Claire Smith

Memorial of Saint Agatha

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15
Mark 6:1-6

Reflection:

Our reading from the book of Hebrews continues today as we keep progressing through this book with the biblical author who is trying to illuminate a theology for the early church.  Today’s reading starts with, “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.”  Under my breath I reflected and questioned how much of this reading contributed to the glorification of martyrdom in the early years of the church. Even today’s feast day, as we remember and celebrate St. Agatha, asks us to think about faith and those who died for the faith.  

We aren’t sure if Agatha was born in Catania or Palermo. The trivial details have long been forgotten. What is remembered is her single-heartedness. What has been passed down and written about is how highly she was venerated in Christian antiquity. She was put to death during the persecution of Decius for her unwavering belief in God.

From her very early years Agatha dedicated her life to God as a consecrated virgin. She desired to give herself totally to Jesus and the Church in a life of prayer and service. A high diplomat named Quintianus thought he could get her to turn away from her vow to God and force her to marry him. Polite proposals escalated to harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and hideous torture. Through all of it Agatha continued her simple prayer of single-heartedness to Christ. Even the prayer attributed to her death, was a single-heart devotion. “Lord, my Creator, you have ever protected me from the cradle; you have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer: receive now my soul.”

Agatha’s example is her perseverance in running the race and keeping her eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfector of faith. She embraced the joy found in the presence of Christ, understanding it as the fullness and completeness of life. Some will struggle to relate to her piety, calling it irrelevant for our world today. Yet no one can deny the depth and conviction of her faith. 

Reveling in how straightforward people are portrayed in Mark’s Gospel, I’m fascinated how Mark never adds any sweetener. Flowery language is not part of his repertoire.  Today is another example. The very people who watched Jesus grow up, will marvel at his wisdom and some of the remarkable deeds that have been said of him.  However, they choose to remain locked in their perceptions, and refrain from seeing Jesus as something greater.  To refrain from seeing is a form of blindness. Moreover, they do not realize they have chosen blindness.  Isn’t it shocking to see they are content with their blindness?  They disregard Jesus’ attitude taking offense at him, dismissing him as just an ordinary person— a “carpenter”.  Are they impaired and unable to see that what some may call an ordinary person is still a true blessing from God?

As strong as Jesus’s faith is, he finds himself confined.  He can’t do mighty deeds before people who minimize and take offense at him.  The element of hope which we need to take deep into contemplation is that no matter how strong one’s offense may be, it still can’t silence Jesus.  He can still do some small things.  Mark says he cures a few sick people, laying hands on them. Jesus’s faith and ability are greater than the loudest doubters.  Again, today’s readings return us to the theme of faith.

This is why it is important that we surround ourselves with people of faith. Faith breeds faith.  Sharing faith helps faith grow.  Agatha continues to share her faith with us on this, her feast day.  And in circles of faith, Christ does amazing things.

Fr. David Colhour, C.P., is the Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province. He resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:1-4
Mark 5:21-43

Reflection:

“Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

Today’s Gospel selection features Jesus ministering to the pressing needs of both large crowds of people, and individuals such as the synagogue official Jairus, his young daughter, and the woman with the chronic hemorrhage.  Each person saw in Jesus the opportunity to be healthy and fully alive, freed from the bonds of sickness and isolation.  The crowds diligently followed Jesus on both land and sea; the synagogue official fell at Jesus’ feet to request a miracle; the sick woman quietly came up behind Jesus to simply (and anonymously) touch his cloak; the little girl was lovingly helped from her sickbed by Jesus’ own hand.

Each miraculous encounter was based on some level of faith in Jesus.  Jesus’ words to each of these people encouraged them to have deeper faith — and then to go and live with that faith.  Fear?  No way!  “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”  “Go in peace…be cured of your affliction.”

