Claire Smith

Scripture:

Isaiah 58:7-10
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Matthew 5:13-16

Reflection:

Today’s gospel immediately follows that classic, all-familiar, sermon on the mount from Matthew’s Gospel which we heard last weekend.  After looking over the crowds and calling them blessed, in today’s gospel he looks at the exact same people and says do you know who you are?  You are light for the world. You are the salt of the earth.   First, who was Jesus talking to?  Notice it’s not the religious leaders. 

 If you back up to the end of the fourth chapter, Matthew tells us who’s gathered there on the hillside that day.  Matthew describes the scene as all those who are afflicted with various diseases and were racked with pain: the possessed, the lunatics, the paralyzed. Matthew adds he cured them all.  This is quite an image.  The group would even include all those who brought and carried their loved ones out there. These are not the group of people society would hold up as the model citizens you want your children to be as they grow up.  These are probably people who have heard from the cruelness of society look who you are.  You don’t contribute to society, what good are you?  You don’t even count. 

And to these people, Jesus says you are the light of the world, and you are the salt of the earth.   I highly suspect for many hearing these words out of Jesus’s mouth after listening to the rumblings of their villages may have found Jesus’s words hard to believe. How can I be light or salt?  I’m a nobody.    Jesus is actually asking them to think differently about who they are. Do you know who you are?  You are a person who was created in the image in the likeness of God.  Therefore, you have the inherent goodness of God. 

Isaiah the prophet, who wrote more than 500 years before Jesus was born, illustrates some of the challenges of his society.  People turned their heads away from those who are hungry. The oppressed and the homeless were mistreated. Even fellow countrymen were ignored.  This is why Jesus’s ministry was so profound.   He was the light who had come to people in darkness.  And then he said to those on the hillside, “Now you,  go be light!”

Every year the week before the Super Bowl, the NFL has a most prestigious gathering by which they name one particular NFL player as the Walter Payton Man of the Year.  Because the NFL highly encourages its players to be involved in the local communities, each team is allowed to nominate one player for their excellence off the field.  Of the 32 nominees, there’s always a couple of stories that grab at my heartstrings.  While each story is unique and different some of the most profound and memorable stories are from players who grew up in such utter poverty and heard those negative voices every day.  Now that they found success and affirmation, they haven’t forgotten the difficulties of their childhood, and they know a small investment of their time can change a young person forever—especially when that young person has been programmed with negative voices.   Some of these stories are textbook on the contemporary passion and the power of redemption.  It is obvious when the motivation comes from the depth of the heart.  For then the kindness and goodness of the person shine, and they are truly a light for the world. 

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the local superior of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

Hebrews 13:1-8
Mark 6:14-29

Reflection:

Today’s reading has been the subject of numerous theatrical and cinematic interpretations – understandably perhaps given the weakness of Herod, the deviousness of Herodias and the allure of Salome’s dancing – all ingredients for great drama and spectacle.

While we might profit from reflecting on the frailty of the human condition as manifested by Herod acting from fear, Herodias’s self-protective behaviours and Salome’s unreflected compliance to the will of others, we must not lose sight of the deeper truths revealed in the reading.

By contrast to the other protagonists, John has acted with courage, has not sought to protect himself from criticism and has not followed anyone’s will other than that of God. John has stood for the truth in the face of opposition and stood steadfastly for fundamental values – and it has led to imprisonment, and as we learn, will now cost his very life.

Mark weaves all four characters, and their respective behaviours into this account, and while artistic interpretations of Herod, Herodias or Salome may be entertaining, only John’s witness to steadfastness and faith is genuinely influential. Today’s gospel highlights the fact that truth is greater than deceit, that truth will endure whilst selfish behaviour will ultimately be ineffective, and that knowing one’s truth and acting from it, is enduring.

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is a member of Holy Spirit Province, Australia. 

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Scripture:

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2: 22-40

Reflection:

People who have helped me grow the most have been very blunt with me about my shortcomings; and they have challenged me to do things I never thought I could do. They had difficult conversations with me because they loved me and they believed in me.  I now realize that some of these people were modern day prophets.

We hear from three prophets in today’s readings: the prophet in Malachi, and Simeon and Anna in the Gospel of Luke. The prophet in Malachi delivered scathing speeches decrying the sins of the people, terrible sins like selling the poor into slavery. And then he reassures the people of his love for them and God’s love for them as well.

The vocation of prophet is often difficult, confronting people with a message they don’t want to hear. Many prophets were killed. Prophets see things as God sees them, and love as God does—they feel the suffering and misery of their people. They speak the truth and take the consequences. Why do they do it?

