Take Nothing for the Journey

When we hear Jesus instruct His disciples not to take anything with them when they go on a journey they may have been slightly concerned.  Can you imagine if this were asked of us?  Don’t take a thing with you on vacation, business trip, or when you move to a new town!

There is strength in detachment from material items and that same strength in the poverty of spirit.  We are less concerned with the toys of the world and can focus on the people in our life and be present to the working of the Holy Spirit.

What Jesus is getting at here is that there is no room for distractions from what is important. If people hear the message and don’t listen; don’t waste your time trying to fill a cup that is full.  They won’t  hear it. It won’t sink in.

In the same way, if our cup is full of unnecessary things we won’t be able to allow the moment to take over.  We won’t hear the message.

There are messages for us at every moment.  Trust in the Divine Presence. Empty our vessels from unnecessary clutter so that we may hear the moment.

“Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”

Luke 8:19-21

Today, Jesus, asks us to open our mind to the relationship that already exists in the world.  When he says that "being his brothers and mother are those that hear the will of God and act on it". He says we are connected, we act with synchronization no matter our understanding of blood relative. 

Being at one with the people around us, nature, and indeed the entire universe is a relationship we are in.  So, that in this regard, we are already home.  

Don't wait to die to enjoy the kingdom of heaven! 

We are Hypocrites

When we hear the word "Woe" we stop and give full attention to the one that used the word to see why we should woe.  Perhaps it's a danger of physical injury, or perhaps there is a need for focus and concentration on a specific matter.

Today we are hearing Jesus say this "woe" to bring us to a deep understanding of our behaviors that spring from the interior.  So many times we hear Jesus tell us that this is not a show, or that we need to be focused on the true intentions of our words and actions.  Culture tells us this is all a show and we can fall for it.

We all have the keys to the kingdom, we are all united to the body of Christ by the very nature of our core, the soul.  When we look at our thoughts and see the nasty muck of our intentions it's not hard to understand why Jesus calls us hypocrites.  

We are not pro-life if we are not in favor of a healthcare system that provides equal treatment and we fail to support life by closing our homes to those threatened by tyranny and abuse and even murder.  

We fail to see that our own words will convict us and Jesus points that out so that we may correct our behaviors and provide a healthy and life giving community.  "That we all may be One" John 17:21

Becoming is not easy, but we have reminders like this one to help us drive home the point.

Good Friday

Yesterday, Judas, betrayed Jesus. 
Today He lives under the most cruel conditions. 
Today we beat and whip the spirit of hopeful people into the ground. 
We stomp out the flame of Hope in the world.
We reduce the human person to a commodity.
We value the dollar more than human life.
But, someone paid Judas.  Judas was not alone in the plot.
How much have we betrayed Christ for?
As we gaze upon the cruel human behavior and the wood that holds deaths last push, let us remain strong and hopeful that Easter comes and we are made new!  

Wednesday of Holy Week

Matthew 26: 14-25

The gospel is reminding us that in this dark night comes redemption.  The glory of the Father is to be made full in time and we get a glimpse of the life He won for us.  No matter our geographical location we are in His Love.  We are always in His Love.  

We hold out for what is to come.  The wheels are in motion and Jesus reminds us that in our weakness we are made strong.   Jesus is troubled and knows what to do.  Pray and wait.

Thrursday Fifth Week of Lent

John 8: 51-59 

There are many people that can't accept that the man Jesus was the Christ.  It seems unlikely that a Spirit that creates the world and all the contents and laws therein would care so much to be involved in my life.  Who really cares what my day is like? 

Jesus came into the world to be part of the human experience.  Jesus came that we may have hope in an eternal life. 

One of our virtues is hope and when hope keeps us going we can see on a foggy day.  Hope finds its root in Love and Love springs from the eternal well of the living spirit of God.  People that lose hope lose sight of God, and the days and nights are too troublesome to be in a position to see hope and so some fall into depression and despair.

