Claire Smith

Scripture:

Acts 10:34, 37-43
Colossians 3:1-4
John 20:1-9

Reflection:

Good News:  Easter Life & Joy!

The “scene”:  early morning darkness; the stone rolled away from the tomb; the burial cloths rolled up; Jesus’ body “missing” …  The Good News is taking shape, it’s real — and the rest is history!!

Today, Easter 2021, is a day of Life and Joy — the day in which God gives new and so needed meaning to all life in Jesus’ Resurrection.  The tragedy of Jesus’ suffering of abuse, crucifixion, and death is transformed into the gift of His risen Life.  With Mary of Magdala, Peter and John, we witness this unfolding new, risen Life of Jesus … still trying to comprehend its profound meaning.

As shared in today’s 2^nd Scripture reading from the Acts of Apostles, Peter helps us as he proclaims the “good news” of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  One can imagine the conviction in his message to those gathered to hear him:  Jesus went about doing good, suffered much, was crucified, died, was raised by God from the dead — and then revealed Himself to his early followers who were to carry the message to others.  Yes!!

New Life through the Resurrection of Jesus is God’s gift to us as 21^st Century followers of Jesus.  Our world of COVID-19, fear, injustice, and violence needs that new Life.  The Resurrection of Jesus gives renewed hope, meaning and purpose to our lives – for Jesus embraced His Paschal Mystery for our benefit today, in 2021!  The challenges and troubles of life today are transformed by Jesus’ risen Life into needed moments of grace and goodness.  Yes!!

The life and encouragement of our Easter “Alleluia’s” now flow from our hearts and lips.  We are 21^st Century heralds of the risen Jesus, sharing Jesus’ message of hope and healing, life and goodness. 

May the Easter Proclamation radiate from our very beings; we are living “alleluia’s”, from head to toe (though at times our “song” might be a bit off key…)!  In the words of today’s Responsorial Psalm 118, we are to sing out: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!” 

Good News indeed…the Word to remember is “Easter”!  Amen!  Alleluia!

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the Vocation Director for Holy Cross Province. He lives at St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois. 

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

Scripture:

Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Philippians 2:8-9
John 18:1-19:42          

Reflection:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. -Hebrews 4:15-16

One Good Friday when I was young, while participating in the Stations of the Cross, I was given the grace to see that Jesus really understands and helps me in my weakness, my sadness, and my fears. For he went through it all Himself: betrayal by his friends, various temptations, discouragement, and misunderstanding from the leaders of his community. From then on, my prayer was different. St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionist order, expressed it this way: “When you are experiencing an agony of suffering in your spirit, cry out as Jesus did on the cross, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit’……Your agony will end and you will die a mystical death to rise in Christ Jesus to a life of perfect love.”

Years later, on another Good Friday, I saw a picture of Jesus, hands extended on the Cross, with His arms encircling planet Earth and all the people. Jesus’ compassion and care extends to everyone as it does for me! And this includes the entire Creation, for He was there at the Beginning with the Father and the Spirit! St. Paul of the Cross expressed this in the congregational rule (#3): “We are aware that the Passion of Christ continues in this world until He comes in glory; therefore, we share in the joys and sorrows of our contemporaries as we journey through life toward our Father. We wish to share in the distress of all, especially those who are poor and neglected; we seek to offer them comfort and to relieve the burden of their sorrow.” 

Jesus’ compassion knows no bounds; and we are challenged today to open our arms as wide as His, and extend our love, attention, and care to the whole created world.

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.

Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Scripture:

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15

Reflection:

Today the church begins the solemn triduum, the three days that celebrate the very heart of our Christian faith—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Holy Thursday, of course, remembers with gratitude the Last Supper of Jesus with his apostles on the eve of his death. 

The second reading for today from Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians recalls that very moment as a sacred tradition handed on to him. He, in turn, brings it to the Christian community in Corinth.  The circumstances prompting Paul to recall this tradition are unusual.  Apparently when the Corinthian Christians gathered for a celebratory meal on the occasion of the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, the wealthy members of the community brought sumptuous food and wine, while the poorer members had little or nothing to eat. 

