I’ve always had mixed feelings about the movie “Forrest Gump.” I always thought it was the third best movie of 1994 behind “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Pulp Fiction”, yet it got all the accolades. Nevertheless, there are several powerful quotes in the film that resonate today and have nothing to do with chocolate. My favorite line comes after Lt. Dan sarcastically asks Gump if he has “found Jesus yet?” Without missing a beat, Forrest replies, “I didn’t know I was supposed to be looking for him, sir.”

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. (Painting below “Jesus Preaching from a Boat” by Jorge Cocco)

Here are the readings for Wednesday, January 29 from the Letter to the Hebrews and from the Gospel of Mark.

Next, consider the advice of Anthony de Mello:

“Don’t ask the world to change….you change first. People who want a cure, provided they can have it without pain, are like those who favor progress, provided they can have it without change. The one who would be constant in happiness must frequently change.” -Anthony de Mello, SJ

(Above photo of Tim Coppejans, head of school at Des Freres in Bruges, Belgium, and Br. Dan Skala, CFX, General Superior)

1. What does de Mello insist is necessary for spiritual growth as well as tangible change for the better in our world?
2. In Mark, Jesus suggests that we are actually standing on fertile ground, we do not have to search for it. What daily reflective practices can help remind us of where we actually are and break the illusion that we are far away from God?
3. The Xaverian Brothers began in Belgium, and the Charism is still alive and well there, led by committed lay people and the Xaverian Brothers. Consider the story of Des Freres as an example of how the Charism continues to inspire people to recognize the fertile ground underneath their feet.