Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

Peter

Jesus invited: Come after me.

by Leave a Comment

Jesus invited: Come after me. 

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Our call to holiness is not a one-time beckoning.  Everything was not hunky-dory when Peter, Andrew, James and John rolled up their nets and walked away with Jesus.  The call back to the simple, predictable life of a fisherman may at times have been strong enough to give them second thoughts about this little-known upstart from Nazareth.  The barbs of criticism aimed at them and their hero and their suffering as the butt of jeers must have stung deeply.  But they were, for the most part, steadfast in their loyalty to the Master.  They could have spent time wringing their hands bemoaning the awful conditions of their known world.  Instead, they looked to Jesus for direction and followed his unwavering example of feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, comforting the sorrowful.

Even in the darkest hours they clung to hope.  Hope is a spark that can become a flame.  The same puff of breath that can snuff out the spark, more gently exhaled can coax the spark to burst into a lively flame.  The same vocabulary we use to engender hope, spoken in a derisive tone, may dash all hope to the ground.

In these days of our Sisters’ strategic planning I invite you to figuratively hold hands in fervent prayer that we will be courageous, hope-filled, sensitive, patient, considerate – truly “sisters” to one another as we grapple with the tough issues that lie in our laps.

We are made for this time.  Benedictines are committed to being life-long learners.  For all our preceding years we have been training, practicing, getting ready for this exact moment in our history. As Hel Basse writes in Give Us This Day for January 23, 2026: “If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, travel together.”

A few years ago, Pope Francis said in one of this Sunday addresses: ”Go forth and don’t be discouraged.  Don’t be fools, remember, a Christian doesn’t have the luxury of being foolish.  An idiot, a fool – you can’t give yourself that luxury.  You have to be clever, be astute!”

Let us reach out.   Let us catch the light from each other’s flickering flames, coax them brighter and bring them closer together to shed a united light on possibilities that will lead us into the future God already has in mind for us.

Pray this week that you may discern what nets are holding  you back from following Jesus’ daily quiet calls.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

This is also Oblate Sunday at the Monastery – they will gather at the monastery or via ZOOM for Mass and dinner with the Sisters.  This Sunday they will spend time with S. Tonette for a presentation on the obligations of Oblates.  As time permits, S. Mary David will lead a teaching session including discussion of the “homework” assignments.

Basically, a Benedictine oblate is a layperson or secular priest who associates themselves with a specific Benedictine monastery, committing to live according to the

Rule of Saint Benedict in their daily life. While not taking formal vows or living in the monastery, they become part of an extended monastic family, integrating prayer, work, and spiritual values into their personal lives in the world.

 Key Aspects of a Benedictine Oblate:

  • Spiritual Affiliation: Oblates affiliate with a particular monastery, participating in its spiritual life while maintaining their own vocations, whether single, married, or working.
  • The Rule of Saint Benedict: They adapt the principles of the Rule—such as moderation, community, and prayer—to their secular life.
  • Oblation as Self-Offering: The term means a “gift of themselves” to God in union with the monastery.
  • Promises: Oblates make promises that often include stability (a commitment to their monastery), fidelity to the spirit of the Rule, and obedience to God’s will.
  • Prayer Life: They often engage in the Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio Divina (sacred reading)

 

 

 

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 8: 23- 9: 3-6         Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17
Gospel:   Matthew 4: 12-23
Continue Reading

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

by Leave a Comment

Saints Peter and Paul are probably the best known of all the saints in the Catholic Church.  Both of them were personally chosen by Jesus for the building up of the Mystical Body of Christ.  Peter’s mission was twofold: to lead the Catholic Church in the early stage and to lead the Jewish people into the new Covenant.   Saint Paul came into the picture a little later and played a major role for the Church in converting a great number of the Gentiles to follow Jesus.

Theirs is the same God who continues to reach out to us, calling us to spread God’s light throughout the world. To us, simple human beings, not angels, God gives the Holy Spirit to guide us and teach us according to the evolving needs of the Church – the people of God.

This evening I chose to proclaim the gospel given for the Vigil Mass rather than the one for tomorrow’s liturgy.  The Scripture selection highlights Peter, but Paul will get his solo turn later on.    Many look at the Gospel passage with wonderment. Why did Jesus ask Peter the same question over and over?

Seemingly out of the blue, Jesus says to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”  Peter responds, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love you.” I cannot imagine a more insulting way for Peter to answer!  Peter is sitting with the risen Jesus  who asks him “Tell me, Peter, do you love me with a selfless love?” and Peter responds using a verb that means: “I am really quite fond of you.”

