Claire Smith

Scripture:

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
Mark 1:40-45

Reflection:

Today’s gospel is a story of risks, reversals and joyful disobedience.

In the times of Jesus, lepers were outcasts, condemned to live in isolation, ostracized from family, community, worship, marginalized even from hope.  Levitical law also required them to remain a safe distance from the general population in order avoid spreading their contagious disease.  Some believed that leprosy was God’s punishment for sin.

But the leper in today’s gospel is strikingly bold.  He disobeys Levitical restrictions and comes so close that Jesus can touch him.  “If you choose,” he tells Jesus, “you can make me clean.”  Without hesitation, with compassion, boldly, even recklessly Jesus touched the leper and said: “I do choose.  Be made clean.”  Immediately, the leprosy left him.  He ordered him to tell no one about this miracle, but to present himself to the priest to confirm that he is clean.  The man disobeys.  He does not go immediately to the priest.  He does not remain silent to the miracle.  Instead, he went out and proclaimed it everywhere.

By contrast, Jesus reversed places with the once leprous man.  Jesus, who had traveled freely everywhere, now was forced into isolation to avoid the crowds.  He now was forced to the margins.  In other words, Jesus took the place of the man he made clean.  Love always says and does what is necessary and works out the consequences later.

There is another reversal to consider.  By touching the leper, Jesus should have been contaminated.  However, it is not the leper who is contagious, but Jesus.  The leper does not transmit his disease to Jesus, but Jesus whose contagion of love transformed the leper to wholeness, making him clean, medically, spiritually and socially.  The Franciscan spiritual writer, Richard Rohr, says “pain that is not transformed is transmitted.”  Jesus lovingly touched his isolation and pain, and transformed him.

We are called imitate the leper’s bold faith and Jesus’ loving touch.  Like them, It demands of us that we risk crossing barriers and boundaries of convenience and comfort zone in order to reach out to the other, the one living in pain or loneliness.  Such faith and love begin with the words:  “I do choose.”

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

Scripture:

1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34
Mark 8:1-10

Reflection:

Throughout his public life, Jesus frequently lamented the misinterpretation of his message by those who used it to struggle for power. It began when he was a baby, when Herod so feared having his own power stripped away that he murdered innocent children in an effort to kill the newborn leader. Later, people throughout Judah, Galilee, and beyond thought Jesus should be a political Messiah, who would restore the Jews to greatness by throwing off Roman rule and regaining their power. The disciples argued about who would have the exalted position of sitting at his right hand when the kingdom of God came (obviously taking the word “kingdom” quite literally). All of them were focused on themselves, and especially on securing and ensuring as much power as they could achieve. And Jesus wept.

This contrast is clearly illustrated in today’s readings. Jereboam created golden idols and false temples, created his own version of the priesthood, and subverted his people in order to maintain his power, while Jesus sought solidarity with the thousands who had nothing to eat and set about feeding them without asking their credentials, verifying their culture or beliefs, or judging whether they were deserving. Jesus spent his entire ministry countering all the misguided attempts at overthrowing, regaining, retaining, or increasing the power of people, religions, or authorities. Instead, he went out of his way to heal anyone who came, to feed people body and soul, and to teach a message of inclusion, compassion, justice for the poor, and genuine love to the point of self-sacrifice. He tried mightily to correct the false beliefs about his Abba God, who is not a judgmental, vindictive force but a God of unconditional love who desires to be one with us and us with each other, imitating the bond of Jesus with God. He always considered others before himself, rather than shoving them aside and making sure he was first. In fact, he shed any semblance of power that others tried to thrust upon him, and worked for the common good and dignity of all.

So why, after all these years, do we still get it so wrong? It seems to me that too many of our political and legislative positions, with full backing and support by Christian and Catholic lawmakers, are aimed at cutting aid to the neediest and giving huge permanent tax breaks to the richest while “justifying” it with small temporary tax breaks for the lower and middle class. We turn a blind eye to the moral and ethical standing of our leadership, and ignore clear Catholic teaching that the means do not justify the ends, that evil and sin should not be tolerated even in order to get a desired result. We demean, insult, and exclude the “Gentiles” of our day – those of other countries, cultures, or faiths – rather than accepting them, welcoming them, and even learning from them. In an attempt to address this, when I talked with one pastor about the lack of preaching on Sundays about the Church’s social justice principles, he told me they are in the middle of a fund-raising campaign and can’t afford to alienate anyone. He, and many others, choose to remain silent and complacent.