If we can trust in the word of God and hold on to hope we will soon experience the flow of Love.  Hope will bring us joy and peace. 

I often repeat this mantra throughout the day "We wait in joyful hope!" and the rest of that will do away with depression "for the coming of our savior Jesus Christ" 

Hope in God and you will be free!  Find your identity in Christ, not an institution or a person, and Hope will show us Love.

Wednesday Fifth Week of Lent

John 8:31-42

Violence and darkness spread across the world and we can get lost in the theme of violence and hatred fueled by fear.  

When we turn on media sources it is difficult to watch without finding ourselves feeling desperate or hopeless or angry or hate-filled.  We look for leaders to calm and reassure our security by their words and actions in times of great distress and unsure times.

When we say we are a follower of Christ we are saying that we will do as Christ does. Love. 

Love in the face of hatred.  Love in the face of violence.  Love in the face of your executioners. Love when we are falsely accused.  Love when we are cast away from society.  Love when we don't get our way.  Love when we are misunderstood.  Love is the way to the heart of Christ and the way of Peace.  Always Love.

Jesus knows how we feel and why we feel the way that we do.  Trust Him and ask Him to open our hearts to His Love. 

Tuesday the Fish Week of Lent

John 8:21-30

There is a real sense of Hope today.  The community of believers struggled to find the depth of Jesus' messages.  Today, the Pharisees seem to really miss the mark again.  Salvation comes from the forgiving victim.  

Our sinful nature is met with Love and Love wins.  Look at the crucifix.  When we sit and contemplate the mystery of Christ entering the human story as a vulnerable child, suffering as an innocent victim, and rising again we are met with a God who knows what it means to suffer, we have a God who knows what it is like to be fully human and continue to be the Divine image of the Father. 

Jesus met the corruption of humanity head on and tells the people in the gospel that He is the one to follow to salvation.

Sit and take some time to think about the Love that hung on a cross and died, only to defeat the chains of death with more Love than the world can ever imagine. 

Monday Fifth Week of Lent

John 8: 1-11

There is a woman "caught in the very act" of adultery in the gospel.  Caught in the act of a "crime" and now the righteous look for a way to trip up Jesus. 

He bends down, meeting the woman where she is, reducing the effect of superiority, and shows empathy.  He draws in the sand and retorts the killing with his unveiling of the truth and says to the righteous to go ahead and throw the stones if they haven't sinned.  

That makes for a shut and closed case for the woman.  Eyewitness accounts of being caught in adultery is a death penalty.  The woman knew what was in store for her and there are no words from this woman in scripture except after Jesus scatters the accusers.

Jesus already knows and gets right to the point. 

Jesus just doesn't ask for a laundry list of sins to repent for, HE says; "Neither do I condemn you"  What a relief to hear that the one that has the power to forgive sins has forgiven her and without her asking for it.  Jesus knows the heart and the motives and intentions behind every action.

Today's gospel is an indication of the reach of Love that Christ has for us.  He Loves, unconditionally.  Did you hear that? unconditionally. 

Friday Fourth Week of Lent

John 7: 1-2, 10: 25-30

John gives us a bit of insight here on the climate of the time.  It's hostile toward the community of believers.  Jesus understands what is going on and yet He still continues on the mission.

When we think about Christianity across the globe we are faced with similar problems.  People are killed and jailed every day because of their belief.  We face calvary in a very real way when we follow the way of the Lord.

We are also reminded that in God's time will all come to pass.  Be still and be firm in faith.  The final chapter has already been penned. 

The result of an all knowing ego based society will be one that separates, categorizes and tries to remove any perceived opposition.    

When Christ calls from the cross "forgive them" He is talking about you and me.  We persecute Him every time we persecute others.  When we isolate others, when we oppress others, when we hurt others.

He forgave us our trespasses, so, let us forgive our own faults so we may join Him in peace.

