Claire Smith

Scripture:

Acts 15:1-6
John 15:1-8

Reflection:

What is John saying to us in this Gospel? This is an amazing and profound read, like much of John’s Gospel. Today, I would like to concentrate on two sentences.

Remain in me, as I remain in you.   

Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.

Remain in me, as I remain in you. The declaration is clear. God is within you and within us, whether we recognize it or not. The presence of God is steady and available continuously.

This permanence shows the importance of a God which is resident in the vine, and we are attached to the vine. However, we also have the gift given to us of free will. We can decide how much we want to be open to God and His love and will.

Therefore, it is the first part where God entreats us, welcomes us, to participate in our residence of the vine. “Remain in me”.

This verse is a call for us to recognize the presence of God and participate in the work together. Of course, as soon as we do, the vine bears fruits. It’s a simple call but sometimes seems hidden because we don’t understand our role. What do you believe is the part you are asked to play?  

The second sentence which jumps off the page in this Gospel is:

Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.

In particular, the without me you can do nothing. It could sound like an aggressive statement if read literally. However, this is not the case. Rather, we are being asked to recognize that all love, gifts, and talents come from God. Yes, it may be up to us how we use them. We have this gift of free will mentioned earlier, however, we cannot achieve anything without the gifts.

It is interesting to note that this would apply even to an atheist or agnostic. Everyone has gifts, skills, and the ability to love one another. A question might then be for the non-believer, who gave them to us? So perhaps, for them, it is more an issue of recognizing the source of those gifts.

Do you believe you are in control? That you can do things on your own without God’s help?

I certainly had times when I suffered from a stupid amount of self-confidence. When I believed outcomes directly resulted from my skills and capabilities. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in God; I just thought it was more me than Him. I grew out of the notion over the years.

Co-residing in the vine is where we are in our lives, but we have to recognize that we are “co-resident” in the vine. In the word. In the work. In the World.

God Bless.

Michael Cunningham, OFS, is the Director and CEO of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Acts 14:21-27
Revelation 21:1-5a
John 13:31-33a, 34-35

Reflection:

In the 13^th chapter of John’s Gospel we read the following profound words:

“My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.
I give you a new commandment: love one another.
As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.
This is how all will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.”

Jesus spoke these words to his beloved followers in the upper room on the night before he died.  We call these special chapters of John’s Gospel, chapters 13 through 17, the “farewell discourse” of Jesus.  In these special chapters Jesus is opening his heart to those he loves and to whom he will entrust the task of proclaiming the Gospel and forming the early community of the faithful itself.  As one preacher put it years ago: “When a person is about to die, he or she doesn’t talk about sports or the weather; rather, he talks about what is most precious in his heart.”  And what did Jesus share with his disciples when he poured out his heart to them…and to us?  “As I have loved you, so you should love one another.”

This is Jesus final farewell and the roadmap he bequeaths to us and his apostles.  The foundation of the Church, about to be born on Pentecost, must be a foundation of love.  We will be known by all around us that we are disciples of Jesus if we have love for one another.  Of course, there are other messages being proclaimed these days; other roadmaps that some think will “make America great,” for example.  And of course, with one heart and one voice we all say, “Yes, we must make America great once again, as in days past.”  And how is this to happen?  Surely not because we have more weapons of destruction than anyone else.  And surely not because the stock market is soaring upwards!  And not even because gas is as cheap as it was three decades ago!  No!    That is not our roadmap; that is not the pathway that Jesus shared with us on the night before he died.  Rather, he simply said to his most beloved, as he says to us this very day: “I give you a new commandment: love one another.”  That’s it, there is the path we must follow no matter what else happens around us.  It’s that simple, and that terrifying, as well.  We must love one another.  And if we do, then all will know that we are his disciples.  But only, dear friends, if we have love for one another.

Fr. Pat Brennan, C.P. is the director of Saint Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.

Feast of St. Matthias

Scripture:

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
John 15:9-17

Reflection:

Two special events are celebrated in our readings today.  One is a glimpse of community at its best when it is guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit.  The other moment, that profound sharing Jesus had with his closest friends as he revealed to them what is meant by heroic love.

Our first reading taken from the Acts of the Apostles shows us how very important it was to the early Christian community to maintain the unique composition of apostles as originally selected by Jesus himself.  Twelve worthy men was to be their number but, in addition, the candidate selected to replace Judas had to be a disciple who had followed Jesus from the very beginning, from the baptism of John until the ascension of Jesus when he was taken away from the community itself.  Key to this witness was also that on would be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  The vote was taken, not from the eleven alone, but from the 120 men and women who had gathered together, and it was Matthias who won the day.  What rejoicing must have followed that vote!  And what a joyful experience of community must have been had by all who were present!

