Being Brother - Celebrating Religious Brothers Day - May 1

May 1 is the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker and since 2017 it is also recognized as Religious Brothers Day. “Through the gift of Brotherhood given, he (the Religious Brother) becomes a bridge between God and his brothers, anointed and sent by the Spirit to bring the Good News of love and mercy of God.” (Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church.)

                As a Friar preparing to profess my Solemn Vows this summer and live my life as a Religious Brother (non-ordained Friar) I have been pondering the gift of this vocation. Instead of just thinking about what it was and what it could be I turned to three sources of Religious Brother wisdom. These three Franciscan Religious Brothers who have lived their years by rooting their life in God and the vows made, provided me with a deeper appreciation for this vocation.

Br. Gerry leads music at Blessing of Pets

                Brother Gerry Clyne, who this October will celebrate twenty-five years as a Religious Brother, when asked what it means to be a Religious Brother said, “Being a Religious Brother means living a life that I came to desire passionately even before I became a Catholic. It is a life of concentrated prayer and ministry in a Christ-centred community.”

                One only needs to spend a few moments with Br. Gerry to appreciate his deep prayer life. He carves purposefully early moments each day to pray, to listen and to go deeper with God. It is out of these moments that he approaches the day and is present to so many whether it is for spiritual direction, presenting a retreat talk or listening during a fifth-step for those in recovery. I am always in awe of Br. Gerry’s peacefulness; it is a gift which reminds me to “be still and know God.”

In reflecting more on his vocation, he thinks back to a pivotal moment in his journey, “During Methodist Bible College I became enamored with the first Christians in Acts. I became intrigued with the notion that Religious Life in the Catholic Church preserved their ideal way of life. Although I would have become a Catholic regardless, to me, becoming a Catholic and a Religious were always closely connected.”

Br. Jean-Louis Brusset, who has been a religious Brother for nearly as many years as I am alive, shared, “being a non-ordained friar as a Franciscan means that I take on in a specific way a vocation living in and for Christ through the lens and lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. Not that I try to mimic these two saints but try to absorb their contemplative approach to Christ in the process of attempting to let myself be transformed by God's good grace.”

Br. Jean-Louis standing - missionary work

One can see a life of prayer is key to the life of a Religious Brother. Prayer is obviously important to all people however within the life of a Religious Brother it is central to how we function and how we become prayer for those who have limited time or struggle to pray. Br. Jean-Louis is mindful of this gift as he often voices prayers of petition during our communal prayers.

At our Friary I share a hallway with Br. Jean-Louis and often as I leave my room, I notice him in his “prayer chair” reflecting on scripture or Franciscan texts or meditating. As I glimpse him in prayer, I think of something he shared, “I have been led in a wonderful variety of ways for which I am most grateful. And living without property, in obedience and in chastity allows the journey possible in following Christ more closely. Nevertheless, they remain formidable and challenging vows.” The context of our vows are life-giving sources for us to truly be brother.  

The third source of Religious Brother wisdom I sought out is Br. Bert Manthey. In 2004 he made his Solemn Vows as a Religious Brother and he, like Br. Gerry and Br. Jean-Louis has lived in various friaries. He ponders his vocation, ““and the Lord gave me brothers” My prospective follows on the heels of this historical statement…given by our founder St. Francis of Assisi. In the humbleness of spirit and operating in God's gift of freedom, a lay brother offers himself to the many faceted works allowed him in the course of his religious life, in and out of his fraternity. Perhaps bridging the gap between the known priestly form of religious life, and that of the lay church community.”

              

Br. Bert serves Birthday Cake at Br. Anthony's 90th Birthday.

  Br. Bert speaks of humbleness and freedom and bridging a gap. This can only come from a life of prayer and an awareness that as Brothers we must be about relationship with God, each other and creation. Br. Bert always has a quick smile and quick remark and he is often in service of his brothers, caring for them and their needs. He reminds me to make my prayer into lived action not just words that cross my lips. “As a religious brother, the opportunity to work without pre-conditioned expectations, as a friend and co-worker in caring for the needs of society, whether it be spiritual, physical or societal. The openness to expression and the allowance to minister in freedom within the framework of Christian morals and ethics. ln short, to be a fellow citizen in the world,” Br. Bert said.

While reflecting on service in the brotherhood, Br. Jean-Louis reminded me of the universal nature of the Friars and how service is a call to be a brother no matter where we are and especially with our poorest brothers and sisters. “I am especially grateful for having received the grace to live among other cultures apart from my own and, oddly enough, have received more than I ever gave; a reverse evangelization so to speak.”

Being able to serve one another in love is part of embracing the greatest of commandments that Jesus entrusted to his followers. Br. Gerry gives perspective to this, “being a Religious Brother calls me, therefore, beyond my tendency to be self-absorbed to serving others after the example and inspiration of Jesus. Being a Religious Brother, I am able to have a prayer life that is deeper than would be possible for me as a secular, given who I am. I am also more able to use my talents and gifts in ministry.”