Each of us has his or her needs, and perhaps some fear.  We suffer with our health, with a lack of security or meaning; we may feel alone; we may even lack basic love.  Our 21^st century world has its needs:  we yearn for hope, justice, peace, freedom, leadership, a respect for life – to name a few needs!  Jesus invites us to come to Him with faith, leaving behind our paralyzing fears as we make our requests.  “Please, come…if I but touch his clothes…”

With supreme gentleness and selflessness Jesus offers us the healing touch of His Love, manifested in His every thought, word, and deed – to the ultimate gift of His death on the Cross!  Jesus lovingly speaks to us as he did to the little girl:  “Talitha koum…little girl, I say to you, arise!”  Life and fulfillment are ours, in Jesus!

In these early weeks of the Church’s Ordinary Time, we are reminded of our rich blessings – especially God’s Life and Love in the person of Jesus!  As 21^st century men and women of faith, in a spirit of gratitude may we live and share that Life and Love with our sisters and brothers.

Fr. John Schork, C.P. serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.  

Scripture:

Hebrews 11:32-40
Mark 5:1-20

Reflection:

Two thoughts immediately spring to mind as I contemplate this gospel story as dramatic as it is in keeping with Mark’s style and approach.

The visit of Jesus to the territory of the Gerasenes forms the background to the good news sent to us today.

Firstly, this story allows us to reflect on the fact that Jesus ‘crosses over’ to hostile territory in order to bring good news. But it is the crossing over that holds my attention – for this is a kind of leitmotif, a recurring pattern in the life and mission of Jesus. He is always the one to ‘cross over’ to come to us, to enter spaces and places where we have found ourselves, lost or consumed by guilt or suffering. Jesus is the one who comes to us no matter where we find ourselves or the circumstances of our lives.

No matter how badly shaped our life has become – instanced here by the complete collapse of the demoniac’s life projects – his domestic life, his personal wellbeing, his housing crisis and his health are all in chaos. Yet Jesus comes to him.

The second reality the story allows us to focus on is his desire, once cured, to accompany Jesus. His healing has led him to a desire to now serve others and to follow Jesus who was good enough to come to him, and he know wants to come with Jesus.

Yet he is asked to remain, and to proclaim to his own people, the good news.

It’s a lesson for us, too, we often seek to do extraordinary things for God, yet our primary mission and primary witness is amongst those who see us each day and whom we know best and can community most easily with.

We will always have the Lord who comes to us – even in our dark places – and who in turn will only ask us to witness, that is, to “go home to our family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is the Provincial Superior of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Scripture:

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel reading, we find Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the temple practicing the ancient customs of their culture: Mary’s purification after childbirth, and Jesus’ presentation: the offering of the first-born son. While there, they met two amazing elderly people named Simeon and Anna. We read in Luke’s Gospel that Simeon was “righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” We are told that Anna “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.” Simeon and Anna’s close union with God enabled them to recognize and celebrate Jesus when they saw his parents carry Him into the temple. And they rushed over to greet Him and his parents, full of joy and excitement; and then they burst into prayerful song for everyone to hear.

Luke tells us that Anna was a long-time widow, 84 years old, and that Simeon was awaiting to see the “consolation of Israel” before he died. When I visualize this encounter, I am impressed with the energy and enthusiasm that Simeon and Anna displayed, despite their advanced years. Why were they so excited?

Simeon was privileged to hold Jesus in his arms. In this baby, he found his long-awaited hope, the fulfillment of all his and Anna’s dreams for the world. Simeon’s joy reminded me of the first time I held my grandson. There is nothing that energizes an older person more than the appearance of a grandchild. As elders edge closer to the end of our lives, this new life can bring out the best in us, as our focus is not on our own survival and comforts, but on the future.

In his homily on the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in 2017, Pope Francis reflected on the mindset of Simeon and Anna: “Surely, the song of Simeon and Anna was not the fruit of self-absorption or an analysis and review of their personal situation. It did not ring out because they were caught up in themselves and were worried that something bad might happen to them. Their song was born of hope, the hope that sustained them in their old age. That hope was rewarded when they encountered Jesus. When Mary let Simeon take the Son of the Promise into his arms, the old man began to sing – celebrating a true “liturgy” – he sings his dreams.”

