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Scripture:

Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67
Matthew 9:9-13

Reflection:

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (MT 9:12-13)

I attended my nephew’s block party last Saturday with three siblings and as usual, the conversation eventually turned to politics. Unlike some years past, we all seemed to be on the same page and quickly moved to discuss other interests. I’m probably nuts to be thinking this, but I kind of miss the days when my brothers and I would get into some very heated arguments concerning the issues of the day. The miracle of those encounters was that we parted brothers, maybe not totally respecting each other’s views, but caring about our common welfare.

It seems Jesus had a knack for bringing people to dinner who held unpopular jobs or represented the marginalized individuals of his day, like tax collectors and sinners. I wonder what Jesus is trying to tell me. I can easily dismiss the story in today’s gospel thinking well of course Jesus came to save sinners, but who are the sinners today? I would like to think the sinners are you, that is anyone who doesn’t think like I do. On my more sober days, I remember that I am the sinner. I am the one Jesus came to save. I am the one who must change. I am the one who needs to sit at the table with Jesus and discover where I need to grow in his likeness.

Thank you Jesus for being patient with me. I’m a slow learner, but you keep bringing me back to the table.

Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists.  He lives in Chicago. 

Scripture:

Genesis 22:1b-19
Matthew 9:1-8

Reflection:

Before Jesus was born, an angel appeared to Joseph and said, “You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 Right from the very beginning of his earthly life, Jesus’ identity was wrapped up in forgiveness.

Throughout his public ministry, Jesus taught forgiveness.  When Peter asked him how often he must forgive his brother or sister, Jesus answered, “not seven times but seventy-times seven” (Mathew 18:22).  In the Sermon on the Plain in Luke’s gospel, Jesus says, “Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.  Forgive and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).  With the parable of the prodigal son Jesus gave a profound teaching about forgiveness (cf. Luke 15:11-32).

Throughout his public ministry, Jesus showed forgiveness.  In today’s gospel he forgives the paralytic. “Courage child, your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:1-7).  When a sinful woman washed Jesus feet, a Pharisee was very upset.  Jesus responded, “Her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love” (Luke 7:36 -50).  On the cross Jesus forgave those who were killing him.  “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24).

There was a convert on Calvary.  In Mark’s gospel we read that the centurion who stood guard over Jesus “on seeing the manner of his death, declared, ‘Clearly this man was the Son of God'” (Mark 15:39).  What did the centurion see?  He had seen many crucifixions.  That wouldn’t impress him. However, the centurion had never seen anyone hanging on a cross, in agonizing pain, cry out, “Forgive them!”  Seeing the gracious forgiveness in the heart of Jesus convinced the centurion that this was the Son of God.

There is much concern about the lack of faith in our modern world.  How are we to lead people to believe?  Yes, we can try to bring them to church. Yes, we can try to get them to read the bible.  But when non-believers see us, the followers of Jesus, forgive everyone, everything, totally, unconditionally, day after day, year after year, “seventy-times seven times,” they will come to see with their own eyes what our God is like.  For the power to forgive like that can only come from on high.

Gandhi said, “The weak can never forgive.  Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”  And our God is the strongest of all.

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Genesis 21:5, 8-20a
Matthew 8:28-34

Reflection:

As we travel along this pilgrimage we call life, we tend to gather things. Some of these are material goods: books, clothing, devices, projects, and such not. Some are thoughts, ideas, beliefs, or ways of seeing the world. Some are relationships, such as friends, colleagues, family, and acquaintances. As we grow and develop we may begin to examine these ‘things’ we have gathered with an eye to casting some of them off. There are many reasons to ‘cast off’ our things. Whether it’s to lighten our load, to let go of something that no longer serves us, or simply make room in our lives for something new, casting off burdens is something we all eventually have to do, even if it is our last act.

