Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

Matthew

“Have the People Recline”

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All four of the evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, tell the story of this day when Jesus fed five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish.  Each embellishes his version with his own details and emphases. Mark and Matthew tell us Jesus commanded the people out there in the wilderness to sit down on the green grass. I‘ll not probe the question, but why, I wonder, is there this reference to the color of the grass?  John’s version of the event reminds me of words in Psalm 23: “He beckons me to lie down in green pastures.”

We can relate to the generosity of the young boy who shared his five barley loaves and two fish.  We’re not told how it happened that the boy had the fish and the loaves.  Perhaps most people at that time would not dream of going out into the wilderness without at least a little something to eat and drink.

So, the story, it seems to me, (in today’s lingo) was a “pay forward” moment; you know, similar to the Dairy Queen drive-thru customer who paid the tab for the car coming up behind her. That started a chain reaction that lasted for 3 days and 200 thankful Dairy Queen customers!  The generosity of the young boy on the green grass at Jesus’ feet started a “pay-forward” reaction that enabled Jesus to feed the hungry crowd.  Some evangelists say it was 5000 people.  Others recalled “5000 not counting the women and children”.  I find it interesting that in John’s version Jesus tells the apostles to have the people recline and John says the men reclined.  What were the women doing?  I would venture a guess they were doing “women’s work” i.e. rounding up the kids, wondering if there’d be enough bread and what they were going to give the men to drink.

What trust!  What faith in Jesus the apostles showed in telling the people to relax! Be patient.  Sit down!  Surely, they could not fathom how all these people could be fed. Even when pooling all their supplies, they certainly did not have the resources to feed this crowd.  What were they to do now that they had people seated and waiting to see what would happen next?   That’s what you call FAITH! That’s obedience – trusting the wisdom of God to do the impossible!  We just need to take the first step: Listen and obey the prompting of the Spirit: “Tell the people to be seated”.

No doubt Jesus could have multiplied the available supplies if he wanted to.  But, as John asks, to what end?   The very next day the people would be hungry.  They’d likely not be clamoring “Speech! Speech! Share a good word! Let’s hear it!”  They’d be waiting for the apostles to open Jesus’ food distribution center.

On this day, out in the wilderness, John tells us that the people ate and were satisfied. Which would be more satisfying to you, a full belly for a single afternoon, or a glimpse, a vision of what life looks like when lived in the company of generous people under the reign of God?  What would our world be like if people acknowledged that they are called to be transformed?   What would happen if we were truly as open-handed with our possessions as the young boy on the hillside was with his? What would have been the status of the pandemic if everyone followed CDC advice: got vaccinated, wore a mask, washed their hands?  What would the stats be today if people continued to practice those sanitation protocols?  Hospital visits are on the rise while at the same time admissions remain relatively low.

And, what would happen if we really believed that Jesus still has the power to take the gifts we offer and to create from our generosity widespread outbreaks of sharing? As I watched the Olympics opening ceremony I was thinking “This is lovely – a testament to the ingenuity of computer whizzes!  Soon I wondered:  With the millions donated by sponsors and spent on the production to awe the crowds, much good could have been done. With the millions rolling in to support political campaigns, I daresay that the world could be transformed.  Over 3.1 million children a year (one child every 10 seconds) would not die of hunger.   Let us strive to reflect the attitude and directive of the apostles that long-ago day on that lush green hillside: “Tell the people to be seated.”

 

 ~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Let us pray together for safety and enjoyment for the crowds in France for the Olympics, and protection for thousands enduring the effects of inclement weather: Floods and too much rain, drought, low water table, loss of profitable crops, and high irrigating costs, and terror as fires approach homes, businesses and forests …  and pray for peace amid unsettling times over political issues and factions …… 

   God bless us all!