Our Gospel, frequently a passage chosen by young couples for their wedding Mass, reminds us of the great command that we must love one another and that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another, a heroic love that is possible for those who truly take the Lord’s commandments seriously.  To be a heroic disciple of the Lord simply meant that one would be willing to die for another period!

And not inconsequentially, for many of our Holy Cross Passionists, forming a kind of background to these two amazing events, is the name, the identity, of that twelfth blessed apostle, Matthias.  For every Passionist my age and older will immediately think of a beloved Passionist, quiet and hidden in his own way, who was aptly named since he was truly a great disciple and a man who loved simply but heroically – Fr. Matthias Coen, CP.  Matthias was a very holy man, not complicated at all.  And his love for the Lord was immediately clear to any and all who had met him.  He never held high offices or did great and notable things, but what he did do was to live the spirit of our Passionist rule of life completely and totally.  How many of us will remember Matthias in the evening when he would come into the chapel or “choir” as we called it in those days, dressed in the “holy” habit, maybe with sandals but definitely without the belt that was meant to accompany the habit.  From his first step int the “choir” Fr. Matthias would immediately fix his eyes on the image of Christ on the Cross, ever so steadily, as he approached the first level leading up to the altar.  How he dropped to his knees in this way was, for us all, a great mystery.  One thing is for sure.  Every novice witnessing this nightly event was wondering when dear Fr. Matthias would no longer drop to his knees but would, rather, display a most amazing levitation reserved only for the most worthy and beloved disciples of the Lord!  There we have it.  Fr. Matthias, a holy Passionist, who laid down his life every day for the Lord, chosen not by vote but by the Lord himself to inspire young and impressionable novices in a humble chapel in St. Paul, Kansas.

Fr. Pat Brennan, C.P. is the director of Saint Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.

Scripture:

Acts 13:26-33
John 14:1-6

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel invites us to feel consoled in Jesus Christ. We are led by Thomas’ question of Jesus to guard our hearts against any and all concerns.  Thomas questioned Jesus by a simple statement, “we do not know the way to you; how can we find the way?” Again, his declaration in the presence of Jesus and Jesus answers him; “I am the way and the truth and the life” invites us to ponder deeply our call to follow Jesus Christ. Using a motif found only in the Gospel of John, “I AM” echoes back to Moses’ encounter with the burning bush in Exodus. It is a scene where God interrupts Moses during his work as a shepherd. God has a plan to free his Chosen People from slavery and he has chosen Moses(and equipped him) to liberate Israel. When Moses questions God on what name shall he tell the people who is sending him? God answered, “I AM” these words have been roughly explained by Scripture scholars as, “I am who am” (Exodus chapter 3). These thoughts lead the Apostle Paul to declare, “Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In other words, Jesus is unchangeable. We can put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ and be consoled.

When we hear these declarative sentences proclaimed in our Gospel today, we are to understand that God is always present and unchangeable. While our world is always in a constant flux, we are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. This is our invitation today—our statement of faith. Jesus is giving us some strong advice. If we are concerned about our life, we have only to look to Jesus to find consolation.  Jesus desires that we do not have troubled hearts.

Our first reading from the Book of Acts suggests exactly why Jesus is deserving of our trust. The story of salvation, what more can we add? In the Easter Season, we are treated to the reading from Acts of the Apostles. The story of Jesus’ salvation has been told and re-told for the past two millennium and we never get tired of the radical sacrifices offered forward by the early church. Led by the Holy Spirit, we can wonder at the radical nature of love. So,  we turn and offer praise to our God. This praise is offered over and over again by our attitude of surrender in faith to Jesus as we allow ourselves to be consoled. Jesus has this care or concern already in his sight.

May we trust in our Lord, Jesus, to be present and heal us and our troubled world. Amen.

Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Acts 13:13-25
John 13:16-20

Reflection:

In these days and weeks that follow Easter the image of “journeying” repeats itself time and again. We follow the disciples on the way to Emmaus. We hear the angel tell the disciples to go to Galilee where they will see the Lord. And soon, on the feast of Pentecost, the disciples will go out from the upper room and travel to the ends of the earth sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In both readings today, from Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, our journey in faith is retold. Paul recounts the journey of the Exodus from Egypt to John the Baptist, who points not to himself but to Jesus whom we are called to follow. And Jesus reminds the apostles that he is the one sent, he is the one who journeys in our midst so that we can find our way to the Father.

