Claire Smith

Scripture:

2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31
Luke 19:11-28

Reflection:

Over the years I have seen many pictures of martyrs who are about to be put to death and have always been amazed that none of them looks the least bit troubled or afraid. Indeed, although they are about to suffer a cruel and violent death, they look remarkably at peace.

Today’s reading from the second book of Maccabees helps us understand why. It’s the riveting, unforgettable story of a mother and her seven sons, all of whom “were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king” because they refused to violate God’s law by eating pork. Six of the sons have already died from the king’s brutality, but the youngest is still alive. In an attempt to get him to betray his faith, King Antiochus promises this last surviving son that he will lavish him with riches and power and status—as well as friendship—if he will only transfer his loyalty and obedience from God to the king. The mother, who saw six of her seven sons die that day, exhorts her one remaining child not to abandon his faith for the king’s empty promises, but she has no reason to fear. Her son, like all the martyrs, knows how hopeless and meaningless our lives would be if the only way we could have them is by betraying everything we believe.

King Antiochus had no power over this mother and her seven sons even though he could kill them because they all knew what the king would never know. They knew that they had been given life by God in the beginning, had been sustained in life by God each day, and would be guided by God through death to a life that never ends. This is why the king with all his threats looks both weak and foolish, and why the young man, knowing he will die, can fearlessly proclaim: “What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king’s command.”

What is true for the martyrs is true for us. If we hold fast to our faith, we will always have life, even when it comes time to die.

Paul J. Wadell is Professor Emeritus of Theology & Religious Studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a member of the Passionist Family.

Scripture:

2 Maccabees 6:18-31
Luke 19:1-10

Reflection:

But preferring a glorious death to a life of defilement, . . . (Eleazar) went forward of his own accord to the instrument of torture, as people ought to do who have the courage to reject the food which it is unlawful to taste even for love of life. 2 MC 6: 19 – 20

The Scriptures for today’s Mass invites us to reflect upon the role of personal courage in our journey of faith.

Most of us grew up hoping that we could be courageous when that time came. Popular books and movies often portrayed heroes and heroines as their main characters. Men and women who did courageous acts of bravery in war, or in saving lives, sometimes quite by accident or suffered death while defending just causes were often lifted up for our edification and admiration. Being recognized as courageous in the midst of a dangerous situation was one of the highest achievements that could be conferred upon someone. Courageous men and women just made us feel good. And they inspired us to be courageous when our time came to act with courage. We only have to witness a ceremony of the President conferring a Medal of Honor to experience those feelings.

I remember reading books and accounts of the lives of the saints that would highlight the courage of these men and women as they confronted the evils of this world and even their own communities and religious leaders. It did not take long for me to figure out that there would be times when I would need to be strong and courageous in my convictions and commitments to my faith, my Church and my God. Likewise, there would be times in our lives when we have to decide to act with courage rather than cowardice, integrity rather than duplicity, truthfulness rather than deceitfulness.

Today’s readings give us two examples of courage, Eleazar, a ninety year old man who was put to the test to save his life by breaking his religious law, a man of respect and beyond reproach, a man whose example would lead others to do what he did; and Zacchaeus, a thief, a cheat, and a tax collector for the Roman Empire. Both were asked to do the most courageous act of their lives, say no to an unjust law for Eleazar and to invite Jesus into his life and home for Zacchaeus. For Eleazar, that meant certain death. For Zacchaeus, a whole new way of life. Both acts of courage led to everlasting life. We have a lot to learn from their example.

To be a faithful follower of Jesus today and a member of the Church that He established, takes an extraordinary amount of courage. In living our daily life of faith, we quickly learn that the courage we are talking about is not just human courage but Christian Courage, the kind of courage we need to pray for every morning. Every day, we will be asked to act with courage and integrity, to do the right thing, to be a good person. Ordinarily, this will cost us nothing. But there will come a time when it will cost us everything. We will be asked to choose to do the right thing, to stand with God’s Word, God’s Values and God’s Love while rejecting the false promises of human happiness and success. There will come a time when Jesus will be passing by and we will have the urge to climb a tree to see him, and then experience Jesus’ invitation to let him into our hearts and homes. Then, we will know what needs to be given away. We will need the courage to be converted and changed forever. Then, we will hear Jesus say to us: “Today, salvation has come to this house!”

Let us pray for the grace of this kind of courage every morning we wake up!

Fr. Clemente Barrón, C.P. is a member of Mater Dolorosa Community in Sierra Madre, California. 

Scripture:

1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
Luke 18:35-43

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Albert the Great, a Dominican scholar who also had the distinct privilege of helping to form the mind of another great Dominican, St. Thomas Aquinas.  These two brilliant men surely helped to shape scholastic thought and theological development for centuries, even to our present day.  Philosophical and intellectual clarity offered a means of looking at the mysteries of our faith in a very logical and systematic way.