 

First Reading:   2 Kings 4:42-44         Second Reading:  Ephesians 4:1-6
Gospel:   John 6:1-15

 

 

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The Gift of Wisdom

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This Gospel invites us one more time to focus on agriculture – a familiar topic here in Florida.  Surely, you’ve noticed that this is the third Sunday in a row that Jesus and Matthew have shared parables that call our attention to tilling the earth: the mustard seed, vineyards, lazy workers, late hires, wishy-washy sons, disappointed overseers and generous owners.  We are invited to consider the difference in attitude between tenants and owners; sons and indentured servants; wise waiting for growth and rash action to weed out suspected imperfection.

Here in Pasco County many fret when we experience a long dry period.  Our soil longs for rain and we can empathize with the farmers and ranchers in the fire-ravaged areas in California and the far west.  We sense the feelings of desolation and devastation of farmers in the mid-West as they stand overwhelmed (once again) and survey their flooded acres and acres of lost crops.  How do the people of India – second largest producer of wheat and rice, the world’s major food staples, recover when their prospect of annual income is washed away by the monsoons and the gushing waters from the dams that were opened upstream, miles away?  And what are the ripple effects in our country and throughout the world?

How is it, in the richest country in the world, we see food sacristy and insecurity?  Before the pandemic, in the U.S. more than 35 million people, including 10 million children, suffered from food insecurity, meaning they have uncertain access to enough food to support a healthy life.  During and following the pandemic more than 54 million people, including 18 million children, continue experiencing food insecurity.  Insufficient income, due to loss of employment and low wages, is a major cause of food insecurity.  “Food deserts” are also a problem …  lack of nearby food markets – and lack of transportation to food stores – especially for persons who are home bound or are not on public bus routes.  Couple that with holiday periods when schools that ordinarily serve meals are closed.

Let’s look at our “back yard” here in Pasco County.  Last year 54% (or 42,000) children in Pasco County were eligible to receive free or reduced meals at school.  Agencies and churches strive to staunch the tide of hunger and “fill tummies”:  Daystar, Meals on Wheels, Pasco Feed, Suncoast, Homeless Ministries, Feeding Tampa Bay, and others.   There must be times when these volunteers feel like they are putting a finger in the dike only to watch another crack appear.  Fear and anxiety weigh heavy on many: will congress get their act together for the people or will there be government shutdown, will their food stamps be cut off, will they lose rent subsidies.   “My children – what will they eat tomorrow.”

The problem is HUGE.  What can we do?  More specifically, what can I do?  Some simple things – (maybe they even sound simplistic) –

+ Be grateful for what we have; make do with what is available.

+ Be conservative in purchasing; be patient when supplies run out; be prudent in meal-planning so you have few unplanned left-overs

+ And, yes, pray!  There is a saying, “When all else fails, pray.”  But let’s don’t wait for “all else to fail” – pray frequently for wisdom and discernment; examine how election candidates stand on issues – not just what they are saying, but what is their record, what are their actions telling you?  Don’t be complacent or fail to exercise your right to vote.  Be wise voters.

In Proverbs (4:6-7) we read: “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”  We just celebrated our Guardian angels (October 2) – call on yours for the gift of wisdom.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 5:1-2         Second Reading:  Philippians 4:6-9
Gospel:   Matthew 21:33-43
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Different Strokes for Different Folks

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This Gospel could be titled: DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS.  Let’s begin by recognizing we have different patterns for dealing with conflict; patterns that we have developed over a lifetime.  (And, for some of us that’s a right long time.)  Without a doubt, we bring these patterns with us into community living.  Thankfully we live in a community whose individual members pay high respect to their vow of conversatio (conversion of life).    Each and every day dawns with an opportunity for growth and maturity.

What are the patterns of dealing with conflict?  It’s good to know your own style as well as that of the person with whom you may be in conflict.  Are you, or the other person a turtle? Turtles hide from conflict by withdrawing into their shells and you can’t get them out until the conflict is over.

Some people are sharks. Sharks look for conflict. They seem to argue for the sake of a good argument.  Sharks try to overpower their opponents in order to win in the midst of conflict.   They play “one-upmanship.”

The opposite of sharks are Teddy Bears. Teddy Bears want to hug and say, “Why can’t we all just get along?  Say a prayer and go to bed; all will be forgotten in the morning.”