Prayer and service are central characteristics of a Religious Brother and clearly emerged in the wisdom of these three Brothers. I am once again reassured of my own discernment and desire to profess as a Religious Brother in the world today. The wisdom of these three Religious Brothers is a gift that you would find in Religious Brothers the world over. The vocation of being a Religious Brother is one that I am both humbled and awed that I have been called to profess and in twenty-five years I too hope to be able to say with Br. Gerry, “I love being a Religious Brother!”

We, Like Thomas

The Sunday after Easter Sunday, which brings the Octave of Easter to a close, always has the gospel (John 20.19-31) about Thomas and Jesus appearing to him and the other disciples eight days later. Thomas is often referred to as “Doubting Thomas.”

I have often pondered Thomas and this whole scenario. I have considered why he was not there on that Easter Sunday night. I have reflected on his ultimatum and his declaration when Jesus did appear to him. I think that I get Thomas a bit more and maybe even feel like we have a bit of a connection. A connection because I too know what and where doubt is in my own journey and I too have seen the gift of the Resurrection at work in my life. I am always thankful for Thomas not being there that Easter night for he helped open our eyes to look for and see our Risen Lord in our time and place.

“My Lord and My God”
the only words I could say.
His peace consumed and filled me
I could now finally see.

Not just with my eyes
but more so with my heart,
freedom settled in this I knew
for I was seen beyond what I do.

His hands, his feet and his side
pierced through and through,
marked in truth and with love
leading me and you in ways above.

My brothers did not ask why
nor did they ask where
I was the that first Sunday night.
I was wrestling with darkness and with light.

His words echoed in my ears,
He promised he would return.
Could this be? Was it true?
I had hoped it was what I knew!

I needed air, I needed some space,
to clear my mind, to listen and process.
When I returned their news struck my heart,
for a whole week I wrestled to know my part.

My ears still ring with his words
of peace, of belief, of me, of you.
I was part of his amazing unfolding plan 
so you may see yourself within his clan.

Times will come in this lifetime
when doubts will settle in,
it’s true it happens, but do not fear
Christ the Risen Lord is always right here.

His life was lived in obedience,
His love for all was always his lead,
He trusted in God; giving his all
no price too great, no need too small.

I offer to you my words of praise,
they are from heart, they speak truth,
for I know you too can see and with me laud:
“Jesus you are My Lord and My God.”


Jesus our Risen Lord,
We pray for our eyes 
and our hearts to be open 
in this week ahead
and the whole Easter Season
so we may see you
and know the gift of vision
and new life you continually
share with us.
Amen.

Continued Easter Blessings!

- All credit to the amazing artist who created the painting in this blog.

Life at Easter

Where O death, is your victory?

 Where O death, is your sting?

1 Corinthians 15.55

We too often buy into the idea that the victory of death and its sting is every day. In the trails we face, in the hardships endured, in broken promises, in lies made, in pain, in suffering, in losing a loved one, in unfair actions of others, in ways that focus not on the common good but rather on more for me, myself and I it seems to surround us.

We must remember that our world is created good and in fact we, the human race, is created very good. We are the image of God and creation is a reflection of God’s goodness and love. So, the question is maybe not, “Where O death, is your victory?” Maybe the real question is, “why do we let ourselves answer this question with false ideas?”

The statement that follows the above two questions is:

“But thanks be to God! 

He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

1 Corinthians 15.57

And this is the answer as to why we should not let ourselves believe that the death and its sting has victory. The gift we celebrate at Easter is this, that we although sinful, tattered and torn by the harsh realities we live are not condemned to death. It is rather through the death of Jesus that we have new life and eternal life where death can never claim victory over us. This victory is ours because each one of us is the beloved of God.

As we walk forth from the empty tomb with our burdens and struggles, with our daily living, with our hurts and heartaches let us remember that even if this life is not all we hope it to be this is not the end of the story. Because Jesus rose from the dead, even when we feel that death is claiming its victory over us, it is not possible. Jesus himself said, “I have come so that they may have life, and have life to the full” (John 10.10). Death then can not have it’s victory or sting for we have been promised, given and restored to life.

Wherever you are in your journey as this Easter season begins, whatever ever you carry with you, whomever has hurt you or whomever you hold close, whenever it feels like you are always at the foot of the cross - remember the One who hung on that cross did not stay there. Christ loved us too much so he trusted in God and God’s will and chose to live with and within us eternally, entrusting us with the gift of his Spirit. The deaths we encounter even in there very rawness and piercing sword has no victory or sting for Christ Jesus is with us “always until the end of the ages” (Matthew 28.20)

May this Easter Season be one of an empty tomb, fresh eyes, 

hearing our name called in love and rejoicing in the gift 

that life is ours today and for ever.