No matter our age or our circumstances, let us make Jesus the source of our hope, our joy, and our dreams.

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She serves on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Michigan. Patty is currently a member of the Laudato Si’ Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.

Scripture:

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Mark 4:35-41

Reflection:

Today’s readings begin with a profoundly simple definition of the gift of faith: the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Abraham, perhaps more than any other Old Testament character, demonstrated faith throughout his life. Who among us would be willing to sacrifice our child because we had the faith that God had a purpose in His request?

Maybe the disciples would be good examples of faith since they personally witnessed Jesus’s ministry?  Not so fast…

After a full day of preaching and ministering to the crowd, Jesus instructs the disciples to sail across the Sea of Galilee. He quickly falls asleep and remains asleep during a violent storm which almost sinks their boat. The disciples, including some experienced fishermen, realize the impending danger and awake Jesus, crying, “Do you not care that we are about to die?” After calming the storm, Jesus questions, or maybe rebukes, them. “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

Before we judge the disciples too harshly, how do we measure up to Jesus’s rebuke?

This story is a metaphor for our lives. We experience the wind and waves of personal crises: serious illnesses, relationship conflicts and failures, deaths of loved ones, financial disasters, social and political upheaval, and on and on. When the wind and waves are coming at us from all directions, we, like the disciples, may cry out, “Jesus, why are you sleeping? Do you not care that I am suffering?” We will get the same answer as the disciples, “Do you not yet have faith?”

Fortunately, God does not expect us to be perfect practitioners of faith. We are not promised a life without problems, so we will tested. We must remember when the waves are crashing around us that Jesus is right there in the boat with us.

Mike Owens is coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission of Holy Cross Province. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Hebrews 10:32-39
Mark 4:26-34

Reflection:

Happy Friday of the Third Week of in Ordinary Time!

I won the lottery!  It’s a miracle!
No, I didn’t.

While, from time to time, I have won a few dollars on scratchers, I’m still waiting to land “The Big One.”  But I’ll tell you what — if I would win several hundred million dollars, I’d consider it a pretty incredible miracle!

It’s probably common for us all, whenever we think of a “miracle,” that we envision it as something instant; something which happens suddenly, with flashes of light or explosions.  Like winning a large jackpot, a dream miracle like that would be something which would change our lives immediately.

But there’s another kind — a “slow-motion miracle.”  It may not be a one-off, celestial event that is happening right before our eyes.  Instead, it might be more the kind in which the miraculous change happens over a period of time.  It’s no less marvelous and extraordinary… it just takes longer for us to recognize it.

And no matter which kind, God’s hand is in it.

In today’s Gospel (Mark 4:26-34), Jesus is teaching in parables, explaining what the Kingdom of God is like.  He compares it to a farmer who sows seeds.  The miracle is that, night and day, the process of growth begins and continues.  No matter if the farmer is awake or asleep, the seed still sprouts and grows.

He goes on to say, “It is like a mustard seed, the smallest of all the seeds on the earth, which springs up and becomes the largest of plants.”  And that is something, to me, that is certainly miraculous.

Most of life’s biggest miracles come with patience.  Something may happen or someone may say a word or two which “plant a seed” in our minds and hearts, our spirit and soul.  Seeds may sprout anywhere in our field, and the kingdom can find its way into our lives that may be surprising. 

The biggest surprise, though, is that you and I are also those same sowers of seeds.  Even the simple things you or I might say or do can have an enormous influence on others.  A passing smile might seem insignificant, but to someone who is hurting, you are the bringer of joy.  Imagine if, instead, you had frowned.  “Have you ever considered a life in Ministry?” might be the tiny mustard seed, ready to grow into a new Vowed Religious, Priest, or Lay Minister.