Wednesday Fourth Week of Lent

John 5:17-30

The work we do to build the kingdom on earth is an important mission.  Bringing others to Christ by our words and actions is the mission of the christian.  Jesus talks about the work he has to accomplish in the gospel and all the work finds its origin in the Father who sent the Son, who sends the Spirit, that is alive and working in you and me.  We can listen to the spirit or ignore it for our own selfish reasons.  "I'm not smart enough" "I'm not good enough" I'm not . . ." all true because without being open to the help of the spirit of God we can't do anything of His will.

Pope Francis was asked about those who are not in favor of his work with the direction of the church and His response is one to remember; "They do their work and I do mine."  

Striving to work for peace, and understanding, the message of the forgiving victim, for those in the world that are oppressed and marginalized requires seeing with the eye of God, hearing with His ear, working with His body, and you don't have to travel far to do it.

Recently, I was asked to explain two predominant cultural theories on truth and afterward the man said "yeah, I guess I can find a soup kitchen to work in." I told him to find the manger, seek Christ in your home, your school, your town and care for Him there.  

Our work is right where we are and we have much work to do before we die!!

 

Friday Third Week of Lent

Mark 12:28-34

   

Jesus gets right to the point today and there is no way around it.  Love God.  Love others. Love yourself. It is that easy.  When we talk about the Divine dwelling in all of us we quickly recognize that when we follow this formula all else seems to fall in line.  

Take your thoughts, words, and actions and direct them at God.  So, when we are upset with someone and want to be mean to them, say what we are thinking to Jesus. The nasty words or actions that are in our mind, we say and do to the Christ.  Jesus came and experienced the human condition and He found out pretty quickly humans can be very nasty.  

Everything becomes part of a big picture.  There is no longer "ME" at the center of the universe.  If I hide the key to the choir loft because I don't like the person playing the organ I am stealing their joy.  I am robbing them of their gift to God.  I may not like the persons' behaviors or ability to play the organ, but it's not about me, now is it?  It is about God and others then me. Let their relationship go how and where it may.  In other words we are not the enforcers of what we think either individually or collectively defines justice.  

Here is a tip.  I look at a picture of Jesus for a really long time.  I'm going to tell Him that I'm going to steal the key to the choir loft.  What will He say?  How will He respond?  Or I'll tell Him I think He is a real jerk for taking "my" seat in the common room so I punch Him or spread the story to gain support and make Him look like the bad guy.  I'll take His food when He is out. Now, He is black and I'll tell Him I don't like black people, or gay people, or Muslim, or Jewish, or or or . . . When I see the Christ, bloodied, beaten, and hanging on the cross, will I go by and spit on Him, too?  Will I take a rock and throw it at Him?  Why not? He is vulnerable and I don't like Him. 

The formula we have today takes us to the heart of being a human.  Be Christ for every person. It's not about me. 

Friday Second Week of Lent

Matthew 21:33-43 45-46

The gospel message is very clear today.  The death of an innocent, the violent beating of servants, and a plot, foretold, to arrest Jesus.  It is also the mind of dual thinking, stinking thinking.  Being able to be at peace with circumstances and people leads us to the kingdom of God.  We are told that for those that are jealous and envious of others, they will lose that peace.  There is turmoil and anxiety about how to be better or do better than someone else.  We are number one.  That's a tough place to start.  

The closer we come to being in union with the Divine, the less important things of this world are.  The things that can lead us to a dark and dangerous place, such as power, money, and honor among men are no longer what motivates our actions.  We come from a place of poverty.  We no longer look for praise and honor among men and being recognized for our accomplishments becomes of little importance.  We are serving Christ in the people in our life.  We see the Divine in all things and people and we are aware of the importance of safe guarding that treasure.

Meet people and circumstances as they are. Be present.  

Wednesday Second Week of Lent

Matthew 20:17-28

There is a bold request that is tied to the culture of power.  When Jesus hears the mother of James and Johns' request that her boys be second and third in the power line of succession he stops her in her tracks.  Jesus lets her know that the request to be on his right and left are not an appointment that he is in charge of, but they WILL drink of the cup that he drinks from.  

