Tell Tale

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Rob Peace

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)

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?
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?
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 February 11, 2025 by Rob Peace

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.

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?
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)

How Good that it Was

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Rob Peace

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.

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?
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)

The Creation of Connections

Posted on February 9, 2025 by Rob Peace

Today begins the fifth week of Ordinary Time. During the weeks to come, 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.

Today’s featured Xaverian is the late Brother Cosmas Rubencamp, CFX. Br. Cos was the first Xaverian Brother I ever met, while on a college retreat near Richmond, VA. I had no idea about who the Brothers were, or what words like “charism” meant. Yet there was something quietly special about this man. He had an incredible ability to sense how young adults hungered for spiritual connections and he facilitated those bonds through fellowship, prayer, and from the witness of other people who had responded to calls to fall in love with God and God’s service. It was over twenty years later when I found myself working in a Xaverian school in Baltimore that I heard other Brothers speak about Br. Cosmas’ ministries, and how his calling took him from college campuses to Haiti and back, in service to those suffering from material and spiritual poverty. This man was a Xaverian, “freely choosing to live a life of love in faith and trust.”

Here are the readings for Sunday, February 9 from the Prophet Isaiah, Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, and from the Gospel of Luke.

(Painting above of “Jesus’ Miracle: The Miraculous Fishing” by Lapeyrouse Mornay, icon 20th century)

Reflect on page 1 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the obituary reflection of Br. Cosmas Rubencamp, CFX, on p. 6 of Concordia, Fall 2017

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges his new friends to try something new, which grips them with fear but they hang on nonetheless. Reflect on the last two paragraphs from page 1 of the Fundamental Principles. The words remind us that we are children of God, loved for our very being, and as such we are called to demonstrate this love to others in our journeys in life. How can we share this gift with others during busy and mundane daily encounters with those we know and those we don’t? How are we being called to look to the opposite side of our current orbit to try something new, especially if it scares us?

(Above photo of Brother Cosmas Rubencamp, CFX)

Forward

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Rob Peace

During the fourth week of Ordinary Time, the readings continue to reflect the themes of encouragement to faith communities and challenges to embrace what is new so that we may maintain what is sacred. Being open to the presence of God in uncertain times figure prominently. 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.

In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author reminds the audience of the men and women of faith who blazed a trail of commitment over time so that new believers could have the opportunity to be transformed and share the Good News. These trailblazers include the Twelve Apostles, who in their imperfect ways, were animated to embrace to the best versions of themselves with the people that they encountered. Today we also feature a great American trailblazer of faith, Brother Isidore Kuppel. His zeal for innovation and leadership inspired generations of people to fall in love with God and the Xaverian way.

(Painting below of Jesus sending out the Twelve)

Here are the readings for Thursday, February 6 from the Letter to the Hebrews and the Gospel of Mark.

Reflect on pages 4 and 5 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

(Above photo of Brother Isidore Kuppel, CFX-Xaverian Brothers)

Consider the language in the Letter to the Hebrews, the Gospel of Mark, and the Fundamental Principles. How are they all simultaneously comforting and challenging? What is the relationship between being open to the challenges of discipleship and experiencing the comfort of a graced relationship with God that is present in a community of brothers and sisters?
I love this picture of Brother Isidore. He is shown at repose, relaxing with an almost satisfied look on his face. It is an odd photo when one reads his biography above. The man rarely took it easy; it simply did not fit into his calling and the love that he felt from pursuing it. How did he internalize and then project the message from today’s Gospel about being sent forth? What lessons and insights did he glean from his failures that are of value to leaders today who respond to the call to be disciples?

Out of Weakness Made Powerful

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Rob Peace

(Painting below “Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac”)

Here are the readings for Monday, February 3 from the Letter to the Hebrews and the Gospel of Mark.

Reflect on the prayer, “Prophets of a Future Not Our Own” by Bishop Kenneth Untener.

