Claire Smith

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Luke 9:22-25

Reflection:

“Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom”

It is a dramatic statement, but oh so true. True in this sense at least – we always retain the power of choice. Even in the most horrific circumstances, where one’s liberty, independence, and even life are threatened, our freedom to choose is something that cannot be taken away.

We can always turn towards the light and truth. In many cases, it will be possible to choose to act differently and so to move from a situation that may be detrimental to our well-being or the well-being of others. It might also be possible to choose to think differently about certain situations and thus to open ourselves to new ideas so that we can re-shape our approach to people or a situation and thus find new ways to respond rather than react to someone or something. Even in those times when we lack the power or potential to change the external situation in which we find ourselves, or indeed to extract ourselves from it, we still retain the capacity to choose the attitude we will adopt in this one moment.

We see this clearly in the life of Jesus. In the face of constant criticisms, persecution, dangers, and eventual arrest – he did not choose a path of ‘death’ i.e. surrender to what others wanted to impose or what the desire for safety may have offered.

No, Jesus chose a constant path of life. He acted in this way, he spoke and taught in this way, and when his physical freedom was denied he still thought and spoke in this way.

In this sense, his words ring out to us across the centuries. We are invited, commissioned even, to keep choosing the will of God above all else. To choose to live for God means at times that we do bear a cross and are asked to carry this bravely even as we live to serve and love others in the name of Jesus. Such crosses come in all shapes and sizes – it might take the form of personal costs and or suffering, it may be that we carry the burdens of another person or indeed that we carry someone else through a period of their lives or simply help them live with their limitations.

Jesus knows our hearts and knows those crosses we do bear for the sake of the love of Jesus and our neighbour.

As we enter the Season of Lent, we might imagine our journey to be like that of Simon of Cyrene – carrying a cross that was imposed upon us, but that we freely carry – knowing that Jesus is very close to us in such moments.

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

Ash Wednesday: March 2, 2022

Scripture:

Joel 2:12-18
2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Reflection:

Our first reading for today sets out the challenge of Lent for us: a call from God to “return to me with your whole heart.”  An expression of penance was to tear one’s clothing. But God says: “Rend your hearts, not your garments.” We are to tear our hearts open. The call is to go beyond an external return to God and return with our “whole heart.”

As Christians, our wholehearted turning to God is in many spiritual conversions throughout our lives, as we fall more deeply in love with God, and all that God loves, the whole world. We might ask ourselves: where does our love for God and God’s world call us into deeper conversion this Lent?

St. John Paul II was the first Pope to call us to “ecological conversion.” In 2001 he said that “humanity has disappointed God’s expectations” by devastating plains and valleys, polluting water and air, and disfiguring the Earth’s habitat. “We must therefore encourage and support the ‘ecological conversion’ which in recent decades has made humanity more sensitive to the catastrophe to which it has been heading,” St. John Paul II said.

In his encyclical Laudato Si’ released in 2015, Pope Francis echoes St. John Paul II. Pope Francis identifies our current ecological crisis as a “summons to profound interior conversion.” What everyone needs, he writes, is an “‘ecological conversion,’ whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them.” (LS 217).

The Lenten tradition of fasting (“giving something up”) helps us experience our dependency on God. Perhaps this Lent our fasting will also help us experience our interdependence with all Life in our common journey on this planet. Pope Francis has some suggestions of what we can do, and some things we can give up:

“…….environmental responsibility can encourage ways of acting which directly and significantly affect the world around us, such as avoiding the use of plastic and paper, reducing water consumption, separating refuse, cooking only what can reasonably be consumed, showing care for other living beings, using public transport or car-pooling, planting trees, turning off unnecessary lights, or any number of other practices. All of these reflect a generous and worthy creativity which brings out the best in human beings.”

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:

1 Peter 1:10-16
Mark 10:28-31

Reflection:

Today is Mardi Gras— “Fat Tuesday”—the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  Apparently, the name comes from the ancient custom in France of eating rich, fatty foods before the fasting period of Lent kicks in! 