My hope is that we may become an increasingly Christian country that is more like Jesus and more in line with Gospel principles. I fear that isn’t currently true. In the name of Christianity, our nation seems more focused on personal wealth, power and influence. We apathetically or even actively normalize abhorrent behavior and attitudes, and participate in misinformation or outright lies to cover it up. I believe Jesus weeps.

Of course, as always, I have to not only turn the lens on our political and national situation, but back onto myself. These things cannot happen without the acquiescence, or at least the apathy, of vast numbers of citizens. I try to act in my daily life. I do go out of my way to make people smile wherever I travel, to engage and value the cab drivers and hotel personnel who are so often of another culture or faith, and to do random acts of kindness many times a day. I facilitate a support group for widowed people who need healing. I march in protests, write to my Congressional representatives, and donate to organizations providing support, aid, and education to the poor. But no matter what I do it seems insufficient. I need to do more.

I admit that I have not written a letter to my bishop nor tried to encourage others to directly request parish-wide education and preaching on Catholic social justice. Outside of Church, I follow a growing trend in the U.S. of talking politics and justice mainly with people who agree with me about these issues, rather than seriously engaging and respectfully listening to those who take the opposite position, no matter how difficult those conversations may be. I must do better. Jesus’ words and life challenge me to see how I can act, in these and other ways, to become more like Him.

My ultimate goal is to be as transparent an instrument of Christ as I can be, bringing God’s peace, love, and justice to everyone I encounter. I hope that regardless of whether you agree with my political and religious positions, you may join me in that goal. May we also join in praying for worthy leaders willing to both live and enact Gospel principles, and direct our voting to that end. Let’s bring the reign of God to earth, so God’s will may be done and all people may see salvation together.

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:

1 Kings 11:4-13
Mark 7:24-30

Reflection:

Perhaps there are many parents of young families who will readily identify with the need to ‘escape’ the daily demands of children even if for only a moment! Perhaps too there are numerous workers who will also resonate with the need to step aside from the hustle and bustle of daily pressures of the workplace and seek out a moment of solace.

At times I can truly envy a culture like that of Italy where many people actually stop in the middle of the day to rest and take ‘un riposo’ in the early afternoon. Even employees too far from their house to go home for such a rest, manage to sit quietly in a piazza sipping coffee and reading for an hour or two. Of course most then make up for this time by working till later in the day (with many families only eating their evening meal around 8pm).

But it is the idea of ‘rest’ that we might notice as we begin to contemplate today’s gospel. Jesus lived a public life and as such knew from time to time the need to step aside and rest awhile – a value he prescribed for his followers too.

However, today his plan is interrupted. Again it may be that only parents can connect with the desperation that drives this woman to invade the space and quiet that Jesus has sought. Her daughter is ill, and her love compels her to act unashamedly. She appeals and perseveres in her appeal even rebutting the responses that Jesus first says to her. Nevertheless she is undaunted and wins not only Jesus attention and admiration but also his help. He intervenes for her – even at a distance – and brings about recovery and new life for her daughter.

We might also notice the contrast between Solomon’s story in our first reading and that of the Syrophoenician woman in the gospel.  Here we have a telling contrast between a heart that is turned away from the Lord and one that is turning towards the Lord. Solomon with all his wisdom and a life history of a relationship with God experiences a time of weakness and falls away from God. In contrast a woman who represents a group who were not Jews turns to Jesus and presumes a favour from him.

Leaving the dialogue aside for a moment, let us simply notice the movement – to present oneself humbly and courageously to the Lord in all our joys and sorrows, in our rejoicing and in our times of need – it is one for us to imitate.