Yet, interestingly enough, the readings for this particular Monday during the 33^rd Week of Ordinary time, portrays a moment in Jewish history that is far from being characterized as clear and faithful to the religious traditions and beliefs of the Jewish community.  In fact, as we see in our first reading for the day, taken from the First Book of the Maccabees, with poor leadership and heretical thinking, many of the people were abandoning their faith in favor of the Gentiles living among them.

They covered over the mark of their circumcision and abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing. Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, each abandoning his particular customs.  All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king, and many children of Israel were in favor of his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath.

At first glance, we might be amazed at how such a faithful people who suffered so greatly for their faith could be swayed so easily as to capitulate to the demands of a king who was clearly not representing God and God’s sacred covenant with his chosen people.  But then, as we reflect a bit further, perhaps we can see that in our own lifetime and in our own country, we are witnesses of many people who are compromising the truth of their faith for fame, control, and popularity.  We are all only too susceptible to the influences and seduction of our modern world.  We need only think about the reality of “culture wars” in America today to get an idea of how easy it is to be misled, to go astray, all accomplished through the power of misrepresenting the truth and appealing to personal ambitions and even the anger that binds so many together in our struggling society today.

How can we change all of this misdirection and division, all this animosity and separation that is tearing us apart?  It seems to me we have only to go to our Gospel passage for today’s feast this day and meditate long and hard on the words of the blind man who was so privileged to meet Jesus.  With him we have to all cry out humbly and sincerely, “Lord, please, let me see!”  Only the Lord can give us the sight and the vision that will lead us to the truth that can make America great once again!  Only the Lord can guide us to that truth that will set us free.

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

Scripture:

Daniel 12:1-3
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
Mark 13:24-32

Reflection:

As we get closer to the end of the Church liturgical year, our readings deal more and more with the end times. We see this language in our first reading from Daniel (12:1-3), and in our Gospel reading from Mark (13:24-32). In our Gospel reading, Jesus says: “In those days after the tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, and then he will send out his angels and gather his elect…” And later on, He says, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Amid all the frightful imagery and the speculation that goes with it, I am drawn to the words: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” What are Jesus’ words? We have them in the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It seems to me that Jesus’ words, and the actions that confirm His words, speak more than anything about God’s love for us and how we are to love God and love our neighbor in return. This will often mean taking up the crosses that come our way, and being willing to give of ourselves for the sake of the Gospel and the good of others.

In these times, as well as all times, we are encouraged to hang on to these words! Hang on to His love for you! His love will not pass away, even though there may be times when you can’t see it or feel it. Know that God is there for you. Believe in what the Cross and the empty tomb say to you! Sin and death do not have the last word! As it says in our second reading from Hebrews: “Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God…”

And if we hang on to Jesus’ words, may we follow Him in our actions. May we show mercy and compassion. May we reach out to those in need. May we care for all of creation. As it says in our reading from Daniel: “…the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.” As I re-read this, I guess there are some who see that last line as a license for revenge and vigilantism, but I see it as a call to work for justice for all, leading to peace. I see Jesus’ words as speaking truth, in and out of season, but I do not see a call to violence in His words.

May we take to heart the words of Jesus, and through our following His words, may many be led to justice.

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Scripture:

Wisdom 7:22b-8:1
Luke 17:20-25

Reflection:

Our Gospel passage for today touches a very familiar chord in all of us it seems to me.  How we all long for the peace and joy of a heaven on earth!  When will we see the peace and happiness the Lord promised us? When is the Kingdom of God going to come?

Jesus had to have a conversation with his own disciples about this, especially as he was being prodded by the haughty, unbelieving Pharisees.  Jesus calmly declares that the coming of the Kingdom is not an event that will be heralded by trumpets and flutes, or miraculous events.  (How we all look for the miraculous in our midst!)  Rather, Jesus is reminding all who would listen that the Kingdom of God, a time of peace and justice, will arrive only after the Messiah, the chosen one, would “suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”

In other words, dear friends, the Kingdom of God is something we experience only after we have walked with the Lord sufficiently, even suffered with him.  The rejection that Jesus speaks of is only too clear today.  I doubt many people in our fast-moving society take much time to think about how it is God’s Kingdom that really matters and not our own!  We are so caught up in building fortresses and walls that we scarcely give God’s Kingdom much of a thought.  If we want to dream, then perhaps we should dream about how different the world in which we live today would be if we spent more time trying to build up the Kingdom of God rather than our own!

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

Scripture:

Wisdom 6:1-11
Luke 17:11-19

Reflection:

It says in the Book of Wisdom, and is repeated throughout scripture, that those who have little may be pardoned out of mercy, but “for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends.” That’s a discomforting thought, because I have a good job, healthcare, a decent house, a 3-year-old car, plenty of food, abundant water, air conditioning and heat. I have the advantages that accrue to an able-bodied, white, Christian, suburban American. Despite the abundant losses, transitions, and challenges of my life, I’ve got it pretty darn good! How much gratitude is due for the riches I have been given? How often do I fall on my knees in thanks?

Yet in light of the Gospels, I realize gratitude is not enough; it is only the first step. For instance, consider Jesus’ admonition to the rich young man to sell all he has and come follow. Ouch! Reading that and knowing how much I have, I feel convicted, uncomfortable, and guilty.