Another name for today is “Shrove” Tuesday.  “Shrove” is a derivative of the verb to “shrive” or “absolve”—the point here that one prepares for the penitential period of Lent by being aware of one’s sins and the opportunity to be absolved of them through the Lenten fasts and practices.

The Scripture readings for this day do not allude to either of these descriptions.  Rather than gearing up for the rigors of Lent or reflecting on our need for repentance, the Lectionary texts alert us to our dignity and “holiness” as followers of Jesus. 

The first reading is taken from the First Letter of Peter.  The author reminds the recipients of the letter (a string of local Christian communities in present day northern Turkey) of the exquisite grace they have received as Christians.  He portrays the prophets and their spiritual ancestors of the Old Testament as longing to see the grace that believers in Jesus now are privileged to experience.

The conclusion is that those so blessed should now “set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ…”  “Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.”

This last phrase— “be holy because I am holy” is a quotation from Leviticus 11:44 and reflects the biblical conviction that we are made “in the image and likeness of God” and can even dare to strive to be God-like by living lives of integrity.

The Gospel selection for today from Mark moves in a similar direction. While on the road to Jerusalem, Peter states to Jesus: “We have given up everything and followed you.”  The spirit of his question is, “so what do we get in return?”  Jesus’ response is strong: “Amen I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more…” both in this life and in eternal life to come.

Put another way, those whose lives are driven by love, reaching out to those in need and not just consumed with our own concerns, will live lives full of meaning.  I remember the words of Cardinal Francis George, the former Archbishop of Chicago, shortly before he died of cancer—words that also echo Jesus’ promise: “The only things you can take with you when you die are the things you have given away.”

We are all aware of our failures and weaknesses—we are, for sure, imperfect followers of Jesus (ask Peter!).  But the season of Lent is not just a time to be aware of our sins; it is also a celebration of abundant life—from death to resurrection.

Fr. Donald Senior, C.P. is President Emeritus and Professor of New Testament at Catholic Theological Union.  He lives at the Passionist residence in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Scripture:

1 Peter 1:3-9
Mark 10:17-27

Reflection:

We are a blessed people!  In our reading from 1 Peter today, we are reminded of how truly blessed we are in receiving a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  We are told we have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept for us in heaven.  Then we hear Jesus telling us in the gospel that, while all are welcome, it will be harder for those who choose riches over love of neighbor. We have all been given the gift of faith, we are all called to live as faithful children of the one God, no matter our status, culture, state in life or life circumstances.

Jesus lovingly challenges all of us to; “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”  Will we be like the man who went away sad because he had many possessions and was not willing to give them up or will we step up to the challenge Jesus puts before us this day.  We are called to clean out our physical closets that are crammed with ‘stuff’ we don’t need or haven’t used or never intend to use in our lifetime. We are called to share our wealth with those at the food pantry, clothes closet, homeless shelter and other organizations set up to help those less fortunate.

It is easy to share our wealth in a physical sense, but we are also called to look inside ourselves, check out how we are doing with our interior well-being, how are we growing in faith with each other and what does our relationship with our loving God look like?  Lent begins in just a few short days.  It is a time to clean out our soul closet and make room for that life-giving spirit of God to take center stage, a time to empty ourselves of the need for more and be open to the hope and promise that can only be found in service to God and our sisters and brothers in need.

Happy Lent!

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

Scripture:

Sirach 27:4-7
1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Luke 6:39-45

Reflection:

We have all heard the expression, “Walk the walk, talk the talk.” It is not for us to judge what we may see or interpret in others, but to take ownership of what we possess of ourselves. With a pure heart and sincerity of purpose, we can improve this world by our actions. But if we are burdened with sin, feeling righteous in our judgment of others, we are not serving God as we rightly should.

Think of going to confession, or not going to confession… When we sin, we should know in our hearts that, until that sin is removed, we should not place ourselves in services, such as distributing Holy Communion. We must enter into the sacraments with a pure and clean heart. And our hearts must be in the presence of God as we help others through their journey.

The same goes for any service that we give for the Glory of God. To enter into that service with a pure and clean heart is expected and allows both you and the recipient to receive the grace of both giving and receiving in its purest form.

