Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

Luke

Caution. Construction Ahead!

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Luke’s Gospel quotes the prophet Isaiah, describing the road we must travel throughout Advent (and in our lives) in order to see the signs of the times and reach the One foretold – our Emmanuel.

Like Mary and Joseph, we must travel through valleys, between hills and over mountains to reach the place where the census is being taken.  We have to weather life’s troubles, storms of despair and disappointment.  And, look out at the horizon from the joyful mountain peaks of our lives to view the beauty God has laid out for us.

And, then there’s the Magi.  They traveled to see the new-born child bringing with them a sack-full of Christmas presents.  With our families spread across the nation and world, and now with the pandemic, the ritual of travel toward togetherness is threatened by fear of contagion rather than anticipation of pleasure.  But, we journey onward each Advent season.  We journey toward Bethlehem to witness the miracle of Jesus’ birth.  We journey toward the end of all time, when Christ Jesus will come again.

If you took long road trips as a kid, you may have played travel games to help pass the time (and reduce the number of back-seat squabbles).  When you saw the sign “Exit Ahead” did you wish and wonder, “Are we there yet?”  Like those trips, we continue down the road to Bethlehem where we see some signs along our way.  Last week, Jesus warned us to be alert, watching for God’s unexpected activity in our lives and in our world.  Today, the sign we see is one that most of us dread seeing while along our highways – “Road Construction Ahead.”

Why is it that we tend to get upset when we see a sign for road construction?  That’s a sign that in the not too distant future (though probably more distant than we’d like) the road work will be complete.  But still, when we see that sign ROAD CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK, or see orange barrels or the concrete barricades we begin to get uptight and look for an alternate route.  Road construction signs signal: “inconvenience, hassles, delays.”  Is that what we feel when we see today’s signs in the Scriptures?  Road Construction.  Two more weeks until we get to sing Christmas carols outside of choir practice.  How long until we can hang the decorations on the tree?

Are you facing a sign of work in progress – Proceed with Caution!  Can you hear John the Baptist shouting out with the powerful words of the prophet Isaiah?  Does he bellow like a highway foreman, “Prepare the way of the Lord!  Make that path straight!  Fill that valley!  Get that mountain outta here!  Hey, what happened over there?  It’s all crooked!  Make it straight!  Smooth out that rough place!  We gotta show everyone the salvation of God.  Get busy!”

If you’ve observed road construction you know it is labor-intensive.  It’s not like a Lego project.  How’s God’s construction company doing with you?  Are you making new inroads to acknowledgement of the need for improvement?  This Advent, have you been working to smooth rocky relationships?  What about making repairs on your approach to people?  Are you consciously striving to be direct – saying what you mean and meaning what you say?  Are you bolstering up the pillars of your prayer life?  Are you repairing older sections of your highway to God?  Are you blasting out the bad habits and fortifying your daily schedule so there is a new, wider, safe path to settling into the spirit of Lectio?

Maybe God is opening up for you a new area of possibility – a new awakening to how you can expand your life of service and hospitality.  What new road is God building in your life?  No matter how we might like to think that we’ve got it all together, sooner or later we all need to make a little heavenly highway repair.  Our God promises to help us fix what’s broken in our lives; to come to our rescue and strengthen those areas of weakness that plague us so.  Jesus can remove those piles of junk, fill in the potholes, and strengthen the sagging places if we but stop trying to “do it my way” and allow God to be the one to put up the sign – “Caution.  Construction Ahead!”  And, then allow God to be the boss, the foreman, the project manager.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9                   Second Reading: Philippians 1:4-6,8-11
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6
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Who Do You Say That I Am?

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This is the same Gospel story we will hear again in two weeks: today it’s Mark’s version; later this month we will hear the evangelist Luke’s memory of this same event.

We read:  Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”  They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’”  Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.”  He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.  (But, what follows He agreed I could share with you.  It’s part fact; a good bit fantasy – or is you might say, prayer.)

The early morning sky held promise of a beautiful sunrise.  I was sitting by the lake when Jesus quietly joined me.  I sensed He was inviting me into an in-depth conversation.  Let’s walk a bit for our heart-to-heart exchange.  Notice all the lovely things God places in our path: the trees and plants, the squirrel scurrying along clutching an acorn so big the weight is making balance a challenge.  Do you hear the gleeful voices from nearby – the happy sounds of children at recess?  Listen closely to the clear shrill song from above of birds welcoming the new day.

