Lord
Prayer to trust in God’s Spirit
Happy Easter
Easter Poem
by Sister Mary David Hydro, OSB
weave your pleading and
longing with gratitude and
wonder at God’s great
love and mercy that you find
deep in your heart—God is WIT * you!
*With you, In you, working Through you
Continue Reading
Reflection on a Good Friday Afternoon
The hour of Jesus’ death draws near.
WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD?
The sky grows dark, thunder rumbles and the air turns chill.
WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD?
The bickering among the soldiers stops, the murmuring crowd grows quiet.
WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD?
All attention focuses on Jesus.
In the silence His voice in utter anguish cries:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?”
WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD?
Refusing the sponge of wine which might numb his senses and dull his awareness,
He cries aloud as His spirit at last departs from His earthly body.
WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD?
Yes, were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? WERE YOU?
WHERE WERE YOU?
Were you part of the jeering crowd; caught up in the mob emotion?
Were you a silent on-looker, trembling lest you be recognized (like Peter had been) for one of Jesus’ followers? Or were you one of the soldiers doing a task – not so tasteful but all in day’s work, required to collect that almighty silver coin?
WHERE WERE YOU?
Were you among the women quietly lending mutual support to each other; heart-broken and helpless to do naught but weep and hope for a miracle of deliverance for your Lord?
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD? Look into your heart . . .
The hour of His death has come. And, gone. Will you gather up your picnic cloth and go home to wait for another day’s excitement? Or, will you silently mourn His passing, confused but confident that He will rise again? He told you “this temple shall be rebuilt.”
WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY LAID HIM IN THE TOMB?
When the sky was dark and the earth quaked; when spirits walked the earth and on-lookers beat their breasts in fear and withdrew from the scene.
WERE YOU THERE?
Were you there to help linen-wrap His broken body, to place it in the newly hewn tomb and set the stone at the entrance?
WHERE WERE YOU?
Were you among the women who went home to prepare spices and perfumes to anoint the body of Your Lord? Valiant women, strong in respectful silence for each other’s grief. Strong in the promise of Passover. Strong in the love of the Man of Nazareth, their Lord, and now their Redeemer.
WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD? WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY NAILED HIM TO THE TREE? WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY LAID HIM IN THE TOMB? Where were you?
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
Continue ReadingQuiet! Come Out!
How do you think it would have been to spend a day with Jesus? What might it have been like to be one of His closest followers; in his company 24/7? This first chapter in Mark’s gospel we get a little taste of the flavor of one such day. It’s a day in which Jesus’ power and authority are on full display.
Many times we tend to settle into the company of the humble, calm, peaceful Jesus. We shy away from the power and authority of Jesus. Except maybe when we’ve had a day of defeat and been at cross-purposes with the world. Then we take great hope and comfort in the power of Jesus. We identify with the sentiments of the “cursing” Psalms. We call on Jesus, on God, the Father, the Spirit whoever will listen to our pitiful story. We ask God to raise a hand and make the world stand still until we catch our breath.
Maybe you’ve seen the Advent Health Care cardiac ad or heard their slogan: “Your heart is the only muscle that never rests.” St. Augustine said: “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God.” So we try praying, we try quieting ourselves, slow breathing. But nothing’s working. Until we recall what Jesus said to the demon: “Be quiet!” “Come out!” Twice now this week we’ve heard Jesus issue this command: “Be quiet.” In the Gospel this morning (Saturday) it was “Quiet, be still!” in order to calm a storm. Now, here in this story from Mark, it’s “Quiet, come out!” to chase an unclean spirit and cure a young man besieged by demons that today might be labeled PSTD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar illness.
So who is this man with an unclean spirit who shows up in the synagogue today? He’s the one who opens the exchange with Jesus. He’s loud. He interrupts. He draws attention to himself. He seems to ask Jesus: “Are you trying to pick a fight?” There is an element of shock in the story. At the same time, it’s fascinating!
Like at a tennis match – attention pings back and forth from this outspoken fellow to Jesus. It’s like nothing these people have heard before. This Jesus has authority. His words make a difference. Even the man with an unclean spirit is shocked and intrigued by Jesus. “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?”
Apparently no one in town suspected that the young man had an evil spirit. Otherwise, they would have been shunning him. They wouldn’t have allowed him in their company, in the temple or anywhere near Jesus. And here he is in the synagogue – the place where Jews gathered each Sabbath day (Saturday) for worship and to hear the Word of God. As one who was known as a teacher, Jesus was given the chance to speak. It was quickly apparent He was no ordinary teacher. He proclaimed the kingdom of God, yes. He also called people to repent and believe. But Mark doesn’t mention that here. What captures our attention is the manner of Jesus’ teaching.
On this day, as Jesus begins speaking, a man with an unclean spirit (a demon) stands up and initiates a confrontation with Jesus. There are a couple of things to note about what this demon says and what that reveals. Those gathered around may have known Jesus as an inspiring teacher. But this wily demon knows His true identity. Do we know Jesus as intimately as this demon?
The demon recognizes and identifies Jesus as God in flesh (Holy One of God). Listen closely – it’s also clear that the demon recognizes Jesus as a threat – as the One who has the power to destroy the forces of evil. When Jesus speaks, the demon can only respond in one way – complete obedience.
