, do not oppress people.  What he preaches is at the same time easy and difficult; simple and challenging. How can I bring the Divine into my daily ordinary actions to make my faith a living thing so my walk echoes my talk?

One thing is certain – John’s audience knew where they stood with him.  And, he knew clearly his place in God’s story.  “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming.  I am not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals.”  Another translation says: “untie the laces of his sandals.”  Why, I wonder, did he say “loosen, untie” which would leave the wearer’s shoes flapping on his feet or sliding off his feet so he is barefoot?  Is this an allusion to the spirit of hospitality expected of all Christians?  It brings to mind Benedict’s admonition of the ages old practice of first washing the guest’s feet for which the shoes would have been untied, loosened, removed.  And look at Jesus on the cross – his bare feet exposed to the elements and on-lookers’ abuse.

And, there’s that question Luke’s text raises: “What should we do?”  John’s answer is unique in Luke’s account, he responds by offering specific actions:

If you have more than you need, whether in terms of food or clothing, you must share.

Stop stealing from your neighbors.

And stop using your power to take advantage of each other.

In other words, no more hoarding, no skimming, no extortion.

The question, then, to each of us, in flashing neon lights, is – “What should I do?  What should we do?”  How shall we respond to the Advent of our Emmanuel that our prayers, our hymns and our intercessions are talking about?  How can we meet the promise of the season with real, meaningful expectation when everywhere around us the world seems to be caught up in merrymaking, crowd gathering with death hovering “out there”?  How can we celebrate in a deserving manner the solemnity of our God come to earth?

Today, faithful John has a gift for us wrapped in rough brown burlap and the coarseness of a camel’s hair shirt.  He jolts us out of our pessimism and any moodiness or reluctance.  His exhortation shakes us awake from our sleep to an awareness of the sparkle in the eyes of a new born Babe, the giggle of a child’s Knock-Knock joke, the welcome look on an elder’s face, the grateful tears of the recipients of our good deeds.  We see evidence of a warming heart as life-giving words fall gently on world-weary ears…and, we know our answer to the question…WHAT SHALL WE DO?  

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

First Reading:  Zephaniah 3:14-18a     Second Reading:  Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel:  Luke 3:10-18
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The Mercy of Unanswered Prayer

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We never know quite where people are going to go in life, or where we ourselves will end up, do we?  These two brothers, James and John, have aspirations for greatness.  Or did they?  In another version of this Gospel, it is Mama Zebedee that speaks up asking that her sons be Jesus’ closest assistants when He comes into his kingdom.  For her, it was a matter of family pride.  “Jesus, look at my boys here – they left me to follow you, so I depend on you to see that they don’t get left behind.”  It sounds to me like either Mama pushed her sons forward (you know how moms can be) or was the boys’ dream, too?  We can learn from the exchange between the mother and Jesus and Jesus and the boys.  For one thing, we don’t always know the full impact of what we are asking for.  Had James and John, or their mother, realized the full weight of what they had asked … they may have been the ones crucified next to Jesus on the cross.

Mama’s request is not that much different from some of our prayers, is it?  We remember that Jesus has told us, “Whatever you ask for in my name, I will do it.”  The catch is that when we ask in the name of Jesus, we are asking that His will prevail over ours.  Have you prayed and asked for something that you didn’t get and then later on realized that it was a real blessing that God didn’t answer your prayer in the way you wanted?  Maybe you prayed you make good time on the highway and later learned you might have been involved in a horrific accident had you been just a few miles down the road.  You were the recipient of what some refer to as “The Mercy of Unanswered Prayer.”  There’s an answer, and a gracious one – just not the one you were hoping for.  The gracious response comes for a merciful, loving Savior who knows what we really need.

This Gospel reminds us that like James and John we are still in “servant training.”  Jesus said to them, “Can you drink the cup that I drink?  Can you share in my fate?”  James and John are not ready yet for the responsibility their mother seeks for them.  At this point they need more training in life lessons.

James and John learned a lesson all believers learn.  We may receive some recognition from others, but we should not seek it.  Rather, the words of Jesus ring in our ears, “First things first.  Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be the slave of all.”

We hear many stories of kindness, heroism and servanthood.  One such story is about a woman who found a stack of checks and a deposit slip all in the name of “Stacy.”  Rather than looking for “Stacy,” the lady took the checks to the bank and deposited them in Stacy’s account.  She shared with the teller that the owner would likely come in soon all upset about losing the checks.  Tell her the money was found and deposited.  Then tell her to read this note which said, “Hi, Stacy, I found your deposit and brought it to the bank.  I don’t know if you take the train to work in the morning, but there is a homeless man who sits by the station nearby here every morning.  If you would like to pass on the good deed, he could use a cup of coffee and a bagel tomorrow morning.  Have a great day.”  That was a Monday.  The man was seen having a bagel and coffee every day the rest of the week.  It seems Stacy was very happy about having the lost money deposited in her account.

