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.
Both the letter to the Hebrews and the Gospel of Mark speak to Jesus’ availability, especially to those pushed aside or shunned in their societies. In Mark we also read accounts of “the crowd”, which becomes a character in its own right in this Gospel narrative. The crowd is fascinated with Jesus, but is fickle when it comes to whom and when it chooses to venerate, ignore, or condemn. People in the crowd are reactive and not reflective. Jesus, on the other hand, possesses the spiritual discipline to be faithful to his mission and not be distracted by the temptations of celebrity, or to become someone that he is not to fit the desires of the crowd. Consider when you are having a moment in which you are tempted to speak or act out of expediency and not out of authenticity? When are those weak moments most likely to occur, and when can you reflect on these and other events in your day-in the morning, on a commute, or before you retire for the evening? Think about reflection to prevent reaction.
(Above Hugo Hammer, CFX as a Senior at St. Xavier High School in Louisville, KY 1940)
By all accounts, Br. Hugo led a vigorous and active life! How do the spiritual recommendations on p. 12 of the Fundamental Principles direct us to intentionally reflective practices to sustain our energy in our lives that in their own way are just as busy as Br. Hugo was?
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.
This is Ordinary Time, both in the liturgical year and in secular life. It is natural to feel sluggish with no holiday or event immediately on the horizon. The two readings are an interesting juxtaposition between “sluggishness” and the “sabbath.” Reflect on a daily observance or ritual that helps you to connect, either with another person, or to God. It can be simple, but it must involve a degree of vulnerability or discomfort on your part.
Settings change as do circumstances even if a person or community is confident in knowing their mission and beliefs. When one moves from a familiar place to somewhere new, it can be frightening and disorienting. Reflect on how Br. Bonaventure reflected the Charism expressed in the Fundamental Principles through the different journeys his life took him.
This week, as we read and reflect on the Scripture and on the lives of people transformed by the Xaverian Charism, consider the challenge and the joy of finding God in ordinary communal settings. St. Paul’s outline of the ideal Christian community in Corinth is quite simple-be open to one’s spiritual gifts and give that gift away to others you know those you don’t know. Then, be at peace that whatever earthly station in life you find yourself because of these gifts, that you are a reflection of God and part of something great, something holy, and that in this communal setting of faith that you are loved and free to love. It sounds so simple, but it is incredibly difficult given our very human desire to stand out and above others, be it through achievements or acquisitions. We foolishly associate them as examples of real power, instead of being aware of the real power in sharing it or giving it away. We choose fission instead of fusion. We are blessed, though, to know and read about the women and men who understand their place (which may change over time!) in their communities and in their journeys into the unknown, and who knit people and their environment back together thread by thread.
This week, as we read the letter to the Hebrews and Gospel of Mark, be inspired by the ordinary but transformative messages of perseverance, making connections with other people when social norms dictate otherwise, and healing through the balance of action and contemplation.
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. 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.
(painting below of “The Call of Levi” by Caravaggio)
Today’s reading from the Hebrews focuses on the need to be vulnerable as Jesus did. The term “vulnerable” has become popular as a synonym for “authentic”, but there is more to it than that. Why is vulnerability such an essential part of following Jesus’ mission?
In the passage from Mark, Jesus uses the dinner table as an image for his vision of the Kingdom of God. When Jesus makes the remark about the sick to the Pharisees, how is Jesus actually doing his adversaries a favor and helping them by calling them out publicly in this setting?
1. Ryken’s inspiration and vision came from a belief that his faith journey could not occur without other people. This was true for practical purposes but also spiritual purposes. What do you think Ryken had in mind for a greater connection with Jesus when he envisioned the Xaverian way to be a “band of brothers (and sisters)”?
2. Consider reading the obituary of Br. Brian Vetter. Reflect on the ways in which he experienced joy and fulfillment by being open to each uncomfortable new calling.
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. 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.
(painting below of “The Temptation of St. Anthony” by Hieronymus Bosch)
The author to the Hebrews is full of concern about the peoples’ failure to observe the Sabbath, or to rest. Why is this a temptation today as much as it was 2000 years ago?
Meditate on Jesus’ comment to his detractors-“which is easier to say-your sins or forgiven or to say get up and walk.” The Pharisees think they know why it is easier to say get up and walk, but what is Jesus really challenging them and us to consider?
Conversion is a tricky term to apply to people, because it suggests immediate transformation. How does the author of the Fundamental Principles concur with the author to the Hebrews about pauses, sabbaths, or space in the day as necessary for that conversion to take place?
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)
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?
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)
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 below by Paul Gauguin)
What do you believe that the author of the book of Hebrews is saying to the audience about the simple but difficult dispositions Christians should have in their interactions with other people and with the world?
In Mark, Jesus’ disciples do not understand why he left the crowd to be alone and pray. Consider when you have the opportunity to do as Jesus did, for however short a time, but choose not to and revert to a familiar pattern or behavior. How can you break this cycle of inertia?
How does the author of the Fundamental Principles emphasize the dispositions and practices of Jesus from the previous readings, and how does the author encourage us to persevere in being countercultural?
Above photo of Br. Harry Eccles, CFX and Br. Richard Mazza, CFX at the Sant in Haiti.
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. (Below: Eleventh century fresco of the Exorcism at the Synagogue in Capernaum)
When Jesus drives out the unclean spirit, why does he command the spirit to be quiet, rather than seizing the opportunity for the people to learn more about his identity?
Jesus taught and healed on the sabbath, the day of rest. The purpose of the sabbath is not just about disconnecting, but about reconnecting. Reconnecting can take energy on a day of rest. How can you be mindful of the balance between disconnection and reconnection and put it into practice on a day-long or hour-long sabbath?
On page 3 of the Fundamental Principles, the author states that “at times you will discover that God’s ways are not your ways, and God’s thoughts are not your thoughts. When this happens, try to surrender yourself trustingly into the arms of your Parent God.” At what times in your life have you made this discovery (good, peaceful, stressful, grief-stricken, angry, relaxed) and how have you responded as a kind of “surrender?”
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.
In the letter to the Hebrews, why is the author comparing Jesus to angels? What is the author trying to say not only about Jesus but about human beings and our own worth?
From the Gospel of Mark, a potential hot take-did Peter, Andrew, James and John follow Jesus in part because they were bored and were sick and tired of smelling like old fish and brine? Is there anything wrong with that, or with making positive choices that begin from less than selfless motives?
Being present to the unspectacular but graced moments in Our Journey of life-January 12-18, 2025
“One who knows oneself, knows God: and one who knows God is worthy to worship Him as is right. Therefore, my beloveds in the Lord, know yourselves.” – St. Anthony of Egpyt
As we begin the liturgical season of Ordinary Time in the Christian tradition, we are invited to reflect on the daily readings from the Bible. This week, 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. In the letter to the Hebrews, the author highlights the weakness of the human condition but reminds us that we are still loved and capable of loving. We are worth redeeming. That is the nature of God which is a part of us humans. Belief comes from wanting to be transformed and be more like Christ, being present, humble, and willing to sacrifice out of love. This is a reminder about humility and persistence and how they are linked.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is on the move and inviting anyone on the ride with him. We begin to see a conflict between Jesus and those who cannot get out of their own way, or who are so attached to institutional norms that they cannot pursue the path of holiness that they claim to represent. At the same time, Jesus models holiness through the balance he strikes in his daily decisions. He speaks of the Kingdom of God and then acts of of compassion to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Yet rather than revel in his newfound celebrity, after each extraordinary sign Jesus withdraws to quiet spaces for contemplation and reflection on his relationship with God and his neighbors.
Beginning tomorrow and each day this week, we will publish short reflections and questions on the daily readings and invite you to respond in the comments section. We will also consider how the revelation in the Scripture is present in the Xaverian Charism, and how we may respond in our actions and contemplative moments.
Each week, we also reflect on the life of a person who embodied or embodies the Xaverian Charism, one who “falls in love with God, and in God’s service.” This week, consider the life of Br. Nilus Cullen, CFX. The biography is from the Xaverian Brothers Menology.
BROTHER NILUS CULLEN (Cornelius Francis Cullen) Born: Baltimore, Maryland, December 7, 1912 Died: La Paz, Bolivia, November 15, 1995 Cornelius Cullen came to know the Xaverian Brothers as a student at Mount St. Joseph’s. He graduated in 1931, and for a while continued his studies at Loyola College, Baltimore. He entered the congregation on September 17, 1933 and on March 19 of the following year he was admitted to the novitiate and was thereafter known as Brother Nilus. In June, 1938, after professing final vows on March 19, he completed his studies at Catholic University and the following September began his teaching career at the Mount. His qualities as a leader were recognized early, and in 1946, after eight years at his first mission, at the age of 34, he was appointed superior and headmaster of Leonard Hall, Leonardtown, Maryland. For the next thirty-six years, Nilus filled positions of leadership including superior at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Bardstown, Kentucky, (1953-1956), provincial of the American Province (1956-1962) provincial delegate for Bolivia (1962-1968), and director of the Educational Center in Carmen Pampa, Bolivia (1962-1982). In 1962, at age fifty, Brother Nilus began the second phase of his mission as a Xaverian Brother. Having served on the U.S. Bishops’ special committee on Latin America when provincial, he responded to the request of Bishop Thomas Manning, a former student of his at the Mount, to begin a Xaverian mission in the Prelacy of Coroico with the education of very poor Indian children. The situation in Bolivia at this time called for his assets as a leader. Nilus built buildings, bulldozed roads, dug trenches to channel water to the school. He fell in love with the campesinos, while helping to organize a coffee cooperative, develop a teacher training program, an elementary school and an education program for adult campesinos who never went to school. He even designed a street plan for the local community of Carmen Pampa which today bears his name, Villa Nilo. In 1982, Nilus left Carmen Pampa and went to the Seminario del Espiritu Santo in Espada to help Bishop Manning build the seminary. Nilus’ contribution to the physical plant is evident everywhere at Espada. But Nilus also taught at the seminary—lessons beyond English and accounting—lessons that would last: on any given night, one would find his room filled with the young seminarians. For them Nilus was the father many never had, a friend, and a trusted counselor. He had made room in his heart so that the campesinos would feel at home in his presence and in doing so he made Bolivia his home. It was his wish to finish his life and mission as a Xaverian with the people he had come to love. Brother Nilus died at the Hospital of the Assumption in La Paz in the arms of one of the seminarians, now Father Freddy Del Vilar, who serves as a curate in Sorata near Espada. The funeral Mass was celebrated by his former student, Bishop Thomas Manning, at the Seminario del Espiritu Santo in Espada where he was laid to rest.
Questions to Contemplate This Week
Note the authentic connections that you give and those that you receive each day. Is it balanced?
Whom have you encouraged each day while it is still today?
Why is sin deceitful? Where or when do you find yourself aware of this deceit in your own thoughts and choices?
Jesus is constantly in the presence of unclean or dirty people-fishermen, lepers, people with troubled spirits, corrupt officials, and prostitutes. What daily interactions make us uncomfortable but are valuable for us and the ones we should interact with?
Ordinary and Unspectacular in the Liturgical Year 