As we begin the sixth week in Ordinary Time, the prophet Jeremiah and Jesus mince no words in their critique of people who align with “false prophets.” They warn those who would listen of the need to trust that God is actually present in the midst of uncertainty and pain, and not to look at material prosperity as a sign of blessing from the Divine. This week in the Book of Genesis, time and time again human beings turn inward to their selfish desires or act destructively out of fear, perpetuating a cycle of isolation from love and friendship. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus seems to be almost physically shaking his friends and would be disciples out of their slumber and to open their eyes to what they are missing right in front of them.

Today’s featured Xaverian is Brother Kevin Kenney, CFX. He dedicated his long career to the training of new Xaverian Brothers as the novice master. My former head of school, Brother James Kelly, described Brother Kevin as “redoubtable,” meaning formidable, intimidating, or worthy of respect or fear. To read about Br. Kevin’s style of training, perhaps in another life he would have been an effective Marine drill sergeant! However, those who were mentored by Br. Kevin spoke of him with awe and reverence. This man actually “formed” them in the ways of Theodore James Ryken and the Xaverian Charism which were transformative. In turn, these men helped thousands of young people become the adults God intended them to be in their journey of life. A key factor of Br. Kevin’s method of formation was his attention to the balance that is required by the spiritual life. He taught the novices the contemplative experience of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and other prayers, but pushed them to leave the confines of the novitiate and witness the very real lives and challenges of everyday Americans. In the words of the Fundamental Principles, Br. Kevin allowed the Brothers “to express, and share the love of God with the world
through their own giftedness.”

Here are the readings for Sunday, February 16 from the Prophet Jeremiah and from the Gospel of Luke.

(“Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem (on a Bible subject)” by Ilya Efimovich Repin)

Read page 11 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the biography of Brother Kevin Kenney, CFX on pages 680-682 of the Xaverian Menology.

(Above photo of Brother Kevin Kenney, CFX, second from left-Xaverian Brothers)

Consider the words of the Fundamental Principles about turning towards God and God’s service in comparison to Jesus’ plea in Luke to awaken to the realities of discipleship and what they can encounter following this path.