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This Way

Posted on by Rob Peace
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During the sixth week in Ordinary Time, 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.

The tone of the readings for today are optimistic. In each one, a human is given a new start and direction. It is a reminder of both our own human freedom and capacities, but also the need for connection and relationships to unleash our freedom. Is it grace when humans find themselves redirected and seeing what is real for what seems like the first time?

Here are the readings for Wednesday, February 19 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(“Healing a Blind Man” by Eduourd Léon Edy-Legrand)

Read page 19 in the Xaverian Charism Project.

Read the biography of Br. John Wills, CFX on pages 468-470 in the Xaverian Menology.

(Above photo of Brother John Henry “Alberic” Wills, CFX-St. Xavier High School)

  1. The narrative in Genesis in which Noah steps onto dry land contains the emotions of a heartfelt reunion. How does the passage remind us of the power of forgiveness, both for the one forgiven and the one who does the forgiving?
  2. The Scripture readings today evoke images of sight and redirection. How did Brother John Wills guide his students, including those he never saw in a classroom?
  3. If you read the italicized paragraph at the top of page 19 of the Xaverian Charism Project, there is a meditation on finding “ordinary ground” followed by a statement in bold about what constitutes “ordinary.” How do the Scriptures for today echo the themes of “ordinary” as applied to the relationship between humans and God?

Common Good

Posted on by Rob Peace
1

During the sixth week in Ordinary Time, 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.

Humanity gets a wakeup call in the Book of Genesis, as do the apostles in the Gospel of Mark. In our weakness, we turn away from connections and relationships, and stifle our own growth. Jesus, somewhat impatiently, calls his friends to embrace the “common” aspects of daily living. They are not aware of what they are missing because they will not allow themselves to glimpse of what this life could be.

Here are the readings for Tuesday, February 18 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(“The Flood” by Hieronymus Bosch)

Read pages 18-21 in the Xaverian Charism Project.

(Above painting “Table for 5000, Please” https://ifiwalkedwithjesus.com/matthew-1415-21-jesus-feeds-5000-and-then-some/)

  1. Take some time to reflect on the words “ordinary” and “common.” How do they resonate to you at face value? Do you want to be identified with these terms?
  2. How did Ryken gravitate towards these terms, both in acts of immediate conversion and over time?
  3. How are Ryken’s definitions of “ordinary” and “common” found in Jesus’ actions with his disciples and thousands of strangers?

What Sign?

Posted on by Rob Peace
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As we begin the sixth week in Ordinary Time, 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.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gets frustrated by the ignorance of both his friends and those who would do him harm. They are hung up on the need for some miraculous sign to point them in the right direction, when the path is actually quite clear. In the story of Genesis, the human condition is laid bare through its worst possible outcome. Nevertheless, God, revealing God’s eternal goodness, gives even someone like Cain the opportunity to find his way back from his exile.

Here are the readings for Monday, February 17 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(“Cain and Abel”)

Read page 5 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the biography of Brother Gerard De Beuckelaere, CFX.

(Above photo of Brother Gerard De Beuckelaere, CFX, second from left-Xaverian Brothers)

  1. In the Fundamental Principles, the author speaks of entering an intimate relationship with God. How is trust so important to this ongoing relationship?
  2. In Mark, Jesus is constantly imploring people to stop waiting for something to happen and to simply be open to the experience, and risks, of relationships. How did Brother Gerard take this invitation seriously?
  3. What are the “signs” that we sometimes look for when we make decisions, which are actually distractions because deep down we know the path we should take?

Redoubtable

Posted on by Rob Peace
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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.

Along an Unfamiliar Path

Posted on by Rob Peace
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We come to the end of the fifth week in Ordinary Time, in which the first readings from Scripture illuminate the creation stories in Genesis, while the Gospel readings continue to follow the actions, prayerful pauses, and corrections performed by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. These readings reflect on God’s love in action, specifically creation, and how these creative powers establish connections with us, made in God’s image. Conversely, the Scripture confirms our all too human tendency to disconnect from God and our truest selves. Yet God continues to reach out and be right in our midst, gently calling us to turn around and embrace what is real and holy. These readings have powerful connections to the words of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers, especially on the themes of trust and surrender when one’s plans may not go as expected.

Here are the readings for Saturday, February 15 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Replica of the “Tabgha Mosaic,” Tabgha in Galilee, Israel)

Read pages 3 and 4 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

(Above photo of Brother Kevin Kenney, CFX and novices-Xaverian Brothers-more on him tomorrow)

  1. The “expulsion” passage from Genesis takes a harsh view of the human condition and consequences for selfish behavior. Where can we find glimmers of hope and trust in this sobering narrative?
  2. In the Gospel, consider the miracles that have occurred. Yes, the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish, but what other miracle took place in terms of belief and unbelief? How do the words of the Fundamental Principles remind us to trust the presence of God enough to walk an uncertain path whose outcome is unclear or doubtful?
  3. In the Fundamental Principles, the author uses the word “surrender” as a challenge and goal. We normally associate surrender with failure and weakness. How does the author flip this perception?

