Category: Courage

All

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Conversion, Courage, Discipleship, Eternal Life, Faith, spirituality2 Comments

Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
November 12, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111224.cfm

When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.
Luke 17:10

Today’s Gospel tells us that we have to give God our “All” because God is the Source of that “All”.

Often, we hear about “giving our all” in relationship to the sports world – give it everything you’ve got, leave it all on the field, all or nothing, win or go home.

What if we had the same attitude toward our spiritual lives? Toward performing the Works of Mercy, living the Beatitudes, keeping the Greatest Commandment. What if we really gave God all!

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
We need plenty of practice to achieve the kind of dedication that gives “All”. Let’s begin or renew our will and effort right now through prayer, reflection, and living Mercy in our world.

Prayer: Thomas Merton

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. 
I do not see the road ahead of me. 
I cannot know for certain where it will end. 
Nor do I really know myself, 
and the fact that I think that I am following your will 
does not mean that I am actually doing so. 
But I believe that the desire to please you 
does in fact please you. 
And I hope I have that desire 
in all that I am doing. 
I hope that I will never do anything 
apart from that desire. 
And I know that if I do this 
you will lead me by the right road, 
though I may know nothing about it. 
Therefore will I trust you always, 
though I may seem to be lost 
and in the shadow of death. 
I will not fear, 
for you are ever with me, 
and you will never leave me 
to face my perils alone.”

Music: I Surrender All – Judson W. Van DeVenter (1896)

A gentle interpretation of an traditional favorite.

Millstone

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, Discipleship, Eternal Life, Faith, Gospel, spiritualityLeave a comment

Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
November 11, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111124.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Things that cause sin will inevitably occur,
but woe to the one through whom they occur.
It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck
and he be thrown into the sea
than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
Luke 17:1-2

Jesus is serious about the importance of good example and moral living. I mean, look at the heft of that millstone! It ain’t no necklace! If you’re thrown into the sea with that around your neck, there’s no coming back.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
We pray for the spiritual sensitivity to be aware of our motivations, our influence on others, and any selfish or concupiscent choices we make.

Poetry: House of Light – Mary Oliver

Still, what I want in my life
is to be willing
to be dazzled—
to cast aside the weight of facts

and maybe even
to float a little
above this difficult world.
I want to believe I am looking

into the white fire of a great mystery.
I want to believe that the imperfections are nothing—
that the light is everything—that it is more than the sum
of each flawed blossom rising and falling. And I do.

Music: Be A Light – Thomas Rhett

Gate

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, Discipleship, Eternal Life, Faith, spirituality2 Comments

Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
October 30, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103024.cfm

Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them, 
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.’

Our own lives are the narrow gate through which we pass into eternal timelessness. In this passage, Jesus calls us to be strong, keeping our eyes fixed on what may seem distant, but is as close as our next choice.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:

We pray for the courage, strength, and insight to recognize God’s Presence so that God will fully recognize us.

Poem: The Narrow Way – Anne Brontë

Believe not those who say
The upward path is smooth,
Lest thou shouldst stumble in the way,
And faint before the truth.

It is the only road
Unto the realms of joy;
But he who seeks that blest abode
Must all his powers employ.

Bright hopes and pure delights
Upon his course may beam,
And there, amid the sternest heights
The sweetest flowerets gleam.

On all her breezes borne,
Earth yields no scents like those;
But he that dares not grasp the thorn
Should never crave the rose.

Arm—arm thee for the fight!
Cast useless loads away;
Watch through the darkest hours of night,
Toil through the hottest day.

Crush pride into the dust,
Or thou must needs be slack;
And trample down rebellious lust,
Or it will hold thee back.

Seek not thy honor here;
Waive pleasure and renown;
The world’s dread scoff undaunted bear,
And face its deadliest frown.

To labor and to love,
To pardon and endure,
To lift thy heart to God above,
And keep thy conscience pure;

Be this thy constant aim,
Thy hope, thy chief delight;
What matter who should whisper blame,
Or who should scorn or slight?

What matter, if thy God approve,
And if, within thy breast,
Thou feel the comfort of His love,
The earnest of His rest?