We can only imagine how “out of place” Peter now felt being with Jesus. Where he had once been comfortable and self-assured as one of the chosen disciples; he now feels the shame of denying he is one of Jesus’ friends.  Self-confidence and faith had withered to self-doubt and a feeling of being an utter “failure.” How could he even bear to look into the face of the resurrected?

The rest of this passage shows Jesus’ compassion for, and continued confidence in, Peter.   “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.”  Jesus is confirming his love for Peter even though Peter had failed him.  Jesus gives Peter the opportunity to confess his love for Jesus in front of witnesses.

Jesus then told Peter that he was going to die for Him. What a wonderful piece of prophecy!  Jesus was telling Peter that he was going to have faith great enough to be the kind of man he thought himself to be when he said, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.”   He didn’t die WITH Jesus, but he knew now he was going to be allowed another chance; to LIVE FOR Him, and that he would eventually die for Jesus. We can only imagine the joy and relief that Peter felt!  Later, in different circumstances, Jesus will issue the same invitation to Paul.

What does this mean for you and me?   Even though we may have failed the Lord miserably, He is sharing GREAT news with us: it is not too late!  We have another chance to prove to the Lord, and to ourselves, what kind of Christians we really are.

~ Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey

 

 

 

First Reading: Acts 12:1-11                       Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Gospel: John 21:15-19
Continue Reading

Believing Can Bring Sight

by Leave a Comment

Each day since Easter we’ve heard post-Resurrection stories of personal encounters. The resurrected Christ has visited the disciples and his mother Mary in the Upper Room to breathe peace upon them.  We’ve heard the story of how Jesus slips in and out of the company of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.   In John’s narrative Peter’s head is whirling at all that was going on.  It appears his message to the others is: “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 appears to these disciples who’ve 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.  Lo and behold, the nets encircle 153 large fish!”  No one dares ask him: “Who are you?”  To their astonishment, Jesus invites: “Come, have breakfast.”

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 He 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 could keep Jesus away from those who had been his companions for three years.

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.”

In Monday’s gospel 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 if 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 the evening grows long, the disciples go down to the sea.  It grows dark as they rest and row and drift in the boat.  When they are several miles from shore, one by one the Apostles perk up and point to a silhouette of a man who appears to be walking on the water toward them A calming voice is heard: “It is I.  Do not be afraid.”  Those who are familiar with the voice of God will immediately recognize when Jesus speaks.

Today we hear a curious detail. John relates that before Peter jumps from the boat into the sea, he grabs his clothing “for he was lightly clad.”  He puts on more clothes to jump into the water?  Is that typical of what we tend to do?  If you think about it, it probably is.   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

 

 

 

 

 

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

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

by Leave a Comment

What Luke shares with us in this Gospel is a good example of how Jesus models the saying: actions speak louder than words.

If you will picture this with me –  Put yourself in the scene.

It’s midmorning.  Jesus is meditatively strolling at the water’s edge.   I suspect He may have been virtually unaware that people were beginning to trail him.  The crowd is swelling.  This causes Jesus to edge closer to the advancing waves of the changing tide.  The eagerness of the crowd is palpable in the air – just to hear a word from Jesus.   He turns to face the crowd, putting his back to the water.  The scene causes him to draw a breath and take a step backward.  Now the waters are lapping above his ankles.  He spies a couple fishing boats; one belonging to his friend Simon.  He presumes permission to step in.   And what does He do?   Remember last week’s lesson?  HE SITS TO TEACH.   As the crowd is settling down, He looks around at the empty boats and thinks “What a pity!  The fish are right there.  But they didn’t take a nibble.  Let’s fix that.”

Now, these boatmen have spent all night fishing without success.  They are tired, discouraged, disheartened.  And so far their morning has been spent prudently cleaning their nets lest the debris they did manage to trawl would rot and get too smelly to attract any fish tomorrow.

We don’t know what Jesus taught from the boat that morning; Luke did not have any first-hand experience to share. What we do know is what Luke heard from those who were there.  He tells us that Jesus surprised Simon and his buddies telling them to “put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”  Can’t you just hear Simon draw a vexed breath?  He’s professional fisherman; learned the trade from his father and grandfather. “Come on, Jesus.  We’ve worked all night but have caught nothing.”  You know the feeling.  How often have you said (or at least thought) we’ve tried that before?  But Peter pauses.  Maybe makes eye contact with Jesus.  Mmmm.  “Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.”

