Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

Wedding

The Kingdom of God is Open to Everyone

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Have you ever watched a make-over program on TV?  I’ve watched a few on house make-overs.  But recently when I was channel surfing, I was attracted by a young lady’s plea to get her boyfriend to dress appropriately for a wedding. This was one of those make-over shows where a person gets their entire wardrobe revamped.  As these shows go, they took him – he seemed to go without protest – to an up-scale clothing store for a new wardrobe that would make him acceptable at the wedding – at least in the eyes of his girlfriend.  He watched helplessly as his favorite clothes were thrown in a heap and replaced with more “fashionable items.”

The party in today’s Gospel would have been a highlight in many people’s lives. free food, hobnobbing with people whose names they’d only heard in passing.  Why would they not jump at the chance to be a guest at such a fantastic occasion?  But you just throw a party yourself and you will quickly figure out that some who say “yes” won’t show up and a goodly number will figure you knew they’d come so they did not really need to RSVP.

The people to whom Jesus was telling this parable understood the absurdity of the situation. They knew that Jesus was not simply telling them a strange story but that he was telling them something about their own lives.  He was in essence telling them that they were the invited guests and that they had refused the invitation. They understood that Jesus was telling them that the kingdom of God is open to everyone: to the outcasts and the sinners and to them.

But Jesus doesn’t stop his parable with that. He goes on to say that once the street-people had been invited into the banquet, the king spotted someone who wasn’t properly dressed.  When asked why, the man was speechless. The king demanded that he be handcuffed and thrown into the outer darkness. How are we to understand this part of the parable?  Why was lack of a certain type of garment such a big deal?

Some may say the king invited everyone so people should come just as they happen to be when they decided to join the banquet.  Others argue it means we should be given a special robe at the door of the church to wear during the service.  Of course, these answers miss the point. This is a story that has a deeper meaning. Yes, it is a story, but remember parables are earthly stories with heavenly ­meanings.

I find it intriguing that while the last group brought into the wedding came from the hedgerows and by-ways, the main character was still expected to be wearing a wedding garment.  This lets us know, doesn’t it, that we better be ready at all times to come to the wedding.  The point, of course, is not what type of clothing covers our nakedness. At some stage in life we’ve all learned that although not the most important thing in life, fashion is not something to be totally ignored either.   Just ask anyone who is getting married, or celebrating a jubilee or going to a funeral, if what people wear isn’t of some significance.  At one end of the spectrum, there are folks who believe brand name labels are the key to admittance into their coveted social circle. But for others, fashion is just not a big deal at all.  They may not even own a full-length mirror.

The wedding garment Jesus was talking about was like a choir cloak that was provided at the door.  To the listeners, this guest was one who snubbed social rules, the significance of the occasion and the prestige of being included on the guest list.

Even though everyone is invited into the banquet of the kingdom of heaven, there will be some who simply don’t send back their RSVP card. There will be those who show up but do so without the proper spiritual clothing and are sent away. The reading leaves us with that same probing question we first heard in our mother’s voice: “You’re wearing that?!”  We quickly recognized it was not really a question but an order.

Maybe a good place to start re-doing our spiritual wardrobes would be to heed St. Paul’s admonition to the Colossians (3:13):  “As God’s chosen people …  clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Just be sure you’re wearing the proper attire when Jesus says: “Come in, Friend, I’ve saved a seat with your name on it.“

~ Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB

 

Pray for peace in the world and people’s safety; for justice and access to health services; and protection from all forms of violence. 

 

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a     Second Reading:  Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel:   Matthew 22:1-14
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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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I Am Here – Waiting – Day or Night – Let’s Talk

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In John’s Gospel, the evangelist has (already before Lent) walked us through the story of the Wedding at Cana.  Jesus, at a nudge from his mother Mary, interacted with the servers who followed his directions to fill the empty stone jar with water.  Only to be mystified when the water turns into the best wine in the house.  Now, John is the only evangelist who relates this story.  And, he is exact in some details: there were six jars, each 2-3 feet tall, each holding 9-10 gallons.  That’s approximately 55 gallons of wine – making for quite a wedding!

Last Sunday, we witnessed an interaction of a different sort.  Jesus calls a halt to the desecration of His father’s house, the temple in Jerusalem.  Today’s Gospel takes a leap that skips over an interaction that sets up today’s teaching.  In that gap, we hear about the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisee Nicodemus who came to Jesus under the cover of darkness.  Nicodemus was struggling with some big questions.  As he said to Jesus: “I know you came from God.  Maybe you can share some light on my quandary.”  Seems like they must have talked well into the night.