Music: The Narrow Gate

Joy

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, Faith, holiness, Hope, joy, spirituality2 Comments

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 27, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102724.cfm

Thus says the LORD:
    Shout with joy for Jacob,
        exult at the head of the nations;
        proclaim your praise and say:
    The LORD has delivered his people,
        the remnant of Israel…
… They departed in tears,
        but I will console them and guide them;
    I will lead them to brooks of water,
        on a level road, so that none shall stumble.
Jeremiah 31:7;9

Jeremiah was a pretty gloomy prophet because he lived in pretty gloomy times. Nevertheless, Jeremiah understood the nautre of “joy” – that heartfelt recognition that God abides with us, loves us, and heals us no matter our circumstances.

We have all met peole whose joy, despite difficulty, astounds us. Their faith inspires us, and their strength invites us to tap into that deep, unquenchable river of grace in our own hearts.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
We pray for the gift of that deep joy which is rooted in relationship with God, and sustained by persevering faith.

Poetry: Unholy Sonnet II – Mark Jarman

Half asleep in prayer I said the right thing 

And felt a sudden pleasure come into 
The room or my own body. In the dark, 
Charged with a change of atmosphere, at first 
I couldn’t tell my body from the room. 
And I was wide awake, full of this feeling, 
Alert as though I’d heard a doorknob twist, 
A drawer pulled, and instead of terror knew 
The intrusion of an overwhelming joy. 
I had said thanks and this was the response. 
But how I said it or what I said it for 
I still cannot recall and I have tried 
All sorts of ways all hours of the night. 
Once was enough to be dissatisfied.

Music: The Flow of Life – Tron Syversen

Truth

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, Discipleship, dying, Eternal Life, Faith, spirituality, suffering, TruthLeave a comment

Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs
October 19, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101924.cfm

Hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and of your love for all the holy ones,
I do not cease giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
for us who believe’
Ephesians 1:15-19

Paul’s grateful acknowledgement of the Ephesians could very well be bestowed on the North American martyrs whose lives we commemorate today. Their love of Jesus and the Gospel was unquencable even unto death. To read their stories, click this link:

Who are the North American Martyrs?

Poetry: Today’s Responsorial Psalm

The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,
and you also will testify.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Music: Iroquois Dream Song

Disciple

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, Discipleship, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, spiritualityLeave a comment

Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist
October 18, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101824.cfm

Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter,
first say, ‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.”
Luke 10:3-9

Our first reading reveals a young Luke who, by his faithful accompaniment of Paul, is already dedicated to the spread of the Gospel.

Our Gospel defines those choices a true disciple must make in order to sustain such dedication: simplicity, selflessness, peace, practicality, mercy, faith.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
We ask Jesus to strenghten the gift of discipleship in our hearts that we may be, in our times, what his followers were in his.

Prose: from “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

So long as Levi (Matthew) sits at the receipt of custom, and Peter at his nets, they could both pursue their trade honestly and dutifully, and they might both enjoy religious experiences, old and new. But if they want to believe in God, the only way is to follow his incarnate Son…Had Levi stayed at his post, Jesus might have been his present help in trouble, but not the Lord of his whole life.

It is only the call of Jesus which makes it a situation where faith is possible…a situation where faith is possible can never be demonstrated from the human side. Discipleship is not an offer we make to Christ. It is only the call which creates the situation.

Music: Brothers (from “The Mission”) – Ennio Morricone

Longing

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, Faith, Hope, Mercy, spirituality1 Comment

Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
October 3, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100324.cfm

But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives,
and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust;
Whom I myself shall see:
my own eyes, not another’s, shall behold him,
And from my flesh I shall see God;
my inmost being is consumed with longing.
Job 19:26-27

In the midst of disorienting trial, Job retains his focus on God’s immutable power and mercy. Job’s confident faith has inspired believers to be patient in suffering and trust God’s accompaniment.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
We ask for the grace to receive suffering in our lives with a Job-like confidence in God.