When we are tempted, overwhelmed we must remember, God is in control. In the end God will make all things right. Those who were attentive that day in the synagogue saw Jesus’ power over the demon. Like the disciples in the storm, they heard the commanding voice of Jesus say: “Be Quiet!” And they were AMAZED. If they’d known the hymn, they’d have sung: “Amazing grace, how sweet the song…. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart; and grace my fears relieved. The Lord has promised good to me…. He will my portion be, as long as life endures.”
In your prayers kindly remember all those who suffer with COVID 19; those who have had family members died from this dread disease and the thousands of persons who are waiting anxiously for the opportunity to be vaccinated – a special prayer for those who do not the capacity to understand the reasons for restrictions (the intellectually limited, the mentally ill and folks who battle with dementia … ) AND soften the hearts of those who do not grasp the seriousness of the pandemic and the necessity for restrictions … and patience for all of us … As the Gospel reminds us: “God has the power” and rest assured God loves us and wants only our good.
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
First Reading Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Second Reading 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Gospel Reading Mark 1:21-28
Continue ReadingThere He Goes, Follow Him
For a moment, imagine, if you will, that you are an aspiring athlete, artist, musician, writer, chef or whatever… By a stroke of good fortune, you manage to secure as your mentor the person you consider to be tops in the field. At once you begin to study under that person and hone your skills, soaking up everything you can learn from your champion.
One day after your lesson your mentor introduces you to a person she considers THE expert in the field. In fact, she suggests that if you really want to perfect your skills this is the person under whom you should study; leave your classes with her and follow that other person’s lead.
In a sense, this is what is happening here in this Gospel text. John the Baptist is a great prophet. Jesus himself once called him the greatest prophet who ever lived. Naturally, John has picked up a few disciples, people who are devoted to him as their spiritual leader. But now John has recognized that somebody else has come along who is far greater than he will ever be. In fact, when Jesus shows up, John realizes that he is now in the presence of One whose sandals he is not even worthy to untie. He may be a prophet, but this man is the Lamb of God, the Son of the Most High, the very Savior of the world.
This is astonishing, really, for what preacher would point his disciple to another preacher’s ministry? Here we see that John recognizes his calling and that he is fully in agreement with his purpose, which is not self-promotion. Instead, as John explains in the early part of his gospel: “He must increase, I must decrease. His following must grow; my purpose is to point you to His way. He is the chosen one of GOD, I am not worthy to even unloosen his shoes.”
If you’ve ever thought about it, (or think about it now) you may realize that one of life’s more challenging roles is to take the second place when once you’ve held first place. School principals who step back into the classroom; heads of departments who now work the floor; a committee or commission chair who now is worker-bee; parents who cut the apron strings so their child can soar or, in a case close to home, a superior who rotates out of leadership. Sister Lynn Marie McKenzie writes about this dynamic in her article on “Servant Leadership” in the Fall Issue of BENEDICTINES. (And it fits right in this week with the reading from the Rule, chapter 2, on the Qualities of the Prioress.) Sister Lynn reminds the reader that “one does not begin monastic life as a prioress but begins as a member of the community, and one usually does not end monastic life as a prioress but as a member of the community.
When in community we prepare for election of prioress, we often speak of the “grace of office”. A smooth transition into, out of various roles is reliant on the grace John the Baptist showed in commending his disciples to focus on Jesus and His way. He prepared his friends, his disciples to move on from his teaching and instead to devote themselves to Jesus. This is so typical of John. It was the whole purpose of his life. Even before he was born, God had determined that John’s life would be spent pointing people towards Jesus. An angel told his dad before he was born: “This child will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go before the Lord, in spirit and power to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
So look at John! In your mind’s eye, follow his finger to whom he is pointing! Hear what he’s saying! In the story 
he’s standing with two of his friends when Jesus walks by. He seizes the opportune moment. He says to his friends, “Look, there goes the Lamb of God. Here’s your chance. What are you waiting for? Go! Follow him! He’s the one you’ve really been looking for.”
All they know is what John has told them about Jesus – they don’t really yet know Jesus. They don’t know where he is going or if he wants them to follow. But follow they do – at a distance. That’s what’s so noteworthy about what happens that day. As these two men follow him at a distance, Jesus turns around. He initiates the exchange. He confronts them. “What are you looking for? What are you after? I see you following me, what are you hoping to find? What do you think I can do for you?”
So what if, right now, Jesus stopped in his tracks, faced you, and asked point blank, “What are you looking for? I see you’ve been following me. I know you’ve been checking me out. Well, what do you want? What do you think I can do for you? What do you want me to give you? Where do you think I am leading you? Do you think I have all the answers? Can I fix your life? Or are you just curious?
Will your answer be the same as John’s followers: “Teacher, where are you staying?” You know what Jesus answers, “Come and see.” This is so typical Jesus – always an invitation is extended, a gracious and wide open invitation. And, what’s more, the invitation always comes with a promise. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. Ask and you will receive. Come to me if you are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. You who are thirsty come to me and drink. Come to the feast for I have prepared a place for you at the table. Always Jesus invites us: come and see!
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
We remember Martin Luther King, Jr. today
and his bravery in helping
people around the world overcome.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is,
what are you doing for others?
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