Puzzled by what Jesus had said, Nicodemus questions how an old man can be born again???  Jesus cautions him: “Don’t be amazed that I told you, ‘you must be born from above.’”  Here comes a sentence that I love: “The wind blows where it wills, you hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.”  [Like Benedict said, “Listen with the ear of your heart.”] Reminds me of a 70s folk song: “Blowin’ in the Wind” – “How many times must we look up before we can see the sky?  How many ears must we have before we can hear people cry?  The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”

I digress from the Gospel.  Or do I?  John says in today’s reading: “In all truth I tell you, we speak only about what we know and witness, what we have seen and heard.  And yet people reject our evidence.  If you do not believe me when I speak to you about earthly things, how will you believe me when I speak to you about heavenly things?”

Keep reading…  Jesus speaks through the mouth of John, reminding us of our history.  Remember the story in the Book of Numbers, when the people were in the desert and they complained against God and Moses.  God sent poisonous serpents as punishment.  But, when the people repented, God did not leave them without a sign.  The people slinked back to Moses, like “a dog with its tail between its legs.”  They begged: “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and against you; (They pleaded) please intercede with the Lord, that He will remove the serpents from us.”  And Moses interceded for the people.  Sounds like Moses might have bargained with God.  The Lord said to Moses, Here’s the deal: “Make a fiery serpent, and put it on a flag pole; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, and looks at it, will live.”

Jesus calls Nicodemus’ attention to that story.  “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent … so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.  Then He reminds us: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.  God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

Today, I believe, God is telling us: “I did not send COVID-19 to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through my Son.”  It’s a wake-up call.  “Like I said to the prophet Isaiah yea these many years ago.  I am the designer and maker of the earth.  Remember in Genesis, at the creation of life on this earth, I looked on all that had been created, and I said: ‘It is good. …  For, I am God, there is no other.  I will not speak in secret nor from some dark place.  I did not say: Look for me in chaos.  I promise justice, ‘the public face of love’.  I speak the truth.  Turn to me and be safe.  Say: From God alone comes my strength and safety.’”

God continues speaking to us.  “You were correct, when a year ago this week, you posted that sign on the chapel door: we regret that we are TEMPORARILY closed to visitors.  All time is temporary in My eyes until you rest in ME eternally.  Today I tell you, just as I welcomed a midnight conversation with Nicodemus, I am here – day or night – for you.  What’s on your mind or weighing heavy on your heart?  Let’s talk.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

 

Next Sunday, March 21 we would normally celebrate the solemnity of St. Benedict, however, since this year, the date falls on and Sunday, we will celebrate St. Benedict on Monday, March 22.  Join with us as we honor our wise founder … and let us not overlook his twin sister, Scholastica.  Their wise words, and worthy example have influenced our world for over 1500 years!  “LISTEN WITH THE EAR OF YOUR HEART.  And may Christ lead us all together to everlasting life.”

 

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Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

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“Is now a good time?”  “Did I catch you at a good time?”  “Are you busy?”   The phone rings and the caller says: “Can you take a call now?”  Surely I am not the only one who experiences these kinds of happenings.  Some may call them “distractions” or “interruptions.”  They may come in the form of phone calls, emails, text messages, a “I’ve just got a quick question” kind of pop-in visitor from down the hall, or even, an unexpected guest at the monastery (yes, even in these days).  It always seems to happen when you’re on a roll with your “important” work.  Like when you have a deadline to meet, or you’re finally able to cross something off your old “to do” list, or just when you thought you could take a break.  But … we all know what St. Benedict says about guests – they are always present in monasteries, you can’t predict when they may appear, they are to be welcomed in whatever state they arrive and greeted with: “A shout – THANKS BE TO GOD!”  [Not, Oh, God, not her again!]

Maybe you’ve heard the tale about the day the Prince of Wales dropped in on a workingman’s family.  The next day the man told his friends, “I never expected him, nor did my wife.  The house was so untidy, and I hadn’t washed up yet.  We can never forgive ourselves.  If we had known he was coming, we should have been ready for him.”

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church movement, was asked what he would do if he knew his Lord would return at same time the next day.  He said in effect, “I would go to bed and go to sleep; wake up in the morning, and go on with my work, for I would want the Lord to find me doing what I was appointed to do.”

Or how about the busy couple who had grown increasingly frustrated by a stranger who kept popping up unannounced at their home.  It was always when they seemed to be the most busy.  The visitor never asked for anything, she’d just drop by to say hello, pet the cat who lazed on the front porch and share a little chit-chat.  One day the woman of the house was home alone when this happened.  In exasperation she blurted out, “The trouble with Christ is, he always comes at the wrong time.”   Or, perhaps – it’s perfect timing???

