April 17-Holy Thursday and the Lord’s Supper

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Rob Peace

So when he had washed their feet
and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,
he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

John 13: 12-15

Here are the complete readings for Thursday, April 17, 2025.

(“Agnus Dei” by Francisco Zurbaran)

Some memories can be dangerous memories. They could be memories of tragedies or humiliations, but not always. Can we recall the times in which we were invited to reorient our outlook or worldview, and accepted this invitation with all its consequences? The danger comes in the memory of the transformation that was disruptive to our previous place of comfort or familiarity. Surrendering like that is a radical choice and goes against our cultural norms about success and happiness. How do we recall these actions in a way that can change other people and aid in our continuing transformation? This is why rituals can be so powerful in any faith tradition or mission driven community. Rituals recall sacrifice, goodbyes, and loss, but they also signify rebirth and that the hope that this rebirth supplies. As we conduct such rituals, whether the Triduum or any other collective remembrance, let us pray that our minds and hearts are open and that we do not forget.

Study and reflect also
upon the history of the congregation,
for this history
is the actual
lived
expression and development
of your Founder’s charism.
It will reveal to you
the mysterious ways of God
in the cycle of death and rebirth
that has been the life of the congregation. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, thank you for the gift of our loved ones who have gone before us. May their acts of courage help us to love you and our neighbors. Help us remember this gift when we feel most alone. Give us the strength to receive your grace that calls us out of darkness and into new life and ways of being.

Amen

March 12-Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Rob Peace

At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

Luke 11: 31-32

Here are the complete readings for Wednesday, March 12, 2025

(“The Sign of Jonah” Icon from orthodox_icons)

Jonah was lucky. The only real sign for us is the reality of our own mortality. With that in mind, how shall we best use the days in front of us now, starting with where we are today? In other words, how do we differentiate between what is within our control and what is not, and then be at peace with our choices? At the end of the day, can we better judge as to whether the day was good or bad? What changes did we make? What acts of courage took place? Did we recognize instances of weakness or disengagement? Did we make amends for a moral failing, or give thanks for an unexpected grace? Hopefully, at the end of the day we can give thanks that we are continuing a journey of becoming more like whom we really are.

Ryken looked upon his original vocation
as being a conversion
through which he
fell in love
with the service of God.
Yet, he too,
came to the understanding
that a continual conversion is needed.
Be patient, therefore, with yourself and with God. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, teach me to understand what I do not know. Give me the questions to ask and the courage to ask them. Remind me that each day is different, but always filled with your presence and your grace. Thank you for the opportunity to change so I may be more of the person you intend me to be.

Amen

Sunday, March 9-The First Sunday of Lent

Posted on March 9, 2025 by Rob Peace

No evil shall befall you,
            nor shall affliction come near your tent,
For to his angels he has given command about you,
            that they guard you in all your ways.
Upon their hands they shall bear you up,
            lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the asp and the viper;
            you shall trample down the lion and the dragon.

Psalm 91: 10-13

(Christ in the desert by Nicholas Roerich)

In helping people becoming the best version of ourselves, are we better at helping others than we are ourselves? It is hard to know the way forward when we are unaware of what we are doing and the motives behind our choices, even with supposedly altruistic actions. In a way, Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and solitude was preparation not just for overcoming temptation, but for the awareness to recognize the difference between temptation and actual self-care and connection. When we give of ourselves unselfishly, can we recognize the action simply for what it is and be open to the grace that appears, not as a reward, recognition, or affirmation from others, but simply in the action of giving?

Remember,
Jesus, your brother,
has walked this path before you.
In you,
as Risen Lord,
He wants to walk this path again,
and His Spirit, the Spirit of God,
now guides you.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, give me the humility to accept that I am loved in spite of my actions or the masks that I wear. When I say “in spite of myself”, remind me that “myself” is full of your graced being and longs for connection. Give me insight and foresight to appreciate how loved I am, even when I find myself alone and afraid.