Paul is shocked at this and challenges his beloved, but cantankerous, community at Corinth.  The Lord’s Supper was meant to be a sacrament of unity, but some in the community used the occasion to accentuate differences and to embarrass the poor.  It is this circumstance that prompts Paul to evoke the tradition of the first Eucharist—a sacred meal in which Jesus revealed to his disciples the ultimate meaning of his impending death—like bread broken, his body would be broken for them; like wine poured out, his blood would be shed for them.  This act of love should be the spirit and meaning of every celebration of the Eucharist.

It is a bit of paradox that on Holy Thursday when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, the gospel reading is not an account of that Passover meal Jesus celebrated with his disciples, but the dramatic moment in John’s Gospel where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. This action takes place on the eve of Passover and as the disciples gather for its celebration.  But in John’s Gospel, Jesus’ words over the bread and wine are evoked earlier in his Gospel, during the Bread of Life discourse in chapter 6. 

Here in this gospel passage, in John’s often creative way, instead of an account of the words of institution we have a dramatic gesture that reveals what the Eucharist is meant to signify.  Jesus, their Lord and Master, takes the role of a servant and washes the feet of his disciples—a startling act of humility and self-effacing service—for Jesus, an act of love. 

Placed here in John’s Gospel as Jesus begins his farewell to his disciples with his death approaching, the foot washing symbolizes the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus—willing to put aside our hesitations and generously serve others out of love.

I have not served as a parish priest but only occasionally helped out on weekends and during Holy Week.  A few times I had the occasion to wash the feet of the people designated to take part in the Holy Thursday ceremony (probably the cleanest feet in the church!).  On many other occasions I have participated in the foot washing and waited with my shoe and sock off for the moment when the celebrant would wash my feet.  Either way, the moment is both slightly embarrassing and deeply moving—its profound symbolism is hard to miss. 

Jesus’ words in John’s Gospel reach us across the centuries: “If I…the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.  I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

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:

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Matthew 26:14-25

Reflection:

“I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” /v.24b -Mark 1:21-28    

Happy Wednesday of Holy Week!

In the Gospel today, Jesus tells his disciples, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”  They reply, one by one, “Surely it is not I, Lord?”

I’m so tempted to make a joke — to claim that Jesus said, “Yes, it’s definitely one of you… and don’t call me Shirley.”

Tempted… Judas was tempted and fell victim to the desire for the 30 pieces of silver he was paid to betray Jesus.  We all face temptation daily.  See how I was tempted to share a bad joke a few sentences ago, and couldn’t resist?  So much for having gone to confession last night…

Poor Judas – forever known as The Betrayer… Judas planned a betrayal, and did so without any of the other apostles knowing.  But we just can’t judge Judas —  Pope Benedict XVI said, “Even though he went to hang himself (Matthew 27:5), it is not up to us to judge his gesture, substituting ourselves for the infinitely merciful and just God.”  Matthew’s Gospel goes on to say how Judas repented afterward, even going to the chief priests and elders to bring back the thirty pieces of silver, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” (Matthew 27:3-4) 

Jesus, though, knew what was in his heart, and even though he could have had his “Father send more than twelve legions of angels” to fight on his behalf, (Matthew 26:53), instead he responded with the same love he had always shown to Judas — and he allowed Judas the freedom to choose.  And he does the same for us.  Jesus asks for us to come home to him, no matter what, but always respects our human free-will.

Perhaps it’s more palpable after so many weeks of trying to adhere to our lenten observances, but we’re also bombarded with temptation the entire rest of the year.  We can find ourselves desiring things that make no sense whatsoever — small things like that chocolate or coffee we gave up, or larger things like a new car or better clothes, a more prestigious job or lofty status.  We even may be pulled down horribly destructive paths such as an addiction of some kind, or betrayal, or hate…

“Surely it is not I, Lord.”