Poetry: Just Like Job – Maya Angelou

My Lord, My Lord,
Long have I cried out to Thee
In the heat of the sun,
The cool of the moon
My screams searched the heavens for Thee.
My God,
When my blanket was nothing but dew.
Rags and bones
Were all I owned.
I chanted Your name
Just like Job.
Father, Father,
My life give I gladly to Thee
Deep rivers ahead
High mountains above
My soul wants only Your love
But fears gather round like wolves in the dark
Have You forgotten my name?
Oh, Lord, come to Your child.
Oh, Lord, forget me not.
You said to lean on Your arm
And I’m leaning
You said to trust in Your love
And I’m trusting
You said to call on Your name
And I’m calling
I’m stepping out on Your word.
You said You’d be my protection,
My only and glorious savior
My beautiful Rose of Sharon,
And I’m stepping out on Your word.
Joy, joy
Your word.
Joy, joy
The wonderful word of the Son of God.
You said that You would take me to glory
To sit down at the welcome table
Rejoice with my mother in heaven
And I’m stepping out on Your word.
Into the alleys
Into the byways
Into the streets
And the roads
And the highways
Past rumor mongers
And midnight ramblers
Past the liars and the cheaters and the gamblers
On Your word
On your word.
On the wonderful word of the Son of God.
I’m stepping out on Your word.

Music: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth – Handel

Innocence

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Community, Courage, Discipleship, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Service, spiritualityLeave a comment

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
September 30, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/093024.cfm

An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest. 
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest.”
Luke 9:46-48

In the Gospel both today and yesterday, the disciples are struggling with their pride and expectations. Jesus calls them to live with a mature and humble innocence.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
Our commitment to a Gospel life suffers when we become concerned with our status or importance. We ask for the humble courage to embrace a sacred innocence sustained by the Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord

Thought:

“Humility is the foundation
of all the other virtues hence,
in the soul in which
this virtue does not exist
there cannot be any other virtue
except in mere appearance.”

Augustine of Hippo

Music: from “Scripture to Song”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0g1cA1IocM

Death

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, Cross, dying, Eternal Life, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, spiritualityLeave a comment

Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
September 28, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092824.cfm

Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Savior Christ Jesus destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Today’s readings may strike us as grim. The Book of Ecclesiastes acknowledges our discomfort with the darkness inherent in faith. We believe because we do not know. If we knew, there would be no need for faith. But at times our believing is challenged by our life circumstances. Thus is the story of Ecclesiastes – all in life that confronts our faith.

In our Gospel, Jesus introduces the hard reality of his impending death. He challenges the faith and commitment of the disciples as the time of testing approaches.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
Acknowledging the truth of today’s readings, we choose to pray with them in the light of the Resurrection as it is so beautifully and simply stated in our Responsorial Psalm.

Poetry: from John Donne’s Holy Sonnets – Death Be Not Proud

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

Music: Cantata, BWV 31 – “The Heavens Laugh” – J.S. Bach

The heavens laugh! The earth shouts with joy
and what she bears in her bosom.
The creator lives! God most high triumphs
and is free from the bonds of death.
He who has chosen the grave for rest,
the Holiest, cannot decay.

… time …

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, Creation, dying, Eternal Life, Faith, Hope, Mercy, ordinary time, Poetry, spirituality2 Comments

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest
September 27, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092724.cfm

What advantage have workers from their toil?
I have considered the task that God has appointed
for us to be busied about.
The Infinite One has made everything appropriate to its time,
and has put the timeless into their hearts,
without our ever discovering,
from beginning to end, the work which God has done.
Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

Three thousand years ago, in the Book of Ecclesiastes, a writer called Kohelet meditated on God’s Mercy experienced over a lifetime. Like the writer, we may have done the same thing at various significant times in our lives.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
We place our lives against the timepiece pictured above. We may pray over a specific time of challenge and grace. Or we may consider the whole pattern of mercy passing slowly yet constantly through our lives, like the ticking of a steadfast clock.

Poetry: XC Domine, refugium – Malcolm Suite
In this poem, Guite refers to a poem by Philip Larkin which may be read here: https://allpoetry.com/Cut-Grass

XC Domine, refugium
Malcolm Guite

A cosy comforter, a lucky charm?
Not with this psalmist, for he praises God
From everlasting ages, in his psalm. 
A God of refuge –yes – and yet a God
Who knows the death that comes before each birth,
Who sees each generation die, a God

Before whom all the ages of the earth
Are like a passing day, like the cut grass
In Larkin’s limpid verse: ‘brief is the breath

Mown stalks exhale’. So we and all things pass,
And God endures beyond us. Yet he cares
For our brief lives, his loving tenderness

Extends to all his creatures, our swift years
Are precious in his sight. In Christ he shares
Our grief and he will wipe away our tears.

Music: There Is A Season – Tom Kendzia