Some people are foxes. Foxes are sly. They try to outsmart a situation in order to get the best possible solution for themselves.

Finally, some people are owls. Owls are wise. They do not try to overpower the other, nor do they try to avoid conflict. Rather, owls want to work through conflict to achieve a win-win resolution.

Turtles, sharks, teddy bears, foxes, and owls (oh my!) are animals that are in your families, in your workplace, and I suspect right right here in our community.

In this Gospel lesson Matthew offers us Jesus’ teaching on how to deal with conflict.   He says: “If your sister offends you, go and show her her fault, just between the two of you.”  Jesus is talking about being discrete. If your Sister listens to you, you have gained a sister. Notice, Jesus addresses, not the wrong-doer but those who have been wronged.  He places the burden for reconciliation on the shoulders of the one who has been hurt, offended, or sinned against.  It’s so simple that you have to wonder why conflict is such a big part of our lives.  Jesus says: just go and talk with her. But this is so opposite to our human nature that most people will not do this. Rather, when someone does us wrong the tendency may be to get angry and pout and to avoid them.   We will talk to everyone around the situation except the person that we need to talk to in order to resolve the situation.    Jesus said, Talk to the person – don’t put up a sign, talk in generalities, or to your best friend. If the person listens, then you have gained a brother or a sister.  And, what if they don’t listen? What if they don’t want to work things out?

Then you go to step two.  Now, in our Holy Rule, Benedict provides a variation between  Step One and Two. “The prioress sends a mature and wise member, who under the cloak of secrecy, may support the wavering sister, urge her to be humble as a way of making satisfaction, and console her lest she be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.”

Jesus’ Step 2 continues: “If the person who has offended you will not listen, take one or two others along as witnesses.”  Why do this? Sometimes it helps to have a person to act as an echo; to say what she’s heard without interpretation, just the words spoken.  Remember the saying: there are three sides to any situation: your side, my side and the truth!  Or as our mothers used to say: God’s side.  Jesus said: “…if the person refuses to listen, treat her as you would a tax collector” i.e. like Jesus treated Zacchaeus: “Come down from your tree and let’s go eat.”

Jesus seems to be saying, if you go through this process, if you make the approach, talk one on one, if you take it to the community, and someone still refuses to resolve the conflict, then you need to pray for them, reach out to them, and offer them peace.

Know that you can overcome your natural response to conflict whether you are a turtle, shark, teddy bear, fox, or owl.  You can train yourself, with God’s help, to act with strength, diplomacy and grace to confront directly one on one with gentleness.  There is a current TV ad that sounds Benedictine: “Make an effort to be profoundly helpful!”   Let us pray for gentleness and a spirit of helpfulness with each other, gentleness in our thoughts, in our tone of voice and in our actions.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

Pray for safety from storms – that storms stay out over open waters.

  Pray, in particular on Monday, September 11, peace among the peoples of our world.

 

 

 

 

 

Readings:  Ezekiel 33:7-9      Romans 13:8-10
Gospel:   Matthew 18:15-20
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Who Do You Say That I Am

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You!  Yes, I mean you!  Jesus is asking you: “Who do YOU say that I am?”  He’s not looking for the answer you learned at your Mama’s knee or the Catholic catechism answer.  Nor does he want what the books say or the bumper stickers, or the easily accessible Internet.

Jesus made his first question easy – who do people say that I am?  The disciples parroted back what they’d heard others say, but Jesus pushes them to move to what they are hearing within their own being: “But you, who do you say that I am?”  Like the disciples, each of us must answer the question for ourselves based on our own lived faith experience AND God’s word revealed in the privacy of our lectio-moments of intimate conversation with God.

How we answer Jesus’ question “Who do you say that I am?” has everything to do with who WE are.  In some ways our answer says as much or more about us than who Jesus is to us.  It reveals how we live and what we stand for.  It guides our decisions, and determines the actions we take, the words we speak.  We need to constantly remind ourselves: It’s not what people look at, it’s not what we say.  It’s what people hear, how they interpret, what they remember.