I truly don’t believe any of us plan to hurt others, or ourselves.  But still, in our humanness, we do.  Here’s the thing… we can always come home to God.  Even as Judas arrived, walked up to him, and betrayed him, Jesus still loved him and called him “Friend.”  (Matthew 26:50)

We’re so very blessed to have Jesus’ love us no matter what. I can only hope that I would still be loved and forgiven for all the times I’ve failed.

Where is our temptation?

How have we failed?
Are we ready to come home?

Dear God of compassion and understanding, thank you for always calling us “Friend.”  Help us to not condemn.  Just as you invite us to follow you — willingly, freely, lovingly — help us love one another, just as you have loved us. Amen.

Peace and love to you today, and forever.

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: 

Isaiah 42:1-7
John 12:1-11

Reflection:

 “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased,   upon whom I have put my Spirit; . . .” Isaiah 42:1-2

Holy Week is my favorite time of the liturgical year. I have many childhood memories of this special week that ends with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As each year has passed, I have gained a deeper understanding of the readings of this sacred week. This year is not an exception.

The reading from Isaiah is the beginning of the four Servant Songs. This is a description of the one who is going to bring justice and freedom to all nations. Isaiah calls him a “servant” not a king. Not a ruler. Not a master. A servant. One who looks to the needs of others before their own. This leader is also one who is focused on justice and peace. Not your normal every day leader.

The servant theme continues in the reading from the Gospel of John. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead and Martha is again serving and Mary is at the feet of Jesus. They are hosting a dinner for Jesus and this time Martha is serving the meal without complaining about what Mary is doing. She may be pondering the raising of her brother from the dead. This time the focus is on Mary. She is at Jesus’ feet again only she is not listening to what Jesus is saying but anointing his feet. Does she realize who he is? It is Judas who is complaining this time about the waste of the costly nard. He really wants to sell it for his own pocket. Jesus speaks prophetically about the anointing of his own body on the day of his burial as a rebuke to Judas’ chastisement.

In a few days we will read the Gospel of John again and at the Last Supper it will be Jesus who is washing the feet of Peter. In Jesus’ time, the washing of feet was left to the lowest ranking servant in the house. Interesting that Mary, a woman is chastised for doing this for Jesus and then Jesus hears Peter’s refusal of the washing of his own feet. Mary, a woman, who in Jesus’ time had no rights or privileges sitting at a place of a lowly servant. No one complained that she was sitting at Jesus’ feet. It was an act of love and Jesus knew her intention. Did Jesus ponder this action and then take it upon himself to do as she did? To wash Peter’s feet in a loving manner but elevating it, changing it, as he had to many of the other traditions of the time. Raising this simple disgusting action of a servant to mean something deeper for the Apostles. A simple action in the scriptures that has certainly struck me enough to spend some time pondering on it.

What simple action in your every day life has changed over the past year to an action of love?

May you have a blessed Holy Week and Triduum.

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

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Scripture:

Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Mark 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39

Reflection:

Today begins the first day of the holiest week of the church year for many Christians across the world. In previous Lenten seasons, our pastor at the time would often begin his homily with this question.  ‘So, how is your LENT going? This question would in turn lead us to ponder our Lenten experience up to that point.  As we enter in to this holy week listening to the long story of the arrest, torture and death of Jesus, it would be good to reflect on this question.

So, how has your Lent been and what are some ways this journey has prepared you to welcome new life at Easter!?

MY LENT

This Lenten season has been many things, long, challenging, prayerful, affirming, quiet and rewarding. It was a time of not having to worry about TIME!  Since retirement, my focus has been on a clock minus the hands!  The challenge has been to realize that God’s time is my time and my time is God’s!  I am a person who is used to being on the go, so as my journey called me to step back, stop and BE, at first it seemed too long. My days included more time for daily prayer, scripture and reflection, enriching zoom programs, outreach to those in need, and special Lenten services.  Gradually the quiet times became a welcome part of each day!  Challenging days came and went as God did not always see things my way and I was forced to back up and put my stubborn self in time out mode! 

EASTER HOPE

I look forward to more days of rejoicing in the goodness of our Risen Lord! 

I look forward to spending more time out in nature and enjoying the gifts of creation!