We are called to confidently approach Jesus at any and all times of need in our lives and to humbly and trustingly place our faith in his love for us and his desire to reach out to all men and women regardless of their situations. One does not have to be in a formal or organised group to be in relationship with Jesus. It is enough to desire his company and help and he will hear our cries.

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is a member of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.  He currently serves on the General Council and is stationed in Rome.

Scripture:

1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13
Mark 6:53-56

Reflection:

I’m finding myself exhausted and exhilarated at the same time with the Gospels we have reflected on over the last three weeks.  The healing stories of Jesus in the early chapters of Mark’s gospel seem almost unlimited.  People bring to Jesus an endless line of people who are broken and the medical condition of many of these people is certainly not light.  Today’s gospel is no different.  Even in a new region, Jesus is identified and a whole new group of people are in need of his healing energy.   How does Jesus respond?  He responds with generosity and compassion.   It seems there is no limit to Jesus’ resourcefulness and his ability to restore.

And yet the church pairs today’s Gospel with the the Old Testament reading of Solomon dedicating the new temple and the Spirit of the Lord filling and occupying this dwelling.  This is a public communal display, a regal, majestic, ritual.  It is history in the making.  Recall where this story begins.  It was David saying here I am in this luxury palace while the Lord God dwells in a tent.  So David decides to build a dwelling that is befitting for the Lord God.  And the Lord humorously asks him, You are going to build me a house?   Of course David dies before this happens leaving his son Solomon the task of finishing his father’s desire.  Completely as a side note; How do you ask God to move into a building?  The thought of this reminds me of when I was a child and we built a little dog house for the puppy and the puppy didn’t really like his new house.  Yet Solomon’s desire and effort doesn’t get rejected by the Holy One.  On the contrary, God honors the work and dedication and the Glory of the Lord fills the Temple.  It must have been a celebrated day for the people of Jerusalem.

This reading leaves me reflecting on how we make items, events, places, special, significant, even holy or sacred.   As a priest, I’m frequently asked to bless rosaries, religious items and houses.   Bishops bless churches, altars and significant sacramental items.   Yet beyond the ecclesial structures we all have certain days that are special:  anniversaries, birthdays, graduations… We have sentimental items which connect us back to loving relationships.  We have objects such as wedding rings, which represent something so much more valuable than the object.  Perhaps we have china that is only used on special days thus stating today is a very special day.   Some of us have holy cards of people who have died that throwing them out would just feel wrong.  There are places which are special to us as well.  Perhaps it was an event that happened at that place or a feeling we have when we enter a place.   Regardless, part of being human is having the capacity to say certain places, events, items are special.  And when they transcend the human circle these things even become sacred.  With this in mind, the more we bring God into our lives the number of items, events and places which are special even sacred escalates.  I honestly couldn’t even begin to make a list of the holy places, people, events, or items which are sacred to me.

Invert this.  Instead of us trying to bring God into our realm, the incarnation is about God coming to us and suddenly we find Jesus who says, there really is something good about humanity.  Human life matters.    So in Mark’s gospel, when Jesus never seems to tire of healing the broken, each person Jesus encounters is a sacred encounter.  Each person Jesus heals is a sacred encounter.  Restoring people again to a place where God would intend them to be restores human dignity and is a sacred encounter.   Each person Jesus speaks to in any teaching is an encounter with the divine one of God and thus a sacred encounter.

And if I may take this one step further.  This is never a show for Jesus.  He never needs attention, nor does he act like raising someone from the dead is more exhausting than curing a simple headache.  Because it is not about comparisons; it is not about him.  He teaches and heals to reveal the Father and the love God has for us.   While some people in the Gospel stories may be bringing their loved ones to Jesus wondering if he has the ability to heal them, for Jesus it is not about his power or his giftedness.  It is about revealing the love of his father.  It’s all about proclaiming how much the Father loves and cares for us.  And in doing so, it is all sacred.