Today’s readings contain three ‘casting outs,’ all for different reasons. The first is when Sarah demands Abraham cast out Ishmael and Hagar. Abraham sees the chaos that will ensue if he doesn’t comply with Sarah’s wishes, but is distressed at the loss of the relationship with his firstborn son. At the same time, he is open to discernment with God. God assures him that this will be best for them all. Oh, how I wish my discernments came with such clear-cut answers! Abraham saw that, although he was distressed at giving up his relationship with Hagar and Ishmael, it was what was needed in this situation.

The second casting out, if simpler in determining the correct action, is still complicated. Jesus meets the savage demoniacs on a road that was no longer able to be used. The evil spirits had caused chaos in the lives of those they possessed, along with anyone who wanted to travel that road. Without Jesus saying anything, the demons recognize that He will not allow them to torment their hosts any longer and plead with Him to be sent into the nearby herd of swine. Oh, how I wish my demons were so compliant and ready to leave. Jesus agrees and, as a result, the herd of swine rush in to the sea and are lost.

The last casting out is when the people of the town plead with Jesus to leave their district. Maybe they are upset that He has caused economic loss (herds of swine can’t be cheap). Maybe He upset their accommodations with a difficult situation (‘Well, how about we just don’t use that road?’). Maybe they just didn’t want to deal with how awesome it was that the Son of God was in their midst. Oh, how I wish I was able to welcome Jesus into my life when I want to send Him away because it may upset my carefully laid plans. Peeking ahead to the next chapter of the gospel, we see that Jesus does just as they ask.

My prayer for myself today is that I turn to God when discerning what I need to cast out, that I listen to His answer although it may be hard to hear, and that I take care not to cast Jesus from my heart in order to take an easier path.

Talib Huff works and volunteers at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights. You can reach him at [email protected].

 

Scripture:

Genesis 19:15-29
Matthew 8:23-27

(optional readings
for Independence Day):

Isaiah 57:15-19
Philippians 4:6-9
John 14:23-29

Reflection:

Our Challenge:  Lives of Courage and Peace

Today the liturgical guidelines encourage us to use the special prayers for Independence Day, and to select from a variety of Scripture selections related to “public needs” and “social justice”.

Interestingly, today’s “regular” readings are meaningful.  They tell of God’s directives to Lot and his family to run away from the punishing destruction of the evil people of Sodom and Gomorrah – and of Jesus’ dealings with his fearful disciples during a violent storm as they sailed upon the sea.  God is both loving and just, powerful in dealing with the forces of evil in the world; God knows us well and provides for us even when we are doubtful and afraid.  As we today ponder the gift of our freedom and independence as Americans, it is God who journeys with us and challenges us to confidently face the ups and downs of daily life as faithful citizens of our country and of our world.  No small task!

The optional readings given for Independence Day highlight another dimension of our heritage and our mission in everyday life:  we are called to be people of peace.  Isaiah calls out for peace, especially for those struggling or dejected in spirit; St. Paul writes to the Philippians and reminds us to have no anxiety, but to daily turn to God in prayer for our personal and communal needs; Jesus at the Last Supper gifts his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you”.  As we encounter in life the destructive power of evil and our human weakness, our faith in God fosters a sense of peace and perspective that gives us reason to celebrate and renew our commitment!

Jesus assures us of his love and gives us his peace – not simply total tranquility or the absence of suffering or uncertainty.  Jesus offers His peace that comes from the experience that God is with us, here and now, in all things and with all peoples — loving us unconditionally.  As contemporary disciples, we find meaning in the Cross of Jesus, as we seek peace and freedom in the hectic pace of life today, in our uncertainties and our suffering — and even in the violence and death which is so much a part of our culture.  With Jesus’ unconditional love and encouragement, we each are free to face the challenges of daily life, and see each day as a real blessing.

May today’s celebration of our United States “independence” help us be grateful and courageous in bringing about true peace, lovingly sharing our God-given blessings with all people!

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is a member of the Passionist community in Chicago, Illinois. 