(I suggest to Jesus) “This looks like a good spot, let’s sit a spell.”  Jesus is in a pensive mood.  He sits quietly, pondering, staring at the water.  Turning to me (and to you) with a quizzical look on His face, He asks: “What are people saying about me?  Who do people say that I am?”  Quiet surrounds us as I ponder my tumbling thoughts.  I’m always curious to know what others say about Jesus.  But, this time His question invites a personal response.  At first I echo what Peter said: “You are the Messiah of God.”  Probing deeper, I realize that for me, Jesus is everything.  He knows me intimately.  But with this question he’s asking how well I know Him.  The thoughts of my heart tumble around.  I turn to Him and take a hesitant chance: “Let me ask you this: Who do YOU say that I am?  Why do you love me so much?”  Without a second’s hesitation, Jesus smiles, shakes his head and touches my heart with his response.  I needed that warm fuzzy.  His message is what I will carry, treasure, nurture in all the days that follow.

May I suggest to you: Today be brave; in your private time with Jesus turn his question back to Him: “You, who do you say that I am?  Why do you love me so much?”  Sing your own tune for the words of our Responsorial Psalm: “I love the Lord because He heard me; because He inclined His ear to me the day I called … and freed my eyes from tears and my feet from stumbling.  Alleluia!”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

Have a pleasant, stress-free week

Stay safe – be healthy – know peace!

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 50:5-9         Second Reading:  James 2:14-18
Gospel:   Mark 8:27-35
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WE TRAVEL TWO BY TWO

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Luke and Matthew relate the same story heard in this gospel from Mark.   With Luke, you do realize, it was hearsay …  he was not there to give an eye-witness account.  It’s interesting to see the minor, but specific differences in the three accounts.  For example, here where Mark says, “take no money,” Matthew lays out the details, saying “take no silver, gold or copper coins.”  With his usual specificity he covers all the bases, not just the coinage in current use.  Matthew begins his account of Jesus’ reminder to his disciple-missionaries: “You received without paying, so now give without being paid.”  Where we read in Mark “whatever house you enter,” Matthew is more direct: “Look for someone to welcome you.”  And, if when you wish them peace it is not returned, “take back your greeting.”  Unlike today’s account by Mark, both Luke and Matthew quote Jesus telling the disciples what not to take on their missionary journey: “take no beggar’s bag.”   [An interesting side note:  St. Benedict tells his followers when they go on a journey to take clean underwear, launder and return it when they return from their journey.]

Jesus instructs his disciples to live dependent on the hospitality of the community, just as Jesus depended on others to provide for his needs.  Remember what he told one of his potential followers – “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”   Jesus expected his disciples to “eat what is served, be satisfied with the bedding provided, follow their schedule, and don’t try to go it alone.”  Remind you of the Benedict’s norms?

So let’s from all Jesus’ DON’T cautions, look at what Jesus says IS appropriate for our journey in order to carry on the mission of Jesus.

The first thing Jesus recommends is that we travel two by two. He is reminding us that we don’t have to go it alone.  We need a good support system as we experience life’s ups and downs; sunrises and sunsets; pandemics and family times of togetherness.  Sharing the good times is as important as sharing the not so great times.

Reminds me of an event years ago at the Special Olympics 100-meter dash.  Shortly after the start of the race one of the participants fell.  His sobs caught the attention of the other eight runners.  With little hesitation, they turned back, lifted up their fallen friend, locked arms and all crossed the finish line together.  The crowd rose to their feet and CHEERED for a long time.  These young people were all winners!  They understood that what really matters is supporting one another even if it means slowing down and changing the course to your intended goal.

Jesus continues: He recommends sandals for our feet and a tunic, but not a second of anything.  (How does your closet hold up to this mirror?)  Jesus asks us not to carry so much in our gunny sacks.  Stuffing our sacks full does nothing to change the situation – just adds wrinkles to our brow and sours our spirit.  Do what Jesus says: “shake the dust off your feet” and move on.