You may ask: What’s does all this have to do with the Parable of the Ten Virgins?  So who are these virgins?  [We’ve seen “Fiddler on the Roof” so we think we know all about Jewish weddings.]  What we really do know is, from Jewish culture, that a wedding celebration was for the whole town.  One of the acts of entertainment was to have ten virgins perform a wedding dance.  They would hold lamps or lighted torches and perform a torch-dance.  It would symbolize the light of the newly wed couple’s love and the bright future they had together.  The dancers would entertain until their torches burned out.

This is who the parable is about.  These dancing virgins.  [Today we’d say “bridesmaids.”]  Remember, this is a parable – so each member of the parable represents someone or something in real life.  In such parables, the bridegroom is always Christ.  Though the bride is not actually mentioned in this parable, every bridegroom must have a bride.  The bride is a symbol of the church.  And the church is made up of people.  After the Wedding Ceremony and then the Wedding Supper the bride and groom would go out into the city and invite the people to join them in celebrating their wedding.  [Remember a couple Sunday’s back, we had the parable of the wedding guests who thumbed their noses at the king’s invitation to his son’s wedding.  Where did the king tell his servants to go to round up some guests – into the byways, the outskirts of the city.]

When the guests had gathered, this is when the torch-dance happened.  The dance continued as long as one’s touch lasted… which could be up to a maximum of fifteen minutes.  That explains why the wise virgins had a backup supply of oil.  It wasn’t, as some might think, to keep a light burning the 6-8 hours that it took for the wedding ceremony and supper.  During that time, they never knew when the bridegroom would come and give the signal for the entertainment to begin.  That’s when they’d light those torches and when the first firing petered out you’d hear: “Come on, Girls, let’s re-soak these torches – keep this celebration going!  It’s not over until it’s over – until the last torch flickers out.”

One more story.  An acquaintance of mine was diagnosed with an incurable illness.  A friend asked her what she was going to do with her life in her remaining days.  She was thinking that her friend might go on a mission trip; she knew that was on her friend’s bucket list.  The woman pondered a short time and then answered thoughtfully that she going to live her life as faithfully as possible for whatever time God granted her. …. I’m here to tell you, she’s still alive 20 years later.

Isn’t that how we all are to be prepared for the future?  LIVE AS FAITHFULLY AS POSSIBLE.  To be prepared with extra oil, yes …  with prayer, faithfulness to lectio and the performance of good works?  The Scriptures and St. Benedict remind us: Our guest, Christ, will come at an unexpected hour.  Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

First Reading: Wisdom 6:12-15     Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Gospel:  Matthew 25:1-13
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A Miracle – A Mantra

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The miracle at Cana has never ceased happening.  Every moment of every day Christ pours himself into the empty jars of our lives.  He is the good wine; extravagant, abundant, endless.  We can’t understand how it happens.  We don’t know how it happens.  We only know that it does happen.  We’ve experienced it and witnessed moments when death is turned into life, sorrow into joy, and despair into hope.  We’ve been surprised when fear was transformed into courage and we’ve seen people do things they never thought possible.  We’ve done what we thought was impossible!  We’ve known moments when empty lives have been filled back up.

(There is a repeating refrain here- a mantra – please, join in if you like …)

When the wine runs out and you are confused – but others are looking for answers – DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the wine runs out, and troubles swirl about you so your head is a muddle … DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the wine runs out, and your “umph” does, too DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the wine runs out, and you know aridity and still you struggle to be upbeat … DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the wine runs out, when a loved one dies or a friendship withers, DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When good intentions don’t fill the void but only seem to pave the road to you-know-where – DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When prayers seem to be unheard, listen closely and DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When your illusion of self-sufficiency is shattered and your spirit is empty and you shake your water jar and hear the sound of hollowness, don’t despair – just … DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the day is a disaster, an embarrassment, a failure, grab your empty jar, fill it with what water of your tears and DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the wine is running low, and no one else seems to notice, tell Him, and, then DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When self-doubt abounds and life seems meaningless, He is there: DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When life lacks vibrancy and the future is colorless, fill the jar with the water of common life, not bottled water, not Dasani or Zephyrhills water … the water of your everyday life, and DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When hope wears thin and faith is shaky DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When you’re filled with guilt for deeds left undone and offenses given, bend your knee and bow your head and, DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When you have more questions than answers, here’s an answer for any query … DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When life is full of changes that threaten, lean into the One who is changeless, DO WHAT EVER HE TELL YOU.

When your best efforts fall short and your life-glass looks more than half-empty, breathe deeply and, DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

“They have no wine,” Mary said. But they will. The miracle always begins when the wine gives out.  Regardless of how it feels or what we think about it, the day the wine runs out is the beginning of a miracle.  Christ does not simply refill our glasses.  He transforms our lives, turning water into wine.  That which was colorless becomes vibrant.  That which had no taste now tingles the tongue.  That which had no fragrance now has a full bouquet.