(Above photo of Brother Plunket Doherty, CFX Teaching at Malden Catholic High School in 1970-Xaverian Brothers)

Are we able to be at peace with the idea that our legacy or life’s work may not be remembered by many, or that we may not see the fruits of our labor? How does this apply to anyone charged with forming or educating a young person?
If you were a follower of Jesus who witnessed him healing the man with the unclean spirit, would you judge the events that unfolded as a success? What was the source of the onlookers’ fears?
A former student once remarked that “Brother Plunket Doherty commanded a roomful of boys with just a look and a whisper.” How can our very dispositions around others be an efficacious way of sharing our faith or understanding of spiritual gifts?

Joy and Storm Clouds

Posted on February 2, 2025 by Rob Peace

As we begin the fourth week of Ordinary Time, the readings continue to reflect the themes of encouragement to faith communities and challenges to embrace what is new so that we may maintain what is sacred. 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.

Images of crucibles and foreshadowing of crucifixions permeate today’s readings from the book of Malachi and Gospel of Luke. These are sobering messages but hopefully not foreboding. Christianity, and the spiritual life in general, are not about glorifying suffering or masochism. Rather, just as Mary carried the sorrowful mysteries with her, the more attentive we are to our present realities, including times of dull or acute pain, the easier it is to accept moments of grace and happiness. What can help us in this journey is a commitment to the present tense with contemplative practices, even simple ones, that can put our lived experience into greater focus. Consider the very active life of Br. Philip Neri Crossen (bio below) that was animated by his commitment to stillness in prayer. This week, continue to reflect on the gentle and sometimes urgent prompting and encouragement in the letter to the Hebrews to follow the ways of Jesus, even when the path forward is not clear. Note also the patterns of activity that Jesus establishes for himself and his friends in the Gospel of Mark, and the tensions that his choices cause among even with people who admire him and his ministry. Like Jesus, may we own these uncomfortable moments with others as a part of revealing who we truly are meant to be, rather than to seem in appearance.

(Fresco below “Presentation of Christ in the Temple” by Giotto)

Here are the readings for Saturday, February 1 from the Book of Malachi, the Letter to the Hebrews, and the Gospel of Luke.

(Above photo of Brother Philip Neri Crossen, CFX-Xaverian Brothers)

Read the appreciation of Br. Philip Neri Crossen by Br. Thomas Ryan. Note the details of Br. Philip’s daily routine and the intentionality of his commitments large and small.
Reflect on the interactions of Mary with Simeon and Anna. How do their omens and warnings fit into a moment that is meant to be both a rite of passage and celebration of life? Remember, the Gospel literally means “Good news!” How can this inform us in our interactions with people we truly love in very active and selfless ways?

Turn Toward Not Away

Posted on February 1, 2025 by Rob Peace

In this third week of Ordinary Time, the readings continue to reflect the themes of encouragement to faith communities and challenges to embrace what is new so that we may maintain what is sacred. 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.

Like yesterday, today’s readings challenge us to embrace what is unknown. We are not to ignore our fears or pretend they do not exist, but instead recognize that these fears-of failure, rejection, mortality, are all real. In doing so, by being honest and vulnerable about what makes us uncomfortable, we can experience a transcendence, a grace that shines bright in the midst of the confusion caused by life’s storms. The author to the Hebrews, ever the cantankerous cheerleader for their community, recounts the difficulties faced by heroes of the Old Testament, and how they connected to the mystery of God even as they knew they would most likely not see the fruits of their labor fulfilled in their lifetimes. Like Jesus in Mark, the author to the Hebrews reminds the audience that faith does not let them avoid the storms, but to engage the storms and emerge stronger, regardless of the immediate outcomes.

(Painting below “Jesus Calms the Storm” by Neil Thorogood)

Here are the readings for Saturday, February 1 from the Letter to the Hebrews and from the Gospel of Mark.

