Claire Smith

Scripture:

Romans 3:21-30
Luke 11:47-54

Reflection:

The readings today are summarized by the prelude to the Gospel from John 14:16.

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.

The readings today speak, both directly and indirectly to the issue of authentic faith. Faith which is just a poster child for the messenger is not useful to the deliverer or those receiving the message. The messenger has obscured the message by getting themselves in the way.

I recently connected with a good friend Jim who had moved to Florida several years ago. Jim is a dedicated Christian and, more recently, has decided to move into full-time ministry. What is interesting about Jim’s story is the type of ministry he’s decided on; street ministry. For most of us, particularly Catholics, the thought of street ministry or street preaching would send shivers down our spines. Standing outside of Walmart or some other public place waving a sign calling others to the word of God seems to be as un-Catholic a method of evangelization as I can think to imagine. Our methods of evangelization are either internal and very formal such as catechesis; or based on works of mercy and service. These might include food ministry, helping the homeless, visiting those who are ill, and many others.

Now I’m not suggesting that we immediately go down to our local sign maker, take our favorite lines of scripture and then start parading up and down Main Street. However, I do think there is something to be learned from Jim’s experience.

It turns out the street preaching is not always verbal but can lead to that. In his initial efforts, Jim will create a sign, usually with scripture or a scriptural message, and then just let the sign speak for itself; he is merely the sign holder. As you could imagine, this brought several different responses. Some ignored him as if he wasn’t there; some glanced at him; others made kind comments or acknowledgments, some made comments that were less so kindly. Then, over weeks in different locations, Jim found others spontaneously talking to him about while he was doing, what the message was, or their own experience of what the message meant.

Just the pure boldness of Jim’s evangelization strategy calls me to action as well. Not that you’re necessarily going to find me on the side of the street with the sign proclaiming Jesus’s call to action in the world, but it did make me think why this was so difficult (for me). As Catholics, we like to do our evangelization quietly or with other aid such as food, resources, assistance to others. The aid and the assistance speak for God’s action and our participation in it.

But are we missing something? Are we willing to be as bold as Jim? Could you stand there with the message and be ready to defend it? These are great questions that right now are milling around in my heart and soul. It makes me think how willing I am to be there proclaiming his message in one of these bolder ways. When Pope Francis talks to us about leaving the church’s door and meeting people where they are, street preaching may not be as far out as we think. Missionaries have taken on far more dangerous tasks over the years in church history. But it appears we always want the shield of a gift or service that we’re trying to offer; it seems we can only be most comfortable when we have something to help us evangelize.

Perhaps this message from a Protestant street preacher can give us some confidence to be even bolder in our message to others. Perhaps not in the street, but within the family, amongst friends, and those who might be unwilling to listen. Even those reluctant to listen may have an interaction with you that sets them on the journey of discovery and exploration with the Holy Spirit. Perhaps not immediately but in a future time unknown to us. God Bless.

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

Scripture:

Romans 2:1-11
Luke 11:42-46

Reflection:

Do you ever have a feeling of discomfort on hearing a certain Scripture proclaimed? That is exactly how I feel when I hear these Scriptures on Jesus’ “Woes.” In today’s verses, Jesus’ makes it completely clear where he stands; he is very frustrated with the posture adopted by the Pharisees as well as their questioning of him. Nonetheless today he is speaking about the “woes.’ One commentary I read suggested that nowhere in the Scriptures did Jesus say, do not pay attention to the laws of the day. He was a devout Jew.

I believe that every time we find ourselves disturbed by a certain Scripture it is an invitation to stretch our idea of who God is for us. We are all familiar with Jesus’ warnings to not judge. He reminds us that this is reserved for his Father. Matthew chapter seven offers us the exact words displayed in today’s Gospel. In essence: if we judge then we will be judged on the measure with which we judge. It sounds very fair to me. Except I need to keep vigil and be careful to keep a vigilant mind. I need to constantly catch myself in the very act of thoughtful judging. What today’s readings invite us to contemplate is “How am I doing in right relationship with others? Do I impose heavy burdens on my brothers and sisters by the virtue of my expectations? Is it possible that when we judge others, we are judging Jesus?