Vulnerability or Shame?

Posted on by Rob Peace
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During the fifth week in Ordinary Time, first readings shift to the creation stories in Genesis, while the Gospel readings continue to follow the actions, prayerful pauses, and corrections performed by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. These readings reflect on God’s love in action, specifically creation, and how these creative powers establish connections with us, made in God’s image. Conversely, the Scripture confirms our all too human tendency to disconnect from God and our truest selves. Yet God continues to reach out and be right in our midst, gently calling us to turn around and embrace what is real and holy.

Think about when you have really messed something up. Was it handled quietly or did you find yourself exposed, there alone to face your shame? Similarly, have you ever been in a difficult situation in which you really needed help, but were afraid to ask? How can we be open to the discomfort of being vulnerable so that we can be free from the burdens of shame?

Here are the readings for Friday, February 14 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Painting above of “Adam and Eve” by Marc Chagall)

Read “A Description of the Xaverian Charism as Lived by Collaborators.”

Read the appreciation of Brother David Eddy, CFX.

(Above photo of Brother David Eddy, CFX-Xaverian Brothers)

  1. How do we better “mutually help, encourage, and edify” one another? What kind of awareness do we need to possess to succeed in this task?
  2. How can we best use the spaces in our day, including the dull or boring parts, to seek this kind of awareness?
  3. It is often said that the “devil is in the details,” meaning if one doesn’t pay attention to the little things a great plan can go awry. Where have you seen or heard about an action in which the attention to details were made sacred?
  4. How does the story of Br. David Eddy’s life demonstrate how we cannot measure the impact of a person’s vocation based on fame or recognition?

Please consider writing your own responses to the readings or 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. 

Business but Unusual

Posted on by Rob Peace
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During the fifth week in Ordinary Time, first readings shift to the creation stories in Genesis, while the Gospel readings continue to follow the actions, prayerful pauses, and corrections performed by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. These readings reflect on God’s love in action, specifically creation, and how these creative powers establish connections with us, made in God’s image. Conversely, the Scripture confirms our all too human tendency to disconnect from God and our truest selves. Yet God continues to reach out and be right in our midst, gently calling us to turn around and embrace what is real and holy.

Trust in God’s presence and goodness radiate through today’s readings in Genesis and Mark. In the Charism statement, we are invited to affirm the call to self-giving, and to be open to how to share our gifts according to the signs of the times.

Here are the readings for Thursday, February 13 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Painting above of “The Syro-Phoenician Woman” by Michael Cook)

Read “A Description of the Xaverian Charism as Lived by Collaborators”, especially page 2.

Read the appreciation of Brother Conrad Callahan, CFX on p. 672 and 673 of the Xaverian Menology

(Above photo of Brother Conrad Callahan, CFX-Xaverian Brothers, St. Xavier High School, Louisville, KY)

  1. Brother Conrad was described in the text above and by people who knew him as “all business.” Yet he was also known by these same people as a compassionate soul. How do these seemingly divergent dispositions reflect the reality of the Xaverian charism in a person’s daily interactions with other people?
  2. Brother Conrad held multiple formal leadership positions. His discernment of his vocation led him to make a counter-cultural decision at the height of his influence as a head of school. How does this decision indicate how seriously he took the Value of Trust? How did this appreciation for trust sustain him later in life?
  3. How can lay people follow Brother Conrad’s example in our decisions that reflect the calls outlined in the Charism statement?

Please consider writing your own responses to the readings or 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. 

Tell Tale

Posted on by Rob Peace
2

During the fifth week in Ordinary Time, first readings shift to the creation stories in Genesis, while the Gospel readings continue to follow the actions, prayerful pauses, and corrections performed by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. These readings reflect on God’s love in action, specifically creation, and how these creative powers establish connections with us, made in God’s image. Conversely, the Scripture confirms our all too human tendency to disconnect from God and our truest selves. Yet God continues to reach out and be right in our midst, gently calling us to turn around and embrace what is real and holy.

We have been reflecting on the Xaverian value of Trust over the course of the season of Ordinary Time. The beauty of the Xaverian values is that they never exist in isolation. Each one invites us to connect to another value, and to experience how all five in concert can lead us to experiences of the Spirit. Trust is possible through a deep openness to Humility, where we are made aware of our own poverty of spirit and need for repentance. The conclusion of today’s reading in Genesis contains a reminder of how important humility is in our relationships and decisions. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus uses earthy metaphors to get his point across about how trust and humility come together to animate yet another value, that of Compassion, or the heart moving in action for others. The featured Xaverian today is Brother Dominic O’Connell, CFX, former Provincial and the first Principal at Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore. As you read the rich and sometimes blunt biography of this man written by Br. James Kelly, consider how Jesus’ image of the heart was present in the life and times of Brother Dominic. Dominic experienced no shortage of humbling times or of being put in his place. Nevertheless, consider how his belief in the power of relationships gave life to the words in the Fundamental Principles, which Br. James weaves beautifully through the text of his account of Br. Dominic’s life and times.