In some sense there is no “once and for all time, finally and forever” answer to Jesus’ query: “Who do you say that I am?  We are constantly engaging his question and in so doing, we not only discover Jesus anew.  We discover ourselves anew.

During the coming week you are invited to look into a mirror (real or imaginary) and turn the question around.  Ask Jesus: “Who do you say that I am?  Why do you love me so much?”

 

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Have a good week!  Be safe from the coming storm and pray for folks who may not be so fortunate.

 

 

 

Gospel:   Matthew 16:13-20
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Whoever receives you, receives me

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This gospel reminds us that Jesus’ message is not about a way of life founded only on love and mercy.   Ours is a way of life that is, above all else, about the person of Jesus. Jesus claims a special place in our lives, more important than our closest family and dearest ones. Being a disciple is not a photo frame around my life.  It takes center stage, directing every moment of our lives.

Jesus assures us that even the smallest gesture of mercy to those in need will not go unnoticed. And the rewards promised by Jesus extend far beyond a donation to Daystar or AIM or a Christmas gift for the elderly – even beyond a hidden act of charity.  Jesus’ kind of mercy is more than civility and good manners.  It is about day-to-day living that echoes respect for all God’s creatures and all creation.  It is gratitude expressed in a smile, an acknowledgment of another’s presence, their service and their gifts.

Henry Nouwen says: “The right question to ask is not: ‘Am I strong enough to be a proclaimer of the gospel?’  The question should be: ‘Am I sufficiently weak enough?  Am I aware enough of my own weaknesses, with my own fragile humanness with its brokenness and rough pieces to identify with others?   Do I accept my condition, or do I try to hide it and end up being hardened, rude and unaccepting of others’ humanness? Do I recognize and accept that we are all on the same journey?’”

What attracts people to our mission is not what we do, as much as why we do it.   Jesus says: “Whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”   We pray that in our sincerity, our transparency in accomplishing our mission – our ministries – our manner of life  – we can honestly say: They who see me – see Jesus – the One who sends us.

Our storyteller today (Matthew) has Jesus giving his disciples some instructions about how they are to represent him.  He doesn’t baptize them first. He doesn’t have them memorize a creed. He doesn’t give them a vet’s manual so they can identify sheep from goats. He certainly doesn’t ask them about their age, culture, social circles, gender preferences or why he should hire them. He doesn’t even give them the assurance of salvation.  In fact, he tells them it’s not about them at all.  What he represents is even more important than life itself.  He tells them their task is to represent Him and in doing so they represent the ONE who sent Him.

So, that’s IT.  Be hospitable and everything else will follow.  Why did Jesus make hospitality the basis for his ministry?  Perhaps because it is essential to building relationships.  It is the first step to overcoming fear, finding understanding, and giving respect.  Ultimately it is the foundation of bringing about a peaceful world. It is the source of harmony.

Jesus lived to change the world and change it, he did – one person at a time.  To this day Christ lives in, with and through us to change the world one person at a time. Each act of kindness, each word of welcome, each act of hospitality binds us together in love and moves the universe that much closer to peace.  This is not the fragile peace that the world gives; but the peace of God that transcends selfishness, greed, hostility, prejudice, hatred and even war. This is the peace  which can begin with something as simple as a smile, a greeting, an act of hospitality.  If you doubt this, I challenge you to think of a time when you were shown unexpected hospitality that at least improved your day and may even have changed your life.

You see, hospitality is at the heart of our faith.  It starts with a heart open to the influence and working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  We welcome God’s “interference” (so to say) in our everyday dealings with each other.  We don’t make plans so much as pray to uncover our role in God’s grand plan.  If we miss cues, well, who is going to say our lines?   A Christian, a Benedictine, is simply someone who is hospitable, one who practices “radical hospitality.”  So shall it be among we who promise to “commit ourselves and our resources to respond with the compassion of Christ to the hungers of the people of God.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

May you have a happy and safe 4th of July!

 

 

First Reading:  2 Kings 4”8-11, 14-16 a         Second Reading:  Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Gospel:   Matthew 10:37-42
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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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