This is not something new. Therefore, can we pause for a moment and wonder if Jesus’ words were an admonition to not judge him? Could he see this in the future? Perhaps this is why he says these specific words. And we know that others’ judging him had grave consequences for him. St. Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Romans with his beautiful words: ”we hold his priceless kindness of God….which should lead us to repentance. Romans 2:5f (Scripture taken from NAB)

It may be helpful to take a look at our Entrance Antiphon for today’s Liturgy.

“If you, O Lord, should mark our iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But with you is found forgiveness, O God of Israel.” (Psalm 130:3-4)

So, may we approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) in humble love and trust in our common, secured future. 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:

Romans 1:16-25
Luke 11:37-41

Reflection:

When beginning my day, I pray that God will use the gifts entrusted to me. It may mean that I am able to offer advice or encouragement to another. That means that I offer to another the gift of my time! It is so precious, and I may be reluctant as to want to share. It is an act of giving the alms of my time and talent. Can you open yourself to God as a gift for others today?

Through prayer and daily acts of charity, I am constantly seeking to see the presence of God all around me, and within me. I make it my intent throughout the day. It is another way of saying in the words of Paul, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” (Romans 1:16)

In this same passage, St. Paul remarks that “ever since the creation of the world His eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made.” So somehow, today, I will get a “glimpse of God” in whatever manner God may choose to reveal His Self.” (1 Romans: 20)

Seeing through the things God has made involves our willingness to let God work with us in us, and through us. It begins with “the work within.” I encourage each person to take time, daily, to “work within” in whatever form of quiet, solitude that that may take. I am able to “read” where the Spirit is leading and directing. This communication is embedded in my soul.

I can only cultivate it daily. I remind you that all grace is built upon our human nature. It is through our relationships cooperating with the Power of God, and the Promise that God offers, that make up our daily existence.

Our daily life is blessed, filled with the Spirit in a “graced” expectation every step of the way.

Trust the presence within and be faithful (habitual) to anticipating that God’s Spirit within us is always attentive.

The “law of the flesh” which ruled the behavior and mindset of the Pharisee is countered by the “law of the Spirit” with its supernatural power (beyond us) to fulfill God’s Will within you.

Give of oneself, your attention, your affirmation your mercy, your patience, your pardon.

Jesus concluded, “All will be wiped clean for you.” (Luke 11:41) So celebrate God’s invisible realities all around us.

Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P., is a member of the Passionist Community in Detroit, Michigan.

Scripture:

Romans 1:1-7
Luke 11:29-32

Reflection:

Jesus had performed so many mighty works in the midst of the Israelites and Gentiles.  He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and he cast out demons.  Yet the people, and in today’s gospel, the Scribes and Pharisees, demanded one more sign if they are to believe.  For the record, Jesus never performed signs and wonders to prove anything. They always were directed towards saving people.  Jesus’ generation had witnessed numerous signs.  To demand more signs beyond what they had already seen was simply a sign of unbelief – worse, an attitude that refuses to believe. Jesus pointed to this attitude of unbelief as evil. God will give the sign, but on God’s terms and time, not theirs – and not ours.

The sign of Jonas for the Ninevites was that Jonah was from God, that he was the prophet’s reappearance from the stomach tomb of a great fish after three days. The sign for the Israelites would soon be that Jonah-like, Jesus would be raised from the tomb on the third day. 

Just as rejecting Jonah’s message would have brought God’s judgment on Nineveh, so will rejecting Jesus invite His judgment on Israel.

It’s all too easy for us to fall into this same attitude with our faith.  Sure, private revelations and apparitions may seem exciting.  They capture our imagination.  But ultimately, where is it that God that invites us to find God?  It is in the day-to-day ordinary, even the hidden, where God challenges us to live by faith, and not by sight.

The real signs of wonder abide within the pages of Scripture, the revealed Word of God, within the accumulated wisdom of Sacred Tradition.  And, most of all, through ordinary bread and wine – and if we have the eyes of faith to see, the Body and Blood of Christ.  That alone is one whale of a miracle.

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

Scripture:

Wisdom 7:7-11
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

Reflection:

What is my heart’s true desire? This question is central to the Gospel and indeed to life itself. What is it that I search for? What will “make me happy”?