God knows your heart, and no matter what acts you do, He always knows the sincerity of your heart. If we pass judgment on the faults and actions of others, we are weakening the gifts that God has intended us to share. So, change the world with your good deeds, and you will inspire others to do the same in the presence of God.

Patty Masson supports the Passionists from Sprint, Texas

Scripture:

James 5:13-20
Mark 10:13-16

Reflection:

The psalm response during the Liturgy of the Word too often is but an unremarkable interlude between the first reading and the gospel. But today’s Psalm 141 deserves some quiet consideration.

I can hear the sung refrain, “My prayers rise like incense, my hands like an evening offering” that monks chant at the end of the day. It is a quiet pleading, entrusting ourselves to God. We come as we are yet aware of who we want to be. Perhaps the day was not perfect. We did not love as we could have. Our words were more sharp than kind. But that does not keep us from surrendering ourselves to the love and mercy of God. Just like the children in today’s gospel selection.

We’re attracted to the kind of free expression as the children whom Jesus bids come to him. Can we imagine ourselves rushing up to Jesus and hugging him? Can we imagine, like Mary Magdalene, washing his feet? Or like John, laying our head on Jesus’ chest? Prayer too often is translated into “saying our prayers.” I like to think of it as “doing prayer.” Prayer begins with showing up, simply wanting to be with the Lord and opening ourselves to his love that melts away the sadness of sin and disappointment. Prayer is as simple as reconnecting with God who, as Jesus does in the gospel, “embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.”

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.

Solemn Commemoration of the Passion

Scripture:

Isaiah 53:1-12
Hebrews 2:9-18 or 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 19:17-30

Reflection:

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. -1 Corinthians 1:18

The online magazine WIRED talked to 16 people on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of them in the medical professions, asking them a series of questions.  In the interview, they share their routines, their stress and nightmares, their sadness and exhaustion, the grief they share with devastated family members, and the death–death in incomprehensible numbers.

One might easily wonder why these 16 people would knowingly put themselves into such a life-threatening situation, why they would choose to share such suffering with patients and families. Certainly foolishness to some.

There really are no words to fully describe our Lord’s Passion, to make precise the Paschal Mystery.  There is only our shared human experience.  Our experiences of suffering bind us together in solidarity as brothers and sisters as perhaps nothing else does.

The Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said in an interview with Krista Tippett, that “without suffering we have no way to learn how to be understanding and compassionate.” He continued, “The Kingdom of God is a place where there is understanding and compassion.”

The 16 people interviewed by WIRED also talked about witnessing awe-inspiring courage, about looking out for each other, about love. Their generous living of their lives in the shadow of death witnesses to the message of the cross alive today.

Our own lives may not be on the front lines, yet we all share in the experience of suffering. Hebrews 2:18 promises that “Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” May we trust in these words, and embrace our own suffering and that of the world with tenderness, allowing the compassion of Jesus Christ to flow through us and the Kingdom of God to come alive among us.  The choice each of us makes matters.

Lissa Romell is the Administrator at St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

James 5:1-6
Mark 9:41-50

Reflection:

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble (skandalizō), it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea. MK 9:42

Jesus made great efforts to heal sinners.  He was greatly criticized for His welcome to sinners.  He kindly healed them if they “sinned no more.”  But in today’s Gospel, make no mistake about it, He speaks with utmost severity about the horror and the destructiveness of sin. “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into ^bhell, into the unquenchable fire”  

Humans do not determine what is or is not sin.  That has been determined by God when He created us.   Sin is always highly venomous and destructive even when one might not be guilty.  The judgement of God will be merciful when the person is ignorant, but terrible damage will be done.   If one swallows poison and believes it will cure him, he will still die.  One of the most dangerous things one can hear is “if you think it is OK.  it is OK”.

In Scripture one of the main names for sin in Hebrew is “awon”.  This word means iniquity, depravity.   It is a perversity that is an objective reality that does not change.   The whole nation for years has been terrified by Covid-19.   Sin can do infinitely more damage to us more than any virus.   It can destroy our loving relationship with God which is our most beautiful gift from God.

“And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye
than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.”   -Mark 9:47

Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.