Jesus gives his approval to our carrying and using a walking stick.  That way we can keep moving when we encounter ruts and pebbles and unexpected sharp turns in our path.  Add support when you became worn out, tired and weary or wander off the edge of the road.  (Listen for the sound of those rumble strips – they are not just for decoration.  They call us to “stay alert”.)  A good walking stick helps us stay upright and get past mistakes which could hinder our spiritual growth and practice of conversio.  And, beyond that, it’s a fact that in order to do what we say in our community Corporate Commitment.  If we hope to “alleviate the hungers of the people of God with the compassion of Christ,” we must first be compassionate with ourselves.  (Corporate Commitment Statement)

Today Jesus sends us out once again, with authority over unclean spirits … over the rancor, the violence, the rudeness, the degrading language and actions, the insensitivity.  The list could go on and on.  We can conquer the darkness with a refusal to lower our behavior, language and standards.  We can “shake that dust from our feet” and support actions on behalf of justice and peace because we are traveling “two by two,” with the sturdy walking stick of community and prayer, and wearing the sandals of our vows.  Like the disciples, we heed Jesus’ admonition to stay put in the house where they took us in, we can anoint others with inclusivity, affirmation and peace.  Pray God we stay the course…

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

First Reading :  Amos 7:12-15     Second Reading:  Ephesians 1:3-14 
Gospel:  Mark 6:7-13
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Ask Yourself: Am I a mirror or a window?

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I like this Gospel story from Luke – used on Palm Sunday for the Blessing of the Palms.  I find Jesus’ directive intriguing – has an ESP flavor.  The first reading in the Mass for tomorrow, from Isaiah tells me: “Morning after morning God opens my ear that I may hear.”  We know Luke wasn’t there on the first Palm Sunday or at the last supper.  So, this is an incident that he recalled his friends telling him.  His ear was open to hear their story and recognize its significance.

And, it’s a challenging one …  “Go into the village and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her.  …  Untie the animals and bring them here to me.”  What a story of trust: Jesus trusts that the disciples will do exactly what he tells

them.  The disciples trust that what Jesus asks them can be done … for He never asks of us something that can’t be done.  The owners of the donkey and the supper room trust the disciples’ honesty in their request.  What implicit trust these men had in Jesus: you’ll see an ass, a donkey – take it.

In another gospel the story continues: Follow the man with the water jar – most likely a servant – to the house he enters – and ask the owner where the feast is being held or where we can prepare it.  The title “The Teacher” conveyed all the man needed to hear.  When Jesus comes to St. Leo looking for a place to eat a Passover meal with friends, do I open my door to say, “Come In – the place is yours – stay as long as you like?”

It reminds me of an old fable about the colt that carried Jesus on Palm Sunday.  It seems the colt thought that the reception was organized to honor him.  “I am a unique colt,” the excited animal thought.  When he asked his mother the next day if he could walk down the same street alone and be honored again, his mother said, “No, you are nothing without Him who was riding you.”  Five days later, the colt saw a huge crowd of people in the street.  It was Friday, and the soldiers were taking Jesus to Calvary.  The colt could not resist the temptation of another royal reception.  Ignoring the warning of his mother, he ran to the street, but he had to flee for his life as soldiers chased him and people stoned him.  Thus, the colt finally learned the lesson that he was only a poor donkey without Jesus to ride on him.

In the Gospel story, at least this time around, it appears what Jesus wants – Jesus gets!  At least today …  this time – but not for long.  Or, do I have that wrong?  Jesus may not have wanted the suffering (afterall he was human and could experience all our feelings of dread) but he does want what His Father wants – a procession with pomp and circumstance through the city streets, an event that shook the whole city.  The actual “quake” came later.  This is a foreshadowing of the quake that will shake the whole world 5 days later – at Jesus’ crucifixion.  Today, a procession with all the hoopla that surrounds a parade; five days later we witness a procession of ignominy with Jesus dragging a heavy cross.

I am reminded of another Palm Sunday story.  A little boy was sick and wasn’t able to go to church on Palm Sunday.  When his dad came home with a palm branch, the boy asked about it.  “Well, you see,” said his dad, “when Jesus came into town, everyone waved palm branches to honor him; so we got palm branches today at church.”  The child grimaced and responded “Wouldn’t you know it!  The one Sunday I can’t go to church, and Jesus shows up!”