Dominican priest Albert Nolan spoke against apartheid for decades in South Africa, alongside fellow prophets Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Fr. Nolan says prophets experience not only a special calling from God, but also a special closeness to God that enables them to understand God’s “feelings” and “thoughts” about what is happening or will happen in the future. It is this mystical experience of union with God that enables them to speak on God’s behalf. 

In today’s Gospel, when Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the temple to be consecrated to God, they meet two prophetic people, Simeon and Anna, who are very close to God. We read in Luke’s Gospel that Simeon was “righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” We are told that Anna was a longtime widow who “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.” Simeon and Anna’s close union with God enabled them to recognize Jesus when they met him, and to joyfully and prophetically announce Jesus’ mission to the people.

Today we pray to the Holy Spirit for the gift of prophecy, so, like Simeon and Anna we will recognize Jesus in our midst, sometimes in unusual circumstances. We pray for eyes to see, and hearts to understand the signs of our times as God sees them. We pray for the courage to prophetically speak up, like the prophet in Malachi, when we see injustice that offends the heart of God, and for the courage to take the consequences.

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:1-4
Mark 5:21-43

Reflection:

Happy Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time!

So, today’s Gospel really interests me.  There’s just so much there!!  A desperate father runs up and begs Jesus to go with him so he may heal his gravely ill daughter.  Jesus drops everything and leaves immediately.  On the way, a woman, equally desperate but for her own salvation, believes so deeply that just “touching his cloak” heals her completely.

On the surface, this is all about Jesus healing the sick.  The salvation he offers, even on this temporal earth, is not just significant, but life changing.  To be brought to wholeness, our pieces put back together better than before, is certainly something for which most of us pray.

Digging a little deeper, we can recognize how great the faith was of the people crying out for Jesus’ saving power.  Here are people who, in deep need, turn to someone they’ve never met, but only heard about.  Would it not be amazing if we all would have faith so strong?

Reflecting further, with Jesus performing not just one but two life-saving miracles back-to-back, it’s clear that there’s enough of him to go around for us all.  He doesn’t hold back his saving power because it’s limitless.  For my human mind, it’s unfathomable that someone’s mercy, forgiveness, and healing grace could be not only free flowing, but unending. 

Which leads us to our next revelation – how Jesus came as a savior for everyone; Jews and non-Jews, men and women, highly esteemed members of society and outcasts, those who are “righteous” as well as we who are “broken” – all are equal in his eyes, and all are equally deserving of God’s love and healing.  Just as before, he holds nothing back, and gives freely to any and all.

But wait…there’s more!

Jairus, the father of the sick little girl, waits patiently while Jesus spends time with the woman on the way.  He didn’t say “C’mon, Jesus!  She’s an outcast!  Leave her there… my daughter is more important.”  No… instead he waited – and sadly, word came that his little girl died.

And Jesus, hearing that the little girl had died, didn’t say “Dude… my bad.  Sorry.  Let me stop by later with a casserole and we’ll chat.”  No… instead he said “Be not afraid,” and goes to that which everyone believes is hopeless and raises her up to new life.

Later in Jesus’ life he would also wait to go to his friend, Lazarus.  When he got there, Lazarus was dead and buried.  His family had been mourning and knew in their hearts it was beyond hope.

“Surely, he would not have died if you had been here, Lord.”

Jesus proves God’s miracles can know no limits of time or circumstance.

“Lazarus, come out.”

How many times have we faced something which seemed hopeless?  How many times have we been impatient with God, or failed to understand his plan and timing?  I know I sure have… and a lot.  And yet, through everything we do and in the midst of every trial, there He is, walking with us on the road toward all that needs raising.

So, reach out, touch his cloak.  Cry out loudly.  Whatever it takes, whatever you need to do, do it.  God is there, waiting.  He’ll drop what he’s doing and will walk with you, because there’s enough of Him to go around for us all. 

Sometimes we get what we hope for. 

But we may not get the answers immediately – only in God’s time.
We may not even get the particular salvation we’re after – only God’s plan.
Even when it seems hopeless, it’s not too late to turn to God and cry out for help.
Even in your darkest moment, it’s never too late to have faith in God’s saving power.

————

Dear God,
thank you for the gift of you. 
Please, grant us the faith to call for you,
reach for you,
and know your healing,
in your perfect way,
in your perfect time. 
Thy will be done.
Amen.

————

Paul Puccinelli is Director of Liturgy & Music at St. Rita Parish in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the retreat team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center.