What I am drawn to in this Easter season is this sense of constant movement. There is coming and going. There are journeys to be made. The encounter with Jesus compels us to go out and proclaim the Good News. We are sent just as Jesus was sent by the Father. Perhaps the journey is not a literal trip across country. But our journey in faith moves us out of ourselves and into those places where we can proclaim the Good News. We are called to “go” and be disciples to all nations—or just to our families, our friends, our coworkers and neighbors. Our faith does not insulate us or draw us to close in on ourselves. No, our faith is a journey. But it is a journey that we travel not alone but with Jesus as our companion.

Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and was the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Acts 12:24-13:5a
John 12:44-50

Reflection:

“After being set apart by the Holy Spirit to travel, Barnabas and Saul
were also sent on their way by the Holy Spirit.”

Barnabas and Saul came from different backgrounds and experiences, and with different gifts.  Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit used them, molded and equipped them to meet the needs of the community in Antioch.  Barnabas was a lovable teacher.  Indeed, his name described his character – Son of encouragement.  He led and taught by his encouragement, his affirmation of others.  Saul (Paul) was more prickly in his personality.  Nevertheless, God called him to lead by his preaching and many letters to the Christian communities.

Their ministry and mission emerged out of their dependence on and cooperation with God’s grace, and the needs of God’s people.  The Holy Spirit set Barnabas and Saul apart, spoke to them, and sent them on mission.

Sometimes, however, we may not listen well to the Holy Spirit, despite the Spirit’s repeated calling.  That is what happened with me.

Shortly after I was ordained a deacon, my pastor strongly recommended I take over the parish’s weekly RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).  I politely declined, noting that I would make a very poor teacher.  The deacon who had led the class for many years, also approached me, suggesting I reconsider.  Again, I said no. 

There the matter stood for several months, until the deacon learned sadly that he had an aggressive form of cancer and would have to lighten his ministry duties.  At that point, I had no choice but to assume the RCIA duties.

More than 17 years later, I can say the Holy Spirit spoke to me through my pastor, but I said no.  The Spirit spoke to me through my parish deacon, and again I said no.  However, it was clear the Holy Spirit was in no mood to take no for an answer from this newly minted deacon. 

It is as though the Spirit said, “enough is enough,” then took me by the scruff of my neck and yanked me into RCIA ministry.  If I had been more discerning, I would have discovered I was too much task oriented with fears of inadequacies, rather than being Spirit-oriented and focused on the needs of my parish community.  After only a few weeks, I discovered how much I enjoyed teaching the rich treasures of the Church, and preparing adults for baptism, confirmation and Communion.  More importantly, I learned to listen carefully and respond positively to the nudgings of the Holy Spirit.

Like Barnabas and Saul, we all are sent on our missionary journey, even if we are not traveling.  The Spirit sets us apart, calls us, and sends us on our way to places where we live, work, and worship.  But it isn’t the places that are the point of our journey; it is the people we encounter there.  We are called to minister to one another, to nurture and care for one another, so that together we can build up the Church, all the people of God.

The Spirit will never force us to do anything, will always give us the grace to cooperate with the Spirit.  Sometimes, that grace may require grabbing us by the scruff of the neck.

Deacon Manuel Valencia is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Acts 11:19-26
John 10:22-30

Reflection:

I recently went through an extremely difficult, painful time. In its midst, I didn’t feel the presence of God. I’d cry out in prayer, “God, where are you? Can’t you see? Help me!” I knew in my head that God was there, but I didn’t feel it and my heart struggled mightily. I kept returning to prayer, though, choosing to believe God was with me in ways I didn’t understand, and choosing to trust God’s working within me even when I knew nothing about it.

C. S. Lewis wrote that sometimes when we are in the depths we are like drowning people. The lifeguard is right there, but we don’t relax into the help we seek. We continue flailing, panicking, and jeopardizing our rescue. Yet, like the lifeguard, God faithfully stays by our side until we’re able to accept the help and guidance abundantly offered. For me, eventually the feeling of God’s presence returned. Now, looking back, I see that God was indeed sustaining me all along, through other people and in many subtle but powerful ways. 