Scripture:

Ephesians 2:19-22
John 20:24-29

Reflection:

“Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred to the Lord; in him you are also being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Eph. 2:19-22

How amazing that we are a part of this huge, wonderful conglomeration of God’s people! We are chosen! We are eternally loved! And we are part of a holy group that will one day all praise God together! It’s mind-boggling really – with Jesus as our foundation – we are a group of people who have chosen to follow Him. People for over 2,000 years who have found a purpose and a hope through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Think of all the saints who have gone before us, our older brothers and sisters who are at this very moment cheering us on to the finish line. Think of all the martyrs who have witnessed to the very truth we cherish today by giving up their lives so convinced were they of God’s eternal love. What courage we can draw from them!

Learning their stories can bless and encourage us in our own walk and our own witness. I love the stories of Pope John XXIII; St. Therese of Lisieux; and St. Faustina just to name a few. I see Christians today who aren’t ashamed of their faith and are sharing it whenever they get a chance. One of our sons lets the Holy Spirit prompt him daily if there is someone who needs prayer (usually strangers.) It takes great courage to walk up to someone out of the blue and ask if they need prayer. Our daughter is a Sister who proclaims God’s love each day by living her vows and by loving those who are most vulnerable. Another son and his wife love the Lord and are raising their four children to love Jesus too. They make their decisions by praying and letting the Holy Spirit lead them even to places they would rather not go. They willingly sold their home for less than market value to a single mom who has four young daughters and couldn’t have bought a home otherwise. Fr. Cedric Pisegna has helped thousands to come closer to Jesus and live their faith more passionately by his mission and TV ministry.

Are we willing to give a witness to God’s love too? Whether we help only one person find their way, that one person will be eternally grateful that we did. May we be ever open to sharing the great hope to which we are called by our words and more importantly by our actions.

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Bainbridge Island, Washington,  and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].

Scripture:

2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Matthew 10:37-42

Reflection:

This Sunday’s readings are interconnected by one of the most fundamental themes in our Christian life; i.e., God is the author of life, and those who serve God bring life into their world.

Elisha is the disciple-prophet of Elijah, who had been taken off into “heaven” by a chariot in a whirlwind. It falls on Elijah, who had asked to succeed Elijah as the leader of the group of prophets around Mount Carmel, to continue to point out God’s will for them and the blessings bestowed on the just. In today’s first reading, Elijah is invited to dine with a Shunemmite woman; her regard for the prophet is such that he had a place at her table “whenever he passed by”.

In the gospel, Jesus will speak of those who show generosity and hospitality to a prophet. Good deeds are rewarded. In the case of the prophet Elisha, he wants to reward her for her hospitality and sees the promise of life for her and her husband. He prophesies the coming birth of their son, and so it comes to pass.

The reward of the prophet, however, is not just the exchange of one benefit for another. In the case of the son born to the Shunemmite woman (as the biblical text will later unfold), he is taken ill (apparently by some sort of stroke or seizure), and he dies. Elijah is called, and after some homespun therapies, the boy comes back to life.

When my seminary class was studying philosophy so many years ago (1963-66), we learned a phrase that is born out here in this passage of the Second Book of Kings, “bonum diffusivum sui”(which is quoting from St. Thomas Aquinas: “dicendum quod bonum dicitur diffusivum sui esse…”). The phrase means that it is in the nature of goodness to spread itself about. Goodness is self-propagating.

What began with a dinner invitation for Elisha becomes a regular place at the table; the blessing of a son bestowed on the Shunemmite woman and her husband is an expression of the prophet’s appreciation. After the son dies, the prophet comes back and restores the gift of life to the son.

The lesson the scripture is giving us might be summarized as “God will not be outdone in generosity.” However the agent of God’s blessing is not always a religious “professional.” It could be the someone who shares God’s love with a neighbor; it could be someone who generously acknowledges a favor; or it could be someone who, without thinking of reward, simply shares a loving concern for another person.