How many times have we betrayed Jesus by putting power and money at the head of our list of "to do's"  We won't let anything get in our way because we don't serve God.  Money is not, in itself, bad, the misuse or abuse of power and money in our life is what gets us tied up. 

Jesus lets us know that if we want to be great, we need to serve God with humility, and love of our neighbor. It's not fancy and there are no horn blasts in the heart, though others may place you up on some higher level, it is our duty to remind ourselves that Jesus is in control and we serve Him. 

The attitude of the mother is one of exclusion, group, and tribal thinking that has stifled our growth as a church and the human family. The attitude of letting the flow of the Spirit work in and through us is not understood.  

Everything matters and everything is connected. 

Follow your thoughts and keep the light on Christ! 

Tuesday Week Two of Lent

Matthew 23:1-12

Week Two can be a time of purging and a time when the Holy spirit begins to reveal the real message of Lent and the false piety begins to fade.  Week two in the gospel is highlighted by the words of Jesus; "Do what they tell you to do, but don't follow their example."

Jesus knows that the religious leaders of the time placed harsher than necessary restrictions on the people, but their piety of instruction is to be followed.

"I fast and keep all of the Lenten observances"  but how do I treat my brother? Am I holding a grudge or remembering some bit of information that keeps me from a relationship with a brother or family member?  Do I forgive the faults of my life?  Am I keeping the Lenten observances and being mean and uncharitable toward the stranger and person of a different belief?  

Being a Christian requires an real emptying of oneself so we can be filled with Love.  God is Love.  We are created in the image of God.  We are created to Love. 

Week two of Lent and today's' gospel is a time to discover those sins and offenses, those habits and lack of charity we have deep within.  The beginning of Lent is Gods' way to say "What do you think keeps you from me?"  Week two is the time when God says "Here is what is keeping you from me."  Short temper, lying, not really keeping the fast etc.  

Dig in and root it out.  Be determined to empty the old vessel so that the Christ may fill us with the abundance of Love that He promised.

Lent is about being transformed into this wonderful person, we call human.  to Love those unlovable by society, to feed the hungry (not just chips and fish), clothe the naked (not with just a coat or hat) Visit those in hospitals and prison (not just behind physical bars and walls) 

Be still and let the movement of His Love fill our soul and rid us of the cancers of hate, fear, anxiety, control, and the lack of reverence of the Divine in humanity.

Monday, Second Week of Lent

Luke 6:36-38

If we can just stop judging each other, and not just about what a person did or didn't do, about the way they look, talk, comb their hair or don't, facial expressions, there is a whole batch of reason we start judging each other.  

We need to focus on the Divine in them and work around the rest, because after some time we will discover that when we start at "Yes" or an attitude of acceptance and remove the barriers that keep us divided we will find peace and spread peace.  That is the importance of mediation.  Shed the ego.  Lose the elite attitude. become one with our neighbors and thus with the Divine nature. Speak and act from a place of poverty and humility and not arrogance and pride.  We certainly can find the right words to justify our own sinful actions or faults, why then is it so hard for us to do the same for others?  

Today, when you find your thoughts going down that old worn out brain path, pick a new attitude, thoughtfully take another way.  Take His Way.

Reflection 2/12/17

Show me a sign.  Show me a sign that you are this person that you say that you are.  Prove that you are a king.  Prove to us that you are the Christ.  All of His earthly life Jesus was continually poked and prodded to reassure the righteous that He is who He says He is.

Jesus just fed a multitude of countrymen that heard he was healing people and they came to test Him further.  The Pharisees ask Jesus to reveal a sign that will undoubtedly prove that He is the Son of God.