Amen

Don’t Miss the Eternal Encounters Right Now

Posted on March 4, 2025 by Rob Peace

Today is the last day of this cycle of Ordinary Time. Tomorrow, the season of Lent commences with the observance of Ash Wednesday. That will be tomorrow. Let us not forget the grace filled ordinariness of today. The readings today suggest wisdom and happiness occur when we place ourselves and our hearts in service of God and those we meet on our mundane day to day encounters. Giving oneself away is indeed a gift.

Next week this platform will offer prayers and meditations on the daily readings and spiritual practices for use during the season of Lent. Much gratitude for everyone who viewed, read, or commented on this blog during the season of Ordinary Time.

Here are the readings for Tuesday, March 4 from the Book of Sirach and the Gospel of Mark.

(painting above “Suffer little Children to Come to Me” by Rembrandt)

Read pages 24 and 25 of the Xaverian Charism Project of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the obituary for Brother Carlos Magruder, CFX on pages 562 and 563 of the Xaverian Menology.

(Above photo of Brother Carlos Magruder CFX from”The Tower”-Mount Saint Joseph High School yearbook)

The words in the Book of Sirach and Jesus’ plea in the Gospel of Mark reflect the call not just to patience and temperance, but finding joy in one’s place even if we feel we are not moving ahead as we feel we should. How does the phrase “the last shall be first” translate into day to day living, and not just an eschatological expectation for after we die?
Consider the career path of Br. Carlos Magruder. He clearly didn’t stand still and was active until he was very old. Yet how did he still model this disposition of turning towards God and being open to the presence of God wherever he was and whatever he was doing?

A Thousand Acquaintances

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Rob Peace

In the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time, the first readings shift to meditations from the Book of Sirach on wisdom and on the mysterious Wisdom that is God, spoken in gentle but firm parlance of a parent passing on advice to a child, especially one going through transitions in growth or into adulthood. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals to his friends and the crowds about what it means to be fully human, which is to embrace the joy of emptying oneself of the pretenses of status caused by well-meaning but distracting ambition.

Do we need to be put in our place before we can trust God and our loved ones? Consider the role of humility and vulnerability needed to open ourselves to others as we truly are. How do the Scripture passages caution us about the sometimes insidious nature of the human condition and how we can betray those we profess to love or respect?

Here are the readings for Friday, February 28 from the Book of Sirach and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Painting above “Shapes of Fear” by Maynard Dixon)

Read pages 20 and 21 of the Xaverian Charism Project of the Xaverian Brothers.

(Above photo of Brother Alexius Vanderwee, CFX: First Provincial in the United States-Xaverian Brothers)

The Scriptures reveal some difficult truths about the selfishness that may lie dormant in us. In reading these passages, especially from Sirach, how do you process when these tendencies arise in you, and how do you respond?
Take some time to read about the counter-cultural nature of the “ordinary” in the Xaverian Charism Project. Why is such a simple term so hard to embrace, even for a prayerful person?
Why did Ruusbroec and Ryken believe there was hope for people to recognize the “ordinary” in their journeys in life?

Delay Not

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Rob Peace

Today’s readings show us that wisdom is a gift that is not necessarily convenient. Perhaps the expression “come to Jesus meeting” takes inspiration from today’s Gospel. As alluded to in the Xaverian Charism Project, when we experience conversion, we are turning towards something more than we are turning away from something else.

Here are the readings for Thursday, February 27 from the Book of Sirach and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Orthodox image above of “Jesus Teaching His Disciples” Jaroslav Girovysky/Alamy Stock Photo)

Read page 20 of the Xaverian Charism Project of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the biography of Brother Talbot McSharry, CFX.

(Above photo of Brother Talbot McSharry, CFX-Xaverian Brothers)

Reflect on the images and phrases in both of today’s readings. How do they make you feel? Why are they written in a style that is anything but gentle?
In the Xaverian Charism project, the author refers to a “simple intention.” How does this phrase remind us that “simple” does not mean “easy”?
Last night I attended a dinner for graduates of Mount Saint Joseph High School, mostly from the 1950’s and early 1960’s. I asked one gentleman to name some of his favorite Xaverian Brothers. His face brightened when he said-“I really liked Brother Talbot!” Brother Talbot did not have an easy life, but as demonstrated from my interaction and from the testimony of other former students, he had a memorable life. Reflect on how he pursued the “simple intention” and “turned toward the ordinary.”

Without Constraints

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Rob Peace

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.

As this week in Ordinary Time comes to a close, we reflect on both the mercy of God and on the nature of deep sharing in our lived experiences of experiencing God. How does affirmation of others, free of guile or self-interest, help reveal the presence of God in our midst and in the ordinary moments of a day?

Here are the readings for Saturday, February 22 from the First Letter of Peter and from the Gospel of Matthew.

(Painting above of “St. Peter’s Rescue from the Lake of Galilee” by Herbert Bokls)

Read page 8 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the biography of Br. Bartholomew Varden, CFX.

(Above photo of Brother Bartholomew Varden, CFX-Xaverian Brothers)

How does the passage from 1 Peter apply to leaders who aim to model the Xaverian value of Trust?
Jesus showed considerable trust in Peter, even though Peter had let Jesus down before and would do so again, and under more serious circumstances. What does Jesus’ message to Peter reveal about the nature of God and God’s relationship with human beings?
What gave Brother Bartholomew the energy to accomplish what he did in his ministries? What did his fellow Xaverian Brothers say about his demeanor as well as his achievements?

I Know Talent

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Rob Peace

Human achievement can be sign of joy and solidarity. When done with a generous heart, labor and sacrifice can produce incredible things that can sustain and improve peoples’ lives. Compare the motives of the people who build the tower in Genesis with the type of heart that Jesus insists for his disciples. How do the Fundamental Principles support Jesus’ message of both the challenges and the joys of giving oneself away?

Here are the readings for Friday, February 21 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Painting above of “The Tower of Babel” by Peter Bruegel the Elder)

Read pages 3 and 5 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the biography of Br. Philip Dougherty, CFX on pages 41-42 in the Xaverian Menology.

(Above photo of Brother Philip Dougherty, CFX, his senior year at Mount Saint Joseph High School in 1933-“The Collegian” yearbook)

In the community of Xaverian Brothers, Associates, and Partners in Mission, we reflect on how the Holy Spirit may be calling us to do or be something new. How did Br. Philip embody this spirit of renewal in his leadership roles?
How did Jesus allude to the lessons from the Tower of Babel to the people in the crowd?
Jesus preached a counter-cultural message when he implored his followers to take up their cross. It suggests that discipleship can come as a burden. Is it a burden or a challenge about what is necessary for positive change in the world? How does Jesus’ message resonate with the message from the Fundamental Principles about what it takes to achieve anything special (see page 3)?

Paved With Good Intentions

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Rob Peace

Today we hear hopeful reminders about the innate goodness of humans and God’s very essence as self-giving, connected together by a covenant promise. In the Gospel of Mark, Peter fails to connect the notion that we most authentically share our goodness through openness to others’ needs and through acts of self-sacrifice. Poor Peter, he had the best of intentions, like all of us. At the same time, one cannot blame Jesus for losing his temper, much like a beleaguered teacher who has explained the same concept over and over again to a class that will not internalize the message because they are too distracted.

Here are the readings for Thursday, February 20 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Image above from Little Life Designs)

Read page 19 in the Xaverian Charism Project.

Read the biography of Br. Charles Moran, CFX on pages 478-479 in the Xaverian Menology.

(Above photo of Brother Charles (Timon) Moran, CFX, Xaverian Brothers)

Think of time in which you thought you were being helpful to someone and you said the wrong comment or did the wrong action instead. When did you recognize your error? Did it change you at all?
Brother Charlie created an extraordinary opportunity for young people to experience the Xaverian Charism beyond the classroom which has since produced generations of Xaverian partners in mission. How did he witness to the power of the “ordinary” that is shared in the Xaverian Charism Project?
As you read the text in the Xaverian Charism Project, reflect on Ruusbroec’s thoughts on the “common good” and on humanity’s chance to “come back home.” How can those phrases have meaning for us in our highly structured and often repetitive days?

This Way

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Rob Peace

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)

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?
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?
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?

Ordinary and Unspectacular in the Liturgical Year

On Being in the Present Tense

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