In these challenging social and economic times, let us plant the seed of love around us; let us reward the goodness we experience with sincere acts of goodness of our own; let us experience love spreading out before us. Bonum diffusivum sui!

Fr. Arthur Carrillo, C.P.  is the director of the Missions for Holy Cross Province.  He lives in Chicago, Illinois. 

Scripture:

Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22
Matthew 8:1-4

Reflection:

In today’s gospel Jesus cures a person with leprosy.  We might think, “Well, that has nothing to do with me.  I don’t have leprosy.”

Think for a moment…  What is eating away at our society?  What are the cures?

Anger is eating away at harmony; understanding is the cure.  Fear is eating away at hope; courage is the cure.  Greed is eating up our planet Earth; sharing is the cure.  Hypocrisy is eating away at trust; truth is the cure.

Prejudice is eating away at unity; non-judging is the cure.  Unforgiveness is eating away at peace; compassion is the cure.  Violence in the womb and violence near the tomb (assisted suicide) is eating away at civilization; respect for all human life is the cure.

For many years a creeping dictatorship has been eating away at our freedoms; faithfulness to our constitution is the cure.  The “military industrial complex” is eating away at money and resources that could feed, house and heal the poor; justice is the cure.  War and violence are tearing apart the human family; belief in the Fatherhood of God and knowing we are all God’s children is the cure.

Yes, we are suffering leprosy on a global scale.

On an individual level…Self-doubt is eating away at our self-confidence; belief in God’s power in us is the cure.  Laziness is eating away at Sunday worship; faithfulness to God is the cure.  Sorrow is eating away at our joy; trust in God is the cure.  Selfishness is eating away at our hearts; love is the cure.

At Mass we bring up bread and wine.  We ask the Holy Spirit to come upon this bread and wine and transform it into the Body and Blood of Christ.  This bread and wine represent all of us present.  We ask the Holy Spirit to come upon us and transform us more and more into the likeness of Christ.  Then, nourished by Word and Sacrament, we who were once part of the problem are sent forth to be part of the cure.  The Body of Christ is one powerful body of healers!

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.   http://www.alanphillipcp.com/.

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Scripture:

Acts of the Apostles 12: 1-11
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Matthew 16:13-19

Reflection:

Today we celebrate two great men of the Church, Saints Peter and Paul. Two ordinary men, one a fisherman and the other a Pharisee and a tentmaker. Two ordinary men who recognized that God had called them to be something greater than they thought themselves to be. Two ordinary men who had courage to speak the truth that was spoken to them through Christ. They endured suffering through many hardships and trials for their words and actions and yet they kept on believing in the truth that dwelt in their hearts.

“Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him .  .  .” Acts 12:7

Both Peter and Paul suffered greatly as they went about fulfilling their call to proclaim the Kingdom of God. In his letters, Paul, writes about numerous beatings, stonings, chained in prison and surviving three shipwrecks. Peter too was beaten and imprisoned as he went about his ministry. Suffering is not just a Christian condition, it is a human condition and while we suffer we don’t always recognize God’s presence with us. Peter did not realize the presence of the “angel of the Lord” until after the angel left. All the while, as the “angel of the Lord” led and guided Peter out of prison, he did not understand what was happening but faithfully followed the directions as the angel asked of him. Peter was open to the presence of God while he was suffering. When we suffer it is not always easy to look beyond to see a compassionate God standing with us in our suffering.

“The Lord stood by me and gave me strength .  .  .” 2Tim 4:17

In my younger years, when I was in pain, I would hold out as long as I could and try to work through it. Before I would ask for help. I would tell myself, “offer it up”. That’s okay for awhile, as long as there is nothing serious going on. Now that I have gained wisdom through experience, I’ve come to realize that God does stand by me and gives me strength through prayer and through others. There are family and friends willing to help and professionals in the healing arts that God sends into our lives to help us. So, in humility I stretch out my hand and ask for help.

When I suffer can I look beyond my pain to know the presence of a compassionate God?

Linda Schork is a theology teacher at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky.