July 9, 2004

Readings: Hosea 14:2-10, Matthew 10: 16 - 23

I'm sure you have noticed that the Gospel readings this week have been taken from St. Matthew's 10^th chapter which concerns quite appropriately Jesus' discourse on mission.  In it our Lord speaks directly to his disciples about how they are to act and what they can expect as they pursue their ministry. 

 

He tells them that as they carry out the will of the Father, they can anticipate receiving the same treatment he himself received.  They will experience hostility, disappointment as well as acceptance.

 

Jesus' message is directed not only to his first disciples but equally to all the followers of Christ including the Christians Brothers in this place and time.

 

He tells us pointedly "I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves to be handed over but 'do not worry' about how you are to speak or what you are to say.  You will be given at that moment what you are to say.  For it will not be you who speaks but the Spirit of the Father speaking through you.”

 

He continues, "You will be hated by all because of my name but whoever endures to the end will be saved."  Do you hear him?  It's almost as though He was physically present here among us.

 

The message is very direct and unequivocal.  No doubt about what we are to expect or what we should do!  As our young people might say: "Awesome!"

 

Jesus' Gospel message fits the current condition of our Congregation.  For years we have been discussing what we are to say and what we are to do.  We have been pondering and speaking at numerous conferences, chapters, in large and small groups.  We have been praying in community and individually about evangelization, about our ministry, quality of our community living, relationship with God and our Brothers and vocation projections and prospects.  It may seem endless, baffling and even discouraging at times.  But perhaps this is as it was meant to be - part of (in His words) 'enduring to the end' -  of 'listening to the Spirit of the Father speaking through you.'

 

It would seem that, we Brothers, are earnestly trying to discern our role in God's plan.  It appears our current efforts are reaching for a new plateau, a new milieu, a new understanding where we hope to find a clearer vision of what our God wants from us and for us.  Will we succeed?

 

Success, I believe among other things, requires each of us to stir up the embers of our personal commitment to the teaching of Jesus and Edmund.  We need to constantly rekindle our initial intimate relationship with Christ.  We cannot leave the revitalization of our Congregation to our fellow religious, a committee or the leadership alone.  This personal renewal is essential for the success of our efforts and necessitates deep and sustained individual and community prayer and reflection.