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Job 7:1-4,6-7
1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-23
Mark 1:29-39

Reflection:

No Rest for the Good…

Today’s Gospel selection from Mark has a very unique “mother-n-law” story.  Peter was worried about his mother-in-law, bedridden with a serious fever – perhaps like the current flu outbreak in the U.S.  Jesus is told of her condition, and He comes, takes her by the hand and helps her from her bed – and she’s healed!  But, surprisingly she begins to wait on Jesus and His disciples who were likely hungry (and perhaps road-worn) young adults.  No rest for her!  She mirrored Jesus generous, outgoing spirit in her “waiting on them”.

The Gospel narrative continues the story with Jesus again being called upon to heal the crowds that came to the door…people who were physically ill, some even possessed by demons.  And He healed them!  No rest for Him!  Rising early the next day, Jesus senses the need to get away and pray, perhaps to further ponder the physical and human suffering which He witnessed and was constantly being called upon to heal.  Still, “no rest for the good”; Simon looks for Jesus and tells Him that even more people are looking for Him and His healing love.  Jesus responds by saying He needs to move on and preach in the nearby villages…His mission.  No rest for the good!  Jesus generously ministers God’s gracious love!

Saint Paul in the reading from his 1^st letter to the Corinthians notes that his missionary work comes from stewardship of God’s love shared with him.  His sense of duty compels him to generously proclaim the Good News of Jesus; “woe to me if I do not preach it!” “…to save at least some.” No rest for the good:  Paul generously ministers God’s gracious love.

Thus, the Question:  As believers, how do we reflect the generous spirit of Jesus?  How do we spread the Good News in our day?  By virtue of our Baptism, we each have a vocation (married, single, priestly/religious) which is further focused in the talents and direction we’ve given our lives (e.g. parent, teacher, manager, professional person, student, health care worker, etc.).  How do we witness God’s Love, Life, Joy in our world of violence and fear, of poverty and loneliness, of mistrust and selfishness?  The needs are great; our resources seem limited; and, often…no rest for the good!  Jesus says:  let’s go!

We are to be grateful for our faith — however vibrant it is.  Following Jesus’ example and serving in His Name, God’s healing, transforming and exciting Love and Life transforms all of creation.  Our Super Bowl weekend cheer:  “Praise God, for God is good!” (Psalm 147)

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is a member of the Passionist community in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

1 Kings 3:4-13
Mark 6:30-34

Reflection:

In the first reading, Solomon asked God for “an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” (1 Kings 3:9) If you could have anything in the world, what would you ask for? Solomon showed such great wisdom with his request! I think most leaders today would ask for more power, wealth or territory.

In these tumultuous times, we need leaders who have understanding and compassionate hearts to govern wisely and to care for the least among us. We also need the world to realize that there is such a thing as right and wrong. Moral relativism is killing us. I hear this statement way too often: “Well, I’d never do that but I can’t say someone else shouldn’t do it.”

Aren’t we just like the “sheep without a shepherd” Jesus was talking about in today’s Gospel? The Good News is that Jesus was “moved with pity” for them. As Christians, we too need to be moved with pity for those who are lost and don’t know Jesus. We need to pray for our world, for our countries, for our family, friends, neighbors, and for the strangers among us. We need prayer warriors!

One of the treasures we have as Catholics is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Jim and I joined a little group at our parish that meets four times a week to pray the rosary. On Tuesdays, we pray the Chaplet. “For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” Such a simple prayer, but so powerful! Jesus wants to flood our world with his love and mercy, and He needs us to be his instruments.

Thank you Lord for all those who intercede for our world, especially our vowed religious, who have sacrificed so much to follow You. May we all, empowered by our times of prayer with You, become joyful, loving, compassionate witnesses of your life-giving love.

 

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Bainbridge Island, Washington,  and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].

Scripture:

Hebrews 13:1-8
Mark 6:14-29

Reflection:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

This is such a consoling verse. So many things in life are not stable, but Jesus never changes! That means we can build our lives on Him because He is the Rock, our firm foundation. His love for us doesn’t waver, doesn’t depend on what we do or don’t do. He just loves us. Every day and all the time. He is an anchor for our souls. Life can be difficult when things don’t feel secure in our lives.