Everyday concerns and obligations may fill the first few days of the coming week, but when the sacred Triduum opens on Thursday evening, let’s endeavor to personally and communally contribute to an atmosphere of quiet, solemn reflection …  to set a tone that says something of great religious significance is underway.  Let us be contemplative windows into the story we commemorate – an expression of gratitude, a repayment – or a paying forward, for Jesus’ expression of GREAT love for us!   Recall the story of the donkey.  As we enter Holy Week, let us examine our lives to see whether we carry Jesus and bear witness to him through our living or are we Christian in name only.

Tomorrow when we follow the palm-decorated cross in procession into the chapel…  or maybe later in the day when you weave a cross with your palm branch, ask yourself: “Am I a mirror or a window?  Do I reflect values or reveal them?  Am I opaque or translucent glass?  Is my life stained with the magnificent colors of God’s touches or filled in with more and more chunks of dulled or muted, blackened or smudged – ill-shaped light-resistant challenges to God’s voice?”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

First Reading:  Isaiah 50: 4-7  Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6-11
Gospel: The Passion According Luke 22:14—23:56
Gospel for Blessing of Palms Luke 19:28-40
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What is your BE-attitude?

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Surely at least once in your life you’ve experienced a sinking sensation when your superior, your mentor or novice mistress, principal or boss sent for you, and maybe several others, looked you in the eyes, and said, “There’s something you need to understand….”  You felt quite literally like this was a “come to Jesus” moment.”  That’s the setting for the story in this Gospel reading.  This account according to Luke looks and sounds a lot like Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount.  The difference is that in Matthew we find only the “blessings.”  Here in Luke we find a set of contrasts: blessings vs woes.

Why do you suppose this is?  Well, like most people who have many speaking engagements, Jesus had in mind several basic concepts he wanted to be sure to cover.  Jesus spoke without notes, repeating the same truths from various angles.  In this particular talk He may have styled his presentation on the writings of the prophet Jeremiah (that we’ll hear in tomorrow’s first reading) – the section on curses and blessings.

Over Jesus’ three-year public ministry the disciples would have heard the same parables, the same stories, the same truths with some variation.  And, like any human being, their memories would have taken on different colors.  Surely you’ve been at a family or community gathering where inevitably the “do you remember when” stories come up?  You may have listened in amazement as your sibling related her memory of an event.  You thought you were there when it happened, but, my goodness, do the details differ!

So, it shouldn’t surprise us when we hear differences between accounts in the four Gospels.  And, we shouldn’t get all worked up, jump in to correct Sister X when she tells a tale with embellishments we don’t recall.  It shouldn’t destroy our trust in the evangelists when we encounter differences in their accounts.  After all, one evangelist calls the occasion “the sermon on the PLAIN” and the other the “sermon on the MOUNT.”  So, maybe it was two different occasions.

The match up of the blessings and woes in Luke is interesting to note …  they’re separated by several verses in the text.  For example: In the first comparison we find Jesus’ words on the blessedness of the poor, and a hopeless future for the rich.  “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (v.20) “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.” (v. 24).  Because of their faith and trust in God the poor are God’s beneficiaries.

The next parallel: “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.” (v 21) paired with “Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.” (v 25).  Jesus knows the people have experienced actual hunger… hunger for food and the necessities of life.  He contrasts it with being well-fed.  In our culture there are many overweight people.  But in a culture where poverty is rampant, only the rich are plump.  It’s easy to tell who is well-fed.  Jesus reminds us that there is something that is more valuable than “bread” – there is spiritual food that feeds our souls.

The third blessing/woe pair is weeping and laughing. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” (v 21).  “Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.” (v 25).  We have all felt the pain of disappointment and loss, or rejection and struggle.  But the typical depiction of the well-to-do is of someone who is always partying and enjoying themselves.  They laugh and joke now while tragedy takes place all around them.

You can find many self-help aids on Amazon and Goodreads… POD casts on the Internet, books and tapes and DVD in the public library … in our library.  The more you read, and hear, about happiness – the longer you live – the more you will realize the impact attitude makes in one’s life.