I look forward to continuing to share the gift of new life with those who so desperately need to see and feel the goodness of our Creator God!

I look forward to being a part of restoring a sense of equality and justice to all God’s children, especially our black and brown sisters and brothers who have suffered way too long!

Holy Week is a special time as we journey with Jesus as he suffers, dies and rises to give us new life!  May we willingly embrace the pain and suffering of the cross so that we may rejoice in the new life promised to us in Jesus Christ our Lord!  Blessed Holy Week!

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

Scripture:

Ezekiel 37:21-28
John 11:45-56

Reflection:

I’m not a theologian, just a human, so I will share with you what this reading brings to mind for me.

From this particular day that the gospel is written, that of John 11:45-56, it was decided that Jesus would die for all of his miracles and beautiful words and deeds. 

So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left… for Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples.

Have you been in that place of feeling that you were alone? You gave up something precious – as Jesus did when he no longer walked about in public among the Jews, (you know how precious this was for him) but he left – and it started a longing and heartache that you could not overcome? I think of Jesus often in his circumstance, wandering about, knowing what was waiting from his merciful Father. But, not knowing his plan for me, I am trying to prayerfully find where I should be now, what are my gifts, will anyone listen, or love, or support me in my endeavors? Or will they shun me, turn their backs on me, and desert me? TRUST in God, be patient, give in to his divine mercy, grace and justice. All will be well, and God will overcome all obstacles. I know he will hand over to me what he knows I need in my life. Sometimes it is difficult to know what that plan will be – I thought I knew, but none of us really do, do we?

Continue your Lenten journey with Christ, and never forget His sorrowful Passion. Remind me to be the sorrowful penitent, and help keep my eyes fixed on Jesus!

Patty Masson supports the Passionists from Spring, Texas.

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Scripture:

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38

Reflection:

When I picture the Annunciation, I often imagine the scene through Mary’s eyes—a young woman, betrothed, soon to leave all that she has known as a girl to begin a new life with Joseph.  In the culture of the ancient Mediterranean world, she would likely never yet have been alone with a man outside her family.  Her marriage would probably have been arranged by her parents, with the intention of joining and strengthening two families rather than the more romantic view we have today of joining two people. I imagine her a young woman on the cusp of transformation from girlhood to womanhood, from daughter to wife–both excited and nervous as she prepares to step into the unknown world of marriage and its many levels of intimacy and expectation around honor and shame dictated by her culture.

Enter the angel Gabriel!  And it’s a good thing he begins with affirming that the Lord is with her and telling her “Do not be afraid” because he is about to announce the most shameful and feared thing that could happen to a young woman of her day: to conceive a child out of wedlock.  Her family would be shamed, and Mary herself would be at risk of death. 

We’re often quick to move on to Mary’s profession of faith: “May it be done to me according to your word.”  But I invite us to take a moment and rest in Mary’s confusion, in what must have been a moment of collision between what her culture had taught her and what God was asking. The cognitive dissonance seems palpable. I imagine Mary struggling to try to make sense of it in the cultural framework she had known her whole life.

But God, through Gabriel, was shattering that framework.  New life was springing from barren wombs. Nothing is impossible with God.

So I wonder, when I see all that is happening in the world: our struggles with racism, with economic inequality, with people being displaced by fire, drought and rising waters, whether we’re being invited to struggle with that same cognitive dissonance. 

Our culture too often teaches us that more is better, that there isn’t enough for all of us, that we should fear people who are different from us, that creation is something to be consumed, and—most painfully—it holds systemic sins like racism.  But God invites us to be part of a different story, the story of “God with us,” with us all.

According to a CBS news poll, nearly 8 in 10 Americans believe in angels.  A “year-round presence” they say.  I wonder if some may indeed look like George Floyd—angels who wake us up and remind us: “Do not be afraid.” We too are being asked to be part of this great birthing process, to bring to life what God has conceived in each of us, and all of us as the people of God. 

Sometimes it feels like a path to certain death of all that I—we—have known, even of ourselves—as it must have for Mary.  Yet isn’t this what the Paschal Mystery is all about?

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