Simply remember this – plant it in your heart: when the wine runs out DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
January 20, 2019  (Wedding at Cana)
First Reading Isaiah 62:1-5            Second Reading 1 Corinthians12:4-11
Gospel John 21:11
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What are you Wearing to the Banquet?

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Have you ever watched a make-over program on TV?  I’ve watched a few on house make-overs.  While pondering this week’s Gospel I recalled a time when channel surfing that I was attracted by this girl’s plea to get her boyfriend to dress appropriately for a wedding they were going to attend. It was one of those makeover shows where a person gets their entire wardrobe revamped by some hip and fashionable person who does this sort of thing for a living.  Seems like it could be a good alternative for the man who got thrown out of the wedding in today’s Gospel.  Though some guys might think the odds were even: forced into a make-over or getting to escape the whole ordeal – bound hand and foot, yes, but at least he could get away.

The commentator on the TV show was relating the guy’s background.  Seems he had no fashion sense.  As these shows go, they took him – he seemed to go without protest – to an up-scale clothing store for a new wardrobe that would make him acceptable at the wedding – at least in the eyes of his girlfriend.  He watched helplessly as his favorite clothes were thrown in the trash and replaced with more “fashionable items.”  These people didn’t care what this person did for a living; how he treated his friends and neighbors.  They didn’t ask about his spiritual life or his financial situation.  Fashion was paramount!

The party in today’s Gospel would have been a highlight in many people’s lives.  FREE food, hobnobbing with people whose names they’d only heard in passing.  Why would they not jump at the chance to be a guest at such a fantastic occasion?  But, you just throw a party yourself and you will quickly figure out that some who say “yes” won’t show and a goodly number will figure you knew they’d come so they did not really need to RSVP.

The people Jesus was telling this parable to were not stupid. They understood the absurdity of the situation. They knew that Jesus was not simply telling them a strange story but that he was telling them something about their own lives.  He was in essence telling them that they were the invited guests and that they had refused the invitation. They understood that the servants who came to tell them about the banquet were the prophets.  They understood that Jesus was telling them that the kingdom of God is open to EVERYONE, to the outcasts and the sinners and to them.

But Jesus doesn’t stop his parable with that. He goes on to say that once the street-people had been invited in to the banquet the king spotted someone who wasn’t properly dressed.  When asked why, the man was speechless.  The king demanded that he be handcuffed and thrown into the outer darkness.  How are we to understand this part of the parable?  Why was lack of a certain type of garment such a big deal?

Some say the king invited everyone so people should come just as they happen to be when they decided to join the banquet.  Others argue it means we should be given a special robe at the door of the church to wear during the service.  Of course, these answers miss the point. This is a story that has a deeper meaning.  Yes, it is a story, but remember parables are earthly stories with heavenly ­ meanings.

I find it intriguing that the last group brought into the wedding came from the hedgerows and byways but the main character was still expected to be wearing a wedding garment.  This let us know, doesn’t it, that we better be ready at all times to come to the wedding.

The point, of course, is not what type of clothing covers our nakedness.  At some stage in life we’ve all learned that although not the most important thing in life, fashion is not something to be totally ignored either.  Just ask anyone who is getting married, or celebrating a jubilee or going to a funeral, if what people wear isn’t of some significance.  At one end of the spectrum, there are folks who believe brand name labels are the key to admittance into their coveted social circle.  But for others, fashion is just not a big deal at all.  It’s pretty obvious they probably don’t own a full-length mirror.

The wedding garment Jesus is talking about was probably just a nice set of clothes used for special occasions, much like today we’d call our “Sunday-go-go-meeting” clothes.  If this is the case, then the guest without a wedding garment is an underdressed attendee.  The gesture would be an offensive sign that the guest is oblivious to the significance of the occasion and the prestige of being included on the guest list.

Even though everyone is invited into the banquet of the kingdom of heaven, there will be some who simply don’t send back their RSVP card.  There will be those who show up but do so without the proper spiritual clothing and are sent away.  The reading leaves us with that same probing question we first heard in our mother’s voice: “You’re wearing that?!”  We quickly recognized it was not really a question but an order.

Maybe a good place to start redoing our spiritual wardrobes would be to heed St. Paul’s admonition to the Colossians (3:13): “As God’s chosen people … clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Just be sure you’re wearing the proper attire when Jesus makes His final call.  When He says: “Come in, Friend, there’s a seat with your name on it.“

~Reflection by S. Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
October 12, 2014  First Reading Isaiah 25:6-10a         Second Reading  Philippians 4:12-14,19-20
Gospel Matthew 22:1-14
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