Attitude is more important than facts. (Are you measuring the depth of emptiness in your glass?  Or, do you smile as the fullness in the glass of life expands?)  Attitude is more important than the past, than one’s education, than money, than circumstances, than failures or successes, than what other people think or say or do.  Attitude can make or break a person’s spirit; can build up or destroy a community …  a parish … a home … family.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace.  You can’t change our past …  we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We can’t change others’ attitudes.  The only thing we CAN do is adjust our own attitude.  It has been said that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how we react to it.  We are each in charge of our own attitude.  What will be your attitude?  That is your BE-attitude.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
First Reading  Jeremiah 17:5-8
Second Reading  1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
Gospel Luke 6:17, 20-
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Stay the Course

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Luke and Matthew relate the same story heard in this gospel from Mark.  With Luke, you realize, it was hearsay …  he was not there to give an eye-witness account.  It’s interesting to see the minor, but specific differences in the three accounts.  For example, where Mark says, “take no money,” Matthew specifies, “take no silver, gold or copper coins.”  He was covering all the bases, not just the currency in current use.  He notes other details that let you know he was there and must have been a high sensate on the Myers-Briggs scale.  He begins the story with Jesus reminding the disciple-missionaries: “You received without paying, so now give without being paid.”  Where Mark says, “whatever house you enter,” Matthew is more aggressive: “Look for someone to welcome you.”  And, if when you wish them peace and it is not returned, “take back your greeting.”  Both Luke and Matthew, in the list of what not to take on their journey, quote Jesus saying: “take no beggar’s bag.”  They were to live dependent on the hospitality of the community, just as Jesus depended on others to provide for his needs.  Remember what he told one of his potential followers – “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”  Jesus expected his disciples to “eat what is served, be satisfied with the bedding provided, follow their schedule, and don’t try to go it alone.”  Remind you of Benedict’s norms?

But, that’s enough about what NOT to take on your life’s journey.  Let’s look at what Jesus says is appropriate for our journey in order to carry on the mission of Jesus.

The first thing Jesus recommends that we travel two by two – life is not a solo venture.  He is reminding us not to try to go it alone.  We need a good support system as we experience life’s ups and downs.  Sharing the good times is as important as it is to share the not so great times.  Benedict recommends the same when, in the first chapter of the Rule, he describes the kinds of monks:  “First, there are the cenobites, those who belong to a (community) a monastery.”  Jesus sent the twelve in pairs not only for safety but for companionship, encouragement and help.

Remember that God is always with us, so we are never really alone.  But Jesus acknowledges that just as he is a member of the trinity, so we humans, social creatures made in God’s likeness draw life from companionship.

Jesus recommends sandals for our feet and a tunic, but not a second one.  Jesus asks us not to carry so much.  Take off that extra tunic – the worries that we carry can bring us down.  Stuffing them in our gunny sacks does nothing to change the situation – just adds wrinkles to our brow and sours our spirit.  Do what Jesus says: “shake the dust off your feet” and don’t look back and wonder what might have been, or might you have done.

Jesus asks us to carry and use a walking stick, so we can keep moving when we encounter ruts and pebbles in the road or to hold us up when we became worn out, tired and weary.  Maybe we even wander off the edge of the road until we hear the sound from the rumble strips.  A good walking stick helps us stay upright and get past mistakes which could hinder our spiritual growth and practice of conversio.  And, beyond that, it’s a fact that in order to do what we say in our Corporate Commitment (that is) “to meet the hungers of the people of God with the compassion of Christ” we must first be compassionate with ourselves.

Today Jesus sends us out again, with authority over unclean spirits … over the rancor, the violence, the rudeness, the degrading language and actions, the insensitivity …  the list can go on and on …  we can conquer the darkness with a refusal to lower our behavior, language and standards.  We can “shake that dust from our feet” and support actions on behalf of justice and peace because we are traveling “two by two,” with the sturdy walking stick of community and prayer, and wearing the sandals of our vows.  Like the disciples, we heed Jesus’ admonition to stay put in the house where they took us in, we can anoint others with inclusivity and peace.  Pray God we stay the course…

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
First Reading    Amos 7:12-15                      Second Reading  Ephesians 1:3-14 
Gospel Mark 6:7-13
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