God’s seeds of care, compassion, peace, hope, and love are all readily available and primed for planting.  He plants them in us, and we are called to then plant them in others.  The miracle may not happen in the blink of an eye, but the incredible Garden of the Lord is continually growing, blooming with fragrant flowers and bountiful fruit.

—————
God,
even though it can take time for me to recognize,
I know your Kingdom is growing,
right now,
in all our hearts and in all our lives. 

Please, help us share your seeds of love,
so we can all sprout and grow
into your miraculous works of art. 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:

Hebrews 10:19-25
Mark 4:21-25

Reflection:

Yesterdays, Today, and the Hope for Tomorrows

It’s been a month since the start of 2025.  It seems like a lifetime, to me.  If you made any resolutions, how are you doing with them?  Most of the new people I saw walking or running by the house on January 1^st have long since stopped.  It’s hard trying to be better than we’ve become – to make positive changes and make them stick.

It was my birthday a few days ago.  It’s interesting having a birthday less than a month from the start of the New Year because, for me, I become very introspective at both times.  Getting close to January 1^st, I tend to look back at the past 365 and examine who I’ve become and the ways I’ve failed being the good man I want to be.  But then around my birthday I look at the short stretch of the last 28 days, and how I want to look at the next year of my life, should I be blessed to live that long (I sure hope so… I want to see my little girl grow, and I also need to mow that lawn).

There’s a lot in our scripture today that I’d like to write on, but I think there’s one underlying message and likely something we’ve all heard many times.  These three passages, I think, sum it up:

Psalm 24:1-2,3-4ab, 5-6            ”Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.”
Hebrews 10:19-25                        ”We must consider how to rouse one another to love.”
Mark 4:21-25                                 “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket?”

Yes, I know they’re out of Liturgical Order, but bear with me.

The Psalm:  Our world needs to see God’s face.  The polarization of our country and society, our world, is so apparent and acute.  There are so many good people, and yet every night we see such visions of horror on the nightly news .  Take a moment to look past our current political climate and you’ll see a three-year-old boy sitting stunned and bloodied in an ambulance.  The body of an innocent child washed up on the shore.  Young girls kidnapped en masse and forced to be “wives” to their captors. We see the funerals of children killed in urban gang wars.  We see the anguish of their mothers who could not keep them safe.

And we run out of tears.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews writes “We must consider how to rouse one another to love.  We should not stay away from our assembly.” (Hebrews 10:24a, 25a)

How?

The horror that’s happening in our world today is frightening.  Looking at this every day makes it extremely difficult to not feel as though what little good you or I can do would make much difference.  As one family under God, I just can’t believe the things we do to each other.

And in our homes…

The way we treat those we love most is, perhaps, the most frightening to me of all.

Mark quotes Jesus for us today, who implores us to place our light not under a basket to be hidden, but on a stand to shine before all.

You might say, “But I’m just one person and a world of billions!”  I agree.  You are one person in a world of billions.  And most won’t see you.  But “you know who” does.  And so do the people you interact with every day!

WE can change the world!  It can start in our own families and with our friends… something as simple as a smile can change the course of someone’s day.  And maybe that person will change the way they treat someone else… and so on.  And all because of you.  The light of your one candle and fire the light of one more, and from the sharing of the light with each other, billions can be lit.

As community in this way, we must be willing to accompany each other on the road.  We can’t hate and scorn, hurt and murder, turn a blind eye to all we abhor in the world.  We simply have to carry God’s love and compassion to others through our service to them.  We must be the change we want to see in the world.  We live and proclaim Christ, crucified and risen, by the way we live our lives.

Friends, now is the time. Now is the time to make good on that resolution.  We can do it if we do it together.  Let’s infect each person we see with our love and our faith, our care and our hope.

Let’s be the best bible anyone has ever read.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of eternal life with you.
Please grant us the grace to carry your mercy, compassion, and love to all.
To all.  Amen.

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.