Right now I feel like my life is poised somewhat on shifting sand. That’s because we have relocated, but not sure where we will end up. We are living with one of our sons, while looking for a piece of property. But buying that property depends on whether another son is going to move here with his family as well. There is also the possibility son number one won’t stay here or may sell the house we are in before we have found our own place.

In the bigger picture, it seems that our country is also in a precarious position. It can be easy to get nervous about recent events and wonder how it will all play out. Will our country ever be unified again, “one nation under God, indivisible?” Will there ever be peace in so many war-torn countries?

How wonderful it is, then, that we know Jesus will never change. We can count on Him to do all that He says He will do. In the night now when I wake up and start thinking of all the what-if’s that concern me, I remember that Jesus is with me and that He will work all things for good. I can count on His promises and fall back asleep letting Him be my peace. Thank You Lord that You are my hope, You are my anchor in any storm, and I can trust in You! Thank You that I am secure in Your love for me no matter what happens.

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

So, today’s Gospel really interests me.  There’s just so much there!!  A desperate father runs up and begs Jesus to go with him so he may heal his gravely ill daughter.  Jesus drops everything and leaves immediately.  On the way, a woman, equally desperate but for her own salvation, believes so deeply that just “touching his cloak” heals her completely.

On the surface, this is all about Jesus healing the sick.  The salvation he offers, even on this temporal earth, is not just significant, but life-changing.  To be brought to wholeness, our pieces put back together better than before, is certainly something for which most of us pray.

Digging a little deeper, we can recognize how great the faith was of the people crying out for Jesus’ saving power.  Here are people who, in deep need, turn to someone they’ve never met, but only heard about.  Would it not be amazing if we all would have faith so strong?

Reflecting further, with Jesus performing not just one but two life-saving miracles back-to-back, it’s clear that there’s enough of him to go around for us all.  He doesn’t hold back his saving power because it’s limitless.  For my human mind, it’s unfathomable that someone’s mercy, forgiveness, and healing grace could be not only free flowing, but unending.

Which leads us to our next revelation – how Jesus came as a savior for everyone; Jews and non-Jews, men and women, highly esteemed members of society and outcasts, those who are “righteous” as well as we who are “broken” – all are equal in his eyes, and all are equally deserving of God’s love and healing.  Just as before, he holds nothing back, and gives freely to any and all.

But wait…there’s more!

Jairus, the father of the sick little girl, waits patiently while Jesus spends time with the woman on the way.  He didn’t say “C’mon, Jesus!  She’s an outcast!  Leave her there… my daughter is more important.”  No… instead he waited – and sadly, word came that his little girl died.

And Jesus, hearing that the little girl had died, didn’t say “Dude… my bad.  Sorry.  Let me stop by later with a casserole and we’ll chat.”  No… instead he said “Be not afraid,” and goes to that which everyone believes is hopeless and raises her up to new life.

Later in Jesus’ life he would also wait to go to his friend, Lazarus.  When he got there, Lazarus was dead and buried.  His family had been mourning and knew in their hearts it was beyond hope.

“Surely, he would not have died if you had been here, Lord.”
Jesus proves God’s miracles can know no limits of time or circumstance.
“Lazarus, come out.”

How many times have we faced something which seemed hopeless?  How many times have we been impatient with God, or failed to understand his plan and timing?  I know I sure have… and a lot.  And yet, through everything we do and in the midst of every trial, there He is, walking with us on the road toward all that needs raising.

So reach out, touch his cloak.  Cry out loudly.  Whatever it takes, whatever you need to do, do it.  God is there, waiting.  He’ll drop what he’s doing and will walk with you, because there’s enough of Him to go around for us all.

Sometimes we get what we hope for.
But, we may not get the answers immediately – only in God’s time.
We may not even get the particular salvation we’re after – only God’s plan.
Even when it seems hopeless, it’s not too late to turn to God and cry out for help.
Even in your darkest moment, it’s never too late to have faith in God’s saving power.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of you.  Please, grant us the faith to call for you, reach for you, and know your healing – in your perfect way, in your perfect time.  … thy will be done. 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 Retreat Center.