This weekend, Catholic parishes throughout the world are celebrating WORLD MISSION SUNDAY.  Collections are taken for the Society of the Propagation of the Faith in order to support the work and witness of the mission of the Church.  The liturgy speaks of the power of our witnessing to the difference Jesus makes in our lives.  Hopefully, our servant attitude will demonstrate and inspire others with a caring heart and justice in action for the poor and vulnerable. We trust in the power of prayer, don’t we?  We know that prayer is not magic.  God is not a Genie in a bottle.  We don’t say a prayer with the expectation that we will come out on the other end of our Lectio time fully grown in the Spirit, perfectly new, totally finished.  As St. Teresa Avila, (whom we celebrated on yesterday) says: “Prayer is not just spending time with God…if it ends there, it is fruitless.  Prayer is dynamic.  Authentic prayer changes us.”  And we know that it takes consistent effort to effect the words of a familiar hymn: “Make us true servants to all those in need, filled with compassion in thought, word and deed.” 

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

October is DOMESTIC AWARENESS month.  You are invited to participate in a Virtual Prayer Service on October 26th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  The service is sponsored by the East Pasco Ministerial Association.  Prayers will be of offered by the various NEPMA members including the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.  We all offer a prayer for our neighbors, the residents of Pasco county and people throughout our world.                   

To connect go to.

https://www.facebook.com/NorthEastPascoMinisterialAssociation

 

First Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11                   Second Reading: Hebrews 4:4-16
Gospel Reading: Mark 10:35-45
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History Tells the Rest of the Story: WE’RE STILL HERE.

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This incident found in John’s Gospel reminds us that not everyone took to Jesus positively, even those who seemed to be quite close to him.  Some of the people, not unlike today, were murmurers and grumblers – folks not too keen on what they were hearing.  Following Jesus was going to be no picnic (despite the way he’d fed the five thousand people).  The idea of total commitment was a disturbing concept.

We hear it in that sad and haunting verse: “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”  Obviously hurt by this defection, Jesus turns to Peter and the others who are closest to him and asks them if they’ll be taking off too – “Will you too go away?”  Peter, as was his style so often, seems to speak on behalf of all Jesus’ loyal followers – “Master, to whom would we go?  You alone have the words of eternal life.”  For Peter, at this time, it’s unquestionable – “If Jesus said it, it must be true.”  If you’ve looked ahead to the First Reading, you’re aware the Church reminds us that Jesus’ experience of rejection was not unique.  1500 years earlier, Joshua, disciple of Moses, gives voice to a similar tribulation.  He addresses all the people – “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve.”  The people answer in the same vein as Peter – “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord.”

One of my brother, Bill’s favorite books was This Tremendous Lover by the Irish Trappist monk-priest Eugene Boylan and first published in 1946.  In 2002, I sent him a replacement copy for the one he’d given away.  On his death four years later, it was returned to me.  I had inscribed on the fly page – “Bill, I hope this is as inspirational as you remember.  The bookstore that special ordered for me said it was the last one in the United States.  Imagine that!”  Boylan writes in his book: “Our Lord was not looking for an enthusiastic public reception… his miracles were not a ploy to grasp temporal power.  The wonder of his public life is not the marvelous works He actually did, but the many and more wonderful works which He could have done and did not.  All He did and said and allowed to happen to him was part of the plan.”

What Jesus has to say is so important that he does not consider changing his message to please the people.  In fact, we can accurately say that a “Jesus” who doesn’t offend isn’t the real Jesus.

Our hearts go out to Jesus, and those who stuck with him.  If you have ever had anyone walk out on you, you can empathize with Jesus.  I recall the mixed feelings I had when in the late 60s and early 70s, we had five deaths in one year.  It was not customary for those of us who were away for studies to come home for funerals, so there was a void for farewell until we got to visit the cemetery.  Then what some writers refer as the “Exodus” began to happen when several of our peers felt the calling to leave community.  Some gave us a chance to say good-bye; others quite literally disappeared in the night.  These were good people – some were rising leaders in community.  What did they know that I did not?  My feelings were not of betrayal like Jesus suffered – but confusion and loneliness, yes.  Were the shrinking numbers the handwriting on the wall and I was too blind to read it?  History tells the rest of the story: WE’RE STILL HERE.

What does Jesus do when his ranks shrink?  Does he cajole the people, “Oh, I’m sorry that what I said was so hard to take.  Maybe we can compromise.”  Not at all!  Jesus does not let human opinion sway his proclamation of divine truth.  “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.”

When God asked Aaron why he built the golden calf, his only defense was, “The people made me do it.”  What was Peter’s knee-jerk response a couple years later.  Remember when Jesus was on trial?  The inquisitive young girl asked him if he was one of Jesus’ followers?  Peter’s leadership in the upper room was easy, he was with friends.  But outside the rank and file of unfamiliar faces he fell apart.  Which life-style will you lead – people’s opinion driven, or God-focused?

If our ears are open to the voice of the Spirit, we hear daily Jesus’ quizzing us, “Who do people say I am?”  He asks us, like he does all his friends about our personal conviction – “Who do you say I am?”  The question also comes to us as a community.  Are we swayed by “public conviction” forming the community we think the public wants us to be?  Or are we formed by “personal and communally discerned convictions” – helping to lead the world where it needs to go?

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

First Reading:   Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b          Second Reading:   Ephesians 5:21-32
Gospel:   John 6:60-69
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