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

Indeed, he is Risen! Alleluia!

Happy Easter!

The Challenges of Palm Sunday

Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

The crowds shouted out.

Easily swayed? Not happy?

Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

They shouted all the more.

Why? What has he done?

Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

This jarring threat continues to be shouted today in hate as it seems we do not learn.

For those who look different, those who pray different, those who profess different

Crucify them! Crucify them! The world shouts out, the plot thickens, the lies are made.

Our ways are right, our hurt is greater, our needs are more, our wants are necessary.

The value we place on human life, love and for faith demands us to take account today.

Palm Sunday is not just for

Hosannas and donkey rides.

Palm Sunday is for reflection

What ways need changing?

What words need more love?

Palm Sunday awakens us to

The power of relationship,

The honesty needed for

The way in which we live

And the choices we make.

Palm Sunday calls us to

Journey not from the sidelines

Rather with the cross to see

what true love is and how

it is greater than the jeers

Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

Palm Sunday demands that

We look at all parts of our lives

to see how love is calling us

away from the sidelines and

to raise our voices filled with

courage, hope and promise.

Crucify Him! is not the end

Of our story – Praise God!

As we enter Holy Week may your journey be one into the deep love of Christ.

Much peace and all good to bless this Holy Week!

Pondering Lenten Newness, Great Things and Joy

Spring is making herself known throughout the northern hemisphere right on cue in this season of Lent. As our Lenten journey winds itself into the intensity of the final days and Holy Week we are reminded once again that this spring time journey is about an ever newness, the slipping away of “former things” and “a new thing” emerging (Isaiah 43.16-21). 

One of the gifts of Lent is that “the Lord has done great things for us” (Psalm 126). Yet I wonder if we can see these things? Do we get so caught up in broken Lenten promises or failed attempts in our practices that we fail to see the great things that have happened? Do we forget that even as we move towards the cross we are to be “filled with joy” (Psalm 126)?

When we hear great – we often think grand events, amazing feats or unexpected accomplishments. These are indeed great things. The great things that the Lord has done for us this Lenten season may be these but more often then not they are simple. Greatness such as prompting us to listen more closely to scripture, to share appreciation for someone in our life, for being in solidarity with the poor or refugee or for the gift of courage to begin again in week three or four or five with a Lenten promise we are stumbling along with this year. 

Joy is a gift that is sustaining not fleeting; it comes to us as a great thing from the Lord. Joy this Lent may have come in the gift of the Eucharist that was presided over with dignity and depth, or reflecting on our calling and being able to say “yes Lord” I choose you or even in simple sips of tea in a quiet moment. New things, great things and joy emerge from the heart of our God daily we must learn to be awakened to them being entwined into our own hearts.

What former things am I letting go of?
What new thing is God doing in my life?
What great things has God done for us (for me) this Lent?
Where has my joy been?

Instead of condemning ourselves and everyone around us for our failed Lenten works, maybe we would do better to focus on the above questions. When Jesus was face to face with the woman caught in adultery (John 8.1-11), he did not look at her and say: “how dare you” or “you are pathetic” or “you disgust me.” No, Jesus looked at her with compassion, he looked at her and did not see her former things instead he looked at her and saw the new creation she was to be. Jesus looked at her with eyes of hope and saw the great thing God had done calling her again to life after being trapped in darkness and sin. Jesus looked at her and was filled with joy, delighting that she was standing before him filled with promise, renewed and not condemned rather given the gift of new life – transformed by love. Jesus allowed her to claim the love she was created in and how truly beloved she is.

Do we allow our lives to be transformed by this same love?
Do we allow our eyes to meet the eyes of Christ?
How do we let go of our trappings of darkness and sin?
How do we feel knowing that God delights in us always?

The true goal that we press on towards, the true prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus (cf. Philippians 3.8-14) is to gaze into the eyes of Christ and know that we must let go of our former ways. New ways will be our true ways and that great things are indeed happening today and each day. The gaze of Christ is ours to meet each day. In our brothers and sisters, in our neighbours, in the strangers, in the breaking and sharing of bread, in beginning again even in these final days of Lent, in our prayer, in being able to even just whisper “I am beloved,”, in rejoicing and letting go. This is where we will and do encounter the joy of our God. It is in the daily living that we encounter Christ, we are restored and we “shall come home with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126).

Let us go forth into these late Lenten days filled with a hope which speaks of being not of former things rather newness which leads us to life. The breaking forth of a spring time which is true and lasting life. The hand of Jesus is again extended to us and he lifts us up to “go our way” not condemned rather filled with joy because we are God’s beloved made new. 

Be aware this week of newness, great things and joy!

Be alert! 

How is God speaking to you about these things?

Lenten Blessings of peace and all good.