Next, read and reflect upon “A Description of the Xavrerian Charism”

(Above portrait of Theodore James Ryken, Xaverian Brothers)

In the Charism statement, we acknowledge that like the Founder, Theodore James Ryken, we are called to be open to being “put in our place.” This implies the need for a disposition of humility but also one of gratitude. How can we experience this gratitude while at the same time navigating the very real and tangible challenges and conflicts that come with trying to live a spiritual life in an environment that may be inhospitable to this life?
It is important to not overlook the humorous detail in the Gospel of Mark that Jesus was fast asleep while out on the boat with the apostles. Ironically, it is the apostles who were actually asleep in this situation. What does this mean and why does Jesus so badly want them and us to wake up? What does Jesus want us to wake up to and recognize, perhaps for the first time?

Awareness of Conversion

Posted on January 25, 2025 by Rob Peace

As we come to the end of the second week of Ordinary Time, the readings shift somewhat today and tomorrow. Today the overwhelming themes are conversion and the zeal that comes from this transformation. We read about the conversion experiences of Saul of Tarsus and of the surviving 11 Apostles following Jesus’ resurrection. Conversion and awareness of it is a central component to the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers. 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. (Painting below “Jesus and his Apostles” by Edward Longo)

Conversion is never truly sudden, even if it is dramatic like Saul of Tarsus. True, he was thrown from his own life into darkness, emerging as a changed person. Yet if one reads the narratives about Paul’s faith journey, along with the points of emphasis in his missionary letters, it is clear that Paul’s conversion to the Gospel keeps occurring over time, sustaining him and giving him strength to approach new audiences and the challenges of a changing world.

How have experiences of humility (or humiliation) in your life been a source of wisdom which you can then share as a gift to others?
How is a religious conversion like a lifelong friendship, committed relationship or marriage?

Here are the readings for Saturday, January 25 from the Acts of the Apostles and from the Gospel of Mark.

Then read pages 12 and 13 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

(Above painting “The Conversion of St. Paul” by James B. Janknegt)

Br. James Kelly was my first boss at a Xaverian school. I say boss because there was never any doubt that he was in charge. He is best known for leading three Xaverian Schools, the last being Mount Saint Joseph High School, and for his larger than life personality. For me, what impressed me most about Br. James was his talent for sharing the history of the Xaverian Brothers with lay people like me who had little to no background in it, and in transforming these stories of the past into lessons and parables for our shared future as a school community. I learned later that Jim was not educated by Xaverian Brothers, so he made it his mission to find out as much of their history and dispositions as possible. He succeeded, with a convert’s zeal.

How has your understanding of history, either personal, societal, or of your own community, helped you share your values to new people in your orbit?
How have you maintained your core values yet adapted to how they inform your actions and work based on the signs of the times?

The Quickening

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Rob Peace

As we begin the liturgical season of Ordinary Time in the Christian tradition, we are invited to reflect on the daily readings. For this first week of the season, the first readings 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. Please consider writing your own responses to the reflection questions below, or to reply to other peoples’ contributions. (painting of Christ Healing a Leper by Vrindaji Bowman)

Here are the readings for January 16, 2025 from the Letter to the Hebrews and from the Gospel of Mark.

The author to the Hebrews is concerned about “hardening of peoples’ hearts.” Why is the author so concerned about attitude, and for people not to be grim do-gooders?
Besides not being mobbed by crowds, what might another reason have been for Jesus telling the leper not to say anything about being healed?

Read pages 5 and 6 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

How does the author of the Fundamental Principles sound similar to the author of the Hebrews about choosing a way of life and about one’s attitude towards this life?
“Quickening” is often used to refer to the first signs of life or a sudden stimulation or revelation. How does the author of the Fundamental Principles reflect on a person’s conversion or revelation of God?

(Photo above of Mr. Joseph Cegelski, math teacher at Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, MD from 1965-2015)

Ordinary and Unspectacular in the Liturgical Year

On Being in the Present Tense

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