Jesus healed many people and walked on water and that wasn't enough.  The people missed the mark, terribly, in thinking that Jesus came to heal the body or feed it, the reason was; that they may believe in the God that is father of the Son, born of a virgin woman.   Can we see the arrogance of thinking we know it all.  The same arrogance that we take from the tree of knowledge.  The devil played with words, twisted and manipulated the true meaning of the reason Eve wasn't to eat from the tree of knowledge.  Knowledge isn't bad, but, the danger is in the thinking we know it all.

The pharisees think they have all the answers and try to trap Jesus or get an "ah Ha" moment to prove to themselves they are right.  During the life of the Christ people were so focused on the physical healing that they miss the spiritual healing.

Jesus isn't impressed with their agenda and pays them little mind.  He lets them know that their generation will find no sign.  No sign will be found because no sign will be searched for, they know it all.  Arrogance is not capable of seeing beyond the mirror, the focus is closed, internal and exclusive.  Love is open, external, and inclusive

"He sighed from the depth of His Spirit"  as Jesus would in His last act of Love- open, external, and inclusive.

Reflection 1/23/17

While there are those that run around trying to figure out who is following the rubrics, there are those that look for opportunities to grow in Love.  Growing in Love requires a humble approach, and the approach starts with a simple word, "Yes", and "Yes" leads us to a closer relationship with, Jesus.

You see, we are much quicker to send a soul to hell based on our understanding of what we think Jesus wants from us than Jesus is.  Here are the words that are penned

"Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies
that people utter will be forgiven them.
But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
will never have forgiveness,
but is guilty of an everlasting sin."

I guess it's hard for some people to grasp the idea that the person we think is going to hell based on our perceptions may be in paradise.

Love never changes and while some argue the tough love stance, remember this 'Judge not less ye be judged."  it is much harder to show Love and Mercy than it is to damn a soul.  Take the road Jesus showed us.

In Him,

Br. Robert, BSD

It is in His Service that we find Him

The path to Jesus, to peace, is living for others in simple service.  You can have power, but use it to help and be fair. 

Christians have left a muddy footprint in history that continues to be dragged on the floor... We point fingers, exclude, and treat people less than human, we have murdered the soul and body and all done in the name of (love) God; if you don't act and do as we say you are lacking, or the enemy.  

Listen to the words Jesus focused on... He talked about service, humility, and love!  

Be inclusive, be humble, be kind and be the answer to a prayer and then let the Holy Spirit guide you! 

Have Faith

I was speaking to a woman after mass the other day and she explained how she felt like her prayers didn't matter.  

She went to describe the many years of praying that she has done for one particular cause, her son to find his path. 

I could see that the woman was sad and I asked her why the sadness, she just gave her son to Jesus at mass, surely her mind could rest a bit.

We talked about this centurion in today's gospel and I added that maybe the situation isn't for her son, maybe it's for you.  I mean when God works He has a big plan that we aren't always able to see.

Humility is a gift and the centurion had it and so must we.  How do we get it?  Seeing others with the eyes of God, listening to others with the ears of God, working with the hands of God, loving with unconditional love.  Humility is the road to heaven.

After a short time more I added that all the years that St. Monica prayed for Augustine we only see that her prayers were heard by God and how that transformed Augustine's life, what we don't hear about is all the people that Monica came in contact with while she was praying, we don't hear about the Monica that helped a neighbor, cared for the old, sheltered the poor and orphaned, yet these very things are what her prayers did for her, they humbled her in the face of God, in the face of her brothers and sisters, and in Augustine's eyes.

It wasn't until I asked her what his path looked like that she stared at me; "He's on it" she said.
You got it!  We are on it!

Your prayers are powerful and have an effect on the entire planet, Please, understand that we are all connected to one Almighty, Compassionate, Caring, Loving God.

God hears all of our prayers and has already dispatched his angels to align the plan, sometimes there are a lot of demons working against you and it takes the angels time to fight them all off, and to reach you.

Be humble in His eyes and pray, Prayer goes where we can't