The Book of Wisdom author and the psalmist propose that wisdom is the ultimate object worthy of pursuit. They agree that nothing compares to her, she prospers the work of our hands, and not only is she more desirable than riches but she will in turn yield countless riches. Jesus, the incarnation of God’s wisdom, concurs when he says that we must be willing to leave behind possessions, money, and even family in order to follow him, and he promises that anyone who does so will receive even more in return.

The paradox doesn’t sit easily. I find a lot of security in a paid-off home and car, a good job, and a loving family. It would indeed be harder for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for me to give up everything I own and everyone I love.

And yet…I do want to follow Christ and be a transparent instrument of God. I actively work to deepen my spirituality, prayer practices, and knowledge of scripture. I give of myself to help people heal. These pursuits bring me deep satisfaction and abiding joy.

Life doesn’t always do the same. Life is messy. Things happen, sometimes suddenly, unexpectedly, and tragically. Truly all that I have and every person I love could disappear tomorrow. I don’t want that. Still, I am aware that the times when I grow the most in wisdom, faith, and compassion are the times when I feel like everything is being stripped away from me. When I am left without my usual resources, when my strength evaporates and my heart is shattered, I rely on God. The rock and foundation I stand on will not give way beneath me, no matter the external circumstances.

Perhaps that is why Jesus always promises us persecutions and difficulties along with riches. Not only are difficulties, stress, and heartache a normal part of life, they are the path to a better and more authentic life through faith. So, scripture and Jesus are spot on. I love and appreciate the things of this world and the people I hold. Yet my heart’s true desire is to know, love, and follow Christ, not just when life is good but when I am nailed to the cross, abandoned, or in the tomb of despair.

Now, can I remember that, even when things are going well and I am tempted to place my security in the people and things I love? Wish me luck! I’ll try.

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:

Joel 4:12-21
Luke 11:27-28

Reflection:

Blest Are They Who Hear the Word of God and Keep It

Learning words is like walking along the beach looking for shells. We see shells tumbling in the surf. We catch an attractive one, hoping it isn’t broken as we examine it, so we can add it to our collection. So with words. From the tumble of sounds around us we find them, and add them to our collection. They are made pretty with accents, our nuances; we show them in spelling bees when we are in grammar school. We will use them in prayer, in exploring the meaning and telling the mysteries we discover, in expressing love.

Blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it.

Accumulating our vocabulary is work. There are wordsmiths like blacksmiths who spend time at the forge, others whose words are so plain we admire the clarity in their simplicity. Our words carry us through every ordinary day as we speak them over a meal, into our phone; some we yell from one room to another, a ‘bye’, a ‘thanks’, an ‘I love you’.

The poet Lila Chatti works her way through the alphabet, ‘apricot’ to ‘zero’ in a profound reflection of losing our words. “All she lost she lost at once. Her mouth could no longer offer, at breakfast, apricot, acerbic syllables on the tongue.”

“Echo (All She Lost She Lost)” is the name of her poem. I thought of my father with aphasia following a stroke, and people whose collection of words have gotten spun around like the seashells in the surf or have become misplaced and hard to find when it is time to show them. Chatti’s poem continues through the alphabet, “…she would have gladly relinquished jest and jejune and jacaranda to keep kindness and kinky and kin, lemon and lace and love, perhaps this is what she longed for most…she resented…the birds their unavailing refrains, undeserving of their instruments and uncharitably vociferous at dawn…what she would give to whisper yellow just once to what was, petals and morning yawning brightly before her, to sigh, yes, to say you, oh, to say you — but her maw hung open. Futile, zero, destitute”

The ‘Ephatha prayer’ prayed while touching the lips, ‘May your lips be opened. May you learn to laugh and to speak the languages of men and women, giving God praise for the love given to you.’ May the Lord protect us from aphasia of God’s word. Let us pray for those who are speechless, praise-less, and destitute. May the word they have heard echo and keep them, “alleluia”, “Amen”, “I do”, “Lord, have mercy”, and “Your will be done”.

Blest are those who hear the word of God and keep it.