Scripture:

Hebrews 11:32-40
Mark 5:1-20

Reflection:

I have met many people who were fighting their own personal demons, and I know I have had my moments as well. Many of us have had to work through parts of our past, those battling emotional or spiritual confusion and doubt, memories of past hurts, things that have been said or done. But I don’t know that I have ever met someone who was possessed, and if I did, I didn’t realize it. I can’t begin to imagine what the disciples felt as they stood with Jesus and were witnesses to someone who was possessed.

As humans, I believe we all have moments of weakness, those times when we allow ourselves to revert to our pasts and relive moments of sadness, guilt, shame, maybe the pain of living through a life alone. It can be an overwhelming feeling. 

But we must always remember that we see Jesus, always in our path. We must be aware of his presence, his ability to relieve us of our pains and doubts. And we need to KNOW that when we are forgiven, it is done. Move on in your life, knowing that a loving and merciful God forgives. And know that God places in that path people who will help mold you and grow in your faith. I have been blessed with a marriage to my rock that has sustained almost 45 years of experiences of joys, hurts, doubts, children, grandchildren, even a great grandchild! But God’s magnificent plan has me where I need to be, experiencing what I need to experience for His greater glory. 

The Lord wants you free – free to do his will. So be free. Forgive, be forgiven, and be free.

Patty Masson is the Director of Adult Formation and Evangelization at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Spring, Texas.

Scripture: 

Zephaniah 2:3;3:12-13
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Matthew 5:1-12

Reflection:

The readings for today offer us many treasures. Seeking God. Knowing the difference between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. And how to find spiritual happiness.

The word seek, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, can mean to search for; to be in quest of; to ask for something or to achieve something. Seeking God can mean that we may be lost or we may be seeking God’s will in our lives, or seeking God to ask for a need. Seeking God in any of these forms is a journey that takes a lifetime. A journey that calls us to conversion throughout our lives. The scriptures, the Eucharist, and personal prayer guides us in this journey.

As with any journey we need to take a few things along. Matthew’s Gospel gives us the tools we need for our spiritual journey through the Beatitudes. Meekness, showing mercy, being a peacemaker, being hungry for justice and a few others. And this journey is not without its trials and tribulations. We are warned that there will be insults and persecutions along the way. No where in scripture does it say that being a follower of Christ is going to be a breeze. On the contrary, it is challenging to be a Christian. If we are walking on the right path it will be hard sometimes not just for us but for those around us as well. We challenge others not so much with our words as we do with our actions.

Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians also assists us in this journey of seeking God by explaining the difference between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of the world. How do we know what is the wisdom of the world and what is the wisdom of God? Taking time to reflect upon a situation, events, or what someone else says to us or to a larger group is important. What is going to be my response considering the scriptures or teachings of the Church? How am I going to grow in my spiritual life because of my response? Is it going to push me outside of my comfort zone? Am I willing to take the risk?

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth…seek justice, seek humility….  -Zephaniah 2:3

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

Scripture:

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Mark 4:35-41

Reflection:

Today we celebrate and give thanks for three people who have gone before us in faith, yet still walk with us today.  First, we look at the lives of our ancestors in faith, Abraham and Sarah.  Their journey of faith which included leading a nation of people beset with worries and woes along with all sorts of issues and events, both happy and sad.  For Abraham and Sarah, life was a struggle as they sought to live out their married life, enduring the agony of childlessness no different from many childless couples of our time. Throughout their lives, Abraham and Sarah had a deep and abiding love in the promises of the God who gave them life and who promised if they were faithful, they would reap the benefits of a long and prosperous life with countless descendants for all ages.  We are the fulfillment of that promise and enjoy the life we have because of the faithfulness of our ancestors.

Next, we look at the life and contribution of Saint Thomas Aquinas, whose solemnity we celebrate today. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church, was an Italian Dominican Friar and priest who was an influential philosopher, theologian, and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism.  He is considered a model teacher for those studying for ordained and lay ecclesial ministry in our church.  Aquinas did not have an easy road to attaining this high status in the church.  He was born into Italian nobility which included an uncle who was abbot of Monte Cassino, the oldest Benedictine monastery in the country.  From an early age, Thomas was educated to follow a path leading to embracing a vocation to the Order of St Benedict.  Thomas had other ideas which included pursuing a life as a Dominican Friar.  His many scholastic and theological works have earned him a place of honor and respect not only in the Catholic Church, but other traditions and schools of higher learning as well.

We are blessed to be called children of Abraham and Sarah and as such to enjoy a lasting place in the kingdom of God.  We celebrate, as well, the life and contributions of St Thomas Aquinas, Doctor, theologian, priest and scholar.  May we continue to grow in faith and knowledge that has been handed down to us by our ancestors in faith.

Sarah, Abraham, St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us!  Amen.

Theresa Secord is a retired Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.