That’s the operative sentiment.  “If you say so, I will let down the nets.”   The boats was suddenly, miraculously full of fish so that they begin to sink.  And this after a long night of frustration – not a single fish to show for their efforts.  Amazement struck them.  Peter, (and maybe the others, we don’t know,) fell to his knees and begged Jesus, “Get away from me – I am a sinful man!”

Ah, sweet Jesus!  We know what Jesus said.  He’s said it to us more than once.  “Do not be afraid.”  As he counsels Peter He uses a word that in Greek means: “to catch alive.”  He’s caught Peter alive with yearning.  Ripe for his new vocation, a new mission that He’s about to offer. “From now on you will be catching people.”  We turn now to the words from Isaiah in the First Reading: “God touched my mouth [in Peter’s case in today’s Gospel – “touched your nets, your labor.”  God, the Lord, continues: “See, now that this has touched you, your wickedness is removed.”  Then God asks – invites, challenges – “Whom shall I send?  Who will go?”

With Peter – and so many, many others who’ve followed through the years, we answer: “Here I am, send me!”  We add the words of Psalm 138: “When I called, you answered.  You built up strength with in me.  Your right hand saved me.  You will complete what You have done for me.  Your kindness endures forever.”

“When the fisherman brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.”  Your life, the life of each of us, tells the rest of the story.  But it leaves us with a question.  “How can we catch people?  What waters do we have to wade out into?  What are the nets we can lower?”  One thing we know for certain.  We know we want to keep Jesus on our side of the boat.  Seems to me this is pretty much the question Pope Francis and our Bishop Parkes is dangling as a challenge to us.  What bait will we put on the hook?  Or what kind of net will we lower?  How will we live out our Benedictine charism of prayer, hospitality and stability in community?

An answer lies in today’s Gospel: live it – be it – do it … that’s the bait.  Now, invite others to “lower their nets” and let’s break bread together.”

 ~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

Happy Feast Day to us – and Benedictines world-wide! 

On February 10th we celebrate the feast of St. Scholastica, twin sister to St. Benedict.

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 6:1-2, 3-8         Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 11
Gospel:   Luke 5:1-11
Continue Reading

Such a simple message

by Leave a Comment

When Jesus and His disciples got to Capernaum, they entered into (some scholars say) the house of Peter and Andrew. Jesus asks them what they were disputing about as they approached the house and waits for them to ‘fess up.  No luck! They are like children who don’t want to tell their parents what they’ve been arguing about. The disciples had started out disputing over the meaning of Jesus’ prediction of his death and resurrection and ended up arguing over who would be the greatest when Jesus was no longer in their number. They were certain it would be one of them, not someone outside their circle.  They got caught up in the idea of being a follower without having a sense of what it takes to be a true disciple.  But Jesus knew these fellows had the capacity to refocus their energy on what was really important instead of promoting themselves as the “greatest” above everyone.  They (and we) might do well to heed the advice of Joe Kennedy to his son Ted: “Don’t look for credit.  If you succeed, there’ll be plenty of credit.  If you fail, you won’t want the credit”.

The greatness Jesus is talking about lies in welcoming one who is viewed as powerless.  This requires sensitive awareness to those around us.  Who is being left out of the conversation, who enters a room and seems unsure where she might be welcome to sit?  Who is listening to a conversation about a plan to go off-campus hoping to be invited?  Are we alert to welcome the visitor into the chapel, to lift a bundle for a struggling elder, to smile at a child in the shopping cart?   We can list hundreds of moments of random acts of kindness similar to those that Jesus is talking about.

Could it be that Jesus can so easily welcome children because he has personal memories of his own childhood experiences? Children in our 21st century America are in precarious, fragile, and dangerous places.  More than ever, children are abused, snatched, neglected or the opposite: over-protected by ‘helicopter’ parents.  There are latchkey kids; underfed, lonely, ignored children and many are victims of inadequate health care.  Now, more than ever, children need to be embraced by the church.  If the church leaves out children, it is leaving out God. If policy makers leave out children, they are leaving out God and they are placing the future of our world in jeopardy, forgetting who it is that is going to be caring for them (or not) in their sunset years.

Notice that Jesus did not say “receive this child.”  Rather he said, “Receive one such as this child.”  With a child in his arms, Jesus says that to welcome persons such as this little one is to welcome Him.    Our accomplishments and accolades, the certificates, the awards, as impressive as they might be, do not exemplify discipleship.  It’s our ability to be of service to others, to attend to the most vulnerable in our society, that makes us good disciples.  It is such a simple message that it is at the same time so difficult to put into practice!

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

This weekend we welcome our Oblates! Thirteen Oblates will join at the monastery for their quarterly meeting and for Mass and noon meal.  Wondering what’s an Oblate?  Contact S. Mary David at 352-588-7176 or mary.david.hydro@saintleo.edu.

 

 

First Reading:   Wisdom 2:12, 17-20         Second Reading:  James 3:16-4:3
Gospel:   Mark 9:30-37
Continue Reading

Who Do You Say I Am?

by Leave a Comment

This is an interesting reading, and even a bit odd, giving us another insight into Jesus’ teaching methods.  First with those who are closest to him – who have been traipsing around the country for almost three years.  This is the group who believe in him so he is quick to correct their human thinking that gets in the way of their perception of just who he is.

I can see him (can you?) walking casually along with the twelve … the mix of who is nearest him changing every few minutes – as the group shifts, they compare notes about what he said to their group with what the others heard.   He stops and turns to the group and queries: Who do people say that I am?  Was He really in the dark?  Was he simply opening an opportunity for the disciples to express their loyalty to him?

At first, the disciples do not offer their personal feelings.  They repeat what they’ve been hearing: some say John, the Baptist; others say Elijah, or one of the prophets.   When Jesus continues: “But, you, who do you say that I am?”   A pregnant pause follows.  They’re waiting for a brave one to speak up.  Heads turn to Peter who seems to be never afraid to offer an opinion.    He doesn’t fail them.  “You are the Christ, son of the living God.”

Jesus seems quick to caution the disciples: “Don’t tell anyone.”  (Doesn’t he know by now that this is a sure-fire way to get the rumors flying?)   Does Jesus want us to hold miracles we experience or witness close to our hearts?  To be like Mary after the shepherds’ visit – pondering all these happenings in her heart?”  Or are we to be like the disciples?  Responsive, but as Jesus said, “Don’t tell until after the Son of Man has risen?

Our scene in today’s reading, turns from Jesus’ conversation with the disciples and his followers to what is to come.   Peter quakes in his boots conjuring up what Jesus is describing.  This is his friend!  So, he takes Jesus aside and in shock rebukes him, criticizes the one he has just acknowledged is the Son of God.  “You’ve got it all wrong!  What you say cannot happen to you.”

Have you ever done that?  Told Jesus he’s got it all wrong? Jesus cautions Peter, and us: “Wait a minute.  You are thinking not as God does but as human beings do.”  With that, Jesus summons the crowd.  Did you ever notice the settings that Scripture describes when Jesus speaks to the crowds on a hillside or from a boat?  Scripture usually says there were thousands of them!   No mic, no PA system, no big screen TV.   How did he do it?  I wonder, did the people really hear his voice or did they hear him in their hearts?  Or was it like the game of Gossip and his words spread rapidly from person to person???

Now Jesus next lets us know what it will take to continue to be a disciple of His.  Three qualities: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.   Easy as one, two three?  Not quite!

First: deny your worldly ways, drop your egotistical thinking and self-seeking and cease the ifs, ands and buts that are on the tip of your tongue in opposition to Jesus’ message.

Second: take up your cross.  It was personalized for just for you.  No two crosses are exactly the same.  You know the story of the person who rejected her God-given cross.  She asks God to exchange it for another.  So, God showed her his treasury of crosses.   You know which one she chose.  She spotted it immediately, the very one God knew all along would best fit her shoulders.

Third: (This is the good part.)  Follow Jesus.  You don’t have to invent the way.   Jesus has already cut the path for you.  Knock and the door will be opened.  Seek and you will find.  Listen and you will hear.

So, when at Mass, just after the homily, be ready to answer God in the words of the Creed: Who do YOU say that I am?  Ponder the titles of Jesus that have been your favorites through the years.  Who is Jesus for you at this stage in your life: Baby Jesus, Friend, Brother, Savior, Rock, Shepherd or on some days a shoulder to cry on, a friend to give you solace, or a pal to offer a gentle prod to do better, take the risk that looms before you.  Jesus asks each of us: “Who do YOU say that I am?”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

 

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 50:5-9a         Second Reading:  James 2:14-18
Gospel:   Mark 8:27-35

 

Continue Reading