For the second week of the season, the first readings continue to come from an unknown author directed at the somewhat ambiguous audience in early Christianity known as “the Hebrews.” The Gospel readings during Ordinary Time are focused on Jesus and his actions and words, but mostly his actions, in the Gospel of Mark. There is also a reflection question based on documents from the Xaverian Brothers or from accounts of the lives of Xaverian Brothers or lay Partners in Mission. Please consider writing your own responses to the reflection questions below, or to reply to other peoples’ contributions. Also, if you know of a person, either religious or lay person, who has modeled the Xaverian way, and wish to share their story, please feel free to add to the comments section. (Print below of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists, by Thomas Ribits, OSFS)
Covenants are meant to be immutable or unbreakable as a sign of the commitment between the two parties. For us humans, though, to be in such a relationship with God and others requires us to change and to do so throughout our journey of life, even when we are older and think ourselves less capable of rediscovery or transformation. Today, consider the lives of the 12 Apostles, St. Francis de Sales, and Xaverians such as Br. John Casey, CFX. All of them committed themselves to covenant relationships to their God and their communities. Their transformation over time was gradual and not always dramatic. In order for them to be committed to their promises, they had to discern, over and over again, and with humility lest they assume they fully understood the ways and will of God.
Then read page 13 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.
(Above painting “Christ and the Apostles” by the German School)
“Apostle” means “to be sent”, and to have authority to proclaim the mission. Does the authority come from expertise, or from one’s commitment to articulating and living out that mission? Actually, authority becomes very authentic when one reflections on previous experiences, and shares their failures as well as successes with new audiences so that they need not endure the same mistakes that they have made. This confidence through reflection gives more authority in spiritual matters to those who listen as opposed to those who try to exercise authority through control. Today is also the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, who was known for clarifying the meaning of the Scriptures and applications in the Christian life. People listened to him because he first listened to them, and disagreements were dialogues, not diatribes. Who in your life have been those gentle but firm authority figures, to sometimes put you in your place, but to do so out of love and concern for your growth?
photo above of Br. John (Senan) Casey, CFX
Ordinary and Unspectacular in the Liturgical Year 