I don’t think Jesus wants us to feel guilty, though. I believe he wants us to feel responsible. Guilt paralyzes. Responsibility acts. Note that Jesus didn’t tell him to sell everything for the sake of selling it. He told him to sell it and give it to the poor, to serve others. Those of us who have much do not actually “own” it at all. We don’t “deserve” it nor have we “earned” it. It is not “ours” to use just for our own pleasure. We are called to be grateful that we have this tool, these abilities, this health, these advantages, so that we can use them to be instruments of God’s mercy to others. What we do with them determines how we will be judged. God’s scrutiny awaits.

Examples: I have abundant food. How much can I give to food pantries, shelters for abuse victims, a Catholic Worker House, or the homeless people within my own area? I have more clothes than I need. Can I give professional clothing to underemployed people interviewing for a job, and other clothing to places like St. Vincent DePaul or Goodwill? My garage holds things I haven’t used in years; could someone else use them? I have too many books; who else needs them?

Every room of my home contains things I don’t need and could give away. The only question is: Where do I start and when? How long am I going to put it off while others are in need? Scripture is clear. Jesus is calling. Will I walk away sad, or will I get busy and live out the faith that saves me?

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:

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17
John 2:13-22

Reflection:

The Basilica of St. John Lateran and the Synod

Today we celebrate the dedication of the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, the cathedral of Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome – the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Each of us may have had an experience of feeling we were close to what is holy.  It may have been emotional, perhaps unexplainable. With that memory, we may desire to step back into a church, shrine or place that provided such an awesome experience.

We can add the Basilica of St. John Lateran as one of our potential holy places. We have a welcome there as the Bishop of Rome is our Pope. Mi casa es su casa, we have a foot in the door already! Its baptismal font testifies that it is a holy place. Inscribed with swimming fish, the ancient font witnesses to the many people over so many years who were born in its waters.

But now we have a new bond with the Basilica. Pope Francis has called the parishes of his diocese as well as each of our parishes to ‘gather for a period of mutual listening in order to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to us’. In less than two years the Synod of Bishops will meet with the theme, “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission”. What we say in our parish will be written alongside what the people in the parishes of Rome record.

We hear of gatherings called synods, also the often-discussed question of the balance between the Synod of Bishops and the Primacy of the Pope. This is different, more radical. Pope Francis is speaking of episcopal collegiality within an entirely synodal church. Francis, who was not at the Vatican Council, is calling us to be taken up by the same spirit that was embraced by the bishops at Vatican II, to face the challenges to the church today with fidelity and creativity. Pope Francis has said that at Jesus’ death God did not leave behind a ‘vacuum’ to be filled by people insisting on taking his place. The church is not to be like a country with ‘armed borders, guilt-mongering customs houses with a spirituality that blasphemes the gratuity of God’s engaging action’. Instead, Jesus sent the HS who enables us to witness in words and deeds to God’s unconditional love and his immense hospitality that knows no bounds or borders. We want to hear and listen to the Spirit who speaks through everyone: those content, angry, questioning and fearful.

In a village, the rich people hired watchmen to protect their property. One evening the rabbi was walking at the edge of someone’s property and ran into one of the watchmen making his rounds. The rabbi asked, “For whom are you walking, young man?” The watchman told the name of the owner, and asked, “And you Rabbi, for whom are you walking?” The word hit the rabbi like an arrow. After a period of silence, the Rabbi answered, ‘At the moment I am not walking for anyone.” The Rabbi asked, “Are you willing to become my servant?” “Of course, with pleasure, but what will you have me do?” The Rabbi answered, “You will have to remind me for whom I am supposed to walk”.

Francis tells us that in our mutual exchanges will be reminded for whom we walk.

Fr. William Murphy, CP is the pastor of Immaculate Conception parish in Jamaica, New York.

Scripture:

Wisdom 1:1-7
Luke 17:1-6

Reflection:

Several years ago, a series of self-help books whose title began, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” hit the best-seller list.  As well-meaning as the author undoubtedly was, there was nevertheless something troubling about that title.  In today’s gospel, Jesus turns that popular title upside-down.  We do have to sweat the small stuff.

Jesus had just warned, instructed, and exhorted his followers about the demands of discipleship.  He warned them about false teaching and those who entice others to sin.  He instructed them about confronting sinners and – more importantly – the need to forgive them.

With such great expectations placed on their shoulders, the disciples promptly implored Jesus to increase their faith.  But, as he often does, Jesus shifts the focus of their request.  Faith is not a matter of quantity, Jesus teaches them, but of its presence.  The presence of faith in their lives is more crucial than its quantity.  Faith, even as tiny as a mustard seed, Jesus assures them, can accomplish much.

For us, as for the first disciples, faith is not a single moment, but an ongoing and essential dimension of our journey.  Within the depths of our souls, in a quiet and mysterious way, God is always doing something new in our lives.  Indeed, great things can emerge from the small stuff of our faith.  Even faith the size of a mustard seed will do.

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