This is common for us humans. Like the crowds in Jesus’ day, we doubt, question, and demand answers. We want undeniable signs. We want “proof”, and we want it on our terms. We want God to act the way we want and on our timetable. Otherwise, we refuse to believe.

Perhaps one challenge of this Easter season is to let go of those doubts and demands. Can I simply believe that God loves me down to my core, without requiring that I “earn” it or prove myself worthy? Do I truly know (and act as if I know) that when I am nailed to the cross, I am nailed there with the One who can shoulder abandonment, betrayal, lashings, and despair? Do I know that my very blood flows with God’s blood, which was poured out in love? Can I surrender my spirit to God? And can I genuinely trust that when I enter the tomb I won’t stay there, that God will find a way forward for me and ultimately bring resurrection? It’s so easy to say the words and believe intellectually. I am ever learning to crack open my frightened, vulnerable heart to believe and to let God love me.

The amazing reality is that no matter how long it takes for me to do this, God continues to work in me, sustain and guide me, and heal me. God will never let me go. As Jesus says: “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.” Can you join me this season in trusting more thoroughly in that love and faithfulness?

Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago.  For many years she has partnered with the Passionists.  Visit Amy’s website: http://www.corgenius.com/.

Scripture:

Acts 11:1-18
John 10:1-10

Reflection:

                             The Shepherd Who Was Slain for His Sheep Is Truly Risen

The gospels for the Fourth Sunday of Easter tell us of the Good Shepherd, and are divided into three parts, giving us a different reading for each year of the lectionary. Today, Monday, we find ourselves at the beginning of chapter 10, being introduced to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. It is a warm welcome to intimacy with Jesus and the Father. What will follow in the larger gospel of John is the raising of Lazarus, the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany, and the entry into Jerusalem. We are close to the Passion where the Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.

This Good Shepherd is described as out in front, leading us. We know it is not to a place. The shepherd leads us in a different sense. If we took the symbol of the Good Shepherd as leading us literally, Jesus would probably not be in front! Sheep follow all over the place, so to speak. They run ahead and wander around the edges, some even go a bit too far – the lost sheep. A Good Shepherd lets the sheep wander a bit because they know what they are looking for, something tasty to munch on or a bit of water. They may be better at finding those things than shepherd himself or herself.

No, our reading introduces us to the one who leads us into a relationship of intimacy. This Shepherd calls his sheep by name; how familiar! He knows them and they know him; they recognize his voice. Our Shepherd is like a gate; we are secure when he is not with us, and the gate opens onto good pasture.

John situates the gospel during the feast of the Dedication as Israel celebrates their deliverance and the rededication of the temple desecrated by Antiochus IV, the story of the Book of Maccabees. Much suffering was inflicted upon the Jewish people. Despite stories of faithfulness and martyrdom, some abandoned their trust and faith in the God of Israel. Remembering those who turned their back upon God who dwelt in the Holy of Holies in the temple, Jesus refers to those who are leading the sheep of the house of David away from the One who is the Way to the Father. Jesus comes to bring the fullness of life to his sheep. There are those who would rob the Sheep of the gift of the Father.

Beautiful as today’s reading is we want more. Can we ever get enough intimacy with those whom we love? John’s gospel continues beyond our reading: “I know my sheep and my sheep know me in the same way that the Father knows me and I know the Father”. When John began his gospel he told us that Jesus was at the Father’s side. Again, not a physical location but so much more. It is intimate love, like a mother holding her nursing baby. We hear the same of the beloved disciple at the last supper. This disciple at Jesus side shares an intimate relationship with Jesus. We are that disciple. As he is one with Jesus, the disciple is also one with the Father, because Jesus is the way to the Father. The intimacy that Jesus knows with the Father is what he gives us. To know Jesus is to know the Father, to be one with Jesus is to be one with the Father through Jesus. The sheep gate opens onto a rich pasture for us, indeed!

“I am the Good Shepherd that lays down his life for his sheep…The Father loves me for this: that I lay down my life to take it up again….My sheep hear my voice….I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish…The Father and I are one”. How do we capture such intimacy?

We all know the holy cards that show a Good Shepherd gently carrying a lamb. As being led to a specified location is not at issue, rather intimacy, so being a lamb is not important really. We are the ones embraced by the Risen One, the Lamb who was slain. He calls us be name, responding to each of us uniquely, as the Risen One does to the people to whom he appears during these Easter days.

To the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise, honor and glory and might, forever and ever! Alleluia!

Fr. William Murphy, CP is a member of Immaculate Conception Community in Jamaica, New York.