Here are the readings for Wednesday, February 12 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Painting above of “The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil” by Laura Sofer)

Read the reflection on the life of Brother Dominic O’Connell, CFX

(Above photo of Brother Dominic O’Connell, CFX-Xaverian Brothers, Mount Saint Joseph High School)

  1. What is the message of humility embedded in the conclusion of the creation story in Genesis? Where can this be challenging for us in day to day choices?
  2. In the Gospel, Jesus asks people to rethink their understanding of the sources of sin and evil. What was their mistake, even if it was well meaning? How can we be prone to make similar mistakes of judgment regarding the people we encounter?
  3. Br. Dominic was known as a man with a great heart. How did his compassion get him into trouble, and what did this reveal about his priorities as a leader?

Please consider writing your own responses to the readings or 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. 

Evening Came, and Morning Followed

Posted on by Rob Peace
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During the fifth week in Ordinary Time, first readings shift to the creation stories in Genesis, while the Gospel readings continue to follow the actions, prayerful pauses, and corrections performed by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. These readings reflect on God’s love in action, specifically creation, and how these creative powers establish connections with us, made in God’s image. Conversely, the Scripture confirms our all too human tendency to disconnect from God and our truest selves. Yet God continues to reach out and be right in our midst, gently calling us to turn around and embrace what is real and holy.

This week invites us to wrestle with our assumptions and priorities. Traditions that we take for granted may come under scrutiny. Sometimes, as we read about the conflicts between tradition and renewal, it is helpful to reflect on the act of creation itself, and its enduring gift for us here in the present tense. After every dark night, morning comes.

Here are the readings for Tuesday, February 11 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Painting above of “The Pharisees” by Karl Schmidt Rottluff)

Reflect on page 12 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the obituary of Brother William Drinan, CFX on pages 611-613 of the Xaverian Menology.

  1. Jesus asks his adversaries hard questions about religious traditions and sacred relationships. Have you ever had an experience in which you felt someone prioritized a tradition in a way that got in the way of or hurt an important personal or community relationship? What about if we are the ones who see only the tradition or fear of breaking with it? Who does Jesus ask us to be when we reach these uncomfortable spaces? Not just what do we do, but who shall we be?
  2. Brother William Drinan had numerous accomplishments in his life, and was creative and tenacious in following through with his missions. His bingo strategy to benefit one of the schools is a testament to persistence, optimism, and relationship building. As you read about his remarkable life, consider the paragraph on p. 12 of the Fundamental Principles about how the history of the Congregation is the actual lived expression and development of the Founder’s Charism. Note the reference to cycles of life and death. How do these words give us comfort and inspiration when faced with a problem whose solution is not readily accessible?

(Above photo of Brother William Drinan, CFX-St. John’s Preparatory School)

Please consider writing your own responses to the readings or 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. 

How Good that it Was

Posted on by Rob Peace
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During the fifth week in Ordinary Time, first readings shift to the creation stories in Genesis, while the Gospel readings continue to follow the actions, prayerful pauses, and corrections performed by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. These readings reflect on God’s love in action, specifically creation, and how these creative powers establish connections with us, made in God’s image. Conversely, the Scripture confirms our all too human tendency to disconnect from God and our truest selves. Yet God continues to reach out and be right in our midst, gently calling us to turn around and embrace what is real and holy.

Acts of creation and healing are prominent in today’s readings. Consider the connection between creation and healing, and how in our moments of contemplation, sometimes brief moments, we can be aware of the opportunities for each on a typical day and in familiar settings.

Here are the readings for Monday, February 10 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Painting above of “The Healing of a Child” by Daniel Bonnell)

Reflect on page 7 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the obituary of Brother John Lesica, CFX on pages 92-93 of the Xaverian Menology.

  1. Brother John Lesica served in multiple positions of official leadership in Xaverian schools and for his order’s community. How did he develop both religious and lay persons to prepare them for leadership and to share their gifts?
  2. How do Jesus’ healings in Mark reflect the final paragraph on page 7 of the Fundamental Principles that calls us to “…a true mutual sharing with your brothers and sisters…” and “a ready acceptance of each of them in all their sinful and graced humanity”?

(Above photo of Brother John Lesica, CFX-In Memoriam, St. Joe Prep Class of 1960)

Please consider writing your own responses to the readings or 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.