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

Scripture:

Malachi 3:13-20b
Luke 11:5-13

Reflection:

And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. |
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.   

-Luke 11: 9-10

From my earliest memories, I’ve been praying or doing actions those around me called praying. At the ripe old age of seventy-six, I’m still not sure just what it means to pray. It often seems so inane to tell someone who is mourning the death of a loved one or suffering some illness that I’ll pray for them or ask some force or spirit in or above the universe to stop the music and listen to my pleas. Yes, I believe in God, but still, I often wonder if God believes in me.

I wonder if Mary accepted the Good News that she was to be the mother of God when the angel Gabriel announced that to her. I wonder how I would react if my sister came to visit me and told me she was pregnant with new life? This actually happened and continues to happen in my life regularly. I remember my sister writing me (that was 1963 before the Internet and Facetime) asking me to be the godfather of their newly born child, Jeanne. I was far away in Saint Paul Kansas at the time and she and her family lived in Chicago. I was discerning a life change for me and to her surprise I accepted the role and assured her I’d be present at the baptism in Chicago.

A few years later in 1980 I was living in Chicago and my sister, and her family were living in Western New York, when she called and asked if I would be able to be with Jeannie at Wyler’s Children’s hospital where they were transferring her after having traveled all over the United States looking for a cure for Jeannie. This was their last hope. Jeannie has lost her sight a few years earlier and continued to worsen. Jeannie died that year and my sister a few years later.

My life, and I suspect yours as well, has been filled with mysteries of life and death. I often wonder (meditate) on this and pray that I accept the life and death given to me today trusting that there is a higher power that I choose today to call God who is loving, caring and watching over each of us. Thank you, Mother Mary, for showing us the way to live life accepting what God gives us, and Saint Dominic for giving us a means (the rosary) to take time daily to be with these mysteries.

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

Scripture:

Jonah 4:1-11
Luke 11:1-4

Reflection:

The universal prayer of Christians, regardless of denomination, is the prayer that Jesus himself composed and taught. I assume he prayed these words to his Father, with whom he had an intimate conversation every day.

There is much in this short prayer, which is found with minor variations in three of the four gospels. We are recognizing how special God is…hallowed is the word used, which means consecrated, or set apart as sacred. In this country we might consider our flag or the Gettysburg cemetery as hollowed. But the ultimate hallowed being is God, whom we worship as the center of our very lives.

The next phrase in the prayer I find most challenging. We are asking God to bring about God’s reign on earth: “Thy kingdom come.” This is asking that I totally surrender to live on God’s terms, always putting myself in a secondary place before God. Maybe you, like me, resist doing this because I want to be in control, I want to protect my “right” to self-determination.

This surrendering is most challenging because we are taught early to succeed, to find our own way, to work hard to get the reward, to accomplish something! We set goals and work to achieve them. This prayer tells us to question these All-American ideals, not because doing something constructive is bad, but because our work, our accomplishments, or making more money can very easily become our gods.

To follow Christ is to imitate Christ. He lived, not for himself or his agenda, but surrendered everything…his liberty, interests, ambitions, desires, talents, possessions, good name, status, relationships and ultimately his own life…to his Father’s will.

When I awake each morning do I anticipate what I will do today to make sure my life is secure, that I will maintain my good name, that I will achieve my goals, get my needs met, find pleasures that I want? Or do I awake and ask myself, “What do You want of me today?”

My task as God defines it on any given day may be to set aside my schedule or anticipated tasks and tend to someone…a child, an invalid, a poor woman on the street…who has an immediate need. Or I may be asked to compromise something I hold dear at work or with friends, or to forgive a person who has made me angry or resentful, whether an acquaintance, family member or even a public figure. In short, my scheduled plans and cherished ideas and grudges may have to be ditched to choose what God wants of me.

This flexibility requires surrender of self from the moment I get up in the morning so I can respond to the surprise moments of grace God presents to me. It means I fully trust God is directing every moment, present at every moment, delivering me and all of us from evil.

This is how the reign of God comes to our troubled, frightened, hope-starved world: one God-inspired, God-directed person at a time.

Jim Wayne is a board member of the Passionist Solidarity Network